The Sydney Russell School prides itself on our very active House System, established in 2017, whereby all staff and students are assigned to one of five houses. The Five Houses are CENTAUR, DRAGON, GRIFFIN, PEGASUS and PHOENIX, they each have very strong identities and the students proudly wear their House badges on their blazers. Each House has two House Captains per year, their responsibilities begin with promoting events to fellow students and culminates in them taking part in and leading teams in those events. This promotes student leadership and responsibility which we passionately believe will go a long way in helping them in the future. Our House System also instils pride, competitiveness, team-work, loyalty, problem-solving skills and confidence in all students involved. It brings students together from different groups, widening their friendship circles and horizons, which will stand them in good stead for the future.
We celebrate the successes of all of our students who strive to achieve their best in all aspects of life in school. The House system gives our students the opportunity to be rewarded for efforts and achievements across the board, be it in the classroom, in the playground, or within a House System competition. Students regularly earn house points for excellent work BUT the primary aim is to encourage ALL to get involved in the many inter-house competitions that are held throughout the year. These events can take place during break times or after school, they have included: SRS Fairground, University Challenge, The Chase, Murder Mystery, Countdown, Ten Pin Bowling, Dingo Dollar Challenge, Maths Battles, Obsta-Course, World Book Day, Board Game Evenings, It’s a Knockout, SRS Has Got Talent, Charity Bake Sales, Mastermind, The Cube, Rowathons and much more.
Our biggest and most loved event is the SRS Olympics, a day of celebrating sport, unity and well-being. This is a whole day, and whole school, event and very akin to the Olympics themselves. The day begins with a colourful parade. Athletes lead their House Teams, waving flags and banners, through the Playground where other students cheer their friends and their Houses Teams on. This is followed by a full day of sport accompanied by plenty of other games and activities for the spectators. From Bouncy Castles to face painting, from live DJ to splash the teacher, its a day that everyone looks forward to and remembers. This is the ultimate opportunity for the Houses to earn points for the final standings.
At the end of each school year the winning House is rewarded with a House Cup Trophy and an end of year Party where they have the opportunity to congratulate each other and celebrate their achievements.