Villa View: Issue 07/19

Ash Wednesday heralds the commencement of the 2019 Lenten Season. Last week, with the Sign of the Cross marked on our foreheads in ash we began the journey of Lent.  Over the six weeks of Lent Catholics are challenged to engage with their faith and deepen their knowledge of it in a variety of ways.

Pope Francis in his Lenten message spoke of the healing power of repentance and forgiveness. He sees fasting as “learning to change our attitude towards others and all of creation, turning away from the temptation to devour everything to satisfy our voracity and being ready to suffer for love, which can fill the emptiness of our hearts.” (Pope Francis)

Prayer plays an integral part of our conversion. Through prayer we learn to “abandon idolatry and self-sufficiency of our ego, and to acknowledge our need for the Lord and his mercy.” (Pope Francis)

Giving generously to those in need teaches us to “escape from the insanity of hoarding everything for ourselves in the illusionary belief that we can secure a future that does not belong to us. And thus, to rediscover the joy of God’s plan for creation and for each of us which is to love him, our brothers and sisters, and the entire world, and to find in this love our true happiness.” (Pope Francis)

PROJECT COMPASSION AND ST VINCENT DE PAUL EASTER APPEAL
Over the coming weeks our students have been invited to participate in two special projects, Project Compassion and the St Vincent de Paul Easter Appeal. Project Compassion supports the international work of Caritas Australia. Through the generosity of our families we provide support to the poor across our world through the aid work of Caritas Australia.

The St Vincent de Paul Easter Appeal will provide baskets of groceries to families within our immediate neighbourhood. Senior Pastoral Care groups have been encouraged to collect non-perishable items to be placed in baskets in the Pastoral Care rooms. Prior to Easter students will deliver the baskets to families in need.

WINTER UNIFORM
During Terms Two and Three our students move into their winter uniform. For all students in Years 5 – 12 Term Two and Three will require the wearing of a school tie. For all students in the Senior School – Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12, Terms Two and Three require long grey trousers be worn as well as the College blazer to be worn when travelling to and from the College and to all formal assemblies including “whole of College” and year level assemblies.

The College Uniform shop is open on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 7.45am – 10.00am.

If the weather continues to be unseasonably warm and humid, I will delay the commencement of winter uniform requirements until a later date in Term Two. I will keep families informed.

 AIC SWIMMING CARNIVAL
On Monday, 11 March the 2019 AIC Swim Championships were held. Congratulations to St Peter’s Lutheran College – overall winner of the competition. Villanova College placed fifth overall with many outstanding performances across the day. Our Year 5 and Year 6 swimmers were excellent in their divisions with our Year 5 swimmers winning their age group and the Year 6 swimmers placing third.

Thank you to the coaches, managers and supporters of our swimmers. Our spectators on the day did a terrific job supporting the swimmers.

VILLANOVA INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL
On Saturday 23 March the 2019 International Carnival will be held on the College grounds. The  Carnival provides an opportunity for our community and their friends to gather together for a night of great entertainment, fantastic food and friendly company. Gates will open at 5.00 pm and all are most welcome. The funds raised through this Parents and Friends Association initiative will support the redevelopment of the College Tolle Lege Library and the ongoing air-conditioning of classrooms across the College.

You have made us for Yourself, O Lord,
And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

On Wednesday night, I was fortunate enough to watch the very talented 8.2 Debating team demonstrate their craft in a tightly-fought battle with an equally talented Iona College team. After approximately 30 minutes of intense debating, the Villanova College team emerged victorious by one point. I must admit being a novice spectator of debating; Wednesday night’s debate was only the third debate I have attended.

Apart from the general procedures governing a debate, my knowledge of the contest was somewhat limited. Much has changed in the last 24 hours. After leaving the room on Wednesday I not only had a greater appreciation of the ‘rules of engagement’, I had a far greater awareness of the work required to prepare for and participate in the contest – research is paramount to success as is honing the skills of public speaking and thinking on the spot.

I often have ‘those’ conversations with students around the importance of good study and research, the significance of delivering a quality oral presentation and the ability to problem solve in their studies in order to improve their marks, to potentially improve their OP and maybe even to improve their chances of tertiary entrance. Some take this on board whilst others still challenge these skills as being ‘not relevant to me’. Well, Wednesday night, was one of those eye-opening moments where these skills not only produced a winning result but demonstrated that the confidence, self-belief and critical thought developed from this type of activity are just as important.

EXAMINATIONS
I wrote last week that examinations were not too far off. Although a number of year levels and subjects have already commenced with some in-class examinations, this week sees the commencement of a number of significant examinations, particularly for the older year levels. Students (and parents) should take note of the following:

General: The examination timetable for Year 9 to Year 12 is located on the Parent Lounge and Student Café. Students should check this carefully to ensure that they know the date, time and location of each of their examinations. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL MORNING EXAMINATIONS WILL COMMENCE AT 8.30am and as such, students should be at school by no later than 8.15am.

Absence from examinations: If a student is absent from an examination, reporting this absence is the same as a normal absence from school (i.e. contact the relevant sub-school number / email address). Students in Year 11 and Year 12 who are absent from an examination due to illness or injury also require a medical certificate that needs to be presented to the Curriculum Office. Make up examinations will be scheduled if and when possible.

Year 9: Apart from in-class examinations, the Year 9 Mathematics and Science examinations will occur over the coming few weeks. These examinations are held over consecutive lessons, so I would encourage students to ensure they are spending extended time studying to prepare for a 90-minute paper. For example, rather than studying for 20 minutes and taking a five-minute break, students should study for longer blocks (45 minutes) with a longer break (10 to 15 minutes).

Year 10: Year 10 students will sit a number of examinations over the next few weeks. Students will attend classes as normal, however, when required they will be withdrawn from classes to complete this assessment. Again, I would encourage study routines to incorporate longer periods of study to reduce the chance of writing fatigue.

Year 11: In the past, Year 11 students have been afforded an ‘examination block’ whereby students only attend school when they had to sit an examination. With the introduction of the new system, the College has reconsidered this arrangement and determined that students will not engage in the traditional block. Students will be withdrawn from classes to sit examinations. There is a significant amount of teaching time lost when students are involved in block examinations, time which the College sees as vital teaching time. If students have planned their study routines well across the term and are incorporating regular revision / study time, they will be placed very well to achieve success in their assessment. Furthermore, students are to be in classes until the end of term as work in subjects will continue. The only exception to this are those students travelling on the exchange to the USA. The Curriculum Office will be in touch with these students over the coming week to organise assessment make ups.

Year 12: Year 12 will receive an ‘examination block’ as has been the case in the past. Students should read clearly their examination timetables to ensure that they are present for each examination. I also highlight the need for all OP eligible students to attend the QCS practice tests on Thursday 4^th April. This is compulsory testing. Students are not to commence holidays early.

SATE HIGHLIGHT – ASSESSMENT IN GENERAL
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) is currently hosting a series of ‘roadshows’ around Queensland focused on updating schools on the new system. A number of Villanova College staff attended the Brisbane event on Wednesday to hear the latest information around a number of topics, with a particular focus on assessment.

Units 1 and 2 Assessment: The decisions around how much and the types of assessment in Units 1 and 2 is a school-based decision. To prepare the students for the rigours of assessment in Units 3 and 4, assessment in Units 1 and 2 will be very similar.

Units 3 and 4 Assessment: The QCAA has been quite deliberate in ensuring that students are exposed to a range of assessment across Units 3 and 4. Assessment will include examinations, oral presentation, assignments, projects and performances to name a few. Different subjects will, however, calculate overall results differently:

• In the new QCE system, students’ results for General subjects are based on their achievement in three (3) internal assessments and one (1) external assessment. Internal assessments contribute 75% towards a student’s final subject result, in most subjects. In Mathematics and Science subjects, internal assessment contributes 50%.
• Schools develop internal assessments for General subjects according to the parameters outlined in the syllabus. This includes the type of assessment, the conditions under which it should be administered and a marking scheme.
• In the new QCE system, a student’s subject result for an Applied subject is based on their achievement in four (4) internal assessments.

The move to the new SATE system sees fairness, consistency and transparency in assessment as vital, underpinning factors in giving every student the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their talents and abilities. Next week’s Villa View will provide details on how this will be achieved.

STUDY HUB
The Study Hub continues to grow each week. The Seniors tutors have reported increased numbers of Middle School students seeking assistance on Wednesday afternoons and a significant number of Year 5 and 6 students are attending on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  I thank all of the Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students for giving their time to the initiative.

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 (Upper Library)

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Relationships matter at Villanova College.  The respect shown between Villanovans and the community should always aim to promote the well-being and value of every individual.  Every person matters.  Each student, sibling, parent and staff member is precious.  We are all human beings who strive to participate in a busy world under similar, but different circumstances with varying conditions.  We wake up in the morning and should anticipate the joy of the day ahead.  We should have confidence in knowing our best will be accepted and celebrated by our friends and colleagues.

Willem Kooij of Year 6 Green undertaking a STEM lesson

When an individual deliberately and repeatedly seeks to cause another harm, by using words or actions, then we must carefully and purposefully provide support.  There are always two perceptions involved and the facts of the matter.  Our previous experiences and social/emotional skills are paramount.  How do we handle conflict?  How do we react in situations where power is imbalanced?  Are we able to turn uncomfortable emotions around – on our own or with help?

As adults, most of us will remember a time when we felt someone made it a priority to ‘bring us down’, however that doesn’t make it a rite of passage or something we want our children to go through.  We are living in a world where the significance of being seen, being heard and being valued means more than it ever did.  The world of screens is providing more stimulus and opportunity for our young people to form opinions, pass judgements and forget that another human being is on the other side of the wi-fi that takes their “enter” touch of the keypad into the digital world where that footprint is forever more.

So how do we let go of our own childhoods, our generational memories, and focus on moving forward in 2019?  How do we teach our children what is right and just?

In the Junior School we give time to listening – that is step one.  What we hear from our students is important, just as what is not said.  Non-verbals can give us valuable information.  What is not said can matter greatly.  Pausing to let words or emotions have their value is crucial.  The next part of the process is to confirm that we have heard things correctly, affirming that a viewpoint is understood.  Emotions attached to an experience must be validated.  Everyone is entitled to their feelings that motivate particular words or actions.  The harm caused might be intended or not.  Either way, it is still harm and should be acknowledged to help people move forward.  Without this, restoring the relationship will be limited.  It’s not easy when people believe they are right.  It’s not always as simple as we might think.  I like to believe that people want to do the right thing, given the support and expectation that we are working for the common good at Villanova.  We are using the teachings of Jesus to be better people.  We are using the research for neuroscience, developmental stages and the fundamentals of boys’ education to move towards men showing respect and repairing harm when it occurs.  We don’t expect perfection, but we strive for safety, equity and love of self as much as our neighbour.

Senior Mentors in a Year 5 wellbeing class

Tomorrow, Friday 15 March is The National Action Day against Bullying and Violence.  It matters to our students that the adults around them promote positive relationships.  That we care when their feelings are hurt, or they need help to manage a misunderstanding or social injustice.  Strong relationships foster honest conversations and trust in times of need.  We need to invest time, attention, and prioritise the boys in front of us, every day.  We need them to believe that they can open up to us – that we will understand how they feel without judgement.  We need to remember that our years of experience make it look like that we have relationships sorted – that somehow there’s a myth that all adults are best friends and never disagree.  If we can model our own imperfections and struggles, then maybe our boys will know that relationships require effort our whole lifetime.

So, let’s use https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/NationalDay as a starting point on Friday.  Let our boys bring orange shirts, hats, socks – whatever they have – to school to put on inside the College gates to highlight a day where relationships come first.  We will have ‘Take a Stand Together’ wrist bands and orange ribbons ($1 each) and orange treats ($2) available on the day with all proceeds going to Children’s Helpline https://kidshelpline.com.au/ which is an incredible service for our young people in need.  Many thanks in advance for the conversations you will have at home to support our work in the health and well-being of our boys, on this day and all days in the future.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Last Friday, we celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) as a College, with an intentional focus at the commencement of our College Assembly. IWD is a global date celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Members of the Student Leadership Team, guided by Year 10 Pastoral Area Leader Mr Sean O’Neill, affirmed the value of women in their lives as well as pledging to always be respectful in their relationships with girls and women. These are some of the pledges the leaders made:

• I pledge to thank all mothers, and challenge those who undervalue the demanding role of caring;

• I pledge to listen more and talk less to the women in my life;

• I pledge to challenge bias and inequality through challenging stereotypes;

• I pledge to celebrate the achievements of the women in my life;

• I pledge to use my voice and stand up for what I know to be right;

• I pledge to work for a community that treats women with respect and equality.

Sports Captain George Stokes then asked the study body – what are you going to pledge? Students were challenged to show their support and solidarity in closing the gap on gender inequality by signing their name under the banner #balanceforbetter. Commencing last week and continuing over the next weeks, the focus of the Senior School formation program is centred around the virtues of ‘good men’ and the positive constructions of masculinity required to ensure that our young men always value the inherent dignity and value of all human beings.

THE PARADOX OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY
I recently read a thought provoking article from the New York Times entitled- ‘How Plato Foresaw Facebook’s Folly’. The premise of the column revolves around the negative aspects of social media and how it has led to social isolationism – “Facebook was supposed to serve as a platform for enhanced human interaction, not a tool for the lonely to burrow more deeply into their own isolation.”  Somewhat of a paradox, yet we have seen that social media and use of mobile technology is compromising our student’s ability to engage is meaningful conversation. The writer goes on –

Tweeting and trolling are easy. Mastering the arts of conversation and measured debate is hard. Texting is easy. Writing a proper letter is hard. Looking stuff up on Google is easy. Knowing what to search for in the first place is hard. Having a thousand friends on Facebook is easy. Maintaining six or seven close adult friendships over the space of many years is hard.

Social media’s pervasiveness is a constant reality; however, it does not mean we cannot challenge our young men to put the phone down more regularly and engage in the dying art of good conversation.

The full article can be accessed here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/opinion/facebook-zuckerberg-investigation-election.html

“Good conversational debate is an end in itself, and talking for the love of conversation is what makes us human.” – Bryce Courtenay

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

LENTEN PROJECTS
Our Ash Wednesday service last Wednesday highlighted two responses that we can make during Lent to assist people who are in need – not just of the practical support, but also of the knowledge that other people care. The responses that the College offers to all students provide a very clear way in which a student can act in order to make a collective difference. This is precisely what Frederic Ozanam wished when he set up the St Vincent de Paul Society in the early 1830s in Paris.

SVP HAMPER APPEAL
At the local level, the Senior School Pastoral groups collect staple foods and hygiene products in order to deliver Easter hampers to local people who humbly ask for a helping hand through the St Vincent de Paul Society. Four students – Connor Leahy, Julien Chiruta, Isaak Collie (all Year 11), and Joel O’Reilly (Year 12) – made an excellent assembly video which shows the story of a hamper from beginning to end.  The video starts with a Year 11 student taking the time to raid the food cupboard at home. In the next scene he sneakily puts the items into the laundry basket which serves as the hamper for a Pastoral class. Then, as if by magic, many students tip toe in humbly and the basket is filled. Fittingly, the students chose the famous theme from The Great Escape as the music. The video ends with Connor speaking direct to camera about the impact of delivering these baskets.

The second family Connor delivered to last year consisted of a single mum with three teenage boys. The mum did not know how she would feed her boys in the holidays and she did not know if they would have an Easter.  When she heard that the boys were from Villanova, her whole demeanour changed, and her face lit up, like lights on a Christmas tree.  This has been my experience too, as a staff member. Sometimes the person who receives the hamper simply bursts into tears. It is very often an unexpected gift which shows that in a time of isolation, other people take the time to care.

We load the tops of the hampers up with Easter eggs and similar treats. Some Pastoral groups walk the extra mile by also collecting loose change, when the boys agree that this is what they wish to do. Two years ago, we delivered a basket to an older couple which had seven Easter eggs on top. That morning the husband had lost his credit card and until our delivery, they did not know how they would buy Easter eggs for their seven grandchildren.

Please send your son in with items for the pastoral hamper! If he is able to give something up – or have less of a favourite item – then he is most welcome to donate some change to the Easter egg fund.

What holds boys back from giving? It does take a little courage to be the first person who puts into the basket. However, that first gift then gives everyone else permission to do the same, and the basket will magically fill up. One of the first things I found in my office on Monday morning was a bag of items from Woolies, actually donated by a Year 7 student.

PROJECT COMPASSION
In similar vein, during the Ash Wednesday service we played the video of Thandolwayo who lives in Zimbabwe. Thanks to Caritas Australia, this 12-year-old can now excel at school rather than walking three hours a day to fetch water. Many Middle School students are familiar with similar stories because of a “long walk to water” assignment they do in Year 7. The great thing about Caritas is that they work with local organisations to provide very practical help, in particular places – like Thandolwayo’s village. Looked at globally, the help given does not solve national problems, but – as Mother Teresa so beautifully puts it – without this drop in the ocean, this support, then the ocean would be immeasurably poorer.

I would urge all Junior School and Middle School students to have less of something in Lent and then to give some of what they save to people whose lives will then be made better. It is an accident of fate that we are born into one of the richest countries in the world. The capacity to feel gratitude, and then to make small changes to one’s habits is a crucial step in developing a character which other people will admire. For a boy to become a Villanova man, then I wholeheartedly recommend giving something up, and donating a small amount of what you save each week to Project Compassion.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Last week culminated with a flourish of purple. Encouraged by an excellent assembly item led by our student leaders, many students signed a pledge that they would take practical action in order to respect girls and women. The signing of your name means you do the action. In some cases, this is not easy. Can your son be the one who does not share an inappropriate image via social media? Is your son of sufficiently strong character that he can challenge locker room jokes about women?

ANTI-BULLYING WEEK
This week’s colour will be orange, signifying our desire to “stand up together” against bullying. The many Year 9s who came to the YAYM meeting last week – and there were over 25 of them – want to coordinate some small actions which show that our campus is a safe and welcoming place. The anti-bullying will be all about raising awareness of what actions we can take together to create a better culture. Like the New Zealand All Blacks, we want to hold ourselves to account in always creating a better “cor unum” spirit.

To this end, wrist bands and ribbons will be on sale for $1 at break times on Wednesday and Friday – to be sold by an “orange” team of Year 9 students. This same group would also humbly like to present themselves as students who will always listen to other students, especially younger ones. Information cards will also be available. All the funds raised go to Kids Helpline. The aim of the week is to also create clear lines of help on our campus.

Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity

I must commend the entire AIC swim squad on their great performance at the annual AIC Swim Championships held at Chandler Pool on Monday. I was very impressed with the efforts of our 10 – 12 years team who gained a very credible second position overall. With regard to the 12 years – Opens team, we were battling it out with St Laurence’s for fourth position for most of the day, however, our depth was tested in the relays and we slipped back into a credible fifth place overall.

The AIC Swim Championship this year saw great performances from many schools across all year levels. Villa’s performance on Monday drew many positive comments from other Colleges and it was great to see the boys perform well on the big stage. Huge thanks are given to all coaches, swim managers and to our Swim Co-ordinator, Mrs Juanita Jacobs, for their efforts over the entire season to get our team ready for this event. Our team looked and performed like seasoned swimmers and they did us proud. Well done boys!  A more detailed swim report is found below.

I commend all spectators and their parents, firstly for attending the carnival and secondly for their level of support shown for our team on the day. It was good to see the boys kept up their enthusiasm throughout the day despite the very hot and humid conditions within the swimming complex.

Parental support is paramount to ensure that all students do attend school on the days when certain year levels are asked to act as supporters. Parent support is also needed to encourage the boys to turn up early or to stay around later to support other teams on Saturdays. The sense of school pride and spirit shown at these events certainly adds to the formation of a positive school culture. The benefit of which is immeasurable.

The Sports Office is continuing to plan and prepare for the up-coming rugby and football seasons. Sign-on forms have been distributed. A complete list of all players who have signed on for rugby and football is now posted on the web. May I please ask parents to check the list and contact the Sports Office if a name does not appear, is misspelt or otherwise.  The rugby and football training/trial schedules are now confirmed for all teams from Year 5 – Year 12 and are now published on the web.

At present we are still looking to fill the following coaching positions:

Football: Year 5, Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 (one each year level required)
Rugby: Year 5 (one coach required)

If you know of any suitable candidates, please inform the Sports Office. A complete list of all coaches and their allocated teams will be posted on the web by mid-next week.  As we all know, the College draws on the support of our parents, staff, Old Boys and outside friends to fill coaching positions. These people freely give of their time to serve our boys and to give them opportunities to participate and enjoy playing sport. I ask all parents to remember that these people are here to assist and help your son. Please be supportive of our coaches and their decisions throughout the upcoming rugby and football season. From time to time, why not thank them for the work they do?

The Villanova Sports Club is keen to sell as many Mega Raffle tickets as possible over the next two rounds of cricket and volleyball. The funds raised from the Mega Raffle go directly into improving the sports program. Tickets will be available from the canteens at both cricket and volleyball. I urge all coaches/managers to organise their teams and perhaps buy a ticket as a syndicate.  Please see further details below.

Finally, to everyone involved in sport this weekend. Play hard and enjoy!

Round 6 Fixtures – Saturday 16 March, AIC AFL, Cricket and Volleyball v St Patrick’s and Year 5 and Year 6 AFL v Ashgrove

Please refer to the College’s website to view all times and venues for this weekend’s fixtures against St Patrick’s/Ashgrove College. Click here for Weekly Fixtures.

MEGA-RAFFLE
The Villanova Sports Club is again running a Mega-raffle in 2019. First prize is $10 000 and only 200 tickets will be sold at $100 each. You could buy one ticket on your own or perhaps you could form a syndicate with friends. Over the next two rounds, all those associated with cricket and volleyball are encouraged to form a team syndicate for a chance to win. Tickets will be available from the canteens at both cricket and volleyball this weekend.  Please support the Sports Club and ensure you have your team syndicate mega-raffle tickets organised before end of season next week.  Team delegates should contact the Villanova Sports Club President, Mr Jeremy Meredith on mob 0407 895 207 to acquire tickets. All proceeds from the Mega-Raffle will benefit Villanova sport.

AIC CRICKET
I congratulate all AIC cricket players for their efforts over the weekend. Villanova was dominant against Ashgrove last weekend winning eight from the 12 aggregate games played. This is a great result in our quest to win the cricket aggregate. To top off this performance, the First XI, Second XI, Third XI and Fourth XI all posted solid wins against the opposition. To win a First XI game (and all Opens games) on opposition turf against quality opposition is a great feat and all players should feel extremely proud.

There are lots of positive stories from many teams across the College about the efforts of their team over the weekend. The common thread being that the Villanova boys showed guts and determination and did not give up – many of these teams won, some of these teams put in the same effort and lost. I am proud that all boys stood up and were prepared to be counted on the weekend.

The Dreaded Hangover (a must read) – in my many years of experience at school boy sport level it is quite common for teams to build themselves up for what is a tough round of fixtures. In this case having lots of success against one College in the last round. However, we must be vigilant not to ‘drop the ball’ the following week and think the job is done. The same work ethic that got our College into this favourable aggregate position must be used for the remaining two rounds. There is no time to party after last week’s performances and there is no time for hangovers this week.

The boys must continue to work hard at training and on game day this weekend and next week to secure the aggregate and perhaps a team premiership. Despite the results in the trial round against St Patrick’s College, I ask all players not to take the opposition lightly this weekend. A dropped game this weekend may be the difference in the end. All teams must do their bit until the very end. Good luck this weekend boys!

The celebration from the First XI after taking the ‘big wicket’ of the day

Well done to the supporters above who stayed to the very end to support the First XI to their victory. Thanks for the support boys and Mr Levander!

NO DOG POLICY
A reminder to Villanova parents that there is a NO DOG policy at all AIC sporting fixtures. There has been a concern from some of the venue coordinators, including Villanova Park that pet owners are ignoring the signs placed on the gates at each venue. All pet owners who ignore the signs will be asked to remove their pets from the venue immediately. This is also the case for all State Schools.

AIC VOLLEYBALL – Ms Barbara Dewis, AIC Volleyball Co-ordinator

 “LIFE is like VOLLEYBALL……we SERVE ourselves, we PASS things along, we SET things up, and we FINISH things off. Sometimes we must RECOVER, but eventually we ROTATE, and the cycle continues.”  C. Tracey

Congratulations to all teams who were successful in winning on the weekend against Marist Ashgrove

Maybe it is unfair for Villanova to be confronting two strong opponents at the end of the season – St Pat’s and SLC but all players will soldier on!  Regardless of the tough competition facing all teams, coaches and players will need to train well with a game plan that is effective in disrupting the flow of play by their opposition. Players should maintain consistency in serving, communication with each other on court and use three hits.  Usually, when the basics of volleyball are followed, good results will come your way.  As often said to players during a crucial time of a game – If there is a time to do something right, NOW is the time!  So, c’mon Villanova, stand up these next two weekends and make every point count. Stay positive, focussed and strong in mind to do what you need to do as part of a volleyball team and always – C’arn the Cats!

Volleyball Team Photos – Round 6, Saturday 16 March

Photos will be taken this weekend for all Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 volleyball teams. Please check website for the schedule and ensure that all players are on time and dressed in the full and correct volleyball uniform. All players are to wear plain white socks or the Villanova socks for the photo.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled photo time. All photos will be taken at the front of Langlands Building.

AIC AFL – Mr Adam Fry, AFL Co-ordinator

Another great weekend of AFL results for Villanova College. The weekend was truly a fantastic effort from all players with five outstanding wins and two losses. It was fantastic to see all families and players there early supporting each other, it was very much appreciated.  Please see results below.

This weekend in the senior divisions we play St Patrick’s College and the juniors will square off against Marist College. These are strong schools, so it is important that all players make a strong effort to make training and come ready for some tough games this weekend. The Opens and Year 8/9 teams will be playing at Sandgate AFC, so please ensure transport has been organised to get you to Sandgate as soon as possible after school. It is a big weekend for our senior teams who continue to be in premiership contention pending some results.

Thank you to all parents who assisted with photography and support on the weekend. If any parent would like to run water for a quarter or two feel free to see any of the coaches to grab a bib. I look forward to another solid hit out this weekend and wish all players the best 

Catch Up Day for Sports Photos
The following team photos will be taken on Thursday 21 March 2019. Please meet on the front steps of Langlands and arrive dressed in your game apparel ready for your photo at your scheduled photo time.

AIC SWIM REPORT – Mrs Juanita Jacobs, AIC Swim Co-ordinator  

After six months of effort at the pool, the AIC Championship Carnival arrived, and the Villanova College swim team was prepared.  The boys were confident and excited, and really hoping to finish the season strongly with some top finishes in a very tough competition.

Thank you to the coaches Kerry Holland, Guilly Santos and assistant coaches Toca Bones and Nic Elsey for all their efforts, patience and preparations with the squad.  The improvement in the quality of our swimmers, the depth of the team, and the willingness to commit to doing better every time reflects their talents as coaches.  While we may not have been rewarded with the improved place at the end of the season for the Senior squad, as coaches and managers, we are seeing a positive change in culture as the squad builds in competitiveness and commitment.  The depth of the younger students was obvious in the Junior squad, with Year 5 swimmers winning the aggregate and the team finishing second overall for the Year 5 and 6 aggregate.

The Year 5 boys won 13 out of 18 events and broke the record in the Division 1 freestyle relay.  The team convincingly won all three of the relays.  The other five events included two seconds, two thirds and a fourth place.  It really was a dominating display of talent, from an enthusiastic group of boys.  Their success comes from their hard work in the pool, but also the support of a large group of swimmers who are all wanting to compete for a swim.  In a similar way, the Year 6 team had top three places in 12 out of 18 events.  Again, these boys were very competitive in the pool, and some of the finishes were very close.

The Senior boys had top four finishes in nearly half of their events, with four wins, and another 21 second and thirds.  The 13 years old team finished second or third in each of their relays, again showing the strength, we have in particular year levels.

Unfortunately, we struggled to fill the 16 years age group, and while proudly led by Henry Barras, the team consisted of many younger students.   I wish to particularly acknowledge the Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 boys who competed in the 16 years age group – James Reid, Ronan Begley, Griffin Cullen, Hugo Harrison, Tom Hoctor and Luke Schaumburg.  They have stepped up to swim against boys up to two years older than themselves.  These boys have trained well but more importantly, they are willing to take the risk on the day, give their best on the blocks and represent Villanova College with distinction.

Success in swimming takes a lot of effort, and our squad captain Andrew Vick epitomises determination, resilience and commitment.  Andrew led a growing swimming squad with the quality of swimmers coming through the junior years adding strength and depth, which was very much on display at the competition on Monday.  Congratulations to all the boys who have trained, participated in the Friday night meets and supported Villanova swimming.  Each of you have worked hard and should be proud of your efforts.

AIC RUGBY/FOOTBALL

Coaches – Thank you!
It is pleasing to report that nearly all coaching positions in both rugby and football have been filled (although we still require five coaches – one each for the Year 5, Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 football and one for Year 5 rugby). Coaches have been contacted via email with regards to their allocated team placement. Once we get confirmation from coaches we will post the list of coaches on the web. At this early stage I thank the coaches for their willingness to be involved for our boys to play sport.

If you can assist with refereeing rugby or football matches, please contact the staff below. We are still in need of referees.

Rugby Year 5 – 12 – bmclauchlan@vnc.qld.edu.au
Football Year 5 – 12 – ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au

AIC Rugby and Football Training/Trial Season Schedule
The complete Year 5 – Year 12 rugby and football training schedule has been published in the last few Villa Views.  This schedule is also posted on the College’s website under the AIC Rugby and AIC Football sections.

PLEASE NOTE:  Rugby and football trials will begin the week commencing Monday 25 March, that is, the very next week after AFL/cricket/volleyball. This is the second last week of Term 1 before the Easter break.

AIC Rugby and Football Trial Games – Date Claimers
Monday 25 – 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 Second rugby and football teams will trial against SLC)
Saturday 27 April AIC rugby and football against SPC (full school trial)

AIC CHESS Training/Trials
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 are welcome to play on Monday during first break

Year 5 and Year 6 students are welcome to play during first break on Thursday and Friday
Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students are welcome to play during first and second break on Tuesday
Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students are welcome to play during first and second break on Wednesday

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Congratulations to the long list of boys below for making the Met East Swim team that will compete at the State Championships at Chandler in late March.  The number of boys in this team is testimony to the surge of Villanova’s swim program and the high regard with which Villanova now holds as a competitive AIC swim school. The efforts put in by each of those listed below reflects many hours, weeks, months and in some cases, years of hard work and training. All these boys are to be congratulated on their perseverance and efforts:

William Vig, Harrison Vig, Andrew Vick, Charlie Kerr, Jack Hewitt, Tyler Clelland, Caden Clelland, Wyatt Clelland, Charley Hegarty, Oliver Jacobs, Darcy Kerr, Zac Moir, Wade Wildin Powell, Will Rogers and Harvey Thompson.

Well done to Lucas Boylan, George Stokes, Hamish Muir, Jack Horan and James Livingstone for making the Met East 16 – 18 years rugby team. These boys will now compete at the State Rugby Championships in early May.  Congratulations and best wishes to you all!

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

DEBUT CONCERT 1 – THANK YOU!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and students involved in Tuesday’s Debut Concert 1.  The evening ran smoothly, and the music was only (barely) surpassed by the comedic offerings of our Captains who compered the event.  After a month of rehearsal, the performances of our ensembles suggest we are looking forward to a great year of music at Villanova.

We continue our series with Debut Concert 2 this evening in the Hanrahan Theatre, commencing at 6.30pm.  At this concert we will be celebrating music from our Supernovans, College Choir, Junior School Wind Band, Wind Ensemble, Junior School String Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Big Band and Percussion Ensemble 2.  We will also have some special guests performing for us this evening – Brisbane Brass’ top group will be sharing some of their repertoire that will be performed at the National Band Championships in April.  This will be a great opportunity for our students to hear some fine musicians play in their very own auditorium – I hope you can join us.

As per Tuesday’s concert, to assist in family logistics, our fantastic Music Support Group will be running a barbecue as well as snacks and liquid refreshments at both concerts commencing at 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 in-line with legislative requirements. 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 the relevant Student Services Offices 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.

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 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.

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!

REHEARSALS AS PER USUAL
Whilst we have completed our run of concerts and the end of term draws near, we continue all rehearsals and lessons up to the Easter school holidays.  Please remember, it is an expectation that students attend rehearsals during the block exam period.

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

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 5 FAMILIES – WELCOME EVENT
Date: Sunday 31 March – 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Venue: Perth Street Park, Camp Hill
BYO: drinks, chairs and a plate to share

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 18 March
Kym Edser
Liz Burge
Donna Skelton
Natalie Blackshaw
Michelle Dixon
Michelle Blum
Megan O’Neil
Christine Poole

Tuesday 19 March
Christina Ross
Ita Dumont
Maria Kambouris
Lisa Waugh
Miranda Dang
Sharon McCulloch
Jo Buchhorn
Melissa Moir
Luisa Snell
Genevieve Keskinidis

Wednesday 20 March
Tracey O’Reilly
Karen Meimaris
Karen O’Mara
Narina Jenkinson
Alison Wilde
Sam Wellspring
Sam Thompson
Ranmali Raddatz

Thursday 21 March
Julie Paterson
Jane O’Brien
Georgina Horky
Jayne Smith
Kellie Killips
Catherine Bishop
Nicky Micheletti
Sue Godwin
Julia Fleming
Lucy Sheridan
Samantha Rigden

Friday 22 March
Maria O’Leary Chay
Effie Prineas
Kelly Kendall
Melissa Lorimer
Marina Pennisi
Melissa Clark
Loreena Clark
Maria Spina
Judith Collier
Emma Capaldi
Paula Conte

LIBRARY ROSTER
Monday 18 March
Lusia Snell
Jaclyn O’Shea

Tuesday 19 March
Anastasia Bailey
Cristina Palacios

Wednesday 20 March
Maritsa Malanos
Madhu Kalaimannan

Thursday 21 March
Melanie Pickering

VILLANOVA INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL – two Saturdays to go!
Please click here to view Issue 5 of the Villanova International Carnival newsletter. Your organising committee would love to hear from volunteers able to assist with the set-up and pack-down of the Carnival – three shifts (Friday, Saturday or Sunday). Details in the newsletter.

UNIFORMS
Being proud of the Villanova College uniform has been important since the foundation of the College at Whinstanes.  Naturally, the uniform has changed over the 70+ years reflecting new fabrics and style trends.

Particular items have been deleted altogether for a variety of reasons, including the coveted honour blazer for Year 12 students which ceased to be awarded in 1978.  However, the constant thread over the years has always been the College badge and the green and gold colours.

New students arriving in 1948 were given the following “Outfit List” and expected to wear the College grey school suit daily. T.C. BEIRNE Ltd, in The Valley were the local suppliers for all uniform requirements!

A selection of old uniform items is on display in the Villanova College Archives.