House Activities Offers Engagement

Written by Mr Tom Marks (Primary House Activities Coordinator)

10 August 2026

At Aitken College, our Primary House Activities program continues to play an important role in building school spirit, developing student leadership and creating meaningful connections across year levels. Over the past three years, the program has grown significantly, providing students with more opportunities than ever to participate, collaborate and contribute to our school community.

One of the biggest additions to the program has been the introduction of our termly House Battles in 2024. These fun, team-based challenges bring students from Prep to Year 6 together to solve problems, think creatively and work towards a shared goal. This year, we have expanded the program further with the introduction of House Hangouts—regular opportunities for students to connect with their House in a more relaxed setting, strengthening relationships and fostering a greater sense of belonging.

While House Activities are always engaging and enjoyable, they are also carefully designed to support important learning outcomes. Many activities develop the Victorian Curriculum capabilities of Critical and Creative Thinking and Personal and Social Capability, encouraging students to communicate effectively, think strategically, solve problems collaboratively and demonstrate resilience. By working alongside students from different year levels, children also develop empathy, confidence and teamwork while learning to value the strengths and perspectives of others.

Our House Captains and student leaders have embraced an increasingly active role in the program. From planning and leading activities to encouraging participation and supporting younger students, they continue to demonstrate impressive growth in leadership, responsibility and initiative. Their enthusiasm has helped create a positive and inclusive culture where students feel encouraged to get involved and contribute.

 

Throughout recent years, students have enjoyed a wide variety of House Activities, including debating, Minute to Win It challenges, trivia competitions, Where's Wally? scavenger hunts, spelling bees, dodgeball and Gaga Ball tournaments, and of course our annual Kaboom! Event. These events have attracted outstanding participation across the Primary School, and it has been wonderful to see so many students enthusiastically representing their House while encouraging, supporting and celebrating one another.

The continued success of the Primary House Activities program reflects the enthusiasm of our students, the commitment of our staff and the leadership of our House Captains. As the program continues to grow and evolve, we look forward to creating even more opportunities for students to connect across year levels, develop their leadership skills, challenge themselves and strengthen the sense of belonging that makes our House and Aitken school community so special.