College Houses ________________________________Page

Only two words can be used when describing Foley’s year in 2017. History making. The boys who entered Foley at the start of the year, knew they struck gold in joining the Falcons. We began with a cruisy win at Kardinia Pool beating our new rival Jordan Redbacks. Athletics saw Foley swiftly showcasing the best of the young talent. A shock win at Cross Country sealed the year for a consecutive Adam Bryant Shield. Well done to the other houses.

To my Foley members from 7-12 I thank you for the great effort shown in 2017 which will go in the history books as truly dominant. Other houses can say what they wish but no one can deny the great spirit shown by the mighty Falcons. May our victory last forever.

- William Devine, Foley House Captain

It was a long year for the Sharkies boys, kicking off with the swimming sports at Kardinia Pool. After some outstanding performances from our Year 10s and 11s, it was not enough as the Sharks rounded out our much loved event in last place. After feeling the hurt of losing our swimming sports, our backs were against the wall, however the motivated Year 12 cohort lead by cult figure and Butler house icon Andrew “candy man” McNeel, were eager to change the flow and win our first aths day in 17 years. After a disappointing show from our Year 11s who only fielded 22 of their 63 young shark pups, the true GRIT of the rest of the house was on show with some outstanding individual efforts. Ultimately we were left disappointed, in 3rd place the Sharks where outclassed by a returning giant, the Foley Falcons. The final event of Term 1 was Cross Country, held at the magnificent Barwon River. Participation was key and our boys rose to the occasion. The Foley boys came out on top for the three-peat. 2017 was not our year in the sporting field, but I’m sure I leave this great house well positioned to go one better in 2018. Good luck to the 2018 House Captains and beyond, I urge everyone to get involved in house activities and jump onto the opportunities that SJC gives you. It’s been an honour and a privilege. Special thanks to Ms Drever and Mr Lynch. Go Sharks. - Jack Brogden, Butler House Captain The Brophy Bees have had an outstanding year in 2017. Progress is key and the Bees made progress like no other. We had a tough start finishing last in the Swimming Sports. However, the Bees resilient nature shone brightly, a high spirit of competition was displayed by all members at the Athletics Carnival. Despite all round domination in the 100m sprints lead by star athlete Jacob Sesar, once again the Foley Falcons athletics supremacy prevailed. The final major carnival was the Cross Country on Edmund Rice Day. Year 7 Bees started the day strong, showing that Brophy are not a force to be reckoned with. Sitting in second place toward the end, Michael Gulle and myself desperately searched the bottom of the Barwon for a miracle. However, the Foley Falcons proved too strong, taking out the Cross Country Shield, finishing their trifecta. The participation from all St Joseph’s students was fantastic to see. The school’s ACC team, led by Mr Kemp, showed great promise in taking out the school’s first major ACC carnival event. As 2017 comes to a close all I can say is thank you. I urge all young aspiring Bees to run harder, swim faster and push for longer. The hard work will pay off and the Brophy Bees will be on top once again. - Jack Keating, Brophy House Captain

Jordan’s year got off to a great start, with boys putting in a fantastic effort at the Swimming Sports, especially the Year 7s. Everyone had a good crack, however we narrowly finished second by 9 points, almost capturing our first ever swimming title. Next was Athletics Day, with Jordan looking promising from the outset. Geelong put on its best weather for the day as we attempted to dethrone Foley. Participation levels were high across the younger year levels, and we looked threatening all day, however a lack of numbers in the senior levels ultimately let us down, coming second once again to Foley. In the Cross Country, we were looking to finish the year off strong. Despite our strong history, and fantastic efforts by the all of the boys, we were unable to continue our dominance, finishing third overall. Although being unable to clinch any of the three titles, we would like to thank all the Jordan boys for having a go this year. The future looks bright, and we look forward to the Jordan boys dominating in the years to come. - Callum McGough & Hugh McMahon,

Jordan House Captains