Villa View – Issue 12, 25 July 2024

I write this newsletter article from quite an exotic location here in Iloilo, Panay, Philippines. I am gathered together with some 400 Augustinian educators – including the Prior General (the boss from Rome!), Priests, Principals and leaders and teachers from some 24 countries around the world. Part of leading an Augustinian school is to develop a strong understanding of what it means to be Augustinian educators but also what it means to lead in a faith and community development of a Catholic school in the Augustinian tradition.

Interestingly the particular theme of the conference is to examine AI and new technologies and how that impacts on education practice theology and faith development. If I am honest, it was something that in the hurly burly of daily operations at Villanova College; academics, student behaviour and relationships, building and capital projects, sport and events such as the Community carnival taking time to engage in discussion, deep thought and interiority on future education directions can get lost. As such I am very appreciative of these first three-days and what has been presented and shared.

I was asked today to present to the gathered assembly my thoughts and reflections on the conference to this point. I would like to also share with the Villanova community a small portion of the valuable activities and insights that I believe will assist as I lead and engage further in this space. As a Principal of a large school it is rare to get an opportunity to explore AI tools beyond ChatGPT or Copilot. Dr Jasper Vincent, from San Augustin University, was able to share his experience and insights to guide the room through his instructional design process and how in each of the ADDIE steps of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation there are a number of AI platforms that can provide assistance and inspiration to teachers and leaders. I very much enjoyed the opportunity to preview and engage with Miro, Magicschool, Goblin Diffit, Canva, DALLE and Gemini and experience a small portion of their capability. Dr Jasper’s guidance has me feeling more confident in my leadership and understanding in this space.

Fr Alessandro then brought to us a carefully reflected lecture on how we can advance the gospel using AI and challenged me to ensure that as the algorithms we engage with through AI are understanding and respectful of our humanity. In so doing we each need to understand the way that AI is built and operates, it is a duty, so that we can responsibly utilise and interact with. All technology is a reflection of human wisdom and in acknowledgement of that we cannot allow it to dehumanise us, our relationships and interactions. We are challenged to apply the principles of Augustinian interiority and the restless search for truth in our use and application of AI.

We were challenged to search deeply to understand our position and relationship with technology – whether as digital immigrants or digital natives. Why? Because this identity will very much influence our ethical understanding and application of the technology and AI. As we teach and work with digital natives our role is to ensure we enhance and encourage their humanity. The principles of relational pedagogy and the building of strong relationships are the methods on which we can leverage learning, critical thought and discernment for our young people.

This conceptual understanding then took us to the Gospel – If the challenge of AI is in the creation and maintenance of the personal relationship with one another then to create the faith relationship is similarly challenged by the digital environment where personal interaction is not available in the same way. On digital platforms we don’t see and experience the feelings of others so empathy, compassion and interacting with one another in love is difficult.

The address from Fr Mauricio Saavedra OSA was titled “The Interaction of Augustinian Pedagogy with Artificial Intelligence: An Anthropological and Theological Perspective”

His core message was to ensure that as we engage and utilise AI, we ensure that we don’t lose the beauty of humanity and the understanding that the human being is the image and likeness of God, “Imago Dei.” We are not simply ” homo faber,” a factory man, but possess an integral anthropology inclined to seek Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. We are not “stonecutters” who do with stones what they want but “gardeners” of an academic ecosystem in which the best of each human being that passes through our educational conception can bear fruit. Each person is an invaluable treasure with a unique and unrepeatable personality.

No matter the place or development of AI as Augustinian educators we need to focus on Wisdom, Virtues and Order as these are the elements of a vibrant educational ecosystem.

Fr Mauricio asked us to remember that AI cannot replace the Humanistic or soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, leadership, empathy, adaptability, critical thinking, time management, problem-solving, creativity, ethics, professionalism, stress management, and negotiation are fundamental and cannot be replaced by AI. These skills involve a deep understanding of human feelings, motivations, and contexts, aspects that require empathy, moral judgment, and the ability to adapt and react creatively to unforeseen situations.

Augustinian Catholic education must form human talent capable of interacting with AI ethically and effectively. We must cultivate wisdom, virtues, and order in our students, recognizing the richness of human intelligence and its differences from artificial intelligence. Only then can we fully harness the opportunities AI offers while remaining faithful to our Christian principles and values.

There is more learning, thinking and discussion to come but I am humbled by the opportunity to further my learning for the benefit of your son’s development.

Carnival Appreciation and Thanks
I followed with enthusiasm our social media posts over these last few days and enjoyed immensely the vison and activities of the Community carnival. I offer my sincere thanks to our enormous team of volunteers, stall convenors, Emma-Jane Harrison our wonderful Carnival Co-Ordinator, the behind-the-scenes Finance team and Drew Hellyer the Treasurer of the P&F and of course P&F President Peter Roberts and Secretary Shelly Perkins.  The work done by this amazing team of people in the promotion and creation of community is irreplaceable.

Semester 1 Academic Awards
Congratulations to those students acknowledged this week at the Scholar’s Assembly for their effort and performance in the classroom. As these boys build their dreams, we are so happy to support and recognise their achievement, commitment and desire to be their best.

Additionally, I pass on my congratulations to Lachlan Gillett and Tom McCaul who were judged as winners and Daniel Egert, Rudi Almera, and Oliver Clive who received commendations in the short story and poetry competition. This is a wonderful initiative of Mr Hayden Kennedy and is challenging our students to engage in the ‘great conversation’ and develop their literary prowess. To support these students, Brisbane author Nick Earls will, as a prize, be running a workshop to help them move into the world of professional authorship.

Mr Paul Begg, Principal

In keeping with the Spirit of Reconciliation, Villanova College acknowledges the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples, as the Traditional Custodians of this land on which we stand. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. This has always been, and always will be, a place of teaching and learning connected to country, culture and community.

It has been another dynamically charged fortnight across the Senior School with a number of events engaging the attention of our young men. Following a very successful Semi-Formal, in which our students were praised by the Victoria Park staff for their manners and exemplary conduct, our Year 11 students commenced their service commitment to Emmanuel City Mission with Rita House sharing the gift of presence with vulnerable members of our community.

I had the opportunity to address all three Senior School cohorts during last Friday’s EmpowerEd morning and emphasised a number of important specific messages. For our Year 12 students embarking upon the last semester of their Villanova journey, there can be the temptation to start counting the days, however I stressed the value of making the days count and maximising the time they have left to make their Plan A after graduating a reality.

As the Seniors are coming towards the end, our Year 11 students are poised for their transition to becoming the leaders of the College and articulating their vision for agency and action within the student body. I spoke to the Year 11 students about embracing this impending responsibility with energy and excitement.

Finally, our Year 10 students, supported by their parents and the College confirmed their learning pathway and subject choices for Unit 1 and beyond in their SET Plan interview this week. I spoke to our Year 10 students about conducting an interiority search about their Semester One performance and that from little things, big things grow- such is the importance of sowing the seeds of success in Year 10 that will ensure a flourishing road ahead.

Finally, it was wonderful to see the spirit of our community radiate at last Saturday’s Community Carnival, wonderfully supported by a strong contingent of Year 11 students who assisted our Parent and Friends Association with the set-up and the pack up of the carnival as well as assisting at various stalls- the epitome of our servant leadership philosophy within the Senior School.

Student Leadership
Last Friday, in my presentation to the Year 11 students, I officially launched the Student Leadership selection process. In briefing the cohort about the significance of a strong student voice and the primacy of positive role modelling, particularly within the context of our new House system, I outlined the attributes that the College looks for in those called to serve the community in formal positions of leadership. These include the following:

Academic Requirements

• The student has been committed to their path of study, be it academic or vocational, and made every attempt to achieve to the best of their ability.
• The student has been an academic role model for their peers and the student body, both inside and outside the classroom environment.

Involvement and Participation

• The student has been involved in a range of College activities or programs.
• The student has encouraged others to become fully involved in the life of the College.

Role Modelling/ Mentoring

• The student has modelled good behaviour to other students within the College regarding their conduct, uniform, and personal grooming.
• The student has demonstrated an alignment of their behaviour with the values of the College and the GREATS Framework.

Partnership with Staff

• The student has worked positively in partnership with staff in the classroom and in co-curricular activities.

I wish all Year 11 students the best throughout the selection process, and I am confident that the 2025 Student Leadership Team will be an outstanding group of fine young men.

The Power of Habits
Whilst last Friday’s EmpowerEd program focused in part on the importance of goal setting as a platform for motivation and accountability, another critical- and I would arguably say more powerful- area to focus on for our young men is the development of positive habits. Whilst goals are largely connected to outcomes, habits are process driven. The best-selling book highlighting this is ‘Atomic Habits,’ written by James Clear. The author makes a compelling case for why habits are ‘the compound interest of self-improvement.’ The following video is a great summary of Clear’s takeaway messages in the development of transformational habits.

Atomic Habits: How to Get 1% Better Every Day – James Clear (youtube.com)

‘Quality is not an act, it’s a habit.’ – Aristotle

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

This last fortnight has provided us with a number of opportunities to reflect on the hard work and dedication that so many of our students have shown. There was the Empower Ed morning last Friday, along with our House Awards, and our Academic Assembly on Tuesday. As teachers, it is always satisfying to celebrate the achievements of those who have excelled academically and made significant strides in their studies.

Friday’s Empower Ed interviews with our House Mentors, we are pleased to report, were a great success. The conversations were meaningful, goals were set, and our students left with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. It is wonderful to see our young men recognising the rewards of their efforts and setting their sights on continued improvement.

I would also like to commend those students whom we celebrated during our House Meetings for their remarkable improvement in GPA. All students who increased their GPA by more than .5 were acknowledged and should feel rightly proud of their first semester achievements. Your determination to enhance your academic performance has not gone unnoticed, and we are proud of your progress. The House Cup also includes a House GPA award and at House Assemblies, students have been able to see where their House sits in the ranking and then strive to improve in order to give their house the best chance of winning the much-coveted Cup.

A huge congratulations to all Middle School students who received academic awards for their Semester 1 studies. Your diligence, commitment, and perseverance have paid off. Your success is a testament to the power of hard work and the pursuit of continuous improvement. It was good to see a mixture of students too, those who have continued to achieve at that high standard and those who have received an award for the first time.

The theme on assembly this week was Effort – from our GREATS framework and it was interesting to see the number of students who identified the amount of effort they put in as a direct translation to the results they achieve. It was rewarding to us, as educators, to hear them recognise it and now hopefully make some changes to improve it. Let’s continue to support one another and push forward with the same determination and enthusiasm. Together, we can make the rest of this academic year one of continuous improvement!

“When truth is eagerly sought, the finding of it brings real joy!”  St Augustine

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Our Villanova Community Carnival leaves no trace except for the smiling faces and excited stories shared around the Junior School with wild enthusiasm this week.
Well ok, maybe Whinstanes is looking a little worse for wear after the sideshow ride trucks and equipment has set up, done their best to thrill and shake small humans, and disappeared into the night.  There were parents last week baking fudge, cakes and treats, marinating and chopping meat for the BBQs, calling and borrowing tents, sound equipment and signage was being unpacked and wiped down to be hung on fences.  It takes at least 12 months to put together one night of lights, rides, phenomenal food and entertainment such as the live music that students, old boys and staff performed.  Even more admirable, are the people who show up the very next morning to pack up and clean the aftermath of fun and frivolity.  A sincere and massive thank you – from all staff, fellow parents and sons – to you all.  To bring so many in the Villanova Community a full evening of joy, spirit and connectedness is precisely what our Catholic Education 2024 theme is for this week – faith, hope and love – at its very best.

The act of being a volunteer is not taken for granted.  Even more so, in today’s world, it would be easier to “let someone else do it” because let’s face it, we are all busy with work, family and a myriad of commitments.  Is that what we want to teach our children?  Is that the standard we set for ourselves?  Without volunteers, a community can crumble.  Without hands up, we simply cannot sustain a genuine, thriving community of tradition and ritual. People cannot be replaced all the time by machines nor money.  It takes the feet who walk, the arms who carry and the smiles on faces who serve for safe and meaningful experiences in life to become a reality.  Yes, it does mean that you sign up to attending meetings, sharing organisational steps within a team and being there on the occasion with some responsibility.  There’s pride in that.  There’s humility in knowing you helped out and had a part in something bigger.  When I asked the Year 5 and 6 students “hands up if Mum/Dad/family helped out Saturday night” – these boys faces lit up with all the fireworks exploding on their faces.  They know about your phone calls, the time away from home and the helping hands they have needed to get the jobs ticked off the list.  Our heartfelt appreciation is all yours – it means the world.

Volunteering can also be about turn taking.  There’s a right time and a definite “this is what I can manage” time too.  Just knowing that at Villanova you can be a part of numerous opportunities is important.  The P and F is one of the best places to start – looking at the College Calendar is also a more subtle way of finding the right event and timing for you and the family.  QCMF is coming up in Week 6 and I know that the Music Department is now searching for volunteers over a four-day period (Thursday to Sunday) with behind-the-scenes tasks, people positions and food/drink preparation, cooking or serving roles.  Two-hour shifts or more are available – staff, parents and students welcomed.  Sign up with a friend or two!

Sporting teams are a wonderful way to volunteer and get to know the parents on your son’s team.  Goold Hall and Villa Park canteens are always in need of parents to lend a hand, usually an hour before your son plays is perfect timing and then you can go and watch the game.  The Sports Club is a sensational group of individuals who seek to support the thriving achievements of a broad range of students – equipment, facilities and opportunities for our young men need the dedication of many over a year in order to maximise the replenishment of uniforms and equipment across hundreds of teams who train and play with the green and gold worn proudly.

A volunteer is precious.  It’s a gift in all kinds of shapes and sizes.  Everyone can manage something in their own way and time.  I strongly believe in the modelling of volunteering for our boys – that service should be a part of life for all of us.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

This week we are celebrating Catholic Education Week. There are 321 Catholic schools across Queensland educating over 150,000 students. Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of students by challenging each one to live out the message of Jesus as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.  This mission is alive and well at Villanova College.

Mission Office Goes Global
As we prepared this article for your reading pleasure our Dean and fearless leader Ms Kate Garrone is attending the Augustinian Lay Congress in Rome. One hundred members of the global Augustinian family came together to explore the concept of synodality – ‘of walking together.’ Ms Garrone provided updates to the Mission and Identity Team of inspiring experiences during the Congress which she will no doubt elaborate with you on her return. One encounter struck a chord at our Office.

On arriving at the gate of the Vatican Ms Garrone reported being ‘absolutely captivated’ by the magnificent bronze sculpture, ‘Angels Unawares.’ An immediate Google search from our office in Brisbane, revealed that this new piece of art in St Peter’s Square was inaugurated by Pope Francis in September 2019. In Ms Garrone’s photo it is possible to see a section of a six-metre-long sculpture depicting a group of migrants and refugees on a boat wearing clothes that show they originate from diverse cultures and historical moments. Moments ranging from the Holy Family to victims of modern-day slavery. At the centre arises a pair of angel wings illustrating the presence of the sacred.

For the artist Timothy P. Schmalz inspiration for ‘Angels Unawares’ came from the biblical passage: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). The artist says that he hopes the new piece of art in St. Peter’s Square “confirms the idea that this is a living Church, that it’s not a museum,” as Pope Francis has frequently repeated. Ms Garrone’s photo became a timely artefact of inspiration for year 10 RE students currently finalising multi-modal presentations of their recent community service. For those students, whose service was to strangers experiencing homelessness, the image of the “Angels Unawares’’ spoke to them of the human connection they had made, often for the first time, with the unseen angels on our streets.  Keep an eye on them. Look after them, especially this winter.

Migrants, people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable amongst us, help us ‘to read the signs of the times.’ For the Mission and Identity Office in companion with the many students who engage in service learning our method of discernment is informed by the principles of SEE JUDGE ACT. This approach has guided the College’s Green Team in responding to a variety of environmental issues.

Green Team Ministry – always a hive of activity!
Not only is the Green Team passionate about the environment members love a good challenge. The challenge offered by Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si – “to defend Mother Earth” is one that the Green Team takes very seriously. Through various initiatives and community partnerships you will see members of the Green Team led by their captain Patrick Hillyard and mentor Father Saldie, responding to the ‘cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.’ Along with representatives from the Norman Creek Catchment Group and Brisbane City Council you will find the Green Team participating in the annual Clean Up Australia campaign on the banks of Norman Creek. Meanwhile at Villa you will see the handiwork of the Green Team when you spot a Containers for Change bin. These bins are designed to reduce the number of drink containers that are littered and increase the College’s recycling rate.  Mr Lachie Dent, year 7 RE teacher is preparing his students to be part of the sustainability project.  There is always more to do in caring for our school environment and the Middle Schoolers are ready for a service-learning opportunity!

At other times, the Green Team will join forces with Loreto College Coorparoo and Brisbane Habitat to plant over 300 plants, mulching, and weeding in Coorparoo’s beautiful Finger Gullies at Mars Street.  Revegetating the Finger Gullies has been a project of some year’s duration due in large part to the wonderful support of ex-Villa parent Mr Rob Jansen. Rob’s coordination has ensured that members of the Villa Green Team have the chance to contribute to the revival of a stunning woodland, right in the heart of Coorparoo. It is home to trees aged between 120 and 300 years which in turn are a haven for plants, native birds, and animals, hopefully for generations to come.

Since 2021 when past student Tom Price (2022) introduced bees to the College, the Green Team has been a faithful steward of the happiest colony of bees in Brisbane! This commitment is born out of the realisation that bees are a keystone species which means they play a vital role in preserving biodiversity. Without sounding too preachy they are the world’s best pollinators. According to our College beekeeper, Andy Masson (Year 12) and other experts such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) a third of the world’s food production depends on bees. Put simply, we cannot live without bees.

At the Villa Carnival on Saturday thrill seekers popped by the Green Team stall and purchased their own jar of delicious organic honey whilst learning all about our busy bees. The Green Team and their associates love to share their knowledge about the benefits of their buzzing friends. You may even find them recounting the words of Saint Augustine who appreciated bees: “All of you who stand fast in the Lord are a holy seed, a new colony of bees.”

The Green Team has exciting plans for the College’s two hives and the estimated 50,000 bees who occupy them. It has been a dream for some time to expand the apiary operation to the College fields at Tingalpa. A budding partnership with Downtown Toyota means this dream is closer to a reality. On Sunday 4th August, a trusty band of volunteers from Downtown Toyota and Villa will join forces to celebrate National Tree Day. Using their combined talents and resources the group will prepare a site at Tingalpa with additional ‘trees for bees’ and two flash new beehives thus expanding the digs for the colony to a total of four bee hotels. Green Team captain Patrick Hillyard is hopeful that at-home games will be an opportunity for the Villa Community to pop in on the hives (from behind secure fencing) thus strengthening an appreciation of these mighty creatures vital to the health of our food systems and environment. Stay tuned for more buzz about our exciting community partnership and efforts to enhance environmental stewardship and community solidarity.

Season for Social Justice Forums!
Our Mission partners at San Sisto College Carina recently hosted the first of three Social Justice Forums available to our Villa senior students this term. Our hope for Villa students attending these events is that they will gather ideas and insights to imagine new possibilities for leading ministry work both at school and beyond.

Whilst at San Sisto students received presentations from various organisations including Micah Projects, Emmanuel City Mission, Vinnies QLD, and Rosies – Friends On The Street, provided the necessary backdrop to a discussion on the complex issue of homelessness. Villa was ably represented by 20 students who together with peers from San Sisto, Iona College Lourdes Hill College, and Loreto College Coorparoo co-created practical strategies to shine a light on an issue which impacts 1 in every 200 Queenslanders (ABS).

Upcoming Events
Monday 29 July – Lourdes Hill Social Justice Forum will be attended by Year 11s and 12s and it is an open discussion about ‘Moving Towards a Culture Free of Gender-Based Violence.’  They have extended an invitation hoping we can all walk together on this journey towards a world safe for young women.

Head 2 Heart on Sunday 11 August – an opportunity for Year 10 students to support a child from a disadvantaged background to have a fantastic day of fun!

Fr Saldie, Mrs Alisa Cleary and Fr Pete
For Ms Kate Garrone,Dean of Mission and Identity

The aim of the wellbeing program Be Your Best Self is to support the social and emotional wellbeing of the boys as they move through different stages of their adolescent journey. To understand the issues affecting boys at these stages, we need to hear directly from them. That’s where SWAT, the Student Wellbeing Action Team, comes in. This team is a new addition to the Wellbeing program and is an opportunity for boys from Years 5-12 to have a voice about the program. Starting this term, boys were nominated by their peers to join SWAT. They will meet once a fortnight to provide feedback on unit topics and lessons, suggest new content, and represent their cohort on all wellbeing matters. The meetings so far have been productive and beneficial due to the honest feedback we all know boys can provide.

As part of our student wellbeing series, we invite experts to speak to the boys on a variety of topics. These experts handle the main instruction, while staff support and reinforce the learning in those areas. We have secured youth advocate and educator Daniel Principe to speak to the Year 10 and 11 boys about pressing issues facing young men today. Daniel is making significant progress in the boys’ wellbeing space, and I am eager to hear the students’ feedback after his workshop in Week 4.

As part of our parent wellbeing series, Empowering Parenting Workshops, parents and caregivers get to hear from experts in the field about the issues that are unpacked and discussed in the wellbeing program. On 7 August, parents will get the opportunity to hear valuable information from renowned journalist and author Madonna King about a topic that is unfortunately prevalent at the moment; sextortion and extortion that specifically targets young people in private schools.

By coming together, we can make a significant positive impact on our children’s wellbeing. Your participation and support are crucial to the success of this initiative. Unfortunately, due to copyright laws, these sessions cannot be recorded and replayed later for either parent or student sessions. I encourage parents to attend this session to receive practical tips and strategies for helping your child in challenging situations.

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of week

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing

Rehearsals and Lessons
We are now only 20 sleeps away from QCMF 2024 – things are really starting to get ‘exciting’ here in the Music Department.  It is imperative that all students make it to their rehearsals and lessons to ensure they are able to contribute to their best ability come their festival performance.

All rehearsals will continue as per usual, with the exception of groups that meet on Wednesday and Friday.  These ensembles may have an ‘extra’ session scheduled on EKKA Wednesday due to the Festival running over most of Week 6.  Please ensure your son prioritises this activity as it will be our final opportunity prior to festival.  Conductors will communicate with home shortly to share the time and venue for these ‘rescheduled’ sessions.

QCMF 2024 – WE NEED YOU!

20 sleeps to go!  We are now under three weeks away from the largest school music festival in the Asia-Pacific region – I almost can’t sleep I’m so ‘excited’!

We require your support in ensuring we continue our College’s legacy of providing community for so many schools, students, and families from across our country.  Come, share, and witness over 14,000 young people from across Australia demonstrating amazing creativity and the ability to work together toward a common goal – it is an incredible four days.

We seek parents to assist opening doors and welcoming visitors (front of house), assisting with ticket sales, receiving music from conductors and liaising with adjudicators (secretary), or making sandwiches and cooking on the BBQ (café).  One three-hour shift entitles adults to a festival pass – you get free access to a weekend of music and the warm feeling of contributing to an amazing event valued by so many.

Please head to our volunteering portal to register and select your shifts – we look forward to having you here with us next month!

Villanova College Performance Times
The table below communicates the arrival and performance times for all Villanova College ensembles.  We require all students to arrive on Level 1 of the Augustine Centre at the allotted arrival time in full performance uniform for the group they are performing with.  Performance Uniform information has been sent home via email with the information below.  Should you require a copy, please contact the music office on 3394 5691 or music@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Co-Curricular Music Photos
Our Co-Curricular Music Photos have been scheduled for Tuesday 6 August.  All students will be required to wear performance uniform to school and bring their academic uniform to change into after their last photo.  Year 5 students will only need to wear their grey academic uniform as per usual.

We will distribute a timetable for our photos over the coming week to ensure all students are aware of when their photo will occur.  All photos will be taken in Hanrahan Theatre.

Music Support Group Meeting – Monday 12 August
Our next Music Support Group meeting will be convened on Monday, 12 August, commencing at 6:30pm in Music Classroom on Level 1 of the Augustine Centre.  Come along and learn a little more about the happenings within the music community here at Villanova College – we look forward to seeing you there.

Key Dates Term 3
As we look ahead across the term, please ensure we pencil the following dates into your diary:

Villanova Camp Chairs and Wildcat Coolers
Our fantastic Music Support Group have organised an innovative fundraiser for Villanova College.  You may have heard the buzz about our Villanova Camp Chairs and Wildcat Coolers…  the MUST HAVE items for the beach/cricket/park/fishing/BBQ/etc.

Villanova Branded Camp Chairs – $35; Wildcat Coolers – $30
All items can be purchased via Trybooking through the following link:  https://www.trybooking.com/BMEML
Purchases can be collected from the Music Office and all profits will go to the Music Support Group.

Entertainment Publications Memberships
Entertainment memberships are one of the Music Support Groups main fund-raisers.  Just click on the link to purchase a membership and obtain ongoing special deals throughout the year.

Thank you all for your ongoing support of Music at Villanova College.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Director of Sport Address

Villa Park was the host for Round 1 of the Senior Rugby League competition last Saturday 20 July. Hosting all AIC schools in a gala day style format is always very special and we thank our Head Groundskeeper Clyde Wooderson and his team for their efforts in preparing our world-class facility. I received a lot of positive feedback about the facility and the hospitality shown by our students and community.

Congratulations to our Basketball First V who continued their winning streak with a nail-biting 58-56 victory. Well done also to a number of our Junior teams for inspiring performances and to those students who donned the Green and Gold for the first time in Round 1.

Next week is a busy one for Villa Sport. AIC Golf is nearly upon us, with six students attending the Championships at Keperra Golf Club on Monday 29 July. Our intermediate AFL team play their quarter-final of the QSchools Carnival on Wednesday 31 July and we host the Villa Park Rugby 7’s tournament on Friday 2 August. Track & Field training also commences next week. More information is available below for our T&F athletes.

From all reports our behaviour and conduct were impeccable in and around the fields and courts last weekend. I challenge all boys to maintain this standard as we continue through Term 3.

Draw – Round 2 vs St Patrick’s College, 26/27 July
The Round 2 Draw is now available on the Locker Room Overview page.
Note Junior Tennis teams – Years 5 and 6 – are playing fixtures on Friday afternoon 26 July.
For all future rounds, the draw will be posted to Locker Room by the Wednesday prior to the round ahead.
This is the earliest possible time we can post this information.

Team Lists
Team lists for Round 2 will be posted by Thursday 25 July to Parent Lounge and Student Cafe.
Team lists will be posted by Thursday prior to the round ahead.
This is the earliest possible time we can post this information.

Team Photos
Team photos for Rugby League Teams – 7A, 7B, 6A, 6B, 5A and 5B – will be taken at Villa Park this Saturday 27 July. The photos will be taken underneath the Andrew Slack scoreboard. Boys are to arrive 15 minutes prior to their photo in full playing uniform including boots. Any student not in full playing uniform will not be included in the photo.

Photo Schedule

Livestream Links
Please note the livestream link for Firsts fixtures in Term 3 –  AIC Live Streaming (aictv.com.au)

Results

Basketball Results Round 1

Rugby League Results Round 1

Tennis Results Round 1

AIC Sport Results – Associated Independent Colleges

Sports Club
The Villanova College Sports Club are looking for volunteers this Saturday 27 July at both Villa Park and Goold Hall.
Please click on the links below to register your assistance.

Round 2 Basketball – Goold Hall — Signup Sheet | Sat 27 July

Round 2 AIC League – Villa Park — Signup Sheet | Sat 27 July

Trimester 3 Sport Sign-Ons
Registrations for Trimester 3 Sports, Basketball, Rugby League, Tennis and Track & Field are now closed.
Students still wanting to register for Track & Field just need to visit the Sports Office.

AIC Draw 2024
Please find attached the AIC Draw for 2024.

Communications
Families are reminded to access all Sport information via the Villanova College website and the Villanova College App. The Locker Room Overview page provides updated information regarding training schedules and current AIC/trial draws.

Training Schedules
The Term 3 Training Schedule is now available on The Locker Room Overview page of the Villanova College website.

Save the dates – Sporting Tours, Camps and Clinics

• Christmas holidays 2024/2025 – Cricket Oblate Tour to Perth, Volleyball AVSC Tournament Gold Coast & Swim Camp at Tallebudgera.
• ** International Tour ** – Football & Rugby Tour to Japan – Easter 2025.
• ** International Tour ** – Basketball & Volleyball Tour to USA – Christmas holidays 2025/2026.

Sport Uniforms
Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Villanova College Uniform Look Book. This information is found on the College website Uniform Shop page. Opening hours for the Uniform Shop can also be found here. All students selected in AIC teams are expected to wear the correct uniform for AIC fixtures each week.

For those students participating in Trimester 3 Sports – please see correct uniforms below. A reminder that all hire jerseys in Basketball and Rugby League, must be returned to the Uniform Shop at the end of the season. Failure to return these jerseys incurs a significant fee.

Sport Contact List
If you are requiring information about a specific Sport, in the first instance, visit the website Locker Room page. If you need further clarification, please contact the relevant Coordinator below. For any training or game absences, please contact your Sport Coordinator.

Director of Sport – Shaun McLean, smclean@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC AFL Coordinator – Matt Conlan, mconlan@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Cricket Coordinator – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Swimming Coordinator – Juanita Jacobs, jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Volleyball Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Cross-Country Coordinator – Brian Pascoe – bpascoe@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Chess Coordinator – Kath Underhill, kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Football Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Rugby Union Coordinator – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Golf Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Basketball Coordinator – Jordan Mullan, jordanedwardmullan@gmail.com
AIC Rugby League Coordinator – Alex Russell, arussell@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Tennis Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Track & Field Coordinator – Anthony Kemp, akemp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Water Polo Coordinator – Juanita Jacobs, jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au
Composite District Sport – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
Lytton District Sport – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au

Wet weather cancellations
If there is any reason to cancel training sessions or weekend games, this information will be posted to the Villa App in the Notices section or emailed to the specific students and their parents. Please ensure you have downloaded the Villa App and updated your preferences and settings.

The Villa Sports Department will endeavour to cancel morning training sessions by 6am and afternoon training sessions by 1pm. If a training session is cancelled, boys are not able to be dropped off to the training venue as there will not be supervision present. Please check the Villa App and your emails regularly for these notifications.

If any AIC fixtures are cancelled, we will follow the same procedure above. Timing will be dependent on when that information becomes available.

Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport

Basketball
We began the AIC Basketball season with a tough Round 1 against Marist College Ashgrove. The College posted some great results, with a very honourable mention to our Year 5 and 6 teams who took a ‘clean sweep’ of their matches on Friday afternoon. A special mention to our coaches for their work in the lead-up to Round 1.

Our First V Basketball team had a big challenge ahead of them going up against a strong Marist team, but in a nail-biting match the Villa boys finished the round with a victory 58-56. With one victory in the bag, the First V team were working hard on the court this week in preparation for their next challenge.

The season continues this weekend with our Round 2 fixture v St Patrick’s College. I encourage all parents to keep up to date with the information
posted on the Locker Room page.

Mr Jordan Mullan, Basketball Coordinator

Rugby League
It was a great morning of Rugby League this past Saturday at Villanova Park as Villanova hosted Round 1 of AIC Rugby League. For anyone that attended, the fields were in great condition and presented as a great facility for the day, I would like to acknowledge Clyde and the grounds team at Villa park for their great work.

Our teams started the season against a very strong Marist outfit. Whilst the results table didn’t fall in our favour, it was refreshing to see the development of our teams in this short time and the way in which our boys conducted themselves. It was also great to see the determination our boys played with until the final siren.

Our First XIII team had a tough start to the season going down to a strong Marist team 34-12. We caught up with Year 12 student and front-rower, Christian P, to get his thoughts on the match, and what will be required ahead of another tough encounter with St Patrick’s College:

It was a tough game; our team created some pressure situations by giving the Marist team too many penalties from poor discipline in defence. We were proud of the effort during these times with little or no ball. Our communication as a team was good, led by Hudson B and Roman D. Shout out to our fullback, Nate W, for some great footwork with the ball. Ahead of the next game, we need to clean up the penalty count.

There were many positives to take from the match and I know the team will be training hard in preparation for their Round 2 clash.

A few reminders for all our Rugby League Families ahead of Round 2:

• Please check the team list and fixture information via Parent Lounge
• Only students in full Rugby League uniform will be permitted to play in fixtures this weekend. Development squad items are not correct uniform.
• This weekend games will be played at Villanova Park for our Year 5-7 teams, and Year 8-Open will be played at Iona College.
• Our Year 5-7 teams will have their team photos taken this Saturday, please check the Locker Room page and above for the schedule.
• For families of our Year 5-7 teams playing at Villa Park, please assist with the canteen where available.

Wishing all teams the best of luck for this weekend v SPC.

Mr Alex Russell, Rugby League Coordinator

Tennis
Last Saturday saw the start of the AIC Tennis season with matches against Marist Ashgrove, we knew that this was going to be a tough challenge as Ashgrove traditionally have had a strong Tennis program. Although the overall results show that our opponent’s had more wins than us, I took great satisfaction in the way of which our players conducted themselves and showed great fight to not give up easily. We had several close matches that could have gone either way and it was a great learning curve for all players.

It was most pleasing to see many new players attending who did not play last year, especially across the older age groups who had never played before, illustrating that there is always time to become involved, support the College, have fun, and learn new skills. I would like to give a special mention to all the students who agreed to play on very short notice in the mighty Fourths Team, your help and support is applauded and much appreciated by the sports office.

I would like to give a special mention to Mrs Maria Mascadri who manages our Year 5 and 6 teams. Her commitment to making sure that our Junior players not only get great valuable weekly training sessions, but also in making sure that everything runs smoothly on match days with a strong focus on positivity and participation, gives me great confidence that our junior players are setting a great base for the overall Tennis program to grow in the coming years.

Competition for places in some teams is particularly fierce. I challenge all players to attend their weekly scheduled training sessions and always look to improve your skills. I also strongly encourage all players who unfortunately have not been successful in making Round 1 teams to stay in contact with their team managers and to continue training throughout the season; we would like to see boys be available for selection throughout the season and for weeks when there are absences and the option of student rotation through the singles and doubles formats.

Parents and students can I please remind you that the uniform for Tennis players consists of the Villanova squad shirt, green Physical Education shorts, team socks (PE socks) and the Villanova sports cap. All of these are available for purchase at the Uniform Shop. Can I please use this as a final reminder that all boys will need to be in full tennis uniform for Round 2 this Saturday. The weekly draw will be posted in the “locker room” section of the website, please make sure that you double check the venue and starting times weekly, as these may change throughout the season depending on the opposition.

AIC Tennis First IV vs Ashgrove
With a long preseason finally coming to an end, the First IV of 2024 were ready for the challenge of starting at home against our rivals Ashgrove. Given we had two debutants beginning their journey with the team in 2024, the first round was always going to have a mixture of nerves and excitement for our boys.

The boys started slow, losing both reverse doubles rubbers. But once we started on the singles court, the tie certainly tightened up, with Rueben Wagels winning his singles match convincing, while Ollie Simmons and Luke Phillips had tight losses in their singles matches. The tie finished by splitting the final two doubles matches. Overall, while the 6-2 loss was disappointing, there is plenty to improve on as we work through the season.

We will continue to work hard on the court in preparation for our next challenge at home against St Patrick’s this weekend.

Mr Justin Musumeci, First IV Manager

Good luck to all Villanova sporting teams for Round 2.

Villanova Tennis Championships
The 2024 Villanova Tennis Championships were conducted last Saturday at Morningside Tennis Centre. I wanted to say thank you to all the students and parents who supported and attended the championships, The feedback that we have received has been very positive and we look forward to growing the championships annually, so that it’s one of the highlights during the Tennis season.

A special shout out to Mrs Maria Mascadri who helped organise and coordinate the day. Without her support and dedication, the championships wouldn’t have run as smooth and professionally as they did – thank you again Maria.

Please see below the runners up and winners for each division.

2024 Junior School Championships.
Runner Up – Leonardo Zappala
Junior School Champion – Jacob Shipton

2024 Middle School Championships.
Runner Up – Sam Cotter
Middle School Champion – Jacob Aldenton

2024 Senior School Championships.
Runner Up – Luke Phillips
Senior School Champion – Reuben Wagels

Mr Nathan Dufty, Tennis Coordinator

Track & Field
The AIC Track & Field Season Schedule is now available on the College website Locker Room and Track & Field pages. Training will commence according to the schedule from Monday 29^th July.

Middle distance runners will train at Little Langlands on Monday and Wednesday mornings and all other disciplines will train at Villanova Park on Tuesday afternoons for three weeks leading into the Interhouse Carnival before moving to Monday and Tuesday afternoon training sessions.

Boys training in the afternoons, will be bussed to Villa Park after school and a bus will be provided to bring them back to the College, arriving at Villa at approximately 5:45pm. Parents can pick up their sons at Villanova Park at the conclusion of training. If they are not collected by 5:10pm at Villa Park, they will be put on the return bus back to the College.

Sprints/Hurdles/Throws and Jumps – starts this Tuesday 30 July!
When – Monday afternoons (beginning 19/8) and Tuesday afternoons (beginning 30/7)
Where – Villanova Park
Time – Bus departs Villanova at 3:10pm and returns at 5:45pm

Middle distance – starts this Monday 29 July!
When- Monday (beginning 29/7) and Wednesday mornings (beginning 31/7) 6:45am – 8:00 am
Where- Please meet coaches Mr. Brian Pascoe and Mr Matthew Smith in front of Goold Hall
Time- 6:45am

We do understand that many of our athletes will have other co-curricular commitments including AIC Rugby League, AIC Tennis or AIC Basketball. The Sports Office at Villanova College is keen to negotiate an individual training schedule with these students for them to participate and represent the College in Track and Field. This is important to our program as it ensures our best athletes are representing Villanova on the day of the Championships.

AIC Track & Field Season Schedule 2024

Mr Anthony Kemp, Track & Field Coordinator

Strength & Conditioning
Strength & Conditioning continues in Term 3. Refer to the Term 3 Training Schedule on the Locker Room Overview page. The gym is available to all students in Years 7-12.

A note that the following groups should be accessing the gym as a mandatory part of their training schedule in Term 3:

• Monday mornings – Year 9 and 10 Rugby League
• Monday and Thursday afternoons – elite Swimmers
• Tuesday mornings – First V Basketball
• Wednesday afternoons – Open Rugby League
• Thursday afternoons – Track & Field
• Friday mornings – Years 9-Open Basketball

Term 3 Training Schedule – including S&C

Mr Marco Mastrorocco, Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

Speed & Agility Training Term 3 – Years 5-8 students
The Term 3 Speed & Agility Programme has now closed. Details relating to the Term 4 programme will be available soon.

Villa Sport – humble in victory, gracious in defeat.

• Upcoming Event: QCMF

The countdown to the Queensland Catholic Schools & Colleges Music Festival has begun! With over 14,437 students performances from over 109 schools and colleges from all over Queensland, it is the premier event in the Queensland Catholic Education calendar. 15-18 August 2024. Book your ticket now at a discounted rate! https://qcmf.com.au/

• P&F Second Hand Uniform Shop

The P&F Second Hand Shop is still operating from its current location in the Old House near 7 Seventh Avenue until Wednesday, 7 August. We are open from 8-9am every Wednesday morning during term.

From Wednesday 14 August we will be in our new location in Cascia (which is in the Quad opposite Langlands) and we will be open every Wednesday from 8-9am during term.

With a boy graduating in 2024, it is the last year at Villa for our wonderful P&F volunteer, Loretta Jordan. If anyone is interested in taking over this role, please get in touch with Loretta on 0423748500.

• Join us for our Weekly Breakfast Café!

A reminder that every Tuesday morning, our talented Year 11 Hospitality students take charge and run a delightful breakfast café from 7:30am to 9:30am. We have built a fantastic following of students and teachers, especially between 8:00am and 8:30am. However we would love to extend a warm invitation to parents to join us, particularly between 8:30am and 9:30am, to keep the boys busy and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

• Parking Compliance  

Please find an update from Brisbane City Council below;

• 2024 Non-government schools census collection notice

The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to advise all staff, parents and guardians that it will collect certain information about your school, its staff and student body as part of the 2024 Non-government schools census collection (the census).
How and what information is collected for the census?
Census information is provided to the department by your school legal entity (the approved authority) via the SchoolsHUB website.
The census provides information about your school and the number and characteristics of the school’s staff and student body during a specific reference period. Characteristics collected through the census include:
teaching and non-teaching staff
-students’ year level and workload
-students’ gender and age (as on 1 July 2024)
-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students
-students with disability
-students receiving distance education
-boarding and overseas students.

The names of students and staff are not collected, apart from the name, position and contact details of the staff member nominated as the primary contact for the census.

Census special circumstances applications
Census special circumstances applications may also be made by schools to include a student(s) who did not attend during the census reference period but otherwise meets census eligibility requirements. Schools will provide the department with information and documents about the student demonstrating their eligibility. The department does not require personal information about a student and asks schools to de-identify any documents before providing them.
Purpose of the census collection
The information provided during the census is collected by the department in accordance with the Australian Education Act 2013 (the Act) and the Australian Education Regulations 2023 (the Regulations). The Act and Regulations require the legal entity responsible for the administration of the school (the approved authority) to provide this information to the department to:
-ensure the provision of Australian Government funding to schools is properly calculated and
appropriately managed
-conduct research, statistical analysis and develop school education policy for the Australian
Government
-meet national and international reporting obligations on school students in Australia
-publish and provide information about schools to the public.

Use and disclosure of personal information
Your personal information is protected by law under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act).
Personal information is information or an opinion about an identified individual or an individual who
is reasonably identifiable.
Any use or disclosure of your personal information must occur in accordance with the Privacy Act
and the Act and Regulations, and any other applicable laws.
Your personal information provided to the department through the census may be:
-used or disclosed by the department as outlined above under the heading ‘Purpose of the census
collection’
-disclosed to the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) to publish
on the My School website and included as high-level data for ACARA’s National Report on
Schooling in Australia
-disclosed to state and territory government departments and authorities in accordance with the
Act and Regulations
-disclosed to Australian Government departments and authorities in accordance with the Act and
Regulations
-disclosed to non-government school representative bodies in accordance with the Act and
Regulations
-disclosed to a contracted auditor where the department decides to audit or verify the
information provided by an approved authority about a school. The contracted auditor may use
previously collected information or request access to individual student records for comparison
purposes. The contractors may pass this information onto officers within the department, if there
is a discrepancy in the data provided by the school and the school’s records and further
investigation is required. The contracted auditor must handle personal information in accordance
with the Privacy Act
-disclosed to the department’s service providers so they can provide information and
communications technology support services to the department.
-used to validate data from other collections undertaken by the department
-used or disclosed where it is otherwise required or authorised by law including under the Act or
Regulations, or otherwise permitted under the Privacy Act.

Other than in exceptional circumstances (for example, investigation of fraud relating to overseas
students), the department does not disclose any of the personal information collected to overseas
recipients.

You can download the Department of Education’s privacy policy or request a copy at
privacy@education.gov.au. The privacy policy includes information about:
-how to access or correct personal information held about you or your child
– how to make a complaint about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles
– how the department will deal with such a complaint.

What do you need to do?
You are not required to do anything. The approved authority of the school is responsible for providing the information to the department.
Contacts for further information
Your school can provide more information about the data it provides for you or your child as part of the census.
To find out more about the census collection and reporting, visit SchoolsHUB.