Zesting Brentwood’s Zeitgeist: A Recap of Spirit Week

13 February 2023Maxine P, Alex ‘23; Photo by Jim Ganley

Between the grey weather and midterm assessments, the stretch between Winter Break and February Midterm can be a challenge here in our West Coast temperate rainforest. The Student Activities Council recognizes this which is why they host Spirit Week at the end of January every year – and B-Well will bring us Kindness Week in February.

This year, Spirit Week ran from Monday, January 23 to Saturday, January 28. The week of dress up days and interhouse events did not fail to raise personal and school spirit and was thoroughly enjoyed by staff and students alike. “Spirit Week is an opportunity for us to shake off the cold, wet weather around us and come together to celebrate the community and share good food, good laughs, and good fun” remarked Ms Ramsay, Head of the SAC.

Each day of the academic week featured a dress up theme, giving the students an opportunity to ditch their uniforms and don a fun outfit. Monday started off with monochrome day and the campus was awash in mostly neutrals, plus some uniquely-colored outfits from the more stylish crowd.

With Tuesday came an opportunity to dig deep in our closets and put together a random outfit for wacky clothes day. Students went all out, sporting patterned pants and quirky thrifted t-shirts. The day concluded with the first round of Interhouse Jenga and Mario Kart in McNeill’s, allowing our game lovers to show off their skills.

Wednesday was tacky tourist day, a classic favorite. Despite the chilly weather, the campus was dressed for a sunny beach in sunglasses, sandals, and board shorts. The Interhouse competitions continued in McNeill’s that night, ending with a battle between Rogers and Ellis in the most intense game of giant Jenga Brentwood has ever seen. “I was super invested in the game – I think everyone watching was – and it was great to see Rogers come out on top!” stated Ian C, Rogers Interhouse Captain.

On Thursday, students wore their number one uniforms for Assembly, but were allowed to bring a plant to class in a spirit day spearheaded by BEAT who also served low-carbon candy apples to Crooks Hall during dinner.

Friday gave staff and students the chance to demonstrate their house spirit by wearing their house’s hoodie. The school enjoyed a day of student-choice meals, prepared thoughtfully by our food services staff and tried their luck at bingo that evening.

The week culminated in Red and Black Day for the Showcase Hockey games that night. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams played Shawnigan at the Kerry Park arena which was packed to the brim with incredibly enthusiastic Brentwood fans. The Brentwood teams put up a very good fight against the historically strong Shawnigan teams and it was a fun night all around. “Showcase Hockey is always really fun” said Brooklyn F, Alex ‘23. “It felt like the entire Brentwood community was out there supporting the team and it was a great way to finish the week.”

A huge thank you to the Student Activities Council for planning such a fun week, especially SAC Captain Sam D, Alex ‘23 and Ms Ramsay for all of their hard work. Spirit Week is such a fun tradition on campus and we can’t wait to see what exciting events it will bring next year!

Maxine P, Alex ‘23