22/02/2026
House/Faction System
In 1915 Joseph Parsons (Mod’s second Principal) divided the school into Red, Blue, Gold and Sphinx ‘Factions’ to promote sporting rivalry. This continued until 1973.
From the Sphinx Yearbook 72-73. "During 1973, Perth Modern School saw the transition from the traditional faction system to a house system.
The faction system was introduced into the school in the year 1915. Every year since, the four factions (Red, Blue, Gold, Sphinx) have competed for the faction shield. Over later years the competition was conducted in only two areas, swimming and athletics.
It was desired to extend the sporting activities to other areas and to include academic honours as well. The staff and students chose to change to a house system consisting of six houses (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Sigma, Omega) and the activities for competition to include both sporting and academic honours" (refer page 13).
The house clock (see pictures) was made by Mr John Wellman, Manual Arts Teacher, 1953-1974. The clock includes winning houses from 1973 to 1984. The winning house for 1973 was Gamma. As per the clock, in 1980 the house system reverted to colours (Red, Blue, Gold, Green) with red house winning. This clock can be viewed in the Museum.
In 1994 new names were given to factions. The Sphinx from 1994 states, “This year saw a new change to the faction system with names being given to each of the factions. In the past only colour names were associated with the factions. Each new name follows the Greek tradition, keeping in line with the school emblem - the Greek Sphinx.
Blue faction became APOLLO, after the Greek God of music; Gold faction was named OLYMPIA, after the home of the Olympic Games; Green faction retained the traditional name - SPHINX; and Red faction was renamed ATHENA after the Greek Goddess of wisdom.
At the end of term three, the competition for the John Wellman Faction Trophy is very close. With a number of activities still to be included in term four, the competition will be very close right to the end. This trophy is presented to the winning faction captains at the year twelve graduation, and again at the first school assembly of the next year.” Athena won in 1994.
In 2007, with the return of academic selected students, houses were named after the school's first four principals: Fredrick Brown (Blue), Joseph Parsons (Green), Noel Sampson (Red) and Talbot Downing (yellow/gold).
If you have any photos to share from a sports day or faction/house event, please share in the comments or via messenger or bring a copy into the Museum on Monday mornings (9.30am to midday - during school term).
