Back by Popular Demand P&F Wellness Morning

Before the sun had even risen over Shore Road, a stream of mothers, daughters, and grandmothers rolled into the Girls’ School for the first Parents & Friends (P&F) event for 2023. Back by popular demand, the annual Wellness Morning brought together our students and important female figures in their lives for a morning of rejuvenation and learning. The event kicked off at 7am with a yoga class led by Mrs Sarita Blankenberg, mother of one of the students’. Participants stretched and breathed deeply, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

Following the yoga session, Mrs Kathy Harding from The Resilience Project gave a short talk on exercising happy, healthy minds. Her message was simple yet powerful, consisting of three tips: practise gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. She explained how these practices could help us maintain a positive and resilient mindset even in challenging times.

The morning concluded with a nutritious breakfast provided by Bowl and Arrow. Participants enjoyed a variety of healthy options while mingling and catching up with one another. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, with mothers and daughters chatting and laughing over smoothie bowls and hotdrinks.

The Wellness Morning was an excellent opportunity for mothers and daughters to be together and prioritise their health and wellbeing. The event served as a reminder that taking care of ourselves is essential and enjoyable when done in the company of loved ones. By the end of the morning, participants left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, with a renewed commitment to practising gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness in their daily lives.

Frosty Fun at the School Disco

Just as Lucy Pevensie stumbled upon Narnia beyond the door of her wardrobe, on 23 June our girls embarked on an adventure into JC Chalmers Hall. As they bypassed the lamppost, the girls were met with a mesmerising sight – a magical winter wonderland awaited them. The hall had been transformed into a snowy forest, a human-sized swirling snow globe, and a dance floor illuminated in blue and white. Stepping into this enchanting scene felt like being transported to the frosty landscapes of the North Pole.

The Years 0 to 3 girls were greeted first, enjoying their wintery disco on the dance floor, followed by a few dance challenges including the limbo. Meanwhile, muffled shouts of glee coming from the snow globe could be heard just above the music. If you were to peek, you would see glimpses of our students among the swirling balloons inside.

Throughout the evening, the girls dressed in their very best winter outfits danced, laughed, and enjoyed making angels in the snow left scattered around the trees. As the youngest girls’ time was up, they were given wintery treats to take home including candyfloss, rice crispy treats, and a cake pop.

The older girls (Years 4 to 8) came in soon after, repeating the same looks of delight when met with the winter wonderland. They too enjoyed the different activities around them.

Many teachers got involved in the fun with rather impressive outfits. Much to everyone’s delight, Chaplain Rev. Reuben Hardie showed up as if he was straight off the slopes with his snowboard in tow. Although there was no best-dressed award for the teachers, one fortunate student from each year group won a prize for their outfit. From ‘Frozen’ characters Olaf and Sven to glamourous snow princesses, the girls dressed to impress.

Thank you to our P&F chair Sacha Palmer and the parent helpers who set up the event and made the delicious treats. Also to all the teachers who showed up and joined in, along with the incredible DJ who made the night so much fun for the girls.