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Big Littles in Alex House, a Time for Meaningful Conversations
Experienced Brentwood students will tell you that January is the hardest time of the year. The days are dark and short while we are slowly lugging back into our busy tripartite routines of academics, arts, and athletics after being in the comfort of our own homes and families for the holidays. Amidst the pouring rain and limited sun, however, in the middle of the Brentwood campus, there stands an old white house. Within this quaint treasure of history, there lives a family of 64 Dinos in their home away from home, Alexandra House.
Every month, on a Tuesday, Big Dino-Little Dino group meetings take place. This time is where a group of Alexandra students, juniors and seniors, are invited into a Grade 12’s dorm room and have the opportunity to talk and share fun facts and catch up with one another. “As House Captain, I love connecting with younger students and that is why I wanted the role. Back in 2020 when I was in Grade 9, even during COVID times online, I felt welcomed and that is the environment I strive to create here” Sylvia E, Alex ‘23 enthuses.
As Brentwood is an international school with a vast array of student cultures and backgrounds, by establishing these relationships within the house, both boarding and day students can truly connect and share meaningful life stories. “It’s nice to have a space in the house to take a break from prep and connect with people we may not normally spend time with” muses Stella P, Alex ‘25.
On the top floor of Alex House, where the rooms are limited to only Hrade 12s and 9s, Miranda M, Alex ‘26 shares: “As a Grade 9 student, I love getting to talk with Grade 12s in my house just about academics, future leadership positions, and dreams. It makes me feel less intimidated about becoming a senior.” Whether it be about the rigorous academic classes, interhouse events, or just simply indulging in gossip, the Alexandra family is truly a place for young students to be.
“As a Houseparent, it's so special to see relationships with junior students and senior students form in the house and it gives students who are not normally able to interact together time to do so” Ms Warner remarks.
As I have been a part of Alexandra House for four years now, I have to be biased and say that from the bottom of my heart, I adore and appreciate all of the duty staff and students in the house. I am incredibly grateful to Ms Warner, Ms Langer, Ms Luna, Mr McGill, Ms Beausoleil, Ms Barnes, Ms Miller, and, of course, our house cleaner, Willow, for their time and dedication to each family member of the house and their well-being. Let the new year bring special long-lasting memories for us all!
Deborah Z, Alex ‘23
Every month, on a Tuesday, Big Dino-Little Dino group meetings take place. This time is where a group of Alexandra students, juniors and seniors, are invited into a Grade 12’s dorm room and have the opportunity to talk and share fun facts and catch up with one another. “As House Captain, I love connecting with younger students and that is why I wanted the role. Back in 2020 when I was in Grade 9, even during COVID times online, I felt welcomed and that is the environment I strive to create here” Sylvia E, Alex ‘23 enthuses.
As Brentwood is an international school with a vast array of student cultures and backgrounds, by establishing these relationships within the house, both boarding and day students can truly connect and share meaningful life stories. “It’s nice to have a space in the house to take a break from prep and connect with people we may not normally spend time with” muses Stella P, Alex ‘25.
On the top floor of Alex House, where the rooms are limited to only Hrade 12s and 9s, Miranda M, Alex ‘26 shares: “As a Grade 9 student, I love getting to talk with Grade 12s in my house just about academics, future leadership positions, and dreams. It makes me feel less intimidated about becoming a senior.” Whether it be about the rigorous academic classes, interhouse events, or just simply indulging in gossip, the Alexandra family is truly a place for young students to be.
“As a Houseparent, it's so special to see relationships with junior students and senior students form in the house and it gives students who are not normally able to interact together time to do so” Ms Warner remarks.
As I have been a part of Alexandra House for four years now, I have to be biased and say that from the bottom of my heart, I adore and appreciate all of the duty staff and students in the house. I am incredibly grateful to Ms Warner, Ms Langer, Ms Luna, Mr McGill, Ms Beausoleil, Ms Barnes, Ms Miller, and, of course, our house cleaner, Willow, for their time and dedication to each family member of the house and their well-being. Let the new year bring special long-lasting memories for us all!
Deborah Z, Alex ‘23