Ellis House Big Bros Night: A Slice of Brotherhood Across Grades

5 November 2024William L, Ellis ‘26

Home to 65 boys, Ellis House is one of eight boarding houses at Brentwood. A “home away from home” where students study, socialize, sleep, and recharge. Each evening holds its unique energy, but every other Tuesday marks a special occasion: Big Bros Night.

On these nights, boys from all grades gather in groups led by Grade 12 “Big Bro” pairs. Each group fosters connection, with Grade 12 students taking on joint leadership roles, guiding and mentoring the younger students. Ainose I, Ellis ’25 and Big Bros Prefect, organizes the event and shares his enthusiasm: “It not only brings everyone closer, but gives Grade 12s a chance to lead, mentor, and connect with juniors and Grade 11s. These interactions help create a genuine bond that strengthens our entire house community” he mentions.

The hour-long session, from 9:10 to 10:00 p.m., is dedicated to relaxed bonding, with each group deciding how they want to spend the time together. “Some nights we play video games, hide and seek, or just hang out, eat pizza, and talk about life,” explains Aanish T, Ellis ’26. “It’s a chance to be open with each other, which builds relationships that go beyond friendship.” The specific activities may vary, but it’s the quality time and shared experiences that make every Big Bros Night memorable, allowing Ellis boys to connect on a deeper level.

Ellis Houseparent, Mr Wismer, echoes this statement: “Big Bros is great as it allows the boys to come together across all grades in the house in the simplest of ways, by sharing a meal together. Though it is not a meal in a formal sense, it is certainly one in a metaphorical sense. It’s as though they are a family, catching up on the day that has been, cracking jokes, talking about things that are going on, and just being together” he reflects.

A big thank-you goes to Mr Wismer, our Assistant Houseparent Mr. Toby Collis Handford, and Big Bros Prefect Ainose for making these nights possible. The relationships formed in Ellis House create more than friendships – they build a lifelong brotherhood. Events like Big Bros Night make Ellis House feel like home, not just a boarding house, but a true family. I look forward to continuing to connect with my housemates, build lasting bonds, and next year becoming a “Big Bro” myself to carry on this tradition.

William L, Ellis ‘26

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