Villa View: Issue 04/20

Ash Wednesday will be celebrated at the College with a special liturgy to mark this significant occasion in the Church’s liturgical calendar. During the liturgy the students will receive the ashes in the Sign of the Cross on their forehead.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge wrote in his Lenten Pastoral Letter the following:

“Lent is the time given to us to open our hearts to the power of Easter. On Ash Wednesday we take the ashes upon ourselves in recognition of the truth that we are often powerless and always fragile. But by the time we get to Easter, we have come to a deeper sense that we are empowered in our powerlessness, that we are made strong in our weakness. Knowing that we can walk from the tomb with Jesus; we can rise from the ashes with him to sing the song of Easter. Fires may rage and floods come, but the voice of hope is always heard. Nothing and no-one can silence the voice of Jesus risen from the dead.”

Outdoor Education Programs
Our Outdoor Education Programs provide great opportunities for our students. In safe environments, our students have the opportunity to take risks, work together as a team and build relationships with their classmates and the teaching staff while enjoying a range of challenging and enjoyable activities.

Earlier this week I had the chance to visit the Year 7 and 8 camps on the Sunshine Coast. The students were generally happy, enjoying the experience and having a great time with their mates. Even the food rated highly!

One of the critical aspects of the Outdoor Education Program is the relationship that is established between students and staff, and the importance of these strong relationships in regard to student learning. The staff of the College attending these camps have given generously of their time because they understand the significance of the teacher – student relationship. I am grateful to our teachers for their dedication to their role as teacher and mentor to our young men.

Mary Poppins Musical
Over the past months the students from Loreto and Villanova Colleges have been working diligently preparing for opening night next Thursday 27 February. I am confident the talented students from both colleges will thrill audiences with their skills and acting talents. The response from the community has been outstanding and I am sure that audiences will not be disappointed.

Prayers Please
We keep in our prayers the families affected by the loss of innocent lives in the tragic events in Cairns and Camp Hill. We also keep in our prayers the community of our brother college – St Augustine’s College with the sad news of the death of a Year 11 student following a battle with illness.

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

This week I would like to raise awareness about the importance of academic achievement in the Junior School at Villanova College.  We are approaching the end of Week 4 and it is now time to give our attention to the boys working towards their true potential as scholars.  Every individual will have their own previous experiences – and for our Year 6 families, they are no doubt so much wiser and more aware of how to help their sons.  For our Year 5 families, this academic year will be one of great learning about your son – his commitment to learning, revision and goals for the subjects he engages with.

In the Junior School, your sons are given verbal, written, online and charted/displayed feedback about two major zones:

• Organisation, work ethic and willingness to complete homework
• Results after assessment

Please note that criteria sheets are sent home for assessment for work that is prepared as drafts and final copies at school.  This is so you have a full appreciation for what specific criteria the boys must demonstrate to reach their final grade.  Any summative testing (exams) will also have criteria/percentages to achieve final marks.  As the boys work throughout Semester 1, each subject will have knowledge/understanding and skills/process areas for assessment.  The average is taken over all tasks and the final grade is obtained for their Semester 1 report cards.

The reality is that your sons will need to revise and study at home.  Around 10% might be truly capable of doing that on their own, unsupervised, to achieve their absolute best.  This is very different from “our day,” and all our staff appreciate this.

The following tips may be useful to provide a balanced and equitable approach to your son’s achievements in 2020:

1. This week the Year 5 and Year 6 Assessment Calendars should be finalised with dates. Make sure you have a copy of this somewhere prominent, such as the fridge.  Start talking about tasks a couple of weeks before the due date.  While some work is all completed at school, the conversation to check in with your son is important to his sense of well-being.  Some tasks will mean work at home and this needs to be scheduled into your work and social commitments early on.  Set aside an hour here and there to be with your son, or close by, so he knows that a helping hand is available – and you get the chance to ensure his time is being used effectively.
2. Revision and study are best done in smaller pieces – not cramming. The world of 2020 is far busier than it’s ever been, and boys’ brains are developmentally still that of a 10 – 12-year-old.  You can minimise anxiety by planning ahead.  This is where your adult skills can model firsthand the success of organising revision carefully.  Nobody needs to, or should be, up until 10pm each night in Year 5 and Year 6. If boys make small efforts once or twice a week, and again on the weekend to revisit the work done in class, this can be achieved.  Workbooks and One Note give the boys every chance to share what they have learned with you – teaching back main ideas and showing examples to you at home.  You can become the student and check what information they are retaining.  Staff will certainly be checking in with students along the term, and then revision is always factored into planning at school – however, if we work together and your son learns the best habits from all around him, he will achieve his very best.
3. Your son may learn best in a way that is very different to you. This can be challenging, as finding what works can take time.  We can learn from failure much more than we can from success at times.  Show resilience and support when he wants to lead his revision – and always ask a teacher to confirm approaches if you feel it’s necessary.  Scrolling through One Note is not study, please know this.  We can all remember and feel more confident when we see something in front of us.  Assessment requires recall, application of skills and using what we have learnt in new situations to solve problems.  A level of mastery is needed for exams.
4. Remember “C” or “Satisfactory” means exactly that. This grade is what is expected for this age group, at this stage of learning.  It means they are on track; however, the big question is, is this their best?  If it is, then that is wonderful.  If it isn’t, then they need to plan for next time and make changes to their preparation in order to hopefully change the outcomes.
5. Staff moderate exams, assignments and speaking tasks with their collaborative teaching partners and at year level meetings. Final marks are a result of consultation and equitable approaches for students of all abilities.

Gentlemen of the Junior School, I wish you all the very best with your academic pursuits in 2020.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Paul Dillon Drug and Alcohol Education Parent Seminar
On Monday this week, each Senior School cohort attended an educational presentation from Mr Paul Dillon pertaining to drugs and alcohol. It was particularly encouraging to hear Paul’s positive affirmation of our students regarding their engagement and focus throughout the day. I hope that your son came home with some interesting dinner conversation.

I would like to thank the parents who attended the evening seminar entitled – Teens, parties and alcohol: A practical guide to keeping your child safe. There certainly were some clear take-away messages that Paul imparted throughout his presentation which I emailed to all Senior School families earlier this week. In discussions with the Senior School Pastoral Care Team, we hope to be able to offer more Parent Information Nights throughout the year on a range of pertinent topics pertaining to the healthy development of our young men. If you have ideas or suggestions for topics, I encourage you to contact me.

Mobile Phone Policy Review
As outlined in the recent series of Parent Information Evenings, I will be conducting a review of the current mobile phone policy that exists in the Senior School. The mobile phone policy across the three Schools was originally designed to reflect the growing responsibility afforded to students as they develop more maturity in entering the senior years of schooling. As such the current policy allows senior students to carry their phone on their person and only be used after being granted permission by a teacher in the designated areas- Head of School/Student Services Offices and Pastoral Area Leaders Office. In the Junior School, phones are handed and signed in at the beginning of the school day and in the Middle School, phones are to be stored in student lockers.

With the growing body of research regarding the distracting influence of mobile phones, increased levels of cyberbullying and the ongoing social debate following bans by southern state educational authorities, I believe that it is certainly timely to review our policy and procedures. As part of the review I will conducting a consultation process with students, teachers and parents so that the views of all stakeholders have been heard. I have spoken with Mrs Allison Gamer from the Parents and Friends Association and look forward to speaking with the Senior School Parent Representatives next week.

Villanova Service Awards
As part of a key intention to promote a culture of positivity within the Senior School, the Pastoral Care Team have introduced the Villanova Service Award as a means of affirming the often unsung heroes and role models within the school. Examples for positive recognition could include:

• Consistently working diligently in the classroom environment
• Providing support and solidarity towards peers
• Achieving personal goals
• Picking up litter without being asked
• Consistently maintaining high standards of dress and appearance

I would like to thank Year 10 Pastoral Area Leader Mr Sean O’Neill for his leadership in introducing this initiative and look forward to shifting the balance of attention of the Pastoral Area Leaders towards the positive aspects of student life in the Senior School.

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” – Tagore

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

“Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying; but let us live well, and times shall be good. We are the times: Such as we are, such are the times. (St Augustine)

St Augustine’s wonderful insight (above) recalls the wry comment sometimes made by wise grandmothers: “When you point a finger at someone else, three are usually pointing back at you.” The main content below is written by students about direct experiences of having a voice, getting involved, and changing “the times.” I particularly recommend reading the insights of Year 11 students Travis Graham and Harrison White, about the Plenary Council and volunteering respectively.

Plenary 2020
Villanova College was ably represented by six Year 11 students: Travis Graham, Julian O’Loan, Louis Henderson, Sebastian Allen, Thanasi Keskinidis, and Francisco Adams at a special gathering at Lourdes Hill College on Monday evening.

The facilitators were keen to listen to young people’s view on the future path of the Church. The main topics to emerge were:

• The role of women
• Being inclusive and listening to people of whatever sexual orientation
• Refugees
• Mental Health
• The environment

Pope Francis wants to see a synodal church in which young people are listened to and encouraged to dream big with respect to creating change. Travis reflects below on the experience:

I was lucky enough to be personally invited to attend the Plenary Council 2020 and from the moment the session began in the Lourdes Hill Theatre, it was made clear to us how valued we as the youth were. We were told directly by Archbishop Mark Coleridge how important our opinions really were on matters relating to how the Australian Catholic Church could do better and work towards a new church. After the conclusion of the introductory speech, we were directed to different rooms and put into small groups with a facilitator who aided the direction of our discussions.

 The theme my group was given was how the Church could be more humble, healing and merciful, and after much discussion, we agreed upon one topic to focus on, namely that the Church should accept past mistakes that caused tension or hate between other religions, groups in society or even perceived minorities and to use that as a foundation to move on into a more positive future. An example of how this could be achieved is that people of all religions could gather to a ‘neutral’ place to converse about how they truly feel on what may otherwise be ‘heated’ topics. The group and I were aware that happiness among every group may never be achieved, but made it will clear that we will know when this goal of honest conversation has been achieved when people feel ‘free’ to express thoughts and opinions without tension. Also, the Catholic Church will take different views on as constructive feedback, rather than a criticism.

 To conclude, something that really resonated with me was said by Archbishop Mark: ‘If you were baptized or a part of a Catholic group, your opinion matters, even if after maturation you detest the church for whatever reason, you hold that opinion for a reason, and it is that feedback we seek.’

YCS
YCS have already made a difference by going down to Junior School at break times to play hand-ball, and make new friends. The Year 12 students are very keen to make their motto for 2020, “Brothers in Arms,” a lived reality. More widely, the role of the group is to see and include all members of the Villanova community. To this end, the YCS students hosted the cutting of a chocolate cake for a departing member of our cleaning team. Widman, 22, has decided to pursue his studies back in Columbia in order to become a PE Teacher. Profiles of all the cleaning team – interests, hopes, qualifications – are on the notice board next to the Tower. It is important to see that the team goes above and beyond to keep our campus tidy, and to assist with our recycling initiative.

SVP
Even before students have officially been invited to sign up for Ministry, the number of St Vincent de Paul students has increased, and we now have to migrate to a bigger meeting space. The students are eagerly planning the Lenten collection of hampers for both local families currently in need of support, and also for the homeless drop-in centre, Emmanuel City Mission (formerly known as Blind Eye). Now that Emmanuel City has opened every day, the number of patrons has almost doubled. We are also finding that some of our students, staff and parents have been quietly volunteering. Harrison White, Year 11, here explains how he finds a real experience of community at the drop-in centre in Merivale Street:

“Located in South Brisbane near the CBD, Emmanuel City Mission is a place for homeless and sometimes desolate individuals to stay during the day; here these people receive shelter, food and a place to engage in social interaction with others. Volunteers in the facility will generally help cook breakfast and other meals, alongside cleaning and talking to visitors. The centre is open every day of the week, usually between 9am and 3pm. Over the course of 2020 we’re encouraging all Senior School students to involve themselves in this cause, and to help benefit the lives of the most disadvantaged in the local community. If you’ve got time to spare on a Saturday or Sunday, we would definitely recommend coming along; no sign on process is required. Simple contributions like this will make a big difference.”

In answer to what he gains from volunteering, Harrison says:

• “Involving myself in an incredibly vibrant and welcoming community.
• Challenging myself to speak with and help individuals who many will ignore, or whom I may be uncomfortable around.
• Feeling that continuing to help and attend will help the service keep running.
• Committing time to something that is beneficial.
• Learning more about people’s backgrounds and experiences, hopefully to clear away many of the prejudices that society inflicts onto us.
• Reminds me to feel grateful for everything I’ve got.”

AFAS
The 2020 AFAS campaign launched last week with the students working hard to support the Tenori Concert last Saturday, 15 February, which raised funds for the forthcoming AFAS Elders exchange to Kinatarcan Island in December. The “Elders” are a group of staff, parents and young old boys who have been helping the island to re-build its community hubs after cyclone damage. The funds for such projects are raised through the generosity of the old boys – many of whom are keen to continue relationships with Augustinian communities in the Philippines. For more information, please contact myself or AFAS Coordinator, Tony Hindmarsh, thindmarsh@vnc.qld.edu.au .

Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity

In all my time as a Director of Sport/Sports Master, both here at Villanova and other colleges spanning over 20 years, I have never had a situation where two full consecutive rounds of cricket (and AFL) have been cancelled across the Association due to wet weather. I feel for the new boys in our community, mostly from Year 5 and Year 7, who have not yet had the chance to play a game for their new school.  I assure all families we do not cancel games at the ‘drop of the hat’. Our aim is to get the boys on the field and have them play as many games as they can throughout the season.

It looks as though this weekend all games will be back on as per normal. Given the training programs and team preparations have been affected, I challenge all Villanova men to come out firing this weekend. With only five rounds remaining, every game does count. We can’t afford to slowly build into the season. Let’s hit our straps from the first ball bowled/centre bounce this weekend boys!

For Villanova’s sports program to run effectively we rely on many people within our community to assist. These people include our students, staff, parents, Old Boys, friends of Villanova and outside bodies.

Ideally it would be favourable to appoint staff members to coach all teams, or perhaps appoint coaches who are ‘independent’ and have no connection at all to the players in that year level. This move would go some way to resolve the perception that some may have in our community regarding ‘biased team selections’ and ‘favouritism’. An on-going goal for the College is to provide opportunities for students to participate and enjoy the experience of playing sport. It is pleasing to see our students are making the most of these opportunities to participate as testified by the large number of teams Villanova produces in the AIC Competition throughout the year.

There is a common problem which all schools and clubs face with regards to coaching – if there isn’t enough staff to take on all teams or if there aren’t enough outside independent coaches available, who coaches? The reality is our College relies on all community members to assist with coaching, refereeing and officiating for our boys to participate. This includes the involvement of parents. Parents coaching at a club or school level can at times raise concern from others. The concerns are generally issues surrounding biased team selections, favouritism and a lack of positive re-enforcement given to players.

At the commencement of each season the Sports Office calls upon those within our community to fulfil the various roles needed for the up-coming sports season, including coaches. We try as much as possible to appoint coaches to best fit the needs of the College based on those who have offered their services, experience and the mannerism of the applicant. The coaches are briefed by the College and we try as much as possible to take some of the selection issues out of their hands initially, however, ultimately the coach does have a say in selections as this is part of the coaching role.

As is the case in all AIC Colleges, the Old Boy contingent makes up a considerable part of the coaching cohort. The Old Boys are enthusiastic and have a deep sense of loyalty towards their College. We are certainly grateful for their efforts as we depend on their generosity, otherwise our students would not be playing. We ask you to support the coaches and help lift their coaching aspirations and a willingness to give back to the College.

I take this opportunity early in the season to thank all coaches and managers of our cricket, AFL, swimming and volleyball teams, for making a substantial contribution to the Villanova Sports Program for our students to enjoy all the benefits of sport. Our scorers, umpires, referees, canteen helpers, parents who cook and serve at our weekly breakfast held for the swimmers, members of the Villanova Sports Club and many others also deserve our thanks as we all go about our duties to give of ourselves in order to help others. As the Villanova Sports Program is about ‘people’ we should be mindful that we are mostly dealing with volunteers who freely give of their time and I would encourage us all to support these people and be extremely thankful to them for what they do.

Even though we are only part way through Trimester 1, the Sports Office is currently looking to cement plans for the up-coming AIC Chess, Cross Country, Rugby and Football season for all students from Years 5 – 12. Please scroll down on this page or visit the College’s website to view the training days, times and venues for all Rugby and Football teams from Years 5 – 12 as well as other key dates. Again, we need parents and old boys to fulfil the many coaching and refereeing roles. If you can assist, please contact Mr Chris Everding or Mr Anthony Kemp using the details listed below.

Please be aware that team photos will take place this weekend for all the Year 8/9 and Open AFL teams as well as all cricket teams playing at Kianawah Park. Please read details below.

Round 3 this weekend will see Villanova facing Iona College. Let’s keep up the great work ethic and please remember to enjoy the challenges and time spent with your mates along the way.

Round 3 Fixtures 
Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February, AIC Cricket and Volleyball v Iona, AIC AFL v Iona/St Patrick’s College.

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

Trimester 2 Sport Sign-Ons
Rugby, Football, Chess and Cross Country – Now Online

All students who are interested in representing Villa in AIC Rugby, Football, Cross Country and Chess from Years 5 – 12 must complete an online registration form. A link to this form is found below:

Online Registration Form Link – https://form.jotform.com/VillanovaSport/term-2-sport-sign-on

We ask that all parents complete this online registration alongside their son. Information regarding the student’s ID number, email address, parent’s email address, DOB and sport selection is required.

A copy of the link is also posted on the website in the ‘Locker Room’. All nominations are due by Wednesday 4 March.

Please be reminded of some of the College’s policies and expectations as listed below:

• School commitments come before club sport or any outside organisations.
• The College expects full commitment from all players to all training sessions and games within reason. Clashes with other Villanova co-curricular commitments can be negotiated via the Sports Office.
• If a student possesses a special gift or talent, we would hope that he uses this talent for the benefit of our community (as paraphrased by St Thomas of Villanova).
• All players are to conduct themselves in the appropriate manner in accordance with our Augustinian values.
• Be supportive of fellow teammates and other teams.
• Always wear the full and correct uniform with pride.
• Enjoy the sport and give your best when representing Villanova College.

AIC Trimester 2 Sports on Offer
Within the online form please tick your preference. Note that Rugby and Football will be played during the same time. Students who are eligible may choose either Rugby or Football as well as Chess and Cross Country.  Please visit the website (and the section below) to view all information pertaining to the up-coming Rugby and Football season.  This includes the commencement date of the trials as well as times and venues for all training.

IMPORTANT:  Students wishing to play AIC Rugby League in Term 3 must play either AIC Rugby Union or AIC Football in Term 2.

• Rugby Union (Open to all students from Years 5 – 12) –  games are played on Saturday as per College Calendar.
• Football (Open to students from Year 5 – 12) – games are played on Saturday as per College Calendar.
• Chess (selected students from Years 5 – 12) – games are played on Friday afternoon/evening as per College Calendar.
• Cross Country (Open to all students from Years 5 – 12) – please refer to the College calendar for all meets.

AIC Cricket
It is difficult to recall when two straight weeks washed out the entire AIC cricket fixtures across Brisbane and Ipswich. In the past several teams may have played, while others had to miss out, but to have two complete wash outs really knocks the season around and will make the run home very challenging for some Colleges.

In our quest for the aggregate we ask all players to come ready this weekend v Iona. The urgency in the field as well as good concentration with the bat is essential to ensure we are switched on and ready to give our best. Best wishes boys!

Please be aware that all teams playing at Kianawah Park will have team photos taken this weekend, the schedule is listed below.

AIC AFL
Mr Adam Fry, AIC AFL Co-ordinator

Unfortunately for the first time ever we have had two consecutive wash outs for AIC sport. Thankfully, this week’s forecast does look significantly more promising and I know all teams are itching to get out and represent the Green and Gold. Continue to work on the little things at training and strive for success. As our season has been cut short, it is vital we take most of the opportunities that present themselves over the following weekends.

This week our Senior teams will kick off their 2020 campaign against Iona, who are always a fierce rival. Our Junior boys will be up against St Patricks College. It would be fantastic to see a large Green and Gold army at Coorparoo on Friday afternoon and Yeronga on Saturday morning to support your Villanova brothers.

Please be aware that the Year 8/9 and Opens teams will have their team photos taken this weekend, the schedule is listed below.

Good luck to all players this weekend and ensure you take every opportunity that comes to you.

AFL and Cricket Team Photos – Round 3, Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February
Please be aware that some AFL and cricket photos will be taken this weekend before the scheduled games played at Kianawah Park and Giffin Park. We ask all players to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled photo time dressed in their full and correct cricket/AFL uniform. The photos will be taken next to Field 9 at Kianawah Park. A full photo schedule is posted under the AIC Cricket/AFL section on the website.

Please look out for your coach who will have a team list with him. Unfortunately, if you arrive late and miss out on the photo it will not be taken again.

Cricket Photo Schedule – Kianawah Park, Saturday 22 February

AFL Photo Schedule – Giffin Park (Coorparoo AFLC), Friday 21 February

All other teams will have their photos taken at a later date.

AIC Volleyball
Mr Todd Kropp, Volleyball Co-ordinator

Volleyball is certainly a game of ‘ups and downs’ and Villanova experienced this on Saturday against Padua. With some mixed results on the scoreboard, it was still refreshing to see the Villanova boys fighting for every point. Each team showed some good attacking and defensive play for most of the set but finishing the set on the scoreboard sometimes proved too difficult to master. The players and coaches would also like to thank the Villanova supporters who showed up to support our teams.

We caught up with First Co-Captains, Elijah and Tom, after the loss to Padua over the weekend:

What did the team do well during the match?
We were both happy with our team’s scramble play and commitment to returning the ball. There were some great dives and chases for the ball. One highlight for our team was the support we were shown by our Brothers in Arms throughout the match.

What’s happening at training this week?
We need to work on creating more pressure on our serve to put the opposition under more pressure early in the point. We will look to spend some time on serve-reception and creating more attacking opportunities.

Teams will be back on the training courts this week ahead of our Round 3 clash with Iona College. Coaches will continue to work players hard at training and focus on the basics whilst putting players in some pressure situations to help cope with that pressure on game day. It will be a tough round against the Black and White but by sticking to the Villanova style of volleyball and fighting for each point until the end, the coaching team are confident the Green and Gold will walk away successful.

Round 3 sees our senior teams play on home ground again. This means our senior teams will be responsible for duty/linesman roles. Please check the duty roster on the Sport page or the Sport notice board outside Goold Hall from Wednesday.

Goold Hall Canteen Roster

Volleyball Results – Round 2 v Padua

AIC Swimming
Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Swimming Co-ordinator

Friday night was our third meet for the season at Iona and it is pleasing to see some of our swimmers showing significant improvement in their times.  There is less than two weeks of training left before the AIC Championships, and for us to perform to our potential on the day, we need squad members to be training and competing as much as possible.  Thank you to all the boys who attended on Friday night, including the three boys who made it back from camp – Taj Blackshaw, Zac Bonke and Paxton Tucker.  I love seeing the commitment and enthusiasm of these boys to the squad.

Each day of the meets, and especially after training, I accumulate lost property.  At present I have a small squad shirt, and a few hats, and socks etc.  I encourage boys to look after their gear and that of others.  On busy training mornings, flippers and pool buoys are lost as well.  The boys should be returning their equipment directly to their kit bags when finished.  At this stage of the season, all boys should have a bag with a pool buoy, flippers and kickboard so that they are not borrowing from Jets or other boys.

Many of our swimmers have experienced success at competitions over the last weekend. Villanova was well represented at Lytton District trials with the following boys making it through to the Met East competition on March 3:  Darcy Kerr, Harvey Thompson, Tyler Schafer, Thomas Longland, Caleb Johnston, Ben Mackey, Charlie Wiggins, Ethan Haywood Ben Landers, Luis Stagg, Jacob Short, Oliver Jacobs, Wade Wildin Powell, Will Rogers, Charley Hegarty, Beau Poustie, Hudson Bishop and Wyatt Clelland.   The growing number of swimmers from Villanova representing the district is a positive sign for the strength and depth of talent in our ranks.

This Friday night we will be swimming at St Peter’s Lutheran College.  As we leave the pool after the meet, I will arrange for an App message to be sent to parents.  It will take approximately 20 minutes to return to the College.

Please keep in mind we only have two meets left for boys to post a good time.  These times are used to determine the team who will swim at the AIC Swimming Championships held at Chandler. The competition is tight in many of the year levels, so it is important the boys are training hard and as often as possible.

Note – if you are not able to attend the Friday carnival for any reason please contact myself or the relevant Swim Manager.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support of Villanova swimming.

AIC Swim Meet at St Peter’s Lutheran College

Date:  Friday 21 February
Venue: St Peter’s Lutheran College Pool
Time:  Warm-up – 4.15pm; Start 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Program:  The full program is posted on the web

A bus will depart the College at 3.10pm and should return by 7.00pm. Parents are welcome to collect their son from the venue if they wish.

AIC Swimming Championship – Monday 2 March, Chandler
The AIC Swim Championships will be a twilight event held on Monday 2 March. The first draft of the team will be published next Monday 24 February and will be available to view on the website under the AIC Swimming section.

On the day of the AIC Championships, all squad members will participate in Periods 1 – 3 as per normal. A bus will then transport all squad members to Chandler ready for the 1.00pm warm-ups. The Championships should conclude by 6.30pm.

We are fully aware that the next day will be the Met East Swim Championships. Given the time of year, exams (the week after) and other events held at Chandler during that week, this date was the most suitable for the Association (not so much for our elite swimmers and those others in the Met East region).

A full information note regarding the Championships will be posted next Monday 24 February.

Event Schedule Timings

• Warm Up: 1.00pm – 1.30pm
• First Event Commences: 1.40pm
• Presentations: 6.15pm – 6.30pm

A full schedule of events is posted in the AIC Swimming section of the website.

AIC Rugby and Football Training/Trials
The first training/trial session will occur the very first week after Round 7 of Cricket, AFL and Volleyball. That is, the week beginning Monday 23 March. Year 5 and Year 6 players may have some trials within school time beforehand. All interested players must complete an online registration form to register their interest https://form.jotform.com/VillanovaSport/term-2-sport-sign-on

Training/Trial Schedule (commences Monday 23 March and continues until the end of the season)

• All Years 7 – 12 Rugby and First/Second XI Football teams will train Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at Villanova Park (approx. 3.50pm- 5.00/30pm)
• All Years 7 – 12 Football teams will train Monday and Wednesday afternoon at Villanova Park (approx. 3.50pm- 5.00/30pm) excluding the Firsts and Seconds
• All Year 5 and Year 6 teams will train at Langlands or Whinstanes, specific days and times to be confirmed.

Note – The College will provide bus transportation to all Years 7-12 Rugby and Football teams who train at Villanova Park. Buses will transport all players at 3.10pm departing from the bus zone in front of the College. Parents are required to collect their son promptly from Villanova Park at the conclusion of the training session. No return bus service will be available.

AIC Rugby and Football Trial Games – Date Claimers 

• Monday 23 – 27 March (Rugby and Football training/trials begin at Villanova Park for all Year 7-12 teams, Year 5 and Year 6 teams will trial at Little Langlands)
• Saturday 28 March Internal AIC Rugby and Football Trials (Firsts and Seconds rugby and football v SLC only, all other teams will trial internally at Villanova Park)
• Saturday 25 April (ANZAC DAY) AIC Rugby and Football v SPC (full school trial) NOTE – As these trials will occur on ANZAC DAY, all games will take place from 12 midday onwards. Most games will be played at Villanova Park with some games being played at Curlew Park. A special ceremony will be held at Villanova Park before the First games to commemorate the day.
• Saturday 2 May Round 1 – Saturday 13 June Round 7 as per College calendar

Rugby and Football – Coaches/Referees
If you have an interest in refereeing or coaching, please contact:

Years 5 – 12 Football:  Anthony Kemp email: akemp@vnc.qld.edu.au
Years 5 – 12 Rugby:  Chris Everding email: ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au

AIC Rugby and Football Sign-Ons (to be completed online)
Please be advised that all boys from Years 5 – 12 will be given the opportunity to sign-on for the up-coming Villanova Rugby, Football, Cross Country and Chess season. We expect that when a boy commits to a team that he follows that commitment through until the end of season.  Both parents and players must acknowledge within the online sign-on form that they are aware of the College’s policies and expectations with regards to school sport. The College’s Selection Guidelines and Code of Conduct will also be found on the online sign-on form. Please note that school sport is given priority over club sport as written in the College diary.

We hope to provide all A  and B teams from Years 5-12 with two training sessions weekly, C teams and lower may only have one or perhaps two sessions depending on the coach. Year 5and6 teams will train at various times before and after school at Little Langlands and Whinstanes.  All games are played on Saturdays as per College Calendar. Please refer to the College website under AIC Rugby and AIC Football to view further details including training times.

Holiday Rugby Clinic
A pre-season holiday rugby clinic will operate from East Rugby Club on 6 and 7 April.   Two programs will operate for the 7 – 10 and 11 – 14 age groups. The program incorporates recent rugby trends and professional training. Each program covers the essential skills for that age group.

Former Wallabies captain and Villanova Old Boy, Ben Mowen will also be involved. We encourage all Villanova rugby players to attend this camp over the Easter break. Special rates apply to Villanova College students. Please see the flyer attached.

AIC Chess
Mrs Sally England, Chess Co-ordinator

The AIC Chess Competition runs in conjunction with the AIC Rugby and Football season during Term 2, however, chess will be played on Friday evenings as per the College calendar beginning with two trial matches.

To ensure our students have the necessary skills and training the College has opened a Chess Club to all interested players, which will commence next week, Week 5, in T10 during first break each day. All students are welcome to play in the Chess Club, but students wishing to join AIC Chess teams will need to compete in play-offs for positions in the team and later attend practice sessions. Further information will become available later in the term in relation to those students who wish to participate in the Villanova Chess teams.

If students wish to know more, please see Mrs England or email: sengland@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Note:  Boys can play chess and rugby/football and cross country.

Villanova Runners Club (VRC)
Mr Tom Lonergan

Recommences – Sunday 1 March 2020, No VRC on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday 2020

The VRC meets on Sunday afternoons 4.00pm – 5.00pm at Whites Hill Reserve (Cricket Ovals, Boundary Rd, Camp Hill). This is an opportunity for Villanova athletes to maintain/build up their Aerobic fitness as part of their training for the coming Cross-Country season.  There will be training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the school holidays.

An open invitation is extended to families of the boys and in fact any people interested in improving their fitness. There will be no minimum standard of fitness required and all levels of fitness will be catered for during the session. Assemble on the Cricket Oval 3 where a Tabata session will be held, followed by aerobic running on the surrounding bushland trails.

Composite Sport
Please find below a list of composite trial and nomination dates.

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.

Year 5 Instrumental Music Immersion
Our Year 5 musicians have been engaging extremely well with our program this year.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students for their engagement and behaviour as they participate in the music performance program.

Please ensure you engage with your son’s One-Note for instrumental music; this will be an important element in supporting your son through this program.  We have now had two lessons with instruments, and I am receiving parental reports of several excited students busily practising at home.  That is fantastic!  Ensure all this fine work is recorded through your son’s practice sheet – remember, one bubble = 10 minutes practice.

You will be receiving information shortly regarding our upcoming Jump Start Day.  This will be a fantastic afternoon of learning about the wonders of ensemble.  The event will conclude with a concert for families in Hanrahan Theatre.  I look forward to seeing you all there!

Mary Poppins Musical
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the students and staff involved in this year’s musical.  There has been an extraordinary amount of work that has gone into this production and I know that there is a very proud cast and crew ready to share their work with our community.  I sincerely hope you have purchased your tickets as these have almost all sold out!  All the very best to those involved for the upcoming show week.

There has been a little moving of lessons and juggling rehearsals around this production fortnight.  I appreciate everyone’s flexibility with regards to this, ensuring we are all able to meet our obligations across this busy period.  Once the musical has exited the building, routine will return to normal.

Music Assembly
This Friday morning, we will be recognising our 2020 Senior Musicians and Music Leaders.  Parents of students involved have been invited to come and participate in this event. The Assembly commences at 10.30am in Goold Hall on Friday morning.  Parents are welcome to sit in the upstairs area.

We will also be graced by the big sounds of the Villanova College Big Band at Assembly.  If you are able to join us, it will be quite an entertaining event.

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.

Date Claimers
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.

Villanova Carnival
The Villanova International Carnival 2020 will offer a scrumptious tour of the world’s cuisines and beverages – offering everything from an American Barbecue Grill to Latin Fiesta, the French Café, the Curry Hut, Greek Paniyiri Stall and an Aussie barbecue.

Of course, there will be plenty to wash it all down with, thanks to the ever popular Pimm’s Tent, the Four Pines Brewery Bar, the new boutique Gin Bar and of course the classic City View Bar. For the kids there is soft drink, the Arctic Snow Cone Hut and soft serve ice creams.

This feast of flavour will be complemented by a veritable smorgasbord of family entertainment, including musical performances, rides, raffles and traditional favourites, such as the cake stall and ever-popular lob-a-choc.

This event is critical for building our school community and funding school assets.

This year a target of $60,000 has been set to complete air-conditioning of the Veritas Building.

We need your HELP as we still have the following positions vacant:

• Entertainment Co-ordinator
• MC – Master of Ceremony
• Rubbish Removal Management
• Ride Co-ordinator
• Graphic Designer (for media design and posting)

Lob-a-Choc
Donations are underway with drop off bins in every Year 5 classroom. There is a pizza party up for grabs for the biggest donation classroom.

Rides
Ride armbands go on sale soon for exciting new rides including the ‘Dominator’.

Jamie Whitlock, Villanova International Carnival Convener

Tenori in Concert
On Saturday night, Greg Cooley Wines sponsored an amazing night of music, wine and food.  Goold Hall was transformed into a wonderful concert venue as we were entertained by the talented Tenori along with supporting act, Hope D.

The Tenors sang everything from opera, to stage musicals, Bee Gees, Muse and The Beatles.  It was hard to pick a favourite as there was something for everyone.    Thank you to all the friends, families and staff who came along to support the AFAS Elders projects.

A special thank you must go to Old Boy, Greg Cooley and Kelli Shanahan from Greg Cooley Wines for co-ordinating the entertainment and wine.  I would also like to thank the AFAS students and Elders, as well as the many parents who were waiters, bar staff, set-up and clean-up crews on the night.

All proceeds will go towards the Elders 2020  project on Kinatarcan Island.  The support of so many people is always appreciated and goes a long way to helping make a difference for a very poor and disadvantaged  Filipino community struggling in the wake of tropical storms and poverty.

Please put aside the date for a repeat performance next year – you won’t regret it!

2020 Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection Notice
Please find information here regarding the collection of 2020 Student Residential Address and Other Information by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

Wildcat Towels
This is your last chance to place an order for a Villa Wildcat towel. Orders must be in no later than Friday 28 February. Please order through your Flexischools account. Personalised $40.00, plain (Villa Sport) $35.00.

Library Roster

Monday 24 February
Emma Banaghan

Tuesday 25 February
Cristina Palacios
Susanna Greaves

Thursday 27 February
Sue Mulligan
Maryanne Bingham

Friday 28 February
Madhu Kalaimannan

TUCKSHOP MENU AND PRICE LIST
Please click here for our Ash Wednesday (Wednesday 26 February) Tuckshop  menu. Our regular menu is available here.

TUCKSHOP ROSTER

Monday 24 February
Kym Edser
Liz Burge
Donna  Skelton
Natalie Blackshaw
Michelle Blum
Christine Poole
Dave Learoyd
Doone Wildin
Kyle-Ann Walsh

Tuesday 25 February
Christina Ross
Ita Dumont
Luisa Snell
Deanne Wooden
Cath  Watson
Katrina Kozionas
Genevieve Keskinidis
Jo Kalligeros
Jennifer Spoto
Venetia Vitanza

Wednesday 26 February
Karen O’Mara
Narina Jenkinson
Alison Wilde
Sam Thompson
Rum Raddatz
Monica Curtis
Melissa  Townsend
Tabbatha Pillon
Donna Huntley

Thursday 27 February
Julie Paterson
Jane O’Brien
Jayne Smith
Kellie Killips
Catherine Bishop
Nicky Micheletti
Sue Godwin
Julia Fleming

Friday 28 February
Maria O’Leary Chay
Effie Prineas
Kelly Kendall
Melissa Lorimer
Loreena Clark
Maria Spina
Emma Capaldi
Paula Conte
Anna Lestani
Tanya Henry

St James Parish Coorparoo – Sacrament of Reconciliation program
St James Parish is conducting its Sacrament of Reconciliation program this term. The program begins on Monday 24 February at 6.00pm with a parent information session at St James Church, 165 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo.  Contact the Parish for further information: osastjames@bne.catholic.net.au