School Life

House System

At Trafalgar, school life is about more than academics — it’s about belonging, leadership, and learning by doing.
Traf girls are fiercely loyal to their Houses — a cherished tradition that began as a way to build unity across grades and has since become a cornerstone of our school community. The House System brings students together in spirited competitions, creative challenges, and community events, fostering friendships, confidence, and a strong sense of school spirit. Every student plays a role, and every contribution matters.

One of the most powerful examples of this is the annual House Plays. Much more than a performance, the House Plays are a hands-on leadership experience. Students take the lead as directors, designers, stage managers, and collaborators — setting visions, solving problems, adapting to challenges, and learning what it means to guide a team with creativity and resilience. Along the way, they receive mentorship from peers and faculty, pick up practical skills (like sewing a costume or painting a clean edge), and grow in ways that reach far beyond the stage.
At Trafalgar, every House event becomes an opportunity: to connect, to lead, to lift each other up — and to discover just how much they’re capable of. School life here isn’t something students watch from the sidelines; it’s something they help shape every day.
And what would the Houses be without their defining features? Established in Traf’s 50th year, each House chose its own colour, motto, and namesake — symbols that continue to reflect their unique spirit. Discover them below:

Ross House

Named after Donald Ross, Esq., Founder of the school

Colour: Yellow

Motto: Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re / Pleasant in Disposition, Brave in Action

Cumming House

Originally ”Ridell” after Mr. Alexander F. Riddell, Secretary-Treasurer of the Board, 1879-1929. Renamed Cumming in 1940 when Principal Janet Cumming retired

Colour: Blue

Motto: Facta non Verba / Deeds not words

Fairley House

Named after Miss Grace Fairley, the school’s first Principal

Colour: Red

Motto: Ministerium se Preaevenit / Service before Self

Donald House

In 1960, as the school grew, a 5th house was created.
Named after the Rev. George H. Donald, Board President

Colour: Purple

Motto: Pertinacia et Amicitia / Determination and Friendship

Barclay House

Named after the Rev. Dr. Barclay, long-serving
member and Chairman of the Board

Colour: Green

Motto: Tende Bene et Alta Pete / Strive well and reach high

Trafalgar School for Girls

3495 Simpson Street
Montreal, Quebec
H3G 2J7
514-935-2644
info@trafalgar.qc.ca
Our diverse school community challenges and inspires girls to embrace learning, be confident, and shape a better world.