Building a Community, One Game at a Time

Building a Community, One Game at a Time

9 May 2026Zoe G, Alex ‘26

At Brentwood, Interhouse is more than a series of competitions; it’s the heart of the community. It unites individual houses as families, sparking an atmosphere of electric energy where competition serves as the foundation for connection.

Ms. Ramsay, who organizes and directs the events, notes the excitement on campus that springs from these events: “Students look forward to coming together. People paint their faces, they rip up their shirts. It gives students, both new and returning, a sense of pride to be associated with their house.” This tradition bridges the gap between grade levels, ensuring that everyone from Grade 8s to Grade 12s has a chance to get involved. As Nyah G, Alexandra ‘30 reflects, “It allowed me to find ways to get involved as both a day student and an eighth grader, building relationships I otherwise may not have had the opportunity to find.”

To an outside observer, the idea may seem daunting: a loud, passionate and intensely competitive environment. Ms Ramsay acknowledges that for a new student, it “initially seems a bit overwhelming, but the longer they’re on campus and the more events they attend, they realize we can’t win all the time; it’s just about being a part of your house and doing your best.” This can be seen in students like Katie J, Mackenzie ‘26, who has been at Brentwood since eighth grade: “Throughout the years, competing for my house has become a highlight of the past five years,” she says. “Though daunting at first, I now carry so much pride competing for my house.”

This shared rivalry elevates school spirit to its highest level, transforming a collection of individuals into a unified, passionate community. This bond is something that faculty members have cherished for decades. Mr Gage, reflecting on his long time as the Houseparent of Whittall notes, “During my 20 years as a Houseparent, I always loved watching kids competing hard for each other.” He even carried on about some of his favourite memories: “It’s always fun seeing Alex and Whittall win!”

Ryder R, Privett ‘26, an Interhouse Captain, explains the depth of connection that he has seen through Interhouse events: “Competing for my house has brought me closer to everybody within my house because, in the competitive environment, we do everything possible to work as a team, just like brothers.” This can be seen in all aspects of Interhouse, from Fun & Games to Track & Field. Katie, who competed fiercely in this year’s Interhouse Volleyball, recalls “Seeing girls in my house take charge on the court and figure out how to be a leader, even in an area they aren’t as confident in, just to help their house, put a big smile on my face.”

Beyond the thrill of the win, Interhouse serves a practical and social purpose. Brentwood is a busy place, but in the quiet town of Mill Bay, students can sometimes find it difficult to fill their Saturday nights. Ms Ramsay notes that these events “give the students somewhere to go. They help immensely with house bonding and instill a sense of pride in one’s house.” These competitions have become a staple of the Brentwood experience, offering every student, whether competing or cheering, an opportunity to build lasting relationships.

As I approach graduation, after a lifetime at Brentwood, I begin to mourn the passing of these events, the connections they have given me while growing up on campus, and how they have helped me grow as a teammate and a leader.

Zoe G, Alex ‘26

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