At Cathedral of the Risen Christ School, the Junior High students participate in Abbeys. Read on to learn more about them.

1. What are the Abbeys?

   Abbeys are teams which students are randomly assigned to when they enter 6^th grade at Cathedral. Each Junior High teacher leads an Abbey and each Abbey is associated with a different Saint. Students compete with their Abbey their entire Junior High career (6^th-8^th grade). If you’re familiar with the Hogwarts Houses of Harry Potter, the Abbey’s aren’t too different.

2. What do the Abbeys do throughout the school year?

   We celebrate each Abbey’s feast day, have competitions each quarter of the school year, and have a party at the end of the year for the top three teams. Students can earn points for their Abbey throughout the school year by attending different events, volunteering, and of course, during their competitions.

3. How were the Abbeys started at Cathedral?

   A previous Cathedral P.E. teacher, around 2011, shared with the principal a fun “Houses” concept from his old school. Our principal then decided to do a Catholic spin on it with the Saints.

4. What does the coordinator for the Abbeys do?

   The coordinator leads the planning and scheduling of Abbey events and helps record scores as well as make sure Abbey teams are split fairly (both in # of students and boy/girl ratios). Abbeys, however, are a team effort. Junior High teachers meet once a quarter and plan out competitions. The administration plays a role in helping with logistics as well. We all see the benefits and joy this tradition gives the kids, so it’s well worth the work!

5. Why are the Abbeys beneficial?

   Junior high can be a challenging and intimidating time for kids. The Abbeys help to bring new students into the Cathedral family. They foster community and provide great team-building opportunities. It is so cool to see 8^th graders cheering on their 7th and 6th grade Abbey teammates and interacting with them around the school throughout the year. Additionally, students getting to interact with their teachers through fun, team-building activities helps build relationships and can help foster a great student/teacher relationship for the future! Graduating students have shared countless times that some of their favorite moments in junior high were memories made through the Abbeys.

Photo from an Abbey competition: