Sainte-Anne Academy introduces a Hogwarts-style system of houses

Dorval, March 9, 2017 — Instead of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, the new houses have names such as Blondin or Redpath. All students at Sainte-Anne Academy were recently placed into one of 18 houses, each with its own colours.

“The system of houses is very common in schools based on the British tradition but quite rare in French speaking countries. With some 540 students at Sainte-Anne, the project poses a significant logistical challenge. It is well worth the effort, however, since students will develop a sense of belonging, solidarity and team spirit through their association with a house,” explains Véronique Lemieux-Boyer, Principal of the Academy.

Creating chemistry
Each house comprises 30 students of various ages and will organize monthly activities to help them get better acquainted. In January, a competition was launched to award points to the house of any student caught doing a kind deed, with the winners to be treated to a pizza lunch.

Keeping the past alive
The Academy turned to its proud history in selecting the names of the new houses. Some, such as McGill and Robinson, honour a founding member of the Royal Montreal Golf Club (North America’s first such institution), which once stood on the site of the Academy. Other names reference specific nuns of Sainte-Anne (founders of Collège Sainte-Anne and the former Queen of Angels Academy) who left their mark, including Sister Dion and Sister Lafleur.

Encouraging mutual support and solidarity
Students were assigned to houses randomly except in the case of siblings, who were placed in the same house. All staff members—teachers, daycare educators, administrative and caretaking staff—are also associated with a house. “The children love the new system. Belonging to a house gives younger children a sense of security and encourages older ones to assume responsibility. At recess and lunch, house members have an opportunity to socialize and support one another. They also build significant relationships with adults other than their own teacher,” adds kindergarten specialist Pascale Gendron.

To learn more about Sainte-Anne Academy: primaire.sainteanne.ca

About Sainte-Anne
Founded in 1861 by the Sisters of Sainte-Anne and proud of its roots, Sainte-Anne is well known for its bold and innovative programs. One of the first schools in Québec to emphasize technology and include e-learning, the institution offers exclusive programs that allow students to focus on subjects they really care about. Renowned for its international perspective, the institution has been developing relationships with partner schools on all five continents since 2007. Sainte-Anne now offers three levels of education: kindergarten–primary (Sainte-Anne Academy), high school (Collège Sainte-Anne) and cégep (Collégial international Sainte-Anne).

– 30 –

Source: Sainte-Anne Academy

Information: Diane Jeannotte
Diane Jeannotte Communications
514-772-8019
dianej@djcom.ca

CE SITE WEB UTILISE DES TÉMOINS (COOKIES) ET DES TECHNOLOGIES SIMILAIRES.
EN CONTINUANT DE NAVIGUER SUR CE SITE, VOUS EN ACCEPTEZ LES CONDITIONS D'UTILISATION.