2nd place house

My name is Luke McLaughlin and this year I had the privilege of being Joyce house Kaitiaki. 2020 was a highly successful year for Joyce house in sporting, cultural and academic pursuits. The year started off with swimming sports where we won the chant competition and came in 2nd overall. This was a remarkably close competition where Joyce and Marlow were neck and neck for first place throughout the day. The boys showed great participation and had immense success in the relays which put us ahead of Rice house in the decisive moments of the competition. This was a highlight for the year 13 Joyce members who helped get as many boys involved in the events as possible which was a critical step in order for us to place 2nd overall.

Following swimming sports, the next big event was Athletics day. The aim for this year was to win the competition for the 2nd year running. We also hoped to win the chant competition again with boys practicing it on the bus to make sure they knew it. The day started with Joyce boys winning many of the heats and qualifying for the finals. The chant competition came at lunch time and saw us go back to back in chant competitions by taking out first place comfortably. This was a big motivator for the rest of the day, and we managed to fight back from 2nd place to win the competition during the final relay events. For the year 13’s in Joyce house, this was a huge moment for them as Athletics day has always been a competition that Joyce has placed well in over the past 7 years and to win the event in their final year was a highlight for them.

The next big event on the horizon was special character week which involved much preparation in the time leading up to the final days of term 2. The boys learnt the school Haka, religious song Ulufale, and chosen songs of Let it be, History, I want it that way and I see red. The haka competition was hard fought by the other 3 houses resulting in a 4th position placing for Joyce house, however, Joyce managed to place 2nd overall in the singing competition with a strong rendition of Ulufale led my Matthew Pelenato. For the year 13 Joyce members, this was the last time they would sing and perform in front of the school and to place 2nd in the singing competition was a fulfilling result.

Overall, Joyce house had many ups and downs throughout 2020. Some results were ideal while others were not so great. However, in the end, the Joyce house brotherhood prevailed and allowed us to have a successful year winning many of the large events and competitions and ended with Joyce placing 2nd in the house cup. Brothers together, Brothers forever.