Page 6 - Etonhurst Boarding House Handbook

ETONHURST

LETTERS FROM

THE LOWER SIXTH

Joining Etonhurst at the start of year was such a massive change for me.
Coming from a small day school in Cornwall, the whole idea and experience
of boarding was completely alien to me. Looking back on it, I was worried
about loads of stuff, but all of them really were just that: worries. After a
few days, to be honest I did feel homesick and wasn’t sure if it was for me,
but so did a lot of my other house mates. A month or two in, all of that had
flipped. I found my rhythm and my routine. I found my group of friends in
house, around school, and within my sport. Soon enough, Etonhurst really
felt like my home. The energy and sense of community were amazing. The
house spirit is probably one of the best I’ve seen whilst being at Millfield.
From all the house events to games between mates before roll call, and
even the conversations, laughs and jokes you can hear throughout the day
from the various rooms. From the guys I’ve met in house, in both my year
and in others, I think I’ve found true friends for life. No house is quite like
Etonhurst: the uniqueness, opportunities, events, camaraderie and energy
are truly commendable. I’m looking forward to welcoming you at the start
Ruan and James of September and enjoy your time with the rest of us in Etonhurst.

Ruan

Since joining Etonhurst in Lower Sixth last September, I have thoroughly
enjoyed my experience of boarding here. As someone who had never
stayed away from home for more than a week, I was initially apprehensive
to start school. Boarding was completely out of my comfort zone and was
something I had never imagined doing before going to university. However,
from the very first day, my houseparents, Ms Lloyd and Mr Wilson,
alongside the matrons, made me feel extremely welcome and are always
there if you have any queries or concerns. One thing I love about Etonhurst
is the house spirit and togetherness that we hold. Despite being from so
many diverse backgrounds, we have grown remarkably close as a house and
this has created a positive and supportive environment where friendships
are easy to make. House socials, such as paintballing early in the year,
helped new Lowers (such as myself) and Year 10s transition smoothly into
the new house environment. As a swimmer here at Millfield, I have really
enjoyed having the house, swimming pool and classrooms all in one place
which makes balancing my academics and sporting commitments much
easier. I feel that boarding has really set me up for later in life by teaching
me so many important lessons such as how to manage my time effectively
and develop independence. Etonhurst will always hold a special place in my
heart, even when I have left Millfield and I am sure that you will feel the
same.

I look forward to welcoming you to this new chapter of your life in
September.

6 HOUSE HANDBOOK James
6 HOUSE HANDBOOK