One of the unique things about Joeys is the manner in which the whole school rally behind each other. We place a huge emphasis on gathering together as a community in a variety of events where we make it compulsory for all boys to attend. Included in these events are Academic nights, Family Masses, Music Ensemble Evenings, Year Dinners and sporting fixtures. Each of these represent a different aspect of College Life, however, together they give us an opportunity to gather and celebrate our community.

The Head of the River is just one of these events but certainly is a great chance for the Year 7s to be introduced to our sporting culture of support no matter the result. We knew as we headed out to Penrith that it was going to be a tough day on the water for the rowers. Schools such as Sydney Grammar and Kings had shown strength across all age groups throughout the season. This in fact, only made our support more important. It is easy to celebrate when victory is achieved (and we have certainly had our fair share of this), however when the results don’t go in your favour, the support that a community provides is even more important.

Although the boys knew very few of the Joeys rowers, the day was an excellent example of how Joeys boys support their mates. Our support is always positive, it is consistent regardless of the result and it continues long after the race is finished. The boys also were able to develop an understanding of how important it is for us to stay grounded and congratulate the winners – there was no Joeys crew on the podium but staying to congratulate those who were is just so important.

With a long bus trip there, some warm weather, lots of standing, even more cheering and then another longer bus trip back it was certainly a long day. Despite this, the boys’ behaviour in the Rally was superb as we welcomed the rowers back to the school and congratulated them on their wonderful efforts.

The Joeys culture is unique and spans so many different aspects of life. It is these compulsory activities which help the boys develop an understanding of this culture and in their own time – enhance the wonderful traditions of the College.

Photo 1:  Josh Flannery (Drummoyne) and Tom Brennan (Drummoyne) on the banks of Penrith Lakes.

Photo 2:  Callum Harris (Somersby), Rory Keady (Coonamble) and Ben Spencer (Barraba) wait for the next race to begin.

Photo 3:  Will Nicholls (West Pymble) catches up on some sleep using Aidan Quirk (Glenhaven) as his pillow.