Villa View: Issue 11

Welcome back to Term Two. I hope all our families had an opportunity to enjoy the stunning weather over the Easter break. The Easter season is a time of new beginnings and one of hope. Jesus Christ has Risen.

The Gospel reading this Sunday tells of the appearance of Jesus to the disciples who were confused and frightened following the events of the past week. Thomas doubted the account of the disciples and boldly stated, “Unless I can see the holes that the nails made in the hands and can put my fingers into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.”  John 20: 25-26

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.

HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES

During the holidays a number of sporting tours and the Augustinian Schools Exchange were conducted. From all reports the students and accompanying staff enjoyed the opportunity to experience rugby in New Zealand, football in Japan and to spend time with the students and staff at St Rita’s, Chicago in the United States.  Thank you to all involved for providing these opportunities to our students.

ANZAC DAY

This Friday the College community will gather for a special ANZAC Day Liturgy.  We keep in our prayers the men and women who served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces. Villanova College has once again been invited to participate in the ANZAC Day March leaving at 7.45am from the corner of Old Cleveland Road and Baragoola Street and marching down to the Coorparoo RSL for the service commencing at 8.30am. Students have been asked to wear their College academic uniform with hats and gather in Baragoola Street under the Villanova College banner at 7.30am on Tuesday morning, 25 April.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in Goold Hall next Monday 24 April, commencing at 9.00am. Students are most welcome to attend the conferences and I encourage families to bring their son along to hear first-hand how the first ten weeks of this academic year have progressed and to set goals for the upcoming ten weeks of this term. We ask all students attending to wear their school uniform.

PRAYERS

We keep in our thoughts and prayers the families of Mr Pat Zietsch, Ms Sally Byron, Mr Mark Zietsch and Henry Zietsch (Year 7) following the death of their mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, Gwenda Merle Zietsch last week.

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

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

The Rouhliadeff family is currently renovating at home.  Our downstairs level has been completely gutted out and this week the building crew are digging down to investigate the original footings so we can look to give the boys their own bedrooms and living space.  According to my wife the running, throwing of any kind of sport ball and wrestling between the three lads in the house needs to find a new location after 12 years.  It’s such an exciting process and apart from our two dogs moving “poolside” at the front, and some extra dust and noise, it’s always a lot of fun to check out the progress each day.

On Tuesday staff were informed by Mr Peter Dawson from the international architectural firm Architectus about some recent investigations for future planning here at Villanova.  It was so interesting to hear the philosophy of how “space + meaning = place”.  That is, it’s so easy to think of the final look or styling of a renovation but what is paramount behind any long term planning is the practicality of the space and how it can be meaningfully used to enhance the people who will use it most.  In order to help us understand, our Principal, Mark Stower used a photo of four Year 5 boys (with bacon burgers and sauce smiles) on their first day at the College.  “We are planning and building for these boys in the years to come.  We need to be always thinking of what space will help them become the best Villanovans they can be”.

With Term 2 beginning this week I want to think of how we scaffold the next 10 weeks so that our young men can reach their potential.  How are we using the places they work, study, rest and play in?  What meaningful experiences are taking place?  What space do they like best, indoors or outdoors in this cooler climate?  It pays to remember that we must go beyond the physical and think about physiologically too.  Mental health, self-esteem and a sense of belonging and safety are paramount in any kind of effective teaching and learning.

Meeting with your son’s class teachers next Monday, April 24 is a perfect opportunity to share ideas about (and with) your son.  Reflecting upon his Term 1 successes and challenges together, mean that there is a balanced and realistic approach to his future experiences.  The concept of setting goals is truly best done taking a few things into consideration.  It’s all well and good to have ambitions and pipe dreams – it’s healthy to be passionate about the ideal achievements.  Yet the best way to have a happy child (which is always the first thing desired by any parent) is to ensure that success is obtained to motivate and stimulate him.

Setting goals for ourselves is about being able to identify areas that we can improve on.  There is little benefit from wanting what we already have, or can easily achieve.  Being realistic about the scale of improvement desired is imperative.  If your son is currently at a C grade in a subject, then aiming for a C+ or B- is fair and often within reach.  There needs to be a plan put into place, with the support of the teacher and yourself at home.  Changes will have to occur in your son’s preparation, study or revision if changes are to occur with his assessment.  Is it the frequency of attention to the subject, or is it understanding the criteria set more concretely?  Is it that he must pay more attention to the feedback and suggestions made by his peers or teacher?  What is so important is that your son has to want the change on a genuine level.  The goals that parents or teachers set will never be as inspiring as the ones the boys can choose from a place within.

Places, people and spaces are our world.  They make us feel safe and when we are secure, the sky is the limit in terms of our energy levels and willingness to go beyond our comfort zones.  We are all working to our own particular home lives, whether it’s a place of renovation or busy schedules full of sport or cultural commitments.  The great news is that your son has his Villanova community to back his goals, his aspirations and we will endeavour this term to do all we can to help him.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Welcome back for another term. I hope that all Senior School students and their families had a wonderful Easter filled with much joy and spiritual renewal. With the placement of Easter at the conclusion of the holiday period and with the pupil free day on Tuesday which allowed staff to engage in some significant strategic planning, this first week is incredibly short. With next week’s parent-teacher conferences and two more public holidays over the coming weeks, it is vitally important that students remain focused and disciplined in returning to their study routines and push through the challenge of this early disruption. Often there can be a temptation to ‘write-off’ these first two weeks and keep the cognitive motor in neutral until we return to our usual full week schedule. This mistake needs to be avoided in the Senior School where every day counts.

During the holiday period, I hope that all Senior School students and parents unpacked the mid-semester report and purposefully reflected upon the feedback of teachers in relation to learning engagement, organisation and classroom behaviour. I strongly insist that all students accompany their parents to next Monday’s conferences (in full academic uniform) when the classroom teacher can expand upon particular concerns/issues and discuss work and assessment completed during the first term. When the teacher, student and parent are all engaged in the conversation, it represents a strong partnership which drives both improvement and accountability.

Continuing this term, the pastoral and curriculum leaders will be closely examining the academic data of each Senior School cohort to ensure that each student is tracking according to their abilities and potential. After this initial analysis phase, certain students may be interviewed to look at the human dimension to the data which is can be particularly valuable in obtaining the ‘full picture’ of the journey of student progress and achievement.

I wish all Senior School students a very successful and rewarding second term.

‘In God we trust, all others must bring data.’ William Edwards Deming

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Ministry and ANZAC News

Tomorrow we will hold our annual ANZAC Service in Goold Hall at 10.30 am and all family members are welcome to attend. The address will be given by Lt Colonel Brendan Cox, who is now CEO of Legacy in Queensland. As well as the usual elements of the ANZAC Service, there will be a particular and educational focus on General Sir John Monash, with Year 12 student Ewan Anderson playing the role of Monash. Particular thanks must go to Year 12 student Casey Kreutzer for the conception and planning of this years’ service.

All students are warmly invited to march with the Villanova contingent in the Coorparoo Community ANZAC March to the Coorparoo RSL on Tuesday morning, 25 April. Students attending are to wear full academic uniform and gather on Baragoola Street by 7.45 am. The march begins at the junction of Baragoola Street and Old Cleveland Road at 8 am. The service takes place at the Coorparoo RSL directly following the march and should conclude by 9.15am. Parents can meet their sons near the Coorparoo RSL.

Crisis, what crisis?

In the light of recent Census information, a number of media commentators have spread alarm about the declining numbers of people in Australia declaring that they are religious or regularly attending religious services. Five Year 12 students came in to our staff professional development day on Tuesday and courageously presented their ideas to the staff about why Catholic education is important, and the difference it makes in a student’s school journey. It was humbling and inspiring to listen to their words. The student presentation ended in prayer and what follows is an extract from the homily Daniel Duskovic (Year 12) gave, connecting the Gospel reading about letting our light shine, like a light on the hill, to our community aspirations at Villanova:

Homily for Teachers of Villanova College by Daniel Duskovic (Year 12)

This year, all Villanova ministries have made their goal to be a light on the hill. Striving to serve together in solidarity and hope. To act this out the ministries have engaged in various forms of social outreach, set high fundraising goals and achieved greater student participation. We also plan to light up Villa through the little things we do around the college to make a difference. Little things like offering help to those that need help in our classes, making all three schools feel a part of one College and saying hello to people around the College. The beautiful thing about these little things is that they all brighten up the school in some way and anyone can do whether in a ministry or not, student or staff.

However, there is more work to be done. There is a need for our light to shine even brighter on this hill.

I believe that most of our student body identifies with social issues and social justice.  We want a better world and are keen to shine our light to help achieve this. Yet these are troubling times where fears and anxieties consume us and often detract from achieving an outward focus on others rather than ourselves. We look for guidance and affirmation, but it can be difficult to find at times.   Role models emerge in Marvel movies, communication is considered most effective when engaging on-line and using not more than ten characters, and the truth finally makes an appearance when Pete Evans declares the butter chicken to be a total disaster.

Traditionally, parish involvement was a source of support and going to Sunday mass underpinned the spiritual journey of young Catholics.  This is no longer the case. Going to Church is seen as boring, disconnected and it can be difficult to find relevance and meaning.

That’s not to say young people, including the students here at Villanova, aren’t spiritual. In terms of the gospel, Pope Francis has said “wherever we are, we are the Church”. So with that, Villanova is the Church and you, our teachers, are playing a huge role in our spiritual journey – more than ever before.

Jesus formed his ministry around relationships, walking and being truly present with people. Recognising and taking opportunities for meaningful engagement with each other here at Villanova gives us a stronger foundation for our engagement with the poor. Our engagement with the poor nourishes our faith. It clears away the darkness and gives us purpose.

Your support is vital to achieving our ministry goals which align with our school’s mission of seeking the common good through Gospel values. But the recognition of the increased responsibility you carry in supporting our faith is what creates much needed clarity and light. When I reflect on my Villanova journey, I will remember you for sharing experiences of your journeys, for your honesty and wisdom and positive influences, for being present and walking with me. You have made my light shine brighter in the same way you have for so many other boys and will continue to do for so many others.

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

I take this opportunity to welcome back all families to Villanova from what I hope was a restful and enjoyable time as a family over the Easter break. Looking ahead there is no doubt that Term 2 sport will be another action packed adventure.

During this term AIC chess, cross country, rugby and football will get into full swing. Villanova will host the annual exchange with our brother College, St Augustine’s, Sydney. Villanova Park will again be the host venue for the Lytton District Cross Country event which will be held on the 28 April. Our AIC cross country squads will commence their pre-season training schedule this term. For training purposes our cross country squad will be split into two squads – a Year 5 and Year 6 squad and a Year 7 – 12 squad. Please see below for more details regarding the AIC cross country season and training schedules. These squads are open to all interested students, so simply turn up to the first training session to register your interest with the coaches and/or managers.

This weekend Villanova will play a rugby, football and chess trial round against St Peter’s Lutheran College (SPLC) and Ambrose Treacy College (ATC). An AIC chess trial for students from Years 7 – 12 is scheduled to be played against SPLC this Friday afternoon hosted by SPLC directly after school. A bus will transport all students to the venue. Please see below for further details.

Our First Tennis Development Squad have begun their 2017 pre-season program which will be held each Wednesday evenings at the Morningside Tennis Centre. Our Junior Tennis Development Program commences this Friday evening and will run for eight consecutive Friday evenings throughout Term 2. Initial plans and preparations are already in place for the up-coming AIC Cross Country Camp to be held at Currimundi. On top of this, there will be many Lytton/Composite and Met East events held throughout the term as per the regional sports calendar available on the College website.

As you can see there are plenty of opportunities for all students to become involved in the sports program. We expect that when a boy commits himself to a sporting team or squad, he follows through with that commitment until the end of season.

Important information for all parents:  Prior to the commencement of each sports season the College requires all students to complete a ‘Sign –on Form’. Both the student and the parent are required to sign off on the form indicating that they are willing to commit to that sport for the whole season.  The Sports Office uses this information to determine how many teams the College will nominate in that particular sport in each year level in the AIC competition. Coaches are appointed and training schedules, equipment, referees etc. are then organised to ensure all students are catered for. We ask parents to support the College by ensuring their son attends all training sessions and is available to play each weekend.

With a couple of long weekends approaching it is important that all players make themselves available to play their allocated games on these weekends. If families are travelling away, we ask that you delay your departure until after your son’s game is played. We have purposely submitted more teams into the competitions with less reserves in each team in order to maximise every players playing time. If players do not attend the games on long weekends, teams will be left short. This is not the Villanova way, so we again ask you to consider your son’s commitment to the team before making travel plans.

A Trimester 1 Sports Assembly will be held on Tuesday 2 May in Goold Hall (time to be advised) to acknowledge those who did particularly well in AIC cricket, volleyball and swimming, as well as those who were members of undefeated or premiership teams. Rather than emailing all parents of those who will receive an award we will simply post the recipient list on the College’s web page mid next week. A message will be sent via the Skoolbag App to remind parents to check this list as well as to invite parents of the recipients to the Awards Assembly.

I would like to thank all those who participated in the Japan Football Tour and the New Zealand Rugby Tour over the Easter break. A report of both tours will be published in the Villa View next week.

As we approach the chess, rugby and football trials matches this weekend, I please ask parents to be patient and understanding of the selection process. It is always a very short turnaround from season to season in the AIC calendar. The next two weeks both at training and during trial games will be important for coaches in the selection process. Please attend all training sessions and games in order to make this process easier.

I wish everybody the very best this term and encourage all students to get involved, offer their talents to the College and enjoy good times spent with their mates!

Rugby, Football and Chess Trial Round v St Peter’s Lutheran College and Ambrose Treacy College – Friday 21 and Saturday 22 April

Please refer to the College’s website to view all times and venues for this weekend’s fixtures against SPLC and ATC. Note that the weekly draw is found in the ‘Weekly Fixture’ section.

Villanova Park Canteen – Sports Club

The Sports Club requests the assistance of parents to help serve or cook at our canteens on the weekend. As players should arrive at least 30 minutes before their game for warm up we ask parents to assist in the canteen during this time. After the warm up period, parents will then be able to see their son’s game, so please help if you can.

AIC Chess Trial v St Peter’s Lutheran College (SPLC)

AIC chess trials for all Year 5 – 12 students will be played against SPLC this Friday 21 April. SPLC is hosting this week and a bus will transport all players from Year 5 – 12 to SPLC departing Villanova College at 3.15pm and returning at approx. 6.00 – 6.30pm.

AIC Cross Country

After a successful year in 2016 our Cross Country Coaches/Managers are looking forward to building and developing the AIC Cross Country program. Our ultimate aim is to win the AIC title, and to achieve this we must have a squad of dedicated runners who are prepared to regularly attend training over the entire season.

In order to effectively prepare our runners for the AIC Championships, we have taken the decision to split our Cross Country athletes into two squads as listed below. That is, a Year 5 and Year 6 squad (who run in the Year 5 and Year 6 divisions) and a Year 7 – 12 squad (who run in the 12 years, 13 years, 14 years, 15 years, 16 years and Open divisions). These squads will train independently with different coaches and managers.

Please find below the training schedule as well as commencement dates for training for both squads.

Year 5 and Year 6 Squad

Commence training:  Monday 15 May

Training Days/Times:  Monday and Wednesday 3.15 – 4.30pm

Coach

• Mr Tom Lonergan Phone: 3398 3779 Email: lonert24@gmail.com  

Manager

• Mr Matthew Conlan (Staff Member) Email: mconlan@vnc.qld.edu.au

Year 7 – 12 Squad

Commence training:  Wednesday 3 May

Training Days/Times:  Monday/Wednesday/Friday 6.45 – 8am

Coaches/Managers 

• Mr Brett Morrissey (Staff Member) Email: bmorrissey@vnc.qld.edu.au
• Mr Brian Pascoe (Staff Member) Email: bpascoe@vnc.qld.edu.au
• Mr Kane Corby (Staff member) Email: kcorby@vnc.qld.edu.au
• Mr Dave Barton (Old Boy) Email: davovilla1st@hotmail.com

Further details regarding the cross country season will be posted on the College’s web page late next week.

Lytton District Cross Country

Students in Years 5 and 6 who wish to be selected for the Lytton Trial next Friday 28 April, will have a run-off tomorrow morning in Period 1 at Langlands Park. Unfortunately, we missed out on our trial at the end of last term and we will have to select students based on where they finish tomorrow. Only the top four/five students in the U10 and U11 age group will be selected. Under 12 boys will be compared with our current U12 Year 7 students and information letters will be distributed to successful students. All Year 5 and 6 boys wishing to join the AIC cross country squad, are advised that training will commence on 15 May after school at Langlands Park.

St Augustine’s Tour 2017

The annual exchange between Villanova College and our brother school St Augustine’s College (SAC) will take place from May 7 – 9 in Brisbane. Each year the exchange has students from both Colleges compete against each other in rugby, football, basketball and debating. The exchange offers an opportunity for the staff and students of both Colleges to form bonds and further strengthen the already strong relationship.

We hope to email all those who have kindly offered to take a billet with further information about the tour sometime next week. This information will contain your billets name and contact details. We would encourage all billeting families to make contact with the families of those you are billeting in an effort to be welcoming and hospitable to our brothers from Sydney.  A simple phone call will help break the ice and perhaps make both families feel more at ease.

St Augustine’s College (SAC) Tour Itinerary – Game Times/Dates/Venues

Sunday 7 May

• Host families to collect billets at 8pm

Monday 8 May 

• 2:15pm – 3:00pm (Period 6) Villanova v St Augustine’s Debating (Fr. Peter Wieneke Shield) at the Hanrahan Theatre, Sixth Ave, Villanova College
• 3:30pm Villanova v St Augustine’s Basketball (John Seary Cup) at Goold Hall, Eighth Ave, Villanova College

Tuesday 9 May  

• Period 1 (8.45am – 9.35am) College Assembly – SAC as Guests of Honour
• Period 2 (9.40am – 10.30am) Student forum/morning tea for SAC staff/students and host students
• 10:30am (Period 3) Depart Villanova College for Villanova Park (all billets/host and students)
• 12:00 Midday kick off, Villanova v St Augustine’s Football (Fr. Dave Brimson Cup) Manly Rd, Tingalpa / Villanova Park
• 1:30pm Kick off, Villanova v St Augustine’s Rugby (MG Lyons Cup) Manly Rd, Tingalpa / Villanova Park
• 3:30pm Presentation in the Cor Unum Centre at Villanova Park
• 4:00pm BBQ and (Villanova host students farewell SAC billets)

Villa-Fit for Years 7 – 12

All parents are reminded that their son’s Term 1 subscription to Villa-Fit has expired. The program is always evolving and improving to cater for the needs of our students. If your son would like to join Villa-Fit, the cost for Term 2 is $140.00. Boys may access Villa-Fit as many times as they like throughout the week.

Opening times:

Before school – 7.00am – 8.00am (first two weeks the inside gym is being used by the rugby boys)

After school – 3.30pm – 4.30pm (except Friday)

Forms may be collected from the Sports Office. Payment to be made through Flexi-schools.

Junior Villa-Fit for Years 5 and 6

The focus will be on the boys learning the correct techniques in the gym in preparation for Villa-Fit in Year 7. The boys will do some strength training, cardiovascular training, flexibility and some core strength in each session. The class will be in the gym from 3:15 – 4pm every Friday afternoon in Term 2. The cost is $60 for the term. There will be an exercise scientist in the gym to run the boys through the session. Junior Villa-Fit will be limited to 16 participants only and these places will fill fast. Forms may be collected from the Sports Office or downloaded from the College webpage and must be returned to the Sports Office with payment.

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Welcome back to you all.  I trust you’ve all enjoyed a safe and restful break.  At the time of writing we’ve had a day and a half of rehearsals and lessons.  In the main we’ve done well getting back into routine, however with the interrupted time over the next two weeks I implore all students and parents to ensure we’re on our game in terms of which day / which rehearsal for this early period of term.

Rehearsals and Lessons

All rehearsals and lessons will continue as per our rehearsal schedule.  The Term 2 schedule has been attached to this newsletter for posting on the fridge at home.  All lessons have commenced; teachers have communicated timetables to families and lesson times are also available on the noticeboard outside the Music Office.  Please ensure you have checked these spaces for your times for the coming weeks.

Combined Orchestra Performance – Loreto College

Our combined Villanova/Loreto College Orchestra will be performing as guest artists at the Music Evening at Loreto College tomorrow.  Information regarding this was sent home on 27 March and again early this week.

We would welcome members of the Villanova community to this concert, which will take place in the Mary Ward Centre at Loreto College, commencing at 6:30pm; entry by gold coin donation.  I look forward to seeing some of you there supporting music in our community.

Entertainment Books

Prior to the holidays all Junior School students received a copy of this year’s Entertainment Book as part of the annual fundraising drive coordinated by the Music Support Group at Villanova College.  If you still have this book at home and are not purchasing it, this must be returned to the Music Office as soon as possible.  For those who have purchased books through the pre-sales drive, these books are now able to be collected from Mrs Schrauf in the Music Office.

There are still a number of books in the office available for sale.  Should you wish to purchase a physical copy of the book, please contact the Music Office on 3394 5691.  Alternatively, should you wish to purchase the smart-phone app please visit our page at Entertainment via the following link:  www.entbook.com.au/22002q9.

Rotorua Tour

Thank you to those students who have submitted passport information and been fitted for shirts and jackets.  However, we are chasing a few stragglers here, so if you have not been sized or submitted your passport information, please contact the Music Office urgently.

Rockhampton Tour

Information regarding the final cost of this event will be communicated home over the coming week.  Preparations are moving along nicely for what is going to be a fantastic event.  Our ‘CQ Tourists’ all need to be measured for a tour t-shirt.  This will be done today upon return from QSO; if your son did not participate in the t-shirt sizing he will need to visit the Music Office no later than the end of school on Wednesday next week.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher interviews are scheduled for next Monday 24 April and parents should now have booked interviews using the PTO website. Please remember to print out or record the timings and teachers with whom you have requested an interview. Access to the PTO site is now closed and no further bookings can be made so that staff can prepare appropriate materials, assessment items, profiles etc. for their interviews.  Parents who still wish to meet with individual teachers are asked to make contact directly to arrange a mutually convenient time during Term 2.

The Interim Semester 1 Report available on Parent Lounge provides you with information as to how your son is engaging in specific subjects in Term 1. The conference is an ideal opportunity to receive some face-to-face feedback as to how your son is performing in his subjects. It is important as it provides the vehicle to build a relationship between parents and teacher so that together, the best interests of your son can be collectively served. Research suggest that when students feel they are mutually supported from both college and home, their engagement and connectivity with school life improves.

While the initial focus of the interview will be about providing feedback of Term 1 results and engagement in class activities, there is also benefit in mutually planning goals for the coming term, year and consequently, how these goals may be practically achieved. It is important for you and your son to leave the interviews understanding what his strengths and successes are, how he has performed in assessment and what he needs to focus on for the future in a practical and specific way. Practical feedback as to how his results can be improved should then remain a focus for the coming term. One recommendation is that such practical advice could be written down as a list by subject and then kept in a place of high traffic e.g. on the fridge, so that it provides a constant reminder of what requires focus for this term.

For this reason, it is important for your son to attend the conference and to hear from teachers directly about his successes and areas to work on. This will ensure that he feels central to the conversation and allow him to hear comments and feedback directly from his teacher/s.  He will then be able to have input into the identification of strategies that can assist him into the future. All students are expected to attend in full academic uniform.

The following links provide some advice to parents to maximise the conference and covers all year levels from Junior through to Senior School. I trust that you find the conferences next week of benefit.

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/involve/Pages/parentteacher.aspx

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/parent_teacher_interviews.html

https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/parent-teacher-interviews-tips-for-talking-to-your-teens-teachers

Mr Paul Mead, Vice Principal – Teaching and Learning

Year 10 Children’s Theatre Performances

On Thursday 23 March, Year 10 Drama students had the pleasure of presenting their Children’s Theatre performances to Year 3 students from St James Primary School.

The boys had the task of transforming popular Dr Seuss stories such as Green Eggs and Ham, The Lorax, The Big Brag and The Cat in a Hat into plays suitable for children that utilised the theatrical conventions belonging to this style.  The Tolle Lege Library was transformed into a Dr Seuss themed heaven and this special place provided the perfect atmosphere to create magic on stage for our young, enthusiastic audience. The children from St James were an absolute delight and the Year 10 Drama boys enjoyed interacting with them during their performances.

At the conclusion of the show, the boys shared morning tea with the children and chatted about the performances and the upcoming Year 3 Science test that day!  It was a wonderful morning of community spirit which allowed the Year 10 students an authentic experience of performance. Thank you to Mrs Antonietta Neighbour, Mrs Mary Anne Ashton, Mrs Robyn Heath, Mrs Helen Caswell and Ms Belinda Grant for their support in this creative collaboration.

Mrs Julianne Shaw, Drama Teacher

Proposed China Tour 2018

During the 2018 Easter school holidays, Chinese language students will be given the opportunity to travel to Shanghai, Beijing and Xi’an and experience Chinese culture through a tour of historical sites.  This will give students a greater insight into the world’s longest surviving civilisation, and an opportunity to experience real life situations in which they can utilise their Chinese language skills.

An information evening will be held in the Hanrahan Theatre next Thursday, 27 April.  Information will be distributed upon arrival at 6:45pm ready for a 7pm start.

Ms Sally Byron, College Administrator

Stem Opportunities

Australian Youth Aerospace Forum

The Australian Youth Aerospace Forum will be held in Brisbane this year, from 3 – 7 July.  This 5-day residential camp at the University of Queensland aims to provide Year 11 – 12 students with an interest in aerospace with an insight into the career and training options available after high school.

This year’s forum will include opportunities in Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Trades and Traineeships, Pilot Training and Military Aerospace entry options. Students will experience professional aerospace first hand through exclusive industry site visits and discussions with key industry and academic leaders.

AYAF will include activities, lectures and site visits around Brisbane, allowing students to experience the cutting edge aerospace work being conducted in Australia and build networks for future employment.

Early bird applications of $199 will close on Friday, 21 April.  Standard applications of $249 open on April 22, with final applications to be received by midnight on Friday, 26 May.  Merit scholarships are also available.

To find out more or to apply please visit: http://www.ayaa.com.au/AYAF-Bris.

Junior Physics Olympiad

The Queensland Junior Physics Olympiad (JPhO) is a five-day program for Year 10 students with an interest in Science and Mathematics.

Commencing on June 26, JPhO aims to develop problem solving skills as well as an appreciation and understanding of Physics. Utilising components of high school and tertiary studies in Physics, JPhO complements the Senior Physics curriculum.

Any Year 10 student interested in registering for the Queensland Junior Physics Olympiad should make contact with Mrs Jacobs as soon as possible.  Applications will close on May 2.   The students most recent report card and a letter of recommendation from their Science teacher is required for the application.

Students have until May 2 to register online.

Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Senior School Science Curriculum Area Leader

Library Roster

Wednesday 26 April

Cristina Palacios, Sharon Vecchi

Thursday 27 April

Maritsa Malanos, Kelly Stassi

Friday 28 April

Jaclyn O’Shea, Anna Egert

Tuckshop Roster

Monday 24 April

Pupil Free Day – Parent Teacher Interviews

Tuesday 25 April

Public Holiday – ANZAC day

Wednesday 26 April

Lisa Prendergast, Jayne Solomon, Lisa Moroney, Clare Godwin, Paivi McIntosh, Jean Egan, Monica Curtis

Thursday 27 April

Silvana Abraham, Christy Grigson, Wendy Wallis, Tracey Wells, Diana McGregor, Luisa Pigozzo-Brown, Janine Pugh, Natalie Beare, Maria Horton, Suzanne Littleton, Deanne Lawson

Friday 28 April

Andrea Seymour, Lesley Stevens, Heather Cormack, Amanda Robinson – Ilka, Meeta Lal, Melissa Paterson, Louise Bukowski, Amy Nolan, Bridget Manning, Vicki Rossi, Patricia Tanks (Giannino), Irene McCarthy, Kelly Rigby

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

The Villanova Sports Committee is once again running the very popular Sports Lunch on Friday, May 19, 2017.

This year we have the wonderful Kerry “Skull” O’Keeffe as our key note speaker. Kerry is a very engaging speaker and will keep everyone well and truly entertained for the afternoon. Josh Robinson, a 2002 Old Boy, who came ninth in javelin at the Rio Olympics will also be admitted to the Hall of Fame.

All funds raised from the Sports Lunch will go directly back to the students of Villanova College by way of improving school sports facilities, so we would love to see as many parents as possible attend the lunch and all are most welcome.  The all-inclusive price of $140 includes a wonderful two course meal and a premium drinks package for four hours.

Sponsorship opportunities from $200 up to Gold Level are also currently available, so please contact Jon Winsbury on 0417 199 122 for further details.

Please see the attached invitation and click on the link to book – it is that easy.

Sport Lunch Invitation