![Pupils and staff create a House Day Rings of Friendship]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717687978/dulwichorguk/obokzcvic0muor3dwavj/Pupils_and_staff_create_House_Day_Rings_of_Friendship.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717687978/dulwichorguk/obokzcvic0muor3dwavj/Pupils_and_staff_create_House_Day_Rings_of_Friendship.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717687978/dulwichorguk/obokzcvic0muor3dwavj/Pupils_and_staff_create_House_Day_Rings_of_Friendship.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1717687978/dulwichorguk/obokzcvic0muor3dwavj/Pupils_and_staff_create_House_Day_Rings_of_Friendship.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717687978/dulwichorguk/obokzcvic0muor3dwavj/Pupils_and_staff_create_House_Day_Rings_of_Friendship.jpg","width":1394}])
On Thursday 23 May, children in the Infants’ School marked the end of the half term with an energetic House Day celebration, filled with vibrant colours and collaborative activities.
Using the term's theme, Rings of Friendship, and drawing inspiration from the Olympic rings, pupils and staff gathered in the KS1 playground to create their own Rings of Friendship. The children donned in vibrant hues of red, blue, yellow, and green, represented the four DUCKS’ Houses – Oak, Chestnut, Elm, and Willow - while the adults wore black to form the fifth ring.
One of the main highlights of House Day was the creation of collaborative, life-sized artwork inspired by Keith Haring. The children thought about how their bodies move and what makes a good friend, and incorporated these key words into their artwork. This activity fostered creativity and teamwork, allowing pupils to express their ideas on friendship through art.
In addition to the art project, pupils worked with partners within their Houses to complete various challenges in Forest School. These activities, ranged from parachute games through ‘get the quoit on the stick’ to ‘throw the pool noodle in the ring,’ provided an opportunity for pupils to strengthen their bonds and develop problem-solving skills in a fun, supportive environment.
The event succeeded in bringing the school community closer, with pupils enjoying the sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Reflecting on the day, one pupil exclaims, "Today has been so good. I felt like I was in a dream!" Another added, "It was a wonderful day because of the fun activities." A third pupil enthusiastically declared, "It was the best day ever being together in the Houses."
House Day at DUCKS not only marked the end of the half term but also reinforced the importance of friendship, collaboration, and school spirit among the pupils. The combination of creative projects and engaging challenges ensured that the children left with cherished memories and a stronger sense of community.
