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ABOUT US
Petrina Jones
Our House Spirit
Co-Founder
Karen Dimattina
Our House Spirit
Co-Founder
THE OUR HOUSE SPIRIT TEAM
Our Purpose
Every school wants children to experience a thriving school community - to feel known, connected and part of something meaningful.
At Our House Spirit, we believe schools can intentionally create opportunities for children to participate, receive from community, contribute and positively influence the experiences of others.
Through these experiences, children develop Community Capability - the confidence and capacity to play a meaningful role within their school community and the communities they will belong to throughout their lives.
House Communities provide schools with a powerful structure for creating these opportunities
every day.
Our Story
More than 12 years ago, we recognised something powerful.
Many schools already had the foundations of strong communities through their House structure. What was often missing was the time, support and practical approach needed to bring those communities fully to life.
That insight inspired the creation of Our House Spirit.
Since then, we've partnered with primary schools across Australia and New Zealand, helping schools create meaningful House experiences, develop authentic student leadership and strengthen Community Capability throughout the school year.
Every school community is different. That's why we work alongside schools to build an approach that reflects their vision, values, students and culture.
Over the years, our work has continued to evolve, shaped by the educators, student leaders and school communities we have had the privilege to learn from.
Our House Spirit
Our name reflects what we believe.
H.O.U.S.E. stands for How Our United Students Excel.
We believe children excel when they experience meaningful opportunities to participate, receive from community, contribute and positively influence the experiences of others.
These experiences help children develop Community Capability, strengthen relationships, grow as leaders and experience a genuine sense of belonging within their school community.
For us, House Communities are a powerful way to bring children together and create opportunities for every child to make a meaningful contribution.
What H.O.U.S.E. Means In Practice.
At Our House Spirit, H.O.U.S.E. is more than an acronym. It reflects our belief that thriving school communities are created intentionally through meaningful opportunities for every child to participate, receive, contribute and positively influence others.
H - How
We create meaningful opportunities for every child
O - Our
Every child belongs and every contribution matters
U - United
Strong communities are built together
S - Students
Students grow through participation, contribution and leadership
E - Excel
Thriving school communities help every child excel
What Makes Our Approach Different
Our work is grounded in a simple belief:
meaningful experiences of community should be intentional, practical and part of everyday school life.
PURPOSEFUL EXPERIENCES
We help schools create meaningful opportunities for children to participate, contribute, connect and positively influence others throughout the year.
AUTHENTIC STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Children develop leadership through real responsibility, meaningful contribution and opportunities to positively influence the experiences of others.
DESIGNED FOR REAL SCHOOL COMMUNITIES
Our programs, resources and support are practical, adaptable and designed to complement each school's vision, values and culture.
BUILT FOR LONG-TERM IMPACT
We work with schools to strengthen the capability of their students and school community over time, creating meaningful experiences that extend beyond a single event or activity.
From Petrina & Karen
Our House Spirit has always been about people.
While our programs, resources and Educational Approach have evolved over the years, our passion has remained the same - helping schools create communities where every child has the opportunity to participate, contribute, connect and thrive.
Over the past 12 years, we've had the privilege of partnering with primary schools across Australia and New Zealand. Along the way, we've worked with inspiring educators, passionate student leaders and school communities that continue to teach us something new.
Some of our best ideas have come from listening - to principals, teachers and students. Those conversations continue to shape Our House Spirit and reinforce something we have always believed: every school community is unique.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about who we are and what guides our work.
We'd love the opportunity to learn about your school and explore how we might work together to strengthen your school community.
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