Villa View: Issue 10

Dear Members of the Villanova College Family
As the mid-semester break approaches we are reminded of the importance of the Easter celebrations that will occur towards the end of the holidays. Easter is a celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. The Gospels tell us that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day following his crucifixion. His resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil, sin and death.

Christ has Died, Christ has Risen, Christ will come again.

During the mid-semester break we have a number of tours departing for overseas. The Open Rugby team will be travelling to New Zealand while the Open Football team will be visiting Japan. The tours are a wonderful opportunity for students to gain valuable match experience, interacting with young men from other countries and experiencing the cultures and sights. Thank you to the staff, coaches and managers for accompanying the students and providing this valuable experience.

Villanova Old Boys Association

At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Villanova College Old Boys Association the new Executive Committee for 2017 was elected following the vacating of all positions. We welcome the new Executive Committee and thank them for their generous service to the College:

Mr Harrison Adams – President

Mr Luke Moloney – Vice President

Mr John Walsh – Vice President

Mr Peter Geraghty – Treasurer

Mr Jack Drake – Secretary

Mr Brett Morrissey – Committee

Mr Peter Ferguson – Committee

In welcoming the new Executive Committee, I would also like to recognise the significant contribution of Past President, Mr John Walsh. For the past ten years John has been one of the key driving forces within the Villanova Old Boys Association and through his initiatives has extended the hand of friendship and collegiality to all past students of the College and their families. We thank John for his dedication and generous spirit and we are pleased he will continue to be involved in the Association as Vice-President.

Academic Studies

Over the mid-semester break I ask parents to find a few moments to sit down with their son to discuss his academic progress over the past ten weeks. While the Interim Reports do not contain marks for the past assessment, most students will be aware of how they are progressing in their studies. As we begin Term Two, it is important that students have had an opportunity to reflect on their progress and set realistic and achievable goals for the next ten weeks.

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, 24 April. Parents will have received information regarding the procedure to be followed for booking times with the academic staff. I strongly encourage parents to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with your son’s teachers to discuss his academic progress. We welcome students to attend the conferences in their formal uniform, to be a part of their meeting and become involved in the teaching and learning process.

Weather Event

Thank you to all parents who reacted so quickly to the weather event. I was taken unaware by the announcement this morning through the media that “all schools would be closed.” The safety of our students, families and staff remains our highest priority at all times. Thank you for your understanding in these conditions.

Easter Prayer

God of power and might, by your holy will you raised Jesus

from the dead so that we might share his life eternally. As we

rejoice and give thanks for your great goodness and mercy, help us

to reach out to those who do not believe in the Gospel. Fill us

with your compassion so that with loving hearts we may serve the

poor and needy for love of you. Strengthen the faith of our family so that

we may grow together in love.

May your joy grow in us day by day. Amen

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

Feedback is a truly interesting concept. Invaluable and motivating for some individuals, yet for others it is confronting and brings a sense of deep disappointment. Feedback can be welcomed and expected, however, it can also be spontaneous and unsettling.

In 2017 we live in a world where feedback is all around us. For better or worse, people have access to modes of feedback that impact emotions and consequent behaviours. Firstly, the person giving the feedback feels a sense of purpose, power or contribution to helping others in a community. Secondly, the person receiving the feedback manages the information based on their emotional and social well-being. Thirdly, any witnesses to the feedback must act in the best interests of all concerned.

There are occupations where feedback is crucial to growth and development – health, education and corporate industries to name a few. People who are trained and experienced in a particular area, for example a teacher who works with eleven and twelve-year-old students, provides feedback in a mid-semester report. This is based on consistent observations in a controlled environment and incorporates common sense and the knowledge of what is within expected outcomes using developmental and social-emotional indicators appropriate for the ages and abilities at this stage of life. Feedback from Junior School staff may come in the form of emails, phone calls, face to face meetings and formal reports. The College Diary, Student of the Week Awards and Players of the Week Medallions are also ways to congratulate and encourage your sons. Feedback is valuable in supporting a balanced and growing young man to reach his best potential.

How feedback is received and managed is always going to be interesting for any human being. The positive reinforcement we get is always a pleasure to take on board. Our sense of worth and belonging soars to levels that encourage us to continue to strive for our best in the consequent areas. Constructive feedback can be more challenging to appreciate. If we feel that the intentions behind how we can improve ourselves are good natured and supportive, then we are much more likely to listen and actively seek to refine our behaviours and efforts in the future. Being open to doing things differently and seeing the long term benefits helping all involved is vital in the growing boy, parent or staff member. Often it’s the timing of the message, the wording and tone, as well as the physical setting that sets the stage for making the best out of feedback that indicates we have some potential to grow and change.

Having a supportive network of colleagues, family members or friends affects the feedback we might get at this part of the term. There’s nothing like celebrating a grade or acknowledgement for displaying skills in our favourite sport or musical performance. Applause, hugs and the immense satisfaction for a job done to the best of our capacity radiates the soul of any person. There’s also the challenge of knowing we could have done better at times, or possibly the frustration of best efforts not being actualized as we thought they might.

Regret is a tough one but the knowledge that simple changes in time, application and focus are within anyone’s reach. Perseverance is a character trait that people of all ages and abilities need to manage over a lifetime. Short bursts are often more sustainable rather than long term endurances, but giving up is not an option if we want to succeed. The fantastic thing about life is that the next opportunity is always around the corner. There’s going to be that next test, oral, assignment or report card on the horizon. You get to reset your motivation, alter your study habits, master the art of asking for help and give it your very best all over again. The letters on a piece of paper are one thing, yet your spirit and personality will speak volumes for the lifetime of memories you are currently making.

The end of Term 1 is a time of renewal as we head into the holidays. There is time to let go of timetables, assessment calendars and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit in all the things that we love. The Easter weekend just prior to the students return on Wednesday, 19 April is definitely a time of celebration. Our Lord Jesus Christ will be remembered in his death, resurrection and ascension from Earth. I wish you every blessing for the holiest holidays of our Liturgical Year.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Another chapter in the unfolding narrative which is the Villanova College story concludes this week, following the end of another energy filled term. As a new member of the Villanova College community, I thought I would offer some introspection as a reflection of the term just finished.

The spirit of community, which is enlivened by the strong relationships that exist between students, staff, parents and old boys, is extremely positive and heart-filled. I have been incredibly humbled by the generous reception I have received by students, parents and staff in starting my role as Head of Senior School and I have listened intently as our young men have taught me, with such enthusiasm, what it means to be part of this community.

The Year 12’s have made an exceptional start as wonderful role models intent on walking their senior journey as a united cohort. They have impressed me with their ambition to build and foster spirit and a humble pride within the student body, exemplified by their efforts in supporting a range of College activities. I would like to congratulate Hamish Drummond and the Student Leadership Team for their contribution to this success.

Year 11 students have demonstrated a genuine willingness to serve the community. After each assembly, they assist the maintenance staff with the pack-down. Furthermore, Mr Meecham’s theme of volunteering has also been embraced, with Year 11 students assisting in the preparation for the International Carnival and the presence of several students at Middle School camps.

The Year 10 cohort have commenced their senior schooling journey with much enthusiasm and expectation after their solid academic results last year. Whilst there have been some transitional challenges, there has been a real preparedness by the students to learn from their new experiences.

The formation experiences within the Senior School Pastoral Care Program have continued to focus on providing students with an awareness of the inherent risks (health and legal implications) associated with an engagement with alcohol, drugs and social media. Students have also received regular counsel on effective study practices to improve their academic performance.

The students have continued to show great patience and resilience throughout the rectification works in their Senior School precinct. I am looking forward to next term, when the whole Senior School can collectively gather on the terraces and take advantage of the new shaded pergolas and structures.

I would also like to thank parents and students for their efforts in responding to my expectations regarding grooming and punctuality and I have been pleased to see both these aspects improve over the course of the term. As we move into Term 2 and the formalities of the winter academic uniform, I would like to remind all students of the value of pride in their personal appearance.

The second term is always punctuated with the importance of either consolidating a strong academic start or bringing about change to address issues which limited success in the first term. It is also an exciting period within the co-curricular life of the College, with both rugby and football communities coming together on Saturdays at Villa Park, to celebrate the game they play in Heaven and the world game after the cultural subtlety of Friday afternoon chess. I strongly encourage all Senior School students who have not engaged in one of the many co-curricular offerings at the College in Term One to ensure that you involve yourself in some activity next term.

I wish all families a wonderful holiday period and may you have a Holy Easter.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Project Compassion

We are rounding our Project Compassion collection off before the end of term rather than at the end of Lent and I want to thank all students, families and staff members who have contributed to our collection.

Project Compassion is the annual Lenten appeal conducted by Caritas to fund projects which offer a hand-up rather than a hand-out across 162 countries. As a branch of the Catholic Church, Caritas is second only to the Red Cross in the worldwide scale of its outreach. Caritas provides a very practical and personal experience for members of the church to walk alongside people who are in need, especially in countries where the lives of ordinary families are jolted by war, famine or natural disaster. While Archbishop Mark Coleridge emphasises that there is sometimes a need to express sorrow (lamentation) in his Lenten message, the work of Caritas is one area in which the Catholic Church continues to bring a message of hope and solidarity.

The contributions of some classes at Villanova have been outstanding, special mention must go to 8 Maroon who have now raised more than $700 this term. At Villanova, we are, of course, part of a bigger picture, for example working alongside all Catholic primary schools towards the same Lenten goals: just as 8 Maroon will be pleased to know that they have paid for nearly two years of support for a child with disabilities in Vietnam, so 2 Blue at St Agnes Catholic Primary School, Mt Gravatt have bought piglets for two Vietnamese families as a livelihood. In truth, the generosity of such classes requires leadership, both from teachers (like Mrs Colbert) and also from students. We will probably never know who the students are who quietly give up something from the Tuck Shop every week to donate to the Project Compassion box. It really is the case that a few people change the world when they change their own habits and behaviour.

It is never too late to start giving. If students have the little boxes at home, then they are welcome to bring them in to add to the Villanova collection. (Alternatively they can go into the local parish collection).

Ministry wrap-up and preview

It has been a successful and busy term for all the student ministries, with more than 20 St Vincent de Paul Easter hampers now delivered to local families and AFAS creating a wonderful campaign to raise awareness in preparation for Mission Day on 2 June. All the Ministry teams have exciting plans for Term 2 and beyond, in order to both build a better school community and to reach out in good faith to those in need beyond our gates.

Mr John Holroyd, Vice Principal – Ministry, Mission and Evangelisation

Sport Communication

The three main avenues of sport communication open to parents at Villanova College are listed below:

• Villa View – the College newsletter
• Access to the College website. The ‘Locker Room’ contains all the important weekly sports messages and announcements, links from the ‘Locker Room’ will take you to the ‘Weekly Fixture’ section and to the individual sports sections, including the ‘AIC Rugby’ and ‘AIC Football’ sections (as well as any other sport)
• The Skoolbag App. Go to the App store and search Villanova College Skoolbag App. Download the free app. Important messages will be given via the app from time to time. These messages are mainly the confirmation or cancellation of training and games.

Students also receive sports messages via the daily Morning Notices delivered during morning Pastoral as well as information presented at College assemblies.

It was interesting to note the amount of phone calls received by the College over the last week regarding training times and venues for rugby and football. This information has been posted on the web and published in the Villa View for weeks. Please use the avenues listed above as all pertinent information regarding sport is posted and updated regularly.

Annual Sport Club Luncheon:  The Villa Sports Club and the associated planning committee are continuing their good work in the planning and preparation of the Annual Sports Club Luncheon. This event is not to be missed as it is a great way to meet new friends and enjoy a fun afternoon of good food and drink. The special guest speaker is Kerry O’Keeffe – Australian cricket player and media commentator as well as Villa old boy and Olympian (Javelin) – Josh Robinson. Tickets are $140 per head and are available for purchase now through the following link: Sport Lunch Invitation. All money raised will assist the College in improving sporting facilities.   Tickets are selling fast – don’t miss out!

Rugby and Football Training/Trials

Please be aware that rugby and football training will commence on day one of Term 2 as per the training schedule found below. This schedule is posted on the College’s website under the AIC rugby and the AIC football sections.

Date Claimers (as per College Calendar)

• AIC Rugby and Football trial v SPLC/ATC Saturday, 22 April (all teams)
• Term 2 training commences, Wednesday 19 April – sessions as per program above (don’t forget your gear)

1st IV Tennis Training Squad

A number of our top tennis players have been invited to attend a 1st pre-season tennis training program which commenced last week. This program will continue throughout the Easter vacation period as per documentation.

Villa Junior Tennis Aces Program

All students who represented Villanova either as a reserve or player throughout the 2016 season in Years 5, 6 ,7 or 8 have been invited to participate in the Junior Tennis Aces program this year.

These students will participate in a pre-season training program in order to develop the necessary skills and techniques for the season ahead. To that end, we will have four qualified tennis coaches on hand who will work with a squad of no more than 16 students for a one-hour training session each week for a total of eight weeks in the lead up to the AIC Tennis season. These sessions will focus on the development of skills rather than game play.

Please note that these sessions will commence on Friday, 21 April and will continue every Friday evening until the 9th June. These sessions will run throughout Term 2 and have been scheduled to enable all students to participate in this program as well as any AIC football, rugby and cross country programs on offer at the College. Only those students who participate in AIC chess will be unable to participate in this program as both will occur on the Friday evenings.

Where:  Churchie Tennis Courts

Time:  5:00pm – 6:00pm (Years 6 and 7) 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Years 8 and 9)

When:  Every Friday evening commencing 21 April until 9 June (eight sessions in total)

Who:  By invitation only, all Year 5, 6, 7 and 8 AIC tennis players in 2016 who are now in Year 6, 7, 8 and 9 in 2017 have been invited

AIC Cross Country

Villanova’s AIC Cross Country training program will commence in Term 2 as below:

Year 5 and 6 Squad:  Commence training Week 5 Term 2 (15 May).  Monday and Wednesday afternoons 3.15 – 4.30pm at Little Langlands

Year 7 -12 Squad:  Commence training Week 3 Term 2 (1 May).  Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning 6.45 – 8.00am at Little Langlands

All students who wish to join simply need to turn up to the training sessions as listed above. More information will follow in the weeks leading up to the first session.

AIC Chess – Mr Sally England, AIC Chess Co-ordinator

Chess is now underway and the first trial against St Laurence’s was an insight into the abilities of the group as a whole.  The wonderful Junior players of last year stepped up to the mark and won the Intermediate group comprehensively. We are looking forward to the competition for this group and are anticipating that the boys will once again perform well.

The Junior teams have many new students and we are still to finalise all of the available positions. They have big shoes to fill and we wish them the best over the coming weeks. The Senior groups were struck by absences due to exam block but competed well against Laurie’s. We are hopeful that with a full team the boys will compete at a high standard this year.

A reminder that coaching before school has stopped due to exams and will resume on the first Friday back in Term 2, 21 April at 7.30 in the Tolle Lege Library.  Practice is still ongoing at morning tea every day in the library for all those who can attend.  Friday, 21 April is also the night of our second trial and is an away game, so students will be transported by bus to and from the venue.   Teams will be determined after this match and will be announced to all students the following week. Good luck to all the boys vying for positions in the teams. Have a good break and come back refreshed, ready to start the season.

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Library Roster

Wednesday 19 April

Donna Leahy, Melanie Higgins

Thursday 20 April

Melanie Pickering, Susanna Greaves

Tuckshop Roster

Monday 17 April

Easter Monday

Tuesday 18 April

Pupil Free Day

Wednesday 19 April

Andrea Verner, Maree Challinor, Jenny Salpietro, Lily Fontana, Karen Blue, Fiona Jenkins, Katrina Theil, Connie Collins, Rebecca Shirdon

Thursday 20 April

Michelle Boxall, Debbie Griffiths, Bernadette Perrier, Julie Frail, Taryn Byrne, Monique Winn, Louis Wilson, Cecilia Pouhila

Friday 21 April

Jane Forster, Sara Kays, Cathy Hampson, Therese Curran, Veronica Kennedy, Tracy Pereira-Trevethan, Nikki Reid, Caroline Caffery, Gregoria Makras, Sally Grigson, Lia Westion, Chelsea Akehurst, Patricia Sukkar, Natasha Chan, Nakeeta Sturgess, Toni Ware

Year 8 Mums – Save the Date

Please save the date 6th – 8th October for the Year 8 Mothers weekend away.  More details to come. 

Lucinda Timms, Year 8 Parent Representative

Stay up to date with the College events please proceed to the event calendar.

AFAS ELDERS – HOTHOUSE OFFICIALLY BLESSED AND OPENED

It may have taken a little extra time to complete, but the hothouse on Kinatarcan Island, totally funded by the generosity of the Villanova community has finally been blessed and opened.

This building will enable all people on the island to dry their harvest of the moringa leaf before sending it to the mainland for Fair Trade Philippines to process and sell. Proceeds will then be returned to the people of Kinatarcan Island.

If you would like to see the story of the recent Elders experience on Kinatarcan Island, please click here.