House System Overview

Students are sorted into one of our four Houses—Aquinas, Seton, Newman, and Kateri—impartially, with the goal of building balanced and inclusive communities. We ensure an even distribution of students across grade levels, French Immersion, English, Cogito, Sports for Life, and Performing Arts programs. Once placed, students remain in their House throughout their time at OLPH. The only exception to this impartial sorting is our tradition of placing siblings in the same House.

Each House not only builds school spirit and belonging, but also invites students to live out the Four Cardinal Virtues—Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance—which form the foundation of our Christ-centered culture.

While students are encouraged to take part in House life through events, challenges, and friendly competition, participation is always voluntary. Every student belongs to a House, but no one is required to take part beyond that sense of belonging.

All teachers are also members of a House, modeling collaboration and leadership for students. Our Principal and Support Staff (including Educational Assistants, Custodians, and Office Staff) remain House-neutral, supporting the unity and success of all four Houses.

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.

Past House Cup Winners

2024-2025- Newman House

2023-2024- Newman House