From a block away, all you could hear were chants of very enthusiastic young boys...'Macarthur' ... 'Bedding' ... 'McElvie' ... 'Pototau' - the names of the 4 houses. Each House is not just represented by name but by colours of either red, blue, yellow or green
Joshua is in Macarthur House, their colour is red and their chant is ... "Macarthur is the best - forget all the rest".
The Opening Ceremony was magnificent. Each team took their turn to 'present' themselves to the other teams and parents and had 100metres of track to 'make their mark'. Each house had chosen a song which was blasted across the field through loud speakers. All boys had exaggerated their house colours by donning hats, wigs and whatever else was in the appropriate colour - I arrived to find Josh had his hair sprayed red and his face had red and black warpaint - oh yes, he was definitely ready !!
The Opening Ceremony was won by McElvie House (yellow). They had hired a bright yellow car that screeched onto the field and then slowly drove towards the oncoming pack of chanting and dancing boys - as the car neared the boys, the horn blasted and all boys immediately 'dropped dead' onto the ground - impressive.
Mummy needs to make a mental note ... look for crazy 'things' of adornment in colour red - and to find a red Ferrari before the next Inter-House competitions !
We then enjoyed watching the boys for 4 hours - relays around the field passing the baton, tug-of-war, running in teams of 4 whilst carrying a very heavy boxing bag, and more - and then of course the race of teachers versus Years 6, 7 and 8 (first time for a long time apparently that the Year 8 boys beat the teachers, albeit by a whisper!).
Joshua is in Macarthur House, their colour is red and their chant is ... "Macarthur is the best - forget all the rest".
The Opening Ceremony was magnificent. Each team took their turn to 'present' themselves to the other teams and parents and had 100metres of track to 'make their mark'. Each house had chosen a song which was blasted across the field through loud speakers. All boys had exaggerated their house colours by donning hats, wigs and whatever else was in the appropriate colour - I arrived to find Josh had his hair sprayed red and his face had red and black warpaint - oh yes, he was definitely ready !!
The Opening Ceremony was won by McElvie House (yellow). They had hired a bright yellow car that screeched onto the field and then slowly drove towards the oncoming pack of chanting and dancing boys - as the car neared the boys, the horn blasted and all boys immediately 'dropped dead' onto the ground - impressive.
Mummy needs to make a mental note ... look for crazy 'things' of adornment in colour red - and to find a red Ferrari before the next Inter-House competitions !
We then enjoyed watching the boys for 4 hours - relays around the field passing the baton, tug-of-war, running in teams of 4 whilst carrying a very heavy boxing bag, and more - and then of course the race of teachers versus Years 6, 7 and 8 (first time for a long time apparently that the Year 8 boys beat the teachers, albeit by a whisper!).
It was truly a magnificent day. I now understand what Peter Cassie refers to as 'healthy competition'. The boys are so committed to their respective Houses, the 'big' boys take such good care to include the 'little' boys; there is so much positive encouragement within each House and all the boys are known by name, it's astounding. It is amazing to hear all the big Macarthur boys yelling out "Go Josh" when it was his turn to take the baton.
But, be under no illusion ... you can actually feel the tension in the air, the smell of competition - each House is without a doubt out to win! And even I, as a parental spectator, found myself yelling for Macarthur and cheering on boys in red that I didn't even know !
House results will be announced at school tomorrow - watch this space.
'Macarthur's' Opening March - Josh is 2nd from the left doing his 'thing'
'McElvie' won the Opening Ceremony - with the help of this zappy yellow sports car that literally "dropped 'em dead"
'Bedding' doing their entrance !
Josh is truly delighted that 'big boy Harrison' is also in Macarthur House
Waiting in line for their relay
In position, waiting for the baton
Dig it in Josh !!
Cute as a button under the Macarthur Flag
Josh now in a face mask and waving under the flag
A flying finish - just look at that stride ! 
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