Last week, students were lucky enough to participate in one of those fabulously memorable school events – the annual House Factor Competition.

The annual competition is student-lead with a team incorporating students from all secondary year levels, uniting to organise the cabaret, talent-show event. Each year there is a theme that the students must gain inspiration from and each of the four Houses is expected to create two acts to participate. Themes have included Hollywood, the 80s and this year, Australia! Judges, who remain secret until the event, are made up of members of staff from the Deputy Principal to English teachers to maintenance workers. The event truly unites the College through House Spirit and camaraderie.

House Factor was the brainchild of Head of Year, Ms Kirsten Solti, five years ago with the vision to “create an opportunity for all students to participate, interact between year levels and give it a go”. This vision stemmed from wanting to unite students within the House system, but beyond the traditional norms of sports carnivals, ensuring students of all abilities and passions could participate.

Over the past two years a new level of community involvement has also emerged. Already an ongoing partner with the College through service and community, disability support service and charity Sunshine Butterflies was invited to join the fun in 2023. Students continously engage with Sunshine Butterflies through the Secondary years via the Year 9 Connections program, end of year projects and Service opportunities, forming strong connections and relationships. These connections enabled their invitation and inclusion in this event to seamlessly integrate, with a standout performer who emerged. Sunshine Butterflies' member Aaron’s impromptu dancing and singing in the audience was such a highlight in 2023 that he was invited back in 2024 to perform on stage.

Aaron’s public Facebook comment clearly shows his enthusiasm and joy, “St Andrew's Anglican College thank you so much for having me on the show, I really appreciate it. I had a great time at House Factor. I never would of been able to attend without you. Here's to next year! Aussie Aussie! Oi Oi Oi!”

The community connections and progression of House Factor is well and truly established in the school calendar and is sure to be an event remembered by students, staff and the growing community…unlike lessons on quadrilateral triangles.