Last Friday marked an extraordinary day at One World International School (OWIS) Digital Campus* as we commenced our very first House Colour Day. This event is a cherished tradition at OWIS, where students proudly wear the colours of their assigned houses. It was a vibrant and spirited affair that brought our school community together in a remarkable way.
At OWIS, every student is a proud member of a House. Through active involvement in House events and activities, students cultivate a deep respect for diversity while strengthening their bond with their House and the wider school community.
The Four House Systems at OWIS
Our school is one community, but sometimes, it splits into four parts. Our four houses include the Willow Tree, the Acacia Tree, the Wisteria Tree, and the Flame Tree.
- Willow: Balanced, Open-Minded, and Reflective
Our Willow Tree House is derived from a deciduous, green tree popular in Europe and North America. Willows symbolise nature and life, balance, learning, growth, and harmony.
- Acacia: Principled, Tolerance, and Commitment
The yellow Acacia Tree house bears the name of graceful trees native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly Australia where they are called wattles. Acacias are used to make incense and may have been the “burning bush” of the bible.
- Wisteria: Caring, Curiosity, and Creativity
The purple Wisteria tree lends its name to our third house. Wisteria has flourished in China, Korea, and Japan for over 2,000 years where art, history, feng shui, and Buddhism have given it deep symbolism for good luck, especially for the start of new ventures.
- Flame: Knowledgeable, Risk Taker, and Confidence
Our fourth house takes the name of the African Flame Tree, famous for its abundance of red tulip-like flowers and medicinal properties. The Flame Tree is also known as the fountain tree because of the water sealed in the flower buds that squirt out like a fountain when bursts.
During the day, students met with their House Teams, reinforcing the sense of belonging and camaraderie within their respective houses. They engaged in activities that encouraged teamwork, fostering the belief that “together is better.”
House Colour Days transcend mere occasions for students to sport their designated colour-themed t-shirts; these are days that nurture a deep sense of togetherness, camaraderie, and friendly competition among our various houses. Our students showcased their school spirit and dedication, not just in the colourful attire they wore but in the unity they shared.
House colours not only celebrate the diversity within our community but also nourish the camaraderie of both House and school spirit. Key events that encapsulate this essence include the eagerly anticipated Sports Day.
At OWIS, our foundational values hinge on kindness, understanding diverse cultures and traditions, and the relentless pursuit of personal excellence. The house system amplifies these principles, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and mutual support. Through this system, students internalize the notion that adaptability and innovation are vital life skills, and they recognize their role within a broader community context
*Proposed site for an international school that will open in 2023, subject to regulatory approvals. Classes for Early Childhood to Grade 8 for AY 2023-24 commenced on 28 August 2023 at an adjacent campus.
