Page 16 - FIS World November 2016

House Crests
S
tudents com
e together to create sym
bols of identity
For thousands of years groups have used crests with distinctive, historically signi cant and
powerful visual symbols to encourage both unity within and to distinguish themselves from others. The powerful symbols that unite and distinguish the eight FIS Upper School Houses are inspired by history as well as the unique creations of our students.
In 2015, FIS introduced the House Program within the Upper School, and looked to the founding members of FIS for inspiration. “We have a number of founding families at FIS, and several of our houses bear their names. Our students and their families are connected to the school’s history through naming some of the houses after our founders,” said Pete Sinclair, Assistant Principal of the Upper School.
The next task was to connect these houses to the present. The eight enthusiastic House Leaders and Upper School Administration gathered in early 2015 and decided during their rst meeting that every house would have two identifying colors and a “spirit animal,” and these features would be chosen and created by house members. Each house quickly selected two colors and then started to hunt for the perfect animal to adorn its crest.
The rules of the hunt were both broad and restrictive. Each house could choose any animal, fantasy or real, but every animal-depiction had to be truly unique. They couldn’t be cut and pasted from the Internet. Darren Trebel, Head of the Visual Arts Department, volunteered to work with each house to create the student submissions. “I worked with members of each house to help them put their original ideas on paper. I encouraged these students to select and create animals that are noble, uni ers
– something positive their houses can rally behind.”
14 FIS World November 2016