Villa View: Issue 2/23

This week we entered the third week of the academic year and with that came the clear realisation that there is much on offer for the boys to be engaged in and committed to.

Across the last fortnight our Year 5’s have experienced their first camp and, by quirk of COVID, our Year 6’s also ventured out on their first Villanova College camp experience. Our Years 7’s and 8’s did likewise as the College looked to establish the year and relationships. Our AIC sport commitments have started with an outstanding round of matches against Marist Ashgrove to be followed by clashes with St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe this weekend.

These activities are wonderful and most certainly deeply rooted in the philosophy of the complete education we deliver. The development of the intellect, spirit and character of young men needs to be considered and achieved through multiple methodologies and lenses. Sport and activities on camps very much focus on the primacy of relationships and boys developing ways to create, maintain and manage multiple relationships, with adults and peers, in ways that see them both happy and successful. More often than not it is experiences that shape their understanding and guide their progress toward maturity. You cannot simply ‘talk to’ the nature of welcoming, compassionate and respectful relationships you have to allow them to be experienced, including the negatives and pitfalls that occur when relationships go wrong. These are of course very difficult times, especially for parents, but for children are some of their most valuable. This is of course a large theme, and reason for the wellbeing program and its embedding in curriculum and action this year. Giving students the opportunity to explore their understandings and experiences with peers and teachers to maximise their learning and growth as they pass through the College.

On this point, and in conclusion, I do have to highlight our identity as a Catholic school in the Augustinian tradition. All of our work in this space is to reinforce our central calling to the boys, to walk with them on their life journey, in one mind and one heart on the way toward God. The wellbeing program, our sport and camp program, our academic endeavours are shaped not by secular expectation, or a nominal concept of being a great school for boys, it is a far deeper calling. Our actions are built upon, and motivated by, our commitment to faith and the words and actions of Christ. Psychological science in the form of Positive Education and the work of academic luminaries such as Martin Seligman, Carol DeWitt,  Angela Duckworth, Art Costa and Bena Kallick may well speak in parallel to faith traditions and example and we definitely use their work as guide, but at its core the original PERMA framework, notions of GRIT, concepts regarding Habits of Mind and perceptions of self, sit for us here at Villanova in the example of Christ, the life story and teachings of St Augustine and St Thomas of Villanova. Our faith tradition is our foundation and our rock.

Parent Evenings
The last of our parent evenings were held yesterday evening and I thank all parents who attended for their presence and interest in partnering with Villanova in the education of their sons. I do hope that the evenings were informative and beneficial. Moreover, I hope that you enjoyed the hospitality and opportunity to share in our community in this our 75th year. This of course is just an introduction to a year of celebration and welcome. I sincerely hope that you are able to join us on many occasions throughout the year to reflect on the past and build the future of Villanova.

Villanova STEM and Sport Science Precinct Project
This week we begin the public consultation phase of our application to change our ministerial infrastructure designation (MID) when we lay the platform for the construction of our strategic centrepiece, the Villanova STEM and Sport Science precinct.

Specific details of the amendments are detailed later in the Villa View, but the major points of change are the acquiring of Seventh Avenue and the subsequent construction on what is currently a staff car park, Clare Lodge and the old house that serves as the Second-Hand Uniform Shop.

We are currently the only users of Seventh Avenue and its acquisition will allow for the building to extend slightly into this space while maintaining its current purpose as an access road. The change in designation of the land at the base of the hill fronting Main Avenue up to the base of the Priory is to allow us to build the STEM and Sport Science precinct.

Public queries or opposition can be directed to the Principals Office at the College or to the address provided on our website and later in this Villa View.

Mr Paul Begg, Principal

In keeping with the spirit of Reconciliation, Villanova College acknowledges the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples, as the Traditional Custodians of this land on which we stand.  We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.  This has always been, and always will be, a place of teaching and learning connected to country, culture and community. 

There was a buzz of excitement and a few nerves as the Year 5 parents and students gathered in the Agora area under the St Thomas of Villanova Learning Centre last Wednesday.  It was time for us to depart for the Apex Mudjimba Camp, carefully organised to the finest of details by Chloe Adams and Kelson Lee.  After months of filling in paperwork, collecting and processing forms, preparing the students through discussions and previous photos from other years, it was time to say goodbye to Mums and Dads and head off for an adventure.

Holding camp so early in the year is undertaken in the hopes that we can focus on the young boys and build relationships and memories to take back to classroom learning.  It’s about being together, whether comfortable in air-conditioned dorms, or a little uncomfortable whilst running through the mud pit.  On camp we can rely on each other.  Helping others and being able to receive a helping hand gets us around the mid-ropes, riding the boards over the waves, casting a hand line into the river (crabs a popular catch) and finding our balance on paddle boards.  Teachers and students braved the humidity, slapped on sunscreen and insect repellent, and did their very best to laugh a little, whilst showcasing their strengths and challenges in front of peers.

It’s not easy to be away from family – and it’s not always that easy to wave your son goodbye either.  Yet, we show trust in each other, by trying to do this with a smile and all the hope that our Villanovan family can be there for one another.  Over hamburgers, pasta, sausage and scrambled eggs, biscuits and fruit, sausage rolls and pies, chicken drumsticks and rice, ham and egg muffins, and finally chicken burgers, our appetites were satisfied as we excitedly shared the highs and lows of our recent activities.  Dorm rooms were adorned with hanging towels, odd socks and excited chatter between bunk beds.  Outside the kangaroos watched us play football, cricket and were very fascinated with our attempts at archery.  We found more crabs with our yabby pump than we did bait, but luckily there was pre-purchased squid for our lines.  We stayed busy and always looked forward to returning home with tales that might be a little exaggerated but were absolutely got the message across that for most, this experience was positive an insightful to who we are.

I would very much like to thank our team of staff who did their very best to care for your sons and support them through every part of being away from home.  I send heartfelt thanks home to all the parents who may have decided to bin those mud pit clothes, or simply had to block their noses to wash what clothing did make it home – wet or dry.  Above all, I high five every single Year 5 student – those who couldn’t make it due to illness and those who attended.  You should be very proud of all you could manage – we are very, very happy to have been given the chance to be a part of your first Villanovan camp.

As a Junior School, our Focus of the Week is “Maximum Effort”.  We turn to our classwork – being organised, using visual cues such as class timetables, packing our PE/sports gear on the right days, and of course, managing our school work.  Laptops become a part of this too – charging them each night and learning how to navigate tools such as Teams, OneNote and Outlook for emails – there is etiquette and standards about how we communicate at Villanova College.  It takes a village – help from home, the boys need to step up and be a part of planning their days, and of course, we will provide as many answers as humanly possible here at school.  The boys will soon be able to help each other – teaching what they learn (for example where to find IT) to their mates which is invaluable.  Remember to be patient, and expect a few hiccups – there is a lot going on – for all of us.  Problem solving is key – there is always a solution so just keep on looking, asking and trying your best.

­Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

The Middle School Parent Information evening held last week was a tremendous success. One thing that struck me was the community atmosphere of our meet and greet space as parents got the chance to mingle and get to know each other. The place was abuzz with excitement, and it was so pleasing to see parents new to Villanova made to feel so welcome. Surely there are few better examples of community in action, and as ‘community’ is the Augustinian value we are highlighting this year I found the atmosphere particularly gratifying.

I was impressed by the number of parents who commented on the presentation of our inaugural Wellbeing Program – ‘Be Your Best Self.’ Our Director of Student Wellbeing, Mrs Sheridan Carey, articulated so well the importance of an educative and developmental program that helps improve the mental health and positive wellbeing of our young men. The Year 7 Term 1 program focusses on group dynamics and friendships. It allows these students to understand positive and negative friendships and how to best navigate through them. Both our Year 8’s and 9’s will be completing the VIA Character Strengths assessment program. This is an excellent self-assessment tool designed to help them identify their individual character strengths and how they can best utilise them in their lives and further develop themselves in those areas that require improvement.

Finally, even with the camp program across Year 7 and 8 continuing this week and into week 4, it is important that good habits are being implemented at home to ensure homework and study are being completed to an acceptable standard. Creating a workspace that is both visible and free of distraction is important. Try removing as many distractions as possible – such as mobile phones and televisions and limit laptop use to necessary minimums. If these habits are established early enough, it will help set up families for a calm and productive environment, optimum for study that will stand them in good stead for the years to come.

Have a great week in the Middle School!

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

As we move through this third week of the year, it is incredible to realise the amount of activity that has occurred within our dynamic and vibrant community already in 2023. The series of Parent Information evenings which culminated last night, the commencement of AIC Sport, coupled with our Opening Mass has certainly illuminated the value which we place on community, especially within our 75th year. That said, it is of paramount importance that our young men in the Senior School have now re-established their routines of study, are employing strategies to best organise themselves and their time and that they are engaging in thoughtful introspection regarding the goals that they have set for themselves across this first semester in the purposeful completion of their goal setting module in the TrackOne program. As always, if any parent has concerns regarding the way in which their son has commenced the year, I strongly encourage you to reach out in the first instance to their Head of Year.

Parent Information Evenings
I would like to thank our Senior School parent community for their support of the series of Parent Information Evenings across the last two weeks. The return to these evenings being on campus, commencing with some Augustinian hospitality has been incredibly positive to see and we look forward to this renewed spirit of solidarity and partnership continuing to flourish across the year. One of the key strategic intentions that was highlighted in the Year 10 and Year 11 nights was our journey towards the implementation of a vertical House pastoral structure in 2024. We look forward to continuing to take our parents and community members on this journey as we embark on this significant change to our pastoral care philosophy at the College.

Paul Dillon Drug Education Student Seminars
As mentioned in my column last fortnight, next Monday marks the return of Paul Dillon to our College.  Paul will present to all Senior School students on matters pertaining to drugs and alcohol and ensuring that we keep our young men safe. I had signalled a date claimer for a parent night, however, unfortunately Paul has reduced his schedule this year and will not be able to present in the evening. We hope that we can return this night to the calendar in 2024 and we will look at engaging other speakers in this important space later this year.

AIC Ecumenical Service
Last Thursday, I accompanied our Student Leadership Executive Team to the annual AIC Ecumenical Service at Marist College, Ashgrove. This event marks the commencement of the AIC sporting season and seeks to remind all AIC member schools about the underpinning values and beliefs that we attach to sport and activities. One of the core tenets that we espouse at Villanova is that of respect and this was highlighted by our Cor Unum Spirit Committee Student Leader Larry Clark at last Friday’s assembly. Larry stated, “winning will mean nothing if you don’t play with humility, respect and good sportsmanship. Play by the rules, respect the referee and respect your opposition. We want to be able to walk away from a weekend of sport with Villa to be seen as a College who plays hard but fair.”

I would like to commend the way in which our teams conducted themselves last weekend amidst a variety of different emotions given the final results.

‘It is your response to winning and losing that makes you a winner or a loser.’ – Harry Sheehy

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Year 12 Cohort, 2022
Over the coming weeks, many of our newly graduated ‘Old Boys’ will move on to tertiary or further study. We wish them all the best with their further education. We also congratulate those students who have already commenced courses, who have commenced apprenticeships or have chosen to enter the workforce. The College wishes all these men the best in their endeavours and know that they will do Villanova proud.

Over the last two months, we have celebrated the academic achievements of this group. The snapshot of 144 students completing Year 12 and receiving their QCE, the cohort achieving a mean ATAR of 88.55, 29% of the cohort achieving an ATAR of 95.00 or better, and 63 students being awarded one or more VET qualifications was an outstanding end of year story. It would also be remiss of me to not congratulate our two top students; 2022’s Academic portfolio captain Lachie McGregor and Callan McInerney both received the outstanding ATAR of 99.90, placing them in the top 70 students in the cohort.

We look forward to welcoming back all of our graduated cohort tonight to celebrate their accomplishments at the Graduates’ Celebration. More details and pictures to come in next week’s Villa View.

Year 12 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
Year 12 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences will be held online via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 16 February. This is a great opportunity for Year 12 parents / guardians and students to engage with teachers early in the year in order to discuss student progress and the best way forward for the year. Conferences will run from 3.10 to 8.00pm. Parents / carers have been emailed details in order to make bookings. Bookings close next Tuesday 14 February.

Scholars’ Assembly
Our Scholars’ Assembly will be held tomorrow, Friday 10 February. This assembly recognises the academic achievements of students from Semester 2 last year. For students in Years 5 to 9, an academic award is given if a student, in their core subjects, achieves a minimum of 4 A’s and a B in their semester results. For students in Year 10, 11 and 12, an academic award is awarded if a student, in all of their subjects, achieves a minimum of all A’s and a B in their semester or unit results.

The College will also recognise students who have demonstrated consistency across the school year; those students who receive academic awards in Semester 1 and 2 will be given an Academic Award badge as a way of acknowledging their determination and consistent effort across the year.

Students receiving academic awards for their Semester 2, 2022 achievements and their parents have been advised. Parents/guests are more than welcome to attend the assembly to be held in Goold Hall at 9.30am. If parents/guests cannot be present, it is being live streamed. The link is – https://youtube.com/live/L07579ozAIo?feature=share

More on Goalsetting
A big step towards achieving one’s goals is developing and maintaining a goalsetting mindset, as the attitudes you develop will influence the way you view goalsetting. Approaching a task with a negative and self-defeating attitude makes it much harder to actually be successful at that task. It is important to foster a positive attitude when setting and trying to achieve goals. A positive attitude means you are looking for ways to SUCCEED rather than focusing on the difficulties and obstacles that could be in your path.

In speaking with your sons, and in order to create a more positive attitude, encourage them to:

• Each day note down something you did towards achieving your goals.
• Note down any changes someone else has noticed (e.g. your teacher says well done on your work).
• Don’t stop trying if something goes wrong, rather, reassess your goals or decide if you need to work harder to achieve them.
• Find a mentor or helper to encourage you to achieve your goals, possibly someone who is interested in the same things or is good at the same subjects but is a bit further ahead of you.

Other reasons why we don’t achieve our goals:

• No action plan.
• No true commitment to the goal.
• Not rewarding yourself along the way.
• Trying to focus on too many goals.
• Not preparing yourself for success.
• Fear of failure.

If you are still not achieving your goal, try this:

• Clarify your goal.
• Write a list of actions.
• Analyse, prioritise and prune.
• Organise your list into a plan.
• Monitor the execution of your plan and review your plan regularly.
• Ask for help!

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Celebrating our 75th Year – Remembering the daring adventure that started Villanova College
In the Catholic Leader in 1947, the Catholic community of Brisbane had an article welcoming the Augustinians.  I loved reading about them marvelling about their 63 hours in the air across six days as they travelled from Shannon in Ireland to Newfoundland to New York to Lincoln to San Francisco to Honolulu to Fiji, Noumea and finally to Sydney.  The article reads “their arrival in Brisbane so soon after leaving Ireland was a good indication of how air travel annihilated the vast distance between the two Countries.  Mileage means little now: though travelling expenses still do.”

I’m never going to complain about a stopover to the other side of the world again.  What a great adventure those young men must have been on!

So glad they did it and created Villanova College.

Liturgies and Sacraments
One of the great advantages of having two Augustinians on our staff is that we have regular Eucharist in our chapel on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We are so lucky to have Fr Pete and Fr Saldie!  These masses are at 8am and are open for all members of our community to attend – students, parents and staff.

We invite pastoral classes and groups within our College a special opportunity once or twice a year to come together for Eucharist. This builds community and is a vital part of the faith life of the College.  The aim is to have all the boys present.  Please have a look at Term 1 and if your son’s class is attending, know that you are welcome to come too.  Indeed, feel free to come any time!

2023 Pastoral/class/team Mass Roster – Term 1

Sacramental Program
Over the last few years one of the impacts of COVID has been that young people have not been able to complete their Sacraments at the normal time in their respective parish/church.

Fr Saldie, as one of our College Chaplains is to offer an opportunity for this program to occur with the assistance of the St James’ Coorparoo Church sacramental team.  Please complete a form for each child in your family who is seeking to complete a program to receive the Sacrament(s).  This program will benefit the student(s) to enjoy fully the liturgical life in our college community i. e. College Mass, Chapel Mass, Ash Wednesday liturgy, Lenten and Advent liturgy, Graduation Mass and more.

The Sacramental program will commence in Term 2.  There will be a parent/guardian information evening at St Thomas Learning Centre Auditorium (STLC-Auditorium) for the details of the program.  Registration will follow.  All sessions of the program will be either held in St James’ Coorparoo Church.  There will be at least three – four evenings for the young people to attend with parent/guardian.  Please complete the following form if you are interested in your son/s being involved with this program.

https://forms.office.com/r/4DCdT7TZWQ

Service at Emmanuel City Mission – a student’s perspective with Heath McPherson
The Emmanuel City Mission program is an excellent program that the Year 11 and 12 students embark on. I have been to Emmanuel City Mission twice now and have thoroughly enjoyed both times.  I attended once in Year 11 and once in Year 12. Emmanuel City Mission is a foundation which provides homeless people with food and a place to stay and be social. On a Thursday morning, the Year 11 or 12 students will accompany some teachers to Emmanuel City Mission and will help cook food and prepare it for the people. There are three stations that the students can volunteer on, Toast, Coffee or Breakfast Burgers. The students on the burger station will mass prepare the meal so that the people can take one as they walk in. The toast and coffee stations take specific orders from the people, making them either a cappuccino or a latte with as much sugar as they would like.

Both times I have volunteered, I thoroughly enjoyed time spent there, most of the people I met, were friendly, cracked a few jokes here and there. As in Semester One, the Year 12 students will volunteer to do Emmanuel City Mission, and then in Semester Two, the Year 11 students will take the baton from the 12s.

Ministry News – Harvesting Villa Honey with the Green Team
Welcoming 2022 Old Boy Tom Price will always be a tremendous privilege as a Villa student who experienced the fruits of his work within the wider community. A small part of his contribution is the campus beehive, which we, the Green team, visited last Friday. We were able to collect a couple of kilos of good honey for College staff to enjoy. It was great to see a good group of Year 11/12 boys getting involved and, most importantly, engaged with our first Green Team project of 2023. I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish with regards to both the beehive and wider Green team as a whole!
Joaquin Wieczorek

In class – Studying the ethics of War in Study of Religion
Reflections from John Holroyd and Thomas Winn on a class visit by Deacon Leo Orreal, Military Chaplain

The first part of the Year 12 Study of Religion course focuses on how religious perspectives inform society’s debates on defining issues like asylum seekers, capital punishment and war. Last Friday, we were privileged to welcome army chaplain, Deacon Leo Orreal to speak to two classes. How can it be that a Christian would carry a weapon and argue that some wars are justified?

As a teacher, it was very powerful to see the impact Leo had on the boys. The unvarnished stories he told commanded attention – the students know authenticity when they hear it. What emerged was a gripping story of a man who finally acted upon his vocation – after several years as a bodyguard, a Regimental Sergeant Major, and a Military Policeman (all very tough jobs). He spoke of the Christ who tipped over the tables in the Temple and who spoke truth to power. We heard that a shepherd’s crook is sometimes a weapon – when the good shepherd defends his flock from the wolf.

What his witness amounts to is a superb justification of why we do Study of Religion: if you want to be truly free, then you must be capable of hearing a voice that sometimes outweighs that of your line manager or commanding officer. Likewise, freedom is found ultimately in sacrifice and service, and that is what ultimately led Leo to act on his vocation, even although he left school at twelve years old and was terrified of the book-learning it would entail. While he is a physically powerful man, what really commanded respect was the passionate way in which he promotes a values basis to allow the growth to moral maturity of all the young infantry men in his care: all the sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers…
John Holroyd

“It was great having Deacon Leo come into class to tell us about his role as an army chaplain, what led him there, and a bit more about the ethical views he encouraged in those he worked with. His firsthand account of what it was like to experience war was helpful in initially understanding the difficulties he faced, and his stories, particularly from his time leading young men, were a great reminder for us students unfamiliar with the processes of war that a lot of time and energy is spent fitting soldiers of all levels with a sound moral compass. Additionally, there are army chaplains like Leo always there to offer those in charge input on whether a decision is just and how it should be done better in the future, keeping them on the right track. I think these stories and his commentary on the ethics behind conflict made the visit invaluable, helping us get a little more in touch with the course we’re doing on religious ethics in war. It was greatly appreciated by all.”
Thomas Winn, Year 12

Mrs Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity

2023 Acceptable Use of ICT Equipment and Networking
As parents, it is our responsibility to guide and support our children in making safe and responsible choices, especially when it comes to technology and the internet. With the growing reliance on information and communication technologies (ICT), it’s crucial that we teach our sons how to use these tools responsibly and safely.

That is why we are encouraging all Year 6 to Year 12 parents to support their sons in signing the 2023 ICT Equipment and Networking Agreement. This agreement is a commitment to using technology and the internet in a responsible and ethical manner. By signing this pledge, your son is making a commitment to himself and to others to always act with integrity and respect when using ICT equipment and networks.

In addition, by taking this pledge, students will be held accountable for their actions and will have a clear understanding of the expectations and consequences associated with their use of technology. It also encourages them to think critically about their online interactions and to make informed decisions when it comes to their digital presence.

So, let’s support our sons in this important step towards responsible and safe technology use. Encourage them to sign the agreement and have a conversation with them about the importance of digital citizenship. By doing so, we can help ensure that our children are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the online world in a safe and responsible manner.

How to sign? Please look for an email from myself (Jason Lane) sent last Friday 3 February. This email was also sent directly to your son. All instructions and links are contained in this email. It is better to sit with your son and work through the email on his BYOD laptop. This may take five-20 minutes depending on how you structure this interaction and opportunity to have a conversation about being safe and responsible online.

2023 Start Up Checklist
After completing the agreement, encourage or support your son to work through the 2023 Start-Up Guide to set up their BYOD laptop for optimal use at school. If there are any issues with completing tasks or problems arising from working through the checklist, encourage your son to visit the IT Helpdesk during recess times or contact BYOD support directly using the email address: byod@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Do you need BYOD support?
If you need support in managing and setting up your son’s laptop, the IT Helpdesk is here to help. We support independence and would encourage your son to visit the IT Helpdesk during recess times for assistance. To make the process smoother, you can even send a brief email to byod@vnc.qld.edu.au before their visit. Our IT Helpdesk team is available to assist with software installations, checking laptop health, investigating technical issues, ensuring proper sign-in to Microsoft 365 services, and more. Managing a laptop for the first time can be overwhelming, but we are here to make the process easier and offer support to families as needed.

Ensuring the IT Helpdesk can provide the required support is crucial and can be achieved by providing administrator access passwords. Without this level of access, the IT Helpdesk may not be able to install or remove software, make system changes, or properly inspect the health and performance of a laptop.

And please remember, for general BYOD information and our updated laptop setup guides, please visit our website at https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/our-technology/byod/.

Mr Jason Lane, Director of E-Learning

The first round of AIC for 2023 was one for the ages, with remarkably close finishes across many games. This included a winning goal after the siren for our Open AFL boys, and nail-biting losses to our Cricket and Volleyball Firsts.

Overall, Villanova College were successful in 31 of the 57 games played (54%) across all sports. A special mention to our AFL teams for their 10 wins from 13 games, and success for our Year 7A, 8A, 9A and 10A Cricket teams and Year 11 Volleyball teams. Members of our Swim team are also producing some fast times as the AIC Championships draw closer.

As we know success is much more than results and it was pleasing to see many acts of sportsmanship and respect last weekend – a First XI cricketer assisting an opposition player with cramps; another being the Villanova students who stayed to pack up chairs in the Marist sports hall following the First VI game. These moments define us as a College and as a sporting program.

Round 2 this Friday 10 and Saturday 11 February commences with our Head-to-Head Swim meet on Friday afternoon versus Iona College. We then face St Patrick’s College on Saturday.

Good luck to all our young men this weekend.

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

The AIC Draw 2023 can also be accessed here. A note that in some cases, draws may not match the AIC draw (for example this is the case in AFL). Families are encouraged to always check The Locker Room for accurate draws. Weekly Team Lists will be posted regularly to the Parent Lounge and Student Cafe Portals.

Parent Volunteers
A reminder that the Villanova Sports Club run canteens at each of the home sporting venues on Saturdays. If any parents have some spare time on game days to lend a hand, perhaps during your son’s warm-up, lunchbreak or duty at Volleyball, that would be very much appreciated. Just say hello to our wonderful canteen staff and let them know when you may be able to help. Revenue raised from our canteens goes directly towards the development of our Sports programs.

We are now commencing a sign-up system for parents to assist on our Goold Hall canteen. Please click on the link provided: Volleyball Canteen Volunteers, Sat 11th Feb

Thank you in advance for your assistance. It is very much appreciated.

Strength & Conditioning
Villanova College’s 2023 Strength & Conditioning (S&C) program has now commenced. The Villanova gym will be supervised by experienced and accredited S&C coaches, every morning and afternoon of the school year. The College is very happy to announce our partnership with Athletix, who will be providing our ongoing Strength & Conditioning support in 2023.

With regards to the training schedules, in-season and pre-season sports will be prioritised, plus there will be development sessions available for students across Years 7-12. Based on gym floor space, the numbers able to attend each session will (of course) be limited.

Registrations are still open for S&C sessions in Weeks 3-8 Term 1. Please click on the link provided to register your attendance.

AFL
Behind by three points Villa’s First XVIII player Frasier Lay’s goal after the siren was a kick for the ages after he drifted forward from the midfield to take a sliding mark about forty metres from the goals. However, that was not the key moment discussed by the team leading to the win. Late in the second quarter when a couple of Villa’s midfielders showed a lack of discipline and retaliated to an incident, losing their humility, the ensuing free kick led to a goal. Both players were held to account by Villanova’s captain Hugo Crawford who challenged them to be better. To both boys’ credit, they responded positively and were instrumental in the result. At the next break the team was reminded of the message from Mr Begg’s assembly address, play with respect and humility.

I encourage you to be courageous and brave like Hugo Crawford and hold your mates and peers to account when required. This displays leadership and enhances the community. This could be enacted on the sporting field or just as importantly in the classroom or on the playground.

There were many excellent performances by individuals and as a team against Marist College Ashgrove in Round 1 of the AIC AFL season. This was exemplified by an excellent team effort right to the final siren by the 8B’s who smothered a kick on the siren to ensure a one-point win. The enthusiasm was evident in their post-game rendition of the Villa war cry. Great effort team.

Mr Brian Pascoe, First XVIII Head Coach

Cricket
First XI
Villanova First XI had the difficult task of travelling away to play Ashgrove who have proven to be one of the strongest cricketing colleges in the last decade. Villanova lost the toss and were sent into bat first; this was a decision that as team we were happy with as we wanted to set a strong total.

Unfortunately, Villanova lost early wickets through some tight opening bowling from the Ashgrove team. Each time that Villanova tried to put on a partnership, Ashgrove found a way to break it. After being 5-56 at one stage with Ashgrove well on top, a brilliant partnership from Finn Thallon (59) and Connor Moloney (41) took us to 6 -140 which got the team into a great position, this allowed for some positive cricket to be played from our bottom order with Zac Joyce (28) playing a very important innings which gave us a team total of 191.

As a team, we were confident that this was a decent par score on that field and pitch. Villanova set about defending the total with Jackson Moloney (1-19) once again bowling with some great pace and rhythm early and Henrik Frederiksen (1-18) bowling a consistent line without any luck. Ashgrove were always able to stay with the game and the required run rate, and it was always looking like it was going to be close finish. This ending up being the case with Ashgrove needing 8 runs from the final over. The match went to the final ball with Ashgrove hitting the required runs to get the Round 1 victory. It was a gut-wrenching loss for the Villanova team, but as coaches, we couldn’t be more proud of the players’ efforts to “never give up” and show that great Villanova spirit. Good luck to all Villanova sporting teams for Round 2 vs St Pats.

Mr Nathan Dufty, First XI Head Coach

Villanova Cricket Uniform
All players from Years 5-12 are to wear whites.

Cricket Whites

• White pants
• Villanova cricket shirt
• Sports shoes
• Villanova green sports cap or broad brimmed hat

Under no circumstances are players permitted to wear club shirts or club hats.

Important note – All cricketers from Year 5-12 are asked to wear protective equipment. It is compulsory for all batsmen and wicket keepers whilst keeping up to the stumps to wear a helmet. All players are required to purchase and wear their own cricket box protector.  The College will provide two helmets per kit.

Wet Weather Procedures
In the event of rainy weather, a notification will be placed on the Villanova College App.

If afternoon training is to be cancelled due to rain evolving during the day, then an alert will be posted via the Villa App by 1.00pm, as well as giving an announcement to the students over the College’s PA system. If training is cancelled during the session, boys at Langlands will be taken to the undercover carpark at Easts Rugby League Club and boys can be collected from there.

Mr Chris Everding, Cricket Coordinator

Swimming
Last week was our second swim meet hosted by Iona. We had a good turnout of swimmers across all year groups, but there are still some swimmers who we need to see more regularly. A special acknowledgement of Harrison Borg in Year 5 who was the only Year 5 swimmer to turn up at Iona and swim his events. It was a great display of commitment and determination. Well done Harrison – our swimmer of the meet.

This Friday we return to Iona for a head-to-head meet.  It is expected to finish about 5:20, so we ask parents to be available for collection by 5:15.  We will have four lanes of swimmers, so if you are able to be there for the meet, and can assist with time keeping, we would very much appreciate your help.

All swimmers should now have their team caps, handed out at the swim meets. If you still do not have one, please ask for one this Friday. Staff have received a lot of emails re missing shoes, bags etc. We do a final check as we are leaving, and we did not have anything in the stands last week. I would encourage boys to make sure that they place all their school uniforms etc into their school bags, and not leave things lying around on top. Please check bags again to see if there are any lost property, accidently brought home by your son. I am happy to facilitate its return to its owner if the odd piece of lost property does appear.

Nomination forms for Met East are due to the Sports Office by February 13. Qualifying times are available on their website. The boys are encouraged to collect their forms and nominate for their events. With only four weeks of swimming season remaining, it is imperative that the boys are in the pool as much as possible and training.

The focus in the pool is now on technical aspects of racing such as dives, starts, finishes, relay change overs. Friday morning is our compulsory training session for all swimmers so we can build team spirit, and also do relay practice with the whole team.  If there is a conflict with other sports or commitments, please let me know. It may be possible to arrange alternating attendance. Similarly, attendance at the Friday evening meets is critical for swimmers to record times, which will be used to place swimmers into events on the day of the AIC Championships. Please keep your managers informed if you are not able to attend a carnival, as this helps us later on with team selection.

Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Swimming Coordinator

Volleyball
It was a tough season opener for the volleyball program as Marist are well known for being a talented school on the volleyball court. I am pleased to say that our results did reflect the hard work teams and coaches have been putting in during the pre-season. It was also refreshing to see that even in matches that we didn’t win, our teams competed well and pushed our opposition to deciding sets.

Our First VI had a tough start to the season on the scoreboard, going down to Marist 15-13 in the deciding (fifth) set of the match. The team battled for almost two hours and was a thrilling watch for anyone who got to see it. I am pleased to say that the First VI team truly displayed our team values and skill expectations throughout the match, and whilst it is disappointing to not get the win on this occasion, our team will be hard at work on the court once again in readiness for the next round.

A few friendly reminders for Volleyball families.

• This weekend our Year 7-9 teams are playing at Villanova, please check the weekly fixture document for court duty requirements.
• Only students who are in full AIC Volleyball uniform will take the court this week.

Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator & First VI Head Coach

Composite/Met East Sport
Nomination information for the following sports is now available in the Sports Office. Please note, the list below is for representative level in each respective sport.

External achievements
A big congratulations to Liam (Year 8) and Patrick (Year 10) Holmes who competed at the Indoor Hockey National Championships at Boondall during the holiday period. Liam and the U13 Queensland team won the National title, and Patrick and the U15 Queensland Gold team finished fifth.  Well done!

William Bruce representing Villanova and Met East at the Queensland School Sport Junior Triathlon State Championships. Well done Will.

Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport

Lessons and Rehearsals
I would like to extend my thanks to all students who have engaged with their music timetables and rehearsal schedule.  It has been great to hear the ensembles commence their work last week and I am really looking forward to the music that these students will share a little later this term.  Through all interruptions with camp across these early weeks, can I ask that we continue to communicate with your son’s tutor regarding absences.  Whilst we do monitor year levels and classes out on camp, a confirming phone call or email from home is a great help.

We are looking forward to getting our vocal program underway over the end of this week.  Mrs Annika Hinrichs will be joining the Villanova community and I am certain that our students will enjoy working with her across this year.  Confirmation of rehearsal times and lessons have been communicated home by email.

Year 5 Instrumental Music
Yesterday was a great day in the life of Villa music with our next Year 5 cohort given their instruments and first full lesson.  There were some incredible sounds being created – I know that our newest musicians will blow the audience away at the Jump Start Day Concert later this term.

For students who have not received, or not yet returned a loan agreement, please contact the Music Office on 3394 5691 or email music@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Students will require their instrument, satchel/folder, and incidentals (reeds, oil, etc.) every Tuesday.  If it’s Tuesday, and a school day, it’s a music day for Year 5.  Rehearsals for Year 5 DO NOT commence until the beginning of Term 2.  More information will be distributed regarding this shortly.

Our instrumental music staff will be distributing a PowerPoint via email this week, introducing you and your son to his instrument and some of the machinations of the program to assist you in supporting your son’s musical experience.  We are looking forward to sharing this journey with you all this year and across the remainder of your son’s time here at Villanova.

Mass Commendation
I would like to publicly commend our Music Liturgy group for their efforts over the beginning of the school year.  These young men led our school during the Rite of Beginning liturgy, then provided music for our Mass of the Holy Spirit a handful of days later to the highest quality.  They have received much praise from the community for the level of music they produced – I am humbled and proud to have the opportunity to work with them all.  Well done, gentlemen!

Music Support Group
Our next Music Support Group meeting will be convened on Monday 13 February in the Chapter Room at the front of the Augustine Centre, commencing at 6:30pm.  All parents are most welcome to attend.  We encourage you all to come along and learn a little more about what happens behind the scenes in music here at the College.

Key Dates Term 1
As we look ahead across the term, please ensure we pencil the following dates into your diary:

Villanova Camp Chairs and Wildcat Coolers
Our fantastic Music Support Group have organised an innovative fundraiser for Villanova College.  You may have heard the buzz about our Villanova Camp Chairs and Wildcat Coolers…  the MUST HAVE items for the beach/cricket/park/fishing/barbecue/etc. this Summer! (flyer attached).

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

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

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

COMMUNITY NEWS
This year, our Diamond Jubilee, we celebrate 75 years of Villanova College, an opportunity for our whole community to come together to celebrate our rich history.

Our P&F and Support Groups – Music Support Group and the Sports play active and important roles in the College community. Each of these groups of parents and friends, volunteer their time to help run events, share information, fundraise and support the College and most importantly our young men for years to come.

The P&F, Music Group and Sports Club all work collaboratively and collegially, and we welcome all parents and friends of the Villanova community to join us. If you would like to find out more or consider getting involved, please contact the respective Committees or attend their next meeting to learn more:

P&F
Contact: Peter Roberts (President)
0412 055 884 or pjroberts0968@gmail.com

Sports Club 
Contact: Sally Warren (President)
sallyjwarren@gmail.com

Music Support Group
Contact: Michael Molloy (President)
Villanova College Music Office music@vnc.qld.edu.au

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

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

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

Stage 1A + 1B

• New approximately four storey building to accommodate Multi-purpose hall and STEM facilities (located in the southern part of campus, south of Seventh Avenue)
• Closure of Seventh Avenue to public access

Stage 2A + 2B

• New single storey building to accommodate café/canteen and Learning Institute
• Refurbishment of Mendel Hall

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

The MID (AID-1222-0657) has been requested in accordance with Chapter 2, Part 5 of the Planning Act 2016. If the Master Plan and MID is approved, this designation would acknowledge and reflect what the College uses this land for today and secure development of the campus in the future.

Having your say
To have your say about the proposed MID amendment, you can make a submission to the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, the Hon. Dr Steven Miles via:

• online: statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/mid-consultations
• email: infrastructuredesignation@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au
• post: PO Box 15009, City East, QLD, 4002
• Phone the Infrastructure Designations team on 1300 967 433

Please note, if you make a submission, it should:

• Be clearly marked as ‘Proposed MID for the development of Villanova College’
• Be in writing, dated and signed by each party or entity who made the submission
• State the name and address of each person or entity who made the submission
• State the grounds (or reasons) for the submission and the facts and circumstances relied on in support of these grounds.

Any submission must be received by the Minister on or before 9 March 2023.
If you wish to discuss the proposal with one of the project team. We would welcome the opportunity to brief you on the Villanova College Master plan.

TUCKSHOP NEWS 2023
All volunteers rostered on for the upcoming week will be contacted directly by the Tuckshop.
The 2023 menu and price list for Tuckshop is now available by clicking Tuckshop Menu 2023 Please note there are current supply issues with Hash Browns.

All students new to the College are asked to bring cash for tuckshop purchases until student ID cards have been received and a Flexischool account has been created and linked. Existing students with student ID cards and Flexischools accounts are reminded to bring cash as a backup for purchases until new ID cards have been received.

Volunteering at the Villanova College Tuckshop
The Tuckshop is a modern, commercial area of the College that provides an affordable and nourishing breakfast, morning tea and lunch service for the boys. Breakfast preparations begin from 7.00am and morning tea and lunch preparations beginning at 8.30am with the day concluding at 1.15pm.

We run a self-service system, with a diverse menu consisting of both freshly prepared and pre-packaged items.
It is managed by a paid convenor but could not exist without its dedicated volunteer helpers.
We welcome help from Mums, Dads, grandparents, other caregivers, friends, etc.

If you are interested in volunteering at Tuckshop you would be rostered on one day every four weeks generally from 8.30am to 1.15pm but for those of you who can accommodate or prefer an earlier start and/or finish, you can be rostered on the breakfast shift from 7.00am.

Even if you can only give just an hour or two, this is still very welcome – we can make use of any time you are able to give us.
Our helpers are provided with a cuppa and cake for morning tea, a delicious lunch, lots of laughs and an opportunity to see their sons in the College environment.
If you’re a little nervous about volunteering alone, why not join with a friend!

Current volunteers have mentioned the following reasons as to why they enjoy working at the Tuckshop:

• it helps our boys and the College community
• it is a great opportunity to meet other parents and chat to others with similar interests
• the boys enjoy seeing their parents at the College (even though they will not always admit it!)
• it is a chance to get to meet your son’s friends and their teachers
• it is a great way to seek advice from parents who have “been there, done that!”
• it is a lot of fun

If you are interested in volunteering you can register you interest at: Volunteering at Villanova » Villanova College (vnc.qld.edu.au) ,
call the Tuckshop on 3394 5592 or email Dot Blair – tuckshop@vnc.qld.edu.au

2025 ENROLMENT
Year 7/2025 enrolment applications will open on Friday 3 February.
For further information please contact our Enrolments Officer at enrolments@vnc.qld.edu.au

ENROLMENT COLLECTION NOTICE FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
2023 Student Residential Address and Other Information
The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to notify you that we have requested for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information.

Under the Australian Education Regulation 2013, the school is required to provide the department with the following information about each student at the school:
• Names and residential addresses of student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
• Student residential address (excluding student names)
• Whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
• Whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status).

The school collects the above information by generating a unique and unidentifiable – student reference number (SRN) for each student record. The school only uses the SRN for this collection. It is not allowed to be used for any other purpose. The number only indicates to the department that each record provided is for one student.

Purpose of the collection
The Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection (the Collection) informs Australian Government school education policy and helps ensure funding for non-government schools is based on need.

The information collected will be used to inform school funding calculations. It is combined with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data to calculate a non-government school community’s capacity to contribute to schooling costs.

From 2020, the department introduced a new measure of capacity to contribute: the Direct Measure of Income (DMI). The DMI is based on the median income of non-government school students’ parents or guardians using the Collection data. Find more information about the DMI on the What is the methodology for the Direct Measure of Income (DMI)? Department web page.

Use and disclosure of personal information
Your personal information is protected by law under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act). Personal information is information or an opinion about an identifiable individual. Personal information includes an individual’s name and contact details.

Any use or disclosure of your personal information must occur in accordance with Privacy Act and the Australian Education Act 2013 and Australian Education Regulation 2013.

Your personal information provided to the department through the Collection may be:
• disclosed to the ABS for the purposes of capacity to contribute calculations and analysis as a part of the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP). Find more information about MADIP on the ABS website MADIP page.
• disclosed to a contracted auditor where the department may from time to time, carry out an audit of a school’s collection submission. The contracted auditor compares the school’s submission with the school’s student enrolment information. The contracted auditor will not use the information for any
other purpose.
GPO Box 9880, Canberra ACT 2601 | Phone 1300 488 064| www.education.gov.au | ABN 12 862 898 150
• disclosed to its service providers for the purposes of providing the department with information and communications technology support services.
• used or disclosed where it is otherwise required or authorised by law.

The department does not intend to disclose your personal information to any overseas recipients.

Find the department’s privacy policy on the Department of Education website which includes information on:
• how individuals can access and seek correction of personal information held by the department;
• how complaints about potential breaches or breaches of the Privacy Act can be made;
• how the department will deal with these complaints.

The department commissioned an independent privacy impact assessment (PIA). The PIA assesses the flows of information under the Collection, compliance with the Privacy Act and measures in place to safeguard the
personal information being collected. The current version is available on the 2018 Student Residential Address Collection: Additional Required information Privacy Impact Assessment web page.

What do you need to do?
You are not required to do anything. Your school is responsible for providing the department with the requested details; however, you can contact the school to update your family’s details.

Contacts for further information
Your school can provide additional information about the Collection process.
Alternatively, please visit the SchoolsHUB Address Collection help and support page.

To contact the department about privacy-related matters, email privacy@education.gov.au or write to:
Privacy Officer
Legal Services
Department of Education
LOC: C50MA1
GPO Box 9880
Canberra ACT 260