When Joyce first stepped into the tuckshop at Atherton State High School, she never imagined she’d still be there, four decades later.
It all began when her own children were young. Joyce volunteered at both their primary and high schools, lending a helping hand wherever it was needed.
One day, the tuckshop convenor announced she was stepping down and encouraged Joyce to apply for the role. With her big heart and natural care for others, it was a perfect fit.
Three children of her own went through the school, but even after they graduated, Joyce stayed.
When asked why, she didn’t hesitate.
“I just love the kids. I love looking after them,” Joyce said.
It’s not just the students, either; Joyce has built lasting relationships with the staff, the volunteers, and even the suppliers she’s worked with for years.
Over the decades, Joyce has seen many changes, but many things have also stayed the same.
Unlike many schools that have gone digital, Atherton State High’s tuckshop still runs the old-school way.
Stock is ordered over the phone, and local suppliers know Joyce by name. The human touch is still at the centre of it all.
Yet, the job and the tuckshop business hasn’t been immune to challenges.
Profit margins have shrunk with rising wages and food costs.
But Joyce and her team work hard to keep meals affordable for the kids, even as the financial pressure mounts.
Another one of the biggest hurdles has been the decline in volunteers.
“Back in 2003, we had at least 68 active volunteers,” Joyce recalls.
“Now we have just 10, alongside five paid staff.
“It’s a shame, but people are so time poor these days, so I understand.”
Through it all, Joyce keeps showing up, apron on and smile ready, focusing on what she does best: feeding her school community with care and dedication.
Some of Joyce’s fondest moments are the little things; funny conversations, a warm thank you, and the joy of seeing familiar names pop up again.
“I’ve fed the children of children,” Joyce said with a grin.
In fact, some of her volunteers, Marg and Maddie, were once students themselves. Now their children come through the tuckshop line.
Joyce has even had past students call in, order their favourite lunch, and drive up to the school just to collect it. That kind of loyalty can’t be bought – it’s earned, meal by meal, memory by memory.
When asked if she has any advice for other tuckshop convenors, her advice was simple.
“Surround yourself with good people. The volunteers and staff I’ve worked with over the years have been truly amazing.”
Ask anyone at Atherton State High School, and they’ll tell you: Joyce isn’t just the woman behind the counter – she’s the heart of the tuckshop.
