Villa View: Issue 14/22

Student Leadership Team 2023
It is my great pleasure this week to announce the student leadership team of Villanova College for 2023:

The process of leadership for students is a carefully considered process of election and selection that looks to support our College and Augustinian identity.

Boys are called to nominate for leadership, and during that process take time for personal consideration, reflection and discernment. They are asked to complete an application which encourages them to have a conversation with others about leadership; parents, peers, and staff, considering what it may mean for them and how they may look to lead and influence their cohort and the College.  There is a question for them to consider about legacy, about action and about Augustinian service. In addition, the students in the cohort are asked to vote and put forward the friends and student colleagues who they believe are in the best place to serve and represent them and our College.

As a school we very much put our trust in the students and their voice as to who they believe is best to represent and lead the College.

The process this year has been a wonderful experience and all boys who put themselves forward for consideration are outstanding young men.  It is my genuine feeling that the cohort of 2023 will lead us very well across all facets of College life.

I congratulate these young men and look forward to working with them in 2023.

Staff Appointments Middle Leadership
I congratulate the following College staff on their appointment to Middle Leadership of the College in 2023. The first half of appointments were announced last week, and this is the second portion of our process.

We have at Villanova College an exceptionally talented group of staff and it was both a challenging and rewarding process of interview and appointment. There are some changes to our Middle Leadership team in 2023 which will provide new ideas and new directions and a revitalising of process and practices.

In the Pastoral space we will transition across the 2023 year into a vertical House Pastoral structure and grow the College from four to eight Pastoral Houses.
As a parent community there will be further information and consultation on this process across Term 4 and during the 2023 academic year.

Mr Paul Begg, Principal

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

R U OK Day is today, Thursday September 8.  What a simple question to ask, “Are you ok?” or “How are you?” – we hear it all the time right?  Consider our responses that we fire off, without even blinking.  “Fine,” “great,” “well thanks” – are these your top three?

This week, we are putting time and energy into our Pastoral times each day, and our Circle Times, to really check in with our mental health.  Using A conversation could change a life | R U OK? as a platform, we are making conversations our priority in Year 5 and Year 6.

Speaking tends to be mostly an easy skill for our young men.  Conversations roll off the tongue at every given opportunity, and truth be told, some students think that our masks mean that conversations never have to stop!  Our achievements, thoughts, reactions, and observations are common themes.  Boys generally tend to look for laughs that lighten the mood and add excitement to all that is happening. Taking turns when speaking can be a challenge – who doesn’t love to speak at the same time at the very moment that ideas pop into our minds?

Listening can be a skill that takes time to master.  It’s an active process – requiring concentration, presence, and self-control.  More difficult than you think, listening takes a great deal of energy – but it’s liquid gold for the recipient, especially someone who’s in need of our help.  It’s when we are most busy, tired or under numerous deadlines that listening can feel a little intrusive however we must put relationships first.  People matter.  So how do we prioritise?  In what ways can we check in, genuinely, and make sure that people are travelling well?

Asking is our first step.  The last thing we need to do is have the same question repeated to us – we need to feel that the inquiry from family, friends, or school.  There is a time and place for conversations that could involve personal struggles or revealing situations.  Be mindful of this if you are willing to approach someone.  Consider your first point of contact – be reassuring and make your question all about caring for someone.  Try some of these:

Listening will mean a possible delay in your trip to the tuckshop, getting your books packed or time away from your game during lunch.  Are you ready for this?  You are by no means required to “solve” anything – but guaranteed you need to commit a few minutes to be the helping hand.

Your creativity will then be put into place – actions and ideas for the individual.  Be positive and practical.  There is no value in “well, you should have studied over the weekend” for someone who is worried about an exam scheduled for that day.  What is helpful?  “Well, here are five things that I know that might help you – let’s practice those.”  Something is always better than nothing.

Lastly, a follow up is very worthwhile.  Perhaps after the exam, check in with your mate.  Reassure that the event has passed, and there is always something to look forward to.  Feelings of remorse and regret are valid, however channelling these into actions of change – planning, organisation, and revision with a mate – provide hope.

We have a whole world happening around us. We have families managing all kinds of situations with changes in economy, work locations and job requirements.  Families are making plans for holidays, sporting events and catching up with relatives – and we keep changing these plans depending on circumstances out of our control.  There is still all the day to day events that are particularly important to our young men – friends, schoolwork and belonging.  It’s quite all right, understandable, and “normal” to have days where we feel overwhelmed.  Let’s be sure to make that very clear this week, in our classrooms and homes.

I hope that you are okay.  I want you to know that if you are not, then we are here and ready to help, in person, via email, over the phone.  Together, we can find the path through.  You are so important to us.

­­­Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

During this week’s Assembly we will focus on Relationships. Due to their success in presenting last time, this will once again be a student led production. The students have decided that they want to highlight how we can continue to find, nurture and repair relationships in our lives. This is obviously something the students themselves see of significance. We have over 20 students who have volunteered to accept the microphone to articulate what respectful, healthy and fun relationships look like. We also have a number of students who have been selected by staff specifically for the fact that they embody and model this style of relationship constantly showing respect to, and engaging with, other students and staff. I am sure it will be an interesting presentation and, hopefully, one that brings about reflective change.

Last Friday, the College welcomed the new Year 7 students who will join us in 2023. The day ran very well and all of our newest additions to the Middle School were extremely excited about the start of a new phase in their school journey. From a staff perspective, what was most pleasing was the leadership shown by a group of Year 9 students who willingly gave up a sleep-in and came to school to aid and assist in the morning’s activities. It was good to see this practical affirmation of the Cohort’s leadership choices. I must say that this attitude of service epitomises this year’s student leadership. The way they cared for and nurtured the nervous young men, took them on a tour and gave them handy hints and played games with them on the oval reminded all staff of how privileged we are to have these young men in our care.

With only a week to go before the end of term, it is timely to remind all of the need to ensure that all students end on a good note. As students [and parents and staff!] get tired and stressed with assessment, it is easy to become grouchy and ruin the relationships with peers and staff that have been so positively cultivated throughout the Term.

Finally, next week is my final week in the role as Head of Middle School as Mr Greg O’Neill will return from his well-deserved long service leave. Can I say what an absolute pleasure it has been to oversee the development of these fine young men. Being able to work so closely with our Middle School staff has been a poignant reminder of how lucky the students are to have such a professional, talented, and caring group of staff looking after your sons. I wish all of you all the best for a rejuvenating and relaxing September holidays and a great final term of 2022.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Acting Head of Middle School

Student Leadership Appointments
On Monday morning, the 2023 Student Leadership Executive Team was announced to the Year 11 cohort in Hanrahan Theatre. I would like to congratulate Mitchell Rieck for his appointment as the 2023 College Captain Elect, Charlie Corrigan and Connor Moloney for their selection as the 2023 College Vice Captains Elect and Nicholas Malanos for his confirmation as the 2023 Student Council President Elect. Throughout the process, which included interviews with Mr Begg and myself as well as the delivery of speeches to the Year 11 cohort, it was inspiring to hear the passion these young men have for the College and their ideas for student engagement and voice as we move towards the Commissioning of the Senior Class of 2023 early next term. I would like to share with you an excerpt from Mitchell Rieck’s candidacy speech which articulates his vision for the student body:

“My leadership approach will be to engage and collaborate with all you boys, because you all have something to offer. Collaboration then delegation; I will ensure that ‘projects’ turn to action. What are these projects you might ask? Well, firstly I want to bring the old spirit back. Maybe I was just young and naïve, but when I think back to the pre-Covid days, the chants, the promos, the pride. It was something else. I want every student in this College to experience that first-hand, regardless of their chosen field. However, this pride can only be achieved through a strong sense of identity. Which is why one of my 2023 initiatives will be to ensure every student can recite the College Anthem, College war-cry, and V for Villanova. These songs make Villanova. There is nothing more uniting for the entire college community than locking arms with your brothers and belting them out. You want solidarity? You need an identity. And there is no more appropriate time to focus on identity then on our 75^th Anniversary as a College.”

Moving into Term 4, all Year 11 students will be asked to nominate which committees they intend to contribute towards in order to serve the community and enact the vision of the Student Leadership Team. These committees are:
Academic

Augustinian Community Service

Cor Unum Spirit

Cultural

Wellbeing

I look forward to sharing with you the initiatives and programs of each of these committees into the future.

Rev up your Resilience
There has been much written about the importance of resilience, particularly in adolescence as our young people navigate through the challenges associated with the demands of school, peer relationships and family dynamics. There is a misnomer that resilience is something innate- either you have it, or you don’t, however the research- particularly in the field of Positive Psychology and Education- illuminates that it is a skill that can be developed and nurtured. Performance psychologist Michael Gervais confirms that resilience can be learned, especially when you see setbacks for growth. “It’s about adjusting and adapting to a challenging environment- either internal or external- and moving forward.”

According to Dr Kristen Dieffenbach, reframing issues as challenges, not problems, assists in fostering a resilient mindset. “It’s a proactive strategy that allows you to be in the driver’s seat.” In addition, normalising errors helps keep you from dwelling on negativity and allows you to bounce back with a positive attitude.

“Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.” – Angela Duckworth

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

During this week’s form meeting, the Year 11 cohort had the privilege of listening to Melissa McGuiness as a part of the YOU CHOOSE youth road safety program. Melissa shared her harrowing personal experience on the impacts of reckless driving, from the profound perspective of a “perpetrator’s mother” as she called it. As emphasised many times throughout the presentation, the purpose was not to seek sympathy, or forgiveness, but instead to empower students and youth to change the culture surrounding reckless driving. Through her raw emotion and vulnerability, the boys received a powerful message on the consequences of the choices we make behind the wheel and the great responsibility that comes with those red P plates.

As Melissa recounted the hardships her family had endured, there were few boys that didn’t shed a tear, while the overwhelming response at the conclusion of the presentation personified our support for her cause. This was not a mere road safety seminar reminding us to follow the rules, this is an authentic and emotionally charged message about Choice, Outcomes, Love, Family and Empowerment.

On behalf of the 2023 Student leadership team, I would like thank Melissa again for her compelling vulnerability and insight, while also expressing our support for the YOU CHOOSE mission.

Mitchell Rieck, Year 11 2023 College Captain Elect

As we move into spring and the final week of Term 3 in 2022, we want to express our gratitude to all students, staff and families who engaged in Mission Week 2022, and indeed all students and staff who have been involved in ministries and community service this term.  St Augustine identified that, the character of any community can be found by examining what they devote their time and energy towards.  In his words:

“In order to discover the character of a community
we have only to observe what they love.”
The City of God, 19,24

Indeed across the term there has been plenty of evidence from our Villanova College community of people focused outwardly on others, particularly those who are struggling, disadvantaged or vulnerable.  Weekly there have been students up at the crack of dawn on Thursday mornings to feed the homeless at Emmanuel City Mission; hospitality students preparing frozen meals for the homeless; on Friday nights senior students have been part of the Rosies van offering friendship to people on the streets of Brisbane; staff have taken up crazy dares, students who have run stalls, cooked sausages, and made donations to support our friends and partners in the Philippines; and families purchasing noodles for the Rosies.

Following is some of this news in full:

Mission Week 2022
We are delighted that we have been successful in raising the funds to support our partnering projects in the Philippines.  We reached our goal of raising just over $8000!  This will enable scholarships, feeding projects and other projects, identified by our partners to continue.

Coordinated by the VNC ministries (YCS, Vinnies, YAYM, Green Team and the AFAS) and the Student Leadership Team, Mission Week was indeed a successful celebration of Villanova’s work for social justice and support of our scholars in the Philippines.

The week began with Monday Red Candle Day.  Red candles from the Mohon Candle Factory (owned by the Augustinians in the Philippines) were distributed to Villanova families.  The families were asked to light their red candle during dinner and pray in solidarity with our adopted Augustinian families in Cebu and Bacolod especially those who have been struggling financially during the pandemic.

On Tuesday, a Mass was celebrated in honour of our patron saint, St Augustine where part of the Mass also celebrated Fr Peter Wieneke’s 50th year of Ordination into Priesthood and his substantial contribution to the mission and vision of our College.  It is a great achievement and a momentous time for the Villanova community to have a Jubilarian ministering as College Chaplain.

A regular feature Mission week is the Sari Sari store managed by the Year 12 Business students under Mrs Theresa Henry’s direction. The Sari Sari store provides typical Filipino treats that would be available in a real Sari Sari store.  The highlight of the week, however, was the Friday activities where teachers and students accepted dares and collected donations for the cause.  It was a Free Dress Day and sausage sizzles, burger patties and soft drinks were sold in each school to feed hundreds of hungry students.  The Dare to Donate concert at Goold Hall concluded the week-long celebration.  The community of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, Philippines also sent their video greeting on 30 years of friendship with the two Colleges.

Overall, Mission Week was another history of teamwork and collaboration for the AFAS projects and scholarship programs in the Philippine islands of Negros Occidental and Cebu.

Breakfast at Emmanuel City Mission
Term 3 has seen the last of our Year 12s heading off to serve on a Thursday morning and from Week 3 of term the Seniors handed over the baton to our Year 11 students.  Each group of students divide into teams to make coffee, toast and ensure the continental breakfast is ready to go, whilst the others get in and prepare a cooked breakfast.  The delicious aromas of freshly ground coffee beans and bacon and egg burgers brings in people from all walks of life seeking food, companionship and an opportunity to shower, rest and refresh for the day ahead.  Always people comment on how well our Villanova students are doing and how grateful they are.  We have even been complimented on having the best coffee in town!

The moments that most impact the boys are when they hear the stories at ECM, and most commonly it is realising the similar shared desire for a happy life that most impacts the boys.  Often students comment it is the first time they have really had the opportunity to share a meal and chat with someone who is experiencing homelessness.  The stereotypes seem to fall away in the encounter, and the boys realise that any person with all sorts of skills and experiences can find themselves experiencing homelessness.  They also realise that they actually do really enjoy helping others.

Noodle Drive for Rosies
Across the last two terms, our Senior students have been joining the Rosies team bringing companionship to the streets of Brisbane on a Friday night.  Along with a cuppa and snacks our students have been forming friendships and both listening to and sharing stories with those they meet. The Rosies program, supports people who are experiencing homelessness, and relies on donations of snacks, so when we realised that more noodles were needed the Ministry teams, led by our YAYM boys in the Middle School led a drive for Noodles.

Akshay Karthikeyan, from Ms Colbert’s Pastoral, who brought in the most noodles of any Pastoral in the Middle School, shares the following about this project:
“The purpose of the noodle cup donation was to give a homeless person a nice warm meal. Our Pastoral was determined to donate the most noodle cups. We set a goal to donate one noodle cup per person, which would guarantee helping a homeless person and giving them something to smile about. It is amazing how so little can have a big impact on someone’s life and change how they perceive and feel about life. It’s a nice feeling knowing that we made someone know that they are loved.” 

Containers for Change  –  VNC Scheme Number C10463346
Since Containers for Change was launched in Queensland four years ago, Villanova College has been proactively promoting sustainability activities that coincides with collecting containers with 10 cent marks i.e. bottles/can/cartons throughout our campus.  There are proper yellow and blue bins distributed throughout our campus for all students to participate in the correct segregation of waste products.

Our thanks to the Green Team, led by Bailey Korander-Matheson, for their ministry to the College community enabling the College to become more sustainable.  This year the Junior School community joined in the collection of containers from their own household.  They took a green bag home and returned it to the campus full of refundable containers.

The Green Team ministry has now a total of $1, 398.60 from this drive in 2022.   The money raised will be used to assist other ministries such as Vinnies, ECM and the AFAS in their respective projects.

Please support our VNC-Containers for Change program by using our VNC Scheme number C10463346 when you drop your collection of containers at a depot near you or in 23 Morley Street, Coorparoo.

Mrs Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity

Brisbane Children’s Writers Festival 2022
Students are invited to attend the Brisbane Children’s Writers Festival at the start of Term 4. The festival is for young creative writers in Year 7 to 12 (or keen Year 6 students).The main event will be held on Saturday 8 October and will be a jam-packed day of creative writing fun, headlined by multi-award-winning authors Lian Tanner and Yvette Henry Holt.
Tickets are $55 each. Interested students are to register their interest at the Tolle Lege Library. If at least five students sign up the ticket price will be reduced to $45.

Tolle Lege Library Team

Due to the inclement weather, all outside basketball games and tennis matches were cancelled against St Edmunds College over the weekend. Villanova had another good round of results v St Edmund’s College winning the basketball comprehensively. Our 1st Basketball team played extremely well to take out a solid win. These boys now head into Round 7 as an undefeated team keen to take out the AIC 1st V Premiership. Our congratulations go to St Edmund’s who dominated Villanova on the Rugby League paddock taking out most of the wins including a victory in the 1st XIII game. The final round of AIC basketball, rugby league and tennis will be played against Padua College this weekend.

Overall, we have many basketball teams who are in a position to take out a premiership or become undefeated this weekend. No doubt the game of the week will be the clash between the top ranked team – Villanova versus Padua who are currently tied second on the table. Some games this week are ‘top of the table’ clashes. In addition, we have some teams who need to win this weekend as well as hope some other results go our way to take out a premiership. At the end of the day, we can only control what we do this weekend and hope things go our way elsewhere. Nevertheless, the expectation is the same for all students. We train hard, play hard and give our absolute best for our team and the College. I am sure that our boys will not take the opposition lightly as I know they have a hunger to come away with the silverware after this weekend.

I ask all boys to keep up the good efforts at Track and Field training. The attendance has been ‘hit and miss’ over the last fortnight. From now onwards Track & Field training does have full priority over all other sports. Therefore, if there are any clashes, please attend Track & Field training in the first instance. After this week we can solely give Track and Field our full attention as the basketball, rugby league and tennis programs will be finished.

This week all squad members will attend the second (of three) AIC Track & Field meets for the season at SAF. We expect full attendance by all squad members. After this week we only have four more weeks of training (including holiday training) before the T&F Championships are held in Week 1 next term. Not long to go now, so our full attention and commitment to training and to the meet this Thursday and next Wednesday must be placed high on our priority list. Track and Field training will continue next week on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at Villanova Park as per usual and throughout the up-coming holiday period. Please see the T&F holiday training schedule below.

The Villanova swim program commenced this week with 3 sessions offered to all boys from Years 5-12. Traditionally, most of the boys within the school (as well as those who are enrolled at the College in 2023) will commence training week 1 next term. At a total price of $200 for the season, it is certainly good value for money. I encourage as many students as possible to avail themselves of this program. One thing is for sure, if we want results, we must put the work in now! Please go to the website and look for the online swimming registration form in the ‘AIC Swimming’ section. I’m happy to report we had approx. 25 students at the first training session held on Tuesday morning.

As mentioned above, the final round of AIC fixtures this weekend will see Villanova up against Padua. This will be the final time that our Year 12 students will play basketball, rugby league and tennis for the green and gold. I thank these men for their contributions over the years and wish them, as well as all other teams, the absolute best this weekend. Let’s go hard until the end boys and please enjoy!

AIC Tennis, Rugby League and Basketball Round 7 v Padua College, Friday 9 and Saturday 10 September – Times and Venues
All Year 5 and Year 6 basketball games are played on Friday afternoons. Note – the College will supply bus transportation to the playing venue each Friday afternoon for all Year 5 and Year 6 teams. Parents must collect their sons from the venue after the game. All Year 7 – 12 basketball and Year 5 – 12 tennis and rugby league games are played on Saturday.  Please refer to the College’s website to view all times and venues for this weekend’s fixtures against Padua College.

Villanova Swimming
Please be advised that the Villanova College swim program has commenced for all students from Year 5 – 12. The numbers participating so far have been pleasing despite many of our students currently involved with basketball, rugby league, tennis and the track and field training programs.

We are hoping many more students will join the program as of Week 1 next term. The cost of these sessions will be a one-off fee of $200 per student for the entire season leading up to Week 1 of the school year in 2023. This is outstanding value for money as students can access up to three sessions per week for nearly four months. You can’t get better than that!

All students who are interested need to complete an online swimming rego/payment form that is available from the College’s website in the ‘AIC Swimming’ section found via the ‘Locker Room.’ We encourage as many boys as possible to participate. Our success in 2023 is dependent upon the work put in this year!!!

Villanova Swimming Training Schedule
All training sessions will be held at Langlands Park Memorial Pool, located at 5 Panitya Street, Stones Corner, and will be under the direction of Mr Felipe Barraza Rojas – Villanova Swim Coach (Year 9 – 12) and Ms Kerry Holland – Villanova Swim Coach (Year 5 – 8).

Training is open to all students who hope to become a member of Villanova’s 2023 swim team or for students wishing to increase their physical fitness.  Please note that these sessions are for students who are capable swimmers only, they are not ‘learn to swim’ sessions. Parents who are looking for ‘learn to swim’ sessions may wish to enrol their son/s in an alternate program run at Langlands Pool.

Villanova Swimming Training Schedule
(Commencing Tuesday 6 September for current Villanova students and on Tuesday 4 October for students commencing at the College in 2023)

Fees: A flat fee of $200 will be charged per student for all training sessions up until the start of the 2023 school year. This includes all sessions over the summer holiday period. Students are then entitled to attend as many training sessions as possible throughout this period. Altogether, those who join the program could have access up to 50 training sessions throughout this period at a cost of only $200 (this is $4 per session by highly skilled and qualified swim coaches). The more sessions you attend the more value for money you receive. This represents outstanding value.

Kerry Holland has asked all members of the Jets Swim Club to participate in at least one of the Villanova squad sessions each week. These additional sessions will help build team spirit and provide further skills training for Met East squads, and relay practice.

For those wishing to enroll in the swim program, please click the link below to register your details online. Information regarding payment can also be found within this link. Please understand that the personal details and emergency contact information provided within the registration form will be shared with the staff from Langlands Pool. Staff at Langlands Pool do not have access to the College’s data base and need your contact information in the event of an emergency. If your details change you must notify the Sports Office (details below) as the updated information the College receives is not shared with Langlands Pool. If you do not wish for your emergency details to be shared with the staff from Langlands Pool, we will be unable to allow you to participate in the program.

Villanova Swimming Registration Link

 Flipper/Pool Buoy and Bag: All students are required to purchase their own flippers and pool buoy for training. Langlands Pool will supply your son with a training pack at a cost of $100. Please find attached the order form, which must be lodged with Langlands Park Pool directly (not Villanova College) to receive your training gear at a discounted price.

For those who wish to take advantage of this opportunity, please complete all information required in the registration link above. It is common for most boys to commence the program in Term 4 although there is an option to start earlier for the current students. Late comers into the swim program will be accepted; however, they will be required to pay the full fee.

If you have any further queries please contact the Villanova College Swim Coordinator, Mrs Juanita Jacobs via email jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au. Alternatively, please contact the Villanova College Sports Office on 3394 5621 or via email sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au

Cricket Camp – September Holidays at Villanova Park
A ‘Holiday Cricket Camp’ will be run over the up-coming September school holiday break. The camp is run by NPD Cricket at Villanova Park on September 28 and 29. Please find a link to all registration and payment details – https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular/sport/aic-cricket/

AIC Water Polo
At this early stage it is likely that the AIC Water Polo Competition will be held next term on Sunday 23 October at Somerville House. This will be open to current students from Year 7 -11. The divisions will most likely be the same as previous years, that is, three in total – Year 7/Year 8 and Year 9/Year 10 and Year 11. We will publish more details of this competition when more information comes to hand. Please be aware that the College will accept nominations from those who participated in the AIC swim program only.

Senior Football Development Squad
A full invite list of the above mentioned squad will be posted within the next week. The squad will trial in Term 4 on Tuesday 15 and Thursday 24 November out at Villanova Park. All boys listed in the squad are expected to attend these trials and any boys who are not listed but are keen to trial are most welcome to attend these trial dates and to register their interest with the Sports Office. After the two initial trials the squad will be reduced before recommencing early next year. More information about start dates of the program next year will be communicated next term.

 AIC Tennis – Mr Todd Kropp, AIC Tennis Coordinator
Unfortunately, the weather proved too much for Round 6 of AIC Tennis and we recorded a full washout. Whilst this was disappointing, I know our teams will be very keen to hit the tennis court for the final time in AIC Competition this weekend against Padua.

As we approach the final round for AIC Term 3, I would like to thank our entire tennis community for the work put in for the season. I encourage our teams to enjoy this final opportunity to hit the courts in 2022.

Finally, the team at TennisGear will host a thank you function at Morningside Tennis Centre from 12.30 pm – 2.45 pm (directly proceeding the final AIC fixture). There will be courts available for play, prizes up for grabs and a sausage sizzle so come and join us as we wrap up the tennis season! Mum and Dad, be sure to bring your tennis shoes too!

AIC Tennis Results v St Edmund’s College

AIC Basketball – Mr Sean O’Neill, AIC Basketball Co-ordinator
The Round 6 match up against St Edmunds was another great weekend of basketball. Unfortunately, the rain did spoil some of outdoor games and the Junior School all had byes this week. Of the 19 games played, we won 17 and lost two. This was a fantastic effort by all our coaches and players. The 1st V had a strong hit out against a younger St Edmund’s team and were able to secure a good 25-point win, 84 – 59. While the score looked flattering, it was still a grind to work our way into a winning position. A strong game by Amarco Doyle with 21 points and a huge dunk was a real highlight. The 1st V team is also busily preparing for the annual Queensland Schools Basketball Championships to be held on the Gold Coast that begin next Thursday. We are again in Division 1 which places us in the top 16 schools in the state and the squad are really looking forward to competing.

A reminder to all players to take the time to thank their coaches for the wonderful sacrifice they make after their game this Saturday. I wish every player and team a wonderful last week of training and game and really appreciate the effort you put into to make our Basketball Program so strong.

Canteen Roster – Round 7 Basketball

AIC Basketball Results v St Edmund’s College

AIC Rugby League – Mr Blake McLauchlan, AIC Rugby League Co-ordinator
We completed Round 6 versus St Edmund’s College with two wins, and four losses. Congratulations to our Year 9 and Year 10 teams for taking out the win with some entertaining rugby league.  It was fantastic to see all teams scoring points and defending their line in the wet and cold conditions. At times throughout the day, our boys were on top with the games that we lost, but simple errors coupled with fatigue allowed St Edmund’s to capitalise and get the win.

Our Year 10’s and 1st XIII were lucky enough to train alongside Brisbane Broncos defensive coach, Brett O’Farrell last Monday. Brett played 20 NRL games for the Melbourne Storm and has since become a defensive coach and worked with the Gold Coast Titans, New Zealand Warriors, Paramatta Eels, Australian Wallabies and the Brisbane Lions. The boys certainly appreciated his insight into the game. We thank Brett for sharing his defensive knowledge and experience with our boys and we look forward to working closely with him in the future.

Unfortunately, the 1st XIII went down against a side that was very beatable. The final score certainly did not reflect the intensity and effort that our boys displayed. Two early tries were disallowed but our 1st XIII managed to go into half time with points and confidence. St Edmund’s were then able to quickly capitalise on a few opportunities handed to them with two quick tries at the start of the second half, changing the momentum of the match. There is no doubt that our 1st XIII have improved every week and their commitment and effort has been excellent. I urge the 1st XIII to remain positive and composed as they look towards Round 7 this weekend.

This weekend we take on Padua College at Ashgrove for the final round of the 2022 season. I challenge our boys to bring a positive mindset to the game and back themselves. Taking on a rugby league school such as Padua College can be a challenging task, so I urge all players to believe in each other and focus on keeping it simple and completing their sets.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the seniors taking to the field in their final match of rugby league for Villanova the best of luck. I encourage all our Year 12 men to cherish the moment as it is something that they will no doubt look back on with fond memories.

I wish all teams the best of luck for the final round of the 2022 AIC Competition. Train hard, be aggressive, play within the spirit of the game and as always, chase the win.

AIC Rugby League Results v St Edmund’s College

 AIC Track & Field
The AIC Track & Field Championships will be held on the first Thursday and Friday of Week 1 next term, that is, October 6 and 7.

Our aim is to announce the team by Thursday of next week. Therefore, it is imperative that all athletes attend the meet this Thursday and next Wednesday as well as the training sessions held next week to post a good qualifying time/distance/height to make the team.

Training will continue throughout the upcoming holiday period with a session to be held at Villanova Park on Tuesday 27 September from 8:00am – 9:30am. Although some may be away on holiday, we are hoping that most of the squad (those announced in the team and the reserves) can attend the one training session over the holiday period. We need to keep up training and practise over this period as the championships are held at the end of the first week back next term.

Please find below a list of important date claimers for the Track & Field Squad (note – the middle-distance runners will follow a different training program).

TRACK & FIELD DATE CLAIMERS
TERM 3 (final two weeks)

• Thursday 8 September – Second T&F Meet at SAF
• Tuesday 13 September – Training at Villanova Park (3.45 – 5.15pm)
• Wednesday 14 September – Third T&F Meet at SAF
• Thursday 15 September – Training at Villanova Park (3.45 – 5.15pm) TEAM TO BE ANNOUNCED
• Friday 16 September – T&F Squad barbecue at school – second break

HOLIDAY TRAINING (boys to find their own way to and from training at Villanova Park)

• Tuesday 27 September – Training at Villanova Park (8.00-9.30am)

TERM 4, WEEK 1 (final week)

• Tuesday 4 October – Training at Villanova Park (3.45-5.15pm)

AIC TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Thursday 6 October – Day 1 at QSAC
• Friday 7 October – Day 2 at QSAC

Year 5 – 12 Combined Middle-Distance Holiday Training Schedule
The entire middle-distance squad from Year 5 – 12 will train together during the up-coming school holidays. The boys will train on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 7 to 8 am, at  Coorparoo AFC, Birubi Street Coorparoo. Boys must find their own way to and from the venue.

Running Spikes/ Waffles
The Sports Office is looking for donations from families of any old running spikes or waffles that you may have lying at the bottom of a cupboard. Some athletes, particularly the younger ones, would benefit from borrowing a pair to run in. We would like to have a supply of these shoes to lend out to boys for the championship days when they run on the tartan tracks.

Zone Cricket
All cricket teams for the Term 4 competition will be published on the College website by the end of next week. Coaches and managers will be in contact with parents about the season ahead and responsibilities that need to be fulfilled. Training for all year levels next term will begin the first Tuesday morning back (Monday is a public holiday). The training schedule is located in the Sports Locker Room on the College website. With Monday 3 October being a public holiday, the Year 5 and Year 6 group will have their session changed to Thursday morning of that week. If there is a clash with other commitments, please contact the Sports Office and we will have a look at managing the clash. The first round of matches will begin on Saturday 8 October and the draw for the season will be sent to all parents by team managers once they have been advertised.

Thank you to Ross Whitby and Jeff Ilka for all their pre-season organisation that must be completed before teams can take the field. Thanks also to the parents for volunteering to be assistant coaches and coordinate the placement of players into teams.

At this stage we still require more boys to sign up in each age group to make up the team numbers. Some year levels will have multiple teams and if we get the extra numbers, then it means the boys won’t have to play across year levels to cover gaps.

We are looking for a game day coach for the Year 6, Year 8 and Open division (Year 10/11) boys. Training will be conducted by specialist coaches at each session, and we just require parents to run the games on Saturday mornings. It is important that we have a team contact and someone who can organise the smooth running of each match. Please contact the Sports Office if you can assist.

Representative Sport
Well done to the following boys who all made the Met East Track & Field Team:

• These boys will be competing at the QSS 10 – 12 years Track and Field State Championships (11 – 12 October 2022) at the State Athletics Centre (QSAC) – Darcy Dickinson and Ashton Lewis.
• These boys will be competing at the QSS 13 – 19 years Track and Field State Championship (13 – 15 October 2022) at the State Athletics Centre (QSAC) – Archie Dickinson, Max Jones, Mitchell Rieck and Kyan Simpson.

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

End of Term Assessment
As the Year 12 cohort come to the end of their mock external examinations, the remainder of the College enters their end of term examinations periods.
Mr Astill (Director of Studies) has communicated with all students (and their parents / carers) in Year 7 to Year 11 as to their commitments with regards to these examinations. All students should check these timetables carefully to ensure they are well prepared for the coming week’s examinations.

With the amount of illness around at the moment, if your son is going to be away on a day where he has an examination, parents / carers should email the Teaching and Learning Office (tandl@vnc.qld.edu.au). If your son is in Year 11, and the absence is not due to COVID, a medical certificate is required.

Reporting
Mid-Semester 2 reports will be made available to parents / carers at the beginning of the first week of holidays via Parent Lounge. This report is an interim report and indicates a student’s application in class across all of his subjects. Parents / carers can access their son’s results for each assessment task via Parent Lounge as they become available, with final subject results being provided in the Semester 2 report that will be made available at the end of the year.

NAPLAN
NAPLAN results have been finalised and are gradually being released to schools. The College hopes to receive students reports over the coming two weeks. As we have done over the past four years, rather than post the reports to parents / carers, NAPLAN reports will be scanned and made available via Parent Lounge. An email will be sent to Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 parents / carers informing them when these will be available.

Year 12 Cohort – The Final Run Home
It is hard to believe that are Year 12’s are about to enter the last couple of months of their school journey. We only have a week left of Term 3 and before too long, the students will be attending their formal and graduation following external examinations. We certainly wish the cohort of 2022 all the best over the coming two months.

Year 12 Information Evening
In order to ensure that parents / carers (and students) are well informed about the students’ commitments and events between now and graduation, we will be holding an online information evening on Monday 12 September commencing at 6.00pm. Parents / carers will hear from key senior members of staff. Please refer to the email sent this week.

Year 12 Holiday Study Opportunities
The St Thomas of Villanova Learning Centre will be open in Week 2 of the holidays on Wednesday (28 September), Thursday (29 September) and Friday (30 September) for Year 12 students to use in the lead up to Term 4 and for preparation for their external examinations. Students will be able to use Level 3 in the morning from 9.00 to 11.30am and again in the afternoon from 12.30 to 3.00pm. Year 12 students have been sent a link to sign up for these holiday tutoring opportunities at the College.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Coolers Gala Concerts
On Tuesday evening we celebrated our first Gala Concert for the year with a return to our inside/ outside concert.  The evening commenced at 5:30pm with  our rock program, Irish Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Big Band sharing their music with our audience huddled around the Music Support Group barbecue.  The students presented some great music:  it was fantastic to hear so many of our younger students in Jazz Band take the opportunity to improvise, and the Irish Ensemble arrangement of Seven Nation Army was amazing.

Our second act commenced in Hanrahan Theatre with our Camerata String Orchestra and moved through some of our Middle and Senior School bands, string orchestras, and chamber ensembles.  I would like to recognise the ‘debut performance’ of Mrs Alice Tilbury as conductor of Amadeus Chamber Ensemble.  We welcome her to the College and thank her for the work she has completed with the students over this term.

We continue the festivities with our Gala Concert 2 this Thursday evening.  Our line-up tonight includes our choral program, including the debut of “Secret Men’s Business,” our guitar ensembles, along with the remainder of our string orchestras and bands yet to perform.  It will be another great evening of music – tickets are still available through Trybooking:  https://www.trybooking.com/CCFPU

Coolers Audition Materials and Submission
Just a brief reminder that audition submissions are due by the end of Week 9 this term (Friday 9 September 2022).  Please ensure your son has accessed this information and is aware of where his recording is to be submitted to.

Should you have any concerns or queries regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Music Office on 3394 5691.

Wieneke Family Music Prize
Every year, the Music Department hosts the Wieneke Family Music Prize.  This fantastic event is the evolution of our Wieneke Family Music Bursary, a solo competition that awarded prize money to some of the finest soloists in the Villanova College Music Program.  The funds for this prize were drawn from a bequest given to the College by Fr. Peter Wieneke’s family some time ago.

We continue this tradition by opening nominations for this year’s event.  All students involved in the Villanova College Music Performance Program are welcome to enter.  Nomination forms have been emailed home today to students and parents.  We ask that these are returned to the Music Office before the end of term so that scheduling may commence for our heats.

All heats will be convened in Week 1, Term 4, with an overflow into Week 2 if required.  Our Wieneke Family Music Prize Finals are to be convened on Tuesday 18 October 2022, commencing at 6pm in Hanrahan Theatre.  We look forward to you joining us for this excellent showcase of our young musicians.

Continuing Information and Enrolments
We are in the process of finalising continuing information for the Music Performance Program into 2023.  This information will be distributed to all families of students currently enrolled in the College Music Program.  We are seeking to finalise enrolments for next year prior to the beginning of Term 4.

This change is coming about to ensure we are able to plan for the new year in advance more effectively.  We are also mindful of ensuring our casual staff are well aware of their employment here at the College before we depart for the Christmas holidays.  We appreciate this is a change in routine; however, we thank you in advance for assisting us through this change in process.

Should your son wish to change his enrolment status for Term 4, or you would like to have your son commence lessons, please contact the Music Office for a change in enrolment form.  We will be more than happy to assist.  Please note – changes in enrolment cannot be made without the receipt of a change to enrolment form.  As such, all fees and charges stand until this document is received.

Key Dates Term 3
Please ensure you pencil the following dates into your diary:

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

Villanova Branded Camp Chairs – $35; Wildcat Coolers – $30

All items can be purchased via Trybooking through the following link:  https://www.trybooking.com/BMEML

Purchases can be collected from the Music Office and all profits go to the Music Support Group.

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

www.entbook.com.au/22002q9

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

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Deceased Villanovans Mass
Sunday 11 September
10am
Villanova College Chapel
Villanova College, 24 Sixth Avenue, Coorparoo

If you would like to attend, please email: jmullan@vnc.qld.edu.au

Business and Mentoring Breakfast
Thursday 15 September
7am – 9am
Goold Hall
Villanova College, 24 Sixth Avenue, Coorparoo

The Mentoring and Business Breakfast provides local businesses and partners the opportunity to network, collaborate and inspire our
Year 12 students as they prepare for life after graduation.

All businesses and professionals are encouraged to express their interest in attending the breakfast by emailing Jordan Mullan: foundation@vnc.qld.edu.au

Mother of Villanova Old Boys Function
Saturday 8 October
2pm – 5pm
Cassiciacum Gardens
Villanova College, 24 Sixth Avenue, Coorparoo
Tickets will be available online next week, stay tuned for updates

Mr Jordan Mullan, Community Engagement and Foundation Manager

ALINTA UNIFORM SHOP
For notices and the latest information on Alinta Uniform Shop stock levels visit the Alinta website: Homepage | Alinta Apparel

TUCKSHOP
View the 2022 Tuckshop menu and price list here: Menu-and-Prices2022-1.pdf (vnc.qld.edu.au)

New Tuckshop Volunteers – We Need You
We are putting a call out to all parents who have ever considered volunteering at the Villanova College Tuckshop – NOW IS THE TIME!
The Tuckshop is a modern, commercial area of the College that provides an affordable and nourishing breakfast, morning tea and lunch service for the boys. Breakfast preparations begin from 7.00am and morning tea and lunch preparations beginning at 8.30am with the day concluding at 1.30pm.

We run a self-service system, with a diverse menu consisting of both freshly prepared and pre-packaged items.
The Tuckshop is managed by a paid convenor but could not exist without its dedicated volunteer helpers. We welcome help from Mums, Dads, grandparents, other caregivers, friends, etc.

You would be rostered on one day every four weeks generally from 8.30am to 1.30 pm but for those of you who can accommodate or prefer an earlier start and/or finish, you can be rostered on the breakfast shift from 7.00am.

Even if you can only give just an hour or two – we can make use of any time you are able to give us. Our helpers are provided with a cuppa and cake for morning tea, a delicious lunch, lots of laughs and an opportunity to see their sons in their school environment.

If you are a little nervous about volunteering alone, why not join with a friend! Current volunteers have mentioned the following reasons as to why they enjoy working at the Tuckshop:

• it helps our boys and the College community
• it is great opportunity to meet other parents and chat to others with similar interests
• boys enjoy seeing their parents at school (even though they will not always admit it)
• it is a chance to get to meet your son’s friends and their teachers
• it is a great way to seek advice from parents who have “been there, done that”
• it is a lot of funPlease consider volunteering. WE NEED YOU!
  Please refer to the College website – https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/our-college/volunteer/
  or email Dot Blair – tuckshop@vnc.qld.edu.au for further details.

Dot Blair, Tuckshop Convenor

VILLANOVA COLLEGE BUSINESS DIRECTORY 
Calling current parents, Old Boys and past parents — promote your business or service to members of the Villa community for free with the Villanova College Business Directory. List your business today for free via the link: https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/our-college/villanova-business-directory/

Questions can be directed to foundation@vnc.qld.edu.au