Villa View: Issue 13/19

Yesterday I received a letter from the Australian International Islamic School of Brisbane thanking Villanova College for their support and words of sorrow at the tragic events in Christchurch last month. In the letter the Principal of the College stated, “It gives us great comfort to know we can rely on our fellow Christians to express their grief and condemn all forms of violence.”

During the recent Rugby tour to New Zealand, our players and staff also took time out of their schedule to visit the Al Noor Mosque where these tragic events took place. The Villanova College group were welcomed into the Mosque and a number of speakers shared with our students the sorrow the community experienced and the uplifting effect of the support they have received from across the world.

An important central tenet of our Catholic faith is the dignity of all persons.

“Jesus said, Love your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mk12: 30-31)

YEAR 9 CAMP
The students disembarking from the buses were tired and looking forward to getting home after four days of Year 9 Camp. Most of the students I spoke to used words such as, “awesome”, “fantastic”, “best ever” to describe the outdoor experiences at Pindari Dam, near Texas, NSW.  A large contingent of staff accompanied the students and I know they were extremely excited to be home and to have a hot shower and a warm, soft bed.

Our students are afforded these experiences through the generosity of our staff. I thank Mr Peter Simpson, Mrs Vicki Lamb and Mr Greg O’Neill and the many staff who accompanied the students.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Last week two very special events were held, the Year 6 Mother and Son Evening and the Senior and Staff Banquet. The Year 6 Mother and Son Evening celebrated the important role mothers play in the lives of young men. Our Year 6 students were very attentive to their mothers and made the evening a very special occasion.

The staff who attended the Staff and Senior Banquet on Friday evening thoroughly enjoyed the company of the students. The strong relationships that exist between the students and staff assist enormously in creating an environment at the College where students and staff journey together in the learning process. Our Senior students were fine gentlemen on the evening and were a credit to their families. Thank you to the Year 12 parents who worked during the evening. Your efforts were greatly appreciated.

MOTHER’S DAY
On Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day by being especially attentive to the mothers in our lives. Mothers play a critical role in the family and on this day, we say thank you to our mums for all that they do for the family on a daily basis. My mum passed away three years ago, and I miss her terribly. In a large family my mum was the glue that held us all together and she had the uncanny ability to know what was happening in each of her children’s lives.  She demonstrated daily the unconditional love of a mother through her gentle yet firm support for each of her children.

I wish all our mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday.

PRAYERS
We keep in our prayers Merle Gittins, Nana to Bailey Creevey (Year 12), who passed away on ANZAC Day.

You have made us for Yourself O Lord,
And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

God Bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

After a punctured first few weeks of the term, it appears that we can now settle back in to some routine. We have had a number of public holidays, parent-teacher interviews and a camp over the past three weeks that have presented the College with an inconsistent start. However, for the vast majority of students, there is now the opportunity to settle back into routine. I would emphasise the use of study planners once again for the new term, re-thinking and re-setting goals in each subject.

Seth Godin wrote, “The thing about goals is that living without them is a lot more fun in the short run. It seems to me, though, that the people who get things done, who lead, who grow, and who make an impact…those people have goals.”

NAPLAN
On Tuesday 14 to Thursday May 16  (Week 4), the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be held across the country for students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9. The goal of the tests are to identify the level of literacy and numeracy in students in these year groups, and for schools to then use the data to inform their pedagogy and curriculum.

In speaking with your sons in the lead up to Week 5, I would ask parents / guardians of our Year 5, 7 and 9 students to convey positive messages about NAPLAN. More specifically, emphasising effort in completing the tests is what will result in Villanova students performing at their level of ability. Persistence, determination and stamina are all great messages to deliver.

I would ask parents to ensure that their son has the required equipment for each day of testing. This includes:

• 3 x HB / 2B pencils
• Eraser
• Sharpener
• Scientific calculator (Year 7 and Year 9 only)

For students absent for any of the tests, there is the opportunity to catch up on missed tests throughout the week and on Friday 17 May.

SATE HIGHLIGHT – EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS AND RATIFICATION
In a previous Villa View article, I wrote about some of the new processes with regards to assessment in the new Senior System. The procedures of endorsement and confirmation will allow a much more consistent and reliable assessment platform within schools to be implemented. Endorsement will involve schools submitting assessment to the QCAA for approval prior to being administered whilst confirmation is the process of student’s results being approved once they have been marked.

Probably the most discussed subject of the new senior system is the fact that students will undertake external examinations in Term 4 of their final year. These examinations will be written by a group of assessment writers and administered to all students across the state who study that particular subject. For all subjects other than the General Mathematics and the Sciences, external examinations will contribute 25% of the student’s final mark; for Mathematics and Science, the external examinations will contribute 50%. This is certainly a significant change and one that students will need to adjust to in terms of their preparation.

The final process of the assessment process is ratification. Once all assessment is completed, marked and confirmed, all marks will be ratified ready for the final results (including the calculation of ATARs) to be released.

STUDY HUB
The Study Hub has recommenced this week. Our Senior students are already in attendance to assist younger students with homework, study or revision. With the commencement of the new term, all students should recognise the opportunity to commence revision, even after only three weeks of classes. Seeking this help now will only pay off when examinations are held towards the end of the term.

All Junior School and Middle School students are welcome to attend ‘The Study Hub’. Times are as follows:

Year 5 and Year 6: 
Tuesday and Thursday mornings – 7.30 to 8.15am (Lower Library)

Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9:
Wednesday afternoon – 3.15 to 4.00pm (Tolle Lege Library)

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Mother’s Day is this Sunday.  May is the month of Mary, Mother of Jesus, and May 12 is for all mothers, past, present and future.  A day to remember that being a mother takes on many forms – biological, spiritual and emotional.  The connection to a child is one that goes beyond the realms of patience, guidance and unconditional love.  Being a mother is a privilege, and all our Mums should be remembered and celebrated – in particular, this weekend.

Last Thursday evening the Year 6 students hosted a Mother and Son evening.  To plan such an event, we had our own Junior School Mum, Mrs Maria Mascadri, together with Canteen extraordinaire, Mrs Robyn Gunning, work their magic with many volunteers by their side.  Goold Hall was transformed into a fairy light haven with long stemmed roses and the best manners the boys could summon.  Mothers were escorted to their tables and treated to an evening of music and comedic interpretations on stage of all that they understand a mother to be.  Hand written letters to each mother was always going to be a highlight – words that go beyond the paper and straight to the memories shared between a son and his mother over the years.  It was an exquisite evening and I am thankful for all who attended, including Junior School staff, Fr. Pete Wieneke and Mr Mark Stower.

Hindsight is a powerful thing for me about my mother.  Being a parent of two teenage sons myself, I now see just a glimmer of what I was like at the same age.  My mother Rachel was a single parent, and every time she visits us from Perth, it is made very clear how similar I am to my youngest son Jackson, and that my older brother Peter is the carbon copy of my eldest son Harrison.  I am very aware of what my wife does, and to attempt a list would be futile here, so I am in awe of my mother managing to do what she did on her own.

Rach had to manage two teenagers on a single wage – she was a teaching assistant and then moved into childcare work, so to say we were on a tight budget is more than fair.  “Have an apple” was the standard reply when we asked about dessert, we only got to pick one sport per year because that’s what she could manage, and she would do any fundraising necessary to help cover the costs.

We had a Datsun with no air conditioning and windows that we wound down for a little air on the road trips she would call our holidays.  She asked her brothers for help with our homework and study and my uncles had their work cut out with me, as I was not the best student, preferring to stare endlessly at my world map on my desk and learn the countries, capital cities and flags of the world off by heart.  I learnt every Seinfeld episode word for word and had no interest in writing assignments.  I was obsessed with baseball, basketball and AFL – knowing statistics and plays backwards, but had no desire to study maths.  I groaned when she made anything that resembled a casserole, but her crumbed chicken I still make to this day.  Now I love it when she visits because Rach makes MasterChef meals that our entire family adores.  She even supports the Dockers for my wife, but only if they are not playing West Coast.

Rach finds the greatest joy in helping anyone.  Her house resembles a half-way home, where the extended family (and there’s a lot with seven siblings) stay for all kinds of reasons.  She tells us how wild she was as a teenager and that this is how she makes up for all the grey hairs she gave her parents.  We can’t fathom it, but she promises us that she learnt the long way around how to do the right thing too.

Perhaps children do need to become a parent to truly appreciate what it takes for a mother to bring a family together day after day.  However, we will never appreciate the mental list making, the time tabling, the co-ordination of schedules and love we get by way of conversation and comfort in the heart, mind and stomach.  We will make it our priority to cover the role long enough on Sunday for our Mums to take a small break and enjoy the slapstick efforts we can organise around her.

To anyone missing their mother, be it that she is working, away from home, or perhaps passed into God’s loving hands, I hope that on Sunday you have memories that you can share with others.  Your Mum’s love and work on earth will always live on through yourself.  Your thoughts and love in her absence will make her incredibly proud and let her know that her every effort paid off.

Happy Mother’s Day – we are in awe of the strength, courage and determination that all mothers put into loving us.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Last week our Year 9 students travelled to Pindari Dam, NSW, for their annual year level camp. Following a long bus ride, the boys were immediately confronted with a dry, dusty and water-starved campsite.

The campsite is located only a few kilometres from the dam which is currently at 6% capacity. In the ten-plus years we have travelled to this venue, never before has the water level been so low. This time last year the dam was at 70% capacity, which highlights the tough times that local farmers and residents have experienced over the past twelve months. It simply has not rained!

The low water level certainly made the “buttress climb” to the top of the dam all the more spectacular. This was undoubtedly the most challenging, but also most popular activity amongst the boys.

Other activities included driving buggies and boats, a bush survival masterclass, GPS navigation, and a walk to an old stone hut to boil a billy and cook damper.

Throughout the camp, the boys were also required to cook their own meals, which were accessed via daily ration packs. They also had to boil their own water for a hot shower, and they slept in swags of an evening.

The camp is purposefully designed to take the boys out of their comfort zones and seek the support of their mates and work together to achieve their daily tasks. Under this pressure in this unique environment it is common for most individuals to look after oneself before thinking of the needs of others. I am very proud to say that the comradery of our 2019 Year 9 cohort shone through throughout the week as countless boys stepped up to support their mates and lead their group.

We are currently collecting feedback from the boys about their experience and the initial results indicate the camp was an overwhelming success.

This camp was only made possible by the 17 staff that supported the camp by volunteering to attend. Whilst the camp is challenging for the students, the staff often find the camp especially challenging as they leave behind their families, many with young children, to attend.

On behalf of our Year 9 boys, I thank Mr Kirk Astill, Ms Amanda Waterson, Mr Adrian Hellwig, Ms Katie Dauth-Souza, Mr Shawn Creamer, Ms Sue Homann, Ms Alex Christou, Mr Alex Sullivan, Ms Emily Want, Ms Julie Colbert, Fr Saldie, Mr Matt McGrath, Mr Stuart Hooper, Mrs Vicki Lamb, Mr Peter Simpson and Mr Andrew Lewis (Old Boy). I extend special gratitude to Mrs Lamb and Mr Simpson for their co-ordination of the camp.

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Tomorrow’s College Assembly agenda will be driven by the Student Leadership Team. College Vice Captain, Will Barwick, has led the Senior School in his organisation of the College’s involvement in the World’s Greatest Shave. The response has been overwhelming with over $11,000 raised (at time of writing) for the Leukaemia Foundation. To honour the solidarity of the Senior School students and their fundraising efforts, I have agreed to shave my head (well a Gauge 2 buzz cut) on assembly. I congratulate our young men for their support of this cause and thank the generosity of the local hair salons for volunteering their staff to assist in the shaving.

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of announcing the appointment of the four Year 10 Cor Unum Spirit Committee Representatives at Form Meeting. They are Louis Henderson, Thanasi Keskinidis, James Reid and Ryan Walker. They were selected from a high calibre field of shortlisted candidates which is testament to the depth of leadership potential in the Year 10 cohort which will serve the Senior School well in the coming years. The Cor Unum Spirit Committee meets every Tuesday lunchtime and is responsible for the co-ordination of College spirit events and the promotion of unity and solidarity of the student body – one in mind and heart!

STAFF SENIOR BANQUET
Last Friday evening, Year 12 students had the pleasure of breaking bread with teachers at the traditional Staff-Senior Banquet – one of the most storied rituals and rites of passage that exist in the journey of all Villanovan young men. This evening celebrates the fundamental value placed on the importance of strong relationships between teachers and their students- relationships born out of mutual respect and genuine care. The Year 12 cohort has made a solid start to their Senior year and this night reinforced the importance of continued solidarity and sustained passion as they embark upon the challenges both inside and outside the classroom together. College Captain, Matthew Rolls, shared the following with his peers:

Now to my Villanova brothers, thank you for your efforts throughout Term 1. Putting on those Senior ties on our first day is all but a distant memory now. While we took some time settling in, we are in full swing as we commence a term only tougher than the last. We are told almost every day it seems that this year will fly and even I myself was sceptical, but Term One disproved my doubts. We are already one term deep into this year and there is much still to be done, with QCS, exams and assignments along with two trimesters of sport, cultural and ministry activities all to be balanced. It is quite the daunting road ahead, but we can be assured that we tackle everything in good company, the company of our Villa brothers arm in arm for one another, in the class room, on the sporting field, in our ministry or cultural endeavours. Only 140 school days remain, 140 opportunities to learn, show our passion and leave our mark. So don’t waste so much as a single opportunity. Back each other right to Day 140, leaving no stone unturned, no mountain unscaled and have nothing but fantastic memories to look back on, without a regret in sight.

I would like to thank Year 12 Pastoral Area Leader, Mr Peter Meecham for his preparation for this event and Year 11 Pastoral Area Leader, Mr Tony Rolls for his usual meticulous care in ensuring that the night was a great success. Furthermore, the contribution of the Year 12 parent group made the occasion a special memory for our young men.

“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.”- Saint Augustine.

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

“A healthy relationship with creation is one dimension of overall personal conversion, which entails the recognition of our errors, sins, faults and failures, and leads to heartfelt repentance and desire to change.” (Pope Francis, Laudato si )

REFUNDING AND RECYCLING
Thanks to the generosity of Steve Henderson at United Scrap Metals, our large wire cage for refundable bottles and cans has returned. Most likely our second purchase with the money raised already will be on green and gold basketballs, e.g. to use at home games as prizes for the VIP supporters. The next wire cage full will go to AFAS, however more important even than the income stream, is the changed habits in boys. We are getting far fewer chip wrappers and food scraps in the wrong bins.

I implore each student, each son, to exercise awareness when using the bins. As Sir Richard Attenborough observes, there are really only two kinds of people in the world: those who make a mess, and those who clean it up. School students are in the zone where they are capable of changing their habits once and for all – for the common good.

It has been humbling to receive so much verbal and practical support from parents. If the refundable can and bottle scheme is changing our habits as a community then I think we are creating a lever for wider change.

Even more, the Student Council has designed a scheme whereby each Pastoral will take a week in emptying the bottles and cans into the wire ban. This of course helps the cleaners – our contract cleaners Quayclean have been amazing in helping to get the scheme going – and it instils a sense of ownership.

One main goal of Richard Attenborough in his One Planet series was to make city dwelling human beings see and feel the consequences of wasteful behaviour on animals and the natural world. Attenborough could see that urban people get into a weird space where they think throwing wrappers out of the window has no consequence. They don’t see the terrible suffering of animals who are hard-wired to eat the bright colours of marketed packaging. In similar vein, who can forget the heart-breaking footage of walruses forced to leap from cliffs to reach the sea – because of human encroachment on their breeding grounds? Research shows that a whopping 77% of people in the UK who watched Episode 7 of Blue Planet II changed their recycling habits. This is the episode that shows turtles suffocating on plastic, and the Great Barrier Reef turning into a boneyard.

We are aiming for a similar conversion rate on Mission Day, particularly with Year 8 and Year 9 students.  The edited suite of films they will watch, including some of Attenborough’s work, will show a) the impact of careless human behaviour on other species, and b) the small ways in which communities like Villanova can work together to make a difference. The panel on the day will include a member of Vinnies (See-judge-act), the managing Director of Quayclean, and a representative of the City Council’s refundable scheme. We may not change the world in one day – but we are going to try!

MISSION DAY
AFAS and the wider team of Ministry students have worked hard this past week to produce red candle bags for each Villanova family. These are an important part of our Mission Week celebrations, and they provide a ritual through which each family can connect with the College’s mission of solidarity to our sister schools in the Philippines. You are asked via the term fees to pay $5 to AFAS for the candle bag you will receive at the start of Week 5. You are entirely welcome not to pay. Each family has its own priorities and commitments. The money paid is used to help fund sixteen students through high school in the Philippines, and also to pay for building projects which our students and staff assist with during the Spring holiday exchange. (Many students in the Philippines leave school at high school age as their families need them to work in order to make ends meet.)

AFAS have also been working hard on sharing the stories of why our outreach to the Philippines matters and makes a difference. It would be easy to say that overseas people don’t matter – after all they didn’t have the sense to be born in the “lucky” country. However, our membership of the wider Augustinian world shows us a bigger picture and urges us to a deeper humanity. Take the example of Sammy, a young man who has befriended many Villanova students over the past two exchanges. We first met him in 2015 when he was in his first year at Divino Amore College near Cebu. Over many games of chess, usually won by then 12-year-old Sam, we learnt his story. His father had lost his job due to injury. This left the family dependent on the bits and pieces of sewing work mum could sell in the local neighbourhood. When Sammy got home from school, he would go out on his bike to try and sell what his mum had made, because when he sold, the family could eat. That is why we are humbly proud to support Sam – and 15 others like him – through school. He has now graduated, and his photo is below. From the point of view of fund-raising, this is why we hold Mission Day.

PROJECT COMPASSION AND LEGACY
Speaking of generosity of spirit, we concluded our 2019 Project Compassion Appeal last week and have raised over $2,700 for Caritas Australia. Given the number of other appeals last term, including the wonderful response to the Townsville flood relief appeal, I think this is a good effort. What is most gratifying is to see young students returning their small boxes at home, packed with coins? Each coin represents a generous choice by that boy to support people whom he has never even met.

Every year we support Legacy in the week of ANZAC Day. This year we have been able to donate $372 to assist the wonderful work of Legacy in supporting the families of service men and women. This was mainly achieved through a chocolate sale, run by YAYM (Middle School Ministry students).

MOTHER’S DAY STALL
One of the characteristic highlights of the Ministry Calendar is the Mother’s Day Stall. Every year a wonderful shop pops up, full of beautiful gifts which have been chosen and wrapped with love by Ms Kath Underhill and her team. A buzz of happy capitalism surrounds the stall, with YAYM members – as ever – providing the energy and enthusiasm every day. All the profits go to either breast cancer research or AFAS (half-half), bringing life and hope. Moreover, staff members keep getting caught donating the gifts out of their own pocket, so passionate are they about this stall.

The donation to AFAS is all used to create an adult educate program in Bacolod. One of the Colleges we visit (CSAB) provides a service to allow adults to return to school to earn a school-leaver’s certificate. This is crucial to getting a job in the Philippines – even at McDonalds. Without the YAYM donation, this program could not run.

The gifts range from $5 to $20 in price. As Thor said in his recent visit, “These mortal gifts are even worthy of my own beautiful mother…”

Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity

Round 1 of the AIC chess, rugby and football season was played against St Edmund’s College over the weekend. With regard to the aggregate standings, Villanova took out the round in chess, football and rugby and although these results are very pleasing, I was more pleased with how our boys entered the spirit of competition.

When I address the boys on College Assembly, it is common place for me to continually challenge the boys to be the best they can be and for them to represent themselves and our College with a high sense of pride and play and train with commitment. Overall, I could not help but be impressed with the teams over the weekend. The confidence, commitment and improvement shown by our players, particularly within our rugby and football programs, was very noticeable. I couldn’t help but think that our rugby and football pre-season programs are making a significant difference.

Coupled with these programs we offer the opportunity for many of our rugby and football players in Year 11 and Year 12 the experience to tour and play in New Zealand or Japan for their respective sport. These tours greatly assist our program and are making a significant difference to our performance during the AIC season. Well done to all players and coaches involved last weekend!

Whilst we enjoy the boys being competitive and giving their all on the weekend, we must be mindful not to go overboard. First and foremost, we encourage boys to get involved and enjoy the experience of playing sport. This must be at the heart of why we play. At times, the intense physicality of these games, particularly the higher graded games can bring out the best and worst in people. Foul language, fighting, yelling and unsportsmanlike conduct has no place in the AIC sporting arena and certainly has no place at Villanova College. The support of our parents to reiterate this same message to the boys would be greatly appreciated.

As we head into Round 2 of AIC rugby and football fixtures, I ask everybody involved to give some serious consideration to the College’s expectations listed below. I hope to have the support of our entire community to ensure that these are being met throughout the season.

EXPECTATIONS OF VILLANOVA STUDENTS

• All players to run on the field in a tidy manner. Socks pulled up!
• We encourage all teams to chant the school war cry after the game (if victorious).
• All team members of the previous game are to stay behind and form a ‘run on’ tunnel for the next team before departing the ground. No one leaves until this is done.
• As each boy wears the Villanova uniform and is seen to be a representative of our fine College, his conduct should be in keeping with the traditions and values we instil in our students. Inappropriate and unsportsmanlike behaviour on or off the field is not accepted.
• Adherence to the spectator uniform policy regarding the wearing of the academic uniform.
• Be welcoming of our guests from other Colleges.
• We expect 100% effort and a strong will/passion from all players to do well for the College, the team and yourselves – School Pride!
• Commitment to the team and College throughout the entire season (making yourself available to play on long weekends, not pulling out etc).
• Attend games at least 30 minutes before kick-off to prepare well, however some coaches may require players to attend earlier.
• Get involved and enjoy the time spent with friends and coaches.
• Support the Villanova Sports Club by purchasing food from the Villanova Park Canteens as the money raised helps to fund Villanova sport projects.

These are just some of the College’s expectations.

Achieving favourable results should not be the only reason we participate in sport. Having said this, most people who play sport are keen to be victors. There is no shame in anyone wanting to do well, in fact, it is encouraged. However, the way we go about it is important. Humble in victory and gracious in defeat and always in a positive sportsmanlike manner is our preference.

I hope our boys and coaches have a strong drive to do well this season. I hope that all teams can further develop pride in themselves and in their College by the way they conduct themselves whatever the result. I hope we all experience the desire to work hard and be determined to keep up the efforts throughout the entire season, particularly if the chips are down. I wish everybody all the best throughout the season and most of all – I hope we all enjoy it!

Next Monday May 13 our Cross Country team will compete at the annual AIC Cross Country Championships at Curlew Park. The team will be announced today, and members will be given all the necessary information pertaining to the day of the championship. Both the runners and reserves will attend on this day. A group of 20 spectators will travel out after Period 2 next Monday with Mr Levander to offer support to our runners. On behalf of the College, I wish all competitors the very best with their preparations and on the day of the championships.  More details regarding the championship is found below.

Round 2 is against Padua College this weekend and I challenge all Villa men to stand up and be counted this weekend to produce our very best on the paddock. Good luck to all!

MEGA-RAFFLE
The Villanova Sports Club is again running a Mega-Raffle in 2019. First prize is $10 000, only 200 tickets will be sold at $100 each. You could buy one ticket on your own or perhaps you could form a syndicate with friends. Over the next two rounds the mega-raffle tickets will be on sale at the Villanova Park Canteen. All proceeds will benefit Villa sport. The raffle will be drawn on Saturday June 8 – Round 6 against St Patrick’s College.

VILLANOVA PARK TRAINING – PARENT PICK UP
I ask parents to ensure that they pick up their son/s by the allocated finishing time at Villanova Park after training. All boys are to be collected by 5.00 – 5.30pm (depending on the coach) please.

AIC CHESS, RUGBY AND FOOTBALL FIXTURES, FRIDAY 10 AND SATURDAY 11 MAY – TIMES AND VENUES
All times and venues for this weekend’s fixtures against Padua College are available on the College’s website. Please note that most of the Year 9 – Year 12 teams are drawn to play at Villanova Park and most of the Year 5 – Year 8 teams are drawn to play at Banjo. Several teams have picked up a supplementary game against other Colleges. Please check the schedule carefully.

ST AUGUSTINE’S TOUR 2019
The annual exchange between Villanova College and our brother school St Augustine’s College (SAC) will take place from June 26-28 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.

At present a schedule has not been made available. We will advertise as soon as it is complete. Students who are in the First basketball, rugby and football squads as well as the Senior debaters would be expected to take on a billet. Information regarding billeting will be forwarded on to all parents within the next two weeks.

AIC TRIMESTER 3 – RUGBY LEAGUE, TENNIS (MANAGERS), BASKETBALL COACHES NEEDED!
Currently the College is seeking coaches and managers of the abovementioned sports for the up-coming AIC Trimester 3 program. Trials will begin during the last week of this term. The season will be conducted during Term 3 as per the College calendar.

If you are keen to assist the College by taking on a role of coach or manager, please email the respective people below.

• Basketball Coach – Email Mr Sean O’Neill: soneill@vnc.qld.edu.au
• Tennis Manager – Email Mr Craig Stariha: cstariha@vnc.qld.edu.au
• Rugby League Coach – Email Mr Blake McLauchlan: bmclauchlan@vnc.qld.edu.au

Trimester 3 Sign-Ons – Rugby League, Tennis, Basketball and Track and Field
The Sports Office plans to release the Trimester 3 sign-on forms for those wishing to play AIC rugby league, tennis, basketball and track and field late next week.

Please note:

Basketball

• Year 5 and Year 6 basketball will now be played on Friday afternoons (not Saturday as was planned). Year 5 and Year 6 students can play basketball on Friday as well as either tennis or rugby league on Saturday.
• Year 7 – Year 12 students will play basketball on Saturday and cannot play tennis or rugby league as they are played at the same time.
• There will be approximately four teams per year level.

Tennis

• Year 5 – Year 12 students will play tennis on Saturday mornings. These students cannot play rugby league or Year 7 – Year 12 basketball as they are played at the same time.
• There will be two teams per year level.

Rugby League

• Students can only play AIC rugby league if they have played AIC rugby union or AIC football. Rugby league coaches will be asked to view the last two rounds of rugby union to commence the trial process. This will not determine the teams as some may be playing AIC football but will give the coaches a guide as to the quality of players we have as the majority will be playing rugby.
• There will only be one team per year level in rugby league. The teams will be – Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, First Rugby League (combined Year 11 and Year 12 team), probably around 20 players per age group.
• Rugby league players cannot play Year 7 – Year 12 basketball or tennis.

Track and Field

• Students can participate in any other sport as well as track and field. Track and field training will commence half way through Term 3.

AIC CROSS COUNTRY REPORT – Mr Brian Pascoe, AIC Cross Country Co-ordinator
All runners who have made the commitment of at least two sessions a week for the duration of the season will be rewarded with a position in the team. A few places are still to be filled in all age groups with the fastest runners from the last week’s St Patrick’s and this week’s St Laurence’s warm-up meets to gain the remaining berths.

Students who have made a considerable effort but miss one of the 12 positions to race in the AIC Championships will be named as a reserve and will be on hand to support the team on the day.

The full team and reserves will be posted on the sport noticeboard and listed in the Cross Country section of the Locker Room on the Villanova College Website by lunchtime today.

There were many strong performances in the St Patrick’s warm-up event last week. First home in each age group were;

• 12 Years 3km – Max Carson (13.00)
• 13 Years 3km – Ben Hermiston (12.10)
• 14 Years 4km – Mitchell Rieck (14.56)
• 15 Years 4km – Jacob Dimmick (13.35)
• 16 Years 6km – Ollie Rae (24.26)
• Open 6km – Sam Stenson (23.32)

Congratulations to Sam Stenson who was named Captain of Villanova’s 2019 Cross Country team in recognition of his hard work and perseverance making him a great runner to lead the ‘Running Wildcats’. Luke Berridge will be a great support to Sam as captain of the Open age group. Well done, and good luck to both Sam and Luke

Captain – The Running Wildcats: Sam Stenson

Open Captain: Luke Berridge

Throughout the season coach David Barton has worked hard to get the members of the squad to try and run and train at a four minutes/km pace or better. The students who were able to meet this challenge at Curlew Park last week included:

• 12 and 13 Years 3km – Kyan Simpson and Ben Hermiston.
• 14 and 15 Years 4km – Mitchell Rieck, Charlie Corrigan, Jakob Beaverstock, James Reid, Luke Pascoe and Jacob Dimmick.
• 16 Years and Open 6km – Ollie Rae, Sam Stenson, Jake Merrett and Joshua Civitarese.

It is with great anticipation each member of the Cross Country Squad should look forward to the challenge the AIC Championships bring to see how great each runner can be.

C’mon the Running Wildcats!

AIC Cross Country Championships
The AIC Cross Country Championships will run next Monday May 13 at Curlew Park. Buses will depart the College at 9.00am for all runners. We envisage that all buses will return to the College by 3.30pm –3.45pm.  All runners will receive an information note today regarding the arrangements for the day of the AIC Championships.

Cross Country Uniform – It is imperative that all Villanova runners look like a team, therefore we expect all runners to wear the following uniform on the day of the championships and to all meets.

• Villanova white running shorts
• Villanova athletics singlet
• Villanova squad shirt
• Villanova sports cap (green)
• Villanova sports jacket (not compulsory)

Note – This uniform is the same as the AIC Track and Field uniform. All items are available from the Villanova College Uniform Shop.

AIC CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

VENUE: CURLEW PARK
Curlew Street, Sandgate

DATE: Monday May 13 2019

AIC RUGBY – Mr Blake McLauchlan, AIC Rugby Co-ordinator
Villanova had a great weekend of results against St Edmund’s College for Round 1. Overall, we had a total of 15 wins, one draw and three losses. The First XV managed to secure their first win for the season which is sure to give them an enormous amount of confidence as we look towards Round 2 against Padua College this weekend. After a rather shaky start to the second half and only leading by five points, the boys managed to compose themselves and raced away with the win, racking up an enormous 53 points.

The Junior School teams also dominated Round 1 with many wins against Ambrose Treacy College.  I would like to give a special mention to our 7C team for their win against Ashgrove on Saturday.  Taking on Ashgrove at Ashgrove is never an easy task, let alone for the first round of the season. Nevertheless, the mighty 7C team dug deep to secure the victory by 27 points.

This week we come up against Padua College for Round Two. This will be a home round for our older boys. We ask all players to stay around and support the other teams particularly the Firsts who kick off at 2.15pm. Just a reminder to all boys to please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled kick off time to allow for enough time to prepare and warm up for your game.

Best wishes to all teams!

Round 1 Rugby Results v SEC

AIC FOOTBALL – Mr Chris Everding, AIC Sport Co-ordinator
Villanova football teams kicked off the season very successfully with 18 wins, two draws and nine losses overall from Year 5 – Year 12. The Year 7 – Opens played St Edmund’s College and had 10 wins, a draw and three losses. Eight of those wins were aggregate games, which gave Villanova a great start to the season.

The First XI team conceded an early goal before going into halftime 2-1 up. They kicked away in the second half to record a very solid 5-2 victory. Peter Klaassen scored a double, while Will Kubler, Terry Solomon and Adrian Adebiyi also hit the back of the net with goals. The game will give the players a real confidence boost going into a tough clash with Padua College this Saturday.

The Year 5 and Year 6 teams began their season with matches against Ambrose Treacy College. The Year 6 teams played very good, controlled football and came away winning all their matches. Unfortunately, all the Year 5 teams came up against some determined ATC sides and were outplayed in four of the five matches played. These boys will learn from the experience and develop as a team moving forward.

With the season up and running all boys are reminded that if you are to be away for family reasons or injury, it is imperative that you contact your coach and let them know. If you are unable to get in contact with your coach, please come to the Sports Office and notify the staff. We will pass on the information to the coaches, so they can make the necessary changes and notify other players of team changes, well in advance of the following round. There are also changes being made to playing lists after last weekend and this will continue throughout the season. All boys need to be aware that their attendance, attitude and willingness to improve play a big part in the selection of teams. You could be asked at any stage of the season to move up or down depending on the needs of each team.  Please put in your best performance week to week and support and encourage all your team mates.

Round 1 Football Results v SEC

 VILLANOVA PARK CANTEEN SCHEDULE
This weekend we are looking for parents of the Year 9 – Year 12 football and rugby players to man the canteens at Villanova Park. Please find below a suggested schedule.

AIC CHESS – Mrs Mylan Warren, AIC Chess Co-ordinator
What a start to our 2019 chess season! Congratulations to the boys for a first-round win. On Friday we competed against St Edmund’s after a long and slow bus journey to Ipswich. The Open team had a quick victory to begin with, and hopefully this is a sign of continued success. The Senior B team had great wins, while the Senior A team had a loss.  Both Intermediate A and B teams had strong wins, congratulations to all the Year 9 players, who maintained their focus after jumping off their camp bus straight onto our chess bus.

This week we play Padua at home in the Tolle Lege Library. I have asked the boys to remain at the venue until their team is finished the rounds, but if students have other sporting games or commitments they can leave early, however boys need to ensure they let myself or Mr. O’Neill know if they do leave early.

As usual, training continues every Morning Tea, with coaching on Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday in T10.

A reminder to please let me know if a student is sick or unable to play, so that arrangements can be made ahead of time. Failure to attend without notice may result in removal from the team.

Teams will be placed on the website. Good luck to the boys tomorrow against Padua.

Round 1 Chess Results v SPC

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Well done to Mitchell Rieck who recently made the Met East Cross Country team and will compete at the State Championships in Toowoomba in July. Best wishes!

Over the Easter school holidays Harrison Vig, Jack Hewitt, Caden Clelland and Andrew Vick competed in Adelaide at the 2019 Hancock Prospecting Australian Nationals and Australian Age Nationals for Swimming.  It was a massive two weeks with Harrison Vig competing in a mammoth eight events.   Harrison finished his week with six PBs from the eight events making five open national finals, and even coming away with a Bronze medal (first open Australian medal) in the Men’s 50m backstroke final.

Week 2 and it was Caden, Jack and Andrew’s turn to swim at the Australian Age Nationals.

Caden competed in six individual events at his first nationals, with PBs in four out of the six individual events.

Jack swam in four individual events with PBs in all and a 12th place (seconds reserve) in the 100m free.

Andrew swam in four individual events with PBs in three of the swims and making his first national final for the 200IM and coming away 10th in a personal best time.

The 14 years boys – Caden and Jack competed in both the 4×50 medley relay and 4×50 free relays along with two Brisbane Jets team mates coming away with both personal best splits and dropping time as a team.  All these boys are still 14 and competed in the 14- and 15-years age group which makes the team look strong for next year.

On Sunday Andrew Vick received an invitation to join the Queensland team at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Melbourne in July 2019. This is the first time Andrew has made the Queensland team and is a wonderful opportunity.

We congratulate all four boys on their sensational results.

Pictured above – coach Guilly, Jack Hewitt, Andrew Vick and Caden Clelland

Pictured above – Harrison Vig

Congratulations go to James Livingstone who was recently selected in the No1 Qld 16-18 years Rugby Union Team. Hamish Muir, Lucas Boylan and George Stokes were named in the No 2 Qld 16-18yrs Rugby Union Team. These boys will now compete at the National Championships held in July. Well done and best wishes to all.

Pictured above – Hamish Muir, George Stokes, James Livingstone and Lucas Boylan

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY REPORT
by James Livingstone, First XV Rugby Captain

On April 5, members of the Ben Mowen and Andrew Slack Squads together with seven staff travelled across the Tasman embarking on a memorable trip to New Zealand for the 2019 Rugby Tour.

Touching down in Christchurch, a group of 49 Villanova boys boarded a bus beginning a journey through Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. We came up against big competition, and the physicality in every game was like nothing most of the boys have seen back home. The fixtures included St Bede’s College, Shirley Boys High School, Kings High School and Wakatipu High School. To compete against international opposition is an opportunity that for most, will only happen once in a lifetime. We were also given the opportunity to train at the Crusader’s High-Performance Centre, where Crusader coaches shared their secrets on how they are such a successful team.

When we weren’t taking on the Kiwis, we were amazed by their beautiful country and what it has to offer. Everyone’s adventurous side came out for the extreme high ropes course, a game of skirmish and an unforgettable ride on the Shotover jet. We also enjoyed experiencing the wildlife at the Otago Peninsula including viewing an albatross colony, penguins and seals via a six-wheeled off-road buggy. Our bodies were pushed each day by buffet after buffet which left the boys never hungry and very satisfied. But most of all we had fun forming new friendships and strengthening bonds within our team which places us in a great position and mindset to enter the regular AIC season.

On behalf of every player on the tour, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parents, staff and coaches who made our time away so successful.

JAPAN FOOTBALL REPORT
by Anthony Karamihas, First XI Football Captain

During the Term 1 holidays, a squad of 32 Villanovan men travelled to the adventurous land of Japan.  Over the course of an outstanding eight days, these men played a challenging five games and three training sessions, two with professional coaches from the top leagues.

It may have taken some time for the boys to adapt to the new notion of ‘being on time’ for trainings, but this never stopped them from being 100% there and ready to go. We kicked off the tour with a chilled training session on the first day (Saturday morning) with the Villanova coaches Tom Carnavas and Terry Kambouris, who did not want to strain us after a tiring nine-hour flight.

On Sunday, the boys from both the A and B teams played a staggering three games up against some of the best Tokyo could offer. Team A lost their first two games 6-1 and 2-0, but then won their last game 7-1 in a triumphant victory. Though team B lost all three of their games 4-1, 5-0 and 3-2, the effort shown was tremendous and the boys went to bed knowing they gave it their all.

On Tuesday a J-league coach took the boys for a training session, which left the boys speechless, something which stunned the Villanova staff and coaches! The quality of the training was next level. The boys took a lot out of this session and applied the skills and tips in the games to come. On Tuesday the boys took on another school team and Team A even taught the Japanese a few things about heart, passion and never giving up, scoring 2 goals in the last 5 mins to equalise the game! Team B wasn’t fazed by the other Japanese school team, dominating a 5-2 victory and displaying fantastic skill.

After a massive start to the tour the boys needed a break and took a day off from playing any football. However, Thursday came around and was arguably the biggest day yet. Starting off the day with a training session from an ex Japanese national player, the boys were truly honoured. He told stories from his experiences from playing in the world cup which were truly insightful.

In the afternoon the boys played yet another game. Team A played the supposed best team in Tokyo of their age, the Villanova boys showing them up in the first half of the game but unfortunately the Japanese team took the victory, winning the match 7-1. Then, Team B played another school team that was arguably the most entertaining game of the tour. With the score being 1-1 in the last 10 minutes, both teams were giving their all and attacking as best they could. Unfortunately, the Japanese school team came through in the end winning 2-1.

The Football Squad stayed at a place called Tokinosumika Hotel in Shizuoka on the outskirts of Tokyo, with an amazing view of Mount Fuji. This location was very convenient, only 15 minutes away from the fields where they played their games and 2 hours from Tokyo’s city centre. The boys stayed together in comfortable huts, 4 people to a cabin. Everyone was really pleased with the accommodation, which provided buffet meals every breakfast, lunch and dinner. The famous cherry blossoms were out in full force, only a short walk from the accommodation. They also had access to the Japanese bathhouse/spa’s, a very new and different experience for the boys. In addition to games and training, they also had the opportunity to engage in noodle-making, sit in Japanese school classes and watch a professional J-League football match.

The squad thoroughly enjoyed all these activities and were able to learn a lot about the Japanese culture. They also visited Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Skytree, both incredible tourist destinations and once in a lifetime opportunities. In just seven days, the boys from Villanova got to see the best of Tokyo and experience first-hand the Japanese culture. Between playing games, training, sightseeing, shopping and the occasional spa session, the boys all had a fantastic time on this school football tour to Japan and would highly recommend it to other boys in the future.

Culture was a major aspect of the trip.  Being able to experience Japanese culture; the way they act, communicate and food they eat was without doubt a life changing moment for all involved. The Japanese people were the most respectful, friendly and helpful people known to date. From their players to coaches to bus drivers to the everyday person, all the boys were treated with the utmost respect and friendliness no matter where they were.

Although at times communication was a major issue, with the amazing help of our two guides Tarro and Kanta, the boys were able to have conversations with locals while also learning a new language to flex back at home. Certainly, challenging and on most occasions speaking some very “dodgy” Japanese let’s say, the lads gave it their best efforts to get involved and at the very least gave all the people the respectfulness they deserved. From konnichiwa to arigatō, everyone loved the challenge of a new and amazing language.

The food was definitely something that all the boys were keen to try and were certainly not disappointed. One of the most memorable food experiences was the noodle making at an authentic, traditional Japanese noodle house. The boys were given a hands-on demonstration on creating these delicious noodles which everyone got to enjoy after a job well done. The boys also got to experience a variety of traditional Japanese food straight from the streets of Tokyo. Food that you could never experience anywhere else in the world.

On behalf of all players who attended this wonderful tour, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved.  We will all remember our time away for many years to come.

MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP AND QCMF MEETING
Due to the Labour Day holiday this week, our QCMF/Music Support Group meeting is scheduled for Monday 13 May.  We will meet in the Chapter Room of the Augustine Centre, commencing with our QCMF Organising Group Meeting at 7.30pm, followed by the monthly Music Support Group Meeting.

On behalf of both Executives, I warmly welcome you along to learn more of what is happening in Music at Villanova.

WIENEKE BURSARY COMPETITION
The Keith and Dawn Wieneke Bursary has been moved from our regular Term 3 spot to mid-way through Term 2.  This move was made to alleviate pressures on assessment periods for the Senior School and lighten the load around QCMF.

Information and entry forms have been distributed to Music staff at Villanova College; entries are also available from the Music Office.  Please note that entries close on Friday May 17 – this has been extended by four days.  If you are taking lessons externally, please collect this information from the Music Office.  I encourage you all to enter this competition as a means of focussing practice and receiving feedback over the coming eight-week period.  Look forward to hearing you all in the heats.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 2019
The Entertainment Book drive for 2019 in our Junior School has concluded with all Year 5 students required to return all Entertainment Books handed to them before the Easter holidays.  If your son is yet to return his, please ensure this comes back to the Music Office as a matter of urgency.

Please note – Entertainment Books are still available for purchase through the Music Office and Digital Memberships and Books can be purchased through the link below.

If you have purchased books through the drive, please collect your books from the Music Office.  If you require clarification around collection of your Entertainment Books, please contact Mrs Schrauf in the Music Office on 3394 5691.

Thank you all very much for your continued support of this initiative.  We look forward to being one of Entertainments biggest contributors again!

SYDNEY TOUR INFORMATION
A tour update has been distributed over the past fortnight.  If you have missed this information, please contact the Music Office for clarification.  We require your son’s T-shirt size form and rooming allocation form urgently.  If this has not been returned, please send it in by the end of this week.  If I don’t have the forms, I am going to have to ‘guess’ sizes and allocate rooms based on the information I currently have.

Please remember, we meet again next Tuesday afternoon from 3.15 – 4.45pm.  Looking forward to it!

DATE CLAIMERS – Term 2
As is tradition, we look forward to the fantastic events we have planned in the near future:

Thank you all for your continued support of Villanova Music.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

P&F MEETING WITH GUEST SPEAKER, MR SHAWN CREAMER (Monday 13 May)
All parents are warmly invited to the next P&F Association meeting on Monday 13 May commencing at 6.00pm in the Tolle Lege Library. Mr Shawn Creamer, Curriculum Area Leader – English Middle School, will be discussing with parents the writing program operating at the College to help boys improve their writing. He will present parents with strategies they can use at home to assist their sons with writing.  Presentation from 6.00pm – 6.30pm.

LAST DAYS TO ORDER SCHOOL PHOTOS
All orders MUST be in before next Thursday 16 May to avoid the late fee of $9 (all orders placed on 17 May onwards will incur this late fee). Please note that Silver Rose never place student images online to view before purchase due to security reasons. If you are not happy with the image provided, Silver Rose will refund upon return of the photos.

Please click here for ordering instructions.

WOOLWORTHS EARN AND LEARN
Start bringing in those sticker sheets. Help Villanova earn equipment by collecting Earn and Learn stickers. For every $10 spent, you will receive a sticker to add to your sheet. Completed sticker sheets can be dropped off at the Junior School Office or directly at Coorparoo, Camp Hill and Carindale Woolworths stores. Thank you for your support!

The promotion starts May 1 and ends June 25.

VILLANOVA SPORTS CLUB ANNUAL LUNCH – Friday 31 May (Early Bird Price Extended)
Tickets are now on sale via Trybooking.  The early bird price of $150 has been extended!

This year, we dedicate the lunch to the memory of Mr Nick Simpson, an avid supporter of sport at Villanova College. What a fantastic afternoon it promises to be at our new venue – The Greek Club. Check out the line-up of speakers:

• MC – former Wallaby and current Triple M Breakfast host and Fox Sports Presenter, Greg ‘Marto’ Martin
• Laughs – former Australian Cricketer and famous raconteur, Greg ‘Fat Cat’ Ritchie
• Special guest panellists who will talk all things Origin and Rugby League – current Melbourne Storm premiership-winning coach and former NSW Blues coach – Craig Bellamy and former Broncos, Queensland Origin and Kangaroos legend, and current Channel Nine presenter – Darren Lockyer

All details are attached on the invite. Do not miss out!

TUCKSHOP
It is necessary for all students to have their student card with them when making purchases at the Tuckshop. Boys who have lost their cards are to have them replaced.  Replacement cards are available from the Tolle Lege Library (before school or at first or second break) at a cost of $5.00.

To view our current tuckshop menu: Tuckshop Menu Price List – 2019

Roster

Monday 13 May
Kym Edser
Liz Burge
Donna Skelton
Natalie Blackshaw
Michelle Dixon
Michelle Blum
Megan O’Neil
Christine Poole
Dave Learoyd

Tuesday 14 May
Christina Ross
Ita Dumont
Maria Kambouris
Lisa Waugh
Miranda Dang
Sharon McCulloch
Jo Buchhorn
Melissa Moir
Luisa Snell
Genevieve Keskinidis

Wednesday 15 May
Tracey O’Reilly
Karen Meimaris
Karen O’Mara
Narina Jenkinson
Alison Wilde
Sam Wellspring
Sam Thompson
Rum Raddatz

Thursday 16 May
Julie Paterson
Jane O’Brien
Jayne Smith
Kellie Killips
Catherine Bishop
Nicky Micheletti
Sue Godwin
Julia Fleming
Lucy Sheridan
Samantha Rigden

Friday 17 May
Maria O’Leary Chay
Effie Prineas
Kelly Kendall
Melissa Lorimer
Marina Pennisi
Melissa Clark
Loreena Clark
Maria Spina
Judith Collier
Emma Capaldi
Paula Conte

LIBRARY ROSTER

Monday 13 May
Cec McGuckin

Tuesday 14 May
Susanna Greaves
Cristina Palacios

Thursday 16 May
Sue Mulligan
Maryanne Bingham

Friday 17 May
Gina Avolio

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY TRAVEL REBATE – Semester 1
Does your child have a verified disability that requires transport assistance to and from school?

Has your school’s learning support teacher assessed your child’s travel capability rating as ‘semi-independent’ or more dependent?
Visit our website to see if you qualify for financial assistance to help with the cost of transport and apply here  during May.

Late applications cannot be accepted after 31st May.

The proposed Iona Agricultural College, Mt Ommaney – also known as Mount Hominy

Over several months from April 1948, Fr Ben O’Donnell acting on behalf of the Vicar Provincial,  negotiated the purchase of a 203 acre dairy farm and two adjoining properties totalling 466 acres.  The land was situated at Mount Hominy, Darra past Seventeen Mile Rocks on the Brisbane river.

This meant that the Order owned the land at the summit and all of the southern and western slopes of Mt Ommaney as well as adjacent farmland extending into present day Middle Park and Westlake.

The large dairy farm on the river was purchased from Alan Marr and included two habitable residences, dairy stock and machinery.

The intention behind the purchase was to meet the request of Archbishop Duhig to build a Monastery and a boarding school, preferably an agricultural college, which he wished to call Iona College.  While plans were being developed the farm was let to a share farmer in 1950.  Fr James Larkin was the overseer at that time and engaged in fundraising for the new venture.  He was also involved in negotiating with the Brisbane City Council for the supply of domestic water to the proposed college. In June 1951 the BCC informed the Order that it would be necessary to build a new dam before the water supply would reach the area and thus it would be many years away.  The Order had opened Villanova College at Whinstanes in 1947 and there was little enthusiasm for a boarding school.

In 1952 plans and specifications were prepared for a Novitiate to be built on the site, with domestic water supplied from 2000 gallon rain water tanks.  Fr Meagher was appointed to supervise the property and he moved into one of the houses sited there.  Fundraising for this venture had competition from the Mater Hospital and Villanova College, and the decision was made to sell the property.  A concerted effort to find a purchaser was made over a few months in 1955 but no satisfactory offer was received.

The land was finally sold to Booker Real Estate in September 1959 for £42,000, with a proviso that when it was developed a portion large enough for a church and school would be returned to the Order.  The area was developed as Centenary Estate and named Jindalee.  At the completion of the development, seven acres were returned to the Augustinian Order by Centenary Estate in October 1969, and the Order donated this land to the Archdiocese of Brisbane in 1972.

The £42,000 from the sale of the land in 1959 was divided between Villanova College, Coorparoo and St Augustine’s College, Brookvale to fund extensions at the two Colleges.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
2 to 4 August 2019 : Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend – relationship enrichment for married couples at Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Ormiston (on Brisbane’s bayside)

For bookings/details contact: Maria and David Murphy

Phone (07) 33421456, dandmmurphy@optusnet.com.au
Information website:  www.wwme.org.au
Watch our video – https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nCf1X91YzMjJuVM-ouVILrvltjRnVt7x

A+ ORALS SPEAKING COURSE
This external course for students will be held on Monday 20 May from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. Further details available here.