Father Bob Run
by Liz Robinson
Posted October 6, 2011
Students and faculty members were graced with clear skies despite the forecast of rain last Friday for the annual Father Bob Run. One of the oldest traditions at HTS, the Father Bob run is the first formal school-wide house competition of the year and sees students from all divisions race against each other for coveted house points.
The run is held each year in honour of Father Bob Grisdale, theChaplin of Holy Trinity Church when HTS was first founded. All students, faculty and staff members belong to one of six houses; Bishop, Champlain, Langton, MacDonald, Rose or Thorne, and don their house colours on t-shirts, ribbons and face paint to show support for their group.
The House system has been an important part of student life at HTS since its founding. The history of the six houses can be found below.
Rose House
Named in honour of the first Headmaster of Holy Trinity School, Father Jack Rose, an influential and dedicated teacher, who lead the school faithfully from 1981-1990.
Langton House
Named in honour of John Langton, the first Chairman of the Board of Holy Trinity School, whose dedication was instrumental in the early success of the school.
Thorne House
Named in honour of Squire Benjamin Thorne (1769-1848). He was an influential businessman after whom the Town of Thornhill was named. In 1981, Holy Trinity School was founded in Thornhill.
MacDonald House
Named in honour of J.E.H. MacDonald (1873-1932) an English-born Canadian and member of the Group of Seven, whose house was adjacent to Holy Trinity Church in Thornhill.
Bishop Mountain House
Named in honour of Bishop George J. Mountain (1789-1862), the third Anglican Bishop of Canada who oversaw the establishment of the Diocese in which this school was created. He was a man of strong faith who promoted education, inclusiveness, and charity.
Champlain House
Named in honour of Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635), known as the father of New France. He believed in the enormous potential of our great land and who fell in love with our northern lakes and forests. His bravery, sense of adventure and commitment to exploration opened much of Canada.
