Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

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House Shout: Battle of the Houses BTI , May 2005 By Victoria Leung, Grade 11

Let me paint you a picture. The sky is blue, there isn’t a cloud in the sky. The fresh, green blades of grass sway in the early summe breeze. At last, some peace and quiet. All of a sudden, the serenity is broken by a growing army of voices. “Everywhere we go-o! People always know-o... “ “Uhn-uhn gowa!...” What is this madness? From their house rooms situated at all ends of the school, girls march with pride towards one single location: the battlefield. They are fearless; you can see it in their eyes, adorned with eye shadows in every shade of blue, green, pink, red, yellow, orange, purple, silver, and gold. With coloured zinc striped across their checks, they are ready for war. What war you ask? Only the fiercest competition between all ten Havergal houses of the year: House Shout. Okay, perhaps my depiction of the annual House Shout was a little extreme, but while its participants may not be as fierce as warriors hungry for combat, House Shout is a battle of the houses. As members of the Havergal community, I know you know all about the House Shout tradition. But, just in case you have forgotten, let me give a brief summary. Every year, houses brainstorm ideas for the perfect theme. Perhaps a cheer sung to the tune of the Mickey Mouse March? Or a rendition of Swan Lake? As Leelee Sobieski said in Never Been Kissed, ‘The theme, darling, is everything.” Then, for the following weeks, houses labour through lunch hours and morning house meetings to perfect their routines. During my years at Havergal, I have been

given the opportunity to participate in a total of four House Shouts; this year will be my fifth. According to what I have witnessed, the secret to success include a little bit of song, dance, versatility as a group, and, most importantly, origin agility. So, really, why are we filled with such passion come the day of House Shout? Why do we scream, until our voices are hoarse and our throats arc sore? Why do we rack our brain for the perfect theme, I perfect cheers? An outside might think.” It’s because they’re a bunch of crazy teenaged girls who choose to squander away their time doing useless things.” To which I reply, “Au contraire. House shout is about pride as a community. It is about girls who cooperate - girls who help each other to make the right formations and learn the words to the three new cheers. And most importantly, house shout proves that we girls are not afraid to step outside of the social norms and be a little crazy. Being spirited isn’t exactly a bad thing.” Yes, on the surface. House Shout may seem a little silly, but for an instant, ignore the “this is crazy and useless” thoughts that run through your mind during practices. Think about what House Shout gives us. It is, after all, a Havergal tradition, so there must be some reason to the madness. House Shout is an annual community event where Havergal Students of all ages come together to, put simply, bond. Come May, Havergal students have battled rigorous workouts at 7:00 am, the dancing nerves and knots in stomachs before playing in prayers, and of course the math tests. Every school year is a wild ride of ups and downs and with the pending final exams in June, House Shout is a great way 10 relax and be proud of our community. Even though this year, House Shout won’t be on our favourite hill, it will still possess the value that made ii a tradition. So, get ready girls. May 19, 2005, let your spirit shine and keep your beat alive.

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