Villa View: Issue 16/22

Year 12 Completion
Over the last fortnight we have moved through the process of farewelling our Senior students from the everyday challenge of classes and encouraged them toward the period of external examinations. Last week they had their farewell assembly and guard of honour. As we progress toward ushering a new class of Villanova men to a future beyond the gates, their Senior year and its legacy deserves reflection.

Their Senior motto was a simple “In yourself the future lies.”  It was clearly a calling toward their promise and their potential. On that day in early February, I reminded them that it was not a simple calling but a challenge. A challenge to respond to the gifts and talents that have been given to them through their birth and life and to develop them into a life that is lived in love, enjoyed in company and reflected upon to ensure their achievements benefit all those with whom they encounter and share time. Spending this 12 months in consideration, reflection, examination, questioning, and learning. One’s Senior year is a time to understand that the future we speak of is a finite opportunity – one can’t afford to waste it. Each day is valuable in itself, as a stand-alone moment. We cannot keep considering and thinking about our potential and what may be in our tomorrows. Our life is about making today matter.

So, it was most definitely not a simple motto!

How then did they go?
In the simplest terms, my experience of these young men is that they have done well. The Villanova man makes life matter by their actions, their words and their relationships. A Villanova graduate of 2022 made it matter by how they treated each other and the boys in our community. The Seniors of 2022 certainly made people feel welcome, safe and worthwhile. Our Seniors showed us how that love isn’t so hard to deliver. St Augustine informs us,

“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has the eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”

Over the next few weeks our Seniors will experience stress and pressure as they prepare for their examinations. In the life they lead beyond the gates of Villanova there will be daily challenges and times where the road ahead may look bleak, or at times impassable. Our farewell message to them, and to all our boys, is that they are prepared for these times. Our Villanova graduates of 2022 can and will prevail, in fact excel. Each has been prepared by their experiences and their Augustinian education to face and overcome all difficulty and challenge. In so doing each can reach fulfillment, understanding and uncover elements of the truth we search for. As Augustine says,

“To be under pressure is inescapable. Pressure takes place through all the world; war, siege, the worries of state. We all know men who grumble under these pressures and complain. They are cowards. They lack splendour. But there is another sort of man who is under the same pressure but does not complain, for it is the friction which polishes him. It is the pressure which refines and makes him noble.”

The Villanova College Seniors of 2022 have been successful in their sport, academics and music. In that success they have used it as an example to others, shown respect to each other and oppositions, celebrated humbly but acknowledging the hard work and commitment that bore their success. In their achievement they have shown humility.

The Seniors of 2022 grew to understand the importance of learning, of challenging, of question. They have displayed the importance of being restless in our search.

The Seniors of 2022 have grown in their eight years at the College, they have as a cohort made mistakes, been asked to learn, being laid with the challenge to reflect and delve deep into themselves to uncover answers – the have experienced interiority.

The Seniors of 2022 were friends, they valued each other, the College and our traditions – they have shaped our community.

As Principal of Villanova College, on behalf of our community, I thank our Seniors of 2022. They have, to the best of their ability, been the hallmark of our College values.

Celebration of Achievement Awards Evening
At Villanova College we profess to be a school of faith, one that values our young men, their wellbeing and growth. We are a place of community, humility, truth and interiority; a place that cherishes our young men challenging them in their learning and development while equally acknowledging and celebrating their achievements and accomplishments. Creating examples and role models for others to aspire to and use as models of action and example. Core to that process is then our Celebration of Achievement Evening, ensuring it is broad in its acknowledgment and inclusive of our students talents, encouraging our boys to accept themselves as different but that each is a young man of honour, integrity and dignity, invited to have life and live it to the full.

In recognition of this we have broadened the scope of our celebration of achievement evening to make it more inclusive of our student body and acknowledge the breadth and depth of our student achievement and endeavour. This year the event will include outstanding achievement across Academic, Faith, Cultural and Sporting spheres in Years 5 – 11.

This year the Villanova College Celebration of Achievement Awards Evening will take place on Tuesday 8 November at the Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Doors open from 6:00 pm and the ceremony will begin at 6:30 pm.

Parents of awardees will be notified by 3:00pm, tomorrow, 21 October and will be informed of booking details for ticketing. Together with the Villanova Staff, I look forward to celebrating our boys, their growth and learning, with the Villanova community.

Community Consultation Period Villanova College STEM and Sports Excellence Precinct
Today marks the beginning of the community consultation period for our application to have our ministerial infrastructure designation adjusted so that we can build our Villanova STEM and Sports excellence precinct.

Within this newsletter (in the parent information section) is information regarding the overall College Master Plan, with particular focus on this important centrepiece development. Information can also be found on the College website.

Parents are always welcome to book time to come and see me to discuss any matters relating to College life and development, in particular any aspects relating to this project and College future directions.

College Budget Process
Over the past three months the College Leadership Team, Finance Committee and Board have been engaged in shaping the 2023 budget. I am sure all understand the complexities and challenges of the current economic and social environment as, in both your work and family environments, we all navigate similar sets of circumstances. As such I will communicate with all families in the near future the 2023 College fee schedule and the key influencers and projects planned for the College and your son’s education.

The College would like to pass on the condolences of the whole Villanova College Community to Charles Pearce [Year 7], his family and the Mt Carmel School community on the passing of Charles’ little sister Ava last Saturday.

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. 

Term 4 is without a doubt, the highlight of the year.  We are comfortable in our routines and wiser about the expectations in the classroom, playground and around College grounds.  This is the time of year that can be the most enjoyable because teachers and students have built a relationship of give and take – teachers know that students can rise to the occasion and students know that teachers also love to have fun.

Yet we have Junior School students now choosing to push boundaries.  Reports over the past week include, but are not limited to:

• Trying to wear sports uniforms outside of PE lessons
• Letting socks slip around the shins and ankles, leaving academic shirts untucked and shoes appear not to have been polished since Term 3
• Deliberately taking extra minutes to walk between the library/music rooms/drama room to avoid classroom learning time
• Leaving musical instruments, sports bags and PE gear in bag racks and classrooms for days on end
• Not completing set homework within a reasonable time frame
• Handing in set homework with little care and regard for following instructions or meeting the standard set during learning time
• Using class learning time for inappropriate IT games, messaging and activities
• Back answering staff after clearly not meeting College expectations – inattention, talking out of turn, distracting others and drawing on workbooks

It is far too early gentlemen, for you to think that the next five weeks of school time is over.  Mr Begg addressed a vital message at this week’s Trimester Sporting Awards – you have the right to an education, the right to be respected and treated fairly, but it is a privilege to attend special events, access the playground during breaks and be included in games and transition fun during classes.  Your College Diary and School Wide Expected Behaviours are clear.  I will wholeheartedly encourage any staff member to start involving myself and Mr Kennedy to help students who repeatedly, and blatantly, make decisions that impact their learning time as well as that of their classmates.

Parents, I ask you to also reach out to us if you find that your son is pushing boundaries at home.  A united front on the “small things” with clear consequences set out can be a well-timed measure to encourage a swift change in attitude.  A different voice, a concise cause and effect conversation will be had at our earliest convenience.  With Term 4, comes confidence, but to over-step the manners and place as a student within a Junior School setting, will only be detrimental to future years where consequences may be less restorative than present.

It is my understanding that our Junior School classrooms use many positives – sweets, praise, early minutes to lunch breaks, games, STEM challenges, sport bonus minutes and even balloon countdown surprises.  Your sons are rewarded for their best efforts; however we must take responsibility for giving constructive feedback when they choose to challenge without consideration and show a teacher little respect or courtesy.  It is quite all right to have a voice, but make it calm and keep your focus on the learning – social interactions have a time and a place.

Adults need to be consistent and predictable for boys to feel safe.  Our students yearn to be independent and now feel a sense of ownership – rightly so – over their learning spaces.  However, they also have strong emotions that they need help to manage, especially when with their close friends.  They will be quick to blame, identify shame and retaliate if their attempt at fun is disallowed.  That’s ok.  We will catch them doing the right thing and reassure them that they belong.

Let’s aim to finish strongly.  To leave behind the best memories of ourselves.  Please talk with your son about his recent behaviours – what is he proud of?  What could he work on in the hope that a teacher would notice this change? It’s never too late to show your best side – every day is a brand-new start.  There is still plenty of time to make an impact that could last a very long time between the people who will be on your side for years to come.

­­­Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

As teachers and parents, understanding and navigating the world of social media apps can certainly be a challenge. Without sounding incredibly old, I seemed to survive just fine as a teenager without a phone, let alone social media. However, as the digital age rolls on, it is important that parents and educators have an adequate understanding of what apps our kids are using. To assist us with our learning, here’s a few things we need to know about the app SnapChat, courtesy of Safe on Social.

Snapchat is a messaging app designed to send images or videos to friends. Using the app’s software, photos and videos can be easily edited, and is in fact encouraged. Once sent and viewed, these ‘snaps’ are meant to disappear.

What is a snap?
A Snap is a picture or video you send to one or more of your friends through the app. A video Snap can be 60 seconds long (known as a Long Snap).
What is the chat?
Chat is Snapchat’s version of instant messenger for individual and group chats. Messages disappear after they’re viewed.
What are Memories?
The photos are saved on Snapchat. Found by swiping up in the camera. These are Snaps and Stories that you can save for viewing later rather than allowing them to delete.
What are Stories?
The posts users make and share. Found on the heat zones on the map or in the ‘Stories’ area on the camera’s right. Stories stay on the app for 24 hours before being deleted. If you’d like to save your Story, you can download them to your device’s camera roll or save them to Memories.
What is Snap Map?
The latest update from Snapchat includes a new location-sharing feature. Snap Map allows you to see where your Snapchat contacts are, share your current location and view Snaps from nearby-Snapchat users or users at a specific event or location. The location-sharing feature is available to users around the world.
How Does Snap Map Work?
Snap Map uses mobile phone technology to find out where its users are and then draws them on a map in real-time. You can browse the map to see where your friends are and view stories from other Snapchat users. You can click on their avatars to see the photos and snaps that they have shared. This is cause for concern if students aren’t aware of this function and must ensure their profiles and messages are set to private.

Location settings can be changed at any stage using the settings function.

• Only Me (Ghost Mode): Your location won’t be visible to anyone else on the Map. You can still see other users’ locations.
• My Friends: Your location will be visible to all of your friends on the Map — including any new friends you make.
• Select Friends… : Choose specific friends to share your location with. Friends you select won’t be notified that you chose them, but they’ll be able to see your location on the Map.

Friends on Snapchat and how to add them
You can add people you know from your phone contacts, but Snapchat gets much more engaging when you extend beyond your contact list. Most young people have connections on Snapchat that they do not know, which can cause some privacy issues if the SnapMap is not secured correctly.

Each year the College supports a number of students who use Snapchat inappropriately. This mostly involves sending unwanted messages to other students or having the contents of group chats come to light and seen by parents or teachers. This also applies to other apps (not just Snapchat). It is worth noting that a ‘snap’ cannot be unsent, and whilst images and videos may disappear once viewed, they can be captured/recorded by the recipient.

Furthermore, if the content was to be intimate, there are child abuse and child pornography laws that will have implications for the sender, and anyone who might further share the image/video.

I recommend spending time talking with your son about the apps that he uses. For each of the apps (including Snapchat), discuss the following:

• How do you use this app?
• Why is this app important?
• What privacy settings are in place to protect oneself?
• There is always a digital footprint in this day and age… so never type or share anything that you wouldn’t want the world to see.
• How can these apps be mis-used by friends, or by strangers? What are the risk factors?

The College has a range of support mechanisms for parents who have concerns about what their son might be accessing. Many of these can be found on the College’s website https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/our-technology/byod/cybersafety/.
Alternatively, parents may also wish to reach out to their relevant Pastoral Area Leader.

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

The Loreto College P & F are pleased to invite the Villanova College students in Years 7, 8 and 9 to the Loreto School Dance – Years 7 to 9 from 6.00pm to 9.00pm on Friday 4 November.

Tickets are $15.00 each and can be booked via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CDGPF

Last Friday we conducted the Year 12 Farewell Assembly and Guard of Honour, one of the significant rites of passage events in our College calendar. The student body and staff affirmed the Senior class, and the torch was metaphorically handed onto our Year 11 students, as the 2023 Student Leadership Executive were entrusted with our symbols of leadership as part of the Student Leadership Handover.

Year 5 Gold student Lucas Howe, showing confidence and poise well beyond his years, spoke glowingly of the impact our Year 12 students have had as outstanding role models, especially to our Junior School students. He spoke of the experiences with the Year 12 Peer Mentors, YCS students and the guidance shown by the Seniors.

In his final address to the student body as College Captain, Riley Richards expressed the gratitude on behalf of the Senior class for the support of the community and thanked our wonderful teachers who have shaped and mentored them throughout their journey. Riley stated, “we all know the feeling of underperforming and our expectations not being met, but if this year has taught us Seniors anything, it’s been the power of uncompromising happiness and the strength of a pack, over an individual. It goes without saying that the men we are today is a result of years of influential role modelling, continuous encouragement and words of motivation through our most difficult times, and at the very core, simply being a friend and helping hand to us while we progressed through our journey at Villa.”

Riley also spoke passionately about the lasting impact their time as Villanova will hold for our Year 12 students. “Whilst these last few weeks bring about many different ‘last times’ for us seniors, it also brings about our first steps into life out of school – an exciting yet somewhat nerve-wracking prospect. However, whilst we may not walk the Villa corridors as grey or white shirts ever again, Villa will forever remain with us, a place we all grew up together as the class of 2022, and that is something extremely special that we will cherish in our hearts forever.

Following the Student Leadership Team handover, 2023 College Captain Elect Mitchell Rieck made his inaugural address and spoke graciously about the leadership legacy of this year’s Senior class. “Once the dust settles on the year, it will take a mere glance at the back wall to see the resounding sporting success of this cohort. With first premierships in AFL, Volleyball, Football and Basketball these Seniors left it all out on the park. Within the arts, the old adage “the show must go on” rung true, with an impressive musical production put on show, despite the looming prospects of a flood, which I had the pleasure of attending. And after three years, QCMF was finally live once again and the music boys did not disappoint, wowing audiences on their home ground. But what is very clear with the class of 2022 is that, while notable, the ‘on paper’ achievements barely scratch the surface of their journey. As the inaugural whole cohort supporting Emanuel City Mission, these boys truly embodied the concept of active service, spending their Thursday mornings in West End, preparing, and serving breakfast to those in need.”

Today our Year 12 students completed their final day of classes, culminating in a barbecue lunch with staff before the completion of the traditional Captain’s Run around the campus. Next Monday sees the commencement of the External Examination Block and I wish all our Year 12 students every success in the completion of their final exams. I would like to thank all Year 12 teachers for their tutelage and support in preparing our students.

Tomorrow, our Year 11 students become the Seniors of 2023 with their Commissioning Ceremony and the Investiture of the Student Leadership Team conducted within the Mass of All Saints. I look forward to sharing with you the leadership vision of the 2023 Senior Class next fortnight.

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.” – William Shakespeare

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has the eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”
St Augustine

There has been a thread of purpose, belonging and connection that has run through the last couple of weeks at Villanova College.  We have been exploring it through Mental Health Week, recognising that belonging and connection are foundations to being well and thriving in life.  When we belong and are connected it is easier to focus on the task of discovering and living with a sense of purpose and direction for how we can contribute.  We have felt purpose, belonging and connection as a College community as we’ve gathered together to farewell our Year 12 students.  We have heard the connection and belonging in the articulate, funny and heart-warming stories recalled by Lucas Howe in Year 5 reflecting on our Senior students.  We have seen it as our students formed a guard of honour across the school to farewell our Seniors of 2022.  Mr Begg drew upon a quote from St Augustine in his College address last Friday unpacking belonging and connection with a wisdom that comes across the centuries to us.

“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has the eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”
St Augustine

At this time of the year we especially celebrate our Year 12s and all the gifts and talents they have discovered, developed and shared in their time at Villanova College across all aspects of the school – academics, sports, music, creative arts, service.  All have contributed and leave a legacy to the students coming behind them.

Celebrating our Ministry leaders of 2022
In our Student led ministries we have been celebrating the contribution of our Year 12s and preparing for the handover of the senior Ministry groups to our Year 11 students.  On Monday evening, Year 12s who have taken on a leadership role in our Student Ministry teams came together to celebrate what they have achieved and to look towards the future to what volunteering they might continue.  It was a fantastic evening with guests from Rosies, Vinnies, Emmanuel City Mission and the Jansen family joining us to celebrate and encourage our students to continue in the work they have begun here at Villanova. We can’t wait to see what unfolds for these students in the wider community!  We hope you enjoy some of their reflections:

Ministry Captain – Jose Sibi
Being Ministry Captain this year was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. 2022 was packed with so many service opportunities across all the individual ministries, and also new initiatives such as the Emmanuel City Mission program which all the boys engaged with. Being a part of a ministry team that were very enthusiastic and so passionate about making a difference in their own ministry leadership areas made my role as Ministry Captain a whole lot easier and was what made ministry in 2022 so successful. Whether it was through the AFAS Global VILLAge program, the Vinnies sleepout, Green-team clean-ups and running stalls in mission week, I believe that the ministry boys did make a large difference to the community, and it was just so amazing to be a part of it all.

YCS – Patrick Grigson, Alex Friedman, Cohen Stewart and Luke Schaumburg
Over the course of 2022, the YCS boys strived to foster vital relationships with the youth of our community, providing much needed guidance and support during what are still ever-changing times. The young lads of the college were not ones to keep their gratitude quiet – every week we were met with such amazing appreciation for our time that became addicting as we kicked footies, shot baskets, and decimated them in handball. Our contribution to mission week was clear, as we ran rowing and ping pong competitions that were instant hits throughout the junior school and senior school. The lads learned our nicknames and had great times throughout the year, leaving memories on both sides that will never be forgotten. YCS isn’t anything crazy. It’s not complicated, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously – it’s simply about having fun. With mental health problems higher than ever, it’s especially important we help the community share a laugh and just have some fun. One thing remains true – those that participated this year were certainly better off for it.

Vinnies – Xavier Simondson
Over the year, we’ve done a lot in Vinnies. It started simply with hampers to help our local community to a sleepout to experience homelessness and understand what people have to deal with. I’m so grateful for the people that have helped us in all this, whether it is simply giving money or food or something, to joining us in these experiences. I’m also grateful for the opportunities that I have been able to have, working on the Vinnies youth camp during the semester break not only gave me some great friendships and opportunities outside Villanova, but also the ability to improve myself and give me new passion to continue to help people. To me, being a part of Vinnies has shown me it not only helps those in need but can also help the people doing the work and their passions.

AFAS – Mark Byerley and Will Gyte
This year we we’re lucky to establish an online connection with the Philippines through our Global VILLAge initiative in which as an individual and as a school we were able to further our understanding of what it means to be a human. Our Mission Day gave insight to how our Augustinian counterparts, live their lives. Although our ministry was small in the beginning, when we needed to get something done, we came together to accomplish our goals. We are grateful for our experience and hope that our efforts make a difference.

Green Team – Bailey Korander-Matheson and Dom Franco
The Green Team is fortunate enough to contribute to Villanova’s community. We have continued the already established beehives as well as the clean ups and the tree planting. I am grateful for the position I was placed in, and this year will always remain my heart.  Thank-you to all the boys who have been involved and contributed by continuing the Containers For Change program, a fun cleaning up the creek and discovering all sorts of unusual things and in the mulching and tree planting that will make a fantastic contribution for decades and maybe even centuries to come.

As we farewell our Year 12s the whole College community joins in praying the following blessing:
God who journeys with us:
We give thanks for our Year 12 students.
May they recognize the contributions they have made to this community.
​May they continue sharing their gifts and talents with the wider world.​
May they be guided on their journey by their family, friends, teachers and staff, in our Villa community.
May they maintain focus and bring determination to the examination period ahead.
May their finishing honour and pay tribute to those who have supported and encouraged them on their journey.
​May they have the confidence and strength to fulfill their dreams and the support to overcome life’s challenges. ​
​May they live their lives with humility, building community as they search for truth and grow in relationship with God as both St Augustine and St Thomas did.​
You have made us for yourself O Lord
And our Hearts are Restless until they rest in You.​

Boxes for our AFAS Partners
Our AFAS groups has been preparing boxes to go to our scholars and their community in Divino Amore Academy in Cebu. As we have missed two opportunities to be with them on our immersion programs this is a small gesture to let them know that we are thinking of them.  Divino Amore have students that are on scholarships that Villa students and families have fundraised for through Mission week.  It is also the school community that we have been zooming with through our Global VILLAge initiative across 2022.  This project has provided a meaningful platform which allows us to meet and engage with the students at Divino Amore Academy and to gain a better understanding and insight about Filipino culture and the lives of our friends there.

Our boxes this year have been filled with sports shoes, sports uniform, books for their school library, clothing for staff members.  Last year we did a similar thing for our school in CSA Colegio San Agustin in Bacolod.  These were very gratefully received and put to good use.  When our immersion returns, we will be visiting both of these school communities that Villanova College has been in partnership with for 30 years in 2023.

Mrs Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity

AIC Esports Minecraft Capture the Flag
The AIC is pleased to announce the eight member schools of the AIC will compete against each other in a live, competitive esports event playing Minecraft Education Edition ‘Capture the Flag 5 vs 5’ on Saturday 22 October at Villanova College. This is the first example of esports in the AIC, demonstrating the exponential growth and popularity of esports as an alternative form of competition. Further, this is the first example of competitive live Minecraft Education Edition esports in Australia to date!

What is Capture the Flag? The strategy of this fast-paced game involves both attack and defense. Each team must assign players to protect its own fort whilst mounting an assault on their opponent’s fort. Within the heart of each team’s fort is a flag which must be protected at all costs. Points are scored when a team captures the other team’s flag and retrieves it to their own fort. Much of the gameplay occurs in the open ground between the two forts, in the ramparts that surround the fortresses and occasionally within the guarded fortresses themselves.

For our competition, each AIC school has selected two teams of five players to compete at Villanova College in the Hanrahan Theatre on Saturday 22 October from 8:45am. Spectators from AIC schools are welcome to view the gameplay from a designated spectator area in the theatre. As a spectator, you can expect to see aerial “birds eye” views of live Capture the Flag gameplay.  Roving commentary will help spectators understand the stages of the game and how points are scored. There will be many games played over the 4 hours of the competition, with each game lasting between 10 and 20 minutes. From 8.45am and 11.00am, teams from all schools will participate in a series of shorter qualifying matches. From 11.00am until 1.00pm, the highest ranked team from each school will progress into a seeded elimination draw. The champion school shall be crowned at the end of the grand final match around 1.00pm. We will also be providing a coffee van onsite for spectators’ convenience.

Villanova College is looking forward to hosting this esports competition and we wish all the competing teams the very best of luck. We trust this esports event will be a success and that all competitors feel a sense of connection, pride and achievement on the day. We are in the final stages of our own team selection process, and I will share more information about the esports event and our own progress in the near future.

Mr Jason Lane, Elearning Pedagogy Leader / Esports Coordinator

Year 12 Finish
Our Year 12 students finish official classes this Thursday and ready to start their external examinations on Monday. For many, it is the completion of eight years of study here at Villanova. For all students, though, it is the culmination of 13 years of a schooling journey that the College hopes they will look back on with great memories.

If you follow the Villanova social media platforms, you will have seen last week photos of a number of ‘rites of passage’ for our Year 12 cohort; their farewell assembly and guard of honour walk were two of these special occasions. Initiated last year, we now give out to all the Year 12 students a ‘care pack’ containing a few items they we hope will be of some benefit to them leading into their external examinations and that symbolise the support they have here as part of the Villanova College community.

Jelly Beans – Each student received a packet of green and gold jelly beans. These represent the cohort working together in the green and gold. Our message to the students has always been to work together. Learn from each other, teach each other and support each other. The outstanding results and achievements of previous Year 12 cohorts has been due to a collaborative approach to their studies.

Grill’d Burger Voucher – Proudly donated by Grill’d Camp Hill, and the manager James Lawler (2012 Old Boy), the voucher for a free burger symbolises that the wider Villanova College community is supporting our Year 12’s during this time. And it certainly indicates that nutrition is key part academic preparation and performance, and that sharing a meal (which we hope the Year 12’s might do) is a great way to remain connected.

Message – The messages that were in the care packs were messages of motivation and represented the communication that the Year 12 teachers have emphasised all year; hard work, determination and resilience will all now come to the fore over the next few weeks.

The other element of symbolism in the care pack distribution was that they were handed out by the Year 11 cohort, our next group of young men to lead the College. It was great to hear them pass on their best wishes to the Year 12’s.

I would encourage all Year 12 parents to do a quick scan of their emails over the past two weeks for important messages from Mr Astill (Director of Studies) about their son’s commitments to external examinations over the coming three weeks. Whilst we certainly have given your son all the information he requires and needs for him to do well across all these details, it would be good for all parents to be familiar with his timetable, the equipment he requires and just to continue to support him where possible.

Subject Confirmation and Stationery Lists
Over the coming week, parents will receive an email containing the following information with regards to their son’s subject selection for 2023 and required stationery:

• For students moving into Years 6 and 7, all subjects listed in the email are compulsory and as such stationery is required for all subjects
• For students moving into Years 8 to 11, core subjects and elective subjects will be listed. Whilst stationery lists will contain equipment and materials for all subjects, only the stationery for core and elective subjects will be required.
• For students moving into Year 12, stationery remains the same for subjects being studied.

Please contact Mrs Kerryn Graham (Teaching and Learning Office) if you have any questions with regards to stationery packs or ordering.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Many thanks to all those who participated in the AFL, Cricket and Volleyball trials held last week as well as over the weekend. It is pleasing to see that a great number of boys are keen and eager to slip on the ‘Green and Gold’ and represent the College in their respective chosen sport in 2023.

Given the nature of the AIC Volleyball and AFL competitions, there is a limit to the number of teams we can nominate. You may have noticed that the number of AFL teams offered across the College has increased significantly over recent years. Next year we will have three more teams in the Year 7 – 10 competition to accommodate the growing number of players interested in the sport.

The most difficult task for any sports organisation, particularly at schoolboy level, is to cut players. Unfortunately, we did have many more players than teams offered in AFL and Volleyball, which in turn means that some boys will miss out. We intend to post the team lists of all 2023 Year 5 – 12 AFL, Cricket and Volleyball teams by midday this Friday. All new families to the College who do not have access to the Parent Lounge and Student Café portals will be emailed the team lists.

If a student misses out on team selection in either AFL or Volleyball, we encourage them to contact the Sports Office sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au and join a Cricket team. We will field as many cricket teams as we have players.

AFL, Cricket and Volleyball training and further trial games – where to from here?

As Goold Hall is unavailable for the next three weeks due to the Year 12 External Exams, we have decided to put a hold on all training in all sports until the hall comes back online and commence all training at the same time.

As many of our Cricket players are involved with club cricket this term, there will be no training or trial matches for any AIC teams this term. Training for all Villanova cricket teams entered in club competition will resume as normal, however, please note that these teams are not the same as AIC teams selected for 2023.

Villanova’s cricket emerging talent squad (already selected) will continue to train as normal as per schedule sent to these players. Some of these players will be required for some up-coming trial matches organised, including First trial matches.

During Week 6 and 7 this term, all 2023 Year 7 – 12 Volleyball teams and all 2023 Year 6 -Open AFL teams will train once in Week 6 and once in Week 7. Some of these teams will be required to participate in trial games organised against St Laurence’s and Iona College as per schedule below.

Further Volleyball and AFL Training Schedule – Week 6 and 7, Term 4

IMPORTANT NOTE – All Year 7 Volleyball teams (A – D) will train together in Week 7, that is, on Tuesday 15 November.

Further Volleyball Trial Games Organised (only for those boys who are selected after the Saturday 15 October trials)

• Saturday 12 November, Year 7 – Open Trial match v Iona College – Times and venues TBA
• Saturday 19 November, Year 7 – Open Trial match v St Laurence’s College – Times and venues TBA

Further AFL Trial Games Organised (only for those boys who are selected after the Saturday 15 October trials)

• Saturday 12 November, Year 7A, 8A, 9/10A and Open trial match v Iona – Times and venues TBA
• Friday 18 November, Open trial match v St Laurence’s College – Times and venues TBA
• Saturday 19 November, Year 8A and 8B and Year 9/10A and 9/10B trial match v St Laurence’s College – Times and venues TBA

Experienced Football Coaches Required
The Villanova College Sports Department is currently looking for experienced/highly qualified coaches to be involved in the College’s Football program. We are seeking coaches who will work with our ‘A’ level sides. Coaching positions will be paid, so if you are interested or know of someone who might be, please contact Football Co-Ordinator – Anthony Kemp, akemp@vnc.qld.edu.au

First XI/Second XI Football Trials
The College will commence the First XI/Second XI Football program on Wednesday 9 November at Villanova Park from 3.45 – 5.15pm. Please find the schedule for the trials below:
Trial session dates

• Wednesday 9 November
• Tuesday 15 November
• Thursday 24 November

Currently we have a list of students who have signed up to attend the trials. Any other student/s who are wanting the opportunity to trial are welcome to attend and are asked to register their interest at the Sports Office. Boys are to find their own way to and from the trial venue.

AIC Touch Tournament
A one-day AIC Touch Tournament will be held at Runcorn this Saturday, 22 October. Divisions are Primary (combined Year 5/6), Year 7, Year 8/9 and Year 10/11. All trials have now been conducted and all team lists have been posted in the respective Parent Lounge and Student Café portals.

A complete draw is posted on the website. We ask players to attend the venue at least 30 minutes before the first game. All players should wear the Villanova College Rugby or PE shorts as well as the ‘old’ Villanova basketball singlet. These singlets were handed out to all players earlier this week. Players are to return these singlets to the Sports Office early next week. We recommend all players bring and apply their own sunscreen, wear a Villanova hat and have their own water bottle clearly labelled.
We wish all teams the very best!

Villanova Swimming – Mrs Juanita Jacobs – AIC Swimming/Water Polo Co-ordinator
We have now well and truly begun the Villanova swim season. If your son is interested in joining the squad, there is still time. Please check the Locker Room section of the website for the documents and further details on training times. Villanova Swimming Registration Link – https://villanova.jotform.com/tkropp/aic-swimming-registration—202223-

 AIC Water Polo Tournament
The AIC Water Polo Tournament will be played this Sunday, October 23 at Somerville House.
There are three teams Year 7, Year 8/9 and Year 10/11.  All team lists have now been  posted in the respective Parent Lounge and Student Café portals.
The Year 7 and Years 8/9 teams will begin competition at 8am and finish by 11-midday.  Players are asked to meet the coaches and Mrs Jacobs at 7:30am on the pool deck.

The Open team will begin playing from 12 noon until approx. 3.30pm at the latest.  Open players are asked to meet by 11:30. Any player in the Year 8/9 team who wants to play in the Open matches must first play in their own division.  As you will see in the draw, it is not possible for the Year 7 players to also play in the Year 8/9 division team.
There is limited parking underneath the pool car park. Street parking is available but be wary of resident parking signage in streets near the pool.
Each team will need to provide two people for table duty in the morning session as per the draw below.  If you can assist, please let Mrs Jacobs know.   The teams will very much appreciate your help. The aim of the event is to enjoy Water Polo within the spirit of AIC.

Players must wear the Villanova swim togs and the Villanova PE uniform to and from all games and be present at least 30 minutes before the first game.

AIC 2022 WATER POLO DRAW
Year 7: Field 1 Somerville House

Year 8/9: Field 2 Somerville House

Open: Field 1 Somerville House

 Villanova Coaches, Managers and Officials Needed
The Sports Office is currently looking at staffing for the 2023 sports season. If you can assist in any of these roles, we ask that you complete the online ‘2023 Coaches, Managers and Officials Nomination Form’. The link is found on the website or simply click here – https://villanova.jotform.com/tkropp/coach-manager-and-official-nominati

Villanova relies on the assistance of the parents, Old Boys and friends to help fulfil these roles. We encourage you to help if you can – your boys, our students are counting on us.

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Wieneke Family Music Prize
On Tuesday evening, 18 October, we celebrated the Wieneke Family Music Prize Finalists in Hanrahan Theatre.  Commencing at 6pm, our five finalists each from Junior School, Middle School, and Senior School share their prepared program for an external adjudicator and gathered friends and family.  It was an amazing night of music with an awesome program shared by our performers.

Many thanks to our adjudicator Mr Matt Cocking, and accompanist Mia Huang, for providing their expertise on the evening.  My thanks also to our Music Administration team for facilitating the logistics behind this year’s event.  Finally, I would like to share my congratulations with our students and their teachers for the manner in which they approached this year’s contest and their efforts in preparing their program.

Please join me in acclaiming our finalists for 2022, and congratulate our students who won first and second prize in each ‘division:’

Junior School Finalists
Nicholas          Bruce                           Trumpet
George            Metohianakis              Trumpet  (First Place)
William           Robinson                     Trumpet
Luke                Savage                         Tenor Sax (Second Place)
Coby               Muir                            Clarinet

Middle School Finalists
William           Quincey                      Alto Sax
Damian            Ellis                             Clarinet
Adam               Kielenniva                   Clarinet
Isaac                Lerato                          Violin (Second Place)
William           Dolphin                       Piano (First Place)

Senior School Finalists
George            Audet                          Drum Kit
Thomas           Kielenniva                   Alto Sax (Second Place)
Ronan              Flaherty                       Piano (First Place)
Kai                   Asnicar                        Flute
Blake               Waugh                        Viola

Celebration of Achievement
The Academic Calendar now moves to a time of reflecting and rewarding efforts across the year.  This year, the College returns to the Concert Hall in QPAC for our newly re-branded Celebration of Achievement.  This year’s event is marked in the calendar for Tuesday 8 November.

Our Symphonic Band, Sinfonia String Orchestra, Big Band and Irish Ensemble are performing on stage during this event.  Our Chamber Brass, Chamber Winds, Guitar Ensemble 1 and Amadeus Chamber Ensemble will be performing in the foyer prior to the event.  Information regarding sound-checks and movement across this day will be distributed shortly.

We will also be celebrating our Music Awards as part of this function.  Parents of award recipients and musicians will be receiving information regarding ticketing toward the end of this week from the Celebration of Achievement team.  Please keep an eye on your emails.

Continuing Information for Performance Music Program
As the ensemble program moves to ‘2023 mode,’ we commence our preparations for the tuition arm of our program for the New Year.  Information regarding tuition and fees for 2023 will be distributed to all families of participant students from Year 5 – 11.  We will be seeking enrolment forms to be returned to the Music Office during October so that we can finalise staffing and timetabling for next year as early as possible.

Should you have any queries regarding your son’s involvement in music for 2023, please do not hesitate to contact your son’s teacher through the Music Office on 3394 5691, or directly via email.  If we can assist in the Music Office, we would also be happy to speak with you directly.

Thank you all for your assistance in this matter and assisting us in meeting these timelines.

Key Dates for Term 4
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/barbecue/etc. this Summer! (flyer attached).

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

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

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

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

VOLUNTEERING AT VILLANOVA COLLEGE
Giving back through volunteering is a great way to engage, meet new people and develop lasting relationships at Villanova College. We welcome parents, guardians, extended family, and community members to give back and play an active role in supporting our “Village”.

Ahead of 2023, we are asking volunteers to re-register their interest in areas of volunteering within the school (e.g. Music and Instrumental support, Library, Sports (AIC), Tuckshop and Creative Arts production and event support). For those expressing interest to volunteer in the Tuckshop and Tolle Lege Library, please register your interest by no later than Friday, 18 November 2022. This will enable our Library and Tuckshop staff to roster volunteers ahead of the commencement of the 2023 academic year.  By registering your interest, you will complete a short online Volunteer Induction which is only required to be completed once annually per person irrespective of how many roles/occasions you volunteer for.

The new online process enables our volunteers to:

• input and update your contact details and provide the College with an emergency contact;
• acknowledge our policies and Volunteer Agreement per the Australian National Standards for Volunteer Involvement; and
• upload your Blue Card if it is required for the volunteering role (the online process will provide you with information and instruction as to whether you require a volunteer Blue Card).

 To register your interest and complete the annual induction, please go to: Volunteering at Villanova » Villanova College (vnc.qld.edu.au)
For any volunteer related queries, contact details are included in the above College link.
We thank you for the important role you play within our community.

Students With Disability Travel Rebate
Semester 2

• Does your child have a verified disability that requires transport assistance to and from school?
• Has your school’s learning support teacher assessed your child’s travel capability rating as ‘semi-independent’ or more dependent?

Visit our website to see if you qualify for financial assistance to help with the cost of transport and apply at www.schooltransport.com.au by 31 October.
Late applications cannot be accepted after 31^st October.

Bus Travel Assistance
Please see correspondence from Transdev Queensland regarding Bus Travel Assistance and Safety-Net Cards.
2023 School Bus Pass Letter

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mothers of Villanova Old Boys Afternoon – NEW DATE

Date:                   Saturday 19 November
Time:                  1-4pm
Location:            Cassiciacum Gardens / Senior School Terrace – Villanova College 24 Sixth Avenue Coorparoo
Tickets:               $55 per head – includes canapes, drink on arrival and entertainment
Raffles, Lucky door prizes, an optional tour of the College and more! Cash Bar and EFTPOS will be available.
Tickets close:     Friday 18 November 2022
Tickets through Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CCAGV

Villanova Golf Day – NEW DATE

Date:                   Thursday 3 November
Time:                  11:30am for midday tee off
Location:            Nudgee Golf Club
Teams:               $500 per team of four
Includes – green fees, burger and chips lunch, motorised cart per pair, two x drink tickets per person
Sponsorships:    Major Sponsor (includes two teams of four)    $1500
Hole Sponsor (includes a team of four)         $750
Tickets through Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CDGLU

Ladies Derby Day
Date:                   Saturday 29 October 2022
Time:                   2pm – 5pm|
Where:               The Lawn Bar & Cafe – 44 Ferry Street, Kangaroo Point
Dress:                  Black & White
Tickets:               Standard tickets available until Friday 21 October – $135.00
This event is also open to friends of Villanova College mothers who are attending the event, so please feel free to invite them along. Tickets will be on sale until Friday 21 October or sold out. No tickets will be available at the door. Ticket includes a three-hour drinks package (beer, sparking and white wine) and canapes.  There will be raffle tickets available for purchase to win a range of prizes including $2000.00 cash. A cash bar will be operating on the day. All money raised will go towards helping our boys access much needed sporting equipment and resources across the College. The Sports Club consists of a group of volunteer parents who are invested in supporting all Villanova students and their sporting endeavours.  Your support is very much appreciated.

Please note that the P and F Fathers’ Night has been cancelled. Those who have purchased tickets will be issued refunds. We thank you for your understanding.

Mr Jordan Mullan, Community Engagement and Foundation Manager

BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT
Brisbane City Council will soon commence monitoring of parking compliance in the areas around school zones.
The below signs will be placed near the pick-up zones to serve as a reminder.
Please be vigilant and observe all parking signs and lines around the College, including being respectful of our neighbours and not parking over driveways.
ALINTA UNIFORM SHOP
For notices and the latest information on Alinta Uniform Shop stock levels visit the Alinta website: Homepage | Alinta Apparel

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

VILLANOVA COLLEGE MASTER PLANNING ACTIVITIES
Planning for the Future
Villanova College has taken the next step towards the development of a new multi-purpose hall and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (‘STEM’) building and the future delivery of a new café/ canteen, Learning Institute and refurbishment of Mendel Hall.

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 5 of the Planning Act 2016, we have asked that the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning approve an amendment to the existing education facilities designation of our campus located in Coorparoo.

To assist with future development of the College a Master Plan has been developed with Cox Architects which strives to provide an appropriate balance between the built form and open space areas while considering the impact of the proposal on adjoining residential development. The Master Plan will be delivered over two stages as follows:

Stage 1A + 1B

• New approximately three storey building to accommodate multi-purpose hall and STEM facilities (located in the southern part of campus, south of Seventh Avenue)

Closure of Seventh Avenue to public access

Stage 2A + 2B

• New single storey building to accommodate café/canteen and Learning Institute

Refurbishment of Mendel Hall

Ministerial Infrastructure Designation
To deliver on our commitment to the College community we will request that the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning endorse this Master Plan and amend the current designation over the subject. The MID process provides an alternate assessment pathway to lodging a development application with Brisbane City Council and allows for the delivery of essential community infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.

Having your say
We are at the early stages of the project and encourage you to review and have your say about the College’s master planning activities and proposed MID amendment through the following website link:

https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/news/villanova-college-master-planning-activities/

Enquiries can also be submitted via email to villamail@vnc.qld.edu.au, or if you would like to discuss with a member of our team, please contact Jordan Mullan, Community Engagement and Foundation Manager at Villanova College on 07 3394 5665. This early consultation period will be open for your comments until 3 November 2022.

It is important to note that formal community consultation will be undertaken should the proposal proceed through the MID process. This will provide neighbours, key stakeholders and residents with the opportunity to make a submission or learn more about our master planning activities.

For your information, the following letter has been sent to local residents click here