News | 21 September 2026
Meet House Alcea Captain Andrii Semeniuk at IES Österåker
Meet Andrii Semeniuk, PE teacher and House Alcea captain at IES Österåker. He shares insights on team spirit, sportsmanship, and house culture.
At IES Österåker, the house system forms the core of our school culture by bringing together students from across all year groups. Older students step up as role models, helping build a safe, structured, and welcoming environment where every child feels included and supported.
Our three houses are rooted in the rich local heritage and nature of Österåker. House Alcea, represented by the color blue, takes its name from the municipal building and the historical vessel Alcea. Its shield displays a ship and a woven rope, symbolizing honesty, loyalty, and collective strength.
Students earn house points daily by embodying our core PRIDE values:
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Positive: Bringing encouraging energy to class and the hallways.
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Respectful: Showing respect for knowledge, the school environment, each other, and themselves.
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Inclusive: Ensuring every peer feels welcome and valued.
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Dare to Excel & Engaged in Learning: Demonstrating grit, hard work, and determination in their studies.
These ongoing efforts count toward the House Trophy, creating immense energy during sports days and house challenges. Staff house captains and student leaders work side by side to ensure student voices contribute directly to developing our school community.
House Captain Spotlight: Mr. Andrii Semeniuk
Mr. Semeniuk teaches physical education (PE) and serves as a Year 6 mentor. Born in Ukraine, he has been with IES Österåker since the school opened in 2024.
Outside the school day, floorball is a huge passion for Mr. Semeniuk. He coaches Täby FC as well as the Ukrainian Men's National Floorball Team. He is also learning Swedish, and his daughter recently joined IES Österåker as a student.
Here is what Mr. Semeniuk shares about leading House Alcea:
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House Identity: "For me, Alcea is about being stronger together. The rope on our shield represents how individual strands become far stronger when bound together. I want Alcea to be a house where everyone feels they belong, supports one another, and takes pride in being part of the team."
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Looking Ahead: "I look forward to our house competitions and seeing students from different classes and year groups compete together, make new connections, and get to know each other by name."