Caption: Students from the White House – one of several teams – prepare their unique shield and chant to be assembly-ready.
A popular program aimed at developing leadership and social skills, and promoting self-esteem and belonging, has returned to Oakland-Scotland Public School, just in time for the holiday season, and continuing throughout the year.
Teacher Marisa McQuay and the Grade 8 class have re-established the Colour Houses, a program which assigns each student in the school to a team consisting of members in junior kindergarten through to Grade 8. The program promotes participation in special events, and fosters friendly competition as teams compete in assigned challenges to earn points.
“School spirit has always been a strong aspect of the Oakland-Scotland Public School climate, but this program gives it an extra boost,” says Heather Robinson, principal at Oakland-Scotland Public School. “The return of the Colour Houses system allows all students the opportunity to participate, while also building the leadership skills of intermediate students in the roles of team captains.”
Each team, represented by a different colour, develops a unique shield and chant or cheer to foster spirit.
This month, the program will take on a charitable challenge through the Fill-A-Bus Food Drive, with teams acquiring points when students make a donation.
