St. Ignatius College Spirit Week kicks off with a splash of colour, competition, and unapologetic team loyalty
Walking through the gates of St. Ignatius College yesterday felt less like arriving at school and a lot like stepping into a global football stadium. Liverpool’s red clashing with Manchester City blue, Arsenal’s crimson meeting Real Madrid’s white. And of course, a few brave souls donned the jersey of that team we’re technically not supposed to mention (but we see you, Manchester United fans).
Welcome to Jersey Day – the opening salvo of Spirit Week 2026, and arguably the most diplomatically challenging day on our school calendar.
Spirit Week?
Spirit Week is a cherished tradition at St. Ignatius College, organized and largely driven by our students to build school pride, unity, and community spirit. Running Monday through Friday this week, it is a celebration of who we are as a school – bringing together students, teachers, and staff through themed days and engaging activities. Each day in the procession of the week transforms the school into a hub of creativity, laughter, and connection. It is about strengthening bonds, creating memories, and reminding ourselves that we’re more than just classmates and colleagues – we’re a family united by shared values and collective joy.
More Than Just Fabric
There exists something profoundly chaotic about Jersey Day. In what other context could a Mathematics teacher and die-hard Arsenal fan engage in good-natured banter with a student sporting full Tottenham regalia? How else would staff offices witness Chelsea scarves provoking such passionate debate over morning tea? Jersey Day is about more than football allegiances, friendly feuds, and vibrant fabrics. Beyond the implication of the name, it is about identity, belonging, and the stories we wear on our backs. It remains in the nature of Ignatian spirit to go beyond and do more, in work and play alike.
The Spirit Behind Spirit Week
Jersey Day marked the beginning of Spirit Week, a student-led initiative designed to strengthen our school community through themed activities and shared experiences. From Monday through Friday, students and staff will participate in various events each afternoon from 2:30pm to 4:00pm, building school pride one themed day at a time. Spirit Week is our chance to remind everyone that St. Ignatius is not just a place where we come to learn, but also a community we belong to.
Unity in Diversity
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Jersey Day was how it celebrated both diversity and unity simultaneously. We may pledge allegiance to different clubs, nations, or different football philosophies. We may disagree vehemently about penalty decisions, transfer strategies, and whether VAR has ruined the game. But we were all here, together, sharing in the joy of sport and community.
The poster’s clever “AMDG” sign-off adds a layer of irony not lost on our community. Even in our playful rivalries and sporting passions, we’re reminded of our larger purpose and shared values.
What’s Next?
Jersey Day is, of course, just the beginning. The Spirit Week organizing committee has promised four more days of excitement, each designed to showcase different aspects of our school community. Activities will continue each afternoon, transforming St. Ignatius College into a celebration of student creativity, staff enthusiasm, and collective school spirit.
To the student organizers who made this possible: you’ve reminded us all that school spirit isn’t mandated – it’s cultivated. Growing in moments of shared laughter, friendly competition, and the simple joy of being part of something larger than ourselves. And to our beloved Manchester United fans? We see and love you ever so dearly!
Spirit Week continues through Friday with daily activities from 2:30pm-4:00pm. Check the school forums for the next theme and join us in building the strongest school community in Zambia – one themed day at a time.
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