Our experience at Episcopal has been incredible and we are so grateful to have had this opportunity. At Episcopal, we have participated in many of the various activities the school has to offer in class, sports and societies as well as after school events. We have thoroughly enjoyed becoming active members of the school community and have felt so welcome. During our stay, we have noticed many differences and similarities between Episcopal and our schools in South Africa and Australia and, upon discovering these differences, have recognized the similarities between South Africa and Australia.
Arriving at Episcopal, we were entranced by the school’s cleanliness and amazing facilities. Although our schools have commendable facilities, Episcopal’s are exemplary. A special observation should be made for the theatre, fields, fitness centre and the televisions in every classroom. Another aspect of Episcopal we have noticed during our stay is the student-teacher relationship. Although students here have the utmost respect for teachers, their relationship is largely informal. In both South Africa and Australia, students must address teachers whenever they encounter them and are required to stand to greet them in every class, including waiting to be seated and dismissed. However, this informal environment allows students to feel more comfortable and ultimately benefits the students.
The school system in the United States is much different than our school systems back home. Our year begins at the end of January and concludes at the beginning of January, with four terms separated by long breaks in June, July and December, and smaller breaks in April and September. The work standard is similar, however, we do not have as many tests and quizzes; we rather have larger tests less often. The work ethic at our schools is very similar, and academics are as important in our schools back home as they are at Episcopal.
Annie Stelzner, Herschel Girl’s School ‘11: The differences for me are the co-educational environment, the separate buildings for different purposes, and the lack of a social hierarchy system within the grades. However, various clubs and societies that are offered are similar and the sense of spirit and pride in sports is the same.
Georgia Wassall, Central Coast Grammar School ‘11: Being at a co-education school is the same for me, however, at Episcopal there seems to be slightly more gender separation. One major difference is how sport is compulsory and teams must practice daily. We have sport at my school as well but not to the same extent. Also, Spirit Week proved to me how much the students are proud of their school and was one of the highlights of my experience thus far.
Our time at Episcopal has been truly wonderful and we will never forget the lovely friends we have made and the memories that will last forever. Episcopal has amazed us with its ability to foster a sense of community and strong relationships between not only peers, but also students and teachers. We would like to extend our utmost thanks and appreciation to Mr. Hess and Mr. Clark for allowing us to have this experience; we cannot adequately express our gratitude.
Sincerely,
Annie and Georgia