Villa View: Issue 28/19

What is your gift?  Why work in an educational institution?

There are often times when I reflect on why I ended up in teaching….and remain.  Sometimes, this reflection results in questions of why poor choices were made!  Like most of the staff here at Villanova, I have been involved in various and numerous conversations with staff and students over recent weeks.  Other than with my learned colleagues, some of the most powerful conversations have been in my Year 12 Legal Studies class.  We share stories of trials and tribulations, successes and failures.  We set goals, we laugh, we talk…the boys work…mostly!  Sometimes our conversations turn to ‘what or who inspires you?’ You may be shocked by their response.  Having spent 12 years at Villanova College, I am not.

No longer are the inspirational figures in their lives sporting heroes, movie stars or the rich and famous.  These figures are far from the rich and famous…they are our staff!  The staff at Villanova, the whole staff, are held in such high esteem and regard.  For many of our boys, they are the sole purpose why they do what they do.  There are boys here who simply get out of bed in the morning because of the staff.  They care, they believe, they inspire, they love.  We are their family.  We are community.

The care and concern of our staff has not gone unnoticed.  They may not receive the continuous gratitude they deserve, but know that it is there.  I read an article recently by Br. Damien Price cfc. I attach it here for your reference: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/articles/believe-power-within/

Damien is a Christian Brother and has worked in many schools, including St. Laurence’s and Gregory Terrace.  In the article, he speaks of Paul ‘Woody’ Forrester and Br Sherriff.  I had the privilege to know and experience both men at SLC as a student.  I certainly concur with Damien’s assessment and inspiration of the teachers he so warmly speaks about.  For me, that person at SLC who inspired me, was in fact Br Damien Price.  I could easily spend time and minimal effort recounting the stories, fun, tears, trials and tribulations of the work I encountered with this wonderful human being.  Along with Mr Andrew McTaggart (now teaching at Marist College, Ashgrove), these are the people who inspired me to join the vocation of teaching.  They were the reason I got out of bed all those years ago.

I am also reminded of people such as Annette Cook and Kevin Couper during my time at Townsville Grammar School.  Annette was the Services Manager, looking after the cleaning, boarding kitchen and tuckshop.  Kevin was the Facilities Manager, often found atop a ladder or on a mower.  Although not classroom teachers, they were two of the most effective ‘teachers’ on staff.  What did they do to enable this?  They cared.  They built relationships…they were part of the community.  They engaged with and challenged the students.  This is no different here at Villanova.  We have some of the most talented teachers working inside and outside the classroom.  The common thread…relationships.

So, as we enter Week 10, Term 3 and the feet are sore, the head is weary and the energy low…know that each and every one of the staff here at Villanova have a gift.  For most, that gift is their presence.  Know that although their flame may be flickering in various forms of intensity, it is the light that guides the boys in our care. Thankyou!

RIP FR PAT CODD OSA
The College has received news of the death in Ireland of Fr Pat Codd OSA. Fr Pat lived and ministered in Australia from 1957 to 1999. Fr Pat taught in the Villanova Primary School from 1960 to 1973. As convenor of the tuckshop he was very popular with students. At the same time, he was the College Bursar, responsible for the finances in a time of rapid growth. Added to his responsibilities was that of Prior of the large Augustinian community. May Fr Pat rest in God’s peace.

FR ALEJANDRO MORAL ANTON OSA REELECTED AS PRIOR GENERAL
The meeting in Rome of the 186th General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine has reelected Alejandro Moral Antón, OSA as Prior General. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Fr Alejandro for accepting this service to continue to guide the Augustinian Order in the next six years in the role of Prior General.

Mr Steven Bremner, Principal (Acting)

In the Junior School today we celebrated R U OK? Day. R U OK? Day is a national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone to ask, “Are you OK?”, finding the time to have a conversation and remembering every day of the year to support people who may be struggling.

Supporting people who are struggling can be difficult. It’s difficult for adults, so it may seem to be a stretch for boys in Year 5 and Year 6 to be able to listen to and help their peers. Our boys are not expected to fix other people’s problems, nor know the best way to help and support a friend. What they can be guided to do is listen to what a friend is saying, let them know they care and encourage them to tell their parents or teachers. Our boys are also supported to tell their own parents or teachers if they are worried about a friend.

By recognising R U OK? Day, we are encouraging an environment of positive peer support in the Junior School. Being aware of the support channels available, we want our boys to understand that seeking help is a positive step in supporting their friends and themselves.

RUOK? has four Conversation Steps to help navigate a conversation when someone says, “No, I’m not OK.”

1. Ask – let your friends know you want to know about how they are going.
2. Listen – hear what your friends are saying, no judgement.
3. Encourage action – Remind your friends there are lots of people who want to help them.
4. Check in – Part of being a good friend is consistent support, it’s not a one-off conversation.

The R U OK? organisation has many resources for schools and families. They provide activities that upskill students on recognising, supporting and encouraging classmates to get help for times when they are finding it tough. A range of circumstances can lead students to feeling low, including:

• Not sleeping well
• Being bored
• Being around friends who are struggling
• Friendship issues
• Problems with schoolwork
• Disorganisation
• Big life changes

Some of the activities provided by R U OK? will be undertaken in our circle time allocation this week. Our Year 6 students have also been upskilled in this area throughout the year in their well being classes which follows our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Competencies Framework. For more information on SEL I can recommend listening to Greg O’Neill’s podcast on SEL in the Villa View, Issue 25.

R U OK? Day is also a good reminder to parents that our Pastoral Care team in the Junior School are available to support your son. In addition to classroom teachers, we have:

Maria Mascadri – Junior School Student Services
Joanne Bayley – Junior School Learning and Enhancement Program Leader
Nichole Rouhliadeff – Acting Junior School Pastoral Area Leader
Brendan Kennedy – Acting Head of Junior School
Adrian Hellwig – College Counsellor
Ashleigh Wright – College Psychologist

If you have any concerns, no matter how minor you think it may be, please feel free to contact the College so that we can support your son.

Mr Brendan Kennedy, Head of Junior School (Acting)

This term, in place of the Middle School editorial, we will be featuring a series of podcasts where we’ll discuss a range of issues relevant to our adolescent boys. Happy listening.

Episode 9 – “Role Models” with Mr Alex Sullivan

Click on the image to begin listening.

To listen to previous episodes:

Episode 1: ‘Effective Feedback’ with Ms Kate Alexander and Ms Christianne Kemp

Episode 2: “The Adolescent Brain” with Mr Greg O’Neill

Episode 3: “Mindfulness” with Mr Alex Sullivan

Episode 4: ‘Writing’ with Mr Shawn Creamer

Episode 5: “Humour” with Mr Alex Sullivan, Mr Ben Lynam, Mr Shawn Creamer and Mrs Julie Colbert

Episode 6: ‘Social Emotional Learning’ with Mr Greg O’Neill

Episode 7 – “Social Emotional Learning (Part 2)” with Dr Ashleigh Wright and Mr Adrian Hellwig

Episode 8 – “STEM” with Mrs Kate Alexander and Mrs Shannon Lynam

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

YEAR 11 LEADERSHIP DAY
Yesterday, the Year 11 cohort attended the annual Leadership Day – the culminating experience within the program leading into the selection process for the 2020 Student Leadership Team. The morning commenced with a Mass celebrated by Campus Minister Fr Saldie Resolado. In his homily, Fr Saldie questioned how do we look for leaders? The answer – through the lens of the qualities of a Villanova man. Here is an excerpt:

There are many qualifications we can lay down here to look for leader or leaders. There is the experienced camaraderie and enthusiasm when in their company. There’s the influence that moved the impossible dream. There’s the passion that stirs the gut to do what is right and just. There’s the ambition to motivate the self and the others. There’s the vision that amplifies the spirit towards success.  They are all valid and highly effective qualifications to look for in leaders.  And I propose another one; the leader we are looking for here in 2020 are those who can genuinely say the right words; the important words. Do you know the five most important words? I AM PROUD OF YOU

Leaders can see pride even in defeat, even in failures, even in mistakes.  They say the words that give courage. They say it with sincerity and with humility for the sake of the COR UNUM; the one heart on the way to God.

Acting College Principal, Mr Steven Bremner and the Chief Executive Officer for Legacy Brisbane Mr Brendan Cox both delivered keynote addresses providing some poignant reflections of leadership in action. Brendan used the analogy of the engine block (the grade), with all its parts (each individual student). In order for each part to work within the engine, it requires oil- the oil are our values and principles and non-negotiables.

In my final remarks prior to the nomination process, I discussed with the cohort the five exemplary practices of student leaders; those that:

• Model the Way
• Inspire a Shared Vision
• Enable Others to Act
• Challenge the Process
• Encourage the Heart

I am confident that the Year 11 cohort will make the right decisions in anointing the leaders of 2020 throughout the selection process. I would like to thank all Senior School Pastoral Area Leaders, Mr Tony Rolls, Mr Peter Meecham and Mr Sean O’Neill, Dean of Identity and Mission, Mr John Holroyd and College Counsellor, Mr Adrian Hellwig for their assistance and support of the Year 11 students throughout the day.

THE DRIVERS OF CREATIVITY AND SENIOR DRAMA PRODUCTION
One of the underpinning design elements of the new QCAA syllabus documents is the incorporation of the skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and teamwork, personal and social skills, ICT skills and creative thinking- known widely as the skills for the 21st century. The marketing, advertising and public relations firm Ogilvy and Mather have articulated the eight virtues which contribute to the unique culture they espouse which focuses fundamentally on the value of creativity. These virtues are:

1. Courage
2. Idealism
3. Curiosity
4. Playfulness
5. Candour
6. Intuition
7. Free-Spiritedness
8. Persistence

This insightful video unpacks these eight aspects with the power of words and images:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZeF5QhP4p8

Each year, I am amazed by the courage of our young men in the creative arts fields who express themselves through their paintings, drawings and dramatic and musical performances.

Tomorrow night, the Senior Drama Production of ‘Stocktake’- a play by Nathan Sibthorpe – will take place at Hanrahan Theatre at 7pm. I would like to congratulate Mrs Sophie Kenny and the Year 12 students for the energy invested in this production and encourage as many senior students as possible to attend.

FINAL ROUND OF AIC SPORT V ST LAURENCE’S COLLEGE
This Saturday marks the traditional rivalry round versus St Laurence’s College to mark the conclusion of the final trimester of AIC Sport for 2019. There is much to be celebrated with many basketball teams – including our First V – as well as our Thirds tennis team in a position to achieve the pinnacle which is an undefeated premiership season.

The Year 11 and 10 Cor Unum Spirit Committee Representatives have been given the responsibility to lead preparations for the weekend whilst our Year 12 students have been focussed on their September block exams and I commend them for their efforts. It would be wonderful to see support at Morningside Tennis Centre in the morning and a capacity crowd at Goold Hall before seeing a contingent of the Villa Army at Runcorn for the Rugby League. As always, I expect the highest standards of conduct and sportsmanship when competing against St Laurence’s.

“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” – Margaret Thatcher

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

BLIND EYE CONVOY
Last Thursday, Ms Amanda Waterson and I took five students and two car loads of supplies to Blind Eye Ministries – the drop-in centre for the homeless on Merivale Street, South Brisbane. We dropped off many items donated by Year 10 students from Year 10 camp, including one-person tents, canned foods and canvas carry-bags. On top of this, there has been such a stream of donations for our Winter Appeal that we still had hygiene products and canned foods to deliver.

Arriving just before lunchtime, we were greeted with great warmth, and the boys were sincerely applauded for all the efforts of the College community. Blind Eye is a safe and welcoming meeting place both for the patrons and also our students. It is a place where we have the privilege of encountering people who are currently sleeping rough, or in temporary hostels. It is a place of education and Christian hospitality. To have the conversations with the patrons is the antidote to any feelings of entitlement. As one of the managers, Roby, said to the students, “One day when you are all millionaires, you can donate to this place!”

On the subject of donations, we were shown the sparkling new shower facility. You can see very vividly the difference that generous people are making at the centre. We also listened to the plans to open Blind Eye every day next year. Certainly, if you are seeking to do some volunteering with your son/s, I recommend the experience of volunteering at Blind Eye.

The Villanova College Mission Statement talks about producing men of Gospel values who uphold the common good. These aren’t just fine words. Every young man who takes seriously the idea of generously sharing his gifts and talents will make a difference to the community – and to himself.

UNVEILING OF FR ROD CAMERON OSA  PLAQUE – SACRED SPACE NEAR THE TOLLE LEGE LIBRARY
The official opening of a beautiful new section to the Sacred Space near the Tolle Lege Library occurred last Thursday. Organised by staff member Barbara Dewis, a plaque now graces the back wall of the new garden built by Mr John Westphal (Maintenance staff) last holidays. The plaque acknowledges the wonderful work of Fr Rod Cameron OSA, a former teacher of the College, in reaching out the hand of friendship and humility to the indigenous peoples of far North Queensland.

Barbara spoke at the unveiling of the continued importance of the work of the Augustinians at the Mareeba Parish. The garden is well worth a look, it has been superbly created to evoke the Australian landscape. Staff member Mr Col Grant explained that the backdrop of stars reflects the importance placed in indigenous culture upon reading the night sky, with some indigenous elders able to name 3000 different stars.

Congratulations go especially to Ms Dewis for organising an occasion which captures the spirit of reconciliation and creates a new sacred space for our campus.

RECYCLING REFUNDABLE BOTTLES AND CANS
The opposite of sacred spaces is treating the environment without respect. Pope Francis describes consumerism as “the great disease today” in his letter to all people of goodwill in the world (Laudato Si). Even on a small scale, the problems of being a consumer are made visible at Villanova College when students place food waste or general waste in one of the 28 bins provided for bottles and cans. This careless act then compounds the difficulty of recycling, whilst also encouraging the young crows which scavenge for food.

There is a great deal of very down-to-earth action which we all can take on the campus now to bring about change. Most important of all, is modelling the simple care needed to put the right rubbish in the right bin. Even and especially when we are with our friends and peers.

To throw food in the wrong bin is not a victimless crime. Even with the efforts of many YAYM, SVP and Student Council students – usually led by Fr Saldie (Campus Minister) – it is Erica Brown (our Cleaning Supervisor) who ends up doing the brunt of the recycling. Without her heart-felt commitment, we would not be making progress in the field of becoming more sustainable.

The next spend of money earned through the recycling will be on Villanova handballs. I hope these will add lustre to the many handball games you see every day, and perhaps will form a welcome gift to our new Year 5 students next year.

RUOK DAY, JUNIOR SCHOO – 12 SEPTEMBER 2019
Speaking of creating a vibrant and welcoming culture, a special thank you also goes to Mrs Maria Mascadri for all her organisation of today’s RUOK Day in the Junior School.

Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity

Villanova had another good round of results against St Patrick’s College on the weekend. Overall, we won the day in both basketball and tennis with St Pat’s taking out the day in rugby league.

The final round of AIC basketball, rugby league and tennis will be played this weekend against St Laurence’s College. Our College trialled against St Laurence’s in most of the A and B games at the beginning of the season. From those results the Villanova boys can go into this round feeling confident of their abilities. I am pleased to report that our lead in the AIC basketball aggregate is very substantial heading into the final round. Although it seems we have the basketball aggregate wrapped up, we still require all teams to finish the season off well this weekend.

Overall, we have many basketball teams in a position to take out a premiership this weekend. In addition, we have a good number of teams who need to win this weekend as well as hope some other results go our way to take out a premiership. The 6B and Third V tennis teams are also in premiership contention if they gain success this weekend. At the end of the day we can only control what we do this weekend and hope things go our way elsewhere. Nevertheless, the expectation is the same for all students. We train hard, play hard and give our very best for our team and the College. I am sure that our boys will not take the opposition lightly as I know they have a hunger to come away with the silverware after this weekend.

I ask all boys to keep up their efforts at track and field training. After this week we can solely give track and field our full attention as the basketball, rugby league and tennis programs will be finished. Last weekend we saw our boys compete in the second AIC track and field meet at SAF for the season. Given the Year 5 and Year 6  AIC basketball commitments, we knew the numbers would be lower than expected. This Friday we have another meet set down at SAF. We expect full attendance by all squad members (excluding the Year 5 and Year 6 basketball players). After this week we only have four more weeks of training before the Track and Field Championships are held in Week 3 next term. Not long to go now, so our full attention and commitment to training and to all meets must be placed high on our priority. Track and field training will continue next week on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at QSAC as per usual.

The Villanova College swim program commenced this week with two sessions offered to all boys from Year 5 – Year 12. Traditionally, most of the boys within the school (as well as those who are enrolled at the College in 2020) will commence training in Week 1 next term. At a total price of $150 for the season, it is certainly good value for money. I encourage as many students as possible to avail themselves of this program. One thing is for sure, if we want results, we must put the work in now! Please refer to the website to download the swimming registration form.

As mentioned above, the final round of AIC fixtures this weekend will see Villanova up against St Laurence’s. This will be the final time that our Year 12 students will play basketball, rugby league and tennis for the green and gold. I thank these men for their contributions given over the years and wish them, as well as all other teams, the very best this weekend. Let’s go hard until the end boys and please enjoy!

AIC TENNIS, RUGBY LEAGUE AND BASKETBALL ROUND 7 V ST LAURENCE’S COLLEGE
FRIDAY 13 AND SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER – TIMES AND VENUES

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

Canteen Roster – Round 7 Basketball
Please see the roster for Saturday’s basketball matches against St Laurence’s College. We are hosting the older boys this week and there are many teams in line for premierships, as well as the basketball aggregate. We will need some parents to cook the barbecue at 7.15am in preparation for a big morning and we would be grateful if some 10B and/or 10B parents could arrive a little earlier to organise this, as it sets us up for the morning.

VILLANOVA SWIMMING
Please be advised that the Villanova College swim program has commenced for all students from Year 5  Year 12. The numbers participating so far have been pleasing despite many of our students currently involved with basketball, rugby league, tennis and the track and field training programs.

We are hoping many more students will join the program as of Week 1 next term. The cost of these sessions will be a one-off fee of $150 per student for the entire season leading up to Week 1 of the school year in 2020. This is outstanding value for money as students can access up to three sessions per week for nearly four months plus the two sessions offered up until Week 1 next term. You can’t get better than that!

All students who are interested must complete a swimming rego/payment form available from the Sports Office and found on the College website. We encourage as many boys as possible to participate. Our success in 2020 is dependent upon the work put in this year!

Villanova Swimming Training Schedule
All training sessions will be held at the Villanova College pool (please enter off Eighth Avenue to access the pool) until the new Langlands Park Memorial Pool complex is complete. All training will then revert to Langlands Park Memorial Pool on Monday 28 October. Langlands Park Memorial Pool is located at 5 Panitya Street, Stones Corner. All training sessions will be under the direction of Mr Gilly Santos – Villanova Swim Coach (Years 9 – 12) and Ms Kerry Holland – Villanova Swim Coach (Years 5 – 8).

Training is open to all students who hope to become a member of Villanova’s 2020 Swim Team or for students wishing to increase their physical fitness.  Please note that these sessions are for students who are capable swimmers, they are not ‘learn to swim’ sessions. Parents who are looking for ‘learn to swim’ sessions may wish to enrol their son/s in an alternate program run at Langland’s Pool.

Below is the initial training schedule as from Tuesday 10 September 2019 – Thursday 3 October 2019:

The training schedule commencing Tuesday 8 October 2019 onwards is below:

Fees: A flat fee of $150 will be charged per student for all training sessions up until the start of the 2020 school year. This includes all sessions over the summer holiday period. Students are then entitled to attend as many training sessions as possible throughout this period. Altogether, those who join the program could have access up to 50 training sessions throughout this period at a cost of only $150 (this is $3 per session by highly skilled and qualified swim coaches). The more sessions you attend the more value for money you receive. This represents outstanding value.

Kerry has asked all members of the Jets swim club to also participate at least one of the Villanova squad sessions each week and the Friday morning session.  These additional sessions will help build team spirit and provide further skills training for Met East squads and relay practice.

Please Note: For current students, payments are to be made through Parent Lounge – Tours & Excursions. Parents with boys commencing in 2020 can pay through Trybooking –  https://www.trybooking.com/BFGPB

Flipper/Pool Buoy and Bag: All students are required to purchase their own flippers and pool buoy for training. Langland’s Pool will supply your son with a training pack at a cost of $70. Please click here for the order form, which must be lodged with Langlands Park Memorial Pool (not Villanova College) to receive your training gear at a discounted price.

Special Welcome Breakfast: A breakfast will be held for all squad members on Friday 11 October at the Villanova College Pool (not Langlands Park Memorial Pool). This breakfast will replace the training session scheduled that day. All squad members are invited to join including the students entering the College in Year 5 and Year 7 in 2020. It is simply a meet and greet breakfast which all coaches and managers will attend. Breakfast will commence at 7.00am.

For those who wish to take advantage of this opportunity, please complete the attached forms and return them to the Junior School Office (Junior School students) or the Sports Office (Middle and Senior School students).  Late comers will be accepted; however, they will be required to pay the full fee.

Students entering Villanova College in 2020, particularly our new Year 5 and Year 7 students are asked to either email the form through to the Sports Office email sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au  or post to: Director of Sport, Villanova College, PO Box 1166, COORPAROO DC 4151.

If you have any further queries please contact the Villanova College Swim Co-ordinator, Mrs Juanita Jacobs via email jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au.  Alternatively, please contact the Sports Office on 3394 5621.

AIC WATER POLO
Students from Year 7 – Year 12 who are interesting in playing AIC water polo in Term 4 must register their interest via Mrs Jacobs jjacob@vnc.qld.edu.au. At this early stage it is likely that the water polo competition will be played over a one-day tournament only in Term 4, most likely a Sunday. In previous years it has been played on Wednesday afternoons after school. The teams will most likely be the same, that is three in total – Opens, Year 9 – Year 10 and Year 7 – Year 8. If we do not get enough interest, we will not nominate teams. We will publish more details of this competition when more information comes to hand. Please be aware that the College will accept nominations from those who participated in the AIC swim program only.

AIC TENNIS
Mr Craig Stariha, AIC Tennis Co-ordinator

Well done to all tennis players on some great results over the weekend against St Patrick’s. Overall, we won the day including a solid win by the First V tennis team. Currently we have the 6B and Third V teams in contention for a premiership if they win their games this weekend. With the final round remaining against St Laurence’s College, I challenge all boys to continue to do their very best and finish off the season well. We wish the Year 12 boys all the best as they play their final round of tennis for the green and gold this weekend.

Villanova Tennis Championship – Date Claimer Saturday 12 October
Please be aware that we will run the annual Villanova Tennis Championships at Morningside Tennis Centre on Saturday 12 October. After the tournament we will award the Middle School (Years 7 – 9) and Senior School (Years 10 – 12) Tennis Champion. The Junior School (Years 5 and 6) Champion will be decided during training this week.

We encourage all players from Years  7 – 12 to nominate themselves for this tournament. All those interested must register their interest and nominate via the online link – https://www.classhub.com.au/provider/tennisgear/2019/3?programId=130

Further information regarding the Championship can be found on the flyer by clicking here and has been posted on the AIC Tennis section of the website. Please be aware – only those who played AIC Tennis or were listed as reserves may nominate. We encourage all AIC Tennis players to nominate.

AIC Tennis Results v St Patrick’s College

AIC BASKETBALL
Mr Sean O’Neill, AIC Basketball Co-ordinator

 The round against St Patrick’s was always billed as a very tough assignment and the result was as expected. Every game showed a huge amount of skill and intensity and every team required a disciplined approach to be able to succeed. We ended the round with 22 wins, one draw and seven losses and every player and team should be proud of their efforts. The First V had one of the toughest match ups of the season and we knew how tough they were going to be when in the first quarter, they had stretched the lead out to 20 points. It took a level of composure and confidence to drag themselves back into the game to be leading by two at half time. The second half continued to be an arm-wrestle and the team should be very proud of their ability to come away as victors. They are now undefeated through six games with one to go.

This week has us up against St Laurence’s College in one of the great rivalries in our competition. We are winning the aggregate championship at the moment and hopefully we can continue our fine form and finish with a fifth straight championship. With the final game coming up this weekend, it is important that players and parents take the opportunity to thank the coaches for all of the time and effort put in throughout the Term. It is a huge commitment and they are all very passionate about Villanova and the development of the players so please ensure everyone takes the time to thank them.

Have a great final round this week!

AIC Basketball Results v St Patrick’s College

AIC RUGBY LEAGUE
Mr Blake McLauchlan, AIC Rugby League Co-ordinator

We completed Round 6 versus St Patrick’s College with three wins and four losses. Congratulations to our Year 5, Year 6 and Year 8 teams for taking out wins.  It was fantastic to see all teams scoring points with some impressive attacking combinations. At times throughout the day, our boys were on top in games that we lost, but simple errors coupled with fatigue allowed SPC to capitalise and get the win.

Unfortunately, the First XIII went down against a side that was very beatable. The boys again demonstrated that they can score points, crossing over for two tries through the middle of the ruck in the first half. St Patrick’s were then able to quickly capitalise on a few opportunities handed to them with two quick tries at the start of the second half, completely changing the momentum of the match. I urge the First XIII to remain composed as they look towards going into battle against St Laurence’s College on their own turf this weekend.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the seniors taking to the field in their last match of rugby league for Villanova the best of luck. To be named as part of Villanova’s inaugural First XIII rugby league team is a special achievement, so I encourage all our boys to cherish the moment as it is something that they will no doubt look back on with fond memories.

This weekend we take on St Laurence’s College at Runcorn. I challenge our boys to bring a positive mindset to the game and back themselves this weekend for the final round.  Taking on St Laurence’s at their home ground can be a difficult task at times, so I urge all players to play fairly but aggressively.

I would like to once again remind all parents that they are not to approach a coach, referee, NRL representative or any member of the opposing school. If there are any issues or concerns that parents may have regarding rugby league, they should be directed to the Rugby League Coordinator or Director of Sport.

I wish all teams the best of luck for the final round versus St Laurence’s College. Play within the spirit of the game and as always, chase the win.

AIC Rugby League Results v St Patrick’s College

AIC TRACK AND FIELD
The third AIC Track and Field meet for the season will be held tomorrow at SAF. This meet will be for all students from Year 5 to Year 12 and we would expect all boys to attend excluding those involved in Year 5 and Year basketball. Bus transportation will be provided. Year 5 and Year 6 students will depart Villanova by bus at 2.00pm and return by bus at 5.30pm. Year 7 – Year 12 students will depart by bus at 3.15pm and return to the College at 8.15pm. Parents are welcome to collect their son from the venue. The full program for this week’s meet is below.

AIC Track and Field Program – Friday 13 September at SAF

Schedule of Track Events – Friday September 13 at SAF

Schedule of Field Events – Friday September 13 at SAF

Running Spikes/Waffles
The Sports Office is looking for donations from families of any old running spikes or waffles that you may have lying at the bottom of a cupboard. Some athletes, particularly the younger ones, would benefit from borrowing a pair to run in. We would like to have a supply of these shoes to lend out to boys on championship days when they run on the tartan tracks.

Year 5 and Year 6 Track and Field – Holiday Training
An invitation for all-comers – boys/girls and adults – contact Tom Lonergan – lonert24@gmail.com

Training will be held at Whites Hill Rec Reserve, (Boundary Road Camp Hill) 8.30 – 10 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of both holiday weeks and Monday 7 October. We meet at Cricket Oval # 3 for Tabata and will have Interval training and Bush Trail running in most sessions. All training sessions are conducted from 8.30 – 10 am. Those who have transport difficulties are asked to contact classmates and ask for a lift to training.

Note: The training session for Friday 4 October will be held at SAF Nathan 8.30am – 10 am.

This will give you a chance to train on the tartan track. If you are serious about representing Villanova College in the 800m you need to do the holiday training.

AIC Track and Field Meets – 2019

ZONE CRICKET
All cricket teams for the Term 4 competition will be published on the College web next week. Coaches and managers will be in contact with parents about the season ahead and responsibilities that need to be fulfilled. Training for all year levels next term will begin the first Tuesday morning back (Monday is a public holiday). The training schedule is located in the Sports Locker Room on the College website. If there is a clash with other commitments, please contact the Sports Office and we will have a look at managing the clash. The first round of matches will begin on Saturday 12 October and the draw for the season will be sent to all parents by team managers once they have been advertised.

Thank you to Ross Whitby and Jeff Ilka for all the pre-season work you have put in to get the players sorted and all the other requirements that need to be completed before teams can take the field. Thanks also to the parents for volunteering to be assistant coaches and coordinate the placement of players into teams.

There will be a meeting for all coaches and managers next Wednesday evening at 6.30pm in Goold Hall. Cricket kits will be available for collection and we will run through the expectations of EDJCA and BEARS for the upcoming season.

CRICKET CAMP – SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
10K Sports will run a cricket camp for all interested students from Years 5 – Year 10 during the up-coming holidays at Villanova Park, 2 – 4 October. This will be a great opportunity for our players to hone their cricketing skills before the up-coming club season as well as the AIC cricket trials which will be conducted early to mid-next term.

All registration details are found on the flyer (click here) and have been posted on the website under the AIC Cricket section. We encourage all cricketers to attend.

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

MAINTAIN ROUTINE
Just a quick note that all ensembles will continue rehearsal through until the end of term.  Please ensure your son is available for all sessions.  If he is unable to attend due to illness, please make sure that a message is sent to the Ensemble Director and or the Music Office beforehand.  The Villanova College absentee line also has a music option – feel free to leave a voice message there should you be unable to send an email easily in the morning (i.e. in transit to work or other drop-offs).

AUDITION MATERIALS – BAND AND STRINGS 2020
We have been awaiting some late submissions of auditions for next year.  As such, we are unable to post ensembles this week.  Ensembles for 2020 will be posted during the final week of this term.  Apologies for the delay.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK 2019
If you have purchased books through the drive, please collect your books from the Music Office.  If you require clarification around collection of your Entertainment Books, please contact Mrs Schrauf in the Music Office on 3394 5691.

Entertainment Books can still be purchased through our Villanova Music Support Group portal (link below) or through the Music Office.

Thank you all very much for your continued support of this initiative.  We look forward to being one of Entertainments biggest contributors again!

DATE CLAIMERS

Thank you all for your continued support of Villanova Music.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

YEAR 12 DRAMA PRODUCTION – FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
Do you have weekend job?  Well these boys do and everything goes wrong. Be at the Hanrahan Theatre on Friday evening to support our Year 12 Drama students in their Senior Production. Doors open at 7.00pm. Gold coin donation on entry.

2019 BOOK WEEK
Villanova’s 2019 Book Week will kick off on Monday 14 October and culminate on Saturday, 19 October. During this time, the ground floor of the Tolle Lege Library will be converted into a Book Shop to which our whole community is invited. We have asked Dymocks and The Book Warehouse to supply us with their latest good reads, Christmas gift ideas and books for the whole family. The Tolle Lege Library and Book Shop will be open from 7.30am each day and close at 4.30pm each afternoon.

As part of our Book Week celebrations, we are thrilled to welcome John Larkin to Villanova College as our Junior and Middle School author-in-residence. John’s books for young adults include his latest release The Pause (winner of the Queensland Literary Awards Griffith University Young Adult Book Award 2015), as well as Shadow Girl (winner of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards Prize for Writing for Young Adults 2012). John will be running class workshops with each Junior and Middle School class during the week. He will closely work with the boys and no doubt inspire them to write for enjoyment!

Our celebrations will end with our Writers Festival. The festival will run from 3.30pm -8.00pm Friday evening and 9.00am until 3.00pm on Saturday.  John will run the entire festival and this will be a great opportunity for students across the entire school to work closely with an accomplished author.

John will step them through the writing process and mentor them throughout the weekend on the completion of a piece of creative writing. The cost of the weekend will be $30. Student will be provided with afternoon tea and dinner on Friday as well as morning tea and lunch on Saturday. They will also receive their own writing journal for their work.

See the attached fliers for more information about our 2019 Book Week and registration for the Writers Festival.

 P&F TRIVIA NIGHT – 19 OCTOBER
Start organising your table of 10 for the Villanova College P&F Trivia Night on Saturday 19 October from 6.30pm in Goold Hall. BYO food and drinks – $25 per head. To book your tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/BFDGZ

2019 DERBY DAY FOR LADIES
Tickets are now on sale for the 6th Annual Derby Day for Ladies at Blackbird Bar and Grill on Saturday 2 November from 1.00pm – 4.00pm. Click the image for further information and the ticketing link.

TUCKSHOP
To view our current tuckshop menu:
Tuckshop Menu Price List – 2019

TUCKSHOP ROSTER

Monday 16 September
Lauren Audet
Gina Avolio
Anna Stines
Marnie Dalrymple
Melissa Young
Janet Rogers

Tuesday 17 September
Gerda Odonnell
Marina Ryan
Allison Holt
Mary-Anne Peralta
Ellen Greer
Ann O’Brien
Belinda Taylor
Robyn Dickie
Leanne Roulant
Eleni Diakos

Wednesday 18 September
Lily Fontana
Karen Blue
Connie Collins
Deb Griffiths
Anastasia Bailey
Cleo Manolis

Thursday 19 September
Michelle Boxall
Bernadette Perrier
Louise Wilson
Lisa Kelly
Anita Lazzarin
Belinda McPherson
Flora Di Stasi
Rachel Jones
Michelle Thomson
Annetta Cayas
Mandy Tong

Friday 20 September
Veronica Kennedy
Tracy Pereira-Trevethan
Nikki Reid
Caroline Caffery
Gregoria Makras
Nakeeta Sturgess
Allan Greig
Kelly Rigby

LIBRARY ROSTER

Monday 16 September
Luisa Snell
Cristina Palacios
Cec McGuckin

Tuesday 17 September
Cristina Palacios
Melanie Pickering
Susanna Greaves

Thursday 19 September
Sue Mulligan
Maryanne Bingham

Friday 20 September
Gina Avolio
Gab Byrne

VILLANOVA MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE
The Middle School Dance will be held on Friday October 11 at Carindale PCYC from 6.00pm – 9.00pm.  Cost of entry will be $15 and invited schools will be required to provide student ID.