Villa View: Issue 03/20

The response from our parents in attending the Parent Information Evenings over the past two weeks has been tremendous and very uplifting for our staff. Your presence at these events is a very visible sign of the strong partnership being forged between home and the College.

The new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)  introduced in 2019 is a significant change to Senior Schooling that affects all students. I can appreciate understanding the new system with new process and language can be a daunting prospect. To help parents to understand the new system, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has provided numerous resources for parents on their website.

The screenshot below from the QCAA website – https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/ has a number of resources for parents. I encourage parents to be informed about the new systems operating in Queensland schools.

ATAR
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) will be calculated by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). The ATAR is a rank provided to Year 12 students who are seeking entry into tertiary courses in the following year. The ATAR will range from the top- 99.95 down to a low of 30 or below. All ranks below 30 will be reported as “30 or below”.  The QCAA will provide the academic data for all Year 12 students who are eligible for an ATAR to QTAC for the calculation processes. The ATAR will be released to students around the middle of December each year.

Whistleblower Protection Policy and Procedures
Legislative changes introduced for 2020 require all organisations, including companies such as Villanova College to have in place a policy and procedures to protect whistleblowers. The Whistleblower Protection Policy and Procedures can be found on the Villanova College website- https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/our-college/policies-and-documents/

School Bags
Young people love to have a cool school bag with the “cool” look, however, Villanova College has a school bag that is branded as Villanova College. The school bag is part of the identification of students who attend the College in the same way the uniform identifies our students. It is my expectation that all students will have a Villanova College school bag for everyday general use. Sports clothes etc may be carried in the Villanova College sports bag. If your son has currently hidden his school bag under his bed, please drag it out and assist us in ensuring all students meet our expectations.

I will be asking the staff to police the school bag of students over the coming weeks to ensure all students comply with our uniform expectations.

We are currently investigating the production of a Villanova College satchel that will provide a means for students to carry their laptop and books to classes. I will keep you posted on this progress.

Prayers Please
We keep in our prayers and thoughts at this time the community at St Martin’s Catholic Primary School. We also keep in our prayers Mr Adam Fry and his family and Ms Amy Roberts and her family following the recent death of their respective grandmothers.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in Peace. Amen

God bless
Mr Mark Stower, Principal

I read with sadness last week that the famous actor Kirk Douglas passed away at the very ripe old age of 103. In reading about his long and full life, interspersed by an number of interests, achievements and involvements, his date of birth – 9 December 1916 – prompted me to think about what his early life would have been like as compared to the young men that grace the grounds of Villanova College. Even more intriguing to me was how did ‘technology’ look in the 1930’s when Kirk Douglas was in his teenage years. Here are a few comparisons :

29 August 1932 : The first desk phone was used. In 2020, the mobile phone has become the primary means of verbal communication and many of our students would not have seen or used a ‘landline’ phone.

26 May 1933 : FM Broadcasting commenced. In 2020, the radio is still a common form of news and entertainment. However, how relevant it is for our adolescents is questionable. Podcasts, YouTube and other forms of online entertainment now dominate.

28 October 1938 : The Volkswagen Beetle, one of the best-selling automobiles ever, was first produced. Although there are still many on the roads today, the technology in newer cars has come so far. The automobile industry has quickly moved passed power steering, electric windows and cruise control, and they are now close to fully autonomous vehicles that may be able to dispense with refuelling because of the advances made in alternative energies.

I am currently reading a book titled ‘Teaching for Tomorrow’ by Michael McQueen. McQueen is an internationally-renowned author in educational circles, and regularly focuses on future oriented thinking. I have heard him speak on a couple of occasions and his insights into education are quite interesting. Whilst many educators are motivated by teaching the skills and knowledge of subject specific areas, McQueen promotes the need to work on the 21st century skills (see below) because technology is moving so quickly.

In keeping with our commitment to promote lifelong learning and the 21^st Century Skills, our teachers have been asked this year to focus on elements such as creativity and innovation. Educating the innovators, the changemakers and the problem-solvers of tomorrow is something that the teachers at the College look forward to each and every day.

With the beginning of the new year, it’s always a great time to reassess your academic approach. The key to making the most of this opportunity is focusing on the things which will bring the biggest return.

1. Simplify Your Organisation System

Every student has an organisation system. True, the definition of “organisation” may be looser for some students than others, but everyone has a way they stay organised (or attempt to). Maybe you’re the “Type-A” student and you have a clearly defined system. You’ll know that you’re “Type-A” by the file folders you both own and use, the folded socks in your drawer, and all the lists by which you keep track of important information. You probably have a calendar, a planner, and you know exactly which clothing is clean and which is dirty.

But not everyone fits in such a naturally organised world. These students can be called “Type-B.”

If you’re a “Type-B” student, you’re not alone, but organisation probably requires more effort. “Type-B” students tend to prefer “piling systems” to filing cabinets. Calendars often seem like too much work, so they’d rather just put everything in their backpacks and find it later. Students on the far end of the “Type-B” universe may even find themselves sorting laundry via the “smell check” method.

Regardless of whether you are a Type A or B student, though, one of the biggest difference-makers this year is your organisation system. Few things will save time and improve academic performance the way an effective organisation system will.

A great organisation system has at its centre one goal: replace your brain. The more organised you are, the less you have to think. Your organisation system should be simple enough that you don’t have to make any decisions about where you put new assignments, where to find completed assignments or what to do with graded assignments. You shouldn’t have to go through a mental checklist every time you study because your organisation system does it for you. The fewer decisions you need to make, the more your thoughts and energy can focus on things that matter. Consider these three questions to determine how simple your organisation system is right now:

• Do you have good systems in place to manage and organise both the paper and digital resources for school?
• Do you have a system to make sure that all assignments and due dates are marked on your calendar / planner?
• Do you have a system to focus on what needs to be done today and not just what’s due tomorrow?

When you can answer each of these three questions without thinking, you’ll know that your organisation system is simple enough to be a major asset this year.

2. Break the “Cram Cycle” Before it Starts

By the end of the semester, students often find themselves overloaded and overwhelmed, and having to rely on cramming for final examinations to get through to the break. They are exhausted and in survival mode. Thriving academically no longer matters. All that matters is the break at the end.

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’ve experienced what we call the “Cram Cycle.” Students get busy during the semester, which leads to exhaustion. When you’re exhausted, the only thing you want to do is zone out for a bit. After an afternoon of zoning, students are forced to put all their effort into completing assignments that are due tomorrow. We call this “cramming.” As students work on only that which is due tomorrow, long-term assignments pile up and create even more busyness, which leads to exhaustion, and the “Cram Cycle” begins to accelerate. Most students only get out of the “Cram Cycle” when the semester ends.

But this year can be different. If you want to stay out of this dreaded cycle, commit yourself to doing some independent learning at least five days a week, even when you don’t have anything due the next day. Use every day as a review day, spreading out your study sessions for big tests and projects across multiple days instead of letting them pile up. This approach takes more effort initially to create these habits, but you’ll reap the benefits when you’re free of the “Cram Cycle”.

3.  Supercharge Retention with Scientifically verified Study Strategies

Everyone knows that taking notes is a good idea. Reading your textbooks seem like a great thing to do. And you’ve probably learned that it’s best to have a consistent place to study, one which is quiet, clean, and comfortable enough (but not TOO comfortable). But what are the strategies that have been scientifically verified to boost your retention?

One of the best things you can do is to take a break in the middle of your study sessions. In one study psychologists wanted to find out whether there was any difference in “spacing” a study session (this means to take a break in the middle) or “massing” instead (which means that you hammer it out all at once). The researchers took two randomly chosen, equal groups of students, gave them the same amount of study time, gave them the same material, and tested them on the material afterward. The only difference was that one group took a short break in the middle and the other group did not.  The results were incredible.

The group that studied with “spacing” did 50% better than the group that studied with “massing.” That means in the same amount of study time, you could potentially boost your retention by 50% by just taking a ten-minute break.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

We are steadily making routines in the Junior School.  Finding how we can work together in new spaces with new people is no simple feat.  Below are some comments I have been privy to this week:

Student: Isn’t it fun to walk up some stairs to a classroom?  Last year it was just flat, flat, flat and this year I’m up in the sky like Superman, Mr Rouhliadeff.  It does take a lot longer.  Like a lot longer, unless you are fit.

Student: I don’t know how my teacher remembers so much – I can’t even remember my lunch box most days.  Maybe it’s because she just writes a list on the board and we just go, go, go, have a brain break, then go, go, go some more.  She’s funny, especially when she makes mistakes, she just freezes, and her mouth makes the O shape.  She needs us to help sometimes as much as we need her.

It challenges the most experienced staff to “begin again” just as it can be unsettling at times for our young men.  Who would have thought there would be so many ways to get through 8.25am to 3.00pm?  Our timetables are almost finalised, but still our class teachers are open to changing the day to embrace the finishing touches to the new year.  We need to be patient and listen to the many questions, because it is often not until you really need to know that you really pay attention.

Expectations are perhaps higher than last year, which is ok.  Our staff are reasonable people, I assure you.  They know every boy takes their own time to get there.  Some are quicker than others.  There is no gold medal for reaching the imaginary target of expectations.  The boys will actually surprise us all, going far beyond what we ever hope for, but we must show consistency and compassion.

Communication is key for anyone to meet expectations.  We need to model what we ask others to do, we must break down the steps to get to the destination.  Baby steps for some to organise their bags, belongings and routines.  Giant leaps for some who embrace any co-curricular activity that is on offer.

Memories, remembering these days, these first steps.  One day you will wonder where this time went.  Look at how much these young men want to please, to find joy in any situation and be successful.  They hear “work hard,” but they need to figure out what this means to them.  Some will do this by trial and error, some will try strategies that require our support and cheering from the sidelines.  The boys are figuring things out and this means they need space sometimes.  Risk taking is one of the most powerful learning experiences.  Students can do this in the Junior School, and they will learn that teachers and parents have unconditional support for them through thick and thin.

Fun, as we remember to laugh and celebrate each other and find ways to share the positives in the newest days of our year.  Saying “thank you” in an email or note in the College Diary will make any staff member feel gratitude for your acknowledgement.  Tell your sons that you are proud of them, for the simplest of things like packing his own PE gear or finishing homework, as this will mean the world to him.  It will foster continued efforts and there’s nothing better than being all set for the school day when they walk through the doors.  Put a cheeky note in the lunch box over the next week, tell these boys how special they are, that they have talents and dreams still waiting to come true.

Be kind to yourselves.  You all have work, family, exercise and social commitments to combine with a new school year.  Embrace 2020 opportunities and make the most of this precious time.  Read the Villa View and put dates into your calendar each week.  Just for fun, as a reward for reading this Junior School editorial, ask your son to email me at srouhliadeff@vnc.qld.edu.au about the favourite thing he has experienced over the past three weeks at Villanova College Junior School.  There is a surprise waiting for a lucky lad who wows me with his reflection.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

This week’s podcast comes from Year 7 / 8 camp at Caloundra on Tuesday night. My thanks to Eli, Dean and Max for their involvement.

Click on the image to begin listening.

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Parent Information Evenings
We have now concluded the series of Parent Information Evenings across the Senior School and I would like to thank those parents who were able to attend. The purpose of these evenings is to provide parents with clarity as to the strategic direction of the Senior School in best promoting the holistic development of our young men as well as offering pragmatic advice for parents in how they can best support their son. In my presentation, I reinforced the fundamental relationship between student wellbeing and positive relationships to overall success.

When exploring the vitality of developmental relationships, I cited the work of clinical psychologist Michael Reichert PhD, the author of the book, ‘How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men’. In his parenting emotionally resilient boys, Reichert advocates that the most profound way to foster boys’ emotional development is to listen to them. “Listening is the most important tool parents have for building boys’ resilience,” says Reichert. “I haven’t found a boy who doesn’t have a story he wants to tell. Boys are simply not getting the opportunity to be listened to deeply.”

When parents open up space for boys to talk, they can nurture a healthier range of emotional expression. “Establish with your son that you are interested in him,” says Reichert. “Yesterday, for what duration did you listen to your son? Not correcting him, listening. Often we are simply not very good at it because no one listened to us much.”

That is my commitment for the week ahead – to listen more and speak less. I challenge parents and my fellow colleagues to do the same.

If you have any further questions that have emerged after attending the information evening, I encourage you contact your son’s Pastoral Area Leader in the first instance. Furthermore, if you were not able to attend these evenings, the slides of the presentations are available for viewing on Parent Lounge.

Paul Dillon Drug and Alcohol Education Parent Seminar
Next Monday, all Senior School students will have the opportunity to listen to renowned drug education expert Mr Paul Dillon during three separate sessions targeting each year level. The College has retained the services of Mr Dillon for a number of years, such is our strong commitment to regular drug and alcohol education for our young men.

Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) Paul has been contracted by many agencies and organisations across the country to give regular updates on current drug trends within the community. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure that they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education.

On Monday night, Paul will present to parents who are interested in practical ways to keep their son safe from the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The presentation is entitled: Teenagers, alcohol and other drugs: What’s happening, what’s out there and how much influence do parents really have? There will be a close examination of the positive influence that parents can have on their child’s drinking behaviour, as well as the barriers that they may face during adolescence. It aims to empower parents with a positive message and assist them in having open and honest family discussions in this complex area. This talk for parents will take place at 6pm in Hanrahan Theatre. I strongly encourage parents of Senior School students to attend.

AAFC Promotions
Year 10 students Oscar Ballen and Jonathan Alford (Year 10) have been promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC). Their promotion comes after a two year cadetship where they were required to complete exams in the training syllabus, drills and field work and as a result of outstanding personal attributes and leaderships skills. The boys were also selected to attend an intensive nine-day course at RAAF Base Amberley during the school holidays. Congratulations gentlemen!

The Legacy of a Gentleman
Over the school holiday period, amidst the plethora of time for reading and indulgent Netflix binges, is also the annual feast of sport, particularly the summer of tennis. One of legends of the sport is two time grand slam champion and the icon whose name adorns the Australian Open Centre Court – Rod Laver. Up and coming Australian young gun Thanasi Kokkinakis sat down to chat with Laver about his values such as sportsmanship as well as the qualities of a gentlemen in a YouTube video for M.J. Bale (one my favourite clothiers). You can watch the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSedy-QxLjE

“When you have the opportunity, you strike.” – Rod Laver

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Last Friday the College hosted its first Sports Assembly for the year. This assembly provided an opportunity as a College community to publicly acknowledge those who will represent Villanova in the AIC AFL, cricket and volleyball this season. It was also our chance to present to the College our First volleyball, AFL and cricket teams and captains for 2020.

Well done to the following boys on their appointments this year:

First VI Volleyball Captains 2020:  Elijah Abraham and Thomas Boxall
First XI Cricket Captain 2020:  Dale D’Souza
First XVIII AFL Captains 2020:  Nick Phillips and Hamish Muir

Assemblies are an opportune time when I address the boys and speak to them about getting involved, enjoying sport and to reiterate the College’s expectations of all its students regarding sport before the official AIC season begins.

The way we wear our uniforms, conduct ourselves at school and in public, the way we play and train, the way we support each other and the attitude we have to want to give our very best among many other things is important to us at Villanova. We ask our boys to strive to be the best they can be in all facets not because they are asked but because they want to because they have a sense of pride in themselves and their school.

I also spoke about the importance of schoolwork and studies as being the highest priority for our boys. In amidst of our desire to be the best we can be with regards to our schoolwork. We should be mindful that Villanova, is not only concerned about your intellectual development but rather we promote the holistic development of each student.

Your son’s involvement in the College’s co-curricular program, whether that be sport, music or cultural, can assist him to develop as a person in many ways. Participation in sport can teach those involved about resilience, the importance of teamwork, trust in yourself and others, it can teach you about hard work and determination and outcomes, it is a way we can learn about success and failure, it teaches us about humility, sportsmanship, integrity, honour and pride. These elements support a student’s social and emotional development. The development of a student in these areas can’t be achieved through studying a book or gazing at a computer screen. You experience these things by doing.

Like all things in life, its best to achieve a balance. My simple message is this – I urge students to balance their studies with some co-curricular activities. Getting involved and enjoying these co-curricular activities will help them to develop into a stronger and more balanced person.

I must congratulate everyone who was ready to participate in the sports program over the weekend including all swimmers, cricketers, volleyball and AFL players. Unfortunately, due to the wet weather all AIC AFL and cricket across the entire association was called off. Given the deluge this week it is highly likely that many games will be cancelled this weekend due to the condition of the fields. These cancellations will be announced tomorrow.

Well done to the swimmers and volleyball players for holding the fort over the weekend by wearing the mighty green and gold. Overall, we had a solid round of results against St Edmund’s in volleyball. The games lost were often close. I must say that the swimming attendance at the St Peter’s Meet on Friday wasn’t our best. We ask all swimmers to commit to the remaining swim meets. The AIC Championships isn’t far away, and we need all swimmers in the pool at these meets.

This week we approach Round 2 of competition against Padua College in the main draw. This will be a big round for all players so I challenge all boys to ‘step up’ and produce their very best this weekend and show everybody the amount of pride they have in their College by the way you conduct yourself as a competitor and as a member of our College. Fingers crossed for the weather. Best wishes and enjoy!

ROUND 2 AIC FIXTURES
Friday 14 and Saturday 15 February – AIC Cricket, AFL and Volleyball v Padua College and Swim Meet at Iona

Please refer to the College’s website to view all times and venues for this weekend’s fixtures against Padua. Simply scroll down on the College’s home page to the ‘Latest News’ section and click the ‘Weekly Fixtures’ section.

AIC CRICKET
Unfortunately, all Round 1 cricket matches across the AIC Association were cancelled due to bad weather.  We are hoping that the weather is a little kinder this week, but the forecast is not looking too favourable. The recent rain has been welcomed for so many people across the country, the downside it is playing havoc with our cricket season.

This week we will face tough opposition against Padua, particularly in the firsts. I ask all players and coaches to put the disappointment of missing matches last weekend behind them and refocus on the challenge we face this Saturday. The opposition will be determined – Villa will be ready and waiting. Our aim is to take out the cricket aggregate this year and we believe we have the quality of teams to achieve our goal. All teams must produce their best each week, good luck and best wishes to all!

AIC SWIMMING
Mrs Juanita Jacobs, AIC Swimming Co-ordinator

Last Friday evening was the first of our away meets in preparation for the AIC Championships.  There was a great turn out of younger swimmers, despite the Year 5s being missing in action because of camp.  A special mention goes to Tyler Schafer and Charlie Wiggins who both competed after camp and swam five events on the night.  Well done boys.

This Friday evening 14 February we will be swimming at Iona.  The bus will leave from the front of the school as soon as possible at 3.10pm.  There is no return bus from Iona, so parents are asked to ensure that they are at Iona by 5.45pm to collect their sons.  Teachers will not be able to transport students back to school.

I have had a few requests for information about the squad shirts.  It is not available for purchase through Flexischools as it is a specialised item. Only boys named in the squad list are eligible to purchase these shirts. You will have received an email from me over the next week or so as we finalise the squads confirming if your son/s is part of the squad.

Training continues this week as usual, with the boys building in intensity toward March.  With less than three weeks left until the day of the competition, it is imperative that the boys are swimming in as many training sessions as possible and competing at carnivals.  While I realise that there are many other commitments, please try and prioritise swimming training and carnivals as much as possible. Please email the squad managers if there are any concerns about attendance.

Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to assist with the Friday morning breakfasts.  They are always very popular, and the boys are most grateful to everyone for preparing it for them. If your son trains on a Friday morning, they are welcome to join us at the Villa pool after training for a hot breakfast before school. Please ensure your son returns his form (available on the website) and money to the Sports Office this week.

We will also require parent assistance at the Iona meet this Friday.  If you are available to assist with time keeping, we would very much appreciate your time.

AIC Swim Meet at Iona College

Date – Friday, 14 February – Iona Invitational Meet
Venue – Iona College Pool, North Road entrance
Time – Warm-up – 4.00pm; Start 4.30pm – 6.00pm
Bus – leave Villanova College at 3.10pm (students to be collected promptly from Iona College at 5.45pm)

A full program can be found in the AIC Swimming sections on the College’s web page. Parents are encouraged to attend and assist with timekeeping.

Note – If you are not able to attend the Friday carnival for any reason please contact myself or the relevant swim manager. Email –  jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au

2020 Senior, Middle and Junior School Inter-House Swimming Carnival
Last Wednesday, Villanova College held its annual Middle and Senior School Inter-House Swimming Carnivals at Langlands Park Memorial Pool, while the Junior School held theirs on the first Friday of term in the Villanova College pool . On both days, the carnivals were divided into two events, the championship and non-championship events. The championship events were keenly contested by members of our swimming squads. Inter-house rivalry was at its highest point during the King of the Pool events, with large participation rates from all year groups, trying to increase their overall house position.

Congratulations must go to the Murray House for an outstanding victory in the Junior School. Well done to Murray on their victory in the Middle School and to Goold House in the Senior School Carnivals. Overall Goold House were crowned whole College House Swim Champions for 2020 – well done! Congratulations to Caden Griffiths who took out the King of the Pool event for Middle School and Riley Hewitt who took out the King of the Pool event for Senior School.

AIC VOLLEYBALL
Mr Todd Kropp, AIC Volleyball Co-ordinator

Last week saw the AIC Volleyball Competition begin with many players showing the benefits of the pre-season training and matches. Villanova volleyball teams secured 11 wins of 17 matches with several of our teams continuing their success from the trial match.

We are getting straight back onto the training court in preparation for our Round 2 clash with Padua. We continue to encourage all Villanova volleyball players to fight for every point and every set until the very end. We are humble winners and gracious in defeat.

Round 2 will see our Senior players play on home ground for the First time in 2020. This means it will also be the first time our Senior players will have duty responsibilities. Coaches will be going through expectations of duty and the roster will be available on the Villanova website. We hope to see a flood of Green and Gold getting behind all volleyball players this weekend!

Goold Hall Canteen Roster

AIC AFL
Mr Adam Fry, AIC AFL Co-ordinator

Unfortunately, the much-needed rain put our chances of a great start to the AFL season to bed very early. This however gives all teams an extra session or two of training, and it is imperative that all players attend training sessions. Having maximum numbers at training allows our coaches to complete solid drills and put in the work needed for success on the weekend.

Due to camps this week many boys will be missing, so please let your coach know if you cannot make a session or are going to be late.

This weekend we have a real opportunity to set our season up with some tough opposition ahead of us. The Seniors will play Padua College and our Juniors are up against Iona. Please ensure you arrive to your game half an hour before to ensure you are properly warmed up and ready for your game. Keep an eye on the College’s App for game cancellations if they are required.

I look forward to seeing you all at the games and wish all teams the best of luck for a successful start to the season.

AIC RUGBY AND FOOTBALL SEASON – 2020
All Years 7 – 12 rugby and football training will be conducted at Villanova Park this season. Buses will transport all players to Villanova Park. Parents are to collect their son/s promptly after training. Year 5 and Year 6 rugby and football training will be conducted at Little Langlands or Whinstanes.

Please be aware that all Years 7 – 12 rugby training plus the First and Second football training will be held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. All Years 7 – 12 football training will be held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Year 5 and Year 6 training for both rugby and football will be held at Little Langlands on various mornings and afternoons.

The Sports Office will soon be looking to cement coaching allocations for the season. If you are interested and able to assist the College by coaching or refereeing games throughout the season please contact them immediately  at sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au

Sign-on forms will be distributed to all students from Years 5 – 12 next week.

COMPOSITE SPORT
Please find below a list of composite trials and nomination dates:

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Parents are invited to email the Sports Office regarding the sporting achievements of their son at a Met East level or higher. These achievements will be noted in this section from week to week.

Well done to Henry Zietsch who has made the Queensland U15 Boys Cricket Team. Henry will travel to Bundaberg in late May to compete in a cricket exchange – Queensland v NSW. An excellent achievement Henry, congratulations and best wishes!

Well done to Joshua McDougall and Sebastian Shimizu who have made the 14 – 18 years and 12 -14 years Met East Baseball Teams respectively. Both Joshua and Sebastian will now compete at the State Championships in Cairns in mid-March. We wish them both the very best, well done!

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Rehearsals and Lessons
All lessons and rehearsals have now commenced.  Please ensure you check emails for messages from teachers and Ensemble Directors.  If you are unsure, do not hesitate to contact us through the Music Office for further clarification.

The rehearsal schedule for Term 1 has been included with this week’s Villa View.

Attendance Rolls at Rehearsals
To assist us with our duty of care before school, all Ensemble Directors will be marking attendance at the start and conclusion of each rehearsal.  Parents of students who are marked as absent without an explanation will receive an auto-email from the Music Department seeking clarification.  Whilst we acknowledge that Student Services and the Music Office may be notified of your child’s absence, an Ensemble Director is not privy to that information before school unless they are contacted directly.  In the interests of ensuring we are all aware of student whereabouts, we will send the auto-email in the morning to ensure our supervision responsibilities are acquitted.  I understand this may cause a little frustration; however, I would like to ensure you all that we take our responsibility for the care of your child very seriously.

Please include your son’s Ensemble Director in any absentee contact so that we may ensure all records are accurate and up to date.  The College Absentee Phone Line does have a music option; however, please note that absences recorded through this phone system will not always be sent to the respective Student Services Office before Pastoral – they will require separate calls to ensure communication arrives in a timely fashion.

Year 5 Instrumental Music Immersion
On Tuesday, our Year 5 musicians accessed their instruments for the first time.  There were some wonderful sounds being produced throughout the building and some very excited students heading home with instruments in the afternoon.  I am really looking forward to the commencement of ensemble rehearsals with our new colleagues.

Students have been set homework in their Instrumental Music One-Note – please ensure your son shows you this page on their electronic device.  This will act as our one-stop practice diary and will give you access to what your son is learning each week in his instrumental music class.  This diary will also be a great form of communication between you and your son’s instrumental music teacher.  I strongly encourage you to engage with this and help us assist your son on this new, exciting journey.

Students have been handed practice sheets in their first lesson this term.  Each ‘bubble’ on the sheet represents 10 minutes of home practice.  Students who complete 30+ bubbles in a term will receive a reward – stay tuned for what this will be!  Please help your son by initialling the page for each session he completes at home.

Please remember to return your son’s instrument loan agreement as soon as possible if you haven’t had an opportunity yet.  We are hoping that all of our Year 5 students will be taking their instruments home after lessons next Tuesday afternoon.

Music Support Group
Our fantastic Music Support Group met for the first time in 2020 on Monday evening.  We have another committed, motivated committee ready to launch into another great year of music.  I would like to thank those who attended our meeting, and make particular mention of our Executive for 2020:

President:  Ken Hartley
Vice President: Anjali Henders
Secretary: Suzi Walding and Lucinda Timms
Treasurer: Ros Smith

Thank you all in advance for your willingness to take on such important roles within our College community.

Our Music Support Group needs your help.  This organisation will be setting ambitious targets for some specific fundraising goals for this year and beyond.  To help meet these targets, we require your assistance at events, particularly the Tuckshop at QCMF (the MSG’s major fundraiser for the year).  We also require your knowledge and expertise should they lie in this area.  The Music Support Group will be actively working with families involved in music across the year – please support them when the call is made.

Entertainment Books
Every year, our Music Support Group participates in the Entertainment Book drive.  This year, Entertainment Books are selling their digital format only.  Information will be distributed to students involved in the music performance program at Villanova over the coming fortnight; however, if you would like to purchase an Entertainment subscription in the ‘early bird’ phase, please take a look at the information following this newsletter article.

Entertainment Memberships can start anytime and are packed with thousands of substantial savings on dining, travel and fun family activities. The digital membership is easy to download to start using instantly. New offers are added weekly for ongoing value all year round.

Would your business like to reach 20K people in the music or education market?

This year is the 30th Anniversary of QCMF.  If you would like to promote your product or services to over 20,000 people from across Queensland at this fantastic event, please contact our Festival Business Development Manager, Gordon Hughes – ghughes@vnc.qld.edu.au or 3394 5691.

As is tradition, we look forward to the fantastic events we have planned in the near future:

Thank you all for your continued support of Villanova Music.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Get your new Entertainment Membership today to support Villanova College Music Support Group and receive these early bird bonus offers. Up to 4 months EXTRA MEMBERSHIP + SPEND & SAVE + $20 BONUS WISH eGift Card when you purchase our NEW Multi City or Multi Plus Membership. Hurry offers end 29th February! Entertainment Memberships can start anytime and are packed with thousands of substantial savings on dining, travel and fun family activities. The digital membership is easy to download to start using instantly. New offers are added weekly for ongoing value all year round.

Up to 4 months extra Membership applies to Single City and Multi City purchases only and depends on the date you activate and start using the Membership App. Up to 4 months extra promotion is only available to Memberships purchased between the 8th February and 29th February 2020.^ Spend & Save offer is available with the purchase of either a Single City, Multi City & Multi Plus Membership between the 8th-29th February 2020. Each offer will have until the 15th March to be redeemed. Promo codes for each offer will be sent with your purchase confirmation email. View full Terms and Conditions for The Iconic, Endota & Rebel here.† WISH eGift Card will be sent by email within 30 days of purchase. $20 WISH eGift Cards issued when a Multi City or Multi Plus Membership is purchased with promo code BUYMULTI applied at checkout between 12:00am Saturday 8th February and 11:59pm Saturday 29th February 2020 AEDT. One eGift Card per order. Offer excludes Single City Membership, Entertainment Waitstaff and Corporate Partner offers. View WISH eGift Cards FAQs here. WISH eGift Cards do not expire. Lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced. WISH eGift Cards can be used at a wide range of participating Woolworths Group brands, both in store and online including Woolworths, BIG W, BWS, Caltex Woolworths, Dan Murphy’s or Cellarmasters. Please note not all Caltex Woolworths outlets accept eGift Cards, please refer to the list of participating stores at giftcards.woolworths.com.au for further information.

TENORI IN CONCERT – WET WEATHER CONTINGENCY IN PLACE
AFAS Elders and Greg Cooley wines invites the Villanova Community to enjoy ‘ANYONE FOR TENORS – TENORI IN CONCERT’ on Cassiciacum Gardens (outside Veritas) on February 15 commencing at 5.30pm. Bring your own picnic basket or order one when you book. Cash bar operating.

Don’t let the threat of rain deter you. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors.

Saturday sees three of Australia’s finest tenors perform right here at Villanova. Accompanied by a four piece band with the Brisbane city skyline as the backdrop, this event supports the Australian Filipino Augustinian Solidarity (AFAS) Elders Project. To purchase tickets, click here.

MARY POPPINS – TICKET SALES OPEN 
Rehearsals are in full swing for this years combined Loreto and Villanova musical, Mary Poppins. We are very excited by the quality of the students dancing, singing, acting and playing and can’t wait to share this spectacular show with you in the last week of February.

Tickets for Mary Poppins are on sale. Don’t delay – purchase your tickets early so you don’t miss out! Performances are: Thursday 27 February and Friday 28 February at 7pm, Saturday 29 February at 2.00pm and 7.30pm. Please use the following link for all of your purchases: http://bit.ly/MaryPoppins2020

VILLANOVA INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL
The Villanova College International Carnival is now only five weeks away!

The next Carnival meeting will be held on Wednesday 11 March at 6.00pm in the Tolle Lege Library at Villanova College.

Positions Vacant
There are currently still two major positions vacant this year and we urgently require volunteers to take on the roles of Waste Co-ordinator and Volunteer Roster Co-ordinator. Please email me if you can fill either of these roles at jamie@brubecks.com.au

Year Level Responsibilities
Below are the responsibilities for each year level.  Year Level Co-ordinators and stall conveners will be in touch with requests for donations and volunteers in the coming weeks.

VILLANOVA COLLEGE COCKTAIL BALL
Save the date – Saturday 25 July!

WE’RE ENROLLING – YEAR 7, 2022
Applications are open for Year 7, 2022. If you know a family with a current Year 5 student (not already attending Villanova) who may be interested in joining the Villanova community, please direct them to our website for further information. Applications close Friday 21 February. 

LIBRARY ROSTER

Tuesday 18 February
Cristina Palacios
Donna Leahy

Wednesday 19 February
Katia Sukka

Thursday 20 February
Kristn White

Friday 21  February
Gina Avolio

TUCKSHOP MENU AND PRICE LIST
Please click here for our 2020 menu and price list.

TUCKSHOP ROSTER

Monday 17 February
Heather Martin
Leah Coogans
Mary Sclavos
Sylvia Vaitsas
Kristn White
Amanda Redford
Mandy Tong

Tuesday 18 February
Kate Hartley
Jo Phillips
Lisa Meredith
Jilane Anderson
Deanne Perrier
Lisa Stone
Nicole Binney
Melinda Reynolds
Emma Slee
Jenni Robinson
Letitia Hyman
Lisa Waugh
Miranda Dang
Angela Nunn

Wednesday 19 February
Lisa Prendergast
Lisa Moroney
Clare Godwin
Paivi McIntosh
Jean Egan
Peta Diedrichs
Loretta Jordan-Vieira
Penny Chalmers

Thursday 20 February
Christy Grigson
Wendy Wallis
Tracey Wells
Diana McGregor
Janine Pugh
Maria Horton
Kerry Lapish
Naomi Greenwood
Lan Tran
Tina Anastasia
Tiffany Tento
Melissa Bruce

Friday 21 February
Lesley Stevens
Amanda Robinson – Ilka
Melissa Paterson
Merissa Ryan
Barbara Dardengo
Amanda Knight
Melody Phillips
Lucinda Timms
Cherie Barry

ALL HALLOWS’ SCHOOL DANCE
Click here for details on the All Hallows’ School Dance for Years 7 and 8 students on March 6, 2020.

Villanova’s First Prospectus
Villanova College, Whinstanes – “Day School for Catholic Boys” opened on February 2, 1948.

In 1947/48 prospective parents were given this very important FIRST PROSPECTUS outlining the importance of St. Thomas of Villanova, and containing a letter blessing the Augustinian Fathers for opening the College from the Most Rev. J. Duhig, Archbishop of Brisbane.

It detailed the Aim of the School, Religious Training, Discipline, Dramatics and Debating, the College Colours and Uniform, and Parental Co-operation – still relevant to our boys of 2020!