Every private school has dozens of traditions which are handed down from class to class. Traditions teach respect for the past at the same time as they link the past to the present. Traditions provide school communities continuity.
Here is a selection of traditions, customs and practices from around the world.
Thirteen Red Roses - "The thirteen red roses carried by every Madeira graduate on Commencement Day symbolize those thirteen original students enrolled in Miss Madeira's School."
From Foxcroft School, Middleburg, Virginia
Sunrise Service - "Led by student leaders, Sunrise Service opens and closes each academic year."
From Woodberry Forest School, Woodberry Forest, Virginia
Honor System - "When you first visit Woodberry, you may be surprised to find books, jackets, and scooters left around campus while their owners take care of other business. When the boys return, their items will still be there. That is because of our legendary honor system, which prohibits lying, cheating, and stealing. The honor system is not an empty pledge at Woodberry. It is a way of life and a means for educating students about what it means to be honorable men."
From The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, Connecticut
The Bow Tie Bowl - "This is serious trivia in which 50 teams of three contestants (with at most one faculty member) compete in a series of rounds played over six weeks, culminating in the final round in the dining hall before the entire School. While the contest takes place in the spring, students begin jockeying for the faculty member they want on their team as early as December. Faculty member Lou Pressman founded the competition during the tenure of Headmaster Robert A. Oden Jr., who always wore a bow tie."
From Kent School, Kent, Connecticut
The Daily Work Program - "In accordance with the vision of our Founder, Kent was conceived as a "democratic" school; consequently, all Kent students participate in a daily work program. In addition to fostering self-reliance, the program teaches stewardship, invests students in the environment in which they live, and teaches the value of individual contributions to the community."
From McCallie School, Chattanooga, Tennessee
The Origin of the Senior Leadership Name - "In 1907, following the trend of other prep schools, McCallie students and faculty created a number of nonsensical cheers. The most popular was: Keo, Kio, Sis, Boom Zee; Meo, Mio, Rah, Rah, Rea; Zipity, Zapaty, Zee, Zum, Zee; McCallie, McCallie, McCall-ee. This cheer was the inspiration behind the naming of the senior leadership organization Keo-Kio."
From Milton Academy, Milton, Massachussets
Armistice Day flagpole Ceremony - "An annual tradition since the end of World War I: Students gather in silence around the flagpole each Veterans Day to honor those who have fought and died for our country. The bells of Apthorp Chapel ring as a trumpeter plays “Taps” and the American flag is lowered to half-mast."
From First Baptist Academy, Houston, Texas
Talent Show - "Each spring students are given an opportunity to be in the spotlight in a variety show that includes dancing, singing, piano, juggling, and more."
From Phillips Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire
The Harkness Table - "You could say it's a table, oval, with enough room to seat 12 students and a teacher…Or you could describe its impact: 'The respect we feel for one another grows out of being together at the Harkness table and extends to every aspect of our lives here,' Tyler Tingley, Principal."
From Saint Mary's School, Raleigh, North Carolina
Wednesday Community Night - "Every Wednesday night at Saint Mary's School the on-campus residents get together for evening activities. Day students, faculty, and staff who want to attend are also invited for the festivities. This is often a seated meal with rotational assigned seating. Student leaders open the dinner with a prayer, read a selected message, and oversee announcements. Boarding students, on a rotational basis, work with the dining staff and act as servers."
From Upper Canada College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Common Ties - "The program's mission is to facilitate mentoring relationships between UCC alumni and members of the UCC community. Common Ties helps UCC alumni develop skills and expertise to excel professionally and personally. The program depends on volunteers who act as mentors to young alumni seeking career advice and support. Common Ties also hosts professional development workshops and networking events for the UCC community."
From Eton College, Windsor, United Kingdom
Eton Blue - "‘Eton Blue’ (rather more green than blue) appeared no later than the early 19th century to identify Eton sportsmen on the river and the cricket field. The colour was also adopted by the University of Cambridge for the Boat Race against Oxford in 1836, and they have kept it ever since. The traditional colour remained in use at Eton for a hundred years, but various pressures – financial and military – broke the link with the past, and now a pale blue (‘baby blue’) is often used by Eton sportsmen and others. There are moves afoot to re-adopt a distinctive colour, although these will take time to complete."
From Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, Connecticut
Community Service - "Community service is also an integral part of Convent of the Sacred Heart’s academic program. Under the supervision of the director of community service, each student selects and arranges to do a service project accessible from Convent of the Sacred Heart or her home. A yearly plan and an annual minimum of 25 hours are required."
Do you have a tradition from your school which you would like to share with us? Please send it to me so that I may include it.
