So, what’s changed?

Olivia thenJulie then Julie now Olivia now

Tapestry asked a few alumni and ‘lifer’ students what had changed at BSB

It was wonderful to be back at BSB and to have an amazing tour. This was no ordinary visit. I was aware of how lucky I was when I attended BSB but the school that it has now become, is just incredible! My children’s eyes were just popping out of their heads. It’s happening more and more that BSB alumni are visiting with their own children to apply for a place.

Anika Sherwen, BSB Alumnus

I have been a student at BSB since I was four and during my time at the school I have seen it change and develop in many ways. There have been changes to the facilities, with the development of the Jacques Rogge Sports Centre replacing the old Barn and Gymnasium. As someone who has participated in many sports from a young age, the new facilities have made training much easier and more enjoyable. We are fortunate to have a swimming pool on campus. The structure of sport has developed with the arrival of external coaches in recent years, meaning we can train more regularly and effectively. It is also interesting to see how staff and students come and go throughout the years. Though many leave the school, I still have the opportunity to talk to teachers who taught me in primary, and to reflect on my early years with other ‘lifer’ students. I equally have the opportunity to meet and interact with new people who arrive every year, and the balance of new and old staff and students helps to shape the school as a whole. Over the years I have had the opportunity to take part in many events, such as theatre and music productions as well as school trips and sports events - which still remain part of the school calendar.

Olivia Walk, BSB student

I first joined BSB seven years ago, in 2012, when I was a young Year 5 student. I remember that coming from a much smaller school, BSB seemed like a huge and daunting place at first glance, however, after my first day, I already felt at home. Something that surprised me then were the facilities, and the diverse activities that came along with them. Sports I didn’t even know existed were offered, art forms I’d never had a chance to explore were available, and the music departments also had much more equipment than what I was used to. Students as well as teachers, were very welcoming and inclusive. Today, there are 1,350 students at BSB and when you join clubs and activities, you’re sure to meet new people all the time. Facilities at BSB have become even more vast and the student body had changed: a great advantage to BSB having so many different cultures and nationalities that we are exposed to. Above all, the school atmosphere is just as nice and peaceful as it was before, which I appreciate very much.

Julie Gatineau, BSB student

I was at BSB from January 1977 to June 1985. To be honest, I have so many happy memories that it’s hard to choose. One of the oldest ones is Saturday Cinema in the late 1970’s. It was run by some parents and every couple of weeks they would set up a makeshift cinema in the refectory, on a Saturday morning, complete with film projector & large canisters of film! My sister Nikki and I loved going down to school to watch a film. It always started with cartoons (Woody Woodpecker, Bugs Bunny - all the old classics!), followed by the main film (Lassie, Black Beauty and the like!) There was always plenty of squash on hand and probably a snack or two. Happy days! Looking forward to the 50th Birthday bash in June!