Tonight from 6 to 7:30 p.m, sophomore students and parents were invited by 10th Grade Chair Mr. Kevin Russell, to Siboni theater for a meeting covering the Costa Rica trip as well as future curriculum choices. The 90 minute meeting was spent mainly on highlighting the International Baccalaureate program (IB), which Convent and Stuart Hall offers to its students.
“The meeting was super informative and I loved hearing about the IB program,” sophomore Asha Mehta said. “The meeting was structured really efficiently and I think they did an excellent job providing an introduction to the Costa Rica trip as well,”
Every year, Convent & Stuart Hall students embark on the President’s Sophomore Class Costa Rica Trip. This trip is an important part of students’ high school experience and allows them to learn and engage with people, cultures and traditions. On the trip, sophomores get a chance to experience this journey with no phones, as they explore new connections.
“I didn’t know we weren’t allowed to have our phones on the trip, and Mr. Russell said we don’t have access to them on the airplane either,” sophomore Audrey Furtney said. “To be honest, I’m really looking forward to going tech-free, because I think it will allow me to enjoy Costa Rica even more.”
In the past, students have participated in activities such as surfing, white water rafting, ziplining, horseback riding, hiking, cliff jumping and many other activities. These activities help people get to know each other and form new friendships while also pushing them to try new things. Many upperclassmen, like junior Emilie Faeste, look back on the trip in a positive light.
“I really liked that we could connect with people that we don’t really hang out with at school,” Faeste said. “The experiences from the trip helped us connect with each other.”
During the meeting, sophomores were also introduced to the IB diploma program. This program allows students to take various classes at either high level or standard level depending on their preferences. The meeting also touched on other aspects of the IB program outside of regular courses, such as the Extended Essay and the Theory of Knowledge course.
A main takeaway from the sophomore meeting today, as stressed by Mr. Tony Farrell, is that when in Costa Rica, leave San Francisco in San Francisco. This demonstrates the openness and growth mindset expected from the Convent and Stuart Hall students when going into this trip.
“I am super excited for Costa Rica, because I’ve heard from a bunch of upperclassmen that it’s their favorite part of their sophomore year,” Mehta said. “I am totally looking forward to this trip and I can’t wait to do all the activities.”
