This year, Ridley College launched the Weekend Programme, under the advisory of the Student Activities Committee. Led by Assistant Head of Upper School, Ms. Margaret Lech, the Committee of students organizes and hosts Upper School activities every Saturday while school is in session. Sparked by the want of both parents and students, the Programme allows Ridleians to partake in a variety of leisurely activities inside and outside the Marriott Gates.

The Weekend Programme is off to a fantastic start, and has already included Spirit Night, Open Mic Night and Movie Nights at the Pen Centre. Upper School students are already buzzing with excitement over upcoming trips to Canada’s Wonderland for Halloween Haunt and shopping in downtown Toronto.

One student, in particular, has had an active hand in the growth of this Programme, Philip Brenninkmeyer ’17. Philip is a member of the Student Activities Committee and an eager participant in the outings.

My experience with the Student Activities Committee has been highly positive throughout the past month. The main purpose of the committee is to organize weekend activities that are open to both boarding and day students. This can include a friendly 3-on-3 basketball tournament for students or a dodge ball tournament. Because the campus has so many different facilities to offer, you don’t have to look far to find a possible weekend activity. Recently, the committee organized a Spirit Night and subsequent Open Mic Cafe Night that prompted a spectacular turnout of students performing with a variety of instruments; both solo and in small groups. So far I have found that the Activities Committee has allowed me to help make the campus an even more lively place on the weekend and to ensure that there is always something to do. I look forward to helping organize a Halloween event during the coming two weeks, since conveniently, the 31st of October falls on a Saturday this year.

 – Philip Brenninkmeyer ’17

Ensuring that our students thrive in and out of the classroom is something we believe is pivotal in the development of a healthy mind, body and spirit. Ridley is continually looking for ways to improve the overall experience for our students and the Weekend Programme is just one example of how we incorporate recreation into student life.

If you have an idea for an upcoming weekend activity, please contact Margaret_lech@ridleycollege.com or speak with a member of the Student Activities Committee.