Villa View: Issue 06/19

Recent media reports about historical sexual abuse in the Catholic Church have been confronting for all. In particular we pray for the victims and their families who have been hurt by the actions of people in authority.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge wrote to the Archdiocese of Brisbane over the weekend recognising the failings of the Church and the need to continue to address its responsibilities in the area of care for all. There is still much to be done and many steps have been put in place in all institutions to ensure the safety and care for all.

In his letter he reminded all people of the many aspects of the Church that are often not reported in the media and many are unaware of the good work of so many.

It’s the Church that works every day with refugees who have come to Australia seeking a better life. You help them to find accommodation, to fight for a permanent stay and to reunite with loved ones.
It’s the Church that works on the frontline with domestic violence victims. You help them and their children in the toughest moments that they will face. You walk with them at every step, especially when they feel helpless.
It’s the Church that works with Australians with a disability. You help create a society that welcomes, includes and respects people with a disability as people first – and you support them to follow their dreams.
It’s the Church that works with people on the poverty line. You provide them with accommodation, meals and support when they have nowhere else to turn.
It’s the Church that works with the homeless. You bring a friendly smile, food and warmth to them. Most of all, you help by spending time with them.
It’s the Church that works with people living with dementia. You brighten their lives, you relate to the real person and you provide support for their families.
It’s the Church that provides pastoral support to prisoners. You sit with them, listen to their stories and provide counselling.
It’s the Church that works to protect our environment. You help raise awareness of our common home, the earth on which we live and the need to preserve it for those who come after us.
Of course, it’s the Church that has educated millions of Australian children over generations. Your work in that area continues to have a major impact on our young people and the future of our country.
And it’s the Church that has provided first-class medical treatment in our hospitals for generations. You have literally saved lives and continue to save lives. You have also accompanied the dying with tender care.

I have worked in Catholic education for the past 38 years. I started teaching fresh out of college as a 21-year-old in 1981. Over those 38 years I have worked with many religious and Priests who are truly wonderful people. I know they are feeling disappointed, devastated, angry and hurt by what has been occurring in a Church they have given their lives to.  We pray that our Church will continue to listen and respond to the voices of all.

SAFETY IN RUGBY
The injuries sustained by four schoolboy rugby players last year has prompted a review of our safety protocols. Recently all Directors of Sports and Principals/Heads of Colleges from the eight AIC Colleges attended a meeting with the Queensland Rugby Union to discuss the initiatives the governing body will implement over the next few years. This season we have in place the following protocols;

1. Concussion protocols as per the Australian Union guidelines.
2. Minimum standard for all coaches – “Smart Rugby” course.
3. Offering coaches to attend Level One and Foundation coaching courses.
4. Information sessions for Coaches held prior to commencement of season.
5. Director of Rugby Skills and Coaching Director in place for past two years.
6. Specialist scrum coaching across all teams – Year 7 to Year 12.
7. Age Dispensation guidelines followed for all players who are outside the two- year window, i.e. a student turning 16 needs the dispensation to play against 18-year-old players.
8. Qualified and accredited medical staff at all fields on game day as well as medical staff attending at Villa Park for training.
9. All Coaches to have Blue cards and completed Child Protection Training.

Rugby union continues to be a safe sport for students to play and our College and coaches place the safety of all players at the highest priority.

CONGRATULATIONS
We congratulate Mrs Belinda Tucker and her husband Luke on the birth of their daughter, Katerina Jean Tucker.

PRAYERS
We keep in our prayers Mr Roland Camilleri following the recent death of his mother, Francoise Camilleri.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace, Amen

We also ask for your prayers for members of the Villanova College community who are battling illness at this time.

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

As we see off Week 6 of the term, assignments are busily being drafted and finalised, and the majority of examinations are just around the corner. My conversations with Year 12 students indicate that there is a real purpose about their studies and they are planning and preparing well for the end of the term. I am confident that the majority of our students are well prepared for whatever it is they need to tackle over the coming weeks.

Given that students spend a significant amount of time completing homework, preparing assignments and revising for examinations, the space they work in at home is not an area to be underestimated. The environment created within which this work is completed is vital to maximising your son’s achievement across all of his subjects.

I encourage parents to consider the following questions in relation to your son’s study area:

1. What is the lighting like in your son’s study area? Natural lighting is best but if not possible then a good strong bulb in his room and a bright desk lamp are essential.
2. What is the ventilation and air quality like in your son’s study area? Fresh air and oxygen to the brain helps keep him mentally alert.
3. What is his working space or desk like? Your son’s work space sets the tone for the way he approaches his study. Is his desk large enough?
4. What is his chair like? The chair he uses should be comfortable (but not so comfy he falls asleep) and adjustable to reduce the strain on his neck and shoulders.
5. How effectively can he keep his room quiet? When he is trying to memorise things, quiet is essential. No music (unless it is certain types of classical like baroque).
6. What is the storage like in his room? Storage is essential to help keep his notes organised and sorted. This might include shelves, a filing cabinet and some drawers.
7. How organised is his study area? It is important to keep your son’s study area uncluttered and organised. A large pin board for notices and a calendar are useful.
8. How many distractions does he have in his room? Are his computer and phone distractions? It is always a good idea to switch off or remove distractions before you start work. If he has to use his laptop encourage him to make a conscious effort not to use personal technology during times when he is doing schoolwork.

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.

SATE HIGHLIGHT – Crediting Points for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
One of the significant changes to the QCE is the manner in which students earn points towards its successful completion. In the past, as long as a student completed their Year 12 studies with a pass in each of their subjects, they would be awarded four points per subject towards their QCE; for certificate courses, students could earn up to eight points. To receive a QCE, students have been required to accumulate 20 points. This was relatively straightforward with many students studying six subjects and accumulating more than the 20 points required. In the new Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance system, points will be accumulated on the successful completion of units of work rather than being awarded at the completion of a subject.

The main opportunities for points to be awarded will be as follows:

For General and Applied subjects:

• A student will receive one point for the satisfactory completion of Unit 1
• A student will receive one point for the satisfactory completion of Unit 2
• A student will receive two points for achieving a C standard in Units 3 and 4 combined.

For certificate courses:

• Depending upon the certificate being studied, and the level of its completion, students will earn points towards their QCE
• If a student satisfactorily completes a Certificate III in Fitness, eight points would be earned.
• If in studying the Certificate III in Fitness, the student only completes half of the competencies, it is likely that they would earn four points.

The implication for students is that there needs to be a sustained effort across all units of work in Year 11 and Year 12. The perception by some students that work in Units 1 and 2 is not important and the real hard work commences in Units 3 and 4 could lead to the loss of some QCE points, and potentially a student’s QCE. This is another reason for students to be consistent in their studies across Units 1 to 4.

STUDY HUB
This week saw the commencement of the ‘The Study Hub’. On Tuesday and Thursday morning, our Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 tutors were present in the Junior School to assist any Year 5 and Year 6 student who was in need of extra help with their studies. It was great to see a number of young men go looking for this support. On Wednesday afternoon in the Tolle Lege Library, it was the Middle School’s turn to utilise the assistance of the tutors. Again, there was a considerable number of students prepared to be proactive in their learning by seeking out the support of our tutors.

All Junior School and Middle School students are welcome to attend ‘The Study Hub’. Times are as follows:

Year 5 and Year 6: Tuesday and Thursday mornings – 7.30 to 8.15am (Lower Library)
Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9: Wednesday afternoon – 3.15 to 4.00pm (Tolle Lege Library)

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Boys love rituals.  As Dr Arne Rubenstein – https://ritesofpassageinstitute.org/about/ – has studied over many years, there is much for a young man to gain through a rite of passage in life.  Some rites are small, and others are most significant.  At Villanova, our faith enables us to participate in many rituals over a liturgical calendar year.  On Tuesday each Junior School student was invited to partake in Shrove Tuesday – sharing pancakes for morning tea.  A time to celebrate a small feast before we begin our journey towards Easter.  This is our season of Lent – using the colour purple in churches and on sacred tables in our classrooms.

During Lent we focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving over 40 days as believers of the Catholic faith.  Sundays in Lent are not officially counted which means there are 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter.  Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our contemplation as believers – just as Jesus did in the desert – yet we are not anticipating such an end to our time on Earth as was He – we are hopeful that we can make changes and be our best selves.  We can live more simply and harmoniously if we put our minds, bodies and hearts into it.

Our Junior School cross country medallists

HOW DOES PRAYER MAKE OUR LIVES BETTER?
Prayer allows for interiority.  Interiority – calmly, silently, meditatively or in song – settles our mind so we can let go of the world around us and consciously make space for God.  Prayer as a priority can be a challenge for us in 2019.  Do we want to talk to God or listen to Him?  Can we take turns sharing our story but also remembering His?  Can we put Him first for 40 days and stay in touch with His teachings?  There is much to be said for quiet, reflective time in our day.  Perhaps this Lent gives us the chance to make our relationship with God stronger.

HOW IS FASTING HELPFUL?
Fasting is normally associated with “no” food yet the original aim was for one meal per day.  Of course, this is not suitable for all people – the young, the old, and people with health needs.  Fasting can also mean going without other things.  We can go without using stern tones in our voices, we can go without highlighting the negatives in the world around us and identify the miracles, we can remove anger and show patience.  Grudges can be let go in place of reconciliation.  Fasting can be used to bring peace and community.  Going without can make room for joy and wonder in the world we live in.

Year 5 Red and  5 Blue enjoying pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.

WHAT ABOUT ALMSGIVING?
Often, we think of donating money and goods to those people in need throughout each year.  Caritas https://lent.caritas.org.au/#blank is an organisation that Villanova College gives attention to especially during Lent.  There are specific case studies to show our students the people we can help in communities around the world.  They benefit so greatly for generations, from the money we give instead of simple luxuries like a cup of coffee each day.  Education, business plans and family support make the world of difference to people in remote areas.  We can also give people our time – and be truly present.  Paying full attention and focus will require effort to not let our minds wander to the “list” or pick up our phone – but the difference we can make to the wellbeing of others can be unlimited.  Helping others feel that they belong, that they are valued and matter to us, is giving with the heart.

So, this Lent, consider the many ways you can make a Lenten pledge – possibly a different task each day – or one per week – told or untold – seen or unseen.  The effort will make a difference to you and others.  As for my Lenten pledge, well over the years I have given up chips, done more exercise and tried to read every day to my sons.  This Lenten season I will be………you will just have to come and ask the Junior School boys!

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Recent Twitter scrolling took me to a recent article entitled, “The Most In-Demand Hard and Soft Skills of 2019”. For parents and teachers alike, there are some valuable insights to be gleaned from Gregory Lewis’ musings.

The article reminds us that ‘hard skills’ are best described as the specific technical skills required to complete a job. “Soft skills” best describe the way in which ‘hard skills’ are enacted, and these soft skills are becoming increasingly important to employers.

The in-demand ‘hard skills’ included:

1. Cloud computing
2. Artificial intelligence
3. Analytical reasoning

Not surprisingly, technology-based skills featured heavily throughout the list, as our society increasingly relies on technological advancement in its efforts to improve quality of life. In recent years we have read reports about robots replacing surgeons, driver-free vehicles and 3D bio-printing generated organs and body parts. We need to be preparing our young people for a life where technology is both integral and fundamental.

The in-demand soft skills were listed as follows:

1. Creativity
2. Persuasion
3. Collaboration
4. Adaptability
5. Time Management

Workplace collaboration has become multifaceted and includes a range of abilities, such as clear communication, problem solving, empathy and accountability. Soft skills facilitate these processes. Creative thinking refers to the capability of looking at something in a new way. The art of persuasion is being the enabler of the ‘message’ that you want to bring across, in other words, the means to unleash the value and power of knowledge. Adaptability and flexibility, along with time management are also key components in the creation of any successful workplace and undoubtedly important in a schooling context as well.

As parents and educators, we need to pay attention to these soft skills, and always be on the lookout for opportunities to foster and develop them in our school programs and in our family time.

In the first instance, we should be acknowledging and celebrating these skills when we see them being used effectively by our young men. As for the art of persuasion, I think we all know how that is being practised by the boys in many Villa homes!

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Junior School

SENIOR SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
Last Friday’s first Senior School Assembly for the year was a great success, largely due to the outstanding work of the Student Leadership Team in preparing a number of engaging items for the Senior School student body. College Captain Matthew Rolls spoke passionately about the Belgian cyclist Thomas De Gendt and the relevance of his remarkable story for Villanova students:

Thomas De Gendt knows his strengths, but more importantly knows his weaknesses. He is versatile and knows exactly where he fits within the team. The way in which he conducts himself within the sport is something that I believe epitomises everything that a Villa man is; he is a team player, when he himself is unable to be successful he uses his gifts and talents to ensure that others will be and he attacks every task before him with the same ferocity, whether it be for his own benefit or the benefit of the team. Gentlemen, when you put on that uniform, you are one of us. You are a part of the NovaNation and you are valued, often more than you know. When we come to this College we are united by our restless search for truth and a burning desire for knowledge.

One way in which we display our unity, a sign that we all belong, is that stirring war cry. Upon leaving this College, 2018 College Captain James King, told me that the only thing he regrets not achieving is reteaching our war cry. So with the resources already well in place, the Seniors would like to pick up where James left off and finish what he started. I do not propose change, only that the war cry, which is such a force of unity, be known and understood by all that perform it. As leaders of the College, I would ask that the Senior School, using Thomas De Gendt as an example be part of something so much greater than themselves and answer to the call, challenging ourselves to be a positive and incredibly supporting force within this community which has given us so much.

In my address, I spoke of the need for all Senior School students to find how they can best serve our wonderful community by sharing their gifts and talents for the benefit of all. I also reinforced the importance of those habits of wellbeing- mindfulness, exercise, nutrition and sleep that I wrote about earlier this term, especially as we approach the pressure of the upcoming examination period.

COR UNUM SPIRIT
Also explored during the Senior School Assembly was the value of spirit at Villanova College. Vice-Captain William Barwick spoke about the associated attitudes and beliefs that the Cor Unum Spirit Committee aspires to promote and uphold:

The Cor Unum Committee epitomises the NovaNation notion and are responsible for instilling their passion as custodians of the flame to the wider school community. In all pursuits, these boys will look to our Cor Unum Spirit Credo to guide their way as curators of the VNC essence. It is pertinent to remember that while we love to show our devotion and support to our College, we can still do so in a way that is respectful of our opponents, officials and referees and encourages true Villanovan sportsmanship always. It is the duty of us all to develop existing relationships, to encourage new ones and to live out the true depiction of what it means to be a Villanovan.

The following Cor Unum Spirit Credos were launched to reflect the values of sportsmanship and spectator conduct:

It is my expectation that all Senior School students follow these expectations to ensure they always remain fine ambassadors for the College.

AIC SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Next Monday, the annual AIC Swimming Championships will be staged at the Sleeman Sports Complex. This is an important event within the College’s sporting program and the Villanova College Swimming Team is looking forward to representing the green and gold in the Chandler pool.

In the spirit of our community and to support our swimmers, the College has selected the Year 10 and Year 12 cohorts (combined with Year 5 from the Junior School) to attend the championships as spectators. Please note that this is a compulsory school day for all Year 10 and 12 students and that any student absence on this day requires the usual phone or email notification to the Senior School Student Services office.

There has been a tendency for some students in the past to not attend school on this day to stay home and complete work or assignments. These actions do not reflect a sense of united community spirit that is central to our philosophy at Villanova College.

The Cor Unum Spirit Committee will be leading the Villanova army of spectators throughout the day.

“One man practising sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it.” – Knute Rockne

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Packed rooms of students have been the hallmark of the first week of Ministry meetings since sign-ons occurred. It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of so many students wanting to make a difference, on our campus, and beyond.

Some of the main aims and initiatives bubbling away at the moment are:

YCS: Raising awareness and creating a safe and happy campus in the lead-up to Anti-bullying Day on Friday 15 March.

YAYM and SVP: Making Lent the best Lent ever:

• Doing more that is good: recycling our bottles and cans, donating to Project Compassion (Junior School and Middle School) and the Easter hampers for local families doing it tough (Senior School).
• Raising awareness by sharing Project Compassion stories, and the stories of the people who receive the Easter hampers. The Caritas website provides a deep well of information about how the support by many people giving a little adds up to a great difference: https://lent.caritas.org.au/#blank

Rosies: Held their second training night after school yesterday.

AFAS: Spreading education about the work AFAS achieves for our partner families and schools in the Philippines, in order to build up to a wonderful Mission Day on 24 May. The aim this year is to focus more on a balanced program rather than over-consumption. The mission and education will be the priority.

PROJECT COMPASSION LAUNCH:
On Shrove Tuesday, 11 students and three staff members attended the annual launch of the Project Compassion Appeal, run by Caritas Australia. The launch was held in St Stephen’s Square, where the day began with a liturgy in which Ministry Captain, Reece Jansen, and SVP Captain, Bradley Roulant, received a special scroll commissioning the Villanova Ministries. There was a lively morning tea hosted by Rosies, with a host of activities – pancake racing included. Finally, the 500 or so students present, from Catholic schools across Brisbane, attended conferences and workshops about how to make the Project Compassion appeal compelling for other students.

Villanova students at the launch of Project Compassion 

One initiative that Reece has taken already, along with the team of Ministry students, is to email you personally with the request for 100% effort from your sons, starting with an early donation to Project Compassion or the Easter hampers. As AFL Coach, philosopher, and player Michael Voss once said, “You never have to recover from a good beginning!”

WATCH THIS SPACE: Alpha at Villanova College in Term 2
A team of interested parents and young people will be launching parallel Alpha courses – one for parents; one for young people aged 15 – 25 – at the College in Term 2. Alpha courses create communities who share hospitality then tackle the big questions of faith, and life: Did Jesus actually live? What are the main claims made by Christians? What is the “church” and is that what Jesus wanted? More details will be released soon, but I am sure St Augustine, who was so inspired by the “cor unum” spirit of the early Christian communities, would absolutely approve.

THE GOSPEL AND THE CHURCH
Monday evening’s Q and A assembled a thoughtful panel to respond, in the main, to the Cardinal Pell trial and verdict. I was struck by a simple and powerful remark made by Francis Sullivan, namely that “we are the church.” The debate pointed to a harmful view of what the church is, namely that ordination gives a person “magic” status to channel God’s powers. By contrast, return to the New Testament reveals the true nature of how God works in the world, creating peace, love, humility, kindness, self-control, and joy. My feeling is that if students can connect their work to create a better community to the words of the Gospel, then that is the sort of “church” that Jesus would recognise.

Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity

This week our swim coaches and managers are making the final preparations for the annual AIC Swimming Championships to be held at Chandler next Monday. All members of the College have much respect for the many swimmers who have trained long and hard in the pool spanning many months. The early rises and countless laps are not seen by many. The self-discipline and motivation these swimmers possess as their go about their training is to be admired. On behalf of the College we wish all members of the squad the very best at the AIC Swim Championships next week.

In support of our swimmers, the College will take out all Year 5, Year 10 and Year 12 students to Chandler next Monday to cheer on our swimmers. I know that every swimmer will appreciate the support given by their mates in the stand and I have no doubt given this support, our swimmers will lift even more on the day. Further details pertaining to the spectators and competitors is found below.

Term 2 sign-on forms for rugby, football, cross country and chess were due last week. By our estimation it seems that some forms have not been handed back to the Sports Office. If students are keen to represent Villanova in these sports and activities, I ask that they download a form from the website or collect one from the Sports Office and register their interest as soon as possible. Coaching allocations are currently being finalised based on team numbers.

Well done to all those who competed in swimming, AFL, cricket and volleyball over the weekend. Villanova enjoyed much success, and in such a tight competition our boys must aim up each week to post good results. With strong results in the last three rounds, we are well positioned to take out a number of premierships and achieve a credible position in both the cricket and volleyball aggregates. In fact, our aim in cricket is to take out the aggregate.

Please note cricket photos will be taken again this weekend at Villanova Park. Please consult the schedule found on the web and ensure your son is dressed accordingly. Volleyball photos will be taken during the last two rounds.

As we enter the back half of the cricket and volleyball season I ask all to keep up the efforts both at training and on game day. It is not uncommon for teams to lose some focus around this stage of the season. We have three rounds remaining, the boys are going well, so let’s keep up the good work until the end.  Best wishes to all involved and enjoy!

Round 5 Fixtures – Friday 8 and Saturday 9 March: AIC AFL, Cricket and Volleyball against Ashgrove and St Laurence’s

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

AIC SWIMMING – Mrs Juanita Jacobs, AIC Swim Co-ordinator
The Villanova swim season is quickly coming to an end. I wish to publicly thank all the coaches, managers and swimmers for their efforts this season.  The AIC Championship is the culmination of a lot of work from a lot of people, and the support of all the swimmers and their parents is always appreciated.  The Sports Office has continued to support swimming, and nothing is ever too much trouble for them.  So, on behalf of the squad, thank you to Mr Craig Stariha, Mrs Erika Schofield, Mr Chris Everding and Mr Blake McLauchlan for your efforts.

Tomorrow, all members of the AIC swim squad will be acknowledged at our College Assembly which will be held in Goold Hall from 10.35am. Parents are more than welcome to attend.

AIC SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS – CHANDLER
By now all squad members should have received a letter outlining all relevant information with regards to the championships. This information has also been posted on the sports page of the Villanova website.

Our final swim team, who will compete at the AIC Swimming Championships, has been selected based on times recorded at the Friday evening AIC swim meets held throughout the season. Unfortunately, not every student who has trained throughout the season will swim on the day of the Championships. We do, however, recognise each swimmer’s importance within our squad and the efforts they have made, so every member of the squad will be acknowledged at this week’s assembly and all regular squad members will travel to Chandler next Monday either as a competitor or a reserve. Buses will transport your son to and from Chandler on the day of the Championships.

On Monday morning, 11 March, the boys are asked to meet at the College in the Middle School Quadrangle by 6.45am for final team instructions and a team photo before departing for Chandler at 7.15am.  The carnival will conclude by 2pm.  We ask all swimmers to travel as a team to the Championships on the buses provided. Parents may transport their son/s home directly after the carnival.

Normal training times will continue all throughout this week. Tomorrow we ask all squad members from Year 5 – Year 12 to attend a full and final compulsory team session at Langlands Pool, beginning at 6.30am followed by a team briefing.

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to a great day out at Chandler to celebrate the hard work all swimmers have put in this season.

Note:  The final time trial and barbecue planned for tomorrow afternoon has now been cancelled.

SPECTATORS – AIC SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
All Year 5, Year 10 and Year 12 students will travel by bus to support our swimmers at the AIC Championships next Monday. Buses will depart and arrive back at the College within school time. All supporters are asked to wear their full academic uniform. Canteen facilities will be available.

There has been a tendency for some students not to attend school on this day to stay home and complete work or assignments. These actions do not reflect a sense of united community spirit that is central to our philosophy at Villanova College.

AIC CRICKET
Villanova had another solid performance last weekend and there is no denying that this weekend will determine the AIC cricket aggregate. It is essential that all cricketers arrive well before their start time to commence preparations and to get their head in the game. If there was a weekend to stand up and be counted, it’s this weekend!

Off the back of many outstanding results over the first four rounds, all teams from Year 5 – Year 12 can be confident of themselves and their team’s ability this weekend. Every result matters, every ball matters, every bat matters, everything that all players do this weekend matters. I encourage every boy to do their bit this weekend. I am backing the boys in green and gold all the way – best wishes to all!

Cricket Team Photos – Round 4, Saturday 9 March 2019
Please be aware that some cricket photos will be taken this weekend before the scheduled cricket games played at Villanova Park. We ask all players to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled photo time listed below dressed in their full and correct cricket uniform. The photos will be taken near the large score board. A full photo schedule is posted under the AIC Cricket section on the website.

AIC VOLLEYBALL – Ms Barbara Dewis, AIC Volleyball Co-ordinator
Villanova managed to strike back against SPLC last weekend, and in all games, SPLC showed that you can never underestimate your opposition.  In observing games played in Goold Hall, players displayed good skill and mental tenacity to overcome the might of SPLC who forced Villanova to play long rallies.  Both teams were never going to leave anything in the tank, as balls were chased off court and hit back into play on a very tight angle as well as consistency in using three hits to ensure the team were kept in the point.  Serving has been an issue for all teams since the start of the season but it was pleasing to see many players correcting their arm swing and getting the ball over the net to allow a 50-50 chance of winning the point.

The First VI will need to carry their winning momentum into this week’s round against Marist Ashgrove.  All players should maintain consistency in serving and communicating with each other on the court and use three hits. Stand up this weekend Villanova volleyballers and make every point count; every set count and every game count.  Stay positive and focussed on what you need to do on the volleyball court and always – C’arn the Cats!

AIC AFL – Mr Adam Fry, AIC AFL Co-ordinator
Last weekend saw only our Year 5 and Year 6 teams face off against Padua College. It was a tough week for the boys, but our 5A team had another great win and they are now flying the flag as the only undefeated team in 2019. A ‘mini’ grand final this week against St Laurence’s will certainly be the toughest test to date. It would be fantastic to see some extra support this weekend to cheer on our young Villanova superstars.

Our senior teams will be up against Marist who in recent weeks have displayed a very quick game style. Hopefully after the week off the boys are fresh and ready to give our final few weeks a real run and cause a few upsets. Once again it would be great to see as many Villanova supporters out at the grounds this weekend as possible. The extra cheer when kicking a goal or making a tackle can be all the difference in the next effort of each of our players. Good luck to all players this weekend and remember to train and play hard.

Reminder:  AFL players are required to attend at least one cross country training session as was specified prior to the AFL season.  Boys are required to participate in cross country training up until Week 4 of Term 2, as they have the talent to do so and represent the College.  Please do not request that your son not participate in this cross country training in Term 2.  All our AFL players are good enough to compete in cross country and should do so if asked.

 VILLANOVA RUGBY AND FOOTBALL

 Uniforms – 2019
ALL students from Year 5 – Year 12 in both rugby and football must purchase the Villanova rugby and football uniform in readiness for the up-coming season. This includes shorts, jersey and socks. The Villanova College Uniform Shop will have all rugby and football gear available for purchase.

IMPORTANT:  All boys who sign up for rugby and football WILL make a team, therefore, parents can purchase these items of clothing.

Villanova Rugby Uniform

• Villanova rugby jersey
• Villanova rugby shorts
• Villanova rugby/football socks
• Mouthguards compulsory
• Head gear optional
• Villanova green zip jacket or Villanova track suit optional (no other jackets /jumpers are permitted)

Villanova Football Uniform

• Villanova football jersey
• Villanova football shorts (not the PE shorts/ not the basketball shorts)
• Villanova rugby/football socks
• Shin guards compulsory
• Villanova green zip Jacket or Villanova track suit optional (no other jackets/jumpers are permitted)

Please Note

• Football players must wear the Villanova football shorts not the Villanova basketball shorts, which do look similar.
• The Canterbury rugby and football socks are the same.
• What to wear at training? – It is acceptable for both the rugby and football players to wear any coloured/club clothes to training. Boys are not encouraged to wear their Villanova playing uniform to training but may do so if they wish. We certainly would not recommend rugby players wear their PE uniform or any shirt that will get ripped and torn. The Villanova College Uniform Shop has some old stock in limited sizes (jerseys and shorts) which would be prefect for training but not to wear on game days. Old stock prices start at $8.

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, which is the week beginning Monday 25 March.

All training times and venues for all Year 5 – Year 12 teams are listed on the College’s website and below. All Year 5 and Year 6 teams will train at Little Langlands or Whinstanes. All Year 7 – Year 12 teams will train at Villanova Park.

Please see the divisions below. Note in each division the players will be graded from A, B, C etc. Opens will be graded from Firsts, Seconds, Thirds, etc.

Football:  Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Opens
Rugby:  Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Opens (Year 11 and Year 12 will combine to form the Opens again in 2019)

AIC Rugby and Football Trial Games – Date Claimers
Monday 25 – Wednesday 28 March: (rugby and football training begins for all Year 5 – Year 12 teams)
Saturday 30 March: AIC rugby and football internal trials (only First and Seconds rugby and football teams will trial against SLC)
Saturday 27 April: AIC rugby and football against SPC (full school trial)

AIC Rugby, Football and Chess Training/Trial Schedule
The schedules below will be applied all season for all Year 5 – Year 12 students playing rugby and football for both trial and training sessions throughout the entire season, excluding the Year 5 and Year 6 football.

Boys who play Year 5 and Year 6 football will trial on the dates listed below, however, their training times will be different next term. These training times for Term 2 will be advertised at a later date.

Rugby Training/Trials

• Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Opens at Villanova Park 4.00 – 5.15pm, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
• Year 5 at Little Langlands, Tuesday afternoon 3.15pm – 4.45pm and Thursday mornings 7.00 – 8.00am
• Year 6 at Little Langlands, Tuesday mornings 7.00am – 8.00am and Thursday afternoons 3.15pm – 4.45pm

Football Training/Trials

• Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Thirds, Fourths and Fifths at Villanova Park 4.00 – 5.15pm, Monday and Wednesday afternoons
• First and Seconds at Villanova Park 4.00 – 5.30pm Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
• Year 5 and Year 6 at Whinstanes/Little Langlands, morning session 7.00 – 8.00am/afternoon session 3.15pm – 4.45pm (specific trial days are listed below)

Junior School (Year 5 and Year 6) Rugby and Football Information
All boys who have signed on for either rugby or football will be part of a team. No one will miss out. With the sign on forms in, we are likely to be looking at the following team numbers.

It would be great for our Year 6 rugby boys to have five to six more boys sign on, so a third team can be incorporated.  This would stop boys backing up and playing two games each week. If your son is interested or you have any enquiries, please contact the Sports Office.

 Junior School Rugby and Football Training
All training will commence on the week beginning March 25 in preparation for the internal trial matches organised at Villanova Park on Saturday 30 March. All players wishing to try out are to make themselves available for the two trials, so the coaches can get a good look at the boys. The schedule is below. Please be aware that the rugby trial times will be the same as training for the season, but the football trial times will not match training times. Due to the space needed for the large number of teams, training will be held for footballers on different mornings and afternoons depending on the availability of each team’s coach.

Year 5 and Year 6 Rugby
Rugby players will train at Little Langlands and are to bring a mouth guard, old jersey, footy socks and boots. They do not need to train in their Villanova rugby gear. If the boys don’t have an old jersey, an old t-shirt will do. No mouth guard – no contact drills. If parents are using Easts carpark to drop off and pick up their son, please be aware that a boom gate has been placed at the back of Easts, so parents should use the Panitya Street entrance instead.

Year 5 and Year 6 Football
The trials for football will be held on the following days at Little Langlands.

Please note that after the trials, all football players will train either on Langlands or Whinstanes with days and times to be confirmed by the coaches. Bibs will be supplied to help identify the boys, if they don’t have a soccer jersey to wear. They will also need to wear shin pads, footy socks and boots.

AIC Chess Training
Chess is being swamped most days with students wanting to be part of the teams. The juniors especially, are very keen to win a place.  While T10 is open every day, the timetable below shows which days are better for year levels to attend.  A newsletter will be coming home this week for permission for students to attend two training nights before the end of term. It will be beneficial for students to attend those nights to gain a position in the team.

This year the teams will be supported by Mrs Warren and Old Boys Theo Samios and Tom Balshaw. The game roster will be placed in the coming newsletter so that you know ahead of time when and where the games are in Term 2.

Chess is open to all boys from Year 5 – Year 12. All interested chess players are asked to attend the sessions below. These sessions will act as selection trials for the coaches and managers involved. All sessions will be held in T10.

All students in Year 5 – Year 12 are welcome to play on Monday during first break

–              Year 5 and Year 6 students are welcome to play on Thursday and Friday at first break

–              Year 7 – Year 9 students are welcome to play on Tuesday at both first and second break

–             Year 10 – Year 12 students are welcome to play at both first and second breaks on Wednesday

AIC Rugby, Football, Cross Country and Chess Sign-Ons – forms now overdue!
Please be advised that all boys from Year 5 – Year 12 have been given the opportunity to sign-on for the up-coming Villanova rugby, football, cross country and chess season. These forms were due to be returned last Friday 1 March. If your son has failed to hand in his form on time, it is not too late, please hand deliver or email to the Sports Office.

AIC CROSS COUNTRY
The Cross-Country program is split into two squads.  The Year 5 and Year 6 squad and the Year 7 – Opens squad.

Reminder:  AFL players are required to attend at least one training session as was explained prior to signing up for AFL.

Year 5 and Year 6 Training will commence for all interested students next Monday 11 March. Training will continue every Monday and Wednesday afternoon after school at Little Langlands from 3.15 – 4.45pm. Parents are to collect their son promptly from Little Langlands.

Year 7 – Opens Training has already commenced and will continue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning up until the AIC Championships.  Boys are to meet in front of Goold Hall at 6.45am.

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

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 – 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 from 5.30pm.

Please find a list of goodies below – please note we will have an EFTPOS terminal at this event.

There will be alcoholic beverages for sale according to legislative requirements.

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.

I look forward to sharing the work our students have completed over the first four weeks of rehearsal – it is going to be great!

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.

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 19 March commencing at 3.15pm on stage in 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.

MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP
I would like to thank those members who attended our first Music Support Group meeting for the year, last Monday 4 March.  It was a great opportunity to learn more about the scope and direction of this fantastic parent-led group and discuss the possible projects and opportunities that will be focussed on through the year.

If you would like to receive a copy of the minutes or be placed on the mailing list for this organisation, please contact our Music Office.  The Music Support Group meets on the first Monday of every month at 7.30pm.  We will be meeting in our Chapter Room next time.  We look forward to new members and welcome anyone with an interest in Villa and Villa 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:

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

P&F MEETING – Monday 11 March
The next P&F meeting will be held on Monday evening at 6.00pm in the Tolle Lege Library. If you’d like to learn more about College’s e-communication platforms (including Parent Lounge and the App) please join us as College staff will be presenting a session as part of the agenda. All welcome!

NDAT 2019 – Bullying. No Way!
On Friday 15 March the College will participate in supporting Australia’s key anti-bullying event – National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. Staff, students and the wider community play an integral role in continuing the conversation and raising awareness about bullying. It is vital for everyone to stand together and say no to bullying everyday.

Show your support by purchasing a wristband or orange ribbon from the Junior School Office ($1.00). All money raised will be donated to Kids Helpline.

YEAR 7 FAMILY EVENT
Date: Sunday 31 March – 3.00pm to 6.00pm
Venue: Camp Hill Bowls Club, Ferguson Road, Camp Hill
Cost: $16 adult / $5 child (includes Thai finger food for adults and child-friendly snacks , lawn bowls for all)
RSVP: Tuesday 26 March
To book: go to Parent Lounge > Make a Payment > Tours and Excursions (login password required)

TUCKSHOP
To view our current tuckshop menu: Tuckshop Menu Price List – 2019

Roster
Monday 11 March
Michelle Dixon
Alicia Maunsell
Kyle-Ann Walsh
Heather Martin
Leah Coogans
Jude Johannesen
Mary Sclavos
Sylvia Vaitsas
Carmel Scaini
Lisa Gifford

Tuesday 12 March
Kate Hartley
Jo Phillips
Lisa Meredith
Jilane Anderson
Deanne Perrier
Lisa Stone
Nicole Binney
Victoria Lenton
Nicky Rosso

Wednesday 13 March
Lisa Moroney
Clare Godwin
Paivi McIntosh
Jean Egan
Peta Diedrichs
Annette Siebel
Eleni Diakos

Thursday 14 March
Christy Grigson
Wendy Wallis
Tracey Wells
Diana McGregor
Janine Pugh
Maria Horton
Kerry Lapish
Naomi Greenwood
Anna Lestani
Lan Tran

Friday 14 March
Lesley Stevens
Amanda Robinson – Ilka
Melissa Paterson
Bridget Manning
Merissa Ryan
Barbara Dardengo
Amanda Knight
Melody Phillips
Jane Short
Lucinda Timms

LIBRARY ROSTER
Tuesday 12 March
Susanna Greaves

Wednesday 13 March
Donna Leahy

Thursday 14 March
Sue Mulligan
Maryanne Bingham

Friday 15 March
Gina Avolio

2019 STUDENT RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS COLLECTION – Notice to Parents
Over the coming weeks, Villanova College will supply information to the Australian Government Department of Education and Training that is required as part of the Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection. To comply with this collection, we must advise our parents and provide them with links to FAQs 2019 Information Collection and 2019 Collection Notice.

If you have any further questions regarding this collection, please contact the Villanova College Compliance Officer, Mrs Kath Hackett via email at khackett@vnc.qld.edu.au.

VILLANOVA INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL – two weeks to go!
Please click here to view Issue 4 of the Villanova International Carnival newsletter. This edition contains information on donation requests, ride armbands (now on sale) and acknowledgement of our wonderful sponsors.

We are still seeking volunteers to assist with the set-up and pack-down of the Carnival – three shifts (Friday, Saturday or Sunday).

VILLANOVA COLLEGE: Whinstanes
Villanova College, a “Day School for Catholic Boys” opened on February 2, 1948.

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 – all relevant to our boys of 2019!

SCHOOL DANCE
Our Lady of Mt Carmel Invitational Disco for Years 5 and 6: Friday 15 March, 7.00pm – 9.00pm. Pre-filled tickets from Villanova Junior School Office with payment on the night.  Price includes DJ, soft drink and packet of chips.

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