A Senior Reflects on Welcome Week

By Anna Osias ('24)

Welcome Week is a beloved tradition at St. Agnes by not only the freshmen and the seniors, but the whole school. As the freshman class transitions into high school at St. Agnes, they are slowly introduced to the Sisterhood of the Upper School. Before Welcome Week begins, freshmen are paired with a senior to help build connections between lowerclassmen and upperclassmen. After receiving anonymous hints indicating who their big sister may be, seniors stand on the front lawn with signs and gifts, anxiously awaiting our little sisters for the big reveal.

As we were once in their shoes not too long ago, we know how it feels to be in a new environment with new peers, teachers, and classes. Whether they came from downstairs in the lower school or from a completely different school, it can be daunting to start a new chapter. Welcome Week is the freshmen’s official welcome to the SAA Sisterhood and an opportunity for big and little sisters to build friendships. Throughout the week, we have fun theme days like Dynamic Duo/Trio and Princess/Baby Day, and we buy matching costumes and accessories to wear with our little sisters. At the end of the week, we have a picnic luncheon and get to know our little sisters, play games, and take fun pictures in our accessories.

This year, I was very excited to be a big sister and had the opportunity to share a little sister with one of my closest friends. Due to COVID, our Welcome Week was quite different with COVID restrictions. Some of our big sisters were even in another cohort. Without a traditional Welcome Week experience, many seniors this year went above and beyond with costumes and gifts in hopes of making the week memorable for the freshmen. My friend and I were often frantically searching the night before to prepare costumes and presents for our little sister, contemplating what to get her or what costume we should wear. But, somehow, it always seemed to work out. The seniors had so much fun welcoming the freshmen, and we hope our little sisters feel that they are officially a part of the incredible Sisterhood at St. Agnes!