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Student artist of house shields: Jennifer G, 2024
At OLPH, our House system is rooted in the Four Cardinal Virtues—Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance—which guide our actions and shape our character as followers of Christ.
Each House encourages students to live out ALL these virtues daily. Points, and recognition celebrate students who embody these values, helping to build a Christ-centered, caring, and united school community.
HOUSE VIRTUE OF JUSTICE
St Kateri Tekakwitha is a Catholic saint who was an Algonquin-Mohawk and is an important indigenous saint. She is a model of peace and love even though she lived in difficult times, and was declared by Pope Benedict XVI to be the Protectress of Canada.
Justice reminds us to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
HOUSE VIRTUE OF TEMPERANCE
St. Elizabeth Seton founded many religious houses, establishing the Sisters of Charity, and opened some of the first Catholic schools in the United States. She was a selfless and hardworking leader and remains a strong role-model.
Temperance teaches self-control and balance in our actions and words.
HOUSE VIRTUE OF FORTITUDE
St. John Henry Newman was an English minister in the 1800s who converted to Catholicism, eventually became a cardinal, and is an important saint. He was the founder of the Oxford Movement, which revitalized Catholicism in England at a time when Catholicism was marginalized.
Fortitude gives us the courage to face challenges and stand up for what is right.
HOUSE VIRTUE OF PRUDENCE
Saint Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of students, Catholic schools, apologists, booksellers, chastity, philosophers, publishers, scholars, theologians. He is the patron saint of many things, including things that our school focuses on ie: Catholicism and education. St. Thomas Aquinas is an important Doctor (teacher) of the Church.
Prudence helps students make wise choices, both in learning and in how they treat others.
Each of OLPH’s four Houses—Aquinas, Seton, Newman, and Kateri—represents one-quarter of our student body and is supported by a dedicated leadership team. This structure blends staff guidance and student voice, empowering young leaders to grow in responsibility, service, and virtue.
Rooted in the Four Cardinal Virtues—Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance—our House System offers students a chance to lead with purpose and strengthen our Christ-centered school community.
Each House includes:
1. Head of House (Staff Leader)
A teacher leader who coordinates House activities, mentors student leaders, and helps build a strong House identity rooted in faith and belonging.
2. Senior Prefect (Grade 8 Student Leader)
A Grade 8 student selected through an application process. The Senior Prefect is a visible leader within the school and serves on the House Council, representing their House and modeling mature leadership.
3. Junior Prefect (Grade 7 Student Leader)
A Grade 7 student chosen through an application process. The Junior Prefect supports the Senior Prefect and also serves on the House Council, helping to bring student voice and energy to House initiatives.
Together, these leaders form the House Leadership Team, guiding their peers and contributing to the larger House Council—a body made up of student and staff leaders from each House. The House Council functions as a student executive, promoting school spirit, organizing events, and encouraging every student to live out the virtues in action.
At OLPH, our four Houses—Aquinas, Seton, Newman, and Kateri—compete throughout the school year for the honour of winning the House Cup. This prestigious award brings more than just bragging rights: the winning House earns the privilege of having their House banner proudly flown in the gym for the entire following school year.
Now entering its third year, our House System has become a beloved tradition rooted in faith, virtue, and joyful community spirit. Grounded in the Four Cardinal Virtues—Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance—the House Cup inspires students to lead with integrity, build strong relationships, and grow together across all programs: English, French Immersion, Cogito, Sports for Life, and Performing Arts.
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