Whanganui High School had a house system in the 1970s, but no one could remember when it lapsed. Mr McAllen expected reviving it would be make for an exciting change.
"I think a school this size really needs a house system for house spirit, school spirit, collaboration, competition and a sense of identity," he said.
The students were put into houses before the school year began, with efforts made to keep parents, children, siblings and cousins in the same house as each other. The teachers and support staff are in houses too.
"There are only three people in the school who are not in houses - myself, the assistant principal and the Māori dean," Mr McAllen said.
The community was consulted about house names and identities. The four chosen are Awa, Maunga, Moana and Whenua.
Those names were gifted to the school, along with the iwi story of the origin of the Whanganui River. It was welcomed into the school by its Kia Whaiora kapa haka group, with the story carried on a covered board by a group including Pipiana and Tamahau Rowe.
They were to explain the significance of the house names, and students were to read the story aloud.
The ceremony gives the school a strong and genuine connection to its community, Mr McAllen said.
Since the year began students have begun their school day in form classes with others of mixed age who are in the same house, adding "a real whanau atmosphere".
"The Year 9s have really appreciated the vertical form classes. Often students don't know students outside their year level unless they're involved in the performing arts," Mr McAllen said.
