Grade 11 Back To School: Off to a Great Start!

September 4 was the first day of school, which involved excitement and anticipation, along with a little fear and nervousness. 

As per GNS routine, homeform teachers had already sent out information a week prior to ensure students knew where they were meeting and when. This made sure that everyone could start off on the right foot. 

As a returning student, the first day always means visiting your friends and catching up on the summer, and making sure any new student could navigate the complex system of the GNS schedule and campus. This year, over 10 new students joined the Grade 11 class from all around the world including Japan, Germany and China. 

Anna Maria Wagner ’26 joined us from Leverkusen, Germany this year. “I am really looking forward to meeting new people and getting to know other cultures,” she shared, “I’m excited about the adventure day tomorrow and having the opportunity to get to know the other students from our grade.” 

The adventure day took place on the second day of school. Half of the Grade 11s headed to GNS’ Beach Campus for a canoeing adventure with Mr. Webb and Senor Reeves. The other half went to Gyro Beach for a fun scavenger hunt that involved walking from the beach to Mystic Vale and all the way to the University of Victoria—and maybe stopping by Peppers or Starbucks for a snack or two. 

In addition to getting an intense “slow-burn” cardio workout, the scavenger hunt and the fun “minute to win-it” games during lunch allowed new and old students to use teamwork to problem solve together to have the best outcomes. Each of the mini games relied on a different strength; one game was listing soccer teams in a certain league while another was creating as many words as possible using Bananagrams. 

“I really liked the activities that were provided,” shared Clio Milwright ’26, a returning student to GNS. “They were silly and fun, and provided ample opportunities to make new friends, and catch up with your old ones! The scavenger hunt was also great—I enjoyed being able to look around the UVic Campus.” 

The first week of classes is off to a smooth start with students looking forward to what this year will bring and making more memories at GNS.