JOYCE YEAR REPORT

Being amidst a crippling economy (a.k.a. The Recession),  David Bain being released into society, a swine flu epidemic and even the death of the 'King of Pop' you could say that 2009 was a difficult year for all. But not for Joyce...The 09' Joyce campaign started off mightily strong as Mr. Dowling's dream of the Red Raging Bull became a reality as the boys were gifted with a ferocious looking bull on the back of their house singlet's, expressing our individual 'awesomeness' early on in the year. This followed through into swimming sports where 2^nd was our final result. However on the same day for best chant, we came 1^st.

Athletics day for us was spectacular to say the least, a fast consistent wave of red dominated throughout the day with some brilliant individual performances from the likes of Phillip Vaifale & Tom Scott. 1^st was the final result thanks to everyone's efforts. Then along came the end of Term two which marked the most important time in the year for the boys... St Thomas Day; so when thinking of a word to describe Joyce's performance on this particular day - "domination" springs to mind, but that would be an understatement of how it went for the boys in red. First of all was the singing competition which saw us performing 'You are not alone' as a tribute to the King of Pop, resulting in 1^st, again. Followed by this was the main event of the day; the haka competition. This saw us in a "haka off" battle for first place against the 'sissy's in yellow' in a rematch of last year, however revenge was generously dealt this time round and we were once again victors, earning the coveted 1^st  placing and taking back the highly contested trophy. Our superior ferociousness also had us taking away the best Haka leader award which was handed to Caleb Raweti, giving Joyce another podium finish of 1^st. The Battle of the Bands competition however was controversial to say the least as Joyce finished up 4^th after offering up a breathtaking display of raunchiness, sensual flare and graceful movements all done topless in respect to the boy band '5ive'. After being deemed 'not a band' it became clear to us that only a distraught and jealous judge could make such a rash and ruthless ruling to rob us of the deserved first placing.

 

So to summarise Joyce's efforts of 2009: Swimming sports, 2^nd. (as well as Best Chant, 1^st.) Athletics, 1^st. STC Day; Singing,1^st. Haka,1^st. (as well as Best Leader, 1^st.)

How Joyce didn't end this year in 1^st place is very much beyond my understanding. But of this very successful year, nothing could have been possible without the efforts from the man himself - Mr. Paddy Dowling; House Co-coordinator, faithful Joyce member and generally just a fabulously groovy person. Leading from the word go and making sure Joyce would not only succeed in the yearly events, but to exceed higher than any other house academically and culturally. And to that I say thanks Mr. D! For your superb help throughout the year. And what I am certain of is that I've had an awesome year leading a house full of remarkable lads and I wish nothing but the best to everyone for next year!

Love ya's. J

 

By Mena Malik

The Red Raging Bull Charges on in 2009!!!

It started as the mist rose from the tempered pool in Halswell. Another year of dominance was ahead and all were up for it. Our cross dressing house leader Mena Malik was primed for action with another article of clothing stolen off his grandmother. The pool was cool and so were the boys in Joyce House colours of rich red running up and down the pool. Unfortunately for us their progress was a bit cool too at the beginning of the day. Fortunately for the wicked efforts of people like Daniel Bromley and the great attitude of both seniors and juniors we tanked out the rest of the day and rose from the slums to second. A little too late to take it out.

This was never to happen again!!!

We had let down our brothers from the past, the tradition of excellence was on the line and it was unacceptable. Father Joyce was the founder of this college of excellence and we were not about to let him down. After a sterling speech in the library revving up the troops we charged on with rage in our bellies. The first action was to quietly and secretly get a bull transferred on to our singlets, a mascot for life and the strength of family forever. As one we would be unbeatable. We charged late over to the far field to spring the surprise. This would be the last time we were at the back for the rest of the day. Onwards and upwards we rolled. Philip, the Smith gang, Scotty, Lewis Allan, Matty V, Johnny Lester, Flanders, Mena Malik and his cronies. Together we were one. The juniors did us all proud, the old gang came through, participation was massive and the numbers never lied from the beginning to the end it was pure unadulterated DOMINATION, like water from a spring it was clear, sweet and pure.

Rock on St Thomas' week and the domination came to the front. The singing competition with Mena selecting an all time favourite and a song of the moment from the great Michael Jackson 'You are not alone.' It was sung with pride and passion from all students and teachers of the house. We of course won the singing as we in Joyce House are in touch with our passionate sensitive sides. Roll on the Haka and it did and we rolled out the red carpet treatment... passion, pride, determination, a Kaea from the corner... church corner!!! and we were away on top again. Best house Haka and best Kaea. When it came to the head clash between Marlow and Joyce there was no competition even Michael Bendall who is a staunch Marlow man voted unanimously for Joyce.

How we ended up second I am unsure ... all I can think is that the Bruce challenges were not supported enough. Thank you to Mena Malik for his strength in leadership and determination as without it we would not have been as strong. Our unsung hero for the year is Andrew O' Sullivan. In year 13 with plenty of other things to do Andrew took the time to start up our own BEBO site 'joyceproud' and complete a lot of graphics for us to us for flags, banners, posters and the bull for the back of the singlets was refined. Thanks must also go to Mr.Newton who followed up on the concept and found a bull to use. Joyce has truly been the leaders of all houses and have paved the way for future developments. I think from now on what ever you see isn't new it is just a follow on from the lead house JOYCE!!! Together we will always win ... apart we will struggle. In the bull ring no one but Joyce can survive.

It has been an honour and a privilege to be the Joyce House Co-ordinator for 2009 the transition to vertical forms has been smooth and has strengthen the house spirit throughout the school. I will no longer be the Co-ordinator of the House as I am hanging up the red cape for the first time in Seven years. Now I shall help dominate from within. A Joyce man I shall always be            JOYCE PROUD FOREVER!!!

By Paddy Dowling