Villa View: Issue 21

The Villa View
07/13/2017

Villa View: Issue 21

Principal's Welcome

Dear Members of the Villanova College Family
Welcome back to Semester Two to our students and their families. I hope all had an opportunity to recharge over the past weeks of the mid-year holidays. Known as the “Business Term”, Term Three is a very important time for all students. During the next ten weeks, students have the opportunity of a new beginning as the next semester commences. Over the coming weeks, students are challenged to build upon the foundations of Semester One to realise their academic goals for the end of this year.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

The Parent-Teacher Conferences held on Tuesday 11 July, provided an opportunity for many parents and students to meet with the teaching staff to discuss Semester One academic results. It was pleasing to see so many families take advantage of this opportunity. Interestingly, a greater number of students are attending the meetings and playing an active part in the discussions. Expecting our young men to take responsibility for their learning is crucial if we are to continue to develop students with a love of learning.

MUSIC TOURS

During the holidays, students involved in the Music program experienced two wonderful opportunities to expand their horizons with workshops and performances at festivals in Rockhampton, Central Queensland and Rotarua, New Zealand. Along with the workshops and special clinics, the students and staff enjoyed the sights and places of interest. Thank you to Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music and all the Music staff who so generously gave of their time to support the tours.

YEAR 12 RETREAT

The next few days are a significant time for our Year 12 students as they embark upon their retreat. This experience is a time away from the pressures of the normal school day to spend some time reflecting on two important questions, “What are we here for?” and “Where am I going?”

The retreat begins with a sponsored walk and a time of reflection based on the experiences found during the morning walk. After the walk, students will travel to their accommodation on Mt Tamborine and will work with the staff in small groups. For our senior students, as they begin their final semester, this time is very important.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Mr Sean O’Neill and his wife Alyce on the recent birth of their daughter, Matilda.

PRAYERS

We keep in our prayers Mr Charlie Fisher, Fr Joe Walsh OSA and all those in our community who are ill at this time.

You have made us for Yourself O Lord

And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

Head of Junior School

On Monday, all College teaching staff participated in professional development centred on literacy, and in particular, writing, conducted by Dr Ian Hunter. Dr Hunter is a former university professor and founder of Write that Essay, (https://www.writethatessay.org) academic writing programme. Passionate about transforming writing outcomes for teachers and students, Ian and his team now work with schools and teachers internationally.

Writing is a vital skill across all curriculum areas and Ian combined the challenges teachers observed in the classroom together with some student samples he had analysed to establish some understanding of how our Villanovans are faring with pencil and paper. Yes, that is right, pencil and paper!

As an examiner of external exams, Ian gave us critical insight into how points and grades are allocated with writing essays. There were significant tips in terms of how to upskill our students with their approach to writing. Beneath the tip of most boys’ pencils there is a common feeling of “not being able to get started” with writing activities. We are already working on breaking that mould with regular Speed Writing tasks each week. Ian shared insightful thoughts on introductory, body and concluding paragraphs in essay writing.

There are key elements that will be valuable for all students to know and consider for future external assessment tasks. Some classes in the Junior School were trialling specific sentence types last term using Ian’s program, the Short Sentence, Power Sentence, Adverbial Starts, Em Dash, -Ing Starts and -Ed starts are just a few that some boys might recall. Focusing on varied sentences in our paragraphs are likely to improve the rhythm of writing, word efficiency, precision of expression and the efficiency of utilising the word count in higher grades. Punctuation errors are likely to be reduced by using such sentences.

Ian offered us many insights on writing and I am sure you will be hearing more in the future about how we can best incorporate his suggestions into our curriculum. Writing can be learnt at a more technical and systematic level by anyone. There are strategies to ensure boys can reach more of their potential in this area and that is exciting for any educator or parent to know as we begin Semester Two.

On Tuesday, many parents met with staff to reflect on the Semester One report and share ideas about planning for Term Three. It was a day of celebrating achievements and setting goals for the areas that challenge their sons. We all have things in life we can do better. No human being is perfect in all facets of academic, emotional or social well-being. Resilience and determination will see many boys rise to new heights of potential over the next 10 weeks and that is exciting. A clean slate is always motivating. My heartfelt appreciation goes to all staff and parents who have made the effort to communicate openly and respectfully so that their son benefits greatly from a team that is on the same page.

It was wonderful to see the boys return yesterday as they eagerly reunited with mates and shared many holiday stories, even before the first bell had rung. There is likely to be more confidence this term, as they walk into their classrooms, a familiarity that mixes with the wisdom of Semester One experience. As usual, I will be enforcing all College expectations this term including haircuts that adhere strictly to the guidelines, above the eyebrow and shirt collar, without lines or any difference of more than two clipper levels between sides and top of the head. Polished shoes, ties that sit around the belt line and a hat to play will be part of our grooming from Monday to Thursday. Friday is the only day our Year 5 and 6 boys may wear their sports uniform to and from school.

I do love Term 3 because as an AFL supporter, it is my chance to use the “premiership quarter” motivational speech. I strongly believe that this next ten weeks gives us a great insight into the personalities and attitudes of our boys. They know the rules and the expectations. They have the highest support from staff and parents. This is an opportunity to shine. Let the Year 6 students make their lasting impression for the Robbie Sellars Award for 2017. Let the Year 5 students show us their Villanovan spirits in class, on the basketball court, on the tennis court, in Tournament of the Minds and in the much-anticipated Wakakirri performance. Let Term 3 display every ounce of talent we have!

For the record, I think I managed to use every sentence type Ian shared on Monday, I am always learning.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Head of Middle School

As the boys return to school this week and commence their new units and subjects areas, I hope that some time was spent throughout the holidays on reflection of the semester just gone.

Having read most of the reports and conducting an initial analysis of the global student results in Middle School, I remain pleased about the progress made in Semester One, and I commend the boys who excelled not only in their results but also in their application to their schoolwork.

In PD over the next few weeks, the Middle School boys will be guided through an ‘academic review’ of their first semester results, looking at areas for improvement and goals for the new semester.

In reflecting on Semester One results, we will examine such questions as:

In what subjects did I work to my potential?
What are some of the reasons for this?
In what subjects did I not work to my potential?
What are some of the reasons for this?
What academic results do I aspire to in Semester Two?
What will I need to do/change to achieve these results?

In past years, our Middle School students have nominated a wide range of reasons for not working to their potential. Some of the most common inhibitors include:

disorganisation (especially poor use of diary and file management on laptop);
procrastination; YouTube, social media and gaming being common offenders;
poor study habits and lack of routine.
not asking for help or extra assistance from the teacher;

The Pastoral Area Leaders will be addressing each of these issues with the boys in the coming weeks. I would certainly encourage parents to reinforce a similar message on the home front.

If parents have concerns that their son might require some greater intervention with the areas above, or their goal setting for Semester Two, I would encourage them to contact their son’s Pastoral Area Leader directly:

Year 7 Mr Ben Lynam blynam@vnc.qld.edu.au

Year 8 Mr Matt McGrath mmcgrath@vnc.qld.edu.au

Year 9 Mr Peter Simpson psimpson@vnc.qld.edu.au

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Head of Senior School

Welcome back to all Senior School families for what promises to be another eclectic and energy-filled term ahead. I hope all students had the opportunity to recharge and enjoy their break and that all return motivated to engage in class and improve their academic performance.

After reviewing the Semester One academic data, I am generally pleased with the performances across the Senior School. I would like to affirm the efforts of our Year 12 students who as a senior class lifted their academic achievement significantly with sixty percent of the cohort improving their overall GPA. As stated in my previous article, staff will engage with all Senior School students over the coming term to discuss their academic performance and explore whether every student is maximising their potential.

There are several key events this term, which are poignant in the Villanova Senior School journey. Beginning this week, Year 12 students engage with their House peers in a Retreat experience, which includes a sponsored walk in support of four community organisations. This significant formation time provides our seniors with an opportunity to reflect on how their personal story has been shaped by their Villanova journey. The retreat also encourages our young men to nurture their inner selves, which is one of the foundational aspects of an Augustinian education. I would like to thank Vice Principal – Ministry, Mission and Evangelisation, Mr John Holroyd for his passion in organising the Year 12 retreat program.

Later in the term, OP eligible Year 12 students will sit the QCS Test, which is one of the most significant examinations in their academic lives. The QCS Test preparatory program continues throughout this term and I reinforce the importance of all students buying into the team philosophy whereby strong collective energies and efforts will positively reward the whole cohort if all students work to their full potential and maximise their result. The two-day rehearsal in Goold Hall in Week 6 is a critical conditioning experience whereby our students will sit the four papers over the two days to appreciate the strict formalities of the testing environment as well as realise the amount of energy required to push through test fatigue. I am confident that our Year 12 students will rise to the occasion this term and perform extremely well.

Tomorrow, the Year 11 students will no doubt enjoy their Semi-Formal occasion. Such events are important in the social development of our young men and I am confident that they will prove to be most generous and chivalrous in their care of their partners throughout the evening. I would like to reinforce the College’s position on the importance of the event itself and strongly caution that any pre-function or post-function party, which involves the consumption of alcohol by students, is absolutely against College policy. I appreciate the efforts of Year 11 Pastoral Area Leader, Mr Peter Meecham in his organisation of this event.

Best wishes for another successful and uplifting term.

‘Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.’- Marcus Aurelius

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Sport

Welcome back to all for what will be another busy term of sport. Although only Week 1, we have many sporting opportunities on offer for all students from Year 5 – 12.

AIC Cross Country training is back in full swing. AIC Tennis training for all teams from Year 5 – 12 commenced on Tuesday afternoon of this week. Tennis training will continue as per the season schedule posted on the College’s website listed under the AIC tennis section.

Already all A, B, First and Second basketball teams from Year 7 – 12 have had a trial against St Laurence’s yesterday afternoon. The official basketball training program for all teams from Year 5 – 12 has commenced and the full season schedule is again found on the web under AIC Basketball.

Please note that the ‘Season Schedule’ document found on the website under the respective AIC tennis and basketball section contains the complete training schedule, coaches contact details, uniform expectations, home and away schedule, game times and much more. If you require information regarding your respective sport I believe all answers will be found within this document.

The AIC Track and Field program will commence in Week 6 of this term, please be on the lookout for further details via next week’s Villa View and the College website.

We commence the first of the three AIC Cross Country meets for the season at Limestone Park next weekend on Saturday 22 July. A number of boys may have a clash between AIC Basketball and AIC Cross Country. We would prefer the boys to commit to their basketball game as a priority although we hope many are able to play their game and catch the bus out to Limestone Park in the afternoon after their game.

We wish our squad the very best as they continue their preparations for the annual AIC Championship to be held on Wednesday 9 August at Limestone Park. Many of these boys have been in training since mid-Term Two. I have much admiration for these boys, they often juggle their personal schedules to fit in other co-curricular commitments as well as their studies but manage to turn up to training and the designated meets regularly in order to represent themselves and the College well.

In my opinion, in order to boost or better a school’s sports program we must firstly look at ‘School Spirit’. I feel fortunate that I am involved in community where many people exhibit enormous amounts of school spirit often. Our boys show spirit through participation, enjoyment and support of their mates and the College. May I please ask parents to assist the College in its quest to further develop school spirit by strongly encouraging your boy/s to get involved and to support others when asked.

Over the coming weeks, I will be personally asking some of our talented student athletes to join the AIC Track and Field training program and perhaps to fill some places in our AIC Cross Country team. There is no doubt that our College community gives greatly to each of its students. From time to time, I believe, it is a fair request that the College asks something in return. If a student is good enough and talented enough to represent his College, then he should. It would be a great shame to see our best athletes, musicians or perhaps academic students not use their gifts to benefit the College and to better themselves. We understand the need for a balanced education and we do not want to over-burden our students but we do want Villanova’s best to shine. If there are issues surrounding a student’s workload, which impedes him from participating, please contact the Sports Office. The Sports Office is reasonable in its approach when working with families and students to come up with solutions and alternative programs, which are beneficial for all. Again, I urge all students and parents to support this process. If you have a particular gift please use it to benefit others.

This weekend we have basketball and tennis trials against Ashgrove. This will be a further opportunity for coaches to assess players. I would expect some movement of players between teams prior to next weekend’s Round 1 fixture against St Patrick’s College. Coaches have been instructed to choose their teams each week based on attendance, player performance and attitude.

As always, I urge all students to get involved in the sports program and enjoy the challenges you face along the way. Enjoy the term ahead boys!

AIC Tennis and Basketball Trial Round v Ashgrove, Friday 14 and Saturday 15 July Times and Venues

All Year 5 and Year 6 basketball games are played on Friday afternoons. While all Year 7 – 12 basketball and Year 5 – 12 tennis games are played on Saturday. Please refer to the College’s website to view all times and venues for this weekend’s fixtures against Marist College Ashgrove.

AIC Cross Country – Keep up the Effort Boys!

A group of 35 students and four staff attended the annual AIC Cross Country Camp at Currimundi towards the end of last term. I must commend all squad members for the way in which they conducted themselves whilst on camp, a fantastic group of boys! It is a satisfying feeling to take a group of boys on a camp such as this and see them benefit greatly from the experience. Not only physically but more importantly, how they bonded as one team. Well done boys!

The AIC Championships will be held at Limestone Park on Wednesday 9 August. It is imperative that all runners from Year 5 – 12 attend all training sessions and meets as outlined below in the lead up to the day of the AIC Championships. Over the next three – four weeks, cross country training should be given priority over any basketball training.

Year 5 and Year 6 Cross Country Squad Training

Monday and Wednesday afternoon 3.15 – 4.30pm

Year 7 – 12 Cross Country Squad Training

Training will continue each Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings commencing at 6.45am at Little Langlands. Any student from Year 7 – 12 who has now finished AIC rugby/football and wishes to join the squad will be more than welcome. I know we have some great runners out there, please join our team.

Important AIC Cross Country Dates

Date	Host/Venue
Saturday July 22	SPLC/SEC HOST Limestone Park Year 5 – 2.00pm Year 6 – 2.15pm 12yrs and 13yrs – 2.30pm 14yrs and 15yrs – 2.50pm 16yrs and Open – 3.10pm
Friday July 28	SPC HOST Curlew Park Year 5 – 3.45pm Year 6 – 3.55pm 12yrs and 13yrs – 4.10pm 14yrs and 15yrs – 4.25pm 16yrs and Open – 4.45pm
Friday August 4	SLC HOST Runcorn Year 5 – 3.45pm Year 6 – 3.55pm 12yrs and 13yrs – 4.10pm 14yrs and 15yrs – 4.25pm 16yrs and Open – 4.45pm
Wednesday August 9	AIC CHAMPIONSHIPS LIMESTONE PARK Year 5 – 1.00pm Year 6 – 1.15pm 12yrs – 1.35pm 13yrs – 1.55pm 14yrs – 2.15pm 15yrs – 2.45pm 16yrs – 3.15pm Open – 3.45pm Presentations – 4.30pm

Important Notes

Bus transportation will be provided to and from school to each cross country meet
The first meet will be held at Limestone Park next Saturday 22 July in the afternoon. This will clash with Round 1 basketball. All tennis players will finish their game and be able to attend this meet. Some basketball players scheduled to play their basketball game later in the day may struggle to do both. If a clash occurs during Round 1, we ask that basketball be given priority and we would envisage this would affect minimal runners. Students are permitted to find their own way to Limestone Park.
Bus departure times will be posted on the web and the Villa View in the week leading up to each meet
Year 5 and Year 6 runners who play basketball must attend their basketball match as a priority on July 28, not attend the SPC meet. There will be a basketball BYE round on 4 August. This will enable all Year 5 and Year 6 cross-country runners to attend the SLC meet.

AIC Tennis and Basketball Teams

All internal AIC tennis and basketball trials are now complete. We hope to publish all teams on the web by Thursday of each week. Please note that these teams may change throughout the season depending upon player performance, attendance at training and attitude. In fact, we expect further changes to teams after trials against Ashgrove are played this weekend. These trials will assist our coaches to finalise their teams before Round 1.

All information regarding the season schedule for both tennis and basketball is posted on the College’s webpage including bus arrangements for those teams training at the Morningside Tennis Centre and the Clem Jones Basketball Centre before school.

AIC Tennis and Basketball Uniform

Any student who represents the College in either tennis or basketball must wear the full and correct College uniform. Students who are not dressed correctly will not be permitted to take to the court. Uniform standards will be maintained at a high level and the College requires the support of the parent body to ensure these standards are continually met.

Tennis Uniform

Villanova PE shorts
Villanova team shirt (Please note, this is not the Villanova PE shirt. The ‘team shirt’ is the same shirt worn by all cross country, swimming and track and field squad members)
Villanova sports socks
Villanova sports cap (green)

Basketball Uniform

Villanova basketball shorts (not PE shorts)
Villanova sports socks
Villanova basketball singlet: This singlet is for hire and through the College Uniform Shop. Year 7 – 12 students should have collected their singlets already.

Mr Everding distributed all Year 5 and Year 6 singlets yesterday. The hire cost is $15 for the season and will be charged to the next school fees account.

AIC Rugby and Football

The Sports Office is looking to finalise the return of all rugby and football kit bags and equipment. We ask all coaches who still have the kits at home or in the boot of their car to return them to the Sports Office as soon as possible.

Ben Mowen and Andrew Slack Squads

We hope to publish next year’s Ben Mowen and Andrew Slack Squads within the next two weeks. Those who accept these invitations are required to participate in the College’s track and field program this year.

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Music

Rehearsals and Lessons
All lessons and rehearsals have now commenced for Term 3. We have just over one month until QCMF, so we look forward to seeing all ensemble members at rehearsals to assist with ensemble preparations. A Term 3 rehearsal schedule has been sent via Skoolbag App and another copy has been included on this week’s Villa View. Rehearsal schedule.

Rotorua Tour

During the first week of our holidays, 37 students, three staff and two parents travelled to New Zealand to participate in the 17th Rhapsody Rotorua Festival. Over eight days our students performed for adjudication, for two primary schools around Rotorua and for the public in two Gala Concerts held in the Rotorua Convention Centre. The ensemble performed extremely well, earning themselves a Gold Award for their performances; we were the only Australian school to receive a Gold Award at this year’s event!

Of course, we managed a few cultural activities, some workshops, and a little fun in between. Most memorable for myself was the opportunity to go on the ‘swoop’; imagine a swing where you are released 40 metres above the ground… quite the experience!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben Adkins, Leona Collier, and Gina Ellis for their assistance on this tour. I would also like to thank very much our ‘Tour Parents’ Maria and Dimitri Mascadri for their help and vitality on the trip, it was wonderful to have you around – thank you!

We now look forward to plans for 2019 tours – stay tuned!

BGGS Workshop with Brian Balmages

Our Symphonic Band had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with internationally renowned composer and conductor Brian Balmages on Monday 10 July. Our students rehearsed with the Brisbane Girls’ Grammar Senior Band, workshopping one of Brian’s compositions ‘Summer Resounding.’ With only a two-hour rehearsal, the students performed extremely well and are to be commended for their efforts.

The students had the opportunity to ask Brian many questions regarding his experience and career. Aside from learning that Australian coffee is superior to American coffee (among many other important things); the students were given a fantastic insight into Brian’s compositional process. With five notes supplied by the students, he composed a five-minute work discussing his process throughout which was very inspiring!

We now look forward to our Middle School bands heading over to BGGS on 20 July for their workshop and concert.

BGGS Workshop – Wind Ensemble and Concert Band

As per our date claimers, our Wind Ensemble and Concert Band will be travelling to Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School next Thursday afternoon to participate in our annual Middle School workshop. Students will be transported to BGGS by bus from Villanova College after school. The workshop commences at 3:30pm and will be followed by a concert for all parents commencing at 6pm. Students will need to be collected from BGGS on Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill upon the conclusion of the event. The concert will conclude by 6:30pm.

Queensland Catholic Schools’ and Colleges’ Music Festival

There is now only five weeks until the largest school music festival in the Asia-Pacific region is proudly hosted once again by Villanova College. The Queensland Catholic Schools’ and Colleges’ Music Festival will be convened at Villanova College for the 27th year from 17 – 20 August. We will be welcoming over 13,000 students and 20,000 audience members from across Queensland and Australia to our College over four very musically packed days. I am eagerly looking forward to welcoming them all to our place on the hill and enjoying this time of great musical sharing.

Our next organising committee meeting is set for Monday 17 July, commencing at 7:30pm in the Music Classroom on the bottom floor of the Augustine Centre. We welcome all members of the Villanova Community to come and join us for this event – come and learn a little more about the machinations of this fine event!

All Villanova ensembles will be performing across this weekend. The scheduling for the entire Festival has been confirmed so I am pleased to be able to share the Villanova College performance times. Please refer to the performance time document: QCMF performance times.

Performance uniforms will remain the same as our debut concerts in Term 2. All students are required to meet their ensemble director 1 hour before their scheduled performance time on level 1 of the Augustine Centre.

QCMF Vacant Volunteer Roles

The QCMF Planning Group is looking for volunteers for the following key roles:

Assistant Banker: Assist the bankers on Thursday and Friday with collection and counting of money.

Coordinator/s Directors Lounge: The volunteer/s undertaking this role would set up a comfortable lounge in which conductors, adjudicators and sponsors can relax and enjoy some light refreshments during the Festival. Cooking is not required. There is a document available detailing all that is involved.

Venue Secretary/ Co-Coordinator Veritas: Friday and Saturday only (8:30am – 6:45pm Friday and 8:30 – 4:00pm Saturday). Working with the Coordinator assisting with the smooth running of this lovely venue. There is a coordinator; however, two people are necessary for this role.

Stage Manager Veritas – Saturday (8:00am – 4:00pm): This venue holds the small instrumental ensemble sections. A knowledge of music is not essential as it involves ensuring that the correct number of chairs and music stands are on stage for each performance.

Stage Manager – St James Hall: No training required.

Photographer: Roaming photographer to take candid shots of performers, the venues, the atmosphere and the volunteers.

Date Claimers

We now look ahead to August with our currently scheduled events. Please ensure these are marked in your diaries.

Monday 17 July	Music Supporter’s Group Meeting and QCMF Planning meeting – 7:30pm in Music Classroom, level 1 of Augustine Centre
Thursday 20 July	Wind Ensemble and Concert Band workshop at Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School. 3:30-5:30pm. Concert at 6pm
Sunday 23 July	Big Band performing at St James’ Fete – time to be confirmed
Sunday 6 August	Big Band and Supernovans performing at Mt Carmel Fete – after 1pm. Time to be confirmed
Monday 7 August	Music Supporter’s Group Meeting and QCMF Planning meeting – 7:30pm in Music Classroom, level 1 of Augustine Centre
Tuesday 8 August and Thursday 10 August	QCMF Preparation Concerts. All ensembles will be required to perform once over these evenings.
Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 August	Queensland Catholic Schools’ and Colleges’ Music Festival hosted by Villanova College. Students will be required to volunteer for a short period over the weekend. All ensembles will perform once.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Villanova College

Villanova College is a Catholic School for boys where education is the formation of the whole person within a faith community.  Our staff, parents and students both past and present contribute their gifts and talents towards the development of young men of Gospel values who seek the common good.  Our community promotes life-long learning through continually challenging itself in the restless search for Truth.

Villa View: Issue 21