TUTUS, capes and bucket hats abounded at Monto State High School's swimming carnival earlier this month, where Cook house prevailed over arch rivals Russell.

It seals a good run of form for Cook, which has dominated in the swimming for the past few years, according to teacher Danielle Sinclair.

"It was quite a significant win this year,” she said.

Melissa Dowling, a former teacher at Monto State High School, has been to eight swimming carnivals in a row, supporting her two champion swimmers Sascha and Brenton.

"I'm the sort of Mum who goes to all the carnivals,” Mrs Dowling said.

"There is definitely higher participation now than there was when I taught 20 years ago.”

"There wasn't as much fun at the carnival as there is now.”

She puts the change down to the introduction of the Novelty Shield, which is competed concurrently alongside the Kev and Ivy Herbener Shield for house champion.

The "Novelty Shield”, as it were, is actually a garbage bin painted half orange and half purple, the two house colours.

Events which count towards this prize include inflatable races, the "salmon run”, fancy dress, war-cry competition and the all-ages swim.

AGE CHAMPS:

U12: Holly Knight, Riley Blue.

U13: Riley Pointon, Luke Barnett.

U14: Teely Wolff, Lucas Spletter.

U15: Chelsea Knight, Brayden Rigg.

U16: Matylda Dow, Jordan Anderson.

U17: Sascha Dowling, Hannah Stephan, Daniel Phillips.