Villa View: Issue 20/20

I was having a bad morning on Wednesday. Nothing was going to plan, the work was piling up, the inbox was full and the line of people waiting to see me was growing. After escaping from my office, I went down to visit the Year 5 students in their new classrooms to see some happy faces and experience their enthusiasm for learning. Well I was not disappointed! The students made the new learning spaces come to life. There were groups in the project spaces working on their PowerPoint presentations, students sitting at the benches collaborating on a project, on couches and one or two boys were working quietly on their own. The teachers were flying around the room checking on progress with groups and individuals and making sure students who needed assistance received help. There were smiles all around the classrooms. The teachers are happy, and the students love their new learning spaces. It really did put a smile on my face.

As I walked back to my office, I knew all the effort to have this building completed was worth it – just to see what a difference these contemporary spaces make to teaching and learning.

If you have not had an opportunity to take the Virtual Tour of the new St Thomas of Villanova Learning Centre I certainly encourage you to click on the link and see the new learning spaces. We are very happy with the new spaces provided for our staff and students.

Staffing News:

Junior School
At the end of this term we farewell Mr Brendan Kennedy, Pastoral Area Leader – Junior School who is taking 12 months leave. Brendan and his family will be residing in Canada and we wish the Kennedy family all the best for the move.  Replacing Mr Kennedy will be Mr Callum Hackett who has accepted the position as Acting Junior School Pastoral Area Leader for the next 12 months. Taking Mr Hackett’s class will be Mr Jack Cabassi. I know our community will welcome Mr Cabassi to the College.

Middle School
At the end of the term Mrs Margaret Stevenson – Support Officer Middle School will be concluding her time at the College.  We wish Margaret and her family the very best for the future.

Mrs Ros Giles has accepted the position of Acting Curriculum Area Leader – Middle School Religion replacing Ms Christianne Kemp who has taken Maternity Leave until the start of 2021.

Senior School
We welcome Mr Tyler McCluskey to the College from next term. Mr McCluskey has accepted the position of Curriculum Area Leader – Humanities and is looking forward to commencing his duties at the College.

Year 5 – 12 Roles
Mr Kirk Astill has accepted the position of Director of Studies at the College and will commence in this role from next term. Mrs Liana Baillie has expanded her responsibilities to now be responsible for Data Analytics and Academic Performance.

Baby News
We offer our congratulations to Mr Josh McKechie and his wife Lucy on the birth of a beautiful daughter, Lily Brenda McKechie.

Sport Term Three
I appreciate there has been volumes of information disseminated regarding sport for next term. Please take the time to familiarise yourself and your son to the changes in arrangements so that we can avoid any unpleasantness during the games and entering and leaving venues. Thank you for your co-operation in following the guidelines and keeping everyone safe.

Start of Term Three
Term Three will commence for all students on Tuesday 14 July. Students in Years 5 and 6 will begin the term in the St Thomas of Villanova Learning Centre. I will send home details to families about new drop-off and pick-up points and entry gates for the Junior School students during the first week of the holidays. Middle School families will also need to adjust their drop-off and pick-up arrangements.  Full details will be sent home during the break.

Thank you
It has certainly been an interesting 10 weeks since the Easter break. We have had much to contend with over the weeks and I want to thank our families, students and staff for their support during these times. I hope our families have an opportunity to take some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy our beautiful winter weather. Stay safe and healthy.

You have made us for Yourself O Lord,
And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

God bless
Mr Mark Stower, Principal

In this week’s podcast episode, I discuss how parenting shapes the values of our adolescent boys.

For those interested in reading the article I mention in the podcast, please click here.

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

End of Semester One
In the most unexpected school term in recent memory, we have finally reached the commencement of the mid-year break. In speaking with students in the yard earlier in the week, there is certainly very little petrol left in the tank of most young men after manoeuvring through learning@home,  followed by the focus and energy directed towards assessment and examinations in these last three weeks.

The upcoming holiday period should provide an opportunity for rest, renewal and reflection. The last aspect is particularly important for students wanting to improve both academically and personally next semester. Students should ask themselves the following questions:

• What have I enjoyed about my 2020 experience thus far?
• What have been the challenges which have been difficult to overcome?
• Have I worked to my full potential in the classroom and at home to maximise my academic results?
• Am I maximising the full value of my Villanova education?

I encourage all students and their parents to unpack the semester one report and look at the teachers appraisal of the various aspects of application- in particular, the diligence towards learning.

At the commencement of the third term, various academic review and tracking processes will be conducted within the senior school to engage students in further reflection upon their semester one academic performance.

Year 11 and 12 students will meet with their Academic Mentor to discuss strategies for continual improvement and ensuring they are well organised, especially with the return of cocurricular activities.

For Year 10 students, the focus will be directed towards the completion of their SET Plan and the confirmation of subjects for Year 11 and 12. Interviews will be conducted by senior members of staff with Year 10 students and parents mid Term 3.

With respect to key formation experiences underpinning the journey of our young men, we are hopeful, with the continued easing of restrictions on large gatherings, that we may be able to conduct a revised Year 12 Retreat, the Staff-Senior Banquet and the Year 11 Semi-Formal. We will continue to communicate with our families regarding details of these events as soon as we are in a position to do so.

I wish all Senior School students and their families a wonderful holiday.

 “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart.” – Carl Yung

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Vinnies Sleepout
On Friday 19 June, 17 Villanova College students participated in the Virtual Vinnies Sleepout, completing activities that assisted them to further understand what it might like to be living in poverty and at risk of homelessness.

The participants first challenge was to prepare a $2 meal. With a good supply of instant noodles and pasta, these students got creative with their dinner menu to understand what it is like to live on a limited budget.

Next, the Senior students had to construct a shelter of cardboard, learning what it might be like to find shelter on the street, using limited materials available. After several structure collapses, students reflected on how difficult it can be to be exposed to the elements while sleeping rough.

In the morning students were asked to reflect on what they learnt from the experience. Here are some reflections on what students learnt from the evening.

A reflection from Nathan Farrelly, AFAS Ministry Captain and Vinnies Virtual Sleepout volunteer:

“The Vinnies Virtual Sleepout was cold, to sleep on hard concrete was tough, and having to shelter from the frequent bouts of rain that came throughout the night only served to demoralize me further. These issues seemed so significant in the moment, but upon reflection, these are but only a small part of the things people experiencing homelessness have to deal with each day. I was able to stay with friends, safe in the backyard, with a warm fire and running water and accessible amenities and a place to retreat to if things went wrong. But many homeless people don’t have these, and I can’t fathom what it would be like to not feel safe, to not be warm, to not be comfortable, day in, and day out.  It would be unfathomable, and I have a deeper respect for those who are homeless and have been inspired to do more to attempt to alleviate some of their burdens.”

A reflection from St Vincent de Paul Ministry Captain Ashtan Edser and Vinnies Virtual Sleepout volunteer:

“After having experienced the virtual sleep out, I have gained a more in-depth understanding of what homeless people go through every night, and how tough it is to sleep outside, especially at a time like this, where it is freezing and raining outside.  Throughout the night, myself and a few mates had to try and stay warm with only a bit of cardboard and a fire, which turned out to be a lot more of a challenge than we thought, as it had begun raining and some of us got wet, making the night even harder.  This has been a very significant experience, and one that I believe, as well as others,  that we will never forget,  and always remember what the people who are sleeping rough have to go through, considering we still experienced it in the comfort of our own backyard.”

A reflection from Isaak Collie, Ministry Captain and Vinnies Virtual Sleepout volunteer:

“The virtual sleepout was an interesting experience… to say the least. It is difficult to explain how one can be so comfortable and uncomfortable in a familiar environment. Although you have the security of a home and the ability to access necessities like water and the bathroom, you are sleeping outside in the wet and on a slab of cardboard…It was still a rewarding experience that made me grateful for the ability to sleep in the comfort of my own bed with warm blankets every night.”

A reflection from Year 11 student Isaac Langford and Vinnies Virtual Sleepout volunteer:

“The Vinnies Virtual sleep-out was an eye-opening experience. As someone used to feeling safe the entire time, even this controlled environment allows for those who participated to understand, in some small way, what life is like for those who have almost nothing.”

As part of our commitment to supporting those who are doing it tough this winter, we are also collecting funds for the Vinnies Winter Appeal. We understand that COVID- 19 has been tough financially for many families and so any small donation to this appeal would be much appreciated.

Thank you to those who have already generously donated.

https://vinniesqld.grassrootz.com/vinnies-school-sleepout-qld-2020/villanova-college/

Chocolates for Emmanuel City Mission
This week concludes our chocolate sales for the support of Emmanuel City Mission. This centre is a frontline service for the homeless of Brisbane city, providing a hot meal, a shower and a friendly, supportive community.

The profits of our chocolate sales will be donated to this service that relies on charitable donations from generous communities such as ours to keep their doors open.

Thanks to the sales of chocolates this week we have raised over $2000 for Emmanuel City Mission. This money will go to assisting Emmanuel City Mission with the running costs for their important service.

Please click here  for a video made by Fr Saldie and Year 11 student Harrison White highlighting the great work of these dedicated volunteers in supporting the city’s most vulnerable residents.

Miss Nicole Jones, Service Learning Co-ordinator

By this time all within our community should be aware of the up-coming AIC Basketball and Tennis trials being held on Saturday 11 July. Given the timeframe, those who are unable to attend these trials will not make a team. Therefore, it is imperative that all interested players attend.

These trials are for those wishing to make a Year 5 – 12 tennis team and a Year 8 – 12 basketball team. Please note that all Year 5 – 7 basketball trials are now complete.

After the Saturday 11 July trials, all teams will be selected and announced by the end of that day. A complete copy of all team lists will be posted on the web via the ‘Locker Room’ in the respective sport sections, that is, the AIC Basketball and AIC Tennis section. A complete list of those who have made a Year 5 – 7 basketball team has now been posted on the web already in the AIC Basketball section of the website.

Once selected, training for all teams will commence on Day 1 next term (that is, Tuesday 14 July) as per training schedules found in the respective sport sections of the website.

As mentioned in the last two Villa View editions, the procedures put in place next term will be different due to COVID-19. Please be aware that for the trials held on Saturday 11 July we ask that NO PARENTS attend these trials. Parents must drop off and pick up their son/s only. Only one parent will be allowed to spectate Open games during the season, however, for the trials held on Saturday 11 July, no parents are permitted at all.

The College has produced ‘COVID Site Plans’ for all Villanova sporting venues. These include the Villanova Multicourt, Goold Hall, Clem Jones Centre, Morningside Tennis Centre and Mary Ward Centre (Loreto College). These site plans detail drop-off and pick-up points, entry and exit paths into the venue and registration areas. We ask that all parents and players consult these maps before attending the venue so that you are familiar with the different zones.

A copy of these maps are found below:

• Goold Hall and Multicourt
• Clem Jones Centre
• Morningside Tennis Centre
• Mary Ward Centre, Loreto College

Once at the venue all those who are permitted entry must register their attendance at the registration desk. Venues will be closed when games are in place. After each game, the venues will be cleaned before the next group is permitted entry. Once the games are complete all players are asked to vacate the premises immediately via the exit paths to the pick-up points.

Players must arrive in full playing gear as change rooms will be closed off. All drinking fountains at Villanova will be closed off, therefore it is imperative that all boys bring two water bottles for the trial day and game days held throughout the season.

With regards to the regular season, a decision has been made by the AIC Management Committee that NO PARENTS WILL BE PERMITTED ENTRY TO SPECTATE AT ANY AIC BASKETBALL AND TENNIS GAMES this year EXCEPT those who have boys playing in an Open Basketball and Tennis team. These players may ONLY have one parent attend their games.

As all parents of those students from Year 5 – 12 (excluding the Open teams) will not be permitted entry, these parents will be asked to ‘drop off’ and ‘pick up’ their son/s only. Please understand this rule will be strictly enforced. Parents will be denied entry and asked to leave if they attend games.

When it comes to First V Basketball games and depending on the size and layout of the venue, a very few select students will be permitted to spectate, most likely around 10 – 30 per College. These boys will most likely come from the Year 12 cohort. Those keen to spectate will be selected and notified on the Friday before game day.

AIC is currently looking at our options for livestreaming all First V Basketball games each weekend and having these games be accessible to all communities to view. More information regarding livestreaming will be given in Week 1 next term in the lead up to the first round.

Please read below some important information regarding some of the major ‘Return to Sport’ procedures for next term:

COVID INFORMATION – RETURN TO SPORT, TERM 3

Drop Off and Pick Up Points

• Players, coaches and officials are only permitted to enter the venue. Selected students (for the Firsts game) and one parent per player is allowed for the open games only. No other parents will be permitted to spectate games
• Parents and school buses are to drop off and pick up at the designated areas during the specified times.
• Players are not to arrive more than 15 minutes prior to the start time. At the conclusion of the match all players must vacate the venue immediately via the exit path to the pickup zone

Entry and Exit Paths

• Please observe and obey all entry and exit paths as per venue map provided

Site Registration

• All players and all adults including coaches, officials, staff, parent spectators (Opens only) and first aid officers etc. must register their attendance at the registration desk

Hygiene

• Utilise the hand sanitiser before, during and after the game. These are located at the many sanitiser stations at the venue
• Shower at home both pre-game and post-game
• Come to the venue dressed in playing uniform. There will be no access to changerooms. Toilet facilities will be available. Players are not to bring any unnecessary equipment e.g. basketballs
• Follow the displayed signage at the venue and social distance at 1.5m always
• If you are displaying signs and symptoms of feeling unwell STAY AT HOME and seek appropriate medical advice
• Those who display symptoms will not be permitted entry

Canteen Facilities

• No canteen facilities are available
• All players, coaches, officials and spectators are required to bring their own water bottles to the venue. Two full water bottles per player is recommended. Water fountains (bubblers) will not be in operation.

Venues

• Venues will be cleaned before and after each match
• There will be an appointed COVID Officer at each venue

Download the App

• We encourage all members of the community to download the COVID Safe App to assist with contact tracing in the event of a contracted case whilst at any AIC sporting event

AIC BASKETBALL SEASON

The full ‘AIC Basketball Season Schedule’ document is now posted within the AIC Basketball section of the website which is available through the ‘Locker Room’ page. Please refer to this document for all information pertaining to the up-coming season.

Key Dates:
Saturday 11 July – Year 8 – 12 Basketball trials at Goold Hall/Clem Jones (NOTE – no parents are permitted to attend trials. Drop off and pick up only).

All teams to be selected on Saturday 11 July. Teams will be selected and announced at the end of the trial session, so all players are ready to commence training Term 3, Week 1

Goold Hall

Clem Jones Centre
Address – 56 Zahel Street, Carina

AIC Basketball External Trial Games
Given the timeframe, only the teams listed below will have a trial game against Ashgrove on Wednesday 15 July after school.  Bus transportation will be provided for those boys playing at Ashgrove. Parents are asked to collect their son/s directly afterward the game. NOTE – no parents are permitted to attend trials. Pick up only.

Venue – Villanova College

• 4.00pm – 7A (Outside Court)
• 4:00pm – 8A (Goold Hall)
• 5:00pm – 9A (Goold Hall)

Venue – Marist College Ashgrove

•  4.00pm Champagnat Centre Court 2 – 10A
•  4.00pm Champagnat Centre Court 1 – 11A
•  5.15pm Champagnat Centre Court 2 – Second V
•  5.15pm Champagnat Centre Court 1 – First V

Wildcats/Cubs and Sabres Development Squads
Please be reminded that the abovementioned squads will continue their pre-season programs throughout the up-coming holiday period as per schedule posted in the AIC Basketball section on the web.

Basketball Hire Singlet Collection Dates
All players who make a team are required to collect a Villanova Basketball singlet from the Uniform Shop on the following days next term. The usual $20 hire fee has been waived this year. The Year 5 and Year 6 singlets will be collected by Mr Everding and given out to the boys sometime during the first week back next term.

Tuesday 14 July

• First Break – Year 7 and Year 8
• Second Break – Year 9

Wednesday 15 July

• First Break – Year 10 and Year 11
• Second Break – Opens

AIC Basketball Fixtures – Round 1 v St Peter’s
All game times and venues are posted in the ‘Weekly Fixture’ section of the website. Note – parents are not permitted to attend the games (except one parent per player may attend the open games). The College will supply bus transport for all Year 5 and Year 6 players for this year only. Parents are required to collect their son from the venue immediately after the game at the pick-up point.

•  Year 5 and Year 6 Games – Friday 17 July
• Year 7 – 12 Games – Saturday 18 July

AIC TENNIS SEASON

The full ‘AIC Tennis Season Schedule’ document is now posted within the AIC Tennis section of the website which is available through the ‘Locker Room’ page. Please refer to this document for all information pertaining to the up-coming season.

Key Dates:
Saturday 11 July – Year 5 – 12 Tennis trials at Morningside Tennis Centre (NOTE – no parents are permitted to attend trials. Drop off and pick up only).

All teams to be selected on Saturday 11 July. Teams will be selected and announced at the end of the trial session, so all players are ready to commence training Term 3, Week 1.

Internal Tennis Trial Schedule

AIC External Tennis Trial v Ashgrove
Given the timeframe, only the First IV team will have a trial game against Ashgrove on Wednesday July 15 after school.  Bus transportation will be provided for those boys playing at Ashgrove. NOTE – No parents are permitted to attend trials. Pick up only.

Venue – Marist College Ashgrove

•  Marist Ashgrove Courts 4pm start – First IV team

AIC CROSS COUNTRY 
Mr Brian Pascoe, AIC Cross Country Co-ordinator (Year 7 – 12)

Running Wildcats Holiday Training Program
Commitment and hard work have epitomised return to training for the ‘Running Wildcats’ following Learning@Home due to COVID-19.

The members of the Cross Country squad are strongly encouraged to continue their training during the June/July holidays to maintain the fitness developed through some excellent training during the latter stages of Term 2.

The AIC Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Wednesday August 12, most probably at Limestone Park, Ipswich.

However, we are required to continue to monitor numbers at training so must carry on registering online for each training session. The link for training this week is below with Friday’s training scheduled at Coorparoo AFC from 6.30 – 7.30 am. Friday’s session will be a 3 km time trial with Coach Barton who is claiming he is ‘flying’ at the moment and has offered a pizza lunch for anyone who beats him. Dale D’Souza has been training the house down for a slice of the action.

The squad will meet Monday and Wednesday mornings 6.30 – 7.30 am each week of the holidays at Coorparoo AFC (back oval) for training. Alternatively, you can follow the training program outlined below.

Registration for the next three weeks can be accessed using the link below:

The Online training registration links are found below. The registration will automatically close when a group is full, so be quick to register to avoid disappointment.

https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular/sport/aic-cross-country/

The recommended Cross Country training each week should incorporate (using the table below):

• 1 session from Option 4, with the Parkrun being the preferred option.
• 2 sessions from Option 1, 2 or 3.

Warm – up for all sessions 10min Jog + Drills/Run throughs (High knees, Butt flicks etc) –  the usual warm-up completed before each Cross-Country session.

Villanova College Cross Country June/July Training Program

Please speak to any of the coaches if you require further clarification about the Cross Country holiday training program.

‘Running well is having the patience to persevere when we are tired and not expect instant results.’ Rob de Castella

We look forward to having each runner in the team, become the best runner he can be. Dedication to training especially when no one is watching, is a key habit that enable a team, and an individual, to grow in character.  Challenge yourself boys because we are confident of you becoming a ‘winner’.

Please see former British athletics coach Frank Dick describe what winning is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIrdZ9PWahc

Year 5 and Year 6 Cross Country Holiday Training
Mr Lonergan will be offering Cross Country training sessions during the school holidays. These sessions are open to any runners who want to participate.

Time:  8.30am – 10:00am
Location:   Oval Cricket complex – Whites Hill Reserve, Boundary Rd Camp Hill (assemble at the gate to Eastern Districts Cricket Ovals)

Training will be held on the following dates:

• Monday 29 June, Wednesday 1 July and Friday 3 July
• Monday 6 July, Wednesday 8 July and Friday 10 July
• Monday 13 July
• Villa Runners Club – Sunday 28 June and Sunday 12 July

There will be no training on Sunday 5 July.

TERM 3 RUGBY AND FOOTBALL – PRE-SEASON SQUADS

As from Week 1, Term 3 several rugby and football squads will commence their pre-season training along with our First and Second XV rugby squads and First and Second XI football squads who have commenced training already. All squads who train at Villanova Park will be transported to the venue. Parents are required to collect their son/s after training from Villanova Park. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we ask all parents to remain in their vehicles when collecting their sons please.

All squad lists for each group are posted on the web under the respective AIC Rugby and AIC Football sections. These squads were chosen based on performances last year.

Rugby Pre-season Training – Term 3 (commencing Week 1, Term 3)

• First and Second XV rugby squads – Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at Villanova Park, 3.50 – 5.15pm
• 10A rugby squad – Tuesday afternoons at Villanova Park, 3.50 – 5.15pm
• 9A rugby squad – Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at Villanova Park, 3.50 – 5.15pm
• 8A rugby squad – Thursday afternoon at Villa Park, 3.50-5.00pm
• Year 7 rugby – (open to all interested players) at Little Langlands, Friday 6.45 – 8.00am

Football Pre-season Training – Term 3 (commencing Week 1, Term 3)

• First and Second XI football squads – Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at Villanova Park, 3.50 – 5.00pm
• 10A football squad – Tuesday afternoons at Villanova Park, 3.50 – 5.00pm

Rugby Clinic July 19 and 25 at Wests RFC for all ‘A’ Players from Year 7 to Open

A ‘position specific’ rugby clinic will be held at Wests RFC on 19 and 25 July. This clinic will be run by numerous ex-Reds and Wallabies stars, who have come together to pass on their expertise to young players. Last year over 400 players from many AIC, GPS and TAS Colleges registered, and it would be very beneficial to our players to attend. The clinic is only open to boys who played in ‘A’ teams in 2019. We encourage all our A players to register and attend. Many our coaches will also be in attendance to observe the sessions and take away a few skills and drills they can use at training. Please click here to register your interest.

AIC RUGBY LEAGUE SEASON

In 2020 the AIC Rugby League season will be in a tournament style format with multiple games being played over a one – three-day period as below:

• Year 7 – 12 Teams (three-day tournament) – Monday 21 September, Tuesday 22 September, Wednesday 23 September
• Year 5 and Year 6 (one-day tournament) – Friday 18 September

SALE on Training Jerseys
Rugby union and football training jerseys have been greatly reduced and are selling for $8.00 (Rugby Union) and $5.00 (Football) each. These are available from the Uniform Shop but only in limited sizes. Please come into the shop for these great bargains. PLEASE NOTE……these jerseys are only for training purposes and are not permitted to be worn on game day.

Villanova Runners Club (VRC) – Every Sunday – all welcome
The VRC will meet on Sunday afternoons 4pm – 5pm at Whites Hill Reserve, (Cricket Ovals, Boundary Road, Camp Hill). NOTE – There will be no VRC on Sunday July 5.  This is an opportunity for Villanova College athletes to maintain/build up their aerobic fitness as part of their training for the coming Cross Country and Track and Field seasons.  An open invitation is extended to the boys interested in improving their fitness (squad will be limited to 19 runners).  Assemble on the Cricket Oval 3 at 4 pm where a Tabata session will be held, followed by aerobic running in the surrounding bushland.

 Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Ensemble lessons and rehearsals Term 3
Advice handed to us from the Queensland Government and Queensland Catholic Education Commission on Friday 19 June allows us to commence rehearsals for all large groups following the set hygiene protocols.  I am very pleased to inform you all that our procedures that have been implemented thus far match the guidelines from Queensland Health and we will continue to manage our activities and events in a similar manner until the pandemic has passed.  Our continued focus is to create and maintain a safe learning environment where all feel comfortable to come, learn, and make music together.

Lesson timetables for Term 3 will be distributed over the coming week with all private and small group lessons commencing in the first week of Term 3.  All rehearsals will commence from the first day of term (Tuesday 14 July) with all Year 5 students starting their first ensemble rehearsal for 2020 – this is going to be an exciting morning!

Please click here for our rehearsal schedule for Term 3 – all students, all the time, every week – it’s going to be great!

Co-curricular Music Photo Day
Our Co-curricular Music photo day has been convened for Tuesday 21 July, 2020.  This will be Tuesday, Week 2, Term 3 (day before parent/teacher interviews).  Students in Years 6 – 12 will be required to wear their performance uniform for the photo.  All Year 5 students will need to wear their regular school uniform (grey shirt).

A schedule for our photos will be distributed so that students are prepared for the day.  Year 5 and Year 6 ensembles will be photographed before school (Year 6 from 8.00am).

Music Support Group
Our Music Support Group convened their monthly meeting on Monday evening.  We believe that given our current health status, we will return to face-to-face meetings with our next session on 14 July 2020.  This meeting will be convened in the Chapter Room, adjacent to the foyer of the Augustine Centre.  If we require more space, we will reconvene into the Upper Theatre to allow suitable physical spacing.  The meeting will commence at 7.30pm – we look forward to seeing you all there.

Performance Uniform Requirements
This year has been extremely quiet in terms of performance opportunities for our students.  However, as we move into a post-pandemic period, we are looking forward to more opportunities to share our music with the broader community.  We will have at least one performance in Week 9 next term, with others scheduled for Term 4.  Students will be required to wear performance uniform for these activities.

To assist with preparations for these events in September, we would like to clarify performance uniform requirements with families.  As it has been sometime between performances, I would also like to ask our ‘veteran’ performers to check their uniforms; you may have grown between events!  Best we are prepared now before the hectic nature of school life returns.

Performance uniform information is outlined below.

All Year 5 musicians are required to wear:

• grey shorts
• formal white shirt (available from Villanova College Uniform Shop)
• long school socks
• school tie
• black leather belt and
• polished black school shoes

The following table outlines uniform requirements for the remainder of our ensembles:

All uniform items can be sourced through the Villanova College Uniform Shop or external clothing retailers.

For further information regarding uniforms for ensembles at Villanova College, please contact the Music Office on 3394 5691 or music@vnc.qld.edu.au

Key dates for Term 3
Over the coming week, we will be refining our Term 3 Calendar of events to ensure clarity around activities leading up to the end of September.  As with most activities currently, we are working within a changeable environment that is slowly settling so we are growing in confidence to be able to produce some solid information around our events in Music.  The refined calendars will be distributed before the end of next week along with our Term 3 Rehearsal Schedule.  Please keep an eye on your inbox for more information.

In the meantime, may I ask that you note the following dates in your diaries as ‘set’ for the coming term:

Entertainment Memberships
This week, information relating to the Music Support Group annual fundraiser – Entertainment Membership Drive – has been distributed to Year 5 families.  Students will have received a flyer and letter outlining the purpose and benefits of this activity.  Please check your son’s music satchel if the document hasn’t been produced at home yet.

Entertainment are no longer selling books, just digital memberships from 2020 onwards.  If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please access our membership portal through the links below.  There are a number of great offers available focussing on supporting local and small businesses through this challenging period.  We look forward to your ongoing support of this important fundraising event.

Thank you all for your continued support of Villanova Music.  We are glad to continue to be of service to you and your son as we navigate this challenging time together.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Villanova College Music Support Group
Alison Schrauf
07 33945691
music@vnc.qld.edu.au

^Your bonus WISH eGift Card will be sent by email within 30 days of purchase. A $10 WISH eGift Card will be issued when a Single City Membership is purchased, or a $20 WISH eGift Card when a Multi City or Multi Plus Membership is purchased between 15:00pm Friday 22 May 2020 and 09:00am Monday 13 July 2020 AEST. One eGift Card per order. Offer excludes Entertainment waitstaff and Corporate Partner offers. View WISH eGift Card FAQs here – http://giftcards.woolworths.com.au/help. WISH eGift Cards do not expire. Lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced. If you request a refund on your Membership within 30 days of your purchase and it is after receiving your eGift Card, the amount of the eGift Card will be deducted from the original value of your Membership purchased.

*2 months extra Membership applies to activated Single City and Multi City purchased between 22 May and 13 July 2020. From time of purchase, an Activation Code must be activated within three months. If activated within three months, the Membership will expire 14 months from the Activation Date. If not activated within three months, the Membership will expire 17 months from the Purchase Date.

+Bonus $50 Discover Queenland Voucher. T&Cs apply. See www.entertainment.com.au/promotions.

#WIN 1 of 5 x $1000 WISH eGift Cards. T&Cs apply. See www.entertainment.com.au/promotions.

*All member offers are subject to terms and conditions. Check individual offers on the Entertainment Membership App or www.entertainment.com.au for more information. For all dining offers, it is optional for participating businesses to accept your Entertainment Memberships on all official Australian and New Zealand public holidays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day. © 2020 Entertainment Publications of Australia Pty Ltd.

NCCD – Nationally Consistent Collection of Data
The attached article has been provided for all Villanova College parents in order to gain an understanding of the NCCD process.

The Australian Education Regulation 2013 (Cth) (the Australian Education Regulation) requires the operators of all government and non-government schools that receive Australian Government schools funding (approved authorities), to provide information to the Australian government Department of Education, Skills and employment (the Department) for the purpose of NCCD.

Within Villanova College, students are identified who have additional needs and evidence is then provided of the adjustments made for these students.

The Learning Enrichment teams across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools here at the College then lead a process of collection of evidence showing how students are supported. In collaboration with teachers and Heads of Schools, the list is then compiled and submitted to the government, as required.

Should you have any enquiries regarding this process, please feel free to contact your relevant Learning Enrichment Program Leader; Mrs Joanne Bayley – jbayley@vnc.qld.edu.au (Junior School), Mrs Sally England – sengland@vnc.qld.edu.au (Middle School ) and Mrs Kath Underhill – kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au (Senior School).

Entry for Year 5, 2022

Applications for Year 5, 2022 are now open (current Year 3 students). To submit your application, please complete the Online Enrolment Application along with the requested supporting documents.

We are aware that many schools will not be issuing Semester 1, 2020 Reports until Term 3. As a substitute, we kindly request that you upload Semester 2, 2019 Reports when completing the online application. Please email Semester 1, 2020 Reports when received to enrolments@vnc.qld.edu.au

Applications close on Friday 17 July. All applicants will be invited to attend an interview from Saturday 1 August to Saturday 8 August. Enrolment offers will be made the week commencing 14 September 2020.

Villa Supporter’s Caps
Villa parents can now show their colours. Villa Supporter’s Caps have landed and are now available for sale through Parent Lounge (Accounts & Payments/Tours & Excursions) for $20.00 each.  Two colours are available – a pink or gold embroidered VNC. A limited number are available, so don’t missed out. Orders will be delivered to your son to take home via their respective Student Services Office.  All funds raised go to the Villanova Sports Club for new and improved sporting facilities for Villanova students. 

Vacation Care Program Bookings – Now Open
Bookings are now open for Vacation Care at Helping Hands Villanova.

Please click here for the flyer outlining all the exciting in-service activities on offer each day. Our educators have prepared a program for our families that’s jam-packed each day with structured activities including indoor and outdoor play. Our heightened focus on safety and hygiene means we will not be running excursions or bringing in incursion providers these school holidays.

You will see the attached flyer displays the daily fee (before any applicable Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is applied). Please note that the current funding package that provides for ‘free care’ has been extended to 12 July 2020 which means there will be no cost for any care up to and including this date. 

Anthony Tizzone, Service Co-ordinator

Tuckshop Roster (Tuesday 14 July – Friday 17 July)
All volunteers rostered on this week will be contacted directly by the Tuckshop.

AFAS COVID 19 RESPONSE TO OUR ADOPTED COMMUNITIES
Over the past few months, AFAS has been checking on how the communities of the Divino Amore Academy, Basilica Del Santo Nino, Colegio San Augustin-Bacolod and La Consolacion College Murcia have been coping during these trying times.

Up until two weeks ago, all communities have been in Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) – and residents MUST stay at home. Cebu (Basilica) is still under ECQ, whilst the other communities have moved to General Community Quarantine (GCQ), where restrictions are slightly relaxed.

All communities have indicated that food supply is the biggest concern in their community as there is a no work, and no pay policy in place.

AFAS has donated money to each of these communities to give food relief to our scholars and other members of their communities.

The Basilica Del Santo Nino in Cebu will aid the homeless especially the street-dwellers in the vicinity of the Basilica. Its recently initiated and ongoing project is ‘Kan-anan ni Niño’ (Niño’s Kitchen Soup). In here, a weekly feeding and formation sessions are provided to around 100 regular beneficiaries (street-dwellers: adults and children).​

Colegio San Augustin-Bacolod  has initially provided 150 families with 5kgs of rice in Sagrado Village and Tabunan Village (AFAS has undertaken projects in these communities during our time in Bacolod) as well as all AFAS scholars. In early July, this will be re-evaluated, and more assistance will be given, if needed, and food will also be given to Home of Joy Orphanage where AFAS assisted during their 2019 Exchange.

Divino Amore Academy in Talisay City, Cebu has initially provided food parcels (consists of rice, sardines, noodles etc) to 40 families and is now identifying other families in their community that require assistance as well as donating food to Missionaries of the Poor, an orphanage for the elderly – AFAS visited here during our 2019 Exchange.

La Consolacion College Murcia is providing food parcels to all households in its Adopted Outreach Community (AFAS supports this Community), four AFAS scholars and their families, 111 at risk students as well as the faculty who are also at risk.

Each community has gathered their volunteers to help repack the groceries which have been bought in bulk items,  into smaller packets/sachets of milk and chocolate powders, bars of laundry soap, bags of rice, canned goods (sardines, corned beef, meat loaf, etc.) and cooking oil in small pouches into a bag of goods.  This bag of goods helps a family survive for another week.  The volunteers also helped in the distribution of the relief goods (house to house delivery, like uber eats) and each beneficiary gives back a message of gratitude for the kindness AFAS extended.  These relief services reflect the AFAS’ genuine concern for the underprivileged and the less fortunate in the Philippine islands. This is how true solidarity looks like when help is available when another desperate times like the COVID pandemic appear. The Filipino people extends their SALAMAT (thank you) to AFAS!

Tony Hindmarsh and Fr Saldie

Fr Laurence James Mooney OSA
Fifth Rector: 1976 – 1986

Laurence James Mooney was born in Brisbane in 1941 into a family of seven children.  Educated in his primary years at Mount Carmel Convent, Coorparoo, he finished his secondary schooling at Villanova College.  He spent his novitiative at Rochester, Victoria then completed his studies in the USA at the Augustinian College in Washington.  His ordination to the priesthood took place in 1965 at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C.

On returning to Australia Fr Mooney did a short stint with pastoral work, and in 1967 was appointed to the staff of Villanova College.  After a nine year  ‘apprenticeship’ in the College classrooms he was appointed Rector in mid-1976.  Fr Mooney was the first past-pupil of Villanova College to be ordained and become Rector.

His term of leadership was at a time of great change in Queensland education, with an emphasis on staff development and clarification of Augustinian philosophy and the ethos of Villanova.  Non-sexist policies and emphases in education were adopted and there was an increase in the number of female staff employed.

In the years following his time at Villanova College, Fr Mooney was appointed to St Augustine’s College, Brookvale, and started a new outreach centre at Newcastle.  He was elected Provincial of the Order of St Augustine in 1990 and completed his term in 1998.

Since this time Fr Mooney has been involved in organising a number of APAC Augustinian Spirituality Conferences in India and the Phillipines, and a team leader of the Greystanes Spirituality Centre. Still based in Sydney, he has continued his writings on Augustinian spirituality and Augustinian educational values and assists with community and parish ministries.