Villa View: Issue 17/22

Combined CLT and College Board Strategic Planning Weekend
Last weekend the College Board and College Leadership Team met to discuss and plan our strategic endeavours for 2023. It was an excellent weekend of discussion, Augustinian Formation and identification of key areas for focus and growth at Villanova as we enter this final portion of the year. It is from this gathering that the Leadership Team prioritise matters and give shape and definition to our learning and improvement agenda across the strategic pillars of Identity, Learning and Teaching and Stewardship.

In Term 1 of next year the key drivers of improvement and indicators of performance will be shared with community along with the programs and initiatives that will be in place to achieve these outcomes. I look forward to working with the Leadership Team in this important area of College operations and with excitement at the possibilities of further developing the culture, spirit and performance of Villanova College. I also give gracious thanks to our Board Chair, Mr Peter Finnimore and our directors for giving their time to the College to assist in its successful operation.

World Teachers Day
I do hope that our Villanova community is aware of our underlying teaching practices that are formally termed “Relational Pedagogy.” In simple terms, at Villanova we teach through developing high yield and high-performance relationships. To give greater shape and understanding there are five core principles that our teachers are encouraged to shape inside their classrooms and in their teaching practice and relationship building with students, inside the classroom, on the sports field and in all interactions and opportunities for formation and learning.

These five principles are:

1. Express concern
2. Challenge growth
3. Provide support
4. Share power
5. Expand possibilities

When these are then paired with our student behaviour support plan principles of Growth, Respect, Effort, Accountability, Teamwork and Service it is easy to see the focal point of our efforts and why we continue to challenge and develop men of character and integrity. Remembering of course that it is an eight-year journey at Villanova and all boys oscillate across varied behaviours and levels of effort and commitment as they progress through the stages of growth toward maturity.

The messages of boys to their teachers that I shared last Friday were littered with evidence that our teachers are working incredibly hard to embed these principles in daily practice, and that the boys are seeing and experiencing it. I commend the work of our teachers and commit to our boys and our families that we will continue to strive to develop our teachers in this important element of the Augustinian educational charism.

Messages from the boys . . .

He has provided honest feedback about progress, as well as made me realise my potential in Science, a subject I have rather struggled with in the past.

She encourages me to do my best and motivates me to reach my potential as she believes that everyone could do better. Also, she provides lots of help in maths especially by working through the first couple of questions of the exercise to make sure everyone fully understands. She won’t stop until she knows everyone understands. This is because she wants everyone to succeed and doesn’t like to see others fail.

Even though I was settled in my academic pathway, Mr X didn’t just accept I was an academic student with high standards, instead he knew how to push me to improvement time after time, inside and out of the classroom. Thanks to his mentoring I made the biggest gains in writing ability and self-awareness which may not have been reflected in my grades but which I certainly felt in my heart.

I thank both my Pastoral Leaders as they helped me through last year when I was struggling not only at school but at home, which was a significant help and definitely changed who I am today. I would not be where I am without the support of these teachers, and other teachers that supported me throughout last year.

Thanks for supporting and assisting me when I am struggling or behind to find a work around and let me know that there are better and adaptable options in place. That people and life can help you find ways to make everything in co-exist and manageable.

Without Mr. X’s uniquely engaging method of teaching, I would have been unable to achieve such high results in my Maths internal assessments and feel as prepared as I do going into the externals. Furthermore, the atmosphere of collaboration that Sir encourages in the classroom has also greatly contributed to my learning, as facing “quirky” questions along the way was less of a challenge and more of an opportunity for growth.

Miss provides authenticity by working with the students and demanding from herself what she demands from us, which allows us to feel less alone.

College NAPLAN Performance
While it has taken some time to have final results released it was pleasing to view our College NAPLAN results and begin the process of analysis around learning growth targets and the identification of areas for teaching focus and student development in areas of Literacy and Numeracy. We have bucked the national trend in the area of Year 9 writing with strong results which bode well for this cohort’s progression into Senior schooling next year. It is certainly envisaged that since the test, taken in April, with a Middle School focus on writing and text structure there has been continued improvement in this area. Our Year 5’s who were new to the College, have performed well, and above national minimum standards, but we are able to identify that Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation are areas for us to continue focussed effort on and our Science of Reading Project will definitely assist with this across the next few years. In all year levels numeracy performance was strong and this is most definitely an area where we want to continue explicit improvement strategies to place all of our boys in a confident place as they move ever closer to Senior schooling.

As a final word, NAPLAN is a high-quality standardised test to be used as a point in time diagnostic, informing teaching practice and topic focus. It should not be used as a way to define your individual child or their perceived intellect or ability. As a College we triangulate data from other standardised tests, and their in-school student assessment, both formative and summative, to inform our teaching and how we structure units and instruction. It is irresponsible to do otherwise.

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. 

In a world where information is but a click of a button away, there is something for the right facts being presented in a safe environment, at the right time.  For our Year 5 students, this was the case this past Monday when the team from Let’s Chat, led by Mandy Stephens, visited our dynamic learning spaces.  All students had a 90-minute session focusing on an “Introduction to Changing Bodies”.  It provided the opportunity to use correct language about our bodies and the changes that are experienced by all human beings during puberty.  Most importantly, students were supported to focus on strategies to help keep them safe as well as practical measures to respond to unsafe situations.  As always, the focus included which adults are always available to help – primarily parents, trusted teachers, and the Villanova College Student Protection Team members.

Everyone’s story of changing bodies happens at different times – but it does always happen – so as a community, with the support of the Respect Curriculum, Religious Education Curriculum (Relationships and Sexuality Education) and Health and Physical Education Curriculum documents, we try to give the boys a learning platform.  The sessions involve physical, mental, and social emotional changes as the body naturally matures in readiness for the teenage years, ultimately toward reproduction as adults.  It’s a myriad of exciting times ahead for our youngest Villanovans and to visit the spaces as the sessions took place was a privileged experience.

Mandy and her team of professionals have a range of nursing, education, and health professional backgrounds.  They are also mothers themselves, but above all their passion for first class education about puberty is very clear.  Walking into the spaces, I found our students glued to the details that were being provided about hormones, hair growth, oil/sweat glands, voice boxes, body odours and the likelihood of growing interest in personal grooming and an acute awareness of the people around them being seen in a different light.  For some boys, they immediately recognised their own changes that have taken place, whilst others were filled with curiosity about the changes that might still be on their way.  No matter their stage of development, they had the chance to hear, see and consolidate information that will definitely apply to them!

Questions were encouraged and it might be a very brave adult who would open the floor for this type of topic amongst 29 young men.  To their credit, their “I was wondering” statements were insightful and respectful.  The audience was attentive – it was clear that each person was not the only one with the same question.  Often, this question would then bounce to another, and then another, as Mother Nature simply has a unique way of making our bodies process changes, and some practical elements of “how does that work” is simply fascinating through the eyes of young boys.  They have had some key components of male and female body changes covered in these sessions and I am convinced that it was done with a great deal of trust and composure.

For our Year 6 students, their three Let’s Chat Sessions are the next three Mondays of Term 4.  “Managing Changing Bodies,” “Where Babies Begin” and “Media Madness” are the session topics, following on from their 2021 Let’s Chat experiences.

This might mean that our students have further ideas to ponder, questions to ask you at home or a little more background knowledge behind them in the near future.  The Let’s Chat website Let’s Chat Education | Puberty, Relationships & Growing Up With Mandy Stephens (letschat.com.au) is a place of further information, and I encourage you to contact Mandy’s team for any advice should you need it via mandys@letschat.com.au – they are only too happy to help families.

Every family will have their own comfort levels around the topic of puberty and each boy’s journey will be his very own to navigate.  I do hope that these sessions help our young men to feel a sense of belonging within a safe environment as they navigate this important part of their learning about themselves.

­Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Following on from recent community feedback, it appears that a timely reminder is in order. We therefore ask that you remind your sons of appropriate conduct when travelling to and from the College.  Unfortunately, we have had reports from our neighbours of boys engaging in unsafe and/or disrespectful behaviour when they are in the community before and after school. This extends to behaviour on public transport. Over the past week in their respective form meetings, we have reminded boys of the following:

• The importance of crossing roads at designated places such as traffic lights or zebra crossings; this is particularly relevant to boys who cross Main Street (from near Easts Leagues Club) and Old Cleveland Road (near McDonald’s).
• The requirement to pay their fare when using public transport.
• Being mindful of their conduct when catching buses and ensuring respect is shown to all passengers.
• Our expectations of wearing the College uniform correctly extends beyond the walls of the College gate, especially relating to shirts tucked in and socks pulled up.

In expectation I would like to thank parents for supporting these messages with their sons.

Year 9
Last week our Year 9s had a session with guest presenter Seamus Evans. With his banner [entitled “Turn a Flaw into a Superpower”] fixed across the screen as he presented, Seamus shared his personal journey of overcoming the challenges of having Tourette Syndrome and his successful pursuit of a career in the TV industry. The presentation was very well received by the boys and touched on several age-relevant themes including, resilience, accepting diversity, and setting/achieving goals. On behalf of the boys, I thank Seamus for his presentation and encourage the boys to rise to meet the challenges he laid down.

Year 8
Our Year 8 students were also treated to a guest presentation in their Personal Development session, with the team from Gibber coming out to deliver their “Smashed Australia” show. Focussed on the harmful effects of teenagers drinking alcohol, their theatrical performance balanced humour and awareness raising to connect and engage with the boys. The presentation focussed on themes of peer pressure, consent, and social media as well as exploring the detrimental effects of underage drinking on brain development and decision-making. For more information about the presentation, please use the link The Smashed Project Gibber.

Year 7
Our focus in Personal Development with our Year 7 students for the last two weeks has been bullying. As the boys continue to mature, they are forming a greater understanding of the challenges associated with peer relationships in the adolescent years, and hopefully gaining greater insight into the words and actions that can cause harm to others. Our presentation explored the definition of bullying (including looking at what bullying isn’t), the different forms of bullying (including social exclusion and online bullying), the role of bystanders, and what motivates a person to bully another person. The boys completed a survey about their own experiences and encounters with bullying and were then given an opportunity to unpack the data collected.

Over the past two weeks all Middle School students completed an SEW (Social Emotional Wellbeing) Survey. Completed anonymously, the survey provides the College with valuable longitudinal data about the social emotional development of the boys (benchmarked against national averages for boys) and helps the College identify targeted areas for improvements and growth. I look forward to sharing the results of this data with you in the coming months.

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Class of 2023 Senior Commissioning and Student Leadership Investiture
Last Friday, we celebrated the Mass of All Saints in a wonderful expression of our gateway value of community. As part of our service, we commissioned our Year 11 students as the Senior Class of 2023 and formally invested our Student Leadership Team. To conclude the ceremony, our 2023 College Captain Mitchell Rieck spoke passionately about the leadership vision underpinning the aspirations and passions for the incoming Seniors, revealing their motto ‘Stronger Together’. I would like to share with you some excerpts of Mitch’s poignant address.

“I start today, quoting the dead poet’s society, or more accurately, Walt Whitman’s ‘Oh me Oh life.’ Upon questioning the significance of life, amid all its turmoil and futility, this is the answers he offers, “That you are here—that life exists and identity, That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” And so, I ask you today, what will your verse be?”

It was not that long ago, that I sat where you are now as a Year 5 student, looking up in awe as the College Captain a young man by the name of Jack Powell, expressed his mission to raise Villa spirit. Over the ensuing seven years, I proceeded to hear this mission time after time, and 2022 was no different. However, over the past few months, I have had a different mission in mind, focussed not on building Villa spirit, but Villa identity.

You see boys, we are a community steeped in 75 years of tradition. 75 years of Augustinian, values, teachings, and most importantly graduates. Graduates who have provided our college with its fundamental history, traditions, and culture. You see Villanova is not just the school you go to 5 days a week, it is your home, your alma mater, your identity. For as long as you live, you will be a part of the Villanova community, yet you will only reside in these walls for a mere eight years. What will your verse be?

Lads, it is our collective responsibility to rebuild this identity, and thus unite as a community. Which is why I will strive to ensure that every student can recite the College anthem, College song, and College war cry. Boys, our time here is finite, let our verse leave a lasting impact on those to come. Let us save these traditions from extinction, and in turn, ensure the future of the Villa spirit.

And I couldn’t think of a more fitting year to focus on our history and culture, then on the 75th anniversary of the College, coupled with our Senior motto of ‘stronger together’. Because it’s as simple as that. We really are stronger together. Everywhere you look on the sports field, in the theatre or even in ministry, Villanova is stronger together.”

Over the course of this final term, the Student Leadership Team will utilise the newly formed committee system to shape the various programs and initiatives to add value to the student body’s daily experiences at Villanova. I look forward to sharing regularly into the future the work of our student led committees in the areas of academics, community service, culture, spirit and wellbeing.

Year 10 Day of Reflection
Last Tuesday, our Year 10 students engaged in our Day of Reflection program offsite at the Queensland Multicultural Centre. Facilitated by Mr Michael Fitzpatrick, the day built upon the discussions from the Year 9 Day of Reflection last year, however, with a deeper focus and opportunity for character exploration and growth. One of the challenges of the day was for our young men to step outside their comfort zone, break away from the familiarity and safety of their immediate friendship circles and show courage and vulnerability in making new connections and articulating their fears.

I was particularly impressed by the students who shared their thoughts and feelings with the whole group. These experiences are absolutely fundamental to the character and formation development of our students, particularly as they continue on their road to leadership as the first cohort to lead in the new House Pastoral system in 2024. I would like to thank Year 10 Pastoral Area Leader Mrs Sophie Kenny for her organisation of the day and the team of teachers who supported our young men.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E.E. Cumming

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

This week following our All Saints College Mass is the Church’s official celebration of All Saints.  It is a time in our tradition when we celebrate good women and men of faith who show us how to live.  Many of the saints lives seem far beyond our ordinary experience, and I hope you can find yourself in the description of saints from St Augustine who describes ordinary saints with some virtues and some faults.  Their saving grace is that they are humble, willing to admit mistakes and ask forgiveness.  These are qualities that we can all surely benefit by working on.  In Augustine’s letter of the Pelagians he writes the following about saints.

“The saints are those who are moved by God’s grace to do whatever good they do. They get angry and desire revenge when they are injured but are ready to forgive when asked.
They are very attached to their property but will freely give at least a modest amount to the poor. They will not steal from you but are quick to take you to court if you try to steal from them.
They are realistic enough to know that God should get the main credit for the good that they do. They are humble enough to admit that they are the source of their own evil acts.
In this life God loves them for their good acts and gives forgiveness for their evil, and in the next life they will join the ranks of those who will reign with Christ forever.”

~ Against Two Letters of the Pelagians, 3.5.14

A great dinner table conversation, or those trips in the cars with our boys would be a great time to talk together about the saints in our lives and growing a capacity to be humble, willing to admit mistakes and ask forgiveness.

An experience at the Temple
Last Friday and again yesterday, our five classes of Year 11 Study of Religion students have had the opportunity for a morning at the Buddhist temple in Underwood.  In this senior subject we study Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism and our units link through sacred texts, rituals, ethics and human rights.  This encounter at the temple provided our students with the opportunity to experience the Buddhist temple and interact and engage with some of their teachings.  Two of our students, Riley and Jayden share the following of their experience:

Buddhist Temple Excursion: Year 11 SOR
After travelling from school to Underwood, the day began by walking through the entry of the Buddhist temple, whereby our class was ushered into a lecture/classroom. Immediately, the most notable aspect of the temple was the peacefulness and serenity. The Buddhist statues, lush greenery, and relaxing incense calmed down our class and really allowed us to focus our minds on this experience. We then participated in a small discussion between us and one of the welcoming Buddhist nuns. It was there that we learned of the importance of many characteristics of the monks, such as the shaved heads. They seemed to have a real focus on the idea of detachment, from all material things, to help let go of suffering. Activities throughout the day consisted of Tai chi, meditation, and the drawing of Chinese symbols. Each one allowed us to connect more deeply with Buddhism, and further learn and understand why and how Buddhists live their lives. My personal favourite was Tai chi, which relaxed and centred me, allowing a real mind and body connection. Overall, the day was comforting and peaceful and distinctive in the experience. I would highly recommend travelling to the Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple.
Riley Lightfoot

The excursion to Chung Tian temple was very insightful. We learned about the incredible lifestyle Buddhists live and how their rituals and traditions make their lives so much more fulfilling. This included Tai chi, meditation, and calligraphy. These activities demonstrate how the core values of Buddhists are letting go of desire and freeing themselves from suffering by letting go of attachment to material objects. Tai chi and meditation showed us how to be more patient and carefree, flowing like a river. Calligraphy showed us how to be careful and take our time to replicate Chinese characters with precision. The architecture of the buildings was very impressive, with many temples towering above us with their unique Asian rooftops and pillars. The smell of incense set a very relaxing atmosphere which was reflected with how carefree and at ease everyone working there was. Overall, the experience was extremely unique, and every student gained further knowledge from the excursion.

Jayden Fung

Greening our Local Community
Our Green Team has a spring in their step and a keenness for action!  The weather has been intervening with a few of our plans, but a great team of students headed up to do some planting in the gully a group earlier in the year had mulched.  These actions together make a massive difference in our local area that will continue to grow over time.  Diego and Joaquin share more of the story along with some snaps of the great work.  Certainly, you can see it was a fun and rewarding occasion!

Diego:
The Green Team at Villanova has always been a ministry about giving back to the community. On Wednesday 26 October, the Green Team did just that, with tree planting conducted in Mars Street Park.  This gave us the opportunity to further better our community, and as always, working together with the boys, we were able to complete the planting in just 30 minutes. Giving up a small part of your afternoon, whether it be for a tree planting or a Norman Creek clean-up, is what Green Team is all about.

Joaquin:
For me, The Green team encapsulates the value of community. Giving up a few hours of your time to help repair and restore what we call home instils both a genuine sense of fulfilment and solidarity which has become so hard to find when, frankly, everything we do is to benefit ourselves. Last Wednesday’s cleanup gave the boys involved a chance to do just that, we set aside our personal endeavors to spend some quality time as mates whilst giving back to our wonderful community.

There has been a thread of purpose, belonging and connection that has run through the last couple of weeks at Villanova.  We’ve 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 school 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 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 the College. 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 and Andrew Stamatiou
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. We are 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. We are also grateful for the opportunities that we have been able to have, working on the Vinnies youth camp during the semester break not only gave us some great friendships and opportunities outside Villanova, but also the ability to improve ourselves and have new passion to continue to help people. Being a part of Vinnies has shown us 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 were 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 the Villanova College community. We have continued the already established beehives, as well as clean ups and tree planting. We are grateful for the position we were placed in, and this year will always remain in our hearts.    Thank-you to all the boys who have been involved and contributed by continuing the Containers For Change program, who joined us to have fun cleaning up the creek and discovered all sorts of unusual things, and in the mulching and tree planting.  All these things  will make a fantastic contribution for decades and maybe even centuries to come.

As we farewell our Year 12s our whole school 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

External Examinations
Our Year 12’s have hit the halfway mark of their external examinations and from all reports back from the students, they are confident in their performances so far. Whilst some have indicated that the examinations have been challenging or ‘thrown a few curve balls,’ all have attested to the fact that they have prepared well with their teachers.

We continue to wish our Year 12’s all the best in this busy period. The next week and a half see all of the Sciences, and a number of Business, Humanities and Creative Arts examinations being held.

Study Notes
It’s never too early or too late! With examination time approaching, it is time for students to seriously think about making study notes – especially if they haven’t been doing them regularly throughout the year. Please encourage your son(s) to find out what topics will be tested, make a quick mind map of each topic so they can see an overview of what they need to learn, then start making point form notes about what they need to learn and remember for the examination. You want to make your study notes as soon as possible so you have ample time to learn them and to do lots of practice questions.

Top 5 tips to improving notes:

1. POINTS: Avoid long sentences and condense content into key points.
2. TABLES: Use tables wherever you can to create structure and make the content easier to learn.
3. KEY WORDS: Pull out key words and capitalise them (as shown in this list).
4. HIGHLIGHT: Make sure the main content stands out (but don’t go crazy with colour).
5. FEEDBACK: Show your notes to teachers, parents and friends so they can suggest ways to improve them.

Coordinator Subject Confirmation and Stationery Lists
There has been a minor delay in sending out the subject confirmation and stationery lists for 2023 for Years 8 to 11. This will occur over the next couple of days. Please contact Mrs Kerryn Graham – kgraham@vnc.qld.edu.au in the Teaching and Learning Office if you have any questions with regards to stationery packs or ordering

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Please note, training for volleyball and AFL will re-commence next week as per schedule below. On November 12, 17and 19, Villanova will have trial matches against Iona and St Laurence’s in all volleyball games. Please be aware only selected teams will trial against Iona and St Laurence’s College as per the schedule below.

Volleyball players are to wear their PE uniform to the games. All AFL players should wear the Villanova football socks and Villanova rugby shorts. We will provide a singlet to wear for the trial match, which will be given out on the day. The full and correct Villanova volleyball and AFL jerseys (for hire only) will be distributed next year.

Cricket Training – 2023 Year 6-9 A/B Teams Only
The Sports Office has recently made the decision to train those boys who made the 2023 Year 6A/B, 7A/B, 8A/B and 9A/B only. These teams will train once per week at Little Langlands as per the schedule below:

Further Volleyball and AFL Training Schedule – Week 6&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 were selected after the Saturday 15 October trials)

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

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

• Saturday 12 November, Year 7A, 8A, 9/10A and Open teams only v Iona College – All played on Saturday 12 November at Iona College (specific times TBA)
• Friday 18 November, Open trial match v St Laurence’s College at Coorparoo JAFC, 5pm kick off
• Saturday 19 November, Year 8A, 8B, 9/10A and 9/10B teams only v St Laurence’s College at Coorparoo JAFC – Times and venues TBA (morning games)

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. If you are interested or know of someone who might be interested, 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 below the schedule for the trials.

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.

Villanova Swimming – Mrs Juanita Jacobs – AIC Swimming
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-

First XI and Second XI Cricket Trial Match v Iona
Villanova will play a trial match against Iona on the date listed below. These teams are now posted in the parent lounge and student café portals. Players are to provide their own lunch. These teams are now posted on the Parent Lounge and Student Café sections.

Saturday 12 November v Iona at Villanova Park

• First XI 30 am start – 50 overs
• Second XI 1pm start – 35 overs

Level 1 Cricket Coaching Course
Attention all parents, cricket coaches and students in Years 10, 11 and 12. Queensland Cricket will be holding a Level 1 cricket coaching course at Villanova on 23 November. The Field component of the course will be on Whinstanes Oval (Villanova College) beginning at 5pm and the theory component will be held in Goold Hall from 6.15pm to 7.30pm. It would be great if all of our cricket coaches, those who are going to begin their coaching careers and any parents wishing to upskill themselves, could lock this in their diary and complete the course. If you are interested in the Level 1 coaching Course, could you please email the Sports Office and register your interest.

Term 1 Cricket Coaches Needed
Villanova is seeking coaches to cover the following teams for the 2023 AIC Cricket season. Teams that need covering are 5C, 5D Gold, 5D White, 7D Gold, 9D Gold and 10C. If you can coach one of these sides, please contact the Sports Office

2023 Coaches/Managers and Officials Needed – OUR BOYS NEED YOUR HELP!
The Villanova College Sports Department is currently seeking coaches, managers and officials for the Year 5 – 12 AIC sports program in 2023.  In particular, we require the assistance of staff, parents, old boys and friends of the College to take on the many duties needed to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate and enjoy all the benefits that playing sport provides as well as ensuring the ongoing growth and development of our sports program across all areas.

Villanova’s success in sport is dependent upon many factors, one being the generosity of members within our community to give of their time and efforts in order to serve our students by taking on specific roles. These roles include coach, manager, referee, umpire, scorer etc. If you can help in any way, could you please complete the online nomination form below.

All forms received will be compiled into a database. Before each season commences a member of the Sports Office will contact those who have expressed an interest to assist. A final confirmation of commitment will be asked, and further details will be given.

The College is indebted to those who were able to assist throughout 2022. We now invite those who would like to assist in 2023 to become involved for the benefit of our students and the College. You will no doubt find it rewarding and no experience is necessary. Please click on the link below if you are able to assist – https://form.jotform.com/VillanovaSport/coachofficialnomination 

Swimming/Volleyball and Cricket Clinics – 2023
Please find below date claimers regarding to the up-coming swimming, volleyball and cricket clinics, which are open to all students from Year 5 – 12 in 2023. These are great opportunities for our student athletes to develop their skills before the 2023 AIC sport season commences.

Cricket Clinic – 17, 18 and 19 January 2023 at Villanova Park (flyer found on website within AIC Cricket section)
Swim Clinic – 16 January at Langlands Pool (flyer to be released soon)
Volleyball Clinic – 16 and 17 January at Goold Hall (flyer to be released soon)

Villanova College Swimming – Langlands Pool
Please find below the dates which training will cease over the upcoming vacation period at Langlands Pool. We certainly hope all our swimmers will continue their training throughout the Christmas holiday period.

Villanova Swimming
Last day – Friday 16 December 2022
Start back – Tuesday 3 January 2023

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Celebration of Achievement
Just a brief reminder regarding our students participating in the Celebration of Achievement this coming Tuesday evening, 8 November, in the Concert Hall at QPAC.  Our Symphonic Band, Sinfonia String Orchestra, Big Band, and Irish Ensemble will be  performing on stage during the 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 logistics has been sent home via email last week to participants and their families.  Students in Symphonic Band, Sinfonia, Irish, and Big Band are required to arrive at the stage door at 7:30am on Tuesday morning.  All foyer musicians will be required to arrive by 5pm on the evening of the event.

We look forward to sharing this important occasion with you all.

Continuing Information for Performance Music Program
Information regarding your son’s participation in the Instrumental Music Program for 2023 has been emailed to all current participants.  We are asking for all enrolment forms to be completed by Monday 7 November to assist with staffing and resource planning for the New Year.

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.

Music Support Group – Annual General Meeting
Our next Music Support Group meeting will be convened on Monday 14 November in the Chapter Room at the front of the Augustine Centre, commencing at 7:30pm.  This will be our Annual General Meeting for 2022.  All parents are most welcome to attend.  We encourage you all to come along, learn a little more about what happens behind the scenes in music here at the College, and actively support the growth and development of your son’s program.

Only JS Christmas Concert
On Tuesday 15 November, commencing at 2:15pm, we will have our Year 5 musicians and our Wieneke Bursary Junior School place winners perform for our Junior School community.  This event will be filmed and streamed to parents.  There will be a handful of seats available for parents and friends to attend.  Ticketing information will be distributed later this week to all Year 5 musician families.

Only Christmas Concert – Goold Hall
During the final week of term, we will be convening our annual Christmas Extravaganza in Goold Hall.  The event is scheduled for Wednesday 23 November and will commence at 6pm.  Gig sheets and event information will be distributed to participant families early next week.

Only Key Dates 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!

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.

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

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