Swimming galas are unheard of in Canada - maybe because it's too cold or a whole school could never fit inside a pool. Most secondary schools don't even have pools.
At Queen's College Old Boys' Association Secondary School, the event is taken very seriously.
In the weeks leading up to the big day, there were qualifying competitions and cheering squads practised their routines.
On the day, flags and banners from all four houses flew high and swayed in the breeze. Inspirational slogans encouraged competitors and reminded house members that tenacity and success are connected. The races began and so did an amazing display of athletic prowess: clean cuts into the water, rhythmic backstrokes and intense concentration.
The cheering squads pumped up the racers and excited the spectators: Yellow House had fancy moves; Red House made high-pitched noises; Blue House was tireless and Green House had funky bracelets.
Up in the stands, the spectators soaked up the atmosphere. It was a rare opportunity to get to know each other outside of school - to chat about music, friends and plans.
