Reconnect: Senior Sneak

It was such a joy last week to see the return of another “normal” Dalat tradition – the Senior Sneak. This senior class trip is a highlight of the year for our Grade 12 students, giving them the opportunity to bond as a class, serve a local community, and create lasting memories. During junior year (Grade 11), Dalat students raise funds and host a number of events, including the Junior-Senior Banquet (JSB). During senior year, students plan a mixture of class activities and service projects that culminate in graduation events and celebrations. The money a class earns during junior year covers all class projects and events during their senior year.

Last week, the senior class and sponsors spent four fabulous nights at Telunas Beach Resort on Sugi Island, Indonesia. Although many seniors began the trip with some trepidation, it didn’t take long before they were all smiles. This resort is fairly rustic, but the inconveniences of 19 hours travel each way, lack of air conditioning, no wifi, and cold showers all paled in comparison to the joy of being together and relaxing in God’s creation.

Seniors said the trip far exceeded expectations. Many of them got to know classmates they hadn’t spent time with before. Class leaders intentionally organized different groups for activities and meals that led to delightful times with classmates outside of their closest circles. The students demonstrated amazing care for each other – sharing their time and resources willingly. They connected and reconnected with each other deeply, and even spent time writing encouraging notes to one another. Students also had the opportunity to spend time with Indonesian students. They taught English, played games, and built a bicycle parking area at a local school.

In addition to the blessings we received, we also had the amazing opportunity to be an answer to prayer for Telunas Resorts. This resort runs both a hotel division called Telunas Private Island, and a division called Telunas Beach, which is well-suited for small group retreats, youth retreats, and extended family getaways. They’ve been closed for most of the past few years due to COVID. We were the first international school to return, and the staff was thrilled to have life back on the property. While we were there, a number of other schools booked trips for later in the year. This is such a blessing, as the owners focus on training and hiring local staff, providing them with great opportunities. If you’re looking for a vacation spot away from the hustle and bustle of Penang, I highly recommend Telunas.