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Tielt boarding school welcomes students a day early for a smoother start

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Students at the Molenland school group’s boarding house in Tielt arrived a day early to settle into their rooms and spend their first night there.
  • The introduction day included games, a speech from the director and a chip stand to make the transition more welcoming.
  • Staff and returning students said the early introduction could help newcomers feel less alone when they begin school.

For students starting at the Molenland boarding house in Tielt, the school year began one day early. They arrived with parents, grandparents or friends to set up their rooms, meet one another and spend their first night at the residence.

For many of our boarders, this is a very big step.

— Tom CreytensThe boarding director explained why students were invited to arrive before the school year began.

The boarding house organized a short speech by director Tom Creytens, introductory games and a chip stand. Creytens said the goal was to make a major change feel less overwhelming, especially for children moving directly from primary school to a new boarding environment.

“For many of our boarders, this is a very big step,” Creytens said. He added that meeting other students in advance would allow newcomers to walk into school with friends they already knew, rather than arriving alone in a crowded playground.

At first I wasn't sure whether I wanted to come here.

— Arthur, 16A new boarder described his initial hesitation about starting at the residence.

The new residents described a mixture of nerves and anticipation. Sixteen-year-old Arthur initially was unsure about boarding school, but said a conversation with the director changed his mind. Féline expected it would be easy to meet others because many newcomers would be starting without knowing anyone.

There are many other young people for whom this is their first year at boarding school. They also don't know anyone, so I expect it will be easy to meet other people.

— FélineFéline said the presence of other newcomers would help students adapt.

Benthe, 13, who has already spent several years at the boarding house, offered reassurance. She said she had made many friends there, enjoyed the activities organized by staff and benefited from avoiding the long daily journey between home and school.

I have already made many nice friends here, the staff organize fun activities and it is practical too.

— Benthe, 13A returning boarder described the social and practical benefits of boarding school.
About this summary

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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