The Friar’s Lantern, Malvern Prep’s student-run publication, visited Notre Dame Academy on April 14, 2026, for our annual newspaper swap day. This interactive learning experience invites students from both the Friar’s Lantern and the Notre Dame student newspaper, The Gates, to collaborate and expand their journalistic skills. Malvern Prep students Connor Kendall ‘26, Jack Hechler ‘26, Chase Niewinski ‘26, and Killian Todd ‘27 were welcomed on campus in the Harron Lobby at 8 am and enjoyed seeing what makes the community, both inside and outside the classroom, so unique. Notre Dame hosts, Calleigh Newbert ‘26, Mallory DuBois ‘28, and Caroline Daniel ‘27, toured the Friar’s Lantern editors around campus and showcased their sisterhood and strong bonds with one another.
While the schedule and classes shaped the day’s structure, the most meaningful part of the visit came from the people and community behind it. Walking through Notre Dame’s scenic campus, it was clear that their sense of sisterhood isn’t simply a phrase; it is something that shapes the way students interact on a daily basis. The environment felt immediately welcoming, with an almost effervescent energy that was visible in and out of the classroom.
Similarly, at Malvern, the same foundation exists through brotherhood. The way students support and encourage each other and take pride in their community is something that is evident each day. It was especially noteworthy that, despite its differences, Notre Dame still reflects many of the same values. The setting may change, but the importance of fellowship and camaraderie remains consistent.
To start this Tuesday swap day, the four Malvern Prep journalists split into pairs and began their rigorous academic schedule, spanning from Photography and Choir to Anatomy and AP Calculus.
Dynamic duo Connor Kendall ‘26 and Jack Hechler ‘26 headed to Spanish at 8:15 after we became acquainted with our counterparts, whom we would be shadowing for the day. This early start immediately highlighted one of the most notable differences between Notre Dame’s schedule and Malvern Prep’s more forgiving morning routine. While it was a slightly audacious opening to the day compared to what we are used to, we adjusted quickly and settled into the morning.
The schedule became an even clearer distinction between the two schools as we headed to homeroom after first period. This detail stood out to us, as we are accustomed to beginning our school day in homeroom at 8:35, with first period starting shortly thereafter. At Notre Dame, however, homeroom follows the first class, shifting the rhythm of the morning in a way that felt unconventional.
From homeroom, we moved to Anatomy, widely regarded as one of the more formidable classes of the day. The level of detail and depth of material made that prestige feel well-earned. In contrast to Malvern, where mornings can ease in more gradually, full academic engagement was required from the start. The day continued to progress with a steady flow of rigor and minimal downtime between classes. The five minutes felt exceedingly short compared to our luxurious ten. By the time the midday lunch break had arrived, the continuous and uninterrupted schedule was fully underway.
Afterward, the academic flow of the day resumed with Latin. The focus was on translation work that required attention to detail and a refined understanding of the language. AP Calculus followed, demanding a stalwart level of critical thinking and patience with the advanced topics. Both classes called for consistent and careful engagement, creating a steady pace and a productive environment.
The second half of the day followed a similar academic structure, with expectations remaining constant throughout classes. The day concluded with Comparative Government and Politics, which transitioned into a vivacious, discussion-based learning setting. The lively students shared their thoughts on different countries and government systems, where we worked through a music video to help simplify the concepts in an engaging way. With that, the school day came to a close.
While Connor and Jack were thrown into the academic deep end, early start, and fast pace, the other half of our Malvern Prep journalists, Killian Todd ‘27 and Chase Niewinski ‘26, began their schedule in a setting far more musical than academic.
Killian and Chase started their morning with Chorus. This class consisted of a second-year teacher, very enthusiastic about his work, paired with his students who shared similar feelings. The class had just finished a trip to Nashville, where they had competed against some of the most talented schools across our country. After a brief discussion, they practiced their notes and prepared for the upcoming competitions.
We toured their mansion building, which offers different classes such as language and Religion. Their campus surrounds a large patch of grass similar to Malvern’s Quad, where students mix and, on this specific day, bask in the sun.
After that was a favorite for Killian and Chase: Photography class. A four-person class where we could be interactive, and after learning about the rule of thirds- where the subject moves away from the middle to make the scene look more natural- we received cameras and went outside. Through the lens of the camera, we got another tour of campus, taking pictures of the beautiful scenery. The campus was in full swing, and we were in the center, photographing everything.
Next on the itinerary: lunch and third period; everyone gathered with their friends outside for a roughly 40-minute lunch period, then off to the next class: AP Physics. Luckily, the class was in the middle of a lab, so we did our best to help our group achieve the best possible results on their objects in motion project. As neither of us has taken a class like this, it showed how challenging some of the classes at Notre Dame really are.
We ended our swap day with World Religion, learning about an ancient Chinese civilization, and ended the period watching Kung Fu Panda, which was much appreciated. All in all, we had a great time learning the ins and outs of a school very similar to our own. Our hosts were more than inviting, and we could not be more appreciative of Calleigh Newbert ‘26, Mallory DuBois ‘28, and Caroline Daniel ‘27.
Nonetheless, there were many differences that made the experience memorable. Stepping into a similar but new environment, even for just a day, challenged our perspectives and routines that can feel automatic and habitual at times. Taking the step required a somewhat temerarious willingness to move beyond what is familiar and experience a different academic and social environment firsthand. The day provided an opportunity to pay closer attention and listen more carefully to recognize the contrasts and similarities that make each community unique.
Ultimately, by the end of the day, the swap day felt less like visiting a different school, but instead seeing a parallel version of our own. The annual exchange offers a chance for student journalists to connect and collaborate. In the end, it serves as an important reminder that strong communities, even seemingly different on the surface, are defined by shared values, a deep-rooted history, and a commitment to community.
