There is no doubt that Clayton is the best house at Logan Park. The enthusiasm and spirit of the students proves just that. We started the year with our Clayton House Day out at Aramoana Beach, which of course, in great Dunedin fashion, was postponed due to weather.

When it was on, we were able to get out on a lovely sunny day that saw most of us slathering on sunblock. The day was filled with lots of group activities like swimming, treasure hunts, and team building exercises. The staff and students bonded, whether by joining in games, or just by laughing at students helplessly putting up a tent.

Athletics day was a way to connect with the other houses through friendly competition and it proved successful for Clayton. Although we didn’t win, we came a very close second, and everyone in the house participated, having lots of fun. People went out of their comfort zones running long distances, joining relay teams, and doing field events they had never done before. Participation and trying new things was a common theme that ran right through our house this year, as Clayton students of all years came together and had a go at the many activities offered.

Through the COVID lockdown, the sports prefects ran an Isolation Fitness challenge where the students were encouraged to keep themselves healthy and active. It lasted just over a month, and as a school we racked up thousands of hours, a large percentage being Clayton house members! When we returned to school, the house decided to have an inter-group competition to keep comradery between the groups. Each group would go to the gym, and play a friendly game of multi-sport. It turned out to be quite popular once the kids began playing, and saw our very large house merge together, and meet fellow Clayton kids you most likely would have never met.

Despite a chunk of our year missing, there were plenty of inter-house events throughout the year such as Dodgeball, Multisport, Just Dance, Futsal, Volleyball, Netball, and the O’MAthalon. One could say the enthusiasm was sometimes lacking from kids when these events were advertised, but with a little bit of persuasion and a push from the group teachers, the kids came out and participated making their house proud. They continued to return each week, bringing new friends and players every time. 

It has been an absolute pleasure to be the leaders of the best house at Logan Park this year, and it makes us extremely proud to see how the students adapted to the many obstacles 2020 has thrown at us. Great job Clayton!