Dear Mom and Dad,

Editor’s Note: Claire H, Hope ’14 began her life as a Brentonian on Tuesday. This is her first letter home Thursday, Sept. 4, 2013 Dear Mom and Dad, My second day at Brentwood is just coming to an end, but it seems like I have been here for weeks already, partially due to exhaustion, but also because of how welcoming everyone has been. As a new Grade 12 I thought it might be awkward to become part of the friendships that have already been formed, but from the moment you left the campus the girls in Hope House have welcomed me into their family with open arms. I am in Hope House, which is the smallest girl’s house, and I love it. It is so easy to know everyone in the house already and I know we will have a great year. The orientation assistants and various staff around the school have been so welcoming that Brentwood is already starting to feel like home. In a community like this, it is hard to feel left out. The days have been so busy that I have hardly had any time to think about home, but I’m sure in the days to come I will start to become homesick. It has been a hectic time so far; the days have been filled with assemblies, orientations, meetings, and especially lots of fun and excitement. I have learnt a lot about what Brentwood is about. The values of grit and joy are clearly seen in the hardworking students who have returned to school early to help us ease into this new environment. I can tell already that community is also a huge part of Brentwood. We have done many activities to help bond within our houses, but also with our brother house, Privett which is our partner in inter-house competitions. There have been some awkward “mingling” parties with the Privett boys, but I am certain as time goes on it will start to feel natural. Apart from all of the new people I am meeting, another major highlight of Brentwood so far has been the food. Being a vegetarian I was nervous about what kind of weird foods they might serve me, but so far the food has been better than what I whip up at home! So far, Brentwood has been nothing like what I thought it would be, but in a good way. It has only been two days, so I can’t wait to see what will happen next. See you at Thanksgiving! Love, your daughter, Claire H, Hope ‘14