Villa View: Issue 18

Dear Members of the Villanova College Family
Recently schools in Queensland were informed the Department of Education has instigated a review to identify the key issues being raised in Queensland community, specifically by parents, about NAPLAN.

The department has engaged independent reviewers, Dr Gabrielle Matters and Dr Robert Lake, to consult with parents and parent organisations from the three schooling sectors- State, Catholic and Independent- to ensure that a broad range of opinions are captured.

Terms of Reference

The present review is confined to the following topics:

• Impact of NAPLAN testing on students, including student well being
• Impact of NAPLAN testing on teachers
• Value and benefit of NAPLAN
• Unintended consequences of the current NAPLAN testing
• Usefulness of NAPLAN results
• Understanding of the composition and content of NAPLAN tests.

To assist in collecting data, forums will be conducted at the following venues:

Monday 11 June – Broncos Leagues Club Red Hill – 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm

Tuesday 12 June – Carina Leagues Club – 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm

I encourage parents to have their say on NAPLAN Testing by either completing the survey instrument which will take 10-15 minutes or attending the parent forums at the dates and venues above. The survey instrument is available now at https://tinyurl.com/NAPLAN-Q  and closes on 15 June.

GRANDPARENTS’ MORNING TEA

To see the smiles on the faces of the students and the grandparents was a delight to behold at the annual Grandparents’ Morning Tea held on Tuesday 5 June. The grandparents were pleased to be able to experience life at Villanova College and many commented on how different school life is today compared to their experience many years ago. Our Year 5 students were excellent hosts and went out of their way to be hospitable and welcoming to our guests.

TERM TWO SPORTS 

As the chess, football and rugby seasons conclude this weekend I offer my thanks to the many parents, Old Boys and members of staff who gave so generously of their time to coach, manage and oversee the sporting program in Term Two. It is through the generous support of members of our community that we are able to offer the plethora of opportunities to our young men. Their development as men of character is made possible through the positive role models that coach and guide them. Through the experience of winning, tasting defeat and battling together as members of a team our young men learn many valuable life lessons.

Thank you to all our coaches for their involvement in the sports program in 2018.

ACADEMICS

Assessment block for students in Year 11 and Year 12 will begin on Tuesday 19 June. Students have received their exam timetable and should by now have it clearly displayed at home. Parents are able to view a copy of the timetable via Parent Portal.

Students have been made aware of expectations for the Assessment Block regarding time for arrival, equipment and uniform expectations. I thank all families for ensuring their son is well presented and organised for the assessment tasks.

Preparation is the key to success with all assessment tasks. Cutting corners and taking short cuts will only lead to a poor result. Our staff continue to challenge, encourage and support our students to strive for excellence in their academics.

You have made us for Yourself O Lord,

And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

God Bless

Mr Mark Stower, College Principal

As we enter a very busy time in the Junior School with our academic assessment – it is a crucial time to consider checking our mindset.  This is the time where small things matter, courtesy, kindness and ensuring we have time to relax and rejuvenate no matter how busy the day might be.  As anticipation and prediction stress factors might begin to rise, we must consciously “rewire” our thinking, quite often against the neurological functioning of our brains, to ensure we set realistic norms, sustain happiness and mental health, as well as nurture the relationships of those around us.

There are numerous case studies and research compared and contrasted in The Science of Well-Being (https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being) that prove the benefits of a Growth mindset, over a Fixed mindset.  Benefits include (but are not limited to) physical health, social connections and learning potential.  An article in this week’s newsfeed is a fantastic read for everyone – https://www.thecut.com/2018/05/how-to-be-happy.html, as Adam Sternbergh relays the core elements of this pioneering online course.

A Fixed mindset, in the simplest terms regarding our education world, focuses on grades/performance, that intelligence is genetic, attitudes that include, “I’m smart so I don’t have to work too hard”, the amount of effort running parallel to the level of anxiety with tasks, a preference to hide flaws and deficiencies, as well as a strong desire to conceal mistakes.  Sound familiar?  It can be very common in students who have generally “breezed” through the early years of schooling – where praise and accolades have been consistent and easily accessible.  Making mistakes has been a rare experience and accepting help has been a polite courtesy, rather than a necessity.  Is a Fixed mindset a negative thing?  – not at all – but when the going gets tough, it’s the Growth mindset that excels.

Someone who can focus on learning, not just outcomes, understands and practices a work ethic to perform well, knows first-hand that hard work is how you improve, appreciates that effort levels are a positive sign of learning, realises and aims to eradicate deficiencies and capitalizes on mistakes has a Growth mindset.  This person is flexible, embraces a chance to be a novice or an expert, and is about long-term improvement.  Learning is for life.  Change is exciting.  Sound familiar?  This can be the students that over time have proven to work methodically and with high support become their academic potentials over time.  They develop habits of organisation, are comfortable asking for help and devote themselves to improving in areas that they find challenging.  This then becomes the community member who is adaptable, active and accountable, the ideal work colleague, friend and family member.  When the going gets tough, the Growth mindset problem solves and works collaboratively for the benefit of all.

You know who have the best Growth mindsets?  Grandparents.  This week the Junior School hosted the Year 5 grandparents to a morning of entertainment in the Hanrahan Theatre, a window into the teaching and learning in classrooms, and an absolute feast of a morning tea on the Junior School top oval.  My number one pick of course – the egg and lettuce or curried egg sandwiches (the slightly runny egg ones definitely hit the mark).  Better yet, we got to stop and focus on the joys of being grandparents.

Firstly, it’s the complete attention they give you.  Eye contact, inquiring minds about your every achievement, and celebration of every success and hilarious moment you can possibly manage to achieve in life.  These treasured people know the wisdom of what really “matters” in life.  It’s all about prioritising people and making memories.  It’s about ice cream before veggies and getting outside to wonder the marvel of getting wet, muddy or up to a little mischief with mates.  Grandparents show gratitude for the privileges we take for granted like Villanova College.  Having opportunities in life – but also making the most of them – is what makes the man.  How blessed we are for grandparents (and egg and lettuce sandwiches).

Thank you to all our Year 5 Parent Representatives and volunteers, who together with Mrs Maria Mascadri coordinated and ensured that our guests of honour were treated to the finest hospitality.  Well done to our youngest Villanovans who stepped up, gave hand-written letters of love and Rosary Beads as gifts, and showed pride in their home away from home.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

“Fortnite. Fortnite. Fortnite.”
It’s the buzz throughout the corridors, the chatter at the water bubblers, and undoubtedly a talking point around the dinner tables in many homes. What is it? Why is it so popular? And why do adults need to know about it?

Put simply, Fortnite is a game that has been best described as “Minecraft meets Hunger Games” whereby 100 competitors are dumped on an island. Players need to collect weapons, establish defensive structures and eliminate opponents. The last player standing wins.

The game is free to play, although players can purchase different accessories for their character. It can be played on most platforms, including a phone. This makes Fortnite a highly accessible gaming experience.

For many, Fortnite is a social experience. To maximise this experience, players will use headsets so they can communicate to their opponents. This could possibly be used to form alliances and share strategies etc., or just simply chat to friends. At the core of the Fortnite phenomena, is this social interaction, and this largely justifies it popularity. There are games with better graphics, better gameplay and better challenges, but this game is social and accessible; two factors that teenagers love.

As teachers and parents, what do we really need to know about Fortnite?

Like many games, Fortnite features gun violence. The recommended age is 13+ and whilst the graphics do not display the blood and guts that other games might, caution always remains about any child’s exposure to violent gaming.

Like most games, Fortnite is addictive. It’s the type of game where thirty minutes becomes one hour; one hour becomes two hours; and two hours can become the large part of a weekend. From early into the experience, the game play rewards success and encourages the user to keep playing, promising more rewards and by featuring “near-miss” moments thus firing up the adrenals. Apart from the game itself, the known side effects of excess screen time can include increased irritability, impact on sleep and an impact on learning and cognitive ability.

Fortnite is accessible. Anywhere: bedroom, lounge room, bus, car, etc. Anytime: before school, after school, late night, weekends. All that is required is internet access and a device.

Like most vices or games, our young people will need our support in limiting their involvement. That support may not always be well-received, but all limits are crucial in helping our boys to navigate the challenge of teenage years.

At school, the WIFI network will mostly restrict what they can and cannot access. At home, technology is available to put the same restrictions in place.

Over the past weeks, a number of parents have reached out to their son’s Pastoral Area Leader (PAL) with concerns about possible gaming addiction and the challenges they face in trying to enforce boundaries. For any parents seeking support with these issues, I encourage you also to reach out to your son’s PAL.

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

The Villanova Gentleman
One of my favourite magazines that I subscribe to is Gentlemen’s Quarterly, known by many as GQ. For those Senior School students who enter my office, they will see the back issues covering my coffee table. Apart from perusing the latest sartorial trends and fashions from the runways of Milan or Paris, there are thought provoking articles which explore issues of modern masculinity that capture my attention. In the current issue, I read with great interest a column by Dan Rookwood titled, ‘How to be a Man in the Wake of #Metoo’.

In contemporary social realities where the spotlight has been placed on the way in which men behave- especially in their relationships with women- the author speaks of the virtues of being a ‘good man’ as opposed to ‘real man’. But what constitutes being a ‘good man’? According to Rookwood- honour, integrity, humility. Thinking of others. Being a good friend.

Following on from the intentional focus in our Senior School Formation Program on International Women’s Day, we continue to explore with our young men the representation of positive constructs of masculinity and the ideals of the ‘Villanova Gentleman’. In the Year 11 Formation Program this term, the students have explored the story of Australian rugby union player David Pocock by watching an ‘Australian Story’ episode titled ‘True Grit’. This documentary, which I strongly commend to your attention, explores the positive virtues as outlined by Rookwood. It speaks of the courage to stand up and follow your own convictions, the power of relationships and being a great role model.

A profound moment from last Saturday’s First XV rugby fixture which struck accord in nurturing the image of the ‘gentle’ man was when the team walked through the tunnel accompanied hand in hand with a Year 5 student. This certainly was a powerful illustration of the role modelling we want our Senior School young men to embrace, as fine examples to the younger boys of our student body. Our Year 12 students will have the opportunity to further explore and cultivate the values and virtues of the ‘Villanova Gentleman’ during their retreat experience early next term.

Augustine- The Way Concert
Last Friday afternoon, all Senior School students were gifted the opportunity to watch an abridged musical performance of ‘Augustine- the Way’, as part of the College’s 70th Year Anniversary celebrations. Our gateway values and foundational beliefs are based on the life and teachings of Saint Augustine. Dating back to the 4th Century, Augustine believed that education is about pursuing learning and life in a unique community, all of whom strive to be ‘of one mind and heart on the way towards God.’ Inspired by Augustine’s writings, particularly ‘The Confessions’, former Villanova College staff member turned composer, Mr Tony MacPherson transformed the poignancy of Augustine’s words into a musical journey of his life, loss and liberation.

Throughout the week, I spoke at each Senior School Form Meeting about the importance of ‘our story’ and having an appreciation of the life of Saint Augustine- a life whose teenage years mirror the challenges and temptations that our young students today still face. I would like to commend all students for opening their hearts and minds to this experience, one which they would not often seek out on their own. As a passionate advocate of the ideals of the Renaissance Man, having access to the Arts is important for our young men. I know that will be an intentional message at tomorrow’s College Assembly which celebrates the artistic and cultural life of the College.

‘O that men would know themselves to be men; and that he that glorieth would glory in the Lord.’ – Saint Augustine

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

University of Queensland Young Scholars’ Program
The University of Queensland’s Young Scholars Program (YSP) provides high-achieving secondary school students with a unique and inspiring opportunity to discover, learn and engage with UQ’s academic community. This program is also an opportunity for students to engage with other high achieving students across many learning disciplines and be mentored by university academic staff. It is open to students achieving academic excellence across a range of subjects and is not just STEM related.

The application processes opened on 28 May 2018 and all applications must be lodged with UQ by 10 August 2018.  A statement of support from the College is required as part of the online application and this can be coordinated with the assistance of the Curriculum Office.

Further information can be found at the following link:

https://young-scholars.uq.edu.au/

Should you require any further information, please contact the Curriculum Office on 3394 5521.

Tutoring Opportunities for Term 2

Staff Tutoring
Tutoring offered by staff commenced in Week 1 of this term. The list of opportunities can be accessed using this link below:

Tutoring Opportunities for Term 2

Student Tutoring
The ‘Homework Hub’ is being led by a committed number of Year 10, 11 and 12 students aiming to assist students in the Junior and Middle Schools.

Details are as follows:

When:              Tuesday and Thursday mornings (7.30 to 8.15am)

Where:             Tolle Lege Library

Aim:                 Junior School students – Homework assistance

Middle School students – Homework assistance, assignment help and examination preparation

Students wishing to attend the ‘Homework Hub’ can sign on with their core teacher or simply attend on the mornings listed above.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

RACI Titration Competition
Last Saturday, four Year 12 Chemistry students participated in the RACI (Royal Australian Chemical Institute) Titration Competition at Griffith University.  The boys competed against 45 other teams from around the Brisbane region to determine the concentration of an unknown substance using volumetric analysis (titration).  This is a practical skill which has been taught in class.  Answers had to be given to four decimal places and our students were all within a range of one – five points off the correct answer.  This consistency in technique was excellent. The competition also gave the boys a chance to experience the first year Chemistry labs at Griffith University and meet some of the academic staff.

Thank you and congratulations to Daniel Di Stasi, Tom de Loryn, Lachlan Curran and James Brown for their efforts.

Juanita Jacobs, Senior School Science Curriculum Area Leader

Inter-school Youth Theatresports Competition
Last week for the first time in Villanova history, two Year 11 teams competed in the Interschool Youth Theatresports Competition. Theatresports is improvised theatre entertainment played as a spectator sport. Teams of players invent scenes from suggestions they are given, while following particular sets of rules we call “games”. Everything is made up on the spot; the lights, music, dialogue, mime and song. The teams are judged on their ability to follow the rules of each game, deliver a cohesive story line and entertain the audience, similar to the TV shows “Whose Line is it Anyway” or “Thank God You’re Here”.

After months of rehearsals and workshops “On the Spot” (Dominic Duskovic, Reece Jansen, Joel O’Reilly and captain Jacob Keay) and the “Blockbusters” (Tadgh O’Neill, Oliver Rae, Joshua Smith, Digby Timms and Thomas Wilson) were ready to compete against some schools who had been involved for many years.

Our heats involved four rounds of one, two, three and four-minute improvisational challenges against five other senior (Year 10 – Year 12) teams.  “On the Spot” competed first at BBC on Tuesday night and came a very honourable third place. The judges awarded Dominic the Magic Moment from their cruise ship improv with “not an iceberg in sight”.

Blockbusters’ heat was held on Wednesday night at St Margaret’s and the boys came second to St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace, which means they now compete in the up-coming semi-finals.  Whilst they received an Honourable mention for their whole Infomercial, it was Thomas who took out the Magic Moment

Congratulations are well deserved for the teamwork, creativity and skill all players demonstrated. Good luck Blockbusters!

Sophie Kenny, Drama Teacher

Ministry News: Fair Go Footy
Last Sunday, during National Reconciliation Week, a team of Year 11 and Year 12 students, and one Year 8 student, Henry Zietsch, attended the Fair Go Australia touch footy event at John Paul College. Founded by two former Villanova students in 2011, this event provides a practical context within which students from widely different backgrounds can reach out the hand of friendship to one another.

For example, in the first pool game, Villanova immediately had to lend three players to the young people from yourtown. It is well worth finding more out about yourtown. They do exceptional work getting young people back into school. Some of the young people who present at the yourtown centre in Woodridge, for example, have not eaten for a day or more and have no shoes on. Another example of this meeting of totally different backgrounds was caught in a high-quality girls’ match between John Paul College and Woodridge State High School. Thanks to the generosity of spirit of Mr Peter Meecham and our boys, we were able to continue our humble involvement in this great event. The Villanova College team had a good day and were knocked out after extra time in the Semi Finals.

St Vincent de Paul Kids Camp
Four Villanova College students are volunteering to attend Kids Camp this year: Liam Hampson, Tom Balshaw, Declan Edser and Dominic Duskovic. Set in Coolum on the last weekend of the winter holidays, this camp allows kids who otherwise would not have a holiday to enjoy an experience of fun and camaraderie. Our students have earned such a good reputation as mentors, that Camp Organiser Anthony Forshaw now reserves three places for Villanova each year.

Kokoda Challenge – 15 July 2018
Under the stirring and humble leadership of Messrs Brian Pascoe and Paul Olsen, Villanova has once again entered two teams for this daunting challenge. The 48 km run/walk over rugged hinterland, enables the teams to have a deeper appreciation of the courage, mateship, endurance and sacrifice of the Diggers on the Kokoda Track in 1942. What’s more, each student hustles to raise $160 for the Kokoda Foundation. This organisation provides wonderful opportunities of mentoring and challenge for young people at risk. As with St Vincent de Paul, we are humbly proud of the way many of our students leave the College and stay involved in this organisation, for example as mentors.

Year 12 Retreat
The importance placed upon the Year 12 House Retreat says a great deal about who we are as a College. The Mission Statement points to producing fine young men of Gospel values who make a difference in the world. It is not clever people who make the world better, but good people. Therefore, time and thought are put into experiences which form character in our students. The retreat begins with each House selecting a local outreach organisation to undertake a 10 km sponsored walk for. The walk also provides a way of meeting the volunteers and patrons of that organisation. So far this year, our Seniors have nominated organisations involved in frontline support for people with mental health concerns and for people who are homeless. This encounter with the patrons of such community groups, provides a learning experience that lingers when classroom memories fade.

One organisation whom we will meet this time round is Blind Eye Ministries. Set up by St Edmund’s College old boy Roby Curtis, this is a non-judgmental drop-in centre in West End for people who are “on the street.” When the Middle School boys met Luke from Blind Eye, at an assembly on Mission Day, they were captivated by his story. He told them how he came home from school one day as a 12-year-old to find his mum and stepdad had moved to another city, without telling him! We are humbly proud also to support Blind Eye by sponsoring one of the finalists in their current competition for photographers who are living on the street. I hope that the Year 12 retreat provides a new lens for some of our students in terms of what can be seen or walked past in our home city.

Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity

AFAS Elders
After participating in the first Elders Exchange in 2016, Mark and Liam Edgerton will once again use their building skills when assisting with the construction of the building to house the mat weaving machines on Kinatarcan Island in December.

The Elders aim to raise $8,000 to cover the costs associated with the slab and construction of the exterior of the building. This will make the building operational and the remainder of the interior will be completed in the future.

Thank you to those who have contributed so far. If you would like to assist AFAS Elders in attaining their target of AUS $8,000, you can contribute towards the cost of any quantity of the building materials required (e.g. one bag of cement or one kg of assorted nails etc), contribute towards the wages or transport costs required to get all materials to the island.

 Please see the building costings

Donations may be transferred/deposited into the following account:

AFAS

BSB 064-786

Account Number 019232109

When making deposit/transfer, please put ‘AFAS ELDERS’ in the description as well as your name and what item you are donating:

e.g.     Smith      concrete

If you would like to remain anonymous, please put “anon”

It would be appreciated if you could email Tony Hindmarsh at  thindmarsh@vnc.qld.edu.au -confirming your kind donation so that on behalf of the Kinatarcan community we can acknowledge your donation and add your name to the donation plaque to be attached to the new building.

Unfortunately, AFAS is not a registered charity, so donations are not tax deductible, however if you require a receipt, please email me at the above address.

If you were unable to attend the 70th Year Concert – Augustine the Way, you can still order the CD through Flexi Schools:  http://www.flexischools.com.au/

Tony Hindmarsh, AFAS Elders

Grandparents’ Morning Tea
Our Year 5 musicians performed for Grandparents as part of our annual Grandparents’ Morning Tea on Tuesday 5 June.  We had musicians from our Year 5 Band, Year 5 Strings and Junior School Wind Ensemble perform on stage in Hanrahan Theatre.  The students’ efforts were met with rapturous applause and we had a number of very chuffed young musicians leave the theatre that morning.

I would like to thank the Instrumental Music Staff for ensuring this event was a success for our students.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Steve Rouhliadeff and the Junior School staff for allowing us to participate in this important event.

Flute Guild Competition Win
Congratulations must go to Senior Musician and Music Vice Captain Sam Chamberlain for his recent win at the Queensland Flute Guild competition.  Sam won the Sonata Competition for his age group, coming first out of 13 entrants from across the State.  Well done Sam!

Rehearsals and Lessons to end of term
All lessons and rehearsals will continue as per usual through to the end of term.  As we are now in a rehearsal period leading up to QCMF, we expect members to be present at all sessions unless previously arranged with your ensemble director.  As per program policy, we do require all Seniors to attend during exam block – we expect that study arrangements can be made around the time gifted away from school during this period.

Entertainment Books
All Year 5 students are asked to return any unsold Entertainment Books to the Music Office in the book’s original envelope.  This envelope allows us to identify whose book has been returned and therefore avoid confusion when completing our stocktake.

If you have purchased books, these are available for collection from the Music Office.  Books and digital memberships are still available for purchase either online or through the Music Office.  Please contact Alison on 3394 5691 or email music@vnc.qld.edu.au for further information.

Date Claimers
As per tradition, we cast our eyes over the coming term.  Please note the following in your diaries:

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

This weekend marks the final round of AIC chess, rugby and football. For many of our Year 12 students this will be their last opportunity for them to play school boy footy. Many of these boys have enjoyed representing Villanova since their days back in Year 5 or Year 8. On behalf of the College, I thank all the Year 12 students for their efforts over the years and I wish them the very best in their last game for the mighty ‘green and gold’.

It was pleasing to see our boys perform so well against St Peters last weekend to take out the rugby, football and chess rounds in a dominant fashion. We must acknowledge our chess players on a sensational season so far. At present our boys are heading the table and are hoping to take out the aggregate. However, Round 7 tomorrow afternoon will be tough against Ashgrove. We wish all chess players the very best and hope they can perform at their best this week to finish off the season well.

The cross-country season is now in full swing. Both the Year 5 and Year 6 and Year 7 – Year 12 squads have been training for many weeks. At present we are seeking more students to join this squad particularly within the 12 and 16 years age group. I ask all boys from Year 5 – Year 12 who currently play rugby and football to give serious consideration to joining the AIC cross country squad after the footy season is over. We need our best runners to represent the College on the day of the AIC Championships. If you know your son is more than capable, please encourage him to become involved. All information pertaining to the cross-country season is found on the College’s website under the AIC Cross Country section.

At this stage we are looking to finalise all arrangements for trials for the next trimester of sport. If your son has not completed a sign on sheet, please direct him to the Sports Office or have him download a ‘sign-on form’ from the College’s website, as these sign-on forms were due at the Sports Office last week. All details regarding the trial schedule for the AIC basketball and AIC tennis season is posted on the College’s website, and these trials begin next week. Information regarding the AIC track and field season will be posted on the web early next term. Track and field training will not commence until after the Ekka holiday week.

This weekend Villanova is up against Ashgrove, and it will be a big day. I ask all students from Year 5 -Year 12 to make the extra effort this weekend to stay around and support their fellow schoolmates in the other matches, particularly the First rugby and football games. I wish everybody all the very best for the final round of rugby, football and chess. Enjoy!

 AIC Rugby, Football and Chess Fixtures, Friday 8 and Saturday 9 June – Times and Venues

All times and venues for this weekend’s fixtures against Marist College Ashgrove is available on the College’s website.

Japan Football and New Zealand Rugby Tour 2019

 Those who have been invited either as a member on tour or as a reserve, have been emailed all the relevant information regarding the above-mentioned tours. This information includes costings, tour itinerary, player lists and more.  An information night will be held on Thursday 21 June in the Tolle Lege Library. Please respond via email to Mr Stariha in the Sports Office if you will attend this meeting – cstariha@vnc.qld.edu.au

Rugby:  5.00 – 6.00pm

Football:  6.15 – 7.15pm

St Augustine Tour

The tour will take place between Wednesday 27 – Friday 29 June 2018.  Payment was due last Friday 1 June. A complete itinerary will be available next week and will be emailed to all parents. A billet list will be made available once all billets and host families have been confirmed.

Villanova Park Canteen

All parents are asked to assist in the canteen during the time your son/s have their warm ups. We desperately need help first thing in the morning preparing the food and cooking the BBQ. Please help as your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

AIC Football – Mr Anthony Kemp, AIC Football Co-ordinator 

Villanova enjoyed another successful round taking on St Peters and managing to take home 14 wins and six losses. Many teams continued their great season and are looking for a strong finish this weekend against Ashgrove. It is encouraging to see so many Villanova teams looking to finish either on top of their respective division or amongst the top few teams. I have no doubt there are some exciting years ahead for football at Villanova College.

The First XI boys endured a tough match against SPLC on the weekend and unfortunately went down 2 – 1. The boys worked hard in the first half to gain the lead and capitalise on chances that were building through the half. However, St Peters were able to hit back in only a matter of minutes and were able to stop our momentum. It has been a pleasure to watch the effort the First XI boys put into their matches each week and the way they put their body on the line for the ‘green and gold’ of Villanova is admirable. They will certainly be in for another physical match this weekend as they take on Ashgrove in the last game of the season.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the seniors taking to the field this weekend in their last match of football for Villanova, all the best and to cherish the moment as it is something that they will no doubt look back on with fond memories.

Finally, I would like to remind all players, coaches and spectators that we are taking part in a sport that we are passionate about and we all want to chase that win. However, this game wouldn’t be able to take place without the help of our referees, who are just as passionate about the game of football. Please ensure that all referees, officials and volunteers are shown the respect they deserve because without them we wouldn’t get very far!

Enjoy the last weekend of football for 2018 against Ashgrove, good luck to all the teams. 

AIC Football Results v St Peters 

AIC Rugby – Mr Blake McLauchlan, AIC Rugby Co-ordinator 

Villanova competed against St Peter’s Lutheran College and Ambrose Treacy College in Round 6 last weekend. Overall, we had a total of eight wins and three losses. It was pleasing to see that out of all games played against St Peter’s, we walked away with eight wins and one loss which is an outstanding result. Congratulations to our Second XV who will be playing for a premiership this Saturday at Ashgrove. These boys have demonstrated all season that they have what it takes to be the best. They continue to play with grit and determination under the guidance of their coaches Mr Mick Garske and Mr Arthur Eustace-Earle. We wish our Second XV the best of luck for their final game on Saturday and hope they can bring home the trophy for our Year 12 boys in their final year.

Congratulations to the First XV who had a mammoth victory on Saturday winning by an extraordinary margin of 72 points. Our First XV have had four wins for the season and a win against Ashgrove this week would result in them sharing second place for 2018. There has been plenty of hype amongst the boys this week and we encourage as many supporters to make the trip out to Ashgrove this Saturday to support all our boys in their final round of rugby for 2018.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Year 12 boys for their contribution to the Villanova rugby program over the years. I wish all the seniors the best of luck and to cherish the moment as it is something that they will no doubt look back on with fond memories.

As we look towards our final round this Saturday we currently have the Second XV, 9C’s, 6B’s and 6 Gold teams who remain undefeated. There is no doubt that Round 7 against Ashgrove will be a tough round. I encourage all boys to remain focussed, play hard and arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled kick off time to allow for a thorough warm up, unless told otherwise by your coaches.

Best of luck to all teams! 

AIC Rugby Results v St Peters

AIC Chess – Mrs Sally England, AIC Chess Co-ordinator

Finally, the last round of competition has arrived, which is a vital one for all. The individual premierships and the aggregate are all on the line.  Good luck to all the teams and congratulations for the season on being so competitive, a wonderful backup from last year’s success. This week it is away against Ashgrove and is a must win situation to claim the aggregate. It will be nail biting for all concerned. All students including C team members are welcome to come this week.

This year we will have a break up night on Friday 15 June, when the boys will play some different games and prizes will be awarded. Parents are welcome to attend and watch your sons in action. We will provide food for the boys and hope to finish about the normal time of 6.00pm. More information will come home next week.

Coaching will finish tomorrow, but the chess will continue to be played at Morning Tea until the end of the term to allow the boys some lunch time activity. A final good luck to the boys for Friday night.

AIC Chess Results v St Peters 

AIC Cross Country – Mr Brett Morrissey Cross Country Co-ordinator 

Each Friday morning, the Villanova Under 16 and Open cross-country teams meet at Seven Hills Bushland Reserve (below) to run a 6km time trial.  Mr Brian Pascoe (staff member) runs with the lads as they prepare themselves for the gruelling Limestone Park course at the AIC Championships in August.

The Open cross-country team have been training extremely well in the first four weeks of the season, leading by example with the greatest numbers of runners at training most mornings.  The Under 13, 14 and 15 teams have all had impressive numbers regularly also.  The coaches encourage potential cross-country runners from the Under 12 and Under 16 age groups to join the program, especially if they conclude their rugby or football season this coming Saturday.

Two runners receive a $50 Rebel Sport voucher each week for recognition of their exemplary training.  I will post a picture in next week’s Villa View of our next four recipients of this weekly award.

In the meantime, all runners should keep up the great work – you have made a very impressive beginning to the Villanova cross-country season in 2018.

Villanova runners training at Seven Hills Reserve last Friday morning.

Year 5 and Year Cross Country – Mr Tom Lonergan – Coach 

Training Program – Sessions are held on Monday and Wednesday during term 3.15 – 4.30pm. at Little Langlands. Villa Runners Club (non-compulsory) Sundays 4 – 5pm at Whites Hill Reserve, Camp Hill (Family and Friends are welcome). Holiday Training (non-compulsory) Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8.30 – 10am at Whites Hill Reserve.

Lytton District 10 – 12 years Trial

More than 20 schools contest this trial where the best eight finishers move on to contest the Met East Trial. The competition is structured so that all boys who turn 10 years in 2018 compete against each other.

Congratulations to all Villanova boys who ran in this trial.

10 years (2km) – Charlie Hegarty 6th 8.04, Patrick Holmes 8th 8.05, Jack Buchanan 17th 8.25 and William Rogers 20th 8.30.

11 years (3km) – Ryan Siebel 1st 10.18, Henry Oberhardt 8th 11.01, Max Carson 11th 11.09 and Gianni Laurito 20th 11.46.

12 years (3km) –John Nolan 12th 11.38, Isaac Greenwood 19th 11.56, William Green 37th 12.42 and Christian Porreca 40th 12.52.

Cross Country Camp – Reminder that payment is due on Wednesday 15 June.

AIC Tennis and AIC Basketball 

All information regarding the up-coming AIC tennis and AIC basketball season is found within the season schedule posted on the website. Trials commence next week.

Villanova College Tennis Championship 

The abovementioned championship will take place on Saturday 23 June and is open to all students from Year 5 – Year 12. In fact, we are hoping all boys who sign-on for tennis this year will participate in these championships.

All interested players are to enroll online via the link found on the Championship Flyer posted within the AIC Tennis section on the website (perhaps supply link to this section). Please contact our Head Coach – Mr. Clive Martin on 3899 8110 if you have any question or problems with the registration.

AIC Tennis Trials 

Any student who wishes to play tennis for Villanova must complete a ‘Trimester 3 Sign-On Form’. All trials will be held at Morningside Tennis Centre on the following dates and times.

There will be three weeks of trials. Trial Week No 1 will commence on the week beginning Monday 11 June. Trial week No 2 will commence the following week beginning Monday 18 June and trial week number No 3 will begin on Monday 25 June.

Within these three trial weeks all age groups will have five – six trial sessions in total – Trial Sessions No 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 as per the trial schedule.  All interested students are to attend ALL trial sessions to be selected to represent Villanova. The managers and coaches of each age group will conduct these trials and will choose four players in each team plus two reserves for the age group. All teams are then to follow the training schedule commencing day one of Term 3, that is, Wednesday 18 July.

Please note that some managers may require more time to select teams, therefore, some players may be asked to attend one or two of the regular training sessions held in Term 3 before teams are finalised.

 Tennis Trial Schedule (Five – six sessions per age group)

Week 1 Trial Schedule

Week 2 Trial Schedule

Week 3 Trial Schedule

AIC Tennis Clinics

Only those boys who are trialling for teams must attend the AIC Tennis Clinics. These clinics will be held on Saturday 16 June at the Morningside Tennis Centre. The times for each of these clinics are found below.

• 7.00 – 8.30am               Year 5 and Year 6 (four courts, four coaches)
• 8.45 – 10.15am              Year 7 and Year 8 (four courts, four coaches)
• 10.30am – midday        Year 9 and Year 10 (four courts, four coaches)
• 12.15 – 1.45pm              Year 11 and Opens (four courts, four coaches)

AIC Basketball Trials

Any boy wishing to make an AIC basketball team must complete the ‘Trimester 3 Sign-on Form’ to register their interest. These forms have been distributed to all students during their Pastoral class. These forms are also available from the Sports Office and are posted on the web.

Year 5 and Yea 6 Trials – will be conducted within school time.

Year 7 – Open Trials – There will be two weeks of trials. All trials will be conducted in Goold Hall or at Clem Jones for all age groups. Boys trialling at Clem Jones must find their own way to the venue. The College will then organise bus transportation back to the College afterwards. Trial Week No 1 will commence on the week beginning Monday 11 June. Trial Week No 2 will commence the following week beginning Monday 18 June. Within these two trial weeks, all age groups will have four trial sessions in total. All interested students are to attend ALL trial sessions to gain selection to represent Villanova. After these trials, the coaches will then select all teams within that age group.

Note – coaches may choose to make a first cut of players after the first trial week. All players who have made it through the first cut are then able to attend the basketball clinic on Saturday 16 June.

Basketball Trial Schedule

GOOLD HALL

CLEM JONES – CARINA

AIC Basketball Clinic (Saturday 23 June – not Saturday 16)

Only those boys who have gained selection in a team or have made it through the first cut after the first week of trials must attend the AIC Basketball Clinic on Saturday 23 June in Goold Hall. Coaches are asked to attend these Clinics.

7.00am – 8.30am Year 7

8.45am – 10.15am Year 8

10.30am – 12.00 midday Year 9

12.15pm – 1.45pm Year 10

Representative Sport

Congratulations to Matthew Conway who competed in the Queensland School Sport U19 Volleyball State Championships with the Met East Team – winning a silver medal.

Matthew was subsequently selected in the Queensland School Sport U19 Volleyball Team which will travel to Singapore and Malaysia from 5 – 14 October to compete against state representative teams culminating in an international championship in Kuala Lumpur.

Well done to Matthew and best wishes!

Rhys Lanskey has returned from his trip to the Under 19 Asian/ Oceania Continental Modern Pentathlon Championships held in Thailand. He had a fantastic time and competition. He came 19th overall with third place and a PB for his swim and brought home the gold medal for Oceania. An excellent result, well done Rhys!

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport 

Villanova Park Canteen

On behalf of the Villanova Sports Committee, I would like to thank all who have assisted in the canteen and BBQ this season.

If anyone has found a set of car keys (Honda), could you please telephone me. 

Once again, my thanks to all and good luck to all Villanova teams for the last game of the 2018 football and rugby season.  

Robyn Gunning, Canteen Co-Ordinator

(Villanova Park, Mob: 0400 841 720)

Year 10 Meningococcal ACWY Vaccinations

Next Wednesday 13 June the Brisbane City Council Immunisation Team will be visiting the College to administer the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine to all Year 10 students who returned the consent form earlier in the year.  Please ensure your son has breakfast on the morning of the vaccination.

If you would like your child to be vaccinated and have yet to complete the form, please download the form at http://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/immunisation/adolescents/index.html and return to Mrs Browning in the Senior School Student Services Office by no later than Monday 11 June.

If your son is absent on the day of the visit, BCC will send an email or letter advising you of their free immunisation clinics.   For further information please phone Brisbane City Council’s Contact Centre on 3403 8888 and ask for Immunisation Services.

Sally Byron, School Administrator

Tuckshop Roster

MONDAY 11 JUNE

 TUESDAY 12 JUNE

 WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE

 THURSDAY 14 JUNE

 FRIDAY 15 JUNE

Library Roster

Monday 11 June

Sharon Vecchi

Wednesday 13 June

Donna Leahy

Thursday 14 June

Sue Mulligan

Maryanne Bingham

Kelly Stassi

Chrissy Bonfiglio

Friday 15 June

Jane Whipps

2018 Villanova Carnival Wrap-Up

Villanova Ball Raffle

The Villanova College 70th Anniversary Ball Raffle has begun!

Grab your Villanova College 70th Anniversary Ball Raffle Ticket for your chance to win a Term’s Tuition Free.

The Villanova College 70th Anniversary Ball is supporting an important fundraising initiative of the Parents and Friends Association – the upgrade of the Tolle Lege Library.

By purchasing a ticket in the raffle, you are supporting this important fundraising initiative for the school community.

Tickets are priced at $20 each, 3 tickets for $50, 7 tickets for $100

1st Prize – Villanova College, Coorparoo
Tuition and School Levies for Term 4 2018 for 1 student only, excluding Building Maintenance Levy.
Valued at $2,364

2nd Prize – A Night In The City
Moda Restaurant – Edward Street
Javier’s Table Experience at Moda Restaurant
for four people plus One night’s accommodation for four people at The Stamford Plaza, Brisbane.
Valued at $1,250

Terms and Conditions apply.

For full details and to purchase tickets go to: https://www.rafflelink.com.au/villapf2018

Langlands House History

By 1865 the first “Langlands” a farmhouse, had been built by Jane Temple on her 76 acres in rural Coorparoo.  Reubin Nicklin purchased this property in 1876 and in the early 1880’s decided to replace the farmhouse with a more comfortable modern eight room home on the crest of the hill.

The new house was built of sandstone and brick, with verandahs on all sides and a detached kitchen at the rear.  The eight rooms included three bedrooms, each with its own marble fireplace, a drawing room, dining room, library, bathroom and servant’s room.

The 1880’s was a boom period and in 1886 financially successful Nicklin undertook the building of a second home in Coorparoo.  The new house was a two storey 12 room house with wide verandahs on both levels.  Reuben Nicklin, his wife Jane Lahey and children Alice, George and William moved into Hatherton in 1887.  This property is now known as Queen Alexandra Home.

No longer needing Langlands Farm, Nicklin subdivided the estate and proceeded to auction the 568 housing allotments along with the homestead with its fine carriage driveway off Cleveland Road.

A description appeared in the Daily Telegraph, 30 January 1886, as a sales advertisement:

“It is impossible to pass along Cleveland Road without noticing, beyond its junction with Logan Road, a handsome gentleman’s residence, situated at the top of a hill with a carriage drive …which at once suggests that the owner is a man of taste.  The residence referred to is Langlands House, which is a substantial and well-finished residence replete with all the latest improvements, in a high state of repair, with a beautiful flower garden.  The house, together with close on three acres of land forming the very best part of the estate, and occupying a position which could not be excelled, will also be sold, thus affording a splendid opportunity to any gentleman who wishes to secure a superior residence on liberal terms at a cheap figure.

The property was sold to Thomas William Connah in 1886.  Connah was Queensland Auditor General from 1909 to 1915.  30 years later and following the death of Thomas in 1915, his widow sold Langlands House and the surrounding land to the Roman Catholic Church on 16 April, 1916 for £4,600.

Heather Kelsall, College Archivist & Heritage Room Coordinator