The house system has been around for a little while at SIS and has generally stayed the same throughout, however, things are going to look different this year. Mr Goddard has shared his plans for the SIS houses with us and there are many things to look forward to. 

The purpose of the house system is for students from all grades to feel like they can talk to anyone else. By having house teams mixing not only classes but also grades, what might seem to simply be an extracurricular program, creates something more meaningful to students, a sense of community. With middle and upper school in the same building, this allows for the house system to eventually be a part of everyday school life.  An example of this is the idea of having house boards around the building, displaying points, or a house supper for all students and teachers from a house to spend time together in their house colours. 

For all students to be involved, we can expect a variety of new activities and house captains. 

This year’s first event was hosted by Östermalms IP on Friday, September 1st. A run in the forest for points, where our 11th-grade house captains were announced along with the 10th-grade deputy captains 

Captains: 

Air – Zoë S., Aaryan B.

Earth – Nekhil B., Carolina L.

Fire – Talisa J., Aliyan C.

Water – Oscar S., Andrew O.. 

Deputies are:

Air – Neva M., Emilie R.

Earth – Yebum C., Geet M.

Fire – Yfke L., Ahana D.

Water – Chiara F., Lina B.

They are the faces of our houses and are here to cheer on all their team members as well as inspire and motivate them. In terms of decision making the enrichment team gives 6th and 7th graders an opportunity to lead too.

The football and basketball tournaments are to come in the second term, however, until then we might see activities like chess competitions, dance competitions, debates, or an art showcase. The house system is not only sports-oriented, it is something to appeal to all students of all interests. 

The SIS website states, “Our house system brings students closer together and encourages community and mutual respect. Being part of a ‘House’ within the school creates a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and identity that is beneficial to both new and current students.”. It seems like with everything awaiting us this school year, the house system truly is something to look forward to.

Air is in the lead with 600 points, followed by Earth with 500, Water with 325, and Fire with 275. Good job to all houses!