OUR BEGINNINGS IN 2007 & 2008
Read about our High School and Elementary School division beginnings.
House Community
Our students in both Elementary and High Schools are placed in ‘vertical’ Houses, named after four Lasallian Saints. Siblings are placed together in the same House.
House Names
The sense of unity achieved in each House community, or ‘family’, provides opportunities for competitive and leadership activities in a supportive, purposeful and caring environment.
Our House calendar of events across both schools is rich and varied and allows our whole community to be engaged in a range of activities which encourage individuals to flourish and feel connected across the school. This approach reinforces SJI International’s values system based on the Lasallian values of:
- Respect for all persons
- Quality Education
- Inclusive Community
- Faith on the presence of God
- Concern for the poor and social justice
We seek to connect all ages, abilities and cultures by building opportunities for collaborative and experiential learning. Much of our House work encourages students to grow their minds and sense of purpose, with the central premise that ‘other people matter’.
The Elementary School House Structure & Events
Houses are led by a teacher, Head of House, who works closely with a Grade 6 House Team, called House Unity Groups (HUGs). These groups are made up of two House Captains, four Vice-captains and a group of House Ambassadors.
Election Process
Our Grade 6 students participate in an election process. This involves submitting an application, an interview and then a speech to their peer House members. Once elected, the focus of their work across the year is to unite their Houses, whilst developing their responsibility and their leadership skills.
This approach reinforces our character education programme, The Virtues Project
Our Heads of Houses are:
- Benilde House - Mrs Eales, PE Teacher
- Jamie House - Mr Mac Gregor Head of PE
- Mutien House - Mrs Cumming, Grade 6 Teacher
- Miguel House - Ms Kelleher, Grade 2 Teacher and Head of Service
Examples of House Activities are:
- House Weeks
- Tug-of War with students and staff
- Art competitions
- Quizzes
- Minute - to win it games
- Talent shows
- Sports Days
- Swimming Galas
- Paper aeroplane competition
- Christmas card competition
The High School House Structure
House Activities
Each House is led by two senior students (from Grade 11 or 12) who form a committee to plan and implement House activities across the year.
A coordinating Teacher, Mr Walsh, overseas these student-led initiatives to ensure that they uphold our 4 pillars of learning (Academic; Service; Outdoor Education; and Co-curricular experience). Staff are allocated to a House, and take a vested interest in supporting or participating in House activities.
A House points system establishes healthy competition to celebrate our Lasallian identity in a fun, creative and challenging way. A House Cup is awarded to the most successful House at the end of the academic year.