Post date: Sep 25, 2018 12:52:38 PM
At the start of every school year, Iona students are tasked with adjusting from the laid back days of summer to the regimented discipline of the school day, a task that no matter how unpleasant, can always be expected. This year however, students were met with something unexpected on their first day of school—the newly christened House System.
A restructuring of the homeroom system along with several other aspects of student life, the House System has been highly advertised by the school administration over the past two weeks. With regular segments of Gaelforce Live dedicated to explaining the House System, the student body has a clear idea of what it is—the reorganization of Olympic Day, the introduction of competitions, the establishment of the Gael Cup, etc. They have, however, been left scratching their heads, asking why fix a system that isn’t broken.
The answer lies in Iona’s core tenets of brotherhood and honor.
While visiting other Christian Brother schools around the nation that utilize the House System, Mr. Daly was struck by the strength of community that the system created. He was especially surprised to discover that alumni remain interested in their houses after graduation and that many check in to see if their house won the trophy at the end of the year.
“I liked the idea of the building of community and brotherhood and that it helps students to work together as a team, which is a skill that we all need,” reflected Mr. Daly. “It has everyone no matter what grade they are in and where they stand academically, socially, and athletically working towards a common goal.”
Additionally, Mr. Daly is a fan that the house system will add an element of healthy competition to the school day. While house sill compete to earn points through their collective averages, mission collections, service hours, and attendance records, according to Mr. Daly, other fun competitions are in development, such as March Madness brackets and World Series predictions.
Despite the administration's enthusiasm, many students remain skeptical about the new system.
“No one knows anyone in homeroom, so no one talks; we just sit there in silence,” says Junior William Hanvey. “In the past I have always had friends in my homeroom, but now there are only two other juniors with me. I really think the house system is doing the opposite of building a brotherhood.”
While these concerns are shared by other students, Mr. Daly encourages students not to lose faith yet.
“I am depending on everyone here, since this is the House System’s inaugural year, to step up and make the program work. I want everyone to be able to look back as alumni and say, “I was here when we started that’.”
--Michael Bachmann 20'