Ellis House: A Place to Call Home

16 September 2025William L, Ellis ‘26

After weeks of enjoying summer views and spending time with loved ones, Ellis House welcomed back returning students and also greeted 29 new faces. A sea of emotions filled the house: excitement for a new challenge, nervousness for the journey ahead, and happiness to be back. Just two weeks in, the boys have settled in and are ready for an amazing year.

“Coming back to Ellis in year two makes me feel like a veteran, but it also makes me realise how fast time flies when you’re having fun,” explains Bhu Bhu K, Ellis ‘28. I have enjoyed helping new students settle in and letting them know no matter who they are, they can always call Ellis home” he adds. As the youngest Orientation Assistant in the house, Bhu Bhu remembers being in their shoes just a year ago, which motivates him to help others discover all that Ellis House has to offer. 

New Grade 11 student, Shiv D, Ellis ‘28, expresses how he has felt a sense of belonging and has been welcomed, describing his transition as “eye opening” and “inspiring”. “Honestly, I’ve been amazed at how so many unique characters somehow blend in and make up one big house” Shiv shares. “We all come from so many backgrounds, have various cultures, but yet we all feel like we belong and are cared for.” For Shiv, the move to boarding school has been a rewarding experience, and he hopes to make the most of all his opportunities. 

The year kicked off with Orientation Assistants returning on September 1, when we were busy setting up rooms, writing welcome cards, and distributing Ellis House t-shirts. The first week was packed with events, including Fun & Games, an “introductory” interhouse event, and the Eco_Challenge, which Mack/Ellis proudly won. The victory marks the first win for the back-to-back Interhouse champions, with a three-peat seemingly on the horizon. 

The boys have also spent quality time with their sister house, Mackenzie House, enjoying joint dinners, trivia nights, and even a few rounds of speed dating. Most recently, Big Bros Prefect Thomas W, Ellis ‘26 and Ellis Life/Events Prefect Aanish T, Ellis ‘26 organised a bonding event where the boys were split into groups and taken up town by a Grade 12 student, a perfect opportunity for new friendships to form. 

Looking ahead, we will begin preparing for Airband, more Interhouse competitions, and kickstart “BBros” nights. Whether it is a Saturday burger night, a Sunday ping pong tournament, or a cold plunge led by our very own cold plunge Prefect Tom C, Ellis ‘26, the fun at Ellis never comes to an end. “Our culture is based on passion and purpose, and it’s awesome to see our new guys starting to get that” Ellis House Assistant Houseparent, Mr Collis Handford, conveys. 

A massive thank you goes to Mr Wismer, Mr Collis Handford, our unbelievable new BFA, Mr Ma, all the Ellis staff, and most importantly, the Ellis Boys, both new and returning. Those who have come before us have created a culture that makes Ellis feel like a second home, and I know we will continue that legacy. 

To the Ellis boys, I am incredibly grateful to call you brothers, form relationships that will last a lifetime, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things we accomplish and the memories we will form this year. We truly have a special group, and I assure you all that you will be amazed to see how far you’ve come by the end of the year. 

Always remember, Ellis House, Best House. 

William L, Ellis ‘26