The ‘Welcome Back’ Event is…Back!
On Thursday, August 25th during Activity Period in the courtyard, students were able to attend a fun event organized by the Social Activities Committee and the MSU Congress, taking place in the exterior courtyard. The ‘Welcome Back’ is usually intended for second-year students as a way for them to reconnect with their friends since the end of the previous academic year. However, everyone was more than welcome, given that this was a perfect way for first-years to make new friends and let loose. Students were invited to enjoy activities, eat free food graciously offered by the school and served by its volunteers, and chat with their friends!
Some might say this year was our lucky one since, according to Jamie-Ly Costa-Nelson, the Coordinator of Social Activities, the Welcome Back had not officially taken place on-campus since 2019. As many of us know, the pandemic caused many activities at Marianopolis to be taken off the schedule, but this year, the events are officially back in business for the student population’s enjoyment.
The event was a big success, with the long waiting lines of students craving unlimited free and delicious hot dogs and ice cream! With flavours like cookie dough, caramel, orange, matcha, pistachio, and cotton candy, what’s not to love?
Moving on, students were also invited to go play bubble ball (bubble soccer) with their friends on the field right behind the school. Bubble ball is simply a combination of soccer, extra fun, and goofiness as the players have to wear a giant inflated bubble that gives friends and foes a funny way to bump into each other while trying to kick the ball into the adversary team’s net.
There was also a special guest for students to give back to the people. Right next to the ice cream stand was a Welfare Avenue booth (https://www.welfareavenue.com/). Welfare Avenue is a volunteering organization that helps distribute food to homeless and low-income citizens and families in Montreal. Their mission is not only to provide nourishment, but to distribute food of quality that ensures nutritional stability to every individual in the community, no matter their income.
All in all, the event was successful, had great food, entertaining activities, get-togethers between friends and classmates, and a chance for students to learn about getting involved within their community. The Welcome Back AP was possible thanks to student involvement and effort brought to life by Congress, and it made for an amazing start to the Fall 2022 semester!
