Mymwood House at Queenswood School has officially launched with a vibrant celebration of the Mid Autumn Festival, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of its international students. This newest boarding house, dedicated to full-time boarding, creates a lively and dynamic environment, ensuring that there’s always something happening both during the week and at weekends. The festivities not only marked the opening of Mymwood House but also highlighted Queenswood’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community for all its pupils.
The full-time boarding provision at Mymwood House is especially popular amongst overseas pupils, contributing to a vibrant and diverse community. Central to its ethos is the celebration and sharing of each student’s unique culture and language. The Mid Autumn Festival provided a wonderful opportunity to unite the boarding community and honour the richness of traditional Chinese culture.
This festival is filled with themes of storytelling, music, togetherness, and of course – mooncakes! A significant aspect of the celebration is the observation of the moon, prompting reflection on family and friends who may be far away. For many girls, this marked their first year away from home, making the celebration particularly poignant as it highlighted the distance they felt. It was a beautiful way to connect with one another and embrace the spirit of the festival together.
Our Mid Autumn Festival celebration transformed one of our larger common rooms within boarding into a warm and inviting space reminiscent of a traditional Chinese dining room. The tables were adorned with delicious mooncakes, Chinese tea, pomelo, grapes, and pomegranate, all under the glow of beautifully decorated hanging lanterns.
To enhance the festive mood, several girls showcased their musical talents by playing traditional Chinese songs on the piano. The invitation was extended to all our boarders, resulting in an incredible turnout of over one hundred girls. Students from diverse backgrounds—hailing from Spain, Nigeria, Japan, Australia, and many more countries—came together to celebrate, highlighting the vibrant tapestry of cultures within our community. It was a truly memorable event that fostered unity and appreciation for each other’s traditions.
To conclude the evening, boarders were given the chance to observe the moon through the school’s telescope, adding a magical touch to the celebration. As they gazed up at the night sky, they joined together in saying the Chinese blessing: “Wishing us a long life to share the graceful moonlight, though thousands of miles apart.” This moment beautifully encapsulated the spirit of the festival, reinforcing connections among friends, both near and far, and creating lasting memories under the shared moonlight.
Mymwood Boarding House, run by Housemistress Megan Boyce, is a vibrant home to 75 girls from 15 different nationalities, fostering a rich multinational environment. Opened in 2024, it is situated alongside Swanwick Boarding House, also opened in 2024, which accommodates flexi-boarders.
Queenswood School, a medium-sized girls’ boarding and day school in Hertfordshire, serves approximately 500 pupils. Under the leadership of Principal Jo Cameron, who also chairs the BSA, the school is committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for all its students, making Mymwood House a wonderful addition to the school’s community.
Categories: School News
