Villa View: Issue 12

Dear Members of the Villanova College Family
The Anzac Spirit was reflected in the faces of the young men who joined with many others for the annual march down Old Cleveland Road to the Coorparoo RSL Club for the ANZAC Day Service on Tuesday morning.  From the youngest students to our Senior leaders, pride was etched on their faces as they paid their respects to those men and women who have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces.

PARENT AND TEACHER CONFERENCES

Thank you to the many parents who took advantage of the opportunity to meet with our academic staff to discuss their son’s progress following Term One. It was pleasing to see so many students attending the interviews and engaging with their teachers. I am aware that there was a glitch in the system this year and that a number of families did not have their times for the conferences confirmed with the teaching staff. I do apologise for any inconvenience caused. Be assured we will thoroughly review our systems to discover what needs to change before the next round of interviews following Term Two Reports.

FIRST WEEKS OF TERM TWO

A number of happenings including Public Holidays occurring during the first three weeks of this term has resulted in the start to the term being quite disjointed. One of the risks with the short weeks is that our students find it difficult to focus on returning to school work following the holidays. The best solution to this problem is to re-establish the routine of schoolwork and homework as quickly as possible. Most boys also have training commitments on this term which further complicates matters. Re-establishing the routine and giving time to study and homework are the keys to a successful start to this term.

NEW SYSTEM – SENIOR SCHOOLING

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has been given the responsibility from the Queensland Government to review and rewrite the Senior Syllabuses in Queensland. This extensive work is proceeding with the QCAA releasing the draft syllabuses for feedback and consulting with schools. As more information is released regarding the new system of Senior Schooling and tertiary entrance processes, I will keep our families informed of what the changes will mean for our students.

To gain a better understanding of the impact of external assessment, a team of Curriculum Area Leaders will be travelling to Melbourne and Sydney this week to meet with colleagues from Victorian and New South Wales Colleges who have been conducting external assessment and using the ATAR-Australian Tertiary Admission Rank for tertiary entrance. I am confident our staff will find the discussions to be extremely fruitful.

SUPPORTERS ON SATURDAY SPORT

A reminder that students staying on to support the First XI Football and First XV Rugby teams each Saturday are required to change from their playing uniform into the College academic uniform to be a member of the supporters group.  Villanova College supporters will gather together in a sectioned off area of the grandstand in front of the Cor Unum Centre to support our teams.  I thank parents for reinforcing this expectation to our students.

You have made us for Yourself O Lord,

And our hearts are restless until they rest in You

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

The Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday gave us the opportunity to connect and communicate about our students settling into 2017 as well as discuss Term 2 goals and ideas on how to make changes to reach full potential.  This day was one of business and purpose.  I had the pleasure of catching up with parents and students in the foyer of Goold Hall as well as touching base with staff members through the day to discuss ideas for support and information that will help us as a team over the next nine weeks.

I wish to communicate my gratitude to the parents who made the time to see their son’s teacher on Monday.  Your willingness to model your interest in your son’s progress is very important.  Whether it’s connecting through email, telephone or face to face, reaching common ground and looking to the needs of your son with key staff means the best way forward academically, socially and emotionally.

I would like to acknowledge the positive feedback the use of our College Website, College Diary, the Villanova Skoolbag App and Parent Lounge tools are having with relationships.  The information located here is up to date, relevant and inclusive of all community members.  These places are ideal for seeking information about co-curricular, academic and College events.  Staff are only too happy to read notes in the College Diary or reply to emails if Villa View (College Newsletter) or alternative sources require clarity or confirmation in making procedures or expectations clear.

I also take this opportunity to applaud the genuine and proactive support of our Year 5 and 6 Facebook Pages.  There were numerous references by parents in using these pages to help manage the transition into Year 5 as well as the coordination of events and assessment across the Junior School.  I am grateful to those College community members, who rather than make rash comparisons or insinuations, focus on alleviating anxiety or confusion through carefully using empathy and facts.  I am so proud of the individuals who remember that we expect our sons to use social media in a respectful and mindful way, and so in return choose to model this behaviour themselves.  Thank you in advance for keeping these pages a place of College pride, through restoring and encouraging relationships between all community members.

Relationships will survive any achievement of grades, completion of homework or increase in ability across the curriculum area.  Our words, tones and pure intentions will be what is recalled by our boys in years to come.  The way that parents and teachers back each other, through genuine conversations and action plans that are put in place with careful consideration of time, resources and effort will matter most to the students.  Our mindset, being one of growth rather than fixating on matters of frustration, will benefit our boys in ways we will never comprehend.  I am blessed to work with staff who work very hard behind the scenes of the classroom and the hours of 9am to 3pm.  I am so very fortunate to have parents who want the very best out of a place where their son spends over a third of his day, five times a week.  Let our relationships continue to be ones that use communication to maximise the opportunities that are available.

In retrospect to ANZAC Day, there was a story Mr Stower referred to once that was about two men in a hospital ward.  One would sit up in bed for just one hour per day and relay the amazing miracles of the world outside to the other.  The colours, the animals, the plants and one day it was a parade to acknowledge the veterans.  The man who had to lie on his back would live for this one hour each day.  It meant the world to him to “see” through the other man’s eyes whilst facing the ceiling.  It wasn’t until the man who told such vibrant and inspiring stories passed away that the other patient was moved to the next bed where he discovered it was nothing but a blank wall.  The nurse explained that the man who passed away was actually blind however he knew that the morale of any human being was in the details of God’s miracles around us.  May we always remember those who serve and have served and may we treat each other on a day to day basis with the mindfulness of everyone being a miracle of God.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

This week reminded us once again of the importance of the ANZAC tradition and legacy within the social fabric of our great nation. I hope all families had a reflective and rewarding ANZAC Day and I thank those students who represented the College at our local Coorparoo march. The representation of the student body continues to grow each year.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

I was very pleased to see the number of Senior School students who accompanied their parents at the first round of parent-teacher conferences on Monday. The value of your presence provides teachers with the opportunity to both affirm and challenge your efforts and to reinforce to parents an agenda for ongoing improvement and academic success. 

Trimester 2 AIC Sport Expectations

I am incredibly excited for the commencement of another trimester of AIC sport this weekend, especially as I will coach the green and gold for the first time. I strongly encourage all Senior School students, whether you are playing or not, to engage in the strong community aspect of Term Two sport by supporting Villanova chess, football and rugby teams this season, especially the First XI and First XV.

I have the highest expectations of all students regarding the conduct of both players and spectators. Whilst I encourage a competitive spirit and a strong will to win, students should never compromise the values of sportsmanship especially when facing defeat.

Our unity as a College community is also fortified when students wear their College uniform with pride. All Senior School students who are spectating must wear their full winter academic uniform including tie and blazer. This includes players who after finishing their games are expected to change into their academic uniform.  Spectators will sit together in a sectioned off area of the grandstand in front of the Cor Unum Centre

Student Leadership

I met with the Student Leadership Team after the ANZAC Day March on Tuesday to critically reflect upon the first term and to strategically plan for events and opportunities for Term Two. One key initiative that the student leaders are excited to launch this term is the establishment of the Cor Unum (One Heart) Committee. The purpose of this committee, under the auspices of the Student Council, is to foster and support College spirit, pride, engagement, solidarity and single-heartedness amongst the study body. It is endeavoured that this committee will also provide a platform for student leadership across each of the three schools to support the overall vision of the Student Leadership Team.

‘If you want to build a winning team, you must value all team members for who they are, not just what they do.’ Mike Smith

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Anzac Services

A very impressive turn-out of around 70 students and staff members joined the local march to the Coorparoo RSL on Tuesday morning. College Captain Hamish Drummond laid a wreath and boys from all three schools presented a unified picture of humble pride in both the College and the legacy of Australians who have served their country.

Our own service took place on Friday and featured three impressive speeches. The first was delivered by Ewan Anderson (Year 12) in his role as General Sir John Monash. Dressed in immaculate uniform, the monologue written for Ewan by Casey Kreutzer (Year 12) and Mr Adrian Hellwig gave the students an insight into both the achievements and the morale-boosting methods of a great Australian. Lieutenant Colonel Brendan Cox was equally illuminating on why the battles at Anzac Cove and on the Western Front have been so important to the identity of Australia as a young country.

Meanwhile, Brother Saldie Resolado preached a memorable Homily on the Resurrection Story in Matthew where an earthquake rolls away the stone at the entrance to Jesus’ tomb. The women who followed Jesus would have had one hand on a wall or tree because of the earthquake. When the radiant angel appears, they would use the other arm to shade their eyes. So Saldie explained that the dab was in fact invented 2000 years ago! Suddenly, the Junior School boys became very animated and I suspect many will have gone home and described this part of the service to their parents.

With the Resurrection, an entirely new thing enters the world making a decisive difference once and for all. On occasions, such as Friday, it really does feel like we as a community are living the new life of Easter, for example when a profound silence was shared between all 1300 people whilst the Last Post was played beautifully by Year 12 student Blake Humphrey.

Looking ahead to Mission Day (Friday June 2): How you can help

The story so far for Mission Day 2017 is that the students have taken a decisive lead in determining the aims of the day (raise $20,000 for AFAS; bring the three schools together in one memorable day and provide opportunities for all students to be involved in active service). There is a student in each Pastoral group who has put his hand up to be the Mission Day representative to ensure that each Pastoral has a chance to be involved in providing a stall or activity. Assistance from parents is warmly welcome on the day and below are a few ways of contributing:

• We have kindly received donations to raffle during the week of Mission Day, including some boxing gloves signed by Anthony Mundine. If you would like to donate a prize, please let me know. The raffle allows students to “use up” Mission Day tickets (the currency for the day).
• Parental assistance is welcome for particular stalls and activities, and your sons may seek some support from you.
• Once again, we will be asking for some help on the morning of Mission Day to barbecue the sausages and burgers so that they are ready to feed the boys at morning tea.

The picture below has been purchased by the College to hang outside the Tuckshop. It reminds us of what we receive through the privilege of our association with sister schools in the Philippines.

(I Thirst – Christ in the City – Cecilia Nguyen)

Mothers’ Day Stall and Project Compassion

The Middle School Ministry students will start selling items for Mothers’ Day from Tuesday next week. Thank you to all those who supported Project Compassion this year. We will be writing a cheque for just under $3000 to Caritas Australia.

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

It was great to see the entire College was able to participate in a full round of AIC chess, rugby and football trials over the weekend against St Peter’s Lutheran College and Ambrose Treacy College. I was not entirely happy with the pre-season trial schedule this year as St Laurence’s were unable to play Villanova before the Easter break in a full school trial and St Peter’s were unable to cover all teams, hence the addition of Ambrose Treacy College to the schedule. A number of teams trialled internally again on the weekend which was not ideal. The cancellation of some training sessions before the Easter break, due to the wet weather also played havoc on the pre-season schedule, however many of these occurrences were totally out of Villanova’s control. Normally we would have had two full and solid rounds of trials before entering Round 1 of the AIC footy season.

As a result of the pre-season training and trials our coaches have been sorting through all players and were trialling different combinations in an effort to select the correct players in each team by Round 1.  The reality is that some boys will be disappointed as some tough decisions will and have been made. The best way to deal with this matter is to show resilience and work even harder at training. The coaches have been asked to monitor all players and change teams weekly based on player performance, attendance and attitude.

This weekend Villanova will play Round 1 against St Patrick’s College (SPC). As stated in last week’s Villa View, we remind all families that although it is a long weekend it is imperative that all players make themselves available for play before they depart on any family trips away. This issue is clearly stated in the rugby/football and chess sign-on forms which all players and parents signed. Understandably, if we have many players absent, our teams will be under strengthened and the full complement of teams will be compromised. We are hoping that all players will stay and play before enjoying a well-earned break with family and friends.

Please find below information pertaining to the College’s uniform expectations for all students on game day during the footy season. Furthermore, please be informed of the Trimester 1 Sports Assembly. All details are below and all parents are most welcome to attend.

Best wishes to all this weekend v St Patrick’s College.

 Trimester 1 Awards Assembly – Tuesday 2 May

The College will host a Trimester 1 Sports Awards Assembly next Tuesday, 2 May in Goold Hall commencing at 10.15am. Parents are asked to view the award recipient list on the website under the ‘Locker Room’ section within the College’s website. Members of the 6A AFL Team and the 6 Green, 6A, 7Gold, 7C, 7B, 8C and 8B cricket teams will also be presented with their pennants.

Uniform Expectations – Players and Spectators

All players are to wear the complete rugby and football playing uniform as published below. Football players should not wear the basketball or PE shorts; they must wear the College football shorts.

Please note that all boys who attend the Year 9 – 12 rugby and football fixtures on the weekend as a spectator must wear the College academic uniform including tie and blazer (where applicable) in Term 2. Students are to attend their games in playing uniform. However, it is the preference for Senior School students who are in ‘A’ teams to wear their full academic uniform to all games. If students intend to stay and support other teams at the Year 9 – 12 venue they must change into their academic uniform, which includes ties and blazers for Senior School students.

Students who are playing at the Year 5 – 8 venue may be permitted to wear their playing uniform before and after their games. However, if the younger boys (Year 5 – 8) wish to travel and support the Year 9 – 12 matches, particularly the Firsts games, they must change into their academic uniform.

Players of both the First XI football and first XV rugby teams must attend the venue in full academic uniform including white shirt (including boys who are in Year 10 or 11), tie and blazer. Long grey pants are preferred. This same uniform is to be worn to all post match functions.

It is paramount that the parent body supports the College to ensure that these expectations are met. Wearing the correct uniform appropriately is the standard which is expected at all times.

Rugby and Football Uniform Expectations

Villanova Rugby Uniform

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

Villanova Football Uniform

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

 Please Note

• Football players must wear the Villanova football shorts not the Villanova basketball shorts, which do look similar.
• The Canterbury rugby and football socks are the same.

AIC Rugby and Football Trials v St Patrick’s College (SPC), Saturday 29 April – Times and Venues

All times and venues for this weekend’s trial fixtures against St Pat’s College are available on the College’s website. Please note that most Year 5 – 8 football teams will play away and most Year 9 – 12 teams will play at home. Note that a number of teams have been entered into the supplementary draw this weekend and will play different Colleges at various venues. Please check the schedule on the website for all times and venues. As it is a short week, all teams list will be up by Friday.

Annual Sport Club Luncheon – The Villanova Sports Club and the associated planning committee are continuing their good work for 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 Commentator as well as Villa Old Boy and Olympian (Javelin Thrower) – Josh Robinson. Tickets are $140 per head and are available for purchase through the following link. All money raised will be  used by the Sports Club to improve sporting facilities in many areas across the College. Tickets are selling fast – don’t miss out!

AIC Rugby, Football and Chess Teams

Please be aware that all AIC teams will be posted on the College’s website from week to week. All coaches have been asked to select teams based on player performance, attitude and attendance at training. Therefore, the College strongly encourages the movement of players from team to team each week if warranted and no position from Firsts to Year 5 is guaranteed throughout the season.  We hope this encourages a friendly rivalry for positions within a cohort as well as rewarding those players who have trained hard and performed well.

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

The chess competition starts this Friday at Villanova with a home game against St Patricks. All students who have been participating in the chess trials are invited to come along and watch if not a member of a team. It has been a hard fought battle by all players to finally get to a point where teams have been chosen. Congratulations to all the boys and good luck for the term.

There are seven weeks of competition with four home games and three away games.  For away games the boys will be transported by bus and returned to Villanova. However, when we attend St Laurence’s next week, the bus will only transport boys to the venue and parents are asked to collect the students up from St Laurence’s at the end of the competition. Students may be collected by parents at away venues but it is imperative that teachers are informed of the arrangement. Team members are to wear their formal uniform.

If there are any queries, please contact Mrs England or Mrs Warren. Teams will be placed on the school sport website each week.

Villa Park Canteen – AIC Rugby and Football

Most Year 9 – 12 football and rugby teams play at Villanova Park this Saturday, so we are asking for parents to once again help out by volunteering their time. The BBQ will fire up at 6.30am and it is usually in the first hour that we need the most assistance to prepare and cook the food. Please drop your son off and help out.

Although at times the canteen/bbq may look like they have enough helpers, please come and offer your time as some of those volunteers may need to get to their son’s games.  The canteen/bbq during the football/rugby season is the Villanova Sports Club’s main source of income and it can only operate with the help of Villanova parents (both football and rugby).  Please come along and help out, meet some new friends and catch-up on what’s happening around the College. We hope to see you on Saturday.

Dogs at AIC Sporting Venues

A reminder to all parents that due to Health and Safety requirements, all AIC sporting venues are dog free venues including Villanova Park.

AIC Cross Country

Please find below the training schedule as well as the training commencement date for both squads. Please note the Year 7 – 12 squad commences training next week.

Year 5 and Year 6 Squad

Commence training – Monday 15 May

Training Days/Times – Monday and Wednesday 3.15pm – 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 6.45am – 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.

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 by the end of this week. This information will contain your billets name and contact details.

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

Sunday 7 May

• Host families to collect billets at 8pm from Villanova College

Monday 8 May 

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

Tuesday 9 May  

• Period 1 (8.45am – 9.35am) College Assembly – SAC 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) Villanova Park, Manly Rd, Tingalpa
• 1:30pm Kick off, Villanova v St Augustine’s Rugby (MG Lyons Cup) Villanova Park, Manly Rd, Tingalpa
• 3:30pm Presentation in the Cor Unum Centre at Villanova Park
• 4:00pm BBQ and Villanova host students farewell SAC billets

New Zealand Rugby Tour Report – Jonathon Boxall (Year 12)

On 1 April, the Andrew Slack and Ben Mowen squads jetted across the Tasman Sea embarking on a memorable trip to New Zealand for the 2017 Rugby Tour. Touching down in Christchurch, a group of 47 Villanova boys boarded a bus beginning a journey down the east coast through Dunedin and Queenstown.  We came up against fierce competition including St Bede’s College, John McGlashan College, King’s High School and Wakitipu High School. Each fixture was an unforgettable experience for each player. To compete against international opposition is an opportunity most of us will never have again.  We were spoilt by the beautiful country and what New Zealand has to offer. Fears were confronted on the high ropes course and shot over jet, minds were tested by the freezing waters whilst river rafting and our bodies were pushed by buffet after buffet!  Most of all we had fun whilst forming new friendships and strengthening bonds within our team. By the end of the 9-day tour, the group of boys that landed in New Zealand, left a team of men with memories to be cherished. On behalf of every player on the Rugby Tour I would like to take the opportunity to thank our parents, staff and coaches who made this successful tour possible.

Japan Football Tour Report – Jake Balzano (Year 12)

Over the Easter break, 24 football students from Years 10, 11 and 12 were fortunate enough to visit Osaka, Japan on Villanova’s first ever football tour. Accompanied by Mrs Julie Davies, Mr Len Catalano, Mr Blake McLauchlan and Mr Paul Gribben we were all excited and eager to catch a glimpse of the Japanese culture and understand their football expertise and techniques. The Japanese didn’t let us down, as expected, they were extremely friendly, respectful, courteous and very knowledgeable.

We stayed at J Green Football Academy where we got to see firsthand how their athletes train, all day, every day! It was clear from the start that we had a lot to learn from them. We played five games and held two training sessions, and although we didn’t have a win, we experienced a football experience unlike anything we would have had in Australia. We learned how different their style of play was and how they viewed football as a whole. While their unfamiliar warm ups and fast paced possession football was intimidating, it was also educational.

It wasn’t all football though, we were fortunate enough to experience a typical day at a Japanese High School, participate in an amazing traditional tea ceremony, visit the heritage listed Himeji Castle, take an exhilarating ropeway ride, visit Universal Studios and we even had a go at Japanese calligraphy. The highlight was watching a live J League game at Gamba Stadium, which in itself was an unforgettable feeling. To our surprise, in most places we visited the Villanova crew were the main attraction. We were stopped many times by locals just to have photos taken with us, which of course gave us a bit of a buzz!

Finally, we have to thank Red Lion Football for organizing such a memorable experience. To the teachers and coaches who made sure we got home safely, and of course to our parents for their many months of fundraising just to get us there. Thank you to all for allowing us this incredible opportunity. It is no secret that the Japanese take pride in everything they do, whether sport, academics, culture or just having a one on one conversation with you. They are a truly inspirational society and we were all so very fortunate to be immersed in it, even if it was only for one short week.

Villa-Fit 2017

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. Please refer to the College Web site for details.

Junior Villa-Fit for Year 5 and Year 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 3:15pm – 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. Please note there are now only three spots available. Forms may be collected from the Sports Office or downloaded from the College webpage and returned to Mrs Schofield at the Sports Office along with payment.

Representative Sport

• Well done Roarke Ronan who recently made the Queensland School Sport Swimming Team that will compete in the 2017 Pacific Schools Games to be held at the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre in early December. Excellent effort Roarke!
• Well done Rhys Lanskey who represented Queensland and competed at the NSW State Sporting Championships for horse riding during the Easter holidays. Rhys was only one of five people selected in his age group from Queensland. Outstanding effort Rhys!
• Congratulations Zane Genrich who competed in the State Target Championships for Archery last weekend and was placed This is a fantastic achievement, well done Zane!

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

With the shorter weeks, it seems that the pace of activity has picked up around the College.  We seem to have managed to do that over the past seven days!

QSO Concert – The Grand Tannhäuser

179 Middle and Senior School students from our Co-Curricular and elective Music programs travelled to the QPAC Concert Hall to witness a fantastic offering from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and a couple of very special guests.

The orchestra was led by their new musical director, Alondra de la Parra, a world famous female conductor from Mexico.  The music performed was vibrant with a number of students commenting on the quality of the performance.  We were all impressed with the performances offered by Leanne McGowan, a student from Sommerville House and Alexander Malofeev a pianist from Moscow, both 15 years old.

ANZAC Liturgy and community service

I would like to recognise the efforts of our Symphonic Band and vocalists from the Music Ministry Ensemble in guiding the College at the ANZAC Liturgy last Friday.  Special mention must also go to Blake Humphrey for his wonderful bugling.  Many positive comments have come through the Music Office regarding this – well done on a very tough assignment acquitted immaculately Blake!

Both Blake and Joseph Roberts also performed bugling duties away from the College this past week.  Blake provided this service to our St James community at their liturgy on Monday afternoon.  Joseph travelled to visit family on the Atherton Tablelands where he provided the bugling for St Theresa’s Primary in Ravenshoe and the dawn service in Millaa Millaa.  Thank you to both Blake and Joseph for representing our College so positively.

Open Day Musicians

Our Con Vivo Chamber Ensemble and the Symphonic Band both provided music for parents and visiting students attending the Open Day tours today.  We have had a very busy period lately and I greatly appreciate the students investing their time back into the program.  The boys received many positive comments on their performances.  We look forward to seeing many more musicians in the coming years!

Big Band – Salvation Army Hall, Carindale

Our College Big Band will be participating in their first performance for the year, joining with the Salvation Army Band in the Salvation Army Carindale Hall on Saturday evening.  The concert will commence at 7pm with students required at the venue by 6:15pm.  There is a gold-coin donation for those in our community wishing to come along and hear some fantastic brass band music and jazz.

Entertainment Books

Our Entertainment Book pre-sale drive has now concluded.  For those Year 5 and 6 students who still have their unsold book at home, we request these be returned as soon as possible.  Should you still wish to purchase an Entertainment Book, please visit the Music Office or phone Mrs Schrauf on 3394 5691.  Should you wish to purchase a smartphone app version of the book, this may be done online by visiting www.entbook.com.au/22002q9.

If you have already purchased a book, we ask that these be collected from the Music Office as soon as possible.

Rehearsals and Lessons

Due to the number of ‘short weeks’ at the start of this term, we have had some challenges regarding rehearsal attendance and lesson rescheduling.  Please ensure your son has checked the notice boards for lesson times.  The most recent rehearsal schedule for Term 2 is now available.  Unless you hear from your son’s ensemble director via email, all rehearsals will run as per schedule.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

SCHOOL FEES

A reminder to all parents that payment of Term 2 School Fees are due this week.

Mrs Agi Waloszek, Business Manager

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 tonight Thursday, 27 April.  Information will be distributed upon arrival at 6:45pm ready for a 7pm start.

Ms Sally Byron, College Administrator

WAKAKIRRI

Dear Wakakirri Families

The boys have got off to a great start and their first rehearsal last Thursday was an indication by the amazing enthusiasm and energy. Rehearsals over the next few weeks are about to get really busy with our “Waka Team” comprising Miss Kelson Lee, Miss Georgia Mills-Geer and Mrs Janet Akensen.

It is important that all families are kept in the loop and receive the correct information.  An email was sent out to all families on Saturday morning.  If you are a Wakakirri family and did not receive an email, please contact Gina Ellis at the College on gellis@vnc.qld.edu.au

All payments and consent forms are now due back, so your attention to this matter would be appreciated.

Ms Gina Ellis – Villanova College Producer Wakakirri

MOTHER’S DAY STALL

It’s on again!   The YAYM (Young Augustinian Youth Ministry) invites fellow Villanovans to check out the 2017 Mothers’ Day Stall! This stall promises to be the best ever, with high quality gifts available.

Prices range from $5 to $20, so there is something for everyone. This stall is dedicated to all women with the proceeds going to Breast Cancer Research and the Adult Learning Program in the Philippines.

The stall will be operating every day at first break, beginning on Wednesday 3 May until stocks run out!

We wish all mothers, grandmothers and godmothers a wonderful Mother’s Day on Sunday 14 May.

You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet Spirit, which is so precious to God. ~ 1 Peter 3:4

Mrs Kath Underhill, Senior School LE Program Leader

LIBRARY ROSTER

Tuesday 2nd May

Cristina Palacios, Loretta Jordan-Vieira

Wednesday 3rd May

Melanie Higgins, Sharon Vecchi, Denise Smith (after Tuckshop)

Thursday 4th May

Susanna Greaves

TUCKSHOP ROSTER

Monday 1st May

Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 2nd May

Tricia Intelisano, Lisa Murphy, Angela Crisafi, Irene Tornatore, Mechelle Fury, Christina Ross, Ita Dumont, Kelly Collins, Dimi Stergou, Maria Kambouris, Genevieve Keskinidis, Lisa Waugh, Miranda Dang

Wednesday 3rd may

Tracey O’Reilly, Karen Meimaris, Natalie Jayne Dunton, Ruth O’Brien, Leanne Kruysmulder, Alison Wilde, Marlene Delbridge

Thursday 4th May

Julie Paterson, Debbie Winfield, Jane O’Brien, Lydia Wilcox, Georgina Horky, Deanna Trembath, Jayne Smith, Kellie Killips, Catherine Bishop, Anita Fung, Nicky Micheletti, Sue Godwin

Friday 5th May

Mary Atkinson, Maria O’Leary Chay, Cath Davies, Effie Prineas, Kelly Kendall, Tamara Hanley, Melissa Lorimer, Marina Pennisi, Nicole Dillon, Melissa Clark, Loreena Clark, Maria Spina, Angela Connolly, Jen Thomas, Kym Verity

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