Students at Providence Hall are divided into “houses,” comprised of students from all grade levels. Upper school students serve as “Prefects” of the various houses, providing oversight, supervision, and leadership for those in their group. Opportunities for this to take place primarily at lunch (the Prefects sit at the head of their group for lunch, supervise manners, conversation and behavior, as well as cleanup during their assigned week), at assemblies/chapel, field trips, and at the annual Track and Field Day. A student will remain a member of the same house for as long as he or she is enrolled at PH.
Each house has a teacher as “Head of House.” Each Prefect is supervised by and accountable to his or her head of house, and will meet with that person as needed for encouragement and advice. In addition, these teachers will sit with their respective houses during chapel, keep an eye on things at lunch, and supervise their groups on field trips.
Among the benefits of this type of arrangement are:
Camaraderie among all levels and ages of students
Cultivation of responsibility in the leaders
Assistance and a break for teachers
The opportunity for the strong to be patient with and assist the weak
The opportunity for younger students to cultivate respect for the older ones
Names of houses reflect the beliefs of PH and what it stands for, and are the names of five of the ancient church fathers: Augustine, Athanasius, Basil, Gregory, and Chrysostom. Each house has a motto, colors, and a crest. Prefects are selected by the staff from among the two upper classes on the basis of their academics and demonstrated ability to lead.
