Hear From the Heads of Houses!

As students at Ridley College, we belong to many different communities. Whether it’s our sports, clubs, or academic classes, it’s very helpful to have that supportive group of peers and faculty to rely on. Perhaps one of the most enriching and memorable communities seen on campus is the boarding houses at Ridley. For many of Ridley’s students, the fellow members of their respective houses are the people they live with and see the most, which builds into important and long-lasting friendships amongst those in the house. Every house at Ridley is unique in its own way, mostly due to each house’s traditions, bonding among members, and even history. 

Currently, we are going to hear from a few of the people who truly know the houses best: Ridley’s very own head of houses. In their own words, they will be reflecting on their house’s special traditions, communities, and even the special moments that make them proud to hold their job title. One of the most memorable parts of each of Ridley’s houses is the active participation seen in each house’s unique traditions. These events seen across campus can range from fun and long-lasting, including Merritt North House’s Frau Day tradition.

“This is a long-serving tradition for the Merritt North House after a graduate from the Class of 1976, Mr. Mark Josselyn. Ridley used to have a set standard for uniform but not a set uniform, and Mark would often pick outfits that did not ‘match’ with a wide variety of colours and patterns. Once he graduated, it became a tradition in MNO to have one day dedicated to this event, and there is always a group photo taken and hung in the dorm.” - Mr. Zack Jones, Head of House of Merritt North House.

Other traditions can relate more to community service opportunities, usually connecting with impactful charities within the Niagara region. Involving Ridley’s motto, “Terar Dum Prosim,” all houses have their own house charity, which not only encourages students to commit to community service acts frequently, but it also educates each house on real and prevalent issues occurring locally. Many houses incorporate and share their charities as special traditions, not just sharing their charity’s mission with their house but with the whole school. For example, Arthur Bishop East’s Head of House explains how Arthur Bishop East’s boys support their house charity, Gillian’s Place, and how it’s connected to their house motto, “Always be a gentleman.”

“Each year, I educate the boys about issues with gender-based violence and its relevance to their lives. As a house, we recognize the challenges that women face every day by symbolically walking a mile in high heels around campus and holding signs that challenge gender-based violence, which is a prevalent issue in our community. This is part of a series of community education and fundraising events that support our house charity, Gillian’s Place, a local women’s shelter.” - Mr. Andrew McNiven, Head of House of Arthur Bishop East.

On the topic of community, the heads of houses were asked if there were any common traits or interests that the house members shared that could lead to connections. In some houses, Gooderham West, for example, a common trait has been noticeable.

“Gooderham West is known for its strong emphasis on integrity and community service. Students often participate in various volunteer activities, supporting our house charity through awareness, services, and activities in our community. These activities help students bond over shared values and experiences, creating a tight-knit community. The sense of purpose and the impact they make together strengthens their connections and fosters lifelong friendships.” – Ms. Teresa Stevens, Head of House of Gooderham West House.

Additionally, Merritt South’s Head of House has noticed the diverse personalities and interests within the house and how they can still seemingly work together to create a supportive house dynamic.

“Today the fabric of the communities within the House is more like a quilt, like many smaller communities sewn together that make up the whole. We have so many vast interests and backgrounds within the House that everyone seems to quickly slide into place to make strong bonds with one another.” – Mr. Brian Amyote, Head of House of Merritt South House. 

Furthermore, most houses have a common place for quality time among the members, and for Merritt North House, it’s their desirable common room.

“We are very fortunate to have an amazing common room space that meets the needs of our students. Multiple gaming systems, multiple TVs, a piano, ping pong/pool table, bean bag chairs, and multiple cooking appliances. It is a place they love to hang out and develop relationships, while also competing in friendly competition.” – Mr. Zack Jones, Head of House of Merritt North House.

As the beginning of the school year is among us, each house is experiencing their fair share of new members. Houses are meant to be a welcoming environment for new students, so houses come up with inviting ways to welcome new students. Just like each of the houses, Leonard House comes up with many creative and helpful ways to welcome new students.

“Before school even begins, we start to welcome our new ladybugs by hosting a new student Zoom night, in which our new ladybugs are invited to virtually meet some of our House leaders. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, get to know their new housemates, as well as play some games. In addition, we also have a “Big Bug, Little Bug” program in which each new student is paired up with a returning student. These Bug Buddies continue to check in on each other throughout the year, often going out for ice cream, coffee, or just to walk and talk on campus.” – Mrs. Sarah Steele, Head of House at Leonard House.

Since Ridley has been an academic institution for over a century, all the houses have their own forms of unique history. Some current heads of houses even admitted to referencing older heads of houses as sources of inspiration. Displaying the many changes Ridley experienced over the years, some of Ridley’s houses experienced a gender-swap; Leonard House, a girl’s house, and Dean’s House, a boy's house, used to both belong to the opposite sex. 

Ridley’s Houses tend to be named after long-time donors. For example, “Gooderham House was built in 1922 through the generosity of the Gooderham family"- Mrs. Teresa Stevens, Head of House of Gooderham West House.

Lastly, the heads of houses were able to share some of their favourite memories of their job, as well as their favourite perks of having their title. Many of their answers involved developing relationships with the students and watching them grow.

“My favourite part of being a head of house is the connections I make with the boys and watching them grow and mature during their time in the house." – Mr. Brian Amyote, Head of House of Merritt South House.

“My favourite part of being a Head of House is watching the students develop their confidence, independence, and pride. I love hearing about their day, supporting them through tough times, and celebrating their successes with them. I like it when they reach out after they graduate to share their journey with me and let me know how they are doing.” – Mrs. Sarah Steele, Head of House at Leonard House.

Some described witnessing important events in the students' lives.

“The annual graduation dinner is my most proud moment every year but also the most emotional. It is beyond description as to how difficult it is to formally address the boys in the house and say goodbye to the amazing graduates whom I have lived with and parented for years. Every year at this celebration, I am reduced to an absolute puddle of tears as the boys who I have helped guide move on to post-secondary studies. I am reminded by how incredibly fortunate I am to have the opportunity to meet and guide so many amazing individuals, while also bearing the burden of having to accept that they cannot live in AB East forever.” – Mr. Andrew McNiven, Head of House of Arthur Bishop East

Others also recounted the amazing opportunities of getting to know students outside the classroom.

“It is one thing to connect and develop relationships with students in the classroom; it is completely different to do it outside of the classroom. The conversations I have with students in the dorm are the things I look forward to. For me, it comes down to my daughters. Living with 40+ boys has its challenges, but seeing how they all are around Callie and Logan is absolutely amazing. Callie gets to know them by name and wants to be out there as much as possible.” - Mr. Zack Jones, Head of House at Merritt North House.

These comments also highlight the amount of work and impact that goes into the Head of House job here at Ridley. The heads of houses continue to strive towards making a positive impact for every single member of their respective houses. Our own heads of houses have the potential to truly transform our lives and motivate us for the better, and for that, we are so incredibly grateful for each one of them. Make sure to thank your head of house today!

(Special thanks to Mr. McNiven, Mr. Jones, Mr. Amyote, Mrs. Roud, Ms. Stevens, and Ms. Steele.)