For the 14th year in a row, we kicked off the school year with our traditional hike to the Cruz de la Atalaya on the last Friday of September.
This hike is a wonderful opportunity for parents, teachers, students, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even our furry friends to enjoy nature, exercise, and spend quality time together.
This year, 365 of us gathered at the top of the neighborhood on a crisp autumn morning with a bright sun and a few clouds in the sky. The mild temperature, a far cry from the sweltering heat of previous years, combined with a gentle breeze, encouraged our hikers to quicken their pace and stay ahead of schedule.
As usual, we concluded our activity with a refreshing snack in our school tent, accompanied by music and children playing in the yard. It was a relaxed and positive atmosphere that energized us all for the new 2024/2025 school year.
A Tradition that Unites the School Community
For several years, our school has organized this start-of-the-year hike to integrate new students and strengthen relationships between families and teachers. The Cruz de la Atalaya, located near Granada, is an iconic spot offering stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. For many, it’s a place for reflection and a connection with nature, where parents and children can enjoy quality time together.
This annual tradition reinforces the importance of teamwork and communication, essential values in our educational approach. At our Granada school, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom and encompasses every experience that enriches a student’s personal development.
Benefits of Parent, Child, and Teacher Interaction
One of the main benefits of this activity is the strengthening of relationships among the various members of the school community. At our school, we highly value parental involvement in their children’s education. This outing provides an opportunity for parents to get to know teachers, interact with other parents, and share a day with their children.
For children, it’s a unique chance to see their teachers and classmates in a different setting, facilitating a smoother transition into the new school year. The relationship between parents and teachers is also strengthened, fostering a more collaborative and supportive educational environment.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle from a Young Age
At our Granada school, we promote a healthy lifestyle that includes not only good nutrition but also regular physical activity. The hike to the Cruz de la Atalaya is the perfect opportunity for students to enjoy the outdoors while exercising in a natural setting.
The hike, while challenging, is accessible to all ages and encourages participation from students of all grades. Physical exercise offers numerous benefits for children, such as strengthening their cardiovascular system, developing motor coordination, and improving mood. After a summer break, this activity helps students return to school with energy and motivation.
A Natural Environment for Learning
The Cruz de la Atalaya is not only an ideal place to enjoy nature but also offers an excellent opportunity for outdoor learning. At the Colegio Internacional de Granada, we value educational experiences that extend beyond books and classrooms. During the hike, teachers organize educational activities where students can learn about local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the place.
This experience allows them to connect with the environment and develop a greater awareness of ecology. Additionally, being in an open space, students learn the importance of respecting and caring for the environment, one of the core values we foster at our Granada school.
A Moment of Reflection and Camaraderie
The hike to the Cruz de la Atalaya is more than just a physical or educational activity; it’s a moment of reflection and camaraderie. Upon reaching the summit, students often take time to enjoy the view and share their impressions with their classmates and teachers. This pause provides an opportunity for children to strengthen bonds with their classmates and feel part of something larger: the school community at our Granada school.
The interaction between parents, children, and teachers fosters relationships and creates a trusting environment that is essential for a successful school year. It’s also a time for younger students to feel supported by their older peers, facilitating their integration into the school.
A Positive and Motivating Start to the School Year
One of the main goals of this outing is to start the school year on a positive note. At Colegio Internacional de Granada, we understand that the first few days of school can be challenging for some students, especially those starting a new stage or joining our school for the first time. The hike to the Cruz de la Atalaya is an excellent way to break the ice and make students feel welcome and motivated.
The day of togetherness helps students get to know their classmates and teachers better, facilitating a smoother transition into the new school year. Additionally, parents feel more connected to the school environment, contributing to a trusting and collaborative relationship with the teaching staff.
The hike to the Cruz de la Atalaya is more than just an outdoor activity; it’s a tradition that reinforces the values of togetherness, respect, and learning that we promote at our Granada school. This activity marks the beginning of the school year with positive energy, fostering student integration and strengthening bonds between parents, children, and teachers.
If you’re looking for a school in Granada with an international atmosphere that values holistic education and where experiences outside the classroom are as important as in-class learning, we invite you to explore our educational program. At the Granada International School, every student is part of a community that grows and learns together, both inside and outside the classroom.
