Villanova College
Villa View: Issue 14
Villa View: Issue 14
Dear Members of the Villanova College Family
Last week a number of special occasions were held, reflecting the importance of creating a strong and vibrant community. On Thursday night, the Year 6 Mother and Son Evening was held in Goold Hall. A most enjoyable evening was experienced by all and the young men of Year 6 appreciated having their mothers present and attentive during the evening. The hall was transformed by Mrs Maria Mascadri and her band of helpers and the tables were decorated beautifully. The highlight of the evening was Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School sharing his own story of the love he has for his mother.
Following the Year 6 event, College staff of the College and Senior Class of 2018 attended the Staff and Senior Banquet. The unique event saw staff sitting together with senior students to share a meal and enjoy great conversations. I was most impressed with the hospitality of the students and the warmth of their interactions with staff. Once again Mr Tony Rolls and the band of Year 12 parents did an excellent job catering the event.
The final event of the week was the opening and blessing of the Memorial Garden at Villanova Park on Saturday morning. Staff and students who have died while working or attending the College over the past seventy years were remembered with a memorial stone and planted tree. Many past families, Old Boys and members of our community were present to pay their respects. Fr Peter Wieneke OSA, College Chaplain blessed each memorial stone and lead the prayers of remembrance.
Mother’s Day
I wish all our Mothers a most enjoyable day on Sunday as we recognise the wonderful gift of Motherhood. I hope families take the opportunity to say thank you and to hug their mums.
Prayers
Please keep in your prayers the Templeton family following the recent death of Mr Bradley McDowall, husband of Vicki Templeton and father of Jake Templeton (2013), Adam Templeton (2015) and Lachlan Templeton (2017).
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen
You have made us for Yourself O Lord
And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.
God bless
Mr Mark Stower, College Principal
External testing brings about many opinions, by professional educators, parents and students. Typically, it encourages a debate where the “whole person” is on one side, and “data” sits on the other. In the Junior School, we are finding that there is great merit in explicit planning, strategizing and practicing past papers for the NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) that will take place between Tuesday May 15 and Thursday May 17. We believe in giving our students the opportunity to get their best results in Mathematics and Literacy tests.
NAPLAN occurs each year in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. There is a natural tendency to wonder as a parent “what the point is”? What I have learned about NAPLAN as an educator and parent is that there is a way to balance the perspective of how the results can be of use. As an educator, I can be very mindful of how the learner approaches the tasks – resilience, adherence to instructions, completion within time limits and then see if they can work at expected outcomes for the year level against national standards. Yes, it is a stand-alone piece of assessment, but every student is given the same situation, so the comparison has real indicators.
During NAPLAN, the Year 5 staff will be sure to omit homework, creating learning activities that are hands-on and inspiring. There will be the highest support for absolutely “doing our best”. The actual results we will receive in September – there is no impact on report cards – nor will these achievements be likely to surprise class teachers who will already know where each student is achieving at this point.
What we can do, is consider the Year 3 results with Year 5 results. Is there growth? Are there areas where key concepts might need support? Mathematics and Literacy are essential for life-long learning and deserve our attention. As a parent, I can be realistic about giving my sons (currently in Year 7 and 9) encouragement to manage this week with the appropriate mix of serenity, sanity and joy. Ultimately, exercise, sleep and favourite dinners – even a couple of treats in the lunch box – will see them through. Humour will help greatly. Our expectations will be to remember to read instructions carefully, concentrate and answer every question, even if unsure. Let the reminders about time left be sure to guide the pace. Know that once the paper is handed in, the world keeps spinning. With Year 12s undergoing a change for University Entry scoring from 2019, it is inevitable that our young Villanovans will need to develop capacities, over time, to manage and perform in external exams.
Last Saturday I had the absolute privilege of being at Villanova Park for the AIC rugby and football games. From early morning to late afternoon, the green and gold jerseys scored tries, conversions and goals over numerous fields and across all age levels. Our College spirit was present in competitors, Old Boys visiting and supporters. The Canteen rotated volunteers from dusk until dawn so that the infamous bacon and egg wraps fed the champions and comforted those who will be victorious another day. It was the tunnels for teams entering the fields as well as the war cries that shook us to the core. It means everything when voices cheer and hands clap loudly to show the lads from Year 5 right through to the Firsts that we are united by tradition and competition. I was impressed to see so many Junior School families stay to watch the games well into Saturday afternoon. Thank you for following the instructions to wear the College Academic Uniform (grey shirt and tie) to all senior games.
Over the next few weeks the Junior School boys will be hearing the promotion of the College Mission Day, which is to be held on Friday May 25. Mission Day is a major fundraising event for the families and students Villanova College support in the Philippines. The boys will have the opportunity to participate in social justice activities as well as purchase tickets to buy all kinds of food and drink, as well as play games. Tickets are sold in $1, $2 and $5 bundles with $10 to $15 being more than suitable for our young boys to participate whole-heartedly in the Middle and Senior School stalls and activities. Mrs Rouhliadeff will coordinate the pre-purchasing of tickets for each class so that the boys are ready for the big day. Parent volunteers will be sought in due course for BBQs, serving and stall coordination. It is a wonderful day to be mindful of helping those less fortunate than ourselves. A time for awareness beyond our shores and how a community can make changes that truly matter.
Mr Stephen Rouliadeff, Head of Junior School
Yr 6 Mother & Son Evening – Photos available to download
We are pleased to advise that Studio Kirby took some wonderful professional photos on the night and these event photos are now available to view and download.
Website Link: www.studiokirby.com.au
– click Events & Extra-Curricular Photos
– select Villanova icon
– select Mother Son Evening event
– password villa18 (lowercase)
(direct link – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/vncmse2018)
Hi-res downloads available by selecting the photo
– click Buy Photo
– Digital Media
– select Free Hi-res $0 option
(will prompt for an email address – all files sent to supplied email address)
Any print options will be sent to the home address approx 2 weeks from order date.
Photos will be available online for minimum 12 months.
Thank-you to the parents who have also sent in these adorable photos from the evening:
Last week our Year Nine students travelled to Pindari Dam, NSW, for their annual camp. Ask any Old Boy from the last ten years or any current student in the Senior School which camp they enjoyed the most and Year Nine will almost certainly be the answer.
It’s odd when you consider that this experience is designed to take the boys out of their ‘comfort zone’. It requires them to cook and clean for themselves. They must heat their own water to take a shower. Environmental Long Drop toilets are all they get to use, and at the end of a hard day, it is not a comfortable bed that awaits, but a utilitarian swag.
The activities are both fun and challenging. There is the dusty and physically demanding buggy course. There is the at times cantankerous pull start of the outboards on the boats. The ‘Buttress’ climb is challenging to everyone, but to those with a fear of heights, it is a chance to show themselves how courageous they really are. They had to navigate the bush using only a GPS into which they had entered the data. On top of that there were bush survival skills to learn and, more importantly because it concerns food, how to cook a range of things without burning the meal, the pot, or their mouths. The greatest challenge however was learning to get on with their mates; especially when tired and/or hungry.
Building resilience and grit and managing stress and anxiety are two of our social emotional priorities. Put into an environment where risk-taking (albeit in a controlled, supervised and safe way) becomes the norm, it is amazing just how well the average student not only copes but thrives! Over the three nights and four days, the boys were incredible. Regularly demonstrating leadership qualities including communication, empathy, delegation, motivation, responsibility and selflessness, the boys not only supported each other but the staff as well.
Special thanks to Mr Peter Simpson for his planning and coordination, and to Mrs Vicki Lamb and Mr Matt McGrath for their support. I also extend a heart-felt thanks to Mr Shawn Creamer, Ms Theresa Henry, Ms Danielle Sim, Mr Jack O’Hare, Mr Sean O’Neill, Mr Alex Sullivan, Mr Adrian Hellwig, Ms Georgia Mills-Geer, Ms Julie Colbert, Mrs Nichole Rouhliadeff and Old Boy Ben Stuart for their attendance on the camp. Without the support of our staff, such experiences are not possible for our young men, and I truly appreciate the sacrifices they made to attend.
Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School
Term 2 Tutoring Opportunities
Collaborative and Reflective Practice
Each year a staggering amount of research is published in the field of education; research that on an everyday basis we as busy teachers rarely have time to sift through.
From lesson design to effective use of technology in the classroom, educators are expected to simply keep up-to-date. Yet, with these rapid changes, it can be a bit tricky balancing everyday demands and professional growth. Just like the learners we teach, teachers need a time and space to come together and learn as well.
Villanova’s Collaborative and Reflective Practice Program for teachers, or CRP for short, does just that. It provides a much needed space for teachers to not only stop and talk about current research and educational trends, but also reflect and grow in practice as well.
AITSL chair and Laureate Professor John Hattie of The University of Melbourne University acknowledges that “the biggest effects on student learning occur when teachers became learners of their own teaching”.
Taking this philosophy on board, Villanova College CRP teachers set aside time in their busy schedules to unpack, share and discuss important points about effective teaching and learning. Teachers have set classrooms up with a variety of video technologies to record how best our students learn and, with the help of current research, reflected on our practice to gain a better understanding of the impact we are making. CRP teachers have also grown interest in the student perspective and have often used student surveys or interview to provide further insights.
CRP teachers have celebrated their teaching journeys and come together to share these across pod teams for even further value. Special end-of-year showcase evenings have not only enabled teachers to gain motivation in their development, but built better connections across teams for further collaboration.
Like any profession, continual development in our art as practitioners is necessary and through the Collaborative and Reflective Program we don’t have to do it alone.
It is my honour and privilege to facilitate this program and share its insights with you.
| Current Pod Teams |
| Year 5 Teachers Pod |
| Year 6 Teachers Pod |
| Year 7 Teachers Pod |
| Year 8 Humanities Teachers Pod |
| Year 8 Maths/Science Teachers Pod |
| Performing Arts Teachers Pod |
| Effective Feedback Action Research Pod |
Stay tuned to hear more about CRP in future Villa View’s.
Kristina Whitehead, Program Leader – Collaborative and Reflective Practices
Young Leader’s Breakfast
Recently Liam Hampson, Ronan Hughes and Riley Pownall, the 2018 President, Vice President and Treasurer of the Student Council attended a Young Leader’s Breakfast hosted by Terri Butler, the Federal member for Griffith at the Queensland Cricketer’s Club.
Our students joined other student leaders from schools in Griffith to hear Professor Sharyn Rundle-Thiele, Director of Social Marketing at Griffith University, speak about her work in using marketing and advertising strategies to achieve social change.
Breeanna Brock, Women’s CEO with the Brisbane Lions AFC was inspiring as she spoke to the students about developing traits that require “zero talent” such as being on time, putting in extra effort, developing a work ethic and having a great attitude, in order to stand out and advance in the workplace.
Web.Comp 2018
More than 6,000 students from around the world participated in Grok Learning’s Web.Comp 2018, a global competition for school students, which teaches them to code as they compete.
Students competed over five weeks from February 26th – April 1st, using HTML and CSS to design websites of increasing sophistication and complexity.
Computer science skills are critical, whether wanting to cure cancer, solving global warming or unlocking the secrets of the universe. It is pleasing to see so many students making a positive start and it is hoped that their successes may encourage other people to also take up coding.
Competition results have now been released and we congratulate Jakob Ternel, Year 11, on achieving a perfect score of 240 in the Senior Division of this competition. Well done Jakob.
Kathryn Duncan, Middle and Senior School Technologies Curriculum Area Leader
Blessing of Memorial at Villanova Park
Amid the bustle and drama of the football on Saturday, a large and reflective group gathered to honour the memory of 19 staff and students who have passed away during their time at Villanova College. To see so many old boys and family members, from different generations, was humbling. It brought powerfully into view what often remains unseen, namely that there is a kind of homing signal that calls us back to the College. At important moments in our history, moments of remembering, there is a desire to physically meet and pay tribute to those who took their turn in establishing the true spirit of the college.
It was appropriate that Year 5 students were enjoying their rugby at precisely the time when the 19 memorial stones were being blessed. I sense that the former staff and students would have wanted it this way: their legacy creates a joy and opportunity for the current generation, and for boys yet to wear the green and gold. Of course, when you think of Ray Thomas, Charlie Fisher and Paul Finnimore, you cannot help but feel that they would be happy to be remembered exactly while these 10 and 11 year old lads were enjoying being with their mates in team sport. At the same time, the commitment shown by so many students, to attend the service and lead the anthem shows their mettle. Our boys humbly chose to arrive early to honour a tradition that is bigger than themselves.
Mr Adrian Hellwig, College Counsellor, deserves considerable praise for having the vision and tenacity to ensure that this memorial became a reality. On the day itself, the hospitality modelled by Mrs Robyn Gunning (catering) and Mr Clyde Wooderson (groundsman) quietly showed what Villanova stands for. Equally impressive was the fact that – long after the guests had gone – it was Ministry Captain Tom Balshaw and Student Council President, Liam Hampson who were doing the washing up!
Special Symposium on Villanova College in its 70th year as a Catholic School
Some spirit has got into the waters at Villanova College. Visitors often remark upon it as it makes itself felt in warm hospitality, and in the character and courtesy of the students. An occasion where these qualities where very much on show was the Staff-Senior Banquet on Friday last. It felt like a privilege – as a staff member – to part of such a warm and humble community. It was clear that the Villanova young man is a balanced man of character ready to make a difference in the world. But what puts this spirit into Villanova? Where did it come from?
In our 70th year, it is very clear that the faith of the five young Irish men who founded the College has played a significant part. On the evening of Thursday 17 May, we are hosting a symposium (discussion and presentation with refreshments) on the place of Christianity at Villanova College today and tomorrow. The aim is for a small group of staff, old boys, young old boys and interested community members to reflect upon what it will mean for Villanova College to keep its Christian identity over the next 70 years. Why is this important, for example in the context of the Royal Commission and an increasingly secular society?
A Villanova parent, Paul Asnicar, has kindly agreed to prepare and lead this discussion. So far, we have about six parents, staff and community members signed up. You are most welcome to come along and be part of this important conversation. It will be held in the Tolle Lege Library, from 5pm to 6.30 pm. Drinks and light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to me: jholroyd@vnc.qld.edu.au.
Ministry
It is important that what we call “ministry” (servant leadership and active support of the vulnerable within our community) is very much embedded in the weekly routine of the College. Looking back over Week 3, we saw a number of Ministry events and meetings. The Middle School boys continue to run the chocolate shop for AFAS, as well as the Mothers’ Day stall (for both AFAS and women’s breast cancer research). The latter will continue to sell attractive and affordable Mothers’ Day gifts at every morning tea this week until sold out.
The older students have prioritised three events for special preparation and planning: Mission Day (25 May), the Sleep-Out (10 August) and the joint talent quest with Loreto College (date to be announced). A working bee occurred on Wednesday afternoon to lay the foundation for an AFAS Garden – a special space to commemorate the 25-year relationship of friendship and solidarity with several sister schools in the Philippines. On Friday lunchtime, the same students met again to listen to a guest from St Vincent de Paul, Anthony Forshaw, outline the opportunities that exist for community outreach beyond school.
I recently paid a wonderful visit to Ms Moss’ 5 White class to provide $30 of hot chips to the students, after their stellar efforts in fund-raising for Project Compassion. I have to say that the manners and the gratitude from the boys were outstanding. I also would like to plug the great generosity of the proprietor at Robyn’s Charcoal Chicken (Stones Corner). Whenever he hears that I am rewarding a Villanova class, he fills up so many shopping bags of hot chips that it is a project getting them back to the car.
Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission & Identity
Villanova Old Boys go Labouring and Pay for the Privilege
Are they wise? They could be saving to pay their HECS fees or saving for a car!
In December 2018, Villanova College Old Boys, Tom Merrin (’11), Liam Edgerton (’15), Tim Kelly (’15), Campbell Muir (’15) Matt Davies (’17), Angus Tracey (‘17) and Mark Stuart (’18) will pay their own way to Cebu in the Philippines. They will pay for their first night’s accommodation and the next day will buy their tickets for a four-hour drive to the north of Cebu Island, where they will then take the punt for a one-hour trip to Kinatarcan Island.
On Kinatarcan Island, they will spend the next eight days as labourers under the direction of Filipino builders.
As Kinatarcan is a small island, there are no rivers or streams. Access to drinking water is an issue for the islanders, so these Villa men will be using the surf to wash off at the end of the day.
Electricity on Kinatarcan is available from (approx.) 5.00. to 10.00. pm, so the seven past students will not be taking their university texts books with them! This is probably just as well as you need your sleep to be a labourer in the heat of the Philippines.
Our past students will be participating in the second AFAS Elders (old boys, staff and parent) development project – construction of a building to house mat weaving machines.
Keep an eye on future Villa View’s for ways to assist with raising the $8000 required to fund this project.
Mr Tony Hindmarsh, AFAS Elders Coordinator
70 Years of Catholic Education at Villanova: Special Symposium. Thursday May 17th College Library, 5 pm to 6.30 pm. Refreshments provided
Villanova parent, Paul Asnicar will lead reflection on the continued importance of the Gospel in Catholic education and at Villanova College today. The evening will begin with a presentation by Paul under the title:
“Seriously Dangerous Religion: Jesus’s impact on the ancient world, why it matters today, and what does it mean for Villa?”.
The talk will look at who Jesus thought he was, what he was up to (his mission), and how this relates to Catholic schools today.
Discussion afterwards will look at Questions like: What is the idea of a Catholic school today and tomorrow – if you were starting out fresh, what would the Catholic school look like? What do Catholic schools have to offer as we implement the findings of the Royal Commission?
5 pm gather in the Library with drinks and nibbles
5.30 to 6 pm, presentation with video resources,
6 to 6.30 pm. Discussion and asking where to next?
Who is it for: Villa parents past and present, old boys and young old boys, staff, colleagues from other schools, local parishioners.
RSVP: John Holroyd, Dean of Identity and Mission; jholroyd@vnc.qld.edu.au
Thanks – all efforts appreciated
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students and staff involved in the activities around the commencement of Term 2. I believe that we have had a great start to 2018 and have made some good headway in the changes that have occurred. We have a strong program that is going to grow in number, musicality, and fellowship over the coming few years – it will be an exciting time to be involved in Music at Villanova.
At this time of the year, assessment and the winter blues begin to have an impact on enthusiasm and motivation generally. We understand the challenges of rising to the alarm clock at (or before) sunrise, and the wonders of the cold shock as you rise this time of year. However, I encourage you all to maintain the enthusiasm we have brought thus far if not for yourselves, then for your mates in your ensembles.
Our goal is to ensure you all have an opportunity to experience music; experience music so that you may be able to develop your ability to express any emotion constructively and effectively. Experience music so that you may understand beauty and recognise it in any form. Experience music so that you may develop empathy with your common man. Your ensemble mates, and your teachers, need you working with them so that we may achieve this effectively.
I look forward to seeing you all around about the building as we busily prepare for our QCMF appearances in 11 (school) weeks-time!
Brigham Young University Wind Symphony
Next Friday, 18 May, we will be hosting the Brigham Young University Wind Symphony at Villanova College. This ensemble is one of the best College or University level bands in the United States of America, and they are concluding their Australian tour with a workshop and performance at our School. This is a great opportunity; akin to having the Villanova University Basketball team visit to give a display and play our First V in Goold Hall.
I would encourage all of our musicians to make the most of this opportunity by coming along to the concert with their family. Tickets are selling quickly within our community; they are being made available to the wider public today and will be more broadly promoted. The reputation of this ensemble is such that they will not last long.
Tickets are available from the following link and are very reasonable for an evening’s entertainment – $10 Adult, $5 Concession/ Child. Please follow the link below to access the Trybooking page for this event.
https://www.trybooking.com/VQMJ
To pique your interest, please take a look at the video links below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L57KvnAwc5U&list=RDEMqKFLLM-htx_1-9ZS-6BaCg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzCGiNRtwME
JS Chamber Evening – Senior School Terraces – Tuesday 22 May
Our Year 6 students will be participating in the JS Chamber Ensemble evening on Tuesday 22 May outdoors, overlooking the city lights of Brisbane. To go with this awesome backdrop, will be some fantastic music provided by our talented Year 6 Instrumental Music cohort of 95 musicians, along with some Year 5 friends and our Senior Music Leaders. This performance is a trial run of the assessment program for our new Instrumental Music Curriculum – we look forward to sharing this with our broader community.
Students are to arrive at 6pm, meeting outside the tuckshop in the Veritas undercroft. The event will commence at 6:30pm. Should the weather require an adjustment to venue, this will be advertised through email and Skoolbag App. Bring your picnic blankets and chairs and a small hamper. The Music Support Group will be providing refreshments over the evening and some small snacks.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Aldo Rodriguez Delgado – Workshop and Concert
Our Guitar ensembles and String Sinfonia will be performing with Cuban Guitar Legend, Aldo Rodriguez Delgado on Thursday 24 May in the Hanrahan Theatre. The concert commences at 7pm and will also feature students from Loreto College and Anglican Church Grammar School. Tickets are currently on sale and available through the link below. I strongly encourage you coming along to witness this fine musician in person – it will be a fantastic opportunity.
https://www.trybooking.com/VPNQ
Again, please acquaint yourself with Aldo’s music via the following film clips:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwQOX2rY0ZE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCiKmFg9aZE
Further information has been distributed to families regarding workshops and preparation for the Concert. If you have not received this and your son is involved, please contact the Music Office urgently – 3394 5691.
Entertainment Books
All Year 5 students are asked to return any unsold Entertainment Books to the Music Office in the book’s original envelope. This envelope allows us to identify whose book has been returned and therefore avoid confusion when completing our stocktake.
If you have purchased books, these are available for collection from the Music Office. Books and digital memberships are still available for purchase either online or through the Music Office. Please contact Alison on 3394 5691 or email music@vnc.qld.edu.au for further information.
Date Claimers
As per tradition, we cast our eyes over the coming term. Please note the following in your diaries:
| Term 2 | ||
| Week | Date | Activity |
| 5 | Friday 18 May | Brigham Young University Wind Symphony (U.S. College) visiting Villanova – Concert with Symphonic Band |
| 6 | Tuesday 22 May | Junior School Chamber Evening – SS Terraces |
| 6 | Tuesday 22 May | Aldo Rodriguez Delgado – Guitar Workshop |
| 6 | Thursday 24 May | Aldo Rodriguez Delgado – International Guitar Concert |
| 7 | 1 – 2 June | Tony MacPherson – Augustine: The Way Concert |
| 8 | Monday 4 June | Music Support Group/ QCMF Meeting – 7:30pm |
| 8 | Tuesday 5 June | Grandparent’s Morning Tea (Year 5 Ensembles) |
Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music
The Brisbane Theatre-Concert of the YEAR – ‘The Way’ – Don’t miss this very special 70th Anniversary Event
TWO NIGHTS ONLY – Friday 1 June 2018 and Saturday 2 June 2018 at 7.00pm
Hanrahan Theatre, Villanova College, 24 Sixth Avenue, Coorparoo
The Way is a story of LOVE, LOSS and LIBERATION in captivating song performances.
Performed by SIMON HYLAND (Hot Shoe Shuffle, The Boy from Oz, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Hair the Musical, the movie South Pacific) and SAMANTHA SHAW (London West End Singer and Actor Les Miserables, Oliver!, The Beggar’s Opera, Little Shop of Horrors, The Wizard of Oz) and CAROLINE MULVENNA classical vocalist and musician.
This true Augustine story will take you on an all-consuming journey of rapturous musical performance. A concert of class and broad appeal!
VIP Experience: $85.00 per ticket including welcome drinks and canapés – serving premier Cooley Wines, an interactive session with composer Tony MacPherson, autographed CD, premium seating and personal meet and greet with the performers after the show.
Standard Entry: $25.00 per ticket includes run of house seating.
1300 001 822 – 24/7
Villanova Sports Lunch – Friday 25 May
Tickets on sale now: www.trybooking.com/UNXM
Villanova 70th Anniversary Ball
Tickets on sale now: www.trybooking.com/UEDH
Yr 11 Parent Function – Semi Formal Night
Rugby at Villanova
With small student numbers at Whinstanes, the Open Villanova Rugby team was composed of boys from all levels – in fact it was often the only team! The College participated in the second tier of MSSA (Metropolitan Secondary Schools Association) which included St Patrick’s and St Columban’s. With such small numbers Villanova often experienced drubbings from even moderately-sized neighbouring schools. Teams at that time were graded by weight rather than age.
In 1951 a very successful Villanova Under 6 Stone side played an Ashgrove team as the curtain raiser to a Fiji vs Australia test at the Exhibition Grounds. Harry Roberts (1954), the first Villanova Old Boy to play in a Wallaby side, was a member of the Villanova team at the time. He later moved to St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace and is now claimed as their Old Boy!
During this period the traditional tour to Downlands to play Rugby also began, and tales of the trips to Toowoomba are part of many Villanovans’ memories.
The photo above is of the very successful 1962 Third XV premiers of their grade.
Address
24 Sixth Avenue, Coorparoo, Brisbane, QLD 4151 Australia
Villanova College is an independent Catholic School for boys under the care of the Augustinian Order. Striving for excellence in boys’ education as an Augustinian community one in mind and heart on the way towards God.
