A Fall to Remember

It’s hard to believe the second semester has started! The first semester was filled with exciting times, from opening weekend and a trip to watch the Lake County Captains, to family-style dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The hall is filled with laughter and the bond being created between residents is one that is sure to last a lifetime.
 
The fall brought about hikes in Geauga County, spike ball tournaments on the football field, and a celebration of the Chinese Moon Festival. As students buckled down academically, they quickly realized how special it is to live in the dorm. As we’ve transitioned to winter, the Great Room quickly transforms into a movie theater, indoor hockey arena, or an arcade.
 
We celebrated Chinese Mid-Autumn, or Moon, Festival in September with a hot pot dinner and mooncakes.  The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is the second most important celebration in Chinese culture. It takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month which happens to be the night of the fullest moon. There are many traditions that vary throughout regions, but the most important thing is spending time with your family. Similar to Thanksgiving in the United States, Chinese families travel far and wide to reunite with family and friends for a special dinner and sing chants to the full harvest moon.
 
Dorm Prayer focused on inclusiveness and building community. Gilmour faculty member Jeff Klein led us through a service that discussed Jewish holidays Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
 
In November and December, our prefects led two initiatives that lifted the spirits of some of our youngest friends. Just before Thanksgiving, students gathered and wrote cards for kids in the hospital to encourage them and send them wishes of good health and joy. On December 10-13, Aitana Garcia-Reynell ’20 (Spain), Jaron Ketterman ’20 (Alaska), Jenna Salminen ’20 (Finland), and Charlie Xie ’20 (China), ventured to the Lower School and spoke with several classes about where they’re from and what life is like as a boarding student. Lower School students asked questions and learned phrases in words in our students’ native languages and the various wildlife activities available in Alaska.
 
Take a look at this photo gallery from first semester, we’re sure you can pick out a few familiar faces!
 
We are grateful for each of our students and the joy they bring our boarding program! In preparation for a fun-filled spring, we invite you to share with your student our January activities, which include a day of service, roller skating, and yoga in the Great Room!
 
We wish you and your family a very happy holiday season and look forward to second semester!
 
 
With Cheer,
The Murphy Hall Staff
 
Stay connected with us by following Murphy Hall on Facebook and Instagram.
Back

Mailing Address

34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills, Ohio 44040
phone: (440) 473-8000

Campus Addresses
An independent, Catholic, coed, day and boarding school in the Holy Cross tradition. Toddler-Grade 12.