Joanna Cheng ‘29
On September 13th, St. Mark’s welcomed seven students (Sophie Cripps, Kate Caccetta, Thomas Piacentini, Jack Feltham, Lachie Murphy, Molly Phillips, Sophie Wood) from our partner schools in Australia: St. Hilda’s Anglican School and Christ Church Grammar School.
Kicking off their memorable travels amid an unexpected tornado warning, they quickly settled into the close-knit St. Mark’s community. They were welcomed with contagious enthusiasm, leaving a milestone on their one-month long journey.
For most of the students, the differences between their school and St. Mark’s immediately struck them. So, what made them so surprised? They noted the smaller class sizes and a more interaction, discussion based learning environment; a stark contrast to their 30-student classes back home. “The dress code has so much freedom!” one argued after my complaints on the dress requirements, “we came from single sex schools with stricter uniforms.” They further emphasized how they appreciate the boarding lifestyle which not only brought more independence and flexibility, but also challenged their time management, organization, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Beyond the classroom, the cultural differences surprise them. Another student, Thomas, shared with me how “In Australia, we call an eraser ‘a rubber’. So I asked my math teacher: ‘Hey. Can I have a rubber?’”
Despite the initial cultural shocks, they didn’t hesitate to dive right into dorm life. Together with St. Mark’s students, they experienced a true taste of life at St.Mark’s and New England. Their first week’s excitement peaked on the Saturday night’s Neon Dance; their energy helped light up the room under the glow sticks, blacklights, facepaint, and DJ! A trip to Target was also high on the list, the Australians were surprised to find our version was, in their words, "huge!" and with the very American convenience of a Starbucks right inside that they fully appreciate. The cultural tours were followed by a trip to Boston, where they explored Boston’s Chinatown, jumped on a swan boat in Frog Pond, headed to Newbury Street shopping and Assembly Row.
The Australians also found their passions in academics. When asked about their favorite classes, they expressed their love for Latin in Mr. Davey’s class or their passions for US history. Others found their experiences in American football and field hockey (shoutout to Sophie)
This experience is not only limited to their one-month journey, but is also something memorable that they will take home. This far exceeds the simple souvenirs, but the value of the new friendships formed by St.Mark’s student’s warm welcomes and the simple experience of a different lifestyle.
As a St. Mark’s community, we also reflected on our takeaways: our global citizenships, hospitality, perspectives, and the importance of in-person connections. It offered both our visitors and us a chance to learn through different cultures. Through these shared experiences– whether under the neon lights of the school dance, the historic streets of Boston, or the round table discussions in a class— the students from St. Hilda’s and Christ Church Grammar didn't just observe life at St. Mark’s…… they became a part of it.
G’day, mates, and safe travels. All the love from St.Mark’s.