Fifty years of spirit: Celebrating Coles and Wettenhall Houses

Caroline Stok, Archivist

This year, we celebrate 50 years of Coles and Wettenhall Houses, honouring their legacy of community, leadership, and spirited competition. From their foundation in 1975 to today, these Houses continue to shape the lives of The Geelong College students.

When Coles and Wettenhall Houses were established in 1975, the College was undergoing major changecoeducation had just begun, and the House system was being reshaped. Now, 50 years on, their legacy lives on in the students who lead them today.

Peter Emmett (OGC 1972) was excited to be chosen as the first House Captain of Wettenhall in 1975, a year marked by significant change. One of the biggest challenges was the integration of boarders and day students within the new House system. “At the start of the year, the boarders didn’t want the change, and day students probably felt removed from the team. However, as the year progressed, we all enjoyed the success achieved by the House.”

Don Cooper (OGC 1973) also reflects on 1975 as a time of transition, having been honoured to serve as the inaugural Captain of Coles. “It was an interesting time. The boarding houses appeared to have more team

spirit than the day houses, probably because we spent more time together, and there was fierce competition between the boarding houses (Mackie and Warrinn).”

Don persevered through the early challenges by leading through action – throwing himself into House sports and encouraging others to get involved and give it a go.

The benefits of the House system were clear to Don: “It allowed you to form stronger bonds with a smaller group.” This idea is shared by the 2025 House Co-Captains: Zara Paul and George Cerni (Coles House), and Java Lucas and Lucas Gray (Wettenhall).

“The most important thing that the House system brings is community; in a smaller environment, students build connections between all year levels,” writes Zara.

“For the younger students or new students, it is great to have role models in older years that they are connected to, showing them the way and helping,” Lucas reflects.

“It provides a place to go when needed, a space for deeper friendships to form, to study, and relax. Having the House system aids in every aspect of school life,” Java writes.

In addition to the community and support elements of the House system, the inter-House competitions continue.

Stemming from their namesake, Coles House members are ‘knighted’ into the House, and no matter where the House places, George says they are “positive and proud that we gave it our best effort.”

On the other side of Helicon Place, in the Wettenhall House room, Lucas likes to think of his House as a quiet achiever. “We are a little bit away from the other Houses, and we go unnoticed a lot of the time, but we are one of the most connected houses. They get behind everyone having a go.”

And when it comes to the Cronk standings, with strong participation, Zara “hopes that this will put us in a great position to finish top 5 overall.”

While competition remains part of House life, the Co-Captains aim to build a community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and safe.

Leading their House comes with responsibility, and it’s a role George does not want to take for granted. “You want to represent your house with empathy, courage, and leadership.”

Java says the idea of becoming a House Co-Captain grew from simply stepping up and supporting others: “I started to think of it as an opportunity to improve my leadership skills that I could utilise outside of school and after my schooling journey.”

Peter’s reflections on his time as House Captain in 1975 echo this sense of ambition for the role: “I was very new to leadership at the time, yet I think the guidance given by my House Master over that year helped me grow in my roles later in life.”

Fifty years on, Coles and Wettenhall Houses still embody the values of connection, growth, and spirited leadership. Much has changed since 1975, but the heart of the House system remains - strong, supportive, and deeply woven into College life.

What legacy do you hope to leave as a House Co-Captain?

George: “I would like people to remember me as a kind, inclusive and respectful Co-Captain who made sure everyone had time for fun.”

Java: “I really wanted to focus on being an approachable leader. Not someone who led from the front but rather gave support from the back”

Zara: “I hope all members of Coles remember it as a fun year where they felt respected and valued.”

Lucas: “I want to be the spark that starts the culture that makes everyone feel welcomed and supported, who caused positive change, no matter how small.”

Where are they now?

Don: is now retired and spends his time doing up trailers, ride on mowers and rowing machines. “Prior to retirement I coached rowing crews, gaining numerous state titles. I have a lot of fond memories of my years at the College, especially the boarding years and rowing.”

Peter: is currently running the family business that retails farm machinery.

“I think back with fondness for the experiences I had at College, from boarding, camping and cadets to the friendships made and care of the staff. I couldn’t recommend the experience more. You never stop learning.”

To find out more about the history of the Houses, visit: bit.ly/SShouses