Opening of School: The Start of Something Special

The first few weeks of school were brimming with excitement, and Canterbury students enjoyed a full schedule of activities, training sessions, and preseason practices on campus. It all led up to a spirited first day of school on September 9.

Fittingly, student leaders led the return to Canterbury, with the Sixth Form Council, Sacristans, Proctors, Ambassadors, and more arriving on August 30 for training, retreat exercises, and goal-setting. Varsity athletes followed three days later and wasted no time taking to the fields and courts for fall practices in preparation for the season ahead. By the end of the week, all boarding and day students had arrived, including international students from 17 countries who comprise 15 percent of our student population. 

Student camaraderie was in full swing right off the bat with the White Out Dance in front of the Athletic Center. “We changed things up a little this year,” said Director of Community Life Elyse “EJ” Soifersmith P ’27, ’27. “Instead of doing the usual orientation activities, we decided to hold one big dance, which was great—there were more than 200 students there!”

The Student Leadership Retreat also introduced something new. For the first time, a number of Canterbury faculty and administrators shared their personal leadership styles with the young trainees. “They helped us learn that there are many ways to lead, and everyone has their own approach,” Sixth Form Council member Brandon Rodriguez ’25 said of the presentations. “I came away with a better grasp of who I want to be on this campus—someone who leads by example and gives my all. The training and other activities encouraged us to think more like leaders while also allowing us to enjoy spending time with our classmates.” Brandon is also a Sacristan and Boarding Proctor for 2024-25.

Various departments got involved during the first week of preseason as well, offering special treats for the athletes. On Monday, the Athletic Department hosted Make Your Own Sundae in the Athletic Center. The next night, Academics served up wings in the Steers Center. The Admission team provided pizza and games on the Hamilton Stadium turf on Wednesday. And on Thursday night, Student Life offered hot dogs on the Higgins Aquatic Center patio while the pool was open for swimming. 

Friday night was “Form Fun” time, with each form traveling together to four alternating locations throughout the evening—the Duffy Patio for s’mores, Hamilton Stadium for games, Pigott Arena for snow cones and volleyball, and Maguire Auditorium for trivia. And the day before classes started, there was even more form bonding, with Third and Fourth Formers tubing down the Farmington River and a number of activities held for everyone on campus.

By the time classes kicked off and the first School Meeting convened that Monday, our students were fully ready to learn, lead, serve, create, compete, and make lasting memories.

Another member of the Sixth Form Council, Emily Lynch ’25, was delighted to be back on campus. “I love the special feeling of community here,” said Emily, who like Brandon is also a Sacristan and Boarding Proctor. “The events helped prep me for the school year ahead, and it was great seeing my friends. We all truly care about each other.”

EJ, too, sensed that positive vibes all around the hilltop. “It is a busy time of year with tremendous energy,” she said. “The weather has been beautiful, and I am excited to have the students back. A full campus is a happy campus!”

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