Villanova College
Villa View: Issue 05/19
Villa View: Issue 05/19
As we approach the half-way mark of this first term, it is worth taking a moment to check on the status of your son. In the busyness of family life, the weeks and days can fly past and before we know it the end of term is upon us. Allow me to pose some questions for you at this key time.
- How has your son settled to the challenges of the new year?
- How are his organisational skills at the moment?
- Does he seem to have it together with all the demands he is facing with sports, schoolwork, home life and possibly work?
- Is he getting enough sleep? (recommendation is 8 – ten hours per night)
- How is he handling his classes and working with his teachers?
- How is the homework, assessment tasks and homework routine?
- How is his general mood? (this can be difficult to determine in teenage years)
Our Pastoral Area Leaders and Heads of School have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in dealing with boys. If you have any concerns, I urge you to contact your respective Pastoral Area Leader or Head of School to discuss the matter.
AIC SPORTING ASSOCIATION
At the recent AIC Sports Management meeting the issue of spectator behaviour and good sportsmanship was raised. The AIC Charter states the vision for the AIC Sports Association as, “To develop good and healthy young people of character through sport and competition within a Christian context.”
Furthermore, the Mission Statement clearly articulates how this vision is to be enacted.
The AIC will provide well-organised competitions in sport and other activities that foster participant engagement and pride in communities in a holistic Christian context. Our students, staff and families (both past and present) will nurture spiritual, moral, emotional, intellectual, physical and social development through respectful and compassionate relationships in a safe environment.
All the activities on offer to the students of AIC Member Colleges provide opportunities for learning and growth. All Member Colleges understand the importance of competition to challenge young men to participate and live a healthy life. Through the thrill of competing, sporting activities teach our young men about winning humbly and losing graciously.
At all sporting facilities you will notice new signs that will remind all spectators of the expectations of good sportsmanship and a reminder about respecting all volunteer umpires, coaches and managers. Without the generosity of these volunteers the AIC Competition would not be possible.
MMG EDUCATION – Parent Survey Results: Overall Satisfaction/Agreement
| General Topics | JUNIOR SCHOOL | MIDDLE SCHOOL | SENIOR SCHOOL | OVERALL |
| Parents New to the School- Statements relating to starting at Villanova College | N/A | N/A | N/A | 89% (Very High) |
| Overall satisfaction with camps | N/A | N/A | N/A | 89% (Very High) |
| Overall satisfaction with communications from Villanova College | 89% (Very High) | 89% (Very High) | 89% (Very High) | 89% (Very High) |
| Statements relating to Parent Portal | 75% (High) | 79% (High) | 74%(High) | 76% (High) |
| Management and Leadership of Villanova College | 89% (Very High) | 89% (Very High) | 89% (Very High) | 89% (Very High) |
| Satisfaction with facilities | N/A | N/A | N/A | 79% (High) |
| Reputation in the wider community | 75% (High) | 70% (High) | 70% (High) | 71% (High) |
| Affinity (Loyalty) | 89% (Very High) | 89% (Very High) | 79% (High) | 89% (Very High) |
STATEMENT FROM ARCHBISHOP MARK COLERIDGE RE: the verdict in the Cardinal Pell case:
The news of Cardinal George Pell’s conviction on historical child sexual abuse charges has shocked many across Australia and around the world, including the Catholic Bishops of Australia. The Bishops agree that everyone should be equal under the law, and we respect the Australian legal system. The same legal system that delivered the verdict will consider the appeal that the Cardinal’s legal team has lodged. Our hope, at all times, is that through this process, justice will be served.
In the meantime, we pray for all those who have been abused and their loved ones, and we commit ourselves anew to doing everything possible to ensure that the Church is a safe place for all, especially the young and the vulnerable.
We remember in our prayers Mrs Avis Greenup, great grandmother of Andrew Dickie (Year 6).
May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen
You have made us for Yourself O Lord,
And our hearts are restless until they rest in You
God bless
Mr Mark Stower, Principal
This year’s theme of community is an important one in many ways as it applies to Teaching and Learning. St Augustine regularly spoke of the importance of community as a means of learning. He believed that the search for truth sought after in learning was best served in dialectic encounters where the need for lively interactive dialogue among learners was critical. Individually, we can achieve many great things. The Scholars’ Assembly two weeks ago was evidence of this. We celebrated the successes of our most recent Old Boys and those students who demonstrated academic excellence in Semester 2, 2018. However, we know that the attainments of individuals such as these young men are rarely their own doing.
- The impact teachers have can never be underestimated; the lessons spent in the classroom, the time spent in after-hours tutoring and the number of hours devoted to marking assessment is considerable.
- Time and time again, stories of the support of family members are attributed to success.
- Peers can also have a significant impact.
In 2019, Villanova is keen to explore additional opportunities that involve the College community to provide greater educational opportunities. One such opportunity begins next week as the ‘Study Hub’ commences. The ‘Study Hub’ involves students from the Senior School offering their time to assist Junior and Middle School students with their academics. More specific details will be communicated to parents in a separate communication later this week, however, assistance will be available to Junior School students on a Tuesday and Thursday morning before school whilst Middle School students can seek help on a Wednesday afternoon. I thank in advance the students of Year 10, 11 and 12 who will assist with this initiative and encourage any of our younger students to take advantage of this.
Our Year 12 cohort have commenced their final year of studies with enthusiasm and a collective will to do well. As many would be aware, 2019 marks the final year of the current QCE system, including the Overall Position (OP) system. For students choosing to pursue an OP, their success depends on their own individual results and the performance of the Year 12 cohort. The Queensland Core Skills (QCS) tests form the later part of the ‘equation’ and its importance cannot be underestimated. Our Senior group are well aware of this and have made a commitment this year that they will work together for the group’s collective success. Each week, Year 12 students engage in lessons that are designed to improve areas critical to success in the QCS tests. However, there are other chances for the students to gain vital practice and guidance with this area of their studies:
- All OP-eligible students undertook a workshop on Tuesday with an external provider in order to hone their literacy and writing skills. These will continue throughout the year.
- Practice QCS tests will be periodically completed over the coming three terms. The first is next Thursday with all students completing a practice Writing Task.
- The College often collaborates with Lourdes Hill College students in QCS practice sessions.
- On the final day of this term, students will sit practice Multiple Choice and Short Response tests.
SATE HIGHLIGHT – SUBJECTS
Our Year 11 students are now well and truly on the journey that is the new Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance (SATE) system. The College has offered a range of subjects to suit the strengths and interests of our young men, and with optimism that our curriculum will realise excellent results at the conclusion of 2020. Students at Villanova College have the option to study subjects in the following three (3) categories – General subjects, Applied subjects and VET subjects.
- General subjects are suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond secondary schooling that may lead to tertiary studies, vocational education and training or work. The results achieved in General subjects may contribute to a student’s ATAR.
- Applied subjects are suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond senior secondary schooling that lead to vocational education and training or work. Results from one (1) Applied subject may contribute to a student’s ATAR when combined with four (4) General subjects.
- VET subjects are also suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond senior secondary schooling that lead to vocational education and training or work. They are typically certificate courses such as the Certificate I in Construction or the Certificate III in Business. Results from Certificate III courses or above (i.e. Certificate IV or Diploma) may contribute to a student’s ATAR when combined with four (4) General subjects.
STUDY SKILLS
Just a reminder that Villanova College subscribes to the study skills website www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Parents and students at the school can access the site at school and at home. The College’s subscription details to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au are:
User name: forvillanovaonly
Password: 129results
This is a website with units of work on different study skills topics, looking at how students can improve their results, as well as other resources and planning templates to make dealing with schoolwork a little more stress-free. At times throughout the year, your son may work through some of the activities during class, however, parents might like to encourage the use of the website as the need arises.
YEAR 10, YEAR 11 AND YEAR 12 ASSESSMENT
Over the coming days, assessment calendars, including details around examinations at the end of the term, will be made available to Senior students. Year 10 and Year 12 student’s assignment details should already be appearing in the Students Café (and also in Parent Lounge). Examination details are being finalised. Year 11 students will receive a separate assessment calendar by email as the College works within the new senior system.
Further information relating to assessment, and in particular examinations, will be communicated to students and parents over the coming weeks.
Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning
FROM THE EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS DEPARTMENT
Gregory Terrace/All Hallows’ Annual Maths Tournament
What is the only 2-digit number that has a square root, a cubed root and a sixth root which are all whole numbers?
This was one of the simpler questions which were asked of the students who attended the Maths Tournament at All Hallows’ School on Tuesday, 26 February.
Along with over 300 students from 18 different schools, 20 Year 6 and Year 7 students from Villanova College participated in this annual event where they had to solve challenging and thought-provoking Maths problems.
While our teams did not place in the top three, it was a great exercise in collaborative and group thinking processes.
Many thanks to three Villanova mums: Rachael Gagen, Louise Wilson and Nancy Katakis for assisting with supervision on the day. I congratulate all 20 students and look forward to Villanova College competing in many more extension programs such as this in 2019.
Mrs Kath Underhill, Program Leader Exceptional Learners Year 5 – 12
Balance in our lives between work and play can be tricky. When do we prioritise ourselves? When should the needs of others be given attention? How do we know when we need to put our community first? Every human being would have their own response to these questions. Yet we need to aim for a balance of all needs if we are to live our best life.
Year 6 Class Leaders : L-R Thomas Hellyer, Lewis McMahon, Luke Phillips, Isaac Lerato, Jay Gill, Ewan McCosker
The one thing that I know is true, is that combining the schedules of four family members is an artform. I know the weekly timetable (what can be planned) is on our fridge and there are colours used to get our attention. This aim is for the three males is not to keep asking about days and times (three times over each morning and night), but if I am honest, we all still do. I am flat out knowing where I’m meant to be, let alone the boys, but we collectively all try hard to stay on top of things.
Year 6 students at the Maths Tournament hosted by All Hallows’ School and Gregory Terrace on Tuesday.
The reality is that technology helps us access dates, times and locations, but a family needs to put that together. So, each week is a labyrinth of pick-ups and drop-offs, packing and unpacking gear, and scoring/managing sporting teams. The physical side of life needs minutes allocated for travel, packed snacks and endless water bottles. We have a network of amazing friends who we can carpool with, swap car runs with, and as result, the village helps raise us all (I count myself as still growing up)!
Exercise keeps me sane. Riding my bike is my first choice at any opportunity. There is nothing better for this Head of Junior School than to clear his head on the open road. I love the River Loop (and the coffee afterwards) around Woolloongabba, but I also enjoy heading down to the Bay. Whether I ride on my own, find a group to join along the way, or organise a group – exercise clears my head and helps me find more patience and motivation for my family and work commitments. I sleep better at night if exercise has been a part of my day. I am often the first person at night heading to bed, preferring to read or catch up on some social media before lights out.
Watching my boys play sport and helping to coach or assist with scoring/managing duties keeps me interested during the weekends. It is fair to say we clock up some kilometres in the cars every weekend between school and club commitments, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My sons get to play with school mates but also branch out and make new friends from other schools. They engage in their community centres for training, games, fundraising and celebrations. We experience wins, losses and some brilliant opportunities every year.
As a family we enjoy watching sport (maybe three of us more), the Oscars (maybe one a lot more than the other three) and movies together. We love humour, action and adventure, and I must admit the drama/romance genre gets priority occasionally. TV series can often connect us – the eating challenges on “I’m a Celebrity Australia” had us thoroughly entertained. The point is, we try to find things we can all share together as a family.
Year 6 Green Chapel Mass
Life cannot be all work or all play. We need goals to keep us focused and moving forward in life. By now, your son should be settling somewhat into his new class. A Term 1 goal for some boys may be to focus on what’s fun at school – getting through the door on a Monday morning with a smile can take practice. Another goal might be to ask a new friend over for a catch up one afternoon. Being brave enough to extend an invitation takes courage. Some boys may need to set a goal of getting their homework completed on time. Others may need to remember their College diary each afternoon. For some students their goals may be directed towards doing their best in a subject – How will they succeed? What is their plan to revise, study and reach their full potential? How can our boys find balance between school, home and community? Whereabouts does their happiness lie? This is for us all to work on this week. Balance is very important for our sense of self, relationships and belonging. Everyone is different. We all need to set carefully thought out goals that help us live our best lives.
Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School
FLOOD RESPONSE
The student body responded with great generosity to the flood crisis in North Queensland last Friday. Students wore green and gold, and many went the extra mile: wearing cork brim hats, giving more than a gold coin and supporting the sausage sizzle.
The ubiquitous sausage sizzle was once again organised by the Year 9 team of Tom Price, Tom Hoctor, Wilson Griffin, and Jack Stone. The 250 sausages vanished quickly, and my sincere apology to the disappointed students who missed out. It is a tribute to this Year 9 team who have done so well with their organisation of past events, that such a large number of boys supports them.
Overall, a transfer will be made of over $2,400 to Vinnies today. A symbolic big cheque was presented to Vinnies Schools’ Liaison Officer, Dan Ingledew (‘13) on Friday’s assembly. Dan described how the money will be put to very good use, aiding both Townsville and the farming community.
MINISTRY ASSEMBLY AND SIGN-ONS
The whole team of Ministry students presented a fast-moving and tightly scripted overview of the way the ministries work at last Friday’s assembly. One outstanding feature was the willingness of two young Old Boys from last year, Liam Hampson and Tom Balshaw, to convey the importance of service as a hallmark of the ‘Villanova man’.
The assembly acted as the precursor to the sign-ons to the various ministries on Monday and Tuesday this week. This process included a lively display in the Library and the Rosies training evening on Tuesday. The Ministry year is now launched. All students are welcome to “come and see” what goes on in the various groups and perhaps they will find one way in which they can give their time and talents to the wider community.
SAVING THIS BEAUTIFUL PLANET – ONE STUDENT AND ONE BOTTLE AT A TIME
We now have 10 clearly marked bins for plastic bottles and cans. I ask and challenge all students to make a small change in their individual behaviour:
Think about what you are doing with your drink; then put the bottle or can in the correct bin.
Added together, these actions will make the difference between a mountain of trash – and a mountain of cash. The money redeemed by the Council’s recycling scheme will be put to use on improving amenities and spirit, e.g. purchase of a new Wild Cat suit as well as donations to those in need, as discerned by the student body.
Recycling is not only a way of reclaiming the campus, it also builds virtues of thrift and responsibility in each student who accepts the challenge, as well as providing an income stream to put student ideas and dreams into action.
Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity
JUMP START DAY – WHAT AN EVENT!
On Tuesday 26 February, we celebrated the commencement of the musical careers of our new cohort of Year 5 musicians. The annual Jump Start Day brought together the entire Year 5 cohort and our instrumental music team for an entire day of making music. The focus of the day is to ‘jump start’ the musical learning of our new musicians, fast-tracking vital ensemble skills that ready our teams for the musical year ahead.
Students commenced the day with massed singing, led by our choral team of Ms Gill, Mr Stewart, and Vocal Captain Tim Nielson. Our accompanist extraordinaire, Mrs Stuart, guided our choristers through a rousing rendition of Villa Brothers; a new theme for Junior School composed by our previous choral director Mr Timothy Sherlock. We then moved into ensemble rehearsal.
Within our ensemble rehearsals, students learned how to sit, focus, and follow the conductor. From knowing how to hold our instrument to how to play and stop together, it was quite an incredible experience being enlightened to the role of the conductor and the power of the baton. The students focussed very well and worked diligently over four and a half hours of rehearsal (with breaks of course) in preparation for the evening’s concert.
The Jump Start Day Concert in the Hanrahan Theatre was at capacity with the ‘Standing Room Only’ sign placed at the front of the College. Parents excitedly entered the Augustine Centre, full of anticipation as to the music they were about to hear. The students shared their efforts most enthusiastically, producing some awe-inspiring sounds – each and every performance concluded with a standing ovation from those gathered in the audience.
On behalf of the Music Department at Villanova, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Junior School staff for allowing us the time to work with the students. I would also like to thank the rest of the College for their flexibility and patience around the utilisation of resources and rooms – it is most appreciated. We would like to thank the parents and friends who attended the concert – your support was most appreciated, and I am sure your sons are looking forward to sharing future performances with you. Finally, I would like to thank the students who came and worked with us in good faith across the day; it truly is amazing what can be achieved when you approach a new and exciting activity with a growth mind-set.
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 the Student Services and 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.
IRISH ENSEMBLE AUDITION MATERIALS
As per communication home to those who have responded to the Irish Ensemble Auditions, these are taking place after school TOMORROW in the Play House. I am looking forward to hearing our budding Celtic musicians!
TOUR ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS
Our Sydney Tour team are now meeting to rehearse every Tuesday fortnight after school. Our next session will be held on Tuesday 5 March commencing at 3.15pm on stage in the Hanrahan Theatre. This rehearsal will conclude at 4.45pm. If your son is participating in this tour, he will be required to attend these sessions. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr Jones through the Music Office on 3394 5691.
A tour update letter has been emailed home. Please check to ensure you have received this. If you have not, please contact the Music Office urgently for a copy.
DEBUT CONCERTS – WEEK 7
As per our music calendar, our Debut Concert Series is arriving with great gusto! Both evenings will be commencing a little later than usual at 6.30pm, to allow families a little more time to arrive relaxed and prepared. To assist in family logistics, our fantastic Music Support Group will be running a BBQ as well as snacks and liquid refreshments at both concerts. A list of goodies (including price) will be advertised in next week’s Villa View.
Whilst the running order is yet to be confirmed, we have determined the allocation of ensembles to concerts. Please refer to the table below for this information:
| Tuesday 12 March | Thursday 14 March |
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I look forward to sharing the work our students have completed over the first four weeks of rehearsal – it is going to be great!
MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP
Our dedicated Music Support Group Executive have already met for the year to shape the agenda of this fantastic organisation. The Villanova College Music Support Group have supported music, music activities, and musicians at Villa for many years. It is a wonderful group to join in order to meet like-minded parents and broaden your community network within the College.
The Music Support Group meet for the first time on Monday 4 March in the Music Classroom on level 1 of the Augustine Centre. Meetings commence at 7.30pm and are a pleasure to attend. We look forward to new members and welcome anyone with an interest in Villanova College and Villanova Music.
Hope to see you there!
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 2019
In 2018, Villanova College Music Support Group were again the top selling fundraiser in Queensland for Entertainment Book! This would not have been possible without our community’s ongoing support for this wonderful group and initiative. March is upon us and, like the looming Australian Rules season, Entertainment Book season is here!
All students in the music program are encouraged to participate in the Entertainment Book drive in order to raise ‘tour credits’ toward tours planned by the Music Department. It is a great way for families to reduce the cost of these ‘large items’ over time as tour credits remain with the student until they are used or the student graduates.
The 2019 Entertainment Book pre-sale drive commences next week; however, you may begin purchasing books or online subscriptions via the link below. Thank you to those who have purchased Entertainment Books through the music office previously – we look forward to your continued support!
DATE CLAIMERS
As is tradition, we look forward to the fantastic events we have planned in the near future:
| Week | Date | Activity |
| 6 | Monday 4 March | Music Support Group meeting – 7.30pm |
| 7 | Tuesday 12 March | Debut Concert 1 |
| 7 | Thursday 14 March | Debut Concert 2 |
| 9 | Tuesday 26 March | Open Day – tours from 8.30am and 10.30am |
| 10 | Monday 1 April | Music Support Group / QCMF meeting – 7.30pm |
Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music
VILLANOVA INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL – the countdown is on!
Keep those donations coming in! By now, families should be aware which stalls (allocated by year level) they have been asked to support. If not, Issue 3 of the Carnival newsletter will let you know the allocation of stalls and the donations requested.
We are still seeking volunteers to assist with the set-up and pack-down of the Carnival – three shifts (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) to choose from. We are also keen to hear from a parent who is willing to become our Publican’s Purse Convenor. Details in the newsletter.
VILLANOVA HOUSE SYSTEM: John A. Heavey – first Bishop of Cairns
This is the fourth and last story about the Villanova House System.
John Heavey was born in County Wicklow, Ireland in 1868. After his ordination in Rome (1891) he returned to Ireland to teach at a small Augustinian boarding school. When Bishop Murray died in 1914, John Heavey was appointed as his replacement as the Bishop of the Vicariate of Cairns.
Due to an influx of Italian migrants, the Catholic population in the Cooktown area increased by 43% during the time of Heavey’s administration. Heavey had the challenge of providing for the pastoral needs of immigrant Catholics and turned to three Italian speaking Spaniard Augustinians to support this work. Over the next eight years, English and Italian speaking Maltese Augustinians provided a special ministry for the migrant population.
Father Heavey was criticised for not reconciling the apparent differences between Irish-Catholic worship and the Italian Roman Catholic tradition. It was claimed that he was unable to achieve an integrated Catholic community. However, the number of Catholic schools increased as did the number of church districts during his administration.
Father John Heavey passed away on June 12, 1948 at the age of 79 years. He was known to be a scholarly and retiring person, with a dedication to routines. Villanova College celebrates his contribution to education and Augustinian ways, naming the fourth House: Heavey.
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY 2019
Members of the Villanova Community are invited to attend one of the many Clean Up Australia Day sites around Brisbane on Sunday 3 March 2019. This event is regarded as Australia’s largest annual environmental event. To find and join a Clean Up site, click here.
Attendance is particularly welcomed at the closest site to Villanova College, Moorhen Flats, next to Norman Creek. Please note that a teacher will be in attendance at this site.
Time: 8am (suggested duration 1 – 1 ½ hrs), Sunday 3 March 2019.
Location: Moorhen Flats picnic area, 106 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba
Bring: hat, sun cream, water, gloves, enclosed shoes and insect repellent
Junior and Middle School students must be accompanied by an adult.
If you wish to attend, please advise Mr Col Grant via email cgrant@vnc.qld.edu.au and you will receive a permission form to be signed and returned prior to the event.
SCHOOL DANCES
A number of schools have recently extended an invitation for Villanova boys to join them at upcoming school dances.
All Hallows’ School – Friday 1 March (7.00pm – 9.00pm). $10 entry – ID required. This dance is for Years 7 and 8 students only.
Loreto College – Friday 1 March (7.00pm – 10.00pm). $15 entry – ID required. This dance is for Years 9 – 12 students.
San Sisto College – Friday 8 March (7.00pm – 10.00pm). $10.00 entry – ID required.
YOUTH MASS
The Parish of St Peter and Paul’s invites youth (high school age and above) to a young-led Mass on Sunday 10 March at 5.30pm. Stay after Mass to enjoy a pizza and drink supper (donation towards supper appreciated). RSVP to the Parish Office – bulimba@bne.catholic.net.au
Address
24 Sixth Avenue, Coorparoo, Brisbane, QLD 4151 Australia
Villanova College is an independent Catholic School for boys under the care of the Augustinian Order. Striving for excellence in boys’ education as an Augustinian community one in mind and heart on the way towards God.
