Like many other traditional schools boarding houses, Meriway House has many traditions which have developed over the years. Gentlemanly behaviour is one of the top priorities of the House and one of which the “Bodas” are extremely proud. Waiting at doors for any senior (Grades 11 and 12, prefects and staff) is taken very seriously. Greeting all visitors, staff and parents and standing up when an adult passes is deemed as very important. “Fangs” are handed out to any boy who breaks a rule. After a certain number of “fangs” in a week, a detention session could be on the cards.
One of the older traditions is the “Old Pot/New Pot” system. Every Grade 8 student (New Pot) has an “Old Pot” (Grade 12). This Grade 12 student will guide and help the Grade 8 throughout the year, from helping with home work, to helping the Grade 8 on how to deal with the break-up of a girl friend! Any problems that a new pot might experience, is first handled by the Old Pot. If he cannot solve the problem, then it is then brought by the Old Pot to the Senior Housemaster who then deals with the problem. This creates a special bond between the Grade 8 and his Old Pot which has lasts for many years after school. In return for his services, the New Pot will do some chores for the Old Pot.
All New Pots must learn the names of the students as well as the rules in Meriway House. New Pots that have passed this test may wear a button on the lapel of his blazer. Students are always very proud of passing this test and becoming a New Pot. The learning of the names does create a great team spirit as the boys get to know each other fairly quickly after the start of the year as they can call each other by name.
At the end of the year, the New Pots put on a New Pot play in which all the experiences of the past year are acted out. This is part of being “de-newpotted” and the Grade 8’s then become fully fledged “Boda” students.
All boarders must wear their bashers/cheese-cutters downtown. This has been a tradition for many years.
Many traditions exist in Meriway House – too many to mention here, but all aim to improve the spirit and camaraderie amongst the boarders.
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