Villa View – Issue 15, 5th September 2024

The Value of Boys Education
This week I was interviewed by the ABC for an education series focused on education and options for parents and specifically the value of boys’ education, how we approach single gender learning and the creation of positive learning environments. While it was a daunting experience, and not one I am sure I performed particularly well in, it did challenge me toward interiority and the consideration of what is it about boys’ education, specifically an education in the Catholic Augustinian context, that differentiates it from other possibilities and options.

What I do know is that any school can be great, co-educational, boys or girls provided their focus is on students and their holistic growth and development. Each environment offers a unique experience and that must be paired with the individual child and family. As such boys’ schools will not necessarily suit every boy, but from Villanova’s perspective we tailor an experience that is focused on developing boys toward manhood in a way that is careful, considered, provides challenge and support which directly responds to their development, behavioural choices and is respectful of the difficulties they face through adolescence. In this article I share with you some of my reflections of the benefits of the Villanova education that I have looked to embrace, encourage, and advance in my time at the College.

Relationships and Learning; relationship, character, and content creating an environment of partnership, support, trust and challenge.
Teaching boys is very much about relationship building, about creating environments of trust and respect. It is about building classroom that is a team and a situation where there are no ‘adversaries’ in the classroom.
Particularly not the teacher. There is an adage in boys’ education that boys learn the teacher and then they learn the subject. Across twenty-five years in boys schools, I have experienced this as a truth rather than a possibility.

Specific to our Villanova context I believe we are even more intentional in this space than simply acknowledging it is an important part of how boys learn and grow. As a Catholic Augustinian community, we speak and work with our teachers on developing and implementing a relational pedagogy model. This model or approach is founded on five core perspectives or elements to the teaching cycle:

1. To express care,
2. To challenge growth,
3. To provide support,
4. To share power,
5. To expand possibilities.

This teaching approach is paired with a positive behaviour for learning methodology and restorative practice underpinning in our approach to behaviour support and management and character growth informed by the GREATS concepts derived from our values. To always be men of Growth, Respect, Effort, Accountability, Teamwork and Service.

The value of the ‘sixth’ day; Cocurricular opportunities and their link to learning, growth, community, and connection.
Villanova College, and many boys’ schools, along with parents, really value and leverage off the ‘sixth’ day. The Saturday sports programs, the out of hours co-curricular Music, Service and Social Justice learning initiatives and the Drama and Arts programs encourage boys to involve and give of themselves while also being the key generators and supporters of community building and values understanding.

Most importantly though they provide the tangible of insights into the learning process and as such create traceable learning links from physical activity and development to classroom learning methodology. In Music tuition and ensemble programs students have small skill practice routines, warmups, repetitive practice, new skill attempts, shared music opportunities, individual roles to play inside a composition and the requirement for ongoing and deep commitment. Once these are completed the fruits of success are clearly and tangibly heard, and the inverse is equally applicable. They can take the sessions of success and failure firstly to their classroom learning. While the concept is in no way ‘gendered’ nor exclusive to boys schools when you consider that many weekends of the year we have 800+ boys representing the College in Sport, 400+ boys Instrumental Music tuition and performance and 200+ boys engaged in regular Social Justice activities it is easily seen that the commitment to these by the school allows the boys to access, at their level of interest and skill, programs to help them understand the learning process.

As stated, there are also the friendships and support networks that are established through the ‘sixth’ day activities. Regardless of the level of skill, from elite to recreational engagement in these activities encourages and supports friendships that assist in mental health and wellbeing, provide the ‘struts’ that support young men in times of challenge. It is these, often built on the training court or in the bandroom that boys lean on. In a contemporary boy’s school these are the golden days of development and where long-term mental health and wellbeing supports are created, nourished and embedded.

Balancing the demands of adolescence; Removing gender as a differentiator of interest and the arbiter of what is valuable and respected.
To use a quote from St Augustine in a boys school context you can truly become ‘who you are not yet”. In our environment here at Villanova the peer role models that boys have are male. The artists, the musicians, the mathematicians, the physicists, the sports stars, the singers, the social workers, the leaders, the followers. No skill, talent or ability is ‘genderized’. You can be whoever you imagine yourself to be. There is a caveat to this though. You must make sure your culture reinforces this and shows equal value to all elements of College life and achievement. This may well be where at times we fall down. Not because we are a boys school but because all of us have our failings.

As a community though we must be attuned to listening to this and have ways for people to respond and discuss their perspectives with you. But there is so much that boys can do, in fact have to do, in a boy’s school that may not be easily accessible to boys in a co-ed environment whether this be in role modelled behaviours, people or in community and cultural barriers that are placed in front of boys, and girls, in their ability to choose or achieve in a certain area.

Intentional, direct, honest environments; Challenging the “Manbox” and conceptions of gender, sexuality, care and the focus on the wellbeing and the dignity of all.
There is an easy assumption, and historical truth in many respects, that boys’ schools and boys schools culture can reinforce all the negative traits of masculinity. In some respects, if we reflect on history, across boys’ schools there are examples where this has happened. Where either by cultural reinforcement or omission of appropriate consequence poor, sometimes anti-social behaviours have developed. It was often hidden behind a combination of ‘boys will be boys’ type statements and societal constructs and norms that allowed, and even encouraged, imbalances and inequity in the treatment of men and women. It also permeated into culturalized norms of identity. That men were stoic, aggressive, the protectors, inflexible, infallible, dominating, judgemental and you needed to fit this ‘manbox’ to be relevant and impactful. Traits such as compassion, care, respect, love, thoughtfulness, reflectiveness, creativity, and kindness were somehow seen as ‘unmanly’. Thank goodness the world has changed, and our College is reflecting this!

In a contemporary boy’s school, which Villanova is, we look to open dialogue and challenge the anachronistic definitions of masculinity. What we want to talk about is the humanity of each boy, his individual identity and dignity. That in our Christian faith, Jesus was a person wo was fundamentally kind, compassionate, respectful, thoughtful, and ensured that every decision he made, every action he took, was motivated and generated out of love. At Villanova we encourage and design programs that have direct, intentional, and open conversations and actions to challenge ideas and thoughts about gender, gender stereotypes, decision making, motivation, ethical behaviour, morality and understanding oneself better.

These conversations and actions are all focused toward the development of each boy toward becoming the Augustinian graduate, having a clear focus on the young man at the end of his time at the College.

In conclusion, it must be shared that in all schools, not just boys schools, there is the reality that not every intention has a perfect outcome. Boys, teachers, parents, schools and indeed principals will at times fail despite best efforts and commitment toward growth, improvement and success. There are times when the drive toward shaping positive attitudes and behaviours are not taken up by our boys. Occasions when what our teaching community may have felt an opportunity, message or action that had sharp focus and clarity missed the mark and was not responded to as we expected. There will be days and moments when things just don’t go how we imagined, planned or hoped. Perhaps the decisions made about teaching, assessing or discipline choices were not as effective as we had envisaged. However, these are motivated to deliver the best and create an environment of just, fair and equitable treatment, behaviour and practice.

All this is the learning journey with adolescents and in particular adolescent boys. The predictability of action and behaviour we hope for is not always seen nor reliably replicated because they are children, they are growing, learning and refining themselves and their identity. As a community our job is to provide the stability and predictability to ‘stick to the course’ so there is something in their world that is not ‘swirling’.  Our commitment to our boys and families doesn’t wane in these times. I would like to think that this is not specific to Villanova, or boys schools. That all schools, each day, continue to strive towards excellence and success.

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.

As we approach the end of another academic term at the College, it’s remarkable to reflect on the vibrant student life at Villanova throughout Term Three. Our holistic approach to education, which lies at the heart of our vision and mission, has been truly embodied by our students. They have immersed themselves with enthusiasm in music, service, and sports programs, while also actively participating in the classroom. Highlights have been the spirit of community cultivated during the QCMF and the performance of our First V Basketball squad who last weekend secured their fourth consecutive AIC Championship.

As our Seniors complete their mock external examinations and receive feedback next week from our committed Year 12 teaching team, our Year 10 and 11 students continue their examination period. I hope that consistent efforts in both the classroom and at home will be reflected in strong academic performances across these exams. Finally, I wish all Senior School students who are travelling to the Philippines on their AFAS immersion every blessing for a truly transformational experience.

Interhouse Athletics Carnival
As has been previously communicated in various correspondences, next Friday our Interhouse Athletics Carnival will be conducted at Villanova Park. Given that all examinations would have been completed, it is a great opportunity for our community to come together and engage in some physical activity and interhouse rivalry before commencing the holiday period. Given the importance of each House Cup event within the House System in building spirit and community, it is incumbent upon parents and caregivers to ensure that students are in attendance. It would be most disappointing if the carnival is compromised by students who decide to start their vacation a day earlier.

Mental Models
One of my favourite thought leaders is former Canadian intelligence officer now author, Shane Parrish. He has written extensively on the concept of our mental models- the cognitive frameworks or representations that individuals use to understand and interpret the world around them. One such model that Parrish writes about is reciprocity- the simple idea of treating others as they treat us. I’d like to share the following excerpt which unpacks this model and then consider the takeaways for our young men.

‘Many people seem to expect the world to hand them things without effort. This is a poor strategy because it doesn’t align with the human behaviour you can observe around you every day. Reciprocation teaches us that if you give people cynicism and curtness or nothing at all, you are likely to receive the same. But if you give people an opportunity and the benefit of the doubt, you will often be on the receiving end of the same behaviour.

Become what you want to see in the world, and the world will return it to you. If you want people to be thoughtful and kind to you, be thoughtful and kind to them. If you want people to listen to you, listen to them. The best way to achieve success is to deserve success. Small changes in your actions change your entire world.

One of the biggest misperceptions about reciprocity is that people should sit around waiting for others to go first rather than unlocking the power of reciprocity in their favour by going positive and going first without expectation. Reciprocity reminds us that our actions tend to come back on us. It’s an important reminder that we are part of the world, and thus our actions do not happen in isolation but are instead part of an interconnected web of effects.”

For our students at Villanova College, the power of positive proactivity cannot be understated. Too often though, the seducing influence of entitlement can act as a barrier for our young men and we all need to challenge this mindset at every opportunity. In seeking to form and shape young Augustinian men for the world who will contribute to the common good, the value of promoting mental models such as the one articulated by Parrish is vital.

‘There is one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life -reciprocity.”- Confucius

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Next Friday, our entire College community will come together for the Inter-House Athletics Carnival, an opportunity that offers a fantastic day of sunshine (hopefully), camaraderie, and spirited competition. With only two events left in the race for the House Cup, and Athletics being a double-point event, student participation is more crucial than ever. Whilst I understand it is the final day of term, it is our expectation to have full attendance at the carnival.

Good luck and congratulations to all students who are completing their final round of Trimester 3 sports. We have had some wonderful results from Middle School teams and the level of good sportsmanship displayed has been commented on.

Congratulations to all students involved in the Middle School assembly this week. It was an opportunity to focus on issues specifically to do with Years 7 to 9. Students were able to receive awards, recap events and upcoming opportunities. What was most pleasing was that it was all student led. Other than Mr Begg and I, the microphone was in the hands of the students to address their peers for the entire time. A real focus for the remainder of the year was how we treat our bathroom facilities and litter at lunch time. A challenge was laid to the student body and hopefully they rise to the occasion.

Best of luck to all students as you prepare for your end-of-term exams next week. This is your opportunity to showcase the dedication you have shown in class and at home, aiming for the best possible outcomes. Just as we celebrated students last week with the Principal’s Award for GPA improvement, every student should strive to achieve their personal best.

Have a great final week and enjoy the September holiday break.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Manners maketh the man.  It’s a proverb from William of Wykeham in the 1300s or more recently the Kingsman movie – Secret Service.  Old school vibes.  The idea that the small things matter.  Being on time (which means 10 minutes early), dressing for the occasion, showing consideration for others who may be younger/older, promoting kindness and thoughtfulness for people’s time – the list goes on.  Being a man in 2024 – whatever the age – is not defined as it used to be, for good reasons – but it still matters a great deal to us at Villanova College.

This week I have been emphasising the use of “Manners” – highlighting eye contact when speaking, saying “please, thank you or excuse me” with conversations, and being willing to apologize when it’s warranted.  Is this a lost artform?  Perhaps it’s tougher to do with the pressures of life in 2024 being different to the mid-1900s.  Perhaps it’s a time-consuming measure of our patience.  But doesn’t it work towards the good of all in our society?  Don’t manners lead us to be our best selves?

Yes, they do.

We do want our sons to hold the small details as important and a part of being our best.

So, we need to model them.  We need to discuss them at home, at school and in any co-curricular setting – sport, music, debating or social setting.  It promotes the interiority of our young boys – to consider the feelings of others.  To stop and think about how other people feel and act around us.  How can we help?  What can we do?  There is always something.  A way to show kindness.  Just walking past our Year 5 spaces I can see boys cleaning desks with antibacterial wipes, straightening up bags and instruments along verandas, relocating drink bottles and hats, helping staff carry library books and sort worksheets into piles – the list is endless.  On the playground – picking up rubbish that isn’t ours, reminding mates to sit down when eating and drinking, Year 6 boys collecting balls and hats from the gardens for Year 5 students, gentlemen escorting others to the First Aid room – that helping hand, to stop what you are doing and be of assistance.  Not for reward or praise, because it’s the right thing to do.

At home – do the boys get the chance to “help out” meaningfully?  It can be a trap to “do it myself” to save time.  The lesson for our Junior School students is to act more instinctively rather than with instruction – see the need, fulfill the role.  Be that man.  Be that person.

This is not about gender but humanity.  Yet our students need to know that it’s humanity that requires the love, compassion, and time to stop what we are doing (working, playing, walking to and from a place) to be “that” person.  The one that makes the difference.  The one that turns a world around for someone who might just need that one helpful thought, hand, or moment in time.

So, we strive for the remainder of the term to returning to what matters most. The small things that make the biggest difference.  What really matters.  Our sense of belonging, presence, and community.  Manners – consideration, time, effort, and thoughtfulness – they keep us connected as people.  They are exactly what St Augustine, our patron saint, whom we celebrate this Friday at a Whole College Mass – meant for us to remember.  So, we do.  No matter what.  We keep some things precious and holy.

I’m setting a challenge for those that do the right thing and read this newsletter – Junior School Students – send me an email.  Use the heading “Manners Maketh the Man”.  Share with me how you pledge to share your intentions at home, school, church, or the co-curricular world with your manners – what did you do, who did you impact and just what changes did you make for someone or a group of people with such kindness?  I look forward to my inbox being inundated with emails.

Mr Stephen Rouliadeff, Head of Junior School

Become what you are not yet! Augustine
Spring is here… or did someone hit the fast forward button and we are already in Summer? We hope that as the term ends, students and families have a chance to make a strong finish with assessment and have time to rejuvenate over the September school holidays. The rhythm of terms in a school as specifically designed recognising our need to pause, to re-connect to refocus. It is a natural rhythm and it very much connects with our Augustinian tradition that values ‘interiority.’  This value is our theme for 2024. It echoes the truth that Augustine articulated 16 centuries ago:

Become what you are not yet!
As the holidays approach build in that time for reconnection, for pausing and for some time of connecting with that heart space where we can find God present. Listen for the encouragement and notice the invitation and urging outwards – to the stranger, to those who are struggling. It is at the heart of the gospel imperative that we do this. As Augustine recognised it helps us to become what we are not yet.

Movies 4 Change Makers
On Tuesday 27 August in collaboration with San Sisto College, we launched a new ministry initiative, ‘Movies for Change Makers’. Supported by Villa and San Sisto College Seniors our YAYM team led five group of 40 Year 9 students from Loreto, Iona, San Sisto and Villa in a post-film discussion inspired by a viewing of the much-loved film ‘The Lorax’. Central to the afternoon of dialogue was the question, “How can our school communities work together to protect the environment and a future for all?”

The diversity and richness of ideas was no doubt enhanced by a delicious BBQ prepared by Mr O’Neill and members of the Year 9 hosting party. Alongside deep concerns for our planet in the face of habitat destruction, species loss, pollution, greed, selfishness, ignorance, peer-pressure and consumerism, our young people unsurprisingly had some answers.

The gathering felt the place to begin their efforts landed resoundingly in doing better in their own school backyards with managing waste including reducing plastic packaging from tuckshops and supporting local tree-planting programs. Additionally, getting tougher on litterbugs and being more courageous in efforts to advocate for change were strongly felt. The latter ranged from dressing up as the Lorax and raising awareness at assemblies to introducing eco-mania ambassadors and even organising ‘pollution protests’!

It was acknowledged that the efforts to do more in one’s own backyard are best achieved in companion with like-minded peers from other schools. The afternoon demonstrated that there is much to learn from Loreto’s campaign to save electricity, Iona’s Containers for Change called the Green Gorilla and San Sisto’s emu parades to clean up the playground. Our guests were eager to learn about our Norman Creek cleanups and beehive initiative. The Ministry team will continue to liaise with San Sisto College and our counterparts in other schools to build on the successes of the first outing of Movies for Change Makers.

We will also continue to collaborate with the Villa English faculty and its work developing the advocacy skills of Year 9 students. As fortuitous timing would have it the Year 9 cohort has been creating persuasive speeches (Unit 3) to raise awareness of issues depicted in documentaries such as climate change and conservation. For us in the Mission Office, transformation of hearts and minds into action for a more sustainable and prosperous world is a joint project with our colleagues across the curriculum. Watch this space for more news of exciting inter-faculty initiatives to enhance the learning experience of your sons in formation.

Year 7 Twilight Retreat
On Friday 23 August, 20 of our Year 7s headed over to Loreto College for a joint Twilight retreat focusing on “Connecting in Friendship” Joseph Tiernan put together an absolutely fantastic video on the experience that was shared at
Middle School Assembly this week. It is a brilliant reflection on the experience. Please watch and enjoy.

AFAS Immersion
Next Thursday, 12 September we have 19 students from Year 11, five Villanova staff, two parents and a founding staff member of the AFAS program in 1993 leaving for our 2024 AFAS immersion.
The last two weeks have been an intensive time of preparation including a final information session with families and a Commissioning for the group going.

Our immersion group represents the whole of the Villanovan community whilst we are there. We will be connecting with our partnering Augustinian schools and ministries. We will be meeting with our 21 AFAS scholars who receive sponsorship for their schooling through the money raised in Mission Week. This year will be significant as three of our scholars who have been supported from kindergarten will be graduating from university this year. This is an extraordinary commitment by these young people and their families and a fabulous contribution to real change that Villanova has contributed to. It will be great to celebrate with them their achievements. They will certainly be an inspiration to our immersion group. Their graduation also means there will be several new young scholars who will be beginning their AFAS scholarships. We look forward to meeting them and bringing back stories to share with the wider community. Thank-you to everyone for enabling this to happen.

We ask you please to pray with us as we journey.

A Prayer for Solidarity

Creator God,
As we embark on our journey to the Philippines give us open eyes, an open heart and an open mind.
Help us to come as guests and to be present and attentive throughout the experience.
May we allow beauty to fill us with awe.
May we be open to moments of grace.
May our solidarity be effective and stretch our minds and hearts.
May our solidarity be grounded in hope, and not swamped by fear or the tragedy of disaster.
May we recognise God your presence with us on the journey.

Amen.

Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World

In our wider Australian Church, the Australian Bishops Conference’s social justice statement has been launched for 2024-2025, “Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World.”  This statement addresses the urgent need for peace from a Gospel perspective.

It is such a timely document and well worth reading. It  highlights the alarming levels of global and local violence, noting that the 20th century was the most violent in history, and the early 21st century continues to see numerous conflicts. In 2022, there were 55 state-based conflicts and 82 non-state conflicts affecting two billion people worldwide.

The document discusses the erosion of truth in public life, emphasising the rise of a post-truth culture where facts are frequently contested and falsified. This phenomenon has been exacerbated by new technologies and social media platforms that rapidly disseminate fake news and conspiracy theories, leading to widespread misinformation.

Download your copy of the 2024-2025 Social Justice Statement.

View resources related to the Social Justice Statement.

With thanks to the ACBC.

A reflection for Social Justice Sunday – Catholic Outlook

Date Claimers and more!
TBC – 2^nd Working Bee for Bee Expansion Project
4 September – 2 October Season of Creation (see link below)
6 September – Archdiocesan Reconciliation Dinner
12 September – AFAS Immersion Group departs for the Philippines.
12 September – Emmanuel City Mission “Life on the Streets” Photography Awards Night
19 – 22 September – Ignite Conference
24 September – AFAS Immersion Group returns
4 October – YAYM Multicultural awareness activities (during lunch breaks)
4 October – Green Team Norman Creek Clean Up
14 October – Ministry Leaders Dinner

Mrs Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity

As we near the end of the term, it’s important to recognize the stress and pressure many boys are feeling. With multiple assessments due this week and next, it’s clear from the varying energy levels around the grounds that stress is real and can have an impact on students. While assignments, projects, and exams are necessary parts of education, it’s equally important to prioritize your son’s emotional and mental well-being.

When I spoke with some of the boys about how they manage stress and anxiety, so many of them mentioned wanting to get outside and be active to “take their minds off” assessments. This desire for physical activity likely comes as no surprise—boys often have higher energy levels, a strong need for social interaction, a love of competition, and a drive for skill development.

Physical activity is closely linked to overall well-being. Negative emotions can increase the risk of physical illness and unhealthy habits, and those struggling with mental health are more likely to be physically inactive. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, staying active also reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness while enhancing mental focus and clarity.

The boys have been encouraged to incorporate physical activity into their exam preparation. This doesn’t need to be time-consuming or strenuous—short, regular breaks for a walk, stretching, or simply getting some fresh air can significantly benefit their mental and physical well-being. It’s about finding a balance that works for them.

Encouraging open communication with their teachers, offering study strategies, and reminding them to take breaks can greatly help them manage stress and perform their best. I mentioned on assembly last week that my phone goes in another room when I am marking, and it is no different for students. Phones are a distraction and need to be taken out of the equation. I also encouraged the boys to speak to their teachers if there is a problem with a deadline or a question about assessment. The teachers are here to help and want them to achieve their best.

I hope your sons manage this time well and are looking forward to the upcoming holiday.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing

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

There is always a certain amount of illness around, particularly across the cooler months. 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, 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.

Year 12 Cohort – The Final Run Home
It is hard to believe that our Year 12’s are about to enter the last couple of months of their school journey. We have just over a week left of Term 3 to go and before too long, the students will be attending their formal and graduation following external examinations. We certainly wish the cohort of 2024 all the best over the coming two months.

Year 12 Holiday Study Opportunities
The St Thomas of Villanova Learning Centre will be open in Week 2 of the holidays on Wednesday (25 September), Thursday (26 September) and Friday (27 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 will be sent a link to sign up for these holiday study opportunities at the College.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Esports Assembly Brings Excitement and Digital Wellbeing Education to the College!
On Friday, August 23, our College community gathered in Goold Hall for an unprecedented Esports assembly. This event marked a significant milestone, uniting all Houses under one roof and spotlighting the growing importance of Esports while addressing wellbeing concerns associated with online gaming.

The assembly featured a guest presentation by Hannah from Kids Help Line, who shared valuable insights on positive gaming behaviours and strategies to maintain digital wellbeing.
Adding to the excitement, The FUSE Cup generously provided a prestigious trophy for the winning House.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the live Mario Kart racing competition. Our House finalists showcased their skills before an enthusiastic audience of well over 1,000 peers! Congratulations to our Mario Kart House Champions who competed: Damian Ellis (Adeodatus), Alex Capaldi (Ambrose), Lachlan Ager (Augustine), Aston Wylde (Alypius), Reuben De Groot (Monica), Jack Fidge (Nicholas), Hamish O’Toole (Rita) and Harris McPherson (Thomas). After an intense competition, Jack Fidge from Nicholas House emerged victorious, claiming the overall championship title.

This inaugural interhouse esports competition was the result of weeks of dedication from a diverse group of students and teachers working behind the scenes. Special thanks go to Mr Alex Sullivan, Mr Matthew Smith, Will Godwin, Patrick Campbell, Adam Kielenniva,  Zac Henry, Toby Petinakis, Alex Wootton and Cooper Crowley for their technical support and assistance with House Mentor Group time trials leading up to the Championships.

The event’s success demonstrates our College’s commitment to embracing diverse activities that foster student connections and healthy interhouse rivalry. By providing a supportive yet competitive platform, we enabled students from all year levels to showcase their talents before the entire College community.

As we look to the future, this esports assembly serves as a promising indicator of our continued efforts to support and celebrate the varied interests and skills of our student body. Thank you to our Heads of School, Heads of House and Houses for embracing the opportunity!

Mr Jason Lane, Esports Coordinator

QCMF 2024
We are now over a fortnight past this year’s festival.  The feedback received from all stakeholders through our Community Survey remains positive with some very insightful ideas that will assist the organising group in refining some processes for next year.  For those that received a link to this survey, the ‘draw’ to win one of five $50 vouchers closes at 3pm this coming Friday afternoon.  Please ensure you access and complete this survey to be in this draw to win!  Link follows:  https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=pVLDvKol9EeHKipkErxkNk9oBqgHvpBHoSsA-fgpNmVUREo3UjkwS0xYVFlFUzUxRFhaUzhGVlBQRS4u

After having an opportunity to reflect on our College’s effort across the festival, musically speaking, I am reasonably proud of the work of our students and staff.  As always, we have areas of opportunity for improvement that we will address over the next 12 months; however, there are some wonderful things happening here in music at Villa.  Across the festival, we had 25 ensembles performing (4% of total groups) with our groups earning 13 Gold, 9 Silver, and 3 Bronze awards.  Please join me in congratulating our ensembles and their festival ‘awards’ earned over the amazing four days of hosting, volunteering, and performing:

Wieneke Music Prize Finals
Over the end of last week and the beginning of this week, I have had the opportunity to listen to our Wieneke Music Prize entrants for 2024.  As per previous years, I am very pleased with the standard of performance shared by our young musicians; it was a very difficult process whittling over 30 fine soloists down to our group of 15 who will shape this year’s finals.

The Wieneke Music Prize Finals will be convened in Hanrahan Theatre on Tuesday 10 September, commencing at 6pm.  There is no charge for entry – we encourage you all to come down and celebrate these young men as they compete for some incredible cash prizes.

Please join me in congratulating our 2024 Wieneke Music Prize Finalists:

Junior School Finalists:

• Nathan Ellis (Xylophone)
• Ewan Fairfull-Smith (Viola)
• Henry Fairfull-Smith (Flute)
• Samuel Grimes (Trumpet)
• Jacob Shipton (Cello)

Middle School Finalists:

• Damian Ellis (Clarinet)
• Liam Galbraith (Saxophone)
• Dominic Lewis (Voice)
• Xavier Lewis (Double Bass)
• Luke Savage (Saxophone)

Senior School Finalists:

• Ronan Flaherty (Piano)
• Demitri James (Guitar)
• Adam Kielenniva (Clarinet)
• Max Knight (Violin)
• Seb Wilson (Violin)

Auditions for 2025
Information regarding the audition process for next year’s ensembles is currently being collated.  We expect to be able to communicate that to all students before the end of term.
Audition submissions will not be due until early Term 4.

Music Support Group Meeting
Next Monday evening, our Music Support Group will be meeting at 6:30pm in the Chapter Room, adjacent to the foyer of Hanrahan Theatre.
We look forward to seeing you all there to learn a little more about music at our school.

Gala Concert Dates
We are looking forward to our penultimate concert events in Term 4.  We will be hosting our Gala Concert Series over two evenings toward the beginning of Term 4.  Concert 1 will be convened on Thursday 10 October, with Concert 2 on Tuesday 15 October.  Information regarding ticketing and group allocations will be distributed via email next week.

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

Villanova Camp Chairs and Wildcat Coolers
Our fantastic Music Support Group have organised an innovative fundraiser for Villanova College.  You may have heard the buzz about our Villanova Camp Chairs and Wildcat Coolers…  the MUST HAVE items for the beach/cricket/park/fishing/BBQ/etc.
All items can be purchased via TryBooking through the following link:  https://www.trybooking.com/BMEML

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

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

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

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Director of Sport Address
The AIC sporting calendar is a busy one. We offer fourteen AIC Sports throughout the year, along with two AIC Invitational events. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Strength & Conditioning, Speed & Agility, internal sport offerings, representative sport and more.

In 2023, Villanova College placed third overall in Sport. This is an amazing achievement, especially considering our Track & Field team, although valiant in winning the Open Division, placed eighth. This result in Track & Field has spurred the community on to bigger and better things this year and into the future.

Thank you to all those students involved in pre-season T&F trainings and meets; we need more of you, though! I encourage all athletes to join our team and help us improve this result in 2024. It is a team effort and we need more students to train and compete. The AIC Championships are only weeks away (Week 1, Term 4 – Thursday 3 and Friday 4 October).

As we arrive at the final round of matches for Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis teams, it is important to acknowledge our Year 12 students donning the green and gold for the last time. We wish all of you well as you embark on your last fixture representing Villanova College.

Finally, to our history making First V Basketball team. Although they are all focused on finishing the job this Saturday, irrespective of the result, we will be crowned AIC Champions. This is the fourth year in a row for our First V; a feat only matched in other sports by champion teams of past eras. To Mr Mullan and the Firsts Coaching team, plus our Basketball Captain Kayden I and the First V team members, well done. An absolutely amazing achievement and one the College community is very proud of. Good luck on Saturday as you come together one final time as the AIC Champions for 2024.

Draw – Round 7 vs St Peters Lutheran College, 6/7 September
The Round 7 Draw is now available on the Locker Room Overview page.
For all future rounds, the draw will be posted to Locker Room by the Wednesday prior to the round ahead. This is the earliest possible time we can post this information.

Team Lists
Team lists for Round 7 will be posted by Thursday 29 August to Parent Lounge and Student Cafe.
Team lists will be posted by Thursday prior to the round ahead. This is the earliest possible time we can post this information.

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

Results

Basketball results Round 6

Rugby League results Round 6

Tennis results Round 6

AIC Sport Results – Associated Independent Colleges

Sports Club
The Villanova College Sports Club are looking for volunteers this Saturday 7 September at Goold Hall. Please click on the links below to register your assistance.

Round 7 AIC Basketball – Goold Hall — Signup Sheet | Sat 7 Sep

Interhouse Track & Field Carnival – new date Friday 13 September
With the unfortunate cancellation of the Interhouse Track & Field Carnival last month, the Sports Office has confirmed the new date for the carnival will be Friday 13 September at Villa Park. Please mark this enjoyable day on your calendar and our Heads of School will be in touch with further logistics in the coming days. See schedule below.

Interhouse T&F Carnival 2024 – schedule

Sport Sign-Ons
Registrations for Term 1, 2025 Sport, AFL, Cricket, Swimming and Volleyball is now available via the link below. Registrations will close by Wednesday 9 October.
To keep up to date with selection trials and training schedules, please visit the Locker Room Overview page, and the individual Locker Room sport pages (e.g. Swimming page, Volleyball page, etc).

AIC Term 1, 2025 Sport Sign-on

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

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

Training Schedules
The Term 3 Training Schedule is now available on The Locker Room Overview page of the Villanova College website.
The Term 4 Selection Trials and Training Schedule will be available in next week’s Sports Bulletin. It will also be added to the Locker Room Overview page prior to the holidays.

Save the dates – Sporting Tours, Camps and Clinics

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

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

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

 Hire Jerseys – Term 3 Basketball and Rugby League
Hire jerseys for Basketball and Rugby League will need to be returned to the Uniform Shop by Thursday 3 October (Week 1, Term 4). Do not return jerseys to the Sports Office or Student Services, jerseys must be returned to the Uniform Shop. Families are encouraged to return the jersey during Week 10, Term 3.

Jerseys not returned by this date incur a late fee charge on the student’s account. The deadline of Thursday 3^rd October is strict. All hire jerseys must be returned by then to avoid the late fee charge.

The late fees are as follows:

• Basketball jersey – $100
• Rugby League jersey – $100
• (Please note all students participating in Basketball or Rugby League are charged the hire jersey fee of $22. Only those who do not return their jerseys are charged an extra late fee of $100).

The Uniform Shop opening hours can be found on the College website.

Sport Contact List
If you are requiring information about a specific Sport, in the first instance, visit the website Locker Room page. If you need further clarification, please contact the relevant Coordinator below. For any training or game absences, please contact your Sport Coordinator.
Director of Sport – Shaun McLean, smclean@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC AFL Coordinator – Matt Conlan, mconlan@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Cricket Coordinator – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Swimming Coordinator – Juanita Jacobs, jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Volleyball Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Cross-Country Coordinator – Brian Pascoe – bpascoe@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Chess Coordinator – Kath Underhill, kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Football Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Rugby Union Coordinator – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Golf Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Basketball Coordinator – Jordan Mullan, jordanedwardmullan@gmail.com
AIC Rugby League Coordinator – Alex Russell, arussell@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Tennis Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Track & Field Coordinator – Anthony Kemp, akemp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Water Polo Coordinator – Juanita Jacobs, jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au
Composite District Sport – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
Lytton District Sport – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au

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

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

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

Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport

Basketball

Good luck to all teams in their final rounds against St Peters Lutheran College this weekend. A special mention to our teams who still remain undefeated this season:

• First V
• 10B, 10C, 10D
• 9D
• 7A
• 6C, 6D
• 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D

A big thank you to Mr Warren (Sports Club President) and all our coaches and student helpers who made our inaugural Colours Cup competition such a success. We had 38 students involved across six teams and four rounds of internal Basketball competition. Although our plans to match against Marist in the final round fell through, all boys had a great time. Thank you again to Mr Warren and the Sports Club for their support and funding to make this competition a reality.

Mr Jordan Mullan, First V Head Coach & Basketball Coordinator

Rugby League

The mercury was certainly high on Saturday for Round 6 of AIC Rugby League. Villanova was set to take on a tough challenge in both the heat and Iona College. It was a tough day on the scoreboard for the Villanova teams, with the size and strength of Iona’s teams proving to be a big challenge to handle. Nevertheless, it was impressive to see our teams compete until the final whistle, with a special mention to our Year 9 team who went down narrowly 16-10 who displayed some great skill and knowledge of the game. Their skill-full kicking game certainly made for an entertaining watch.

It was a sombre note for our First XIII team who played their final match of AIC Rugby League for the year. Unfortunately, the boys went down 34-6 in what was a strong performance by Iona College. Our team left nothing in the tank with a great defensive display but Iona proved too big a challenge. With the bye this weekend, I wish to acknowledge and thank the staff in coach Mr Michael Cahill & Mr Ben Trims, First XII Manager Mr Blake McLauchlan and trainer Ms Bridie Nicholson. I would also like to make special mention to Jackson Connor – First XII Captain and all our departing Year 12 students for their contribution to the program over many years.

I would also like to thank our 5B and 6B coaches and players for their commitment over the season. These teams have also finished the AIC Rugby League season for 2024.

A few reminders for all our Rugby League Families ahead of Round 7

• Please check the team list and fixture information via Parent Lounge.
• Only students in full Rugby League uniform will be permitted to play in fixtures this weekend. Development squad items are not correct uniform.
• This weekend all games will be played at Ambrose Treacy College (Year 5-Open)

Wishing all teams the best of luck for this weekend v St Peters and ATC.

Mr Todd Kropp, Assistant Rugby League Coordinator

Tennis First IV

Following our disappointing loss to Padua last weekend, the First IV were excited by the test of hosting Iona at Morningside. Having lost to Iona 7-1 in the trial, it was always going to be a challenge to turn that around when it counted. With extreme heat rules in place, the order of the matches in the tie was flipped, starting with singles matches and ending with the doubles. This made getting off to a great start in the singles imperative. The turnaround started early, with Ben Bingham winning his singles in straight sets. This was followed by excellent wins by Reuben Wagels and Oliver Simmons, to take a 3-1 stranglehold on the tie. All boys performed outstandingly to reverse losses from the trial round.

Needing to split the doubles matches to be sure of the win, we started well with Reuben Wagels and Ben Bingham winning their first doubles match convincingly. An excellent win was confirmed by Oliver Simmons and Luke Phillips winning their final doubles match.

Overall, this win against Iona secures a top three finish for the First IV for the first time since 2015. An outstanding performance by the boys and great reward for the effort the of the team and the changes in the tennis program we have implemented this year. We conclude the year with a tough final round, traveling to Indooroopilly to take on an undefeated St Peter’s team going for the premiership.

Mr Justin Musumeci, First IV Manager

Tennis

Last weekend saw us up against a very strong Iona College. I’m pleased to confirm that it was another weekend of positive results overall, it was very pleasing to see our players show that true Villanova spirit and fight for every point and not give up until the very end. Across the day – we recorded 9 wins, and 7 losses.

I would also like to take this opportunity in wishing our 6B, 7A, 9B and 10A Tennis teams the very best of luck for this Saturday VS SPLC. These four teams are “in contention” to win a possible premiership as they approach the last round of fixtures, we know that will represent the college proudly as they have done all season.

As we approach the final round for AIC Tennis for Term 3, I would like to thank our entire tennis community for the work put in for the season. I encourage all our teams to really enjoy this final opportunity to hit the courts in 2024.

Finally, we will host a “thank you” function at Morningside Tennis Centre on Saturday from 12.30pm – 2.30pm (directly proceeding the final AIC fixture). There will be some courts available for students to play on up until 2pm, plus a sausage sizzle and soft drink will be on offer, so come and join us as we wrap up the Villanova tennis season! Mum and Dad, be sure to bring your tennis shoes too!

Good luck to all Villanova sporting teams in your matches Vs SPLC.

Mr Nathan Dufty, Tennis Coordinator

Track & Field
The Track & Field squad have continued their preparations for the AIC Championships in October with a season best attendance at the session held at QSAC. It was a worthwhile experience for the boys getting the opportunity to train inside the main stadium in preparation for the Championships.

The final pre-season Meet is on Wednesday 11^th September at the SAF (State Athletics Facility – Kessels Rd Nathan). Please visit the College website Locker Room page for further details. This is the last opportunity to get times and distances and athletes are urged to attend as the coaches will nominate their teams for the AIC Championships in October. The squad will be reduced to allow for final numbers to face off against each other in jostling for the last few spots on the team.

Numbers are restricted in Field events, and athletes will be told if they are required to compete next week at either training on Monday or Tuesday. All sprinters are still encouraged to run both the 100m and 200m events next week.

Junior School students will be bussed at 2:15pm to SAF and will return at 5:15pm. Middle and Senior School students will depart at 3:10pm and a bus will return at the conclusion of the last event and arrive back to the College at approximately 8:15pm. Parents are welcome to attend and take their son/s home when they have finished their events – students are reminded to sign out with a Villanova staff member if they are leaving the meet with their parent/s after their events (JS boys to Mrs. Carabetta and MS/SS boys to Mr Kemp).

Training and Pre-Season Meet #4 will continue in Week 10 according to the schedule below.
Monday – Middle Distance- 6:45am-8:00am Meet at Goold Hall.
Sprints, Hurdles, Jumps and Throws 3:45pm-5:00pm at Villanova Park
Tuesday – Sprints, Hurdles, Jumps and Throws 3:45pm-5:00pm at Villanova Park.
Wednesday – No Middle Distance in the morning
Meet #4 at SAF (State Athletics Facility – Kessels Rd, Nathan)

Met-East Track & Field
Congratulations to the following Villanova boys who have gained selection in the Met-East Track and Field team for their chosen discipline/s. It is a fantastic achievement, and we wish all of these boys the best of luck competing at the State Championships in October.

• Jack Fidge – Max Jones
• Dylan Fryga – Harris McPherson
• Matt Greig – Joshua Noronha
• Nathan Hannah   – Kyan Simpson
• Bailey Horvath

AIC Track & Field Season Schedule 2024

Mr Anthony Kemp, Track & Field Coordinator

Cricket Term Four- Registrations are open!
All Villanova cricketers are encouraged to sign on for Villanova in the upcoming Pre-Xmas cricket competition. Our teams will now be graded, and boys will be able to form their teams and play at a higher level in the divisional BEARS cricket competition (Year 7 to 11) and EDJCA (Year 5 and 6). We strongly urge all our players to please consider signing on for Villanova Cricket Club, so we can prepare together for the upcoming AIC season early in the New Year. Registrations are now open, and you can sign on by going to the cricket page on the Villanova Website.

Training will be in the morning during the week for all teams and these sessions will be run by outside coaches. This service is included in the sign on fee. We do need parents to be assistant coaches and run the boys during matches throughout the season.

Cricket Parent helpers needed.

For the College to run an effective Term Four club cricket programme, we need the assistance of parents to take over running the logistics. We have been fortunate enough to have several good parents run the Zone cricket for many years and they have moved on as their boys have graduated from the College. Roles will consist of assistant coaches (coach the team on Saturdays) team managers, year group managers and Bears and EDJCA delegates.

Please email Mr Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au, if you can assist and take on a role for Term 4 club cricket.

Mr Nathan Dufty, Cricket Coordinator

AIC Water Polo
We are now calling for expressions of interest for the Term 4 AIC Water-Polo carnival. Please see event details below, for students interested in competing please complete the registration (link below) by Friday 11 October.
Date: Sunday 20 October 2024
Divisions: Year 7, Year 8/9, Year 10/11
Times: TBA on draw completion (8am start)
Venue: Marist College Ashgrove Pool

Water Polo Registrations here – Years 7-11 only

Strength & Conditioning
Strength & Conditioning continues as per the Term 3 schedule below.

Term 3 Training Schedule – including S&C

Mr Marco Mastrorocco, Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

Speed & Agility Training – Years 5-8 students
The Term 3 programme continues on Friday mornings until Friday 13 September.
Please find attached the Term 4 flyer. The Term 4 programme will run on Friday mornings from 11/10/24 to 29/11/24. Open to all students in Years 5-8.
Registration and payment though Parent Lounge. The event is now active.

Speed & Agility Programme – Term 4, 2024 – Years 5-8 students

External achievements
A huge congratulations to Bailey Horvath (Year 11) and Kyan Simpson (Year 12) who travelled across the Bass Strait to Launceston to represent Queensland at the National Cross-Country Championships. We are very proud of the achievements of these two young men, it is worth noting the challenging conditions both students raced in, in Kyan’s race the race was shortened due to the extreme course conditions. A truly commendable effort!

Well done, gentleman. We look forward to following your success!

Villa Sport – humble in victory, gracious in defeat.

• Deceased Villanovans Mass

• Bookfair at Villanova College

• Letter from Chief Health Officer

Please find attached a letter received from the Queensland Chief Health Officer:
2024 041 Att 1 Letter Chief Health Officer Influenza Vaccination

• Parking Compliance  

Please find an update from Brisbane City Council below;