Villa View: Issue 18/21

Dear Members of the Villanova College Family,
The last three weeks have been very busy with a host of activities occurring. It seems that as soon as one activity is finished the next one is crying out for attention. Life can sometimes be like this, and we often must hang in there keeping our eye on the goal at the end.

For our students, the next two weeks will see the Semester One assessment period completed. Before the holidays can be enjoyed and our students and staff take a well-deserved break there is much work to be done.

When faced with multiple demands and limited time the experts in time management always advocate breaking down the long list of tasks into manageable pieces that can be achieved. For example, when faced with revising a whole semester of work break it down into 30 minutes a night. I know this does take discipline to consistently sit down at the study desk each night.

When facing an assignment task break it down into smaller pieces. Work on the introduction and once you have that completed, begin working on the opening paragraph and so on.  Breaking down each task into smaller chunks makes a seemingly huge task manageable.

Year 12 Retreat
The Year 12 Retreat provided me with the opportunity to work with a small group of students as we explored a range of topics and reflected on our own personal life journeys. The students were very trusting and brave to share their thoughts and feelings during the retreat and it was a real privilege to be able to share this time.

Our staff accompanying the students over the two days were also trusting and brave as they shared their own stories of their lives and the ups and downs of relationships and life. The students were very receptive to the staff sharing their stories and showing their vulnerability in front of the students.

As our young men move towards the half-way mark of their final year at Villanova College, we keep our Year 12 students and their families in our prayers.

Year 12 Mentoring Breakfast
This morning we welcomed to the College members of the business community to sit down at breakfast with our senior students to discuss career options for the future. Many of our Mentors are Old Boys of the College who have generously given of their time to provide advice to our young men.

Catering for the event was our Hospitality Students under the tutelage of Mr Tony Rolls. The students were very excited to take on the challenge of serving breakfast to such a large crowd.

Congratulations
Over the last month a number of our staff have welcomed new additions to their families. Ms Georgia Mills-Geer and her husband Clyde welcomed a baby boy, Ruben. Mrs Nicole Hinds and her partner Carl welcomed a baby boy, Lennon and Ms Kirstina Dawson welcomed a baby girl, Zayla.

Prayers
We keep in our prayers the Richards family following the death of Mr Nigel Richards. The Richards family has a long association with Villanova College with five sons attending the College – Patrick, Simon, Andrew, Tim and Peter. Nigel’s two grandsons, Fiachra – Year 12 and Eoin – Year 8 currently attend the College. Nigel and his wife Judith were involved in the St James Parish and had a special place in their hearts for the Augustinian community. Nigel was an active member of the St Vincent De Paul Society for many years.

We also keep in our prayers and thoughts the family of Mr Adrian Hellwig following the death of Adrian’s brother Peter in Sydney recently.

May their soul and the soul of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen 

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, 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. 

Tuesday would have typically seen our annual Grandparents’ Day festivities – a music concert in Hanrahan Theatre, visits to the classrooms, a tour of the College, and then the best part of all, the morning tea hosted by Year 5 parents.  This is the occasion to truly try and test the best of the egg and lettuce sandwiches – followed closely by a chicken and mayo sandwich I have never forgotten (the Delaney family, 2015).  It is a morning centred primarily around a grandparent’s favourite topic – their grandsons.  Followed closely by stories that start with “in my day,” and I am starting to wonder how long it is before I do this myself, for I am truly in awe of the facilities and opportunities that our young men have in front of them daily.  Grandparents’ Day is a classic time to reset our priorities – the meaning of life – family, relationships, home-made goodies, and a hot cuppa – showing pride and gratitude for our extended family.

Instead, necessary repairs to Hanrahan Theatre and COVID restrictions mean we accept that life needs to be a little more flexible in 2021.  So, we share photos of our boys and their grandparents inside classrooms, walk past an incredible collage display on Level 1 of the St Thomas of Villanova Learning Centre, and embrace the prayers for our most loved human beings through our rituals of worship and the making of Rosary Beads.  Every student in Year 5 has a handmade set, soon to be blessed by Father Saldie, and wrapped, to be taken home to pass on to the people who are bound to display them proudly for years to come.  Make, pray, and give away.  Our young men have indeed put their hands to good deeds in this term’s Religious Education classes.

My grandparents are no longer with us.  It is a little sad as an adult, yet as a young boy I lived every moment with them like they would always be around, that we had plenty of time together.  My Russian grandparents (Dad’s family) got to meet Harry and rub the tummy to say hello to Jack.  My English grandparents (Mum’s family) got to see both boys grow up to their late primary years.  Both sets of grandparents marvelled at everything and anything our boys did.  Harry could run through the veggie patch (and it would be funny no matter what he stepped on), marvel at Grandpa Nikoliovic’s racing pigeons, and then smash the painted boiled Easter Eggs that Grandma Zoia had painstakingly hand painted within seconds of eating ice cream moments before dinner.  Grandma Janet was more reserved, taking every delight in sitting back watching Harry and Jack play, eat, and run wild with each other.  She could see my older brother Peter and I so clearly, and she could see traits of my uncles as well.  Grandma Janet was happy just being around family, and so was Grandpa Ron (always dressed in collared shirt and tie, even to sit in the sun in the garden – I am not joking).  They had 8 children for a reason, so there would be over 50 at every family gathering – the more noise, chaos, and pot-luck dinners, the better.  It is still a tradition that every Christmas, when we get together, and the grandkids – and great grandkids now – run wild until midnight.

The Seven Seriously Sensible Reasons We Love Grandparents:

1. Grandparents know what matters and what does not – they will not fluff about with words, actions, or waste time with waffle.  They have learnt that life is about love, time, and memories.  It is that simple.  It is refreshing and what we all need to remember.
2. Grandparents relish us for all our faults, our shortcomings, our repeated mistakes.  Your best effort is all that matters.  Loving and accepting each other is the one rule to follow.
3. Grandparents rock because you think the grandsons are cute, handsome, and adorable no matter what.  The more toilet paper they unroll as a toddler in the bathroom – the better.  The more toothpaste they squeeze over their hands, the sink, and the mirror – the funnier it is.  When they spill a drink, you say “that’ll be cleaned in a jiffy,” unlike Mum and Dad who go red in the face and tremble, muttering something that sounds like a Hail Mary in sinister tones.  You love the boys all muddy after rugby getting into the family car – as you drive off in your clean one.  Grandparents rock their good looks no matter what their size or shape, because you know that these spunky genes came from the best stock there is – you!
4. Grandparents rule because they are into the boys’ favourite foods.  Coming to your house is like having a bakery and lolly shop rolled into one.  You make pikelets, cakes or sausage rolls from scratch and there is the right amount of love put into each one.  Even though you love liquorice, you keep that stash of sour jellies for the boys even though you do not understand why a ten-year-old boy would deliberately put something sour on his tongue!  When you babysit grandsons, it is pizza, nachos, or hot chips, which you know are the only food groups growing boys need.  This is followed by ice-cream eaten straight out of the tub, and the only deal is the boys do not tell Mum and Dad – they have got you covered – they will never find out right?!
5. Grandparents know that staying up late is a necessary part of our child development.  Bedtimes are not on the register at all.  There are movies with the best endings that must be seen, there are games that need to be won (and that is usually by the boys – you have this amazing skill of winning right up until the very last moment….?), and there are stories to be told.  If grandsons fall asleep in front of the TV, then that is where they stay – camping out on the couch means they will be in the best possible spot for the morning cartoons.  Showers are optional and often left for “tomorrow,” as “kids today get sick more often because you’re not eating enough dirt”.  Today’s clothes are tonight’s pyjamas as it saves the washing.  There is no short cut for our sleep over that you cannot manage.
6. Grandparents know that test results do not make the man.  Yes – grandsons need to “give it a good crack of the whip,” but the marks will come and go like today’s headlines in the news.  You tell the boys stories of playing hooky down at the creek, finishing school in Year 9 to go and get a “real job”, as well as remind the boys that life is meant to be lived large, and not learnt out of a book.  You happily do the boys’ projects, so they can cut to the fun stuff on weekends – not like Mum and Dad who think that the boys should be “accountable” for their own ideas.  If only boys had an assignment on the best “Guinness Book of Records” fact, or Mine craft world design, then the A+s would be a dream to score.  Grandparents also know what grades their grandson’s parents got – and this is always good ammunition for lads to know at the end of every semester!
7. Grandparents thoroughly enjoy winding up our Mums and Dads.  They have a big smile on their face as they give grandsons the second chocolate milk before lunch, or swiftly sweep the vegetables into a secretive serviette at dinner.  Grandparents can make bodily noises far louder than the Year 5 boys at the table.  Grandparents say, “Yes honey,” even when Mum or Dad have said “No” ten times over.  Age overrules common sense every time, and it puts grandsons on the winning podium.  Then Grandparents get to leave at the end of the day, waving and smiling as the parents wonder how on earth they are going to balance out the blood sugar levels, or get the grandsons to sleep before midnight.  Grandparents are the closest allies!

Grandparents, you mean everything to us, no matter where you are in heaven, or on earth.  Stay in our lives and be strong in body, mind, and presence – our parents, students and staff need you.  Grandparents are very much a part of our community, and we are still holding you dear, be it at a safe social distance in 2021. Your grandsons love you dearly.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

I truly believe that raising children has never been more difficult, than it has in this modern era. Over time my wife has purchased or borrowed a variety of parenting books, all of which we have read with an open mind. Titles have included: No-Drama Discipline, The Whole-Brain Child, Mindfulness for Mums and Dads, Raising Boys and Raising Girls. My interest was piqued recently though with her latest purchase, “The Secret of Half-A***d Parenting”.

I am happy to say that this new addition to our collection did not have us aborting our current parenting approach, as the book is more of a comedic look at the stresses of modern-day parenting. ‘Lighten up’ is sometimes just what we, as parents, need to do.

I should say that I personally do not agree with everything the author writes in this book. Reading her book, like all the fore-mentioned books, has however caused me to reflect on my own parenting.

One aspect that did resonate was that parenting, much like schooling, needs to be developmentally appropriate. What works for a young child, will not work for an early teen, or a young adult.

I recently came across a blog written by Della Judd, for Thrive Global, and she shared some great suggestions about parenting teens, having just seen her daughter turn 18. She offered these five tips:

1. Keep talking no matter what. No matter what is going on, or how hard things are, or how many arguments you are having. Even when something dramatic has happened or they have made (in your opinion) a catastrophic error of judgement. Or done something you don’t like. Keep the lines of communications open, be the bigger person. Apologise first and start again.
2. Have conversations when they want to. Even if you are just getting ready for bed, or in the middle of something. Teens speak so rarely that it is important that you listen and show up when they need you. Hear what they actually say. Let them know that you are there for them.
3. Be your own parent – don’t let how you were treated affect how you will parent your own children. Decide what sort of parent you want to be. And then live that way… be fun, open, communicative.
4. Listen to the young people – they can teach you so much, especially about the modern world. They can keep you up to date. They call it reverse mentoring, listen to them. You might not agree with everything but hear their voice and encourage them to grow their own opinions and help them to verbalise them in a safe place.
5. Don’t expect them to be like you or behave like you did at the same age.

Wherever we get our stimulus, be it books, blogs, social media, or simply connections with other parents, at the end of the day, reflecting on our parenting is important. What is working? What are we thankful for? What needs tweaking? What steps need to be put in place to make the tweaks possible?

Parenting and educating teens can sometimes be a thankless task; but we are doing a great job. Remember to pat yourself on the back occasionally and, above all, learn when it is OK to ‘chill out’ and do not sweat the small stuff! All the best for the week ahead, our last week of the semester.

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Year 12 Retreat
On Monday and Tuesday of this week, our Year 12 students embarked upon one of the most significant rites of passage in their Villanova journey- their Year 12 Retreat experience. After we were forced to postpone the event in Term 1 due to the lockdown, our young men were finally able to head up the mountain to Tamborine and unplug themselves from the busyness of their normal lives to reflect on their journey from boyhood to manhood and the impact their time at Villanova has had in shaping who they are today.

I had the absolute privilege and pleasure to address the Crane and Goold students on Monday night where I shared my life journey and what nourishes my life and spiritual self. For me, the highlight of the Retreat is always the work done in small groups where our young men display great courage in embracing their vulnerability and sharing their stories- I was so proud of our students.

I would like to thank Dean of Mission and Identity, Mrs Kate Garrone and Fr Peter Wieneke for their facilitation of the program and Year 12 Pastoral Area Leader Mr Tony Rolls and Ms Amanda Waterson for their wonderful logistical support in ensuring the best possible experience for the boys. Furthermore, I would like to affirm the staff for their amazing contribution in modelling for the boys personal sharing and the power of empathy.

Senior School Assembly
Last Friday, we conducted our second Senior School Assembly for the year. One of the significant threads woven through the assembly was the importance of cultivating positive mental health for adolescent men. I would like to thank the Student Leadership Team for their energy and efforts in preparing the assembly.

The highlight of the assembly was the address given by College Captain Louis Henderson – one of the finest I have had the privilege of listening to in my time in education. With Louis’ permission, I would like to share with you an excerpt from his speech which is a powerful statement ahead of this week’s designated RuOK Round of sport against Padua College at Villanova Park:

We sit here as some of the luckiest people on the planet. Everyone here has a roof over their head, and food to eat tonight. We’ve been gifted with this opportunity that very few people are afforded and that is the privilege of a secondary education. But what does this mean? When I say education I think maths, I think science and study. But that’s not it. If you think about it, we live in this protected bubble, we spend at least six hours a day, every weekday and for many of us all day Saturday around the same community, same friends, same people. Our community is amazing, but like every shining light there’s always a malicious darkness. With community come values and with values becomes standards and with standards become outsiders. And what do we do when we feel like an outsider? We put on a mask. We adopt a facade, a reflection of not ourselves but those around us. As soon as we put on a mask the vulnerability begins.

Jim Carey once said: “Depression is your body saying, ‘I don’t want to be this character anymore. I don’t want to hold up this avatar that you’ve created in the world. It’s too much for me”. Jim Carey wore a mask, not in a movie but in life. And too many men today are doing the same. The question is what are we doing to change this?

In our day and age, it’s so easy to throw on a wristband, shave your head, grow a moustache, post on social media. It’s a lot harder to act out these values. A bully who wears an anti-bullying t-shirt is still a bully. Human beings are inherently judgemental. We see another person and we form an opinion, is this a bad thing? Of course not. The bad thing is when that opinion is detached from empathy and fellas, empathy is not our strong suit. It’s weak to feel emotion and it’s weak to show pity, it’s weak to not be okay and it’s weak to fall. Just get up, have a sook, grow a pair, be… a… man. I hate those words.

We have built a culture where you are ashamed when it’s not your day. And it’s scary to think the happiest people just could actually be the ones who really need our help. A man who brought so much joy to the world Robin Williams once said, “I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make other people happy because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and they don’t want anyone else to feel that way”. A man who was so joyous and euphoric on the outside was really the one struggling on the inside. Boys, 1 in 8 men will experience depression in their lives. 45% percent of us will experience a mental illness. Fellas, the single biggest killer of men aged 14-45 is suicide.

But here’s my stance on this issue. I can’t stand up here high and mighty and talk about how this issue isn’t talked about. Because in my opinion and in my experience it is. And I’d like to say thank you. I’d like to say thank you to anyone who has ever asked me if I’m okay. Anyone who has ever given me a pat on the back or made me laugh. I’d like to say thank you to my family, my friends, my teachers and anyone in between because now is the time to foster good culture, not focus on the bad. It’s time to start replacing the word’s “what if it doesn’t work out” to “what if it does”. For a third of the blokes in this room we are about to leave the protected bubble we’ve lived in for so long. Whether that experience has been positive or negative I can guarantee that this is just the beginning. Surround yourself with people who let you take off the mask. Surround yourself with people who ask, “what if it works out”. And finally, be one of those people who has their mate’s back because one day they might just need it.

“Seize the day. Make your life extraordinary.”- Robin Williams

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Living Gratefully and Walking Humbly!
It has been a very busy week for Identity and Mission at Villanova!  We have had groups of students on a Vinnies sleepout; completed our last clean-up of Moorhen Flats; raised funds for Emmanuel City Mission; and held our Year 12 Retreat.  Each of these experiences have been driven by combined groups of students and staff who are committed to acting for justice, loving tenderly and walking humbly.  A huge thank you to all of those involved!

Cleaning up Moorhen Flats
For thousands of years, the lands where Norman Creek stands have provided food, water, and shelter to the Jagera and Turrbal people. However, in recent years that sustenance provided has been wiped out. Through pollution, littering, and the dumping of industrial waste, Norman Creek and the surrounding Moorhen Flats has been transformed from a thriving ecosystem to a dull wasteland.

Over the past four months, the Villanova Green Team has conducted four clean-ups in an attempt to return Norman Creek to its natural order. During this time, they witnessed a noticeable change in the cleanliness of the Flats. Each time, less rubbish was being found, and by the final clean-up, the garbage collected was predominantly microplastics such as lids, wrappers, and cigarette butts. Thanks to the efforts of the Villanova Green Team, Norman Creek is the cleanest that it has been in over 20 years, and the Moorhens are returning to the aptly named Moorhen Flats.

Harry Bryant

Vinnies Sleepout
On Friday night, St Vinnies led a group of Year 11 and 12 students on a Street Retreat experience through the CBD and West End.  It was a profound experience into seeing our city with new eyes and considering the realities that people who experience homelessness are exposed to in the process of trying to meet their basic needs for survival.  There is certainly nothing like walking in the shoes of another for a few hours to glimpse a greater insight into the experience of homelessness.  We explored stereotypes of homelessness and learned the real stories of people that could easily have been a friend or family member of our own.  We faced the challenge of trying to feed ourselves for $2 and were still surprised to discover how much we needed a group of friends to pull together a basic meal.  We tried to find places where we could safely sleep in our city and discovered that there are many obstacles that make this an extremely challenging experience.  We stopped by the Rosies street van and had the opportunity to connect with many of the patrons that members of our group have befriended this year through our nights volunteering on the Rosies van. We experienced the discomfort of sleeping out and how cold winter nights can be.  Our hearts certainly were opened by the experience and our minds were filled with new awareness.  Next week we will share the students reflections on the experience.  We are certainly deeply appreciative of the process Anthony Forshaw from Vinnies led us through on this retreat.

Year 12 Retreat – success on take two!
After needing to abruptly abandon our retreat in Term One as our Brisbane lockdown commenced it was with an added sense of gratitude that our Year 12s were able to get away on retreat this week.  Supported by a team of twenty staff our senior students had the opportunity to step out of our usual hectic schedules and routines to really consider both who and what is most important in their lives.  It was a time of gathering stories, enjoying how our seniors have grown, having the courage to be vulnerable, listening, sharing and praying together.  It was a fantastic couple of days!  As a newcomer to Villanova, I was in awe of the shared commitment of staff who also left their own families and hectic schedules and were fully present on this experience with our senior students.  There will be more to follow next week from students about their retreat experience.

Sunday Readings at Home
Please use this link to access this week’s readings and commentaries.

Ms Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity

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 schoolboy footy. Many of these boys have enjoyed representing Villanova College since their days back in Year 5 or Year 7. 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 performed well against St Edmund’s College over the weekend. We must acknowledge our First XI Football team on a sensational season so far. At present our boys are leading the table in the competition. A win is needed this weekend to secure the much-coveted AIC premiership. In fact, we wish all rugby, football and chess players the very best and hope they can perform at their best this week to finish off the season well.

At this stage we are looking to finalize all arrangements for trials for the next trimester of sport. All details regarding the trial schedule for the AIC Basketball, AIC Rugby League and AIC Tennis season is posted on the College’s website. The 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 Padua College. It will be a big day. I ask all students from Year 5 – 12 to make the extra effort this weekend to stay around and support their fellow schoolmates in the other matches, particularly the First XV rugby and First XI 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 11 and Saturday 12 June – Times and Venues
All times and venues for this weekend’s fixtures against Padua College are available on the College’s website.

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

AIC FOOTBALL
Mr Anthony Kemp, AIC Football Co-ordinator

The Round against St Edmunds’s showed the strength of football at Villanova has continued to improve throughout the season with a dominant set of results. Overall, we managed 24 wins, three draws and three losses. Well done to all our sides for these great results over the weekend.

The First XI side continued their strong charge towards the premiership with another excellent victory. In what was a crucial fixture for the First XI boys, a victory was always a must to stay on top with the likes of Ashgrove and Laurie’s ready to pounce and take the lead if we slipped up. Thankfully, the boys got the job done with a convincing 7 – 3 victory in the end. It was certainly a different start than normal to most matches with the first goal being scored in under a minute by Villa. Play then went from end to end with both sides trading goals with the score to be 2 – 2 after the first 20 minutes. Villanova managed to score just on half time to go in with a 3-2 lead. The second half was a different game with the Villanova boys turning up the intensity and playing some impressive football. Through great teamwork and the desire to get the victory they were able to put on another four goals to clinch the victory.

This leaves the First XI boys on top of the table leading by one point over Ashgrove and three points over St Laurence’s with one game left in the season. It has been a pleasure to watch this group of young men work tirelessly throughout the season to put themselves in the position to claim the premiership, which would be Villanova’s first football premiership since 2013. We wish the team well this week in their match against Padua and hope to see big crowd there in support on Saturday at Villanova Park.

We have several sides looking to finish the season off strongly this weekend and press their claims for a premiership/undefeated season which is fantastic. Good luck to the following teams this weekend: Fifth XI, 9B, 8A, 8B, 6D, 5E.

This Saturday we will play Padua in what will be the final round of the AIC Football season. The Year 5 – 8 teams will play away this week with the 9 – Opens teams playing at home. 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 College, all the best and to cherish the moment as it is something that they will no doubt look back on with fond memories.

Enjoy the last weekend of football for 2021 against Padua, good luck to all the teams.

AIC Football Results v St Edmund’s College

AIC RUGBY
Villanova had another successful round taking on St Edmund’s College in Round 6 and managed to take home 14 wins and four losses. Many teams played with hunger, grit and determination and are looking for a strong finish to the season this weekend against Padua College.

Our Junior teams continued their outstanding season and there is a possibility of the 5A, 6A and 7D teams having an undefeated season, while the 7B side can finish with an aggregate premiership this Saturday with victory against Padua. 7A are also in the hunt, having only lost one match, but must rely on Iona losing, to share the premiership.

Of the older boys, the Fourth XV have only dropped one game and can finish second in the aggregate. The Fifth XV will be running out this weekend, chasing an elusive Open undefeated rugby season. The boys have enjoyed the season under their coaches, and you can see that they have combined well in the matches they have played this season. Unfortunately, Padua have had to withdraw their Fifth XV side due to injuries this Saturday, but we have managed to find them a game, so the boys have to play away this week against Ashgrove and can’t run out on to Andrew Slack to finish off the season.

The First XV boys came away with another victory on Saturday, sealing the match at 31 – 12. Cracks appeared in the first half as the boys went into the break with a narrow lead. Our boys composed themselves and hit back in the second half to gain some much-needed momentum. It has been a pleasure to watch the effort that the First XV boys put into their matches each week and the way they put their bodies 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 Padua College at Home in the last game of the season. I know the boys are keen to finish off their season on a high and jump in front of Padua and possibly SPC on the points table with a victory on Saturday.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the seniors taking to the field this weekend in their last match of Rugby for Villanova College.  All the best and cherish these moments boys, as it is a time that you will no doubt look back on with fond memories.

Finally, I would just 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 would not be able to take place without the help of our referees, who are just as passionate about the game of Rugby. Please ensure that all referees, officials and volunteers are shown the respect they deserve because without them, these games simply would not happen! Unfortunately, over the last two weeks there has been a lot of people vocal at referees and some of these refs are young students learning their craft. Please be aware of this and support them in their journey rather than turn them off it. Remember that comments from the sideline are to be of a positive nature only.

Best of luck to all teams!

AIC Rugby Results v St Patrick’s College

AIC CHESS
Mr Nick Verity and Mr Jack Lamb, AIC Chess Co-ordinators

Last Friday’s matches against St Edmund’s College were the closest of the season so far. Villanova started out in front after Round One, but St Edmund’s did not give up; not dropping a game in the Opens in Round two. There were some nail-biting games, going right down to the last few seconds. Overall, Villanova won most matches but lost on team-by-team scoring. While this was disappointing, the boys played some of the best chess they have played all season and it was reflected in the number of wins they achieved. Our final matches are home games versus Padua College. We are aiming to put all the lessons we have learned this season to good use in the last round. See you all there.

AIC Chess Results v St Edmund’s College

AIC CROSS COUNTRY REPORT
Mr Brian Pascoe, AIC Cross Country Coordinator

According to Theodore Roosevelt,

 “It is not the critic who counts. … The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly … who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”  

Many brave Villanova College students travelled to Curlew Park, Sandgate last week to compete at the annual AIC Cross Country Championships. The runners affectionately known as the ‘Running Wildcats’, relished the opportunity to climb into the arena, faces marred by dust and sweat and blood.

There were many great runs on the day which was a product of the perseverance, consistency and hard work displayed over the Cross Country season. The effort was rewarded with many great by Running Wildcats given the opportunity to show how great they are and run at their best.

Significant efforts displayed by Running Wildcats at Curlew Park included the following, with the first home in each age group is acknowledged as age champion.

• Under 12: Charlie 5^th, Nate  9^th, Angus  27^th.
• Under 13: Charley 9^th, Jack 15^th, Patrick 20^th, Daniel 25^th, Ronan 29^th, Henry 35^th.
• Under 14: Henry 12^th, Mitch 22^nd, Jake 26^th and Gianni 36^th.
• Under 15: Kyan 10^th, Heath 22^nd, Alex 37^th.
• Under 16: Joaquin 5^th, Luke 16^th, Charlie 26^th, Jakob 27^th, Jack 29^th.
• Open: Ben 4^th, Jacob 8^th, Michael 18^th, Lachlan 24^th, Thomas 25^th and Luke 32^nd.

At the Championships to cover for injury and illness a number of boys ran in older divisions which were longer than they had trained for.  These brave runners included Christian, Alex, Dylan and Charlie.  Well done supporting the Running Wildcats on the day.

A number of boys were injured and unable to participate at the championships. We look forward to Mitchell, Alex, Cohen  and Ben being fit to race next year. However, Nick and Finn will not get the opportunity as it was their Senior year.

Congratulations to Kyan and Charlie who qualified for the composite zone in cross country and competed at the Met East Trials throughout the season.

Leading into the AIC Cross Country Championships the Running wildcats had a presentation from one of Australia’s greatest runners, Pat Carroll. Pat grew up in the Camp Hill area and won Australian titles in all distances from 1500m to the marathon, representing Australia 28 times.

Pat did not represent his school, St Laurence’s College in any sport, but joined a karate squad once he left school. He stalled on a brown belt and his coach insisted he would not improve unless he became fitter, and to do so he had to start running. As the age of 19 Pat Carroll started to run regularly to improve his fitness with the aim to attain a black belt in karate. He became fitter, and soon found he was enjoying the benefits to not only his physical health but more importantly his mental health and well-being.

Then then in 1982 the Commonwealth Games were held in Brisbane and Pat rode his bike following Rob de Castella who after an extraordinary competition against two Ethiopian runners won the marathon. Pat loved the event, he was hooked, he had to try the marathon. Five years later when he made his first Australian marathon team, he was lucky enough to be seated next to Rob de Castella the man who ignited his passion flying out of Australia to compete.

Pat challenged the Running Wildcats to find their passion in life and then be brave enough to test themselves on how far they can take their passion.

It is this message we witnessed lived in the captain of the Running Wildcats, Ben.  We lost Ben for a couple of years as in Year 9 and 10 as he chose not to participate in cross country. However, at the start of last year Ben’s family moved to Southbank and then COVID hit. Ben’s parents insisted he have some form of physical activity and he used the paths on the river front to jog. Ben, became fitter, and found he was enjoying running and re-joined the cross country team. Those following Ben on Strava are aware of the passion he now has for running and that has been infectious for those around him.

In recognition of Ben’s outstanding run at Curlew Park he will be awarded the Aristo Zenonos Medallion in recognition of the most outstanding performance at the AIC Cross Country Championships.

I therefore challenge the Running Wildcats take a leaf from Ben’s book and develop their running passion and see where it takes them in the future.

I would like to acknowledge the excellent running program delivered to the Running Wildcats by the coaches and managers. The work of Amy Roberts, Tom Lonergan, Jordan Roache and David Barton’s empathetic and professional attitude assisted each competitor.

Junior Cross Country Report
Mr Tom Lonergan, Year 5 and Year 6 Cross Country Coach

The AIC Championship Day is the only time, on the AIC sporting calendar, when all the student competitors, their peer supporters and parents are assembled in the one place. The boys, who have been training for approximately eight weeks, are sharing a range of emotions based upon the amount of hard work they have done with their preparation and the standard of their competitors. For the runners “there is no place to hide”; it is every boy for himself.

Year 5 Race
We have been here before! A trial last week, walked the course a couple of times and now we are lined up, in our box, to race all those boys to our left. The coach said, run straight lines, make the course shorter, pick them up one by one; not so easy when you are surrounded by all these other schools trying to do the same thing! One of the good things about the Shorncliffe course is that it is spectator friendly. Locate yourself on the back oval and you can see the start, the early part of the race and the boys running for the finish line in the two and three km races. Although the course is mainly flat it is every centimetre of its two kilometres for the year Fives. At the start of the race the boys sprint out as they have been instructed.

Villanova had a few boys handily placed near the front of the field, where the running is less congested. As the race continued, the field stretched out and ultimately came to a bottleneck where the course narrowed at the road crossing. Here it really was every boy for his own survival.

Nathan (10^th) has been our best runner all season and ran another well-judged race. He has a most relaxed style and keeps maintaining the momentum.  Lawson (11^th) used the experience of his run in the Met East Trial to good advantage. He ran a well-judged race.  Thomas (13^th) has been on the improve all season. He ran strongly, keeping up with Nathan most of the race and gave his best all the way to the finish.  Eamon (19^th) has always put in the hard training, and it was pleasing to see him perform so well in the race. He moved up two places in the Villanova ranking order.

James (21^st) has always run along with brother Nathan and somehow was unable to link up in this race. He ran right up to his ability and was only bettered by boys who exceeded expectations.

Oliver (35^th) is another who has always trained enthusiastically. He is the most improved of the Villanova boys moving to 6^th ranked from 9^th best. Well done, Oliver.

The other six starters all ran particularly well and will be very much improved by the experience. James (38^th) was only six seconds behind our sixth runner. The next five were all within 26 seconds of Villa’s 7^th runner. Oliver (44^th), John (51^st), Finlay (55^th), Sam (56^th) and Archie (58^th) completed the Villanova complement, in a field of 80 runners.

Every boy in the Villanova College Year 5 team ran a faster time than he did in the trial, the previous week. For their first Championship I believe they excelled and performed like a great team. We only needed to cut seven places from our aggregate to win a share of the Juniors Shield.

Year 6 Race
Villanova is blessed to have a group of Year 6 athletes who all turn out for cross country The mature approach of the boys is best exemplified by the fact they could be left in the hands of co-captains, Jacob and Liam, to complete their race warm-up. Starting the race in the right-hand box gave the boys an unexpected advantage, getting away to a brilliant start they spread towards the middle of the course causing a bottleneck for the teams who started on the left-hand end of the start line. As the field sorted themselves out on the wide expanses of the back oval it was obvious that the Iona runner (an 11-year-old) was the boy to beat. Liam and Archie were working together up front and Jacob was sitting back running his usual negative split race. Meanwhile Ollie (still smarting from being overlooked for the Met East Trial) had linked up with Billy. These boys have had quite a bit of experience over the two seasons they have been running and used this knowledge to advantage.

By the time the leaders entered the home straight the three at the front had a good break on those following, Iona leading, and Liam trying to catch him and holding off a charging Jacob, who had possibly misjudged his finish by 50 metres.

Liam (2^nd) (upset by being overlooked by Met East after finishing 6th place in the Trial) was on a mission. He ran himself to exhaustion in what is his best cross country performance.

Jacob (3^rd) uses his considerable swimming experience to good effect in the running; he negative splits his race and is able, always, to run strongly to the finish line.

Billy (7^th) has really improved his running this year. Used to running on the heels of a Rugby pack he has put in the extra work to build his endurance, an advantage for a half!

Oliver (11^th)  has really applied himself this season and is back to his best running. He just missed the Met East Trial and has made his point with this performance.

Archie (13^th) is one of those affected by the return of being able to play the sports of choice. Add a sore ankle to all that and you understand what a competitor is Archie.

Steven (24^th) is the quiet achiever of the Year 6 team. He has been an exemplary trainer and improved, through hard work, as the season unfolded. Steven ran his best XC race when it mattered, to make our significant sixth runner; ensuring the age group win.

This top six was strongly supported by two eleven-year old’s, Patrick (30^th) and Ashane (31^st) They have been vying with one another and improving with every run. Charly (45^th) was just 10 seconds ahead of the final three Villanova runners, Aidan (51^st) Beau (53^rd) and Ben (54^th) in a field of 80 runners.                                                                                                                      

Review of the Season
The season was fragmented in many ways; Football trials and rain interfered with the early sessions. Then the school holidays bobbed up. They were a good thing in the sense that we managed to get six uninterrupted 90-minute sessions completed. This provided the fitness foundation for a core group of boys and, even though we had more rain interruptions, enabled the necessary fitness for the hard work we did in the five weeks leading into the AIC Championship. We missed out on a “shared” Championship by a mere seven points!

A big thanks is given to Ms Roberts did a wonderful job as team manager. She has a way of attracting the boys to Cross Country and maintaining a standard of discipline which lets every boy know they are attending for their fitness benefits.

Mr Everding a Sports Co-ordinator who always “comes up trumps” when any request is made to him. Mr Stariha for the continued support you give to the Junior cross country program. Mr Kropp for all the “running around” you did attending to my requests.

My thanks also to the parents for support of your boys, ensuring they are at training on time, dressed for the occasion and for cheering them on!  Parents for providing the very generous gifts to Ms Roberts and Mr Lonergan at the conclusion of the season.

Finally, a big thank you is given for the boys for always giving their best effort and managing to turn out for training even though they had numerous other things to do at the time.

I can honestly say this season has been one of the “very best”!

AIC Tennis, AIC Rugby League and AIC Basketball – Trials commence next week!
All information regarding the up-coming AIC Tennis, AIC Rugby League and AIC Basketball season is found within the season schedule posted on the website. Trials commence next week.

All season schedules for the up-coming basketball, tennis and rugby league season are now posted in the respective sections on the website. These schedules contain all training dates, times and venues as well as many other important information. Please find below some trial information.

AIC TENNIS TRIALS

Villanova will submit the following teams into the AIC Tennis competition. Each team will consist of 4 players. We hope to carry up to two reserves per age group if they are needed to fill in for any injured or absent players. Please understand the reserves will not be guaranteed any games. We do encourage the reserves to attend training each week.

Teams Nominated into Competition:

First IV, Second IV, Third IV, 11A, 11B, 10A, 10B, 9A, 9B, 8A, 8B, 7A, 7B, 6A, 6B, 5A, 5B

There will only be one week of tennis trials. Trial Week No 1 will commence on the week beginning Monday 14 June, this is the last week of term. All trials will be held at Morningside Tennis Centre. All times and dates are listed below in the – AIC Tennis Trial Schedule (also found on the website and listed below).

All players are required to attend the AIC Tennis Clinics on Saturday 19 June. After these clinics, the coaches and managers will then finalise all team selections. Please note that some players may be cut after the two trial sessions held during the week and therefore will not be needed to attend the clinic on Saturday.

All interested students are to attend ALL trial sessions and the clinic held on Saturday to be considered for team selection. All teams are then to follow the – Term 3 Training Schedule, as outlined within the Season Schedule document (found on the website) commencing on day one of Term 3, Tuesday 13 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.

AIC Tennis Trial Schedule

MORNINGSIDE TENNIS CENTRE (Beverley Street, Morningside

Teams scheduled to train/trial at Morningside Tennis Centre (MTC) before school are to find their own way to the MTC. The College will supply bus transportation back to the College after training/trials. The bus will collect students at approx. 7.50am and return before the commencement of the school day. Should the bus arrive late the students are to sign in at Student Services.

AIC Tennis Clinics
All boys who are trialling for teams must attend the AIC Tennis Clinics. These clinics are held on Saturday 19 June and will form part of the selection process. The clinics will be conducted at the Morningside Tennis Centre. The times for each of these clinics are found below.

• 7.00 – 8.30am: Years 5 and 6 (4 courts, 4 coaches)
• 8.45 – 10.15am:  Years 7 and 8 (4 courts, 4 coaches)
• 10.30 – noon:  Years 9 and 10 (4 courts, 4 coaches)
• 12.15 – 1.45pm: Years 11 and Opens (4 courts, 4 coaches)

AIC BASKETBALL TRIALS

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

Year 7 – Open Trials – There will be one week of trials only. 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’ will commence on the week beginning Monday 14 June. Within this trial week, all age groups will have two trial sessions as well as the clinic held on Saturday 19 June. All interested students are to attend ALL trial sessions as well as the clinic to be considered for selection to represent Villanova. After these trials and the clinic, the coaches will then select all teams within that age group. Once selected all teams will then follow the training schedule as outlined on page 1 of the Season Schedule document found on the website, commencing day 1 of Term 3.

Note – coaches may choose to make a first cut of players after the first two trial sessions. Therefore, those players not selected will not be required to attend the clinics held on Saturday 19 June.

AIC Basketball Trial Schedule

Goold Hall – Villanova College

Clem Jones – Carina

AIC Basketball Clinics

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 19 June in Goold Hall. Coaches are asked to attend the Clinics.

• Year 7 – 7.00am – 8.30am
• Year 8 – 8.45am – 10.15am
• Year 9 – 10.30am – 12.00 noon
• Year 10 12.15pm – 1.45pm

AIC RUGBY LEAGUE TRIALS

Villanova will enter the maximum permissible number of teams into the AIC Rugby League competition. A list of all teams is found below.

Teams Entered into the AIC Competition (one team only per category below)

• Year 5
• Year 6
• Year 7
• Year 8
• Year 9
• Year 10
• First XIII (combined Year 11 and 12)

All teams will have two weeks of trials commencing during the week beginning Monday 14 June as well as the week beginning Monday 21 June. Please note, the second week of trials will be conducted during the student’s first week of holidays.

Year 10 and Open trials will be conducted at Villanova Park after school. These boys will be bused out to Villanova Park on Monday 14 June and Wednesday 16 June. These boys will have to make their own way to Villanova Park on Monday 21 June and Wednesday 23 June as it is during their holiday. Please note that there is no return bus service from Villanova Park. Parents are asked to collect their son from all trials conducted at Villanova Park promptly at 5.00pm.

Over two trial weeks, all age groups will have four trial sessions. All interested students are to attend ALL trial sessions to gain selection to represent Villanova. After these trials, the coaches will then select One team only within that age group.

• Year 5 Team – 18 boys will be selected.
• Year 6 to Year 10 Team – 20 boys will be selected.
• First XIII Team – 22 boys will be selected.

AIC Rugby League Trial Schedule (14 June – 25 June)

Please Note – If players do not attend all allocated trial sessions, they may miss out on the chance to be selected.

Once the teams have been selected, each team will then have two training sessions/week held during Term 3. The complete training schedule is found within the Season Schedule document posted on the web. Term 3 Training Schedule will commence on Tuesday 13 July.

RUGBY UNION/LEAGUE SKILLS CLINIC
A Rugby Union/League Skills Clinic will be conducted at Villanova Park on 8 and 9 July by 10KSports at a cost of $210. This clinic is geared towards boys who are currently in Year 5 – 8 and would be ideal for those who play rugby and/or are keen to play AIC Rugby League next term. Please see flyer attached for more details.

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Well done to Jacob Short who recently made the Met East Cross Country team. Jacob will now attend the 10-12 Cross Country State Championships held in Ipswich in mid-July. Best wishes Jacob!

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Augustine Centre Update
It gives me great pleasure to communicate that our Hanrahan Theatre is now cleaned and ready for use.  The cleaning contractors engaged to work on this project have done a fantastic job over the past eight days to clean the theatre, Level 3 classrooms, and all of Level 1.  We have had new ceiling tiles placed in all spaces on Level 1 and Level 3, and we are currently undergoing a program of refurbishment of the teaching spaces in the lower level of the Augustine Centre.

All rehearsals that are usually scheduled for the Augustine Centre stage will return from today.  We  will not return to the other spaces within the Augustine Centre until the renovations are complete.  All activities will return to normal at the beginning of Term 3!

Guitars Concert – Riverside Ensemble and Loreto College – QMC Monday 31 May
Last Monday, the Villanova College Guitar Department convened their debut concert for 2021 at the Queensland Multicultural Centre, Kangaroo Point.  The students were joined by Loreto College Guitar Ensemble 1 and the Riverside Guitar Ensemble, directed by Karin Schaupp.

The first Act involved the student ensembles sharing their music, culminating in a combined piece involving all guitarists present accompanying Karin Schaupp.  The second Act our students and their families were amazed by the fantastic performance shared by Riverside Ensemble.  The group were engaging and entertaining and the music produced was fantastic.

Many thanks to our guitarists and their families for their ongoing support of the program.  I would also like to recognise Dr Svoboda, Mr McKechie, and the students from Loreto for participating in this event.  Thanks also to Karin Schaupp and the Riverside Ensemble for sharing their time, expertise, and music with our ensembles.  It was a great evening of music that was very well received.

Orava String Quartet and Villanova Strings – QMC Wednesday 2 June
On Thursday evening, 2 June, our Sinfonia and Camerata String Orchestras shared their music with our community, joined by special guests Orava String Quartet.  Orava String Quartet have been working with the students across Term 1 and 2 this year, visiting rehearsals on a couple of occasions to workshop ensemble awareness and instrument technique.  In viewing the group work with our students – all young men and fine musicians – it was wonderful to see how our students responded.  The boys were absorbing the information afforded them and were very engaged with the experience.

The first Act of this event featured a concert shared by Orava Quartet.  Featuring some amazing quartet literature, this world class ensemble had the audience entranced.  The audience and our students went into intermission inspired and excited by what they had experienced.  The second Act comprised some polished performances by our student ensembles, culminating in Sinfonia performing with Orava as the grand finale for the evening.

Many thanks must go to our string students and Ms Bastos and the String Department for preparing the students for this wonderful event.  I believe this was a great opportunity for the students and a wonderful chance to learn and experience music authentically.

Winter Bands Concert – Tonight
We welcome our community to the reopening of Hanrahan Theatre and our Winter Bands Concert.  The night will commence on the Terraces below our Tolle Lege Library with some cool Jazz and Irish Reels performed by our Jazz Ensemble, Big Band, and both Irish Ensembles; the music and BBQ commences at 5.30pm.  We will then move into the newly prepared Hanrahan Theatre for the second act commencing at 6.30pm with our Chamber Brass ensemble, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band.  Tickets have sold fast but there is still some availability – to purchase follow this link:  https://www.trybooking.com/BRVZJ

Reminder – Enrolment Adjustments
A second reminder that all changes to IM enrolment without penalty need to occur by 4pm on Friday 18 June.  Alterations after this date may incur a term of tuition fees.  For access to the enrolment change document, please contact the Music Office or visit the College website.

Music Support Group and QCMF Meeting
Next Monday evening, 14 June, our Music Support Group and QCMF Organising Group will be meeting for the second time this term.  This time we are meeting in the College Chapter Room, adjacent to the foyer of Hanrahan Theatre.  The meeting commences at 7.30pm – come along one and all to learn a little more about our fantastic music program here at Villanova College.

Communication re Lesson Absences
As the department remains dispersed due to the Augustine Centre challenges, the routine of attending lessons can become problematic.  From this week forward, we will be sending a proforma to parents and students who miss a lesson without explanation.  Please understand that this is merely an opportunity to open the lines of communication and an invitation to communicate with your son’s teacher or the music office regarding the absence.

The following wording will be sent.  Please note, this is a proforma used for all students – it is not a personal communication, more an opportunity to open a dialogue:

Unfortunately, your son did not attend his instrumental music lesson today.

Please ensure he is aware of the time and date of his next lesson via the timetable previously distributed; it is attached for your reference.

To assist with our records, please contact the Music Office regarding your son’s absence – music@vnc.qld.edu.au or 3394 5691.

We look forward to our continued partnership in the musical education of your son.

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

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.

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.

Opportunity to Participate
The Music community at Villanova welcomes all students interested in participating in ensemble or instrument/vocal tuition.  If your son would like to take lessons on an instrument this year, please contact the Music Office on 3394 5691 or via email at music@vnc.qld.edu.au for further information.

Date Claimers
It gives me great pleasure to share our future events.  Looking forward to sharing music with our community again!

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

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

ENROLMENT FOR YEAR 5/2023
If you have a son currently in Year 3 and are looking to enrol him for Year 5 in 2023, please note that online enrolment applications will open on Monday 14 June and close Friday 16 July.  Application is via our website. Please feel free to contact the Enrolments Officer, Clare Bass if you have any queries on (07) 3394 5593 or enrolments@vnc.qld.edu.au

VILLANOVA COLLEGE BALL – JULY 24
Tickets are now on sale for the P&F Association’s major social and fundraising event of the year. Ball and raffle tickets can be purchased via https://www.trybooking.com/BRDGA.  All funds raised will go to the redevelopment of the Middle School terraces into multi-purpose courts and HPE facilities. 

If you can’t make the night, you can still purchase raffle tickets to go in the draw to win one of the many fabulous raffle prize packages. 

• Early Bird Prize – purchase your Ball ticket by Monday 21 June and go in the running to win a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne kindly donated by Coach Concepts. 

LIBRARY ROSTER (MONDAY 14  – FRIDAY 18 JUNE)
All volunteers rostered on this week will be contacted directly by the Library.

TUCKSHOP ROSTER (MONDAY 14  – FRIDAY 18 JUNE)
All volunteers rostered on this week will be contacted directly by the Tuckshop.

San Sisto Musical – Beauty and the Beast
San Sisto College is proud to present our new Beauty and the Beast musical for 2021 at the Chandler Theatre from the 23 – 24 July with three showtimes from which to choose. Enjoy connecting with our wonderful community, bring along family and friends, and be entertained by our wonderful students! Click on the link below to book your tickets today! https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=772124