Villanova College
Villa View: Issue 1/23
Villa View: Issue 1/23
Welcome to our 75th Anniversary Year
Welcome to the 2023 academic year and Villanova’s 75th anniversary year. Across the last fortnight as staff have been at the College, we have had a wonderful opportunity to engage with our College history through the leadership and insight of Fr Peter Wieneke and our College archivist Belinda Grant. There is no doubt that this time of consideration and reflection has encouraged both our mind and heart to continue the legacy and purpose of the College founded at Whinstanes in Eagle Farm, on the request of Archbishop Duhig, to create a school for boys that provides a liberal education and prepares them not for work but for deep study and thinking.
Stories were shared of our early relationship with the University of Queensland through Fr Louis Hanrahan’s role as lecturer and academic, and of our growth from a first Senior class of two, to last years 144 graduates and of course opportunities to reflect on the words of early Villanovans and their relationship with the Augustinians and the style and method of their teaching. It was a great reminder and motivator for our staff to ‘keep doing things differently and make sure that a Villanova education is for character through content”.
Throughout the year there will be opportunity for you to learn and share in the story of our history, and of course countless opportunity for you to continue creating our history. But as we begin this new year, I share this simple prayer with you and your family as a way to centre ourselves, to think of our boys and their journey and consider our own way ahead in 2023.
Journey of Exploration
Let us set out together on a journey of exploration,
an adventure of discovery.
Let us trust our Self to find our own unique ways
to walk with God on our journey.
Let us trust our Self
to learn to dance along the path …
our own special dance in rhythm with the Spirit of God…
Let us trust our Self
to be able to follow the Spirit with confidence…
the Spirit of Life and love…
who longs to lead each of us to abundant life
and love and happiness.
Let us trust God in the depths of our Self…
and believe that our own deep desire for God
is “only a shadow”
of God’s passionate desire for us.
Let us believe that we only need to let go…
and to be open to God
in whatever tiny ways we are able…
and that God will respond with eagerness…
illuminating our path…
and then running exuberantly to meet us
with arms flung wide
to embrace each of us
in divine and fervent love.
– By Jean Gill
This year we welcome the following new staff to the College:
| Patrick O’Halloran | Junior School Teacher |
| Devon Fisser | Maths/Science (Year 7) Teacher |
| Nicola Gemmell | Music Curriculum Teacher |
| Danielle Galpin | Maths Teacher |
| Chris Paterson | Junior School Teacher |
| Bridgette Watson | Junior School Teacher |
| Shaun McLean | Director of Sport |
| Hazel McLean | Director of Human Resources |
| Jonathan Tunny | Business Teacher |
| Monash Lal | Music tutor |
| Thuong Vo | ICT Applications |
| Craig Ross | Science/Chemistry |
| Trent Foster | English/HASS |
| Robert Dryden | English |
| Carlos Yuen | Maths/Science (Year 7) Teacher |
| Eduard Raben | Maths |
| Edwin Choi | Maths |
| Jess Lane | English/Drama |
GREATS Initiative and Wellbeing Program 2023
This year the college has introduced a wellbeing program ‘Be Your Best Self.’ Every student in the school will partake in a weekly lesson which covers a range of topics that will support and enhance the mental health and wellbeing of the boys. Topics include Motivation, Gratitude, Nutrition and Sleep, Growth Mindset, Stress Management and Resilience to name a few. The weekly lesson is year level specific and targets particular areas of student growth and needs which is aligned with their age and stage of development. The program will also align with the GREATS initiative and Augustinian values. Along with the program, a student wellbeing committee has been established to be a voice for the students and will link with weekly Form meetings, assemblies and events that encompass wellbeing.
The program coordinator is our Director of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Programs, Mrs Sheridan Carey.
At our parent nights there will be specific detail around the program and sharing of our pathway toward a vertical House Pastoral system 7-12, incorporating Years 5 and 6, across 2023 and into 2024.
Sport and Activities
College sport and activities begin this weekend, in fact many continued over the holidays, or at least in the last two weeks. At this early point I would like to reiterate the role of sport and co-curricular life in our College, its importance but also the pitfalls if we let the scoreboard act as the central adjudicator of success.
Our AIC sports commitments and musical ensembles and bands are designed to work in concert with the broader educational function and purpose of our existence. Sport and culture allow us to find additional, and in many very tangible ways, to highlight the importance of such character traits as commitment, accuracy, resilience, acting with humility, showing respect, developing dignity, addressing our faults and failures, being responsive to stimulus, social cues and etiquette and dealing with frustration and disappointment. Across each boy’s time at the College these are as fundamental to his education and growth as algebra, sentence structure and grammar. As such we do commit time and energy to these pursuits and look to develop all pathways, elite and participatory to ensure all boys at all levels of talent have access to the lessons learned.
As we enter the season ahead, the audition periods and the establishment phase of training, rehearsal and performance, it is important that we don’t get way laid in our expressions of support and that the goals of these activities always remain at the forefront of participation and leadership. These messages will be shared explicitly with boys and coaches, and we are appreciative of our parents’ support.
If we build our programs from these fundamental principles, the scoreboards, the premierships, the gold medals and the beautiful music will look after itself.
Parent Nights – New Year, New Opportunities
Across the first two weeks of school, we have our parent information evenings. Over the last few years these have developed into quite functional and dare I say unimaginative and isolating. Sadly, this has been the ongoing after effect of COVID where one of the core values, and bright opportunities at Villa has faded and the value and encouragement of community has been impacted.
This year, our parents nights are designed to re-engage parents with the College but more importantly with each other. Each night will begin with hospitality and light refreshments. An opportunity for you to meet and reacquaint yourself with old friends and new faces. We will have community groups present at this time to welcome you and share what is available and discuss opportunities to find and enjoy collegiality and fraternity. Following this you will have opportunity to engage in the Hanrahan Theatre and/or classes with teachers and College staff to better understand your son and his 2023 journey.
I encourage all parents to join us for these nights.
Our Indigenous Welcome Mural – “Our Place in Coorparoo along Meanjin”
Many parents and residents of Coorparoo will have seen over the past few weeks our wonderful Indigenous mural being painted on the Colleges welcome wall on Main Avenue. Originally painted by Georgia Burke, sister of 2022 Senior Jonah and daughter of Old Boy Ben Burke this was created as part of our AIC Indigenous round and is used on our reconciliation jersey. Late last year, as part of our commitment to understanding and deepening our knowledge and commitment to our First Nations people it was decided to paint the mural as a prominent way of recognising the land on which we sit and its history.
As a place on the Coorparoo hill, overlooking the river, bay and out toward the Brisbane Valley and Border ranges where Indigenous Australians could observe the movement in the tides from the bay and down the river, the weather patterns, storms, fires and winds that may affect their family, their safety and their way of life. In future newsletters we will publish an article on the story of the painting and interview with Georgia about her motivation, its importance and the meaning within the design.
Mr Paul Begg, Principal
In keeping with the spirit of Reconciliation, Villanova College acknowledges the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples, as the Traditional Custodians of this land on which we stand. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. This has always been, and always will be, a place of teaching and learning connected to country, culture and community.
Beginnings are exciting. A fresh start for us all – 2023 has all the potential and experiences to come. Breathe deeply and take a moment for yourself and all that you did to make it, successfully, to the start of our Junior School year. Families have played an incredibly special part in organising uniforms, books, bags, lunch boxes and let us not forget the ultimate challenge of the work/school/home schedule. My heartfelt thanks to you all. What it takes, managing the butterflies and excitement of change and the unknown, will never go unnoticed nor unappreciated by the staff at Villanova.
Our theme this year as a College is “Community.” Over the next ten months we will aim to honour our Augustinian heritage, embrace our Catholic identity, and show gratitude for the people, spaces and opportunities we have. From the smallest gifts such as a smile or greeting, to the incredible physical resources such as our St Thomas of Villanova Learning Centre – will not be taken for granted. Whatever chances we have, such as our Swimming Carnival this Friday, we will embrace and celebrate. Our time together is precious, and we are committed to making every minute count.
The Year 5s have officially taken their place as our youngest Villanovans. Their bright, wide eyes under crisp green College hats, with perfectly ironed grey academic uniforms and polished shoes was a sight to behold on Tuesday morning. This cohort brings the energy, positivity and life that reminds me what a privilege it is to be at the very start of the next 8 years of their Villanovan journey. Greeting these young men, together with our treasured Year 12 students being the “big brothers”, gives me the best feelings of pride, joy and gratitude. Parents, you are putting your trust in us – we understand the emotions that come with this – thank you.
Year 6s have bounced through the College gates with a wisdom that comes only from living College life firsthand. 2022 shifted the goalposts yet these students navigated the unknown and forged ahead like champions. They are our newest leaders in the Junior School, ready to help their Year 5 buddies and channel all that they know into their best work academically and in co-curricular activities. Now on Level 2, their sky high city views remind them that they are limited only by their imaginations – these boys have lived through setting goals and understand more about themselves as learners than they ever would have thought possible. They are ready and pumped to make the choices that will bring them the successes they understand exist when time and effort combine.
Our Junior School Staff return with some new faces, we welcome Miss Bridgette Watson – 5 Gold, Mr Chris Paterson – 5 Blue, Mr Patrick O’Halloran – 6 White and Ms Leah Belson – 6 Red, teachers in new class spaces and professional goals of their very own. Collaborative teaching partnerships have used the time made available to determine the best for the two classes that join as lifelong learners. Learning Enrichment and Specialist staff are already coordinating timetables and planning for the boys alongside core class teachers. Mrs Maria Mascadri, in her truly inspiring fashion, is determined that all Junior School families will feel like royalty in the first week back – there is no question too small or large for her to find a solution. Together, our team has worked thoroughly to prepare to welcome you all to 2023.
On Monday, 30 January, at 6.15pm, the Parent Information Evening will be conducted in the Hanrahan Theatre. We will start with some drinks and nibbles at 5.30pm on the terraces at the front of the theatre. It is a very important time to form connections within the college and be involved in the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead for you and your son. You will also have the opportunity to meet your son’s class teachers and see the collaborative and flexible learning spaces, where organisational and behavioural expectations are of a high standard. Channels of communication, procedures/policies and the chance to clarify Term 1 matters – camp or classroom – will be given priority. OneNote and College email expectations and the support you can provide a home with both is important to understand. These evenings should conclude no later than 7.30pm.
My sincere thanks to all staff involved for their work in helping you, the parents, settle into Villanova life through these meetings.
Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School
Welcome Back
It is with great excitement and optimism that I write my first column for the commencement of a new year, the 75th in the rich history of our College. The first week of another academic year is always infused with great enthusiasm and energy, especially as a new Senior class begins writing the final chapter of their Villanova journey whilst a new cohort of Year 5 students begins writing its first chapter. The Seniors were exceptional in embracing their Big Brother roles and welcoming their Year 5 brethren into the Villanova family.
It has been pleasing to see the way in which the entire Senior School student body has returned, and I have been very impressed by the standards of uniform and grooming. There certainly has been a nervous energy amongst the Year 10 students as they get acclimatised to their new surroundings in the Senior School precinct. I am confident that they will settle into their new environment and learning pathways very well.
It is a significant year for our Year 11s, as they continue to develop in their journey towards being the inaugural leaders within our transition to a Vertical House Pastoral system in 2024. The Year 11 Peer Mentors who welcomed our Year 7 students on Tuesday exemplified the positive role modelling that I wish to see permeated throughout the cohort throughout this year.
I would like to remind you about the series of Parent Information Evenings across the next two weeks which outline important information pertaining to the academic program, formation and wellbeing of your son.
Year 10: Tuesday 7 February 6pm
Year 11: Wednesday 8 February 6pm
Year 12: Tuesday 31January 6pm
These evenings will begin with an opportunity to re-ignite community engagement with some light hospitality provided prior to moving into the Hanrahan Theatre at 6.45pm. I have sent an email to all Senior School parents requesting an RSVP for catering purposes. The Heads of Year, presenters and I look forward to engaging with you on these evenings.
I wish all Senior School students and their families every blessing for the year ahead.
Date Claimer- Paul Dillon Parent Evening
On Monday 13 February, all Senior School students will have the opportunity to listen to renowned drug education expert Mr Paul Dillon during three separate sessions targeting each year level. The College has retained the services of Mr Dillon for a number of years, such is our strong commitment to regular drug and alcohol education for our young men.
Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) Paul has been contracted by many agencies and organisations across the country to give regular updates on current drug trends within the community. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure that they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education.
On that night, Paul will present to parents who are interested in practical ways to keep their son safe from the dangers of drugs and alcohol. This seminar for parents will take place at 6pm in the Hanrahan Theatre.
Holiday Reading
One of the most enjoyable aspects of an extended period of holidays is the opportunity to get my teeth into a feast of great books. One of the best reads of my break was Discipline is Destiny by modern-day Stoic philosopher Ryan Holliday. I have shared some of his thoughtful musings in the past, however, his latest offering in his cardinal virtues series has some wonderful takeaways on the value of temperance.
In a consumerist society underpinned by instant gratification our young men are constantly bombarded with attitudes that they can have it all now without having to work for it. Temperance is the knowledge that abundance comes from having what is essential. The Stoics often used temperance interchangeably with “self-control.” Being disciplined and working diligently each and every day both inside and outside the classroom will be ample reward.
‘Ask yourself at every moment- is this necessary?’ – Marcus Aurelius
Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School
One of the highlights of the school year is the buzz and excitement of our beginning. For our new students in Year 5 it is a delight to see them arriving with their parents to have breakfast, meet one another and begin the process of settling into a new big school. I delighted as I heard one of the teachers, Chloe Adams, recall how during the first day a student had turned to her with face beaming and said, “I just can’t believe Villa is a real place!” Amongst the staff there has been planning and preparing with lots of sharing of the adventures of the summer break. There is genuine friendship amongst colleagues and an eagerness to share and to listen.
As the College swells with students it feels now as it should be – bursting with life, conversation, activity and learning. We have students who are ready for action, students who are finding it hard to be awake, students filled with stories from the holidays, students still feeling the pull of the beach, students happy to be back to some routine and order and students who will be picking up a pen for the first time in weeks. All are welcome here at Villanova!
2023 marks our 75th year as a College and Wednesday 25 January marks the actual day that Villanova began. In future Villa View’s I will be drawing on some stories of our history shared by Fr Peter Wieneke during our staff days last week. The staff appreciated it so much that we wanted to share some of the stories with our wider community as well. The opportunity of an anniversary gives us a chance to look back as we celebrate who we have been, along with who we are today.
The story of Villanova College, as we know, begins with the Augustinians—this group of priests and brothers who follow a rule of life written by St Augustine of Hippo around 400 AD.
The story of the Order in Australia begins with the arrival in Australia of James Alypius Goold in 1838 (185 years ago).
The mural outside the art and drama spaces under Goold Hall tells the key bits of Goold’s story: his trip from Sydney to Melbourne to be its first bishop; his presence at the Eureka Stockade, the building of St Patricks Cathedral, his belief in Catholic education and thus, his connection with Villanova.
The Augustinians helped pioneer the church in Australia. In particular there was a great Augustinian presence in North Queensland, and there have been six Augustinian bishops in Queensland across time. The names of the four Villanova Houses come from four of those bishops. With the death of the last of these bishops, Heavy, – Archbishop Duhig of Brisbane invites the Augustinians to set up a school in Brisbane. He had a dream of a different kind of school where a more classical education was in place. He feared the utilitarian approach to education where the emphasis was on the skills for workplace alone.
So, five men were chosen by the Irish Provincial: Ben O’Donnell, Louie Hanrahan, Brian Mahoney, Kieran O’Shea and Tom Woods.
Front Row: Fr Ben O’Donnell, Bishop Brown, Fr Louie Hanrahan
Top row: Fr Tom Woods, Fr Kieran O’Shea, Br Greg Fitzgerald and Fr Brian Mahoney
First day at Whinstanes in 1948
Ben was 30 years of age; all the others were younger than Ben. This fact was to mark the nature of the relationships between staff and students from the beginning.
Ben O’Donnell with students
For schoolteachers of that time, these men were very well educated. Ben had studied philosophy at University College Cork, had a master’s degree in theology and first class honours in his Higher Diploma in Education. Louie had studied theology in Rome, and then completed his Arts degree followed by a master’s and the Higher Diploma in Education from University College Dublin. Brian Mahoney had completed the Bachelor of Arts at University College Dublin.
Louie Hanrahan with students
I close with a prayer for the beginning of our year with our focus on Community as a theme. It would be fantastic if you could share it and pray it with your family at home across this special year of our 75th year. It would be great if it led to some conversation about goals for 2023, and the legacy and story they hope to leave behind them as the students of 2023.
Loving God,
Grant us the grace to love one another
as you love us.
Strengthen the bonds of community that bind us together and bring us closer to each other in heart and mind.
Help us to forgive one another,
as you have forgiven us.
Fill us with your compassion,
that we may be moved to help and serve those in need among us.
Grant us the wisdom to settle disputes with justice and the courage to speak truth with love.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Mrs Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity
I would like to personally welcome all families to the Villanova College Sport program. As the new Director of Sport, I am humbled and grateful to lead our community into 2023.
As Director of Sport, I am committed to maintaining the strong reputation that Villanova College enjoys in all domains. Success in sporting programs relates to culture and process, which are often separate to results. My primary purpose is to build positive communities for students to learn, develop and achieve. I am passionate about co-curricular programs being accessible to all students, regardless of their level of participation, interest or inherent talent. I understand the value sport holds in the holistic development of young men, and its synergy with academic potential and achievement. I am excited for the opportunities that await me and look forward to meeting you all around the sporting venues soon.
Communications
Families are reminded to access all Sport information via the Villanova College website and the Villanova College app. The Locker Room and Weekly Fixtures tabs provide updated information regarding training schedules and current AIC/trial draws. The AIC Draw 2023 can also be accessed here. A note that in some cases, draws may not match the AIC draw (for example this is the case in AFL). Families are encouraged to always check the Weekly Fixtures for accurate draws. Weekly Team Lists will be posted regularly to the Parent Lounge and Student Cafe Portals.
Villanova College welcomes any interested parents to attend our first Sports Club meeting for 2023 on Wednesday 1 February, from 6:00-7:30pm upstairs in Goold Hall. The Villanova Sports Club meets once a Term to discuss initiatives and fundraising opportunities to assist the development of our Sport program and helps engage volunteers from within our community. All parents are welcome to attend.
In Term 1, we welcome students participating in AFL, Cricket, Swimming and Volleyball. All programs have been busy over the holiday period in preparation for 2023.
AFL
The Open AFL team or the ‘Leaping Wildcats’ started the season with its annual trek on Mt Coot-Tha. During the trek there was a presentation by Sam Dekker and Ian Williams, followed by a shared breakfast which was a positive way for the team to bond and start the season.
Sam Dekker spoke about his life journey through sport (South Australian AFL) and work, initially as a tradie before deciding to pursue university studies. He identified the worth of setting goals in life. However, he emphasised the value of the journey towards your goals should be embraced and celebrated not simply the destination.
In contrast, Ian spoke about the change in roles in his family to allow the gifts of his wife Jean to be realised. Ian who is a duel international Rugby player (Australia and Japan) and completed a Rhodes Scholarship in Law at Oxford University spoke about stepping back from the responsibilities as a managing director of a law firm. This allowed Ian’s wife Jean to pursue significant work as legal counsel representing Indigenous communities throughout the Northern Territory and Western Australia in their Native Title claims. Jean was instrumental in the traditional owners of Juukan Gorge, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people who last year have signed a preliminary agreement with Rio Tinto to co-manage land that is still being mined for iron ore.
Ian noted the changed and shared responsibilities and roles within the family benefitted many and was just as applicable in the sporting sense, noting examples from his time playing for the Wallabies. He also spoke about the value of friendship and the factors that should be considered to develop a rich friendship.
I believe the messages conveyed by Sam and Ian to the Leaping Wildcats are applicable to all students who play in the AIC AFL competition in 2023.
I encourage all those students registered to play AFL to consider applying the following.
- Set goals for the season and celebrate the journey, revisiting and modifying goals where needed.
- Know your role as designated by the coaches (ask if unclear) and be prepared to play various roles if required for the benefit of the team.
- Actively develop friendships with your Villa peers.
Trials continue this weekend and as a sign of respect to your coach and team please ensure you contact either your coach or the Sports Office to inform them of any inability to attend training or games. Being accountable in this way, ensures absences can be covered limiting the effect on the team.
Students are to ensure they follow the daily notices that will inform of when each team will collect their jersey from the uniform shop.
Since the reintroduction of the AFL into the AIC sporting program it has grown in popularity each year. A number of extra teams have been added this year including 9/10B team and B teams in the Year 7 and 8 divisions.
Year 5 students have been given their jersey for Saturday but will need to bring another AFL jersey to play in, as the boys will be playing against each other in an internal trial to finalise teams.
As such more coaches were required, and I appreciate the coaches who intend to share their insights and gifts to enhance AFL at Villanova College.
Mr Brian Pascoe, AFL 1st XVIII Head Coach
Cricket
By now all players should be aware that we have a full round of cricket trials this Saturday 28 January against Padua College. The Year 5 teams will have internal trials at Kianawah Park, Tingalpa. As is typical this time of year, there will be a certain level of ‘organised chaos’ as our coaches continue the selection/trial process. Negotiations have been made with Padua to allow coaches from both Colleges to be flexible during the match. Therefore, leniency will be given this weekend, for the coaches to give all players an opportunity to perform.
As this weekend’s games are only a trial, may I please ask parents and players to be patient. There will be some movement of players from team to team as the coaches finalise teams ready for Round 1 next weekend v Marist College Ashgrove. All boys should check the website regularly to keep up to date with all information regarding teams, training and games. All players are to wear the correct Villanova cricket uniform; have adequate water, sunscreen and hat for the games. Please be advised that all training schedules are finalised, and training has begun as of this week as per schedule posted on the Villanova College website. All Year 5 training begins in Week 3 due to camp next week.
Villanova Cricket Uniform
All players from Year 5-12 are to wear whites.
Cricket Whites
- White pants
- Villanova cricket shirt
- Sports shoes
- Villanova green sports cap or broad brimmed hat
Under no circumstances are players permitted to wear club shirts or club hats.
Important note – All cricketers from Year 5-12 are asked to wear protective equipment. It is compulsory for all batsmen and wicket keepers whilst keeping up to the stumps to wear a helmet. All players are required to purchase and wear their own cricket box protector. The College will provide two helmets per kit.
Cricket Managers Needed
Many of our 26 teams are coached by Old Boys or Parents. It is important for each team to have a manager to get any important information out to all team members and their parents. Other jobs include, coordinating a contact list, looking after the gear and organising rosters for scoring and umpiring. This role will allow the coaches to ‘Coach’ and not have to deal with the administrational side of things. If your son is playing and you can take on a manager’s role, could you please email Mr Chris Everding at the Sports Office, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au, to sign on and to let the coach know this Saturday.
Year 5 Cricket Trials
Cricket trials begin this Saturday morning 28 January. All teams will play at Kianawah Park, Wynnum Road Tingalpa. There are 11 cricket fields at this venue and our allocated field numbers are 11 and 12. They are on the left-hand side as you drive into the complex. Please see the map below.
Weekly Team Lists are found in Parent Lounge. Boys are to be at the venue by 7.10am and they are to wear cricket whites if they have them or the College sports uniform. Cricket gear will be supplied.
When the trials have concluded, the boys will be selected into teams. This year there will be an A, B and C team selected. The remaining teams will be evenly graded on ability and placed into the supplementary draw. Saturday’s draw, coaches’ details, by-laws and training schedules have been placed on the website for you to view. A revised list for Round 1 against Marist College Ashgrove will be posted next week.
Please note that many of the boys will change into different teams and that this is part of the trial process. There will be several changes made throughout the season to try and get the boys into their right ability level groups. If there are training clashes with other commitments, after these changes, please contact the Sports Office and we will attempt to work out a solution.
It will take some time to eventually get the boys into their right teams. Please be patient with the selection process as we can only grade the boys on what we see. Their attitude and sportsmanship also contribute to the selection process, and we expect very high standards in both these areas when the boys are representing the College.
Wet Weather Procedure
In the event of rainy weather, a notification will be placed on the Villanova College App.
If afternoon training is to be cancelled due to rain evolving during the day, then an alert will be posted via the Villa App by 1.00pm, as well as giving an announcement to the students over the College’s PA system. If training is cancelled during the session, boys at Langlands will be taken to the undercover carpark at Easts Rugby League Club and boys can be collected from there.
Mr Chris Everding, Cricket Coordinator
1st XI Cricket
After a very busy, yet productive pre-season which ran over Terms 3 and 4 as part of the development squad program, our First XI squad have completed their pre-season program which consisted of many cricket games. Trial games are a great way for coaches and players to keep learning to execute skills, so that they are prepared as much as possible for the AIC cricket season in Term 1. As team coach, I cannot fault the effort that has been put in by the players across the past two terms, but even more so during the school holidays. I’ve got no doubt that it will hold us in good stead for the up-and-coming AIC season. I would like to thank the sports office staff, players, assistant coaches and parents who have supported our pre-season games.
Trial Games Term 4
We had a close win against a very strong Iona College in a fairly low scoring game. The squad showed great nerve to stick to the plan and execute our bowling plan to get the win. The squad then travelled to Tennyson to play Gregory Terrace and put in a great overall performance. Villanova bowled first, bowling GT out for a low enough total. Our top order then chased down the runs in minimal overs, in fine style!
OBLATE Carnival
Unfortunately, we only played two of the three scheduled games whilst on tour in Melbourne and both games resulted in losses. The squad were disappointed in these results but have learnt a lot from both games. Most importantly, the tour experience was great fun, despite the frosty weather conditions that Melbourne presented! The squad will certainly have many fond memories of their time on tour. A special thank you to Mr Craig Stariha who managed the tour for the last time. Mr Stariha made sure that the experience ran smoothly for all involved. The students and I appreciate all of his hard work and efforts over the past several years as team manager and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.
Brisbane Schools Cup Week
Our squad lost two games and won two games during this week. This carnival was hosted by Nudgee College and was a great week of cricket which the students enjoyed. After having lost the first two matches back-to-back against Nudgee and JPC, the team showed incredible resilience to subsequently fight back with two wins in a row against Gregory Terrace and St Pat’s. Both of these matches required our squad to chase down two scores in excess of 200+ runs. A lot was learnt during this week of Cricket, which I believe has enhanced the confidence of the squad heading into the tournament. Thank you to all of the parents and supporters who assisting in organising lunches, scoring/umpiring and attending to cheer on the teams.
AIC T20 Carnival
The Villanova squad had a great two days of cricket in the shorter and more explosive T20 format. The first day resulted in a win against Marist College Ashgrove, which was followed-up with a win against St Patrick’s College. On day two, they were able to get a third win in a row against St Peters Lutheran College which resulted in them making the T20 final against Iona College. Unfortunately, the team were defeated by Iona, who put the pressure on us during some big moments. However, this gives the squad something to learn and grow from in their preparation for the season ahead. A big thank you to Mr Scott Maguire and Padua College for hosting this carnival which continues to get bigger and better every year, and a special shout out to Villanova old boy and former 1st XI Captain Matthew Short, who took the coaching reigns for the team over the two days of cricket. The boys enjoyed your insight and guidance.
Last Trial Round and Round 1
The squad will have one more final trial game against Padua this Saturday before heading to Ashgrove for Round 1, who generally prove to be one of the strongest cricket colleges in the AIC program. The 1st XI squad and team coaches aim to make the Villanova community proud for the season ahead whilst being role models to all of the Junior cricketers who are a part of the Villanova cricketing program.
Junior Cricket Camp
75 Junior Villanova cricketers enjoyed a three-day Cricket Camp which was held at Villa Park. All students had plenty of fun while learning some new cricketing skills and meeting some new friends.
On behalf of the 1st XI team, I wish all Villanova players and team coaches the very best for the upcoming season. I look forward to everyone achieving great results whilst having fun in the process!
Mr Nathan Dufty, 1st XI Head Coach.
Swimming
AIC swimming training began in September 2022, with good numbers of swimmers attending training both at Langlands with the Villa squad, and in their own squads. Training continued during the holidays, culminating with our Swimming clinic on January 16. Nearly 100 swimmers participated this year at the clinic. It was great to see the numbers and to welcome all the new students and parents to the squad. There is always a lot of information about the various sporting teams and events in the first few weeks. All the schedules and more detailed information is available on the College website.
We were fortunate to have many of the Villanova swimming squad qualify for the 2022 McDonalds Queensland Championships held before Christmas. A number of our boys medalled in the relays, including Lachlan Rees and Isaac Haywood (Gold medal for the 200m mixed 10 years Freestyle relay and third for the 200m medley relay) and Tyler Clelland (first in the 16years Freestyle and medley relays). Other medallists in relays included Caleb Johnstone, Ben Landers, and Harry Pregnell in the 200m 12 years medley relay.
Individually Caleb Johnston, Ben Landers, Oliver Jacobs, Charlie Kerr, Charley Hegarty, Tyler Clelland, Jack Stewart and Harry Pregnell reached the finals, with Oliver Jacobs and Tyler Clelland reaching finals in multiple events. Other swimmers who qualified to compete at the event included Wade Wildin-Powell, Charlie Wiggins, Preston Webster, Owen Weston, Dan Walding, Nathaniel Economidis, Jack Trethewey, Brodie Clelland, Ethan Haywood, William Bruce, Nicholas Bruce, Isaac Bowen and Angus Shand. In looking at the times posted by the swimmers, most of the boys swam personal bests at the event and should be very proud of their efforts. If you are new to Villanova this year, and I missed seeing your name in the competition, I apologise. Please let me know, as I do use Meet Mobile to track times for our club swimmers. It is great to see so many of our squad challenging themselves at high impact meets and we wish them well as they continue with their training and competition.
For the Villa squad however, our focus will remain on the AIC championships in March. This leaves us with only six weeks of preparation before the event and the end of the season. It is therefore important that all students who wish to be considered for the squad are present at training. The only ‘compulsory’ training session is the Friday morning session. If swimmers train at other clubs, we require them only to attend this session for Villanova and the Friday evening meets. I would also like swimmers who do train at other venues to please email one of the swimming managers to confirm your intention to swim for Villanova and to keep us informed. For the boys who have clashes with other training, such as for cricket and volleyball, we ask that you speak to the staff in the Sports Office to make arrangements.
Training times for Villanova swimming continue as normal, and the information can be found on the College Sport website. Information about the meets will also be provided on the website. We ask that students arrive at the pool at least 10mins early, so that we can begin training on time and that they have all their own equipment. Please come better prepared with your own equipment. As we are now in Term 1, there will be a sign on sheet for the boys to have their names ticked off for attendance.
Staff will supervise students returning to the College after training. We leave as soon as possible after training and ensure that the students are crossing at the lights. All swimmers returning to school are required to cross Mains Road, using the lights. If you decide to collect your son from the pool to drive them up, we cannot remain with them if you are late, as staff have the responsibility to supervise other students walking to school. You must be there by 8:10am at the latest or we will request the boys start walking with us. I ask that if you believe that you will regularly collect your son, please email me so that teachers will be aware. If you are happy for your son to go with another parent, then we would appreciate the contact as well. At the end of each session, a staff member will do a quick lost property pick up which will be left with Student services offices. Please ensure that everything is clearly named.
The Friday evening meets will begin in Week 1 with a meet at Yeronga Pool, hosted by St Laurence’s College. All swimmers are encouraged to swim all 50m events for all strokes, so that we are able to collect times for the races and monitor progress. At the end of Period 6 on Friday, all the Year 5 and 6 swimmers will meet Mrs Liddy and the senior swimmers in the Agora (junior school area) and will move to the buses together. The teachers will remind the boys about this during the day. The Year 7 – 11 swimmers are to make their way as usual to the front of the school as quickly as possible to get on the buses immediately. At the conclusion of the event, parents are asked to collect their sons from Yeronga Pool, as no bus will be returning to Villanova. We often require parental assistance with time keeping on these nights, so if you are available to assist, please speak to a member of staff on the night. We would love to have you.
If you have any general questions, please email the relevant swimming manager initially.
Year 5 – 6 Mrs Liddy
Year 7 – 9 Mrs Dillon
Year 10 – 12 Mrs Henry
We look forward to a great swimming season with continued improvement in the pool. Thank you for all your support.
Junior School Inter-House Swimming Carnival
The Year 5 boys had their swimming trials yesterday and have been placed into divisions for Friday’s Junior School swimming carnival at Villanova College Pool. All Junior School parents are warmly welcomed to attend the carnival for all, or part of, the day. Seating will be available for all parents outside the change rooms at the left as you enter the pool gate. We will be looking for parents to assist with timekeeping on the day. If you can help, please see Mr Everding when you arrive at the pool.
The carnival will begin at 11.15am and the program for the day will closely follow these times:
11.15am: 50m and 25m Freestyle events
12.15pm: Butterfly events
12.50pm: Backstroke events
12.50pm: Lunch
1:30pm: 100m Freestyle events
2.00pm: Breaststroke events
2:30pm: Relays
1:45pm: Presentations
3:00pm: Dismissal
All students are to wear their sports uniform on Friday and will get changed into their togs before moving over to the pool. Students are to bring with them thongs or other casual shoes to wear from their classroom to the pool as well as sunscreen, sun shirt (optional) hats and a water bottle. The tuckshop will operate as usual for students wishing to buy their lunch. Parents can also use the tuckshop facilities to purchase coffee or food.
A number Year 5 boys were given a letter inviting them to be members of the squad depending on their times from yesterday. These boys will be required to attend an internal College Meet on Friday afternoon from 3.30pm-5pm. Times from Wednesday, the Junior School Carnival and the invitational Meet on Friday will be used to narrow down the squad in each year level in the Junior School and these boys will continue training as of Week 4. There is only 5 weeks until the AIC Championships and the squad members will be required to fine tune their strokes, practise their starts and relay changes under the guidance of our swim coaches.
Lytton Swimming Trials (U10-U12)
There is no swimming trial for Lytton this year and all students wishing to be nominated for the Lytton Team are asked to submit ratified times from a recognized competition from the last six months to the Sports Office. Times need to have been Long Course times. Boys can nominate for the following strokes.
- 50m freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke
- 100m freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke
- 200m individual medley
Nominations are due by the 6 February. Please contact the Sports Office if you have any concerns.
Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Swimming Coordinator
Volleyball
It has been a busy time on the court for the Villanova Volleyball program in readiness for the 2023 AIC season. Our trials began in Term 4 of 2022 with a number of internal sessions and two matches vs Iona College and St Laurence’s College. In addition to this, a number of our teams, including the First VI Volleyball Squad, have been hitting the court since the beginning of Term 4.
Our 10A, 11A and First VI squads entered the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup hosted by Volleyball Australia. This tournament was a fantastic opportunity to engage in some match play against opponents from around the country. We know this off-season preparation will be of great benefit to the teams as the season gets closer.
Our First VI squad has been in preparation for the season since early November. In addition to the Schools Cup tournament, our team headed up the Toowoomba range for our annual training day with Toowoomba Grammar School prior to Christmas break. Whilst our skills on court are very important, our squad were tested in small teams as they competed in the Villanova Volleyball Amazing Race, a challenge of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. A big congratulations to Sam Twaddell, Jack Renner and Lachlan Gillett for being first to check in.
A few reminders about the 2023 AIC Volleyball season:
- The training schedule is now posted via the Locker Room page.
- Teams playing at home (Villanova College) will also be responsible for court duty. Team duty is assisting with scoring and the lines duty for the match before or after your scheduled playing time. The duty roster will be included on the Weekly Fixture document each week. Coaches will assign 3 members of the team each duty, we expect students won’t have more than two commitments for the season.
- The expected uniform for the season is:
- VNC Hire jersey
- Green HPE shorts
- Alinta sport socks (black)
In closing, I wish all the best to all our AIC teams competing, and an extra special welcome and best wishes to our Year 7 teams who will take to the court for their first official AIC volleyball match next week.
Mr Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator and First VI Head Coach
Strength & Conditioning
Villanova College’s Strength & Conditioning (S&C) program will commence in Week 3, Term 1 and continue through until the end of 2023.
The Villanova gym will be supervised by experienced and accredited S&C coaches, every morning and afternoon of the school year.
In-season and pre-season sports will be prioritised, plus there will be development sessions available for students across Years 7-12. Based on gym floor space, the numbers able to attend each session will of course be limited.
Registrations for S&C sessions, plus the training schedule for Term 1, will be available on the website and in the School newsletter in Week 2.
Met East/Composite Sport
Nomination paperwork is now available at the Sports office for the following sports –
| Sport | Age group | Return to the Sports Office |
| Surfing | 13-19 Years | February 20 |
| Tennis | 13-19 Years | January 27 (3pm) |
| Swimming | 10-19 Years | February 13 |
Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport
Address
24 Sixth Avenue, Coorparoo, Brisbane, QLD 4151 Australia
Villanova College is an independent Catholic School for boys under the care of the Augustinian Order. Striving for excellence in boys’ education as an Augustinian community one in mind and heart on the way towards God.
