First Lessons, Rollerblades and Cookies!!!

Today was one of those days where everything came together—learning, movement, laughter, and even the smell of freshly baked cookies.

We began the morning with placement exams. While the word “exam” might sound serious, the atmosphere was calm and focused. Students were determined to do their best, and everyone took the time to really show what they know. These exams help us place each student in the class that best fits their level so they can learn, grow, and feel confident in the weeks ahead.

After exams, we didn’t stay sitting for long. Our first set of lessons took learning beyond the classroom with a campus-wide scavenger hunt around SAIT. Working in teams, students received clues that led them to different landmarks across campus. Whether they were racing to snap a photo by a sculpture, asking a question to a staff member, or searching for a specific classroom, students were moving, thinking, and communicating in English the entire time. It was an energetic and creative way to get to know the campus—and each other.

In the afternoon, we laced up our roller skates and headed out to the rink. For some, it was their very first time on wheels. There were a few wobbles and funny falls, but also tons of encouragement and determination. Others zipped around like pros, showing off some moves and helping their friends stay balanced. The music was loud, the lights were fun, and the vibe was full of joy. By the end of the session, even the hesitant skaters were moving with confidence.

To wrap up the day, we all gathered in the kitchen for some baking. There’s something comforting and cozy about making cookies from scratch—mixing the ingredients, shaping the dough, and waiting for that golden-brown finish. The kitchen quickly filled with the delicious smell of warm chocolate chips and vanilla. Everyone got a chance to participate, whether it was stirring, shaping, decorating, or simply enjoying the final product. Sharing cookies with friends, fresh out of the oven, was the perfect way to end such a high-energy day.

Between problem-solving, teamwork, physical activity, and creative cooking, today had a little bit of everything. It reminded us that learning doesn’t just happen in a classroom—it happens on a roller rink, during a scavenger hunt, and around a warm oven too.