Something magical has returned to the Junior School at St. Michaels University School after five years of rest: the beloved House system.
Meeting weekly, the Grade 5 Leadership Club has been exploring ways to make a positive impact on the school community. Many of this year's meetings were dedicated to refreshing and updating the House system. Because the names and number of Houses had not historically been consistent between divisions, the group set out to create a new system with six Houses—one that could flow from the Junior School, and possibly through the Middle School and Senior School, where six boarding houses already exist.
They also wanted the names to reflect SMUS’s values and connection to nature. The new Houses are named after six West Coast trees, each representing a unique spirit:
- Arbutus (courage and creativity)
- Spruce (strength and adventure)
- Oak (loyalty and steadiness)
- Cedar (wisdom and curiosity)
- Maple (kindness and joy)
- Willow (grace and quiet bravery)
Belonging, Bonding and Big Smiles
On May 16, the entire Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 student body, along with faculty and staff, were welcomed into their Houses through a special ceremony. The event included a story about what it means to be sorted into a House and what it means to belong to one. The reawakening of the House system marks more than a return to tradition—it’s a recommitment to what makes SMUS special: a strong, connected, and joyful community.
As Grade 5 student Evie shared, “The House system is a good way to bring people together and form a deeper bond with the school.”
The goal is to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging—not just in their classroom or grade, but across the entire school community.
The return of the House system was met with excitement and a renewed sense of unity. Iris, another Grade 5 student, described her favourite moment: “What I liked about the assembly was that the Leadership Club painted our faces and got the children excited to come to their House.”
“I know a lot of kids from other classes, and it was great to have time to spend together,” said Janalyn.
Evelyn echoed that sentiment, appreciating the opportunity “to meet, play, and collaborate with people from other grades.”
The new House structure ensures that once a student is placed in a House, they will remain part of that “House family” throughout their time at SMUS.
“It was really fun to have a group that was JK to Grade 5 and meet everyone,” said Meaghan.
Liuchina agreed: “The House system is a good way to bring all the students together and make new friends.”
While friendly competitions and events are planned for the future, the current focus is on connection, joy, and belonging. The energy from the first House assembly has already sparked ideas for future cross-grade and cross-campus activities. Though it has begun at the Junior School on Victoria Avenue, the Grade 5 leaders hope this marks the beginning of a broader vision—one that includes all students, from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, in a unified House system that fosters connection, collaboration, and school spirit.
Grant put it simply: “A great way to bring us together.”
And perhaps Kai summed it up best: “You can never have enough friends.”
