This week, St Lawrence College has been delighted to host a group of 27 girls and boys aged 13-16 from Dr. Albert Schweitzer Havo/Vwo (ASHV) School on the island of Curaçao in the Caribbean. Accompanied by three teachers including their Headteacher, the Curaçao students have been accommodated in The Grange Boarding House, visiting the local area during the day, and participating in a series of engaging activities alongside all our own St Lawrence College senior boarders in the evenings.
The visit kicked off on Monday with a warm welcome supper followed by a comprehensive tour of St Lawrence College. Our boarders offered an excellent insight into life at St Lawrence, guiding the visitors around the school grounds and facilities while sharing their personal experiences.
On Tuesday evening, the Curaçao students enjoyed a special cricket session with Ed Foster from Thanet Cricket Academies and our own senior boarders. Ed, a St Lawrence parent and ECB Level 2 Coach whose academies operate on the St Lawrence site, provided a fun and exhilarating cricket workshop for everyone.
Wednesday saw the Curaçao students giving an insightful presentation to our boarders about their school and life in Curaçao, including a quick lesson on their native language Papiamentu. This presentation enriched our boarders’ understanding of Caribbean culture and education.
The activities continued on Thursday with a lively game of football and an adventurous climbing wall activity, further fostering camaraderie and teamwork between the senior boarders and visitors.
The week culminated on Friday with a farewell BBQ supper, marking the end of an unforgettable visit. The evenings spent with St Lawrence College boarders throughout the week were made extra special by the active participation of our students and staff, enhancing the overall experience for our guests. Our Upper Sixth champions, Louic and Ileri, along with 15 senior boarding boys and girls from Tower, Lodge and Bellerby Houses, have been instrumental in leading the group, along with their boarding peers, and acting as buddies to our visitors. Their dedication and enthusiasm have greatly contributed to the success of the visit. We extend our thanks to our Housemasters, Mr Charlie Sharp and Mr Adam Gunn, and our Housemistress, Ms Lucy Clewes-Garner, for their exceptional efforts in making the visitors feel welcome. This marks the third consecutive year that Dr Albert School has visited St Lawrence College, and each year the bond between our schools grows stronger.
Mr Tom Moulton, Deputy Head Pastoral, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the exchange: “Hosting the students from Dr Albert School has been a remarkable experience for both our boarders and staff. The exchange of cultures and ideas has been incredibly enriching, and we are proud of the warm and inclusive environment our boarders have created. We look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition and strengthening our international friendships.”
