THE halls, classrooms and gyms at Collingwood School are filled with laughter and enthusiasm for the newly implemented house system.
All students in grades 8 through 12, teachers and staff members have been sorted, much like in the Harry Potter books, into one of six houses. The houses are named after founding families and the school's first headmaster.
It's easy to spot a member of a particular house, as they sport T-shirts and ties with their designated house colour. Each house has a House Master who oversees all the activities for their group. There are two captains for each house, one male and one female in Grade 12, which creates additional leadership opportunities for students.
There are many opportunities for student mentorship. Teachers also act as mentors, working with a small group of students in order to provide individual attention, care and guidance.
Since the kick-off of the house system in September, each house has been competing and earning points in activities based on academics, arts, athletics and service. Activities such as handball tournaments or trivia challenges during lunch hour allow house members to bond and compete with rival houses. Students also earn points for their house from their academic performance in a variety of subjects from math to music. Trophies can be won and points accumulate over the course of the year. All houses are vying for the coveted Wright Cup, named after the school's current headmaster.
The house system infuses school spirit across the grades and provides a forum for fun and collaborative competition. From the annual Terry Fox Run, to our school-wide public speaking competition and science expo, students are working together to be their very best. May the best house win!
