Villa View: Issue 28

Dear Members of the Villanova College Family

The plight of the farmers affected by the severe drought gripping many rural areas of our country has captured the attention of students and staff at Villanova College. Three Year 8 students, Tom Price, Thomas Hoctor and Patrick Grigson wanted to raise funds for the farmers and make a difference in the lives of rural families.  So, the three students provided a barbecue breakfast and lunch at Villanova College last week during the Saturday basketball round and when the College hosted the Regional Finals of Tournament of Minds. Through their efforts the three passionate students raised over $600 for the St Vincent de Paul Drought Appeal. This donation was further enhanced from the money raised in the Junior School- “Dress like a Farmer Day” held last Thursday. Thank you to Miss Kelson Lee and her team of helpers. In total over $1500 was raised for the appeal.

Saint Mary MacKillop was renowned for her generous spirit said, “Never see a need without trying to do something about it.” These young men and our staff saw a need and responded. Well done to all involved.

Saint Augustine Mass
Thank you to Fr Peter Wieneke OSA- College Chaplain for celebrating a special Mass last Friday as our community celebrated the Feast Day of St Augustine. Augustine’s story is a fascinating one. He was recognised for his intelligence at an early age and was identified for great opportunities. However, his restless heart caused him to search for something more. This search finally brought him to God. His boundless love of God inspired his prolific writings and today he is considered one of the Fathers of the Catholic Church.

Ordination
The Order of St Augustine is pleased to announce the Ordination to the Priesthood of Br Nguyen Ngoc Hai Dang OSA on Saturday 22 September commencing at 10.00 am at St James Church, Coorparoo. Archbishop Mark Coleridge will confer the Sacrament of Holy Orders to Deacon Dang.

We keep Deacon Dang in our prayers as he prepares for this important occasion.

Deceased Students, Old Boys and Staff Mass
This Sunday, 9 September the College community will gather in Goold Hall for a special Mass to remember students, Old Boys and members of staff who have passed away. Mass will commence at 10.00 am and all are most welcome to attend. Morning Tea will follow Mass.

Prayers Please
We keep in our prayers Mr Dennis Harvey – Past Principal of Villanova College and his wife Mary following the recent death of Mary’s mother, Betty Watt.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, College Principal

Junior School staff are currently involved in helping plan the physical layout of the new precinct to be built in the Villanova College Master Plan.  We have had considerable time to trial and adapt changes to our learning environments and pedagogy over the past five years with our shared spaces.  Feedback has been constant about how “best” to structure a day of learning and this will always depend on the child, the class group and the teacher.  No one pedagogy or classroom layout will ever please every educator, as years of experience and professional preferences vary.  Yet, physical surrounds can have a significant impact on the mindset of the learner.  We aim to have high expectations for our community, behaviourally, academically and socially – that will never change.

It is no secret that boys love to move and make noise.  Visitors are often relieved to see that the boys can make use of rooms that allow their son to choose a location, that means he is more likely to be on task and achieve more in the time set.  Teachers, using collaborative practices, can set up teaching and learning stations that ensure differentiated levels are catered for, relationships are nurtured, and the students are the focus – their wellbeing and sense of belonging is paramount.

Some classes are trialling “no tidy trays” at the moment.  Pigeon holes and storage spaces are being used to store belongings, so that boys can freely move tables into many configurations over the day, with minimal fuss.  This means that boys can change whom they work with across subject areas and enables them to move depending on their own needs for the day – is it quiet, focused work space or peer mentoring that I need today for this task?  There is no ownership as such, but a fresh start every morning, looking at the day’s timetable and accounting for social and emotional sense of self.

All classes are working towards 50 percent (some around 70 percent) of time spent with “doors open,” between two classes.  Even though groups can still work separately, our students are becoming familiar with having two teachers to call upon for instruction, feedback or praise.  Possibilities are increased dramatically when one teacher can then incorporate incidental learning with a group, whilst the other teacher continues the planned tasks.  We can fulfil the 21st Century Learning Skills (http://www.p21.org/our-work/p21-framework) best when we can first-hand demonstrate them to our students.  Problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and life/career skills, become the “everyday” – and therefore are consolidated into a natural state of working.

Instruction in classrooms needs design principles, just as learning, feedback and assessment need guidelines.  We need to be accountable for how we invite our boys to learn and move forward through a National Curriculum, in a way that sustains interest and fosters success.  The boys need to know that we are mindful of them in our planning – that they are welcome, wanted, and warrant us to make changes we never dreamed were possible.  Maybe our walls should have more glass – to see outside our own space, to let more light in, and so that others can see us engaged and happy.  Maybe our teachers can use their strengths to teach what they are passionate about – and sharing this with another professional means better planning for the full curriculum load.  Ideas for future planning and on how best to revise, study and master knowledge and skills are more likely to come to fruition when working together.  Seizing the moment – embracing our opportunities – will take us into a Junior School of the future.

As parents, you may have suggestions we could consider.  I would appreciate any ideas, be they a simple list or research based.  Please feel free to email me (srouhliadeff@vnc.qld.edu.au) suggestions based on your own working environment – flexible spaces in the “real world” are certainly becoming more common.  The jobs our sons will have in the future are not currently even a reality – so let’s ensure that our teaching and learning changes to give them every chance of getting what they want in life – in a world that has not yet arrived.

Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Year 5 Father and Son BBQ

In the past week, schools have gained access to their results from this year’s NAPLAN testing. Upon initial analysis, our Middle School students have again risen to the challenge of NAPLAN and their achievements are worthy of celebration:

• Benchmarked against the National Minimum standard, we excelled.
• Benchmarked against the mean for QLD boys, we excelled.
• Benchmarked against the 5-12 Catholic boy’s schools within our AIC association, we excelled.

For me, I was especially pleased with the ongoing progress of our Year 9 students – we have been tracking their growth since their arrival in Year 5 or Year 7. Their strong performance validates the cohort’s own academic efforts, the work of their teachers and the support of you the parents.

However, I believe it is worth noting that using NAPLAN, a moment in time testing instrument, to simply ‘benchmark’ doesn’t tell the whole story of the data we’ve collected from such testing.

Over the coming weeks our staff will undertake a detailed analysis of the results. We want to accurately measure growth, i.e. two years of schooling equating to two years of growth. We also want to explore in greater detail the student results, looking for opportunities for future areas of growth an improvement. Tests such as NAPLAN and the PAT testing (which our students undertake later in the year) provide us with excellent diagnostic tools about what our boys can do well and which parts of the curriculum need tweaking.

Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Year 12 QCS Test and Exam Block
Congratulations to the Year 12 students who sat the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test this week. From my observations supervising, coupled with my conversations with students, the cohort performed to the best of their ability and utilised the strategies developed throughout the course of the preparatory program in their ISP lessons.

Now that the QCS Test is completed, our Year 12s must now shift their focus immediately to the September examination block which commences next Tuesday. These exams will determine the rank order (R6) which will be submitted (along with samples of student work) to the QCAA panels for review and confirmation. All Year 12 students are encouraged to take full advantage of the tutorials and study resources offered by academic staff to ensure they are well prepared.

All Year 11 and 12 students should be familiar with the College’s expectations pertaining to their exam block. They are as follows:

1. Exam block is a privilege not to be abused;
2. Nothing changes regarding our high expectations of student conduct;
3. Students must be attired in full Academic Uniform at all times, for any reason (e.g.: handing in an assignment);
4. Students must be appropriately groomed, especially clean shaven- students will be sent to Langlands to shave if necessary;
5. Students are to be present for their examination at least 10 mins prior to its commencement with all necessary equipment;
6. If students are studying on campus, they may use the Tolle Lege Library for independent study or the SSC for collaborative study;
7. No food or drink is to be consumed inside the SSC during study;
8. Students must be respectful of the rest of the school who are still on their normal timetabled schedules;
9. Students are not permitted to be playing games (basketball etc..) unless it is during normal break times;
10. Students are only permitted to congregate at cafes/ restaurants if they are on their way home and are to be respectful of patrons and conscious of how they are representing the College.

Best wishes to all Senior School students during this examination period.

Student Leadership
Earlier today I addressed the Year 11 cohort regarding the process for the selection of the 2019 Student Leadership Team. The importance of establishing a strong culture of student leadership in the Senior School is a core component of the Formation Program. Students who ultimately become elected into the Student Leadership Team will be contributing to Villanova College in an extraordinary way. Their involvement in a wide range of sporting, cultural, music and/or ministry activities coupled with a strong commitment to their academic pathway will ensure that they act as fine role models to the younger students within the College as well as inspiring their peers.

The Villanova College Student Leadership Model is underpinned by the following dimensions of leadership which reflect our three gateway values:

Over the coming weeks, I will unpack each dimension, starting with Academic Leadership.

At Villanova College, we seek to educate young men and assist them to realise the fullness of their potential on their Restless Search for Truth. As such we expect that our senior students are committed to their path of study making every effort to achieve to the best of their ability and be an academic role model for their peers and those in younger grades. By taking studies seriously, encouraging others to do the same, and being cooperative and respectful to all others involved in the learning process in classes, a senior student leader contributes to a positive class climate where the potential of all can be realised.

Podcast of the Week
One of the intentional threads that we endeavour to weave throughout our Senior School Formation program is the importance of effective study. I have shared in my column throughout the year various strategies and ideas which seek to provide students with ways to maximise the value of their study time. My podcast of the week provides further insights to heighten productivity. The guest featured on the episode is Chris Bailey, author of ‘Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction’. He outlines why you need to be intentional about directing your attention, why multitasking actually causes you to be less productive, and the surprisingly long time it takes to get refocused when you get distracted.

You can access the episode by following this link:

https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-focus/

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness- it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practising gratitude.” – Brene Brown

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Book Buddies
Last week, we held the second meeting of the Villanova and Loreto Year 7 Book Buddies. This group is a collaboration between the Villanova and Loreto Libraries. Our aim is to bring together students from both schools over their love for books. It was particularly encouraging to see students returning for the second event and new students joining the group. Our next event will be held next term, hosted by the Villanova Library but held at a local bookstore. This will be our Christmas event at which the students will be treated to a book chat, have an opportunity to buy books and have a chance to win prizes. We hope to see even more Villanova boys attending.

Ryan Hegerty, a loyal Book Buddy, shares his thoughts …

Book buddies was an exciting experience that I can’t wait to do again.  On Thursday 30 August some Year 7 Villanova and Loreto students got together at Loreto Library for a Book Buddies afternoon.  At Book Buddies we played book themed games.  My favourite was a trivia cross bingo.  Another thing I look forward to at Book Buddies is the delicious afternoon tea that they serve.  Book Buddies is an extremely enjoyable experience and I would recommend anyone to come along.

Oliver
A short time ago we were fortunate to be approached by the bookstore, Where the Wild Things Are, to host Oliver Phommavanh. Oliver is a well-recognised young Australian author who has just released his latest book, Natural Born Leader Loser. So, on Wednesday, September 19, Oliver will be addressing the Year 5, 6 and 8 students. He will make a 50-minute presentation covering his life as an author, his latest book, what inspires and motivates him as an author and what it is like growing up the child of a migrant family. This will resonate with our students who have this term been studying Australia’s migration history to present day.

Shortly, we will be distributing order forms for Oliver’s new book. The book can be ordered and collected by the students on presentation day.  Oliver will also sign these books at the completion of his presentation.

It is always a pleasure to host an Australian author at Villanova. Reading is foundational to academic success, and we believe strongly in promoting lifelong reading. Your support of your son is also key to his development of healthy reading habits.

Please contact us in the Tolle Lege Library (3394 5532) if you want more information about Oliver’s visit or help with encouraging your son to read for enjoyment.

Antonietta Neighbour, Director of Research Services

Mass of St Augustine
The College came together last Friday to celebrate the life and witness of St Augustine. College Chaplain, Fr Peter Wieneke, focused on two key features of Augustine’s journey, namely his restless search for truth and his commitment to the shaping influence of a loving God in our lives. Regarding the first point, Fr Pete urged the boys to always seek ways to change themselves and be better. The second idea links to the first, because the homily dramatically presented God as like a potter who always works to shape and bring out the unique beauty in each person. God never gives up on us; we must never give up on making progress.

Each student received a red chocolate heart from the Student Council and the Junior School Religion team. Within the Augustinian crest, there is a heart, a book and a flame. If each member of the community does a little bit extra to make others feel safe and at home, to support others in their learning, to show and share their enthusiasm and spirit, then we will truly be a place of learning with heart.

RUOK Initiatives
The YAYM Father’s Day Stall ran at breaktime all last week, with younger students flooding in to purchase the gift bundles put together by Ms Underhill and her team. All profits go to the RUOK Day initiative, which seeks to change cultures by prompting better conversations – conversations where we feel we have permission to say, “I am not OK.” The success of the stall shows how many boys care deeply about family and having good conversations at home. Both Junior and Senior School also have initiatives leading up to RUOK day on Thursday 13 September. One Year 11 Business Class will run a sausage sizzle tomorrow (Friday) with the proceeds going to RUOK. (Please bring $2 for a sausage in bread or a soft drink or $3 for the combo.)

Vinnies Farmers Appeal
After the very successful dress-as-a-farmer day in Junior School last Thursday – conceived and led by Miss Kelson Lee, we have been able to combine the takings with the profit made by the barbecue the previous Saturday during Tournament of Minds.  We have now made a transfer of over $1500 to the Vinnies Drought Relief Appeal.

From Villa to the Farm (Tom Price, Year 8)

Legacy Week:
This week is Legacy Week and perhaps appropriately it falls after Father’s Day. It is a week in which we may reflect on the difficult days in the calendar for some families, for example if mum or dad is no longer there because of service for Australia in the armed forces. Legacy works to ensure that such families stay connected to the community, and that appropriate opportunities are given to the children. If you wish to donate, please buy a wristband or a pin from Reception or from Mrs Lamb in Middle School Student Services.

Winter Appeal and Blind Eye Ministry
A convoy of two vehicles set out from the College last Tuesday to deliver still more supplies for people who are homeless and at risk to Blind Eye Ministries. We received a royal and humbling welcome. The volunteers and the patrons all gathered round to express a warm appreciation for everything that you, the Villanova community have given.

Raffle for Melbourne Storm jersey – for AFAS Elders
Former College Captain Christian Welch (‘11) has donated a signed Melbourne Storm jersey which is being raffled to support AFAS Elders. AFAS Elders are a group of Villanova staff, recent students, and parents who will travel to Kinatarcan Island – a storm-hit part of the Philippines – in December to fund and help build a much-needed school-room. The island lies three hours North of Cebu and has 9000 inhabitants. Two years ago, the Elders paid for and built a drying house for the staple crop. The aim is now to fund and build a school-room for the community.

Raffle tickets are $1 each, or 15 for $10. The tickets can be purchased from Mrs Lamb or Mrs Mascadri (Junior and Middle School) or Goold Hall canteen each Saturday. Christian went on an AFAS exchange in 2009, and has recently been recognised by the NRL for his work in supporting Camp Quality, an organisation which supports young people with cancer, and also their families. The draw for the raffle will occur on Monday 17 September.

John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity

A Direct Appeal from Legacy
As part of Legacy Week, I wish to thank you for your support to Legacy Brisbane.

Legacy continues to support the families of our fallen and the families of our incapacitated veterans.   The money raised during Legacy Week will enable us to continue to deliver upon a 100-year-old Battlefield promise to look after these families.    Since 1923 Legacy has continued to operate and we could not do this without the generosity of the Australian corporate and public community.

On Saturday 8 September the Defence Charity Ball will mark the end of Legacy Week and members of the public, corporate and Defence communities will come together to celebrate Legacy’s ongoing service in our community.   Although the Ball is nearly sold out, members of your community can still support Legacy by bidding on one of the many ‘silent auction’ items listed at: www.legacyballauction.com

Through this portal you can land a bargain either as an individual or pool resources as a team to increase your chances of winning an item for the office!

Brendan Cox, Chief Executive Officer

BGGS Strings Workshop
On Monday and Tuesday afternoon this week, 32 members of our Strings Consort travelled to Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School to participate in the annual Strings Fest.  Our students combined with almost 80 other students from BGGS and Brisbane Grammar School to prepare a fantastic program of works.  Across about five hours of rehearsal, the equivalent of five weeks of regular rehearsal at school, over 100 students came together to produce a polished performance for family and friends in the Gehrmann Theatre on Tuesday night.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students and their families for supporting this opportunity.  Engaging with the broader community is an important aspect of being a musician.  I would also like to thank Ms Raquel Bastos, Head of Strings, and Ms Christine Byrne, String Teacher, for their work in preparing our students for this workshop.  Thanks too to Ms Bastos for her organisation and coordination of our involvement in this event.

Wieneke Family Bursary
We have now come to the week of our finals of the Wieneke Family Bursary.  I would like to again congratulate and recognise the following students for making it to our finals and wish them all the best for this evening:

Junior School
George Audet – Drums
Charlie Hodgson-Day – Cello
Adam Kielenniva – Clarinet
Samuel Mar Fan – Alto Sax
Sebastian Wilson – Piano

Middle School
Henry Barras – Flute
Travis Graham – Violin
Eoin Hartley – Voice
Thomas Kielenniva – Alto Sax
William Lukin – Cello

Senior School
James Battersby – Trumpet
Sam Chamberlain – Flute
Xander Caulfield – Flute
Nicholas Eadie – Voice
Daniel Shearer – Cello

For those of you interested in joining in the festivities, Bursary Finals commence at 6:30pm in the lower Hanrahan Theatre this evening.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Auditions for 2019 Ensembles
Audition material for all Band and String students have been forwarded home via email.  To ease pressure on time out of class during a busy academic period, we are trialling audition via video submission.  Students are required to prepare the material and film themselves playing this at home.  Please do not be concerned about the device used to film the performance footage; most smart phones or tablets will suffice for this purpose.  Should your son require assistance with the videoing of his performance, please contact us through the Music Office.  The data collected during this process is not the only evidence used to assess student progress; we will be also relying on observations of your child’s teacher across the current year.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this process, please do not hesitate to contact myself or your child’s teacher through the Music Office.

Date Claimers
As per tradition, we cast our eyes over the coming term.  Please note the following in your diaries:

Michael Jones, Director of Music

Villanova proved to be the dominant school last weekend against Iona winning the majority of basketball and tennis games played.

The aggregate in basketball was given yet another big boost last weekend as we had eight wins from the 12 aggregate games played. It is interesting to note that from the 34 Villanova basketball teams we have in competition, 19 teams are currently on top of the table and a further four teams have only lost one game and are still in premiership contention. Our tennis players are performing very well this year with some solid results. Unfortunately, the run home for the tennis boys will see Villanova up against two solid tennis schools. Given the skills and determination shown so far this season our boys will be ready for battle nonetheless.

In our quest to contest the aggregates and premierships in AIC tennis and basketball, all teams must continue to contribute and give their best each week. St Peter’s should not be taken lightly. As always, I ask the boys to give it a ‘good crack’ this weekend. Turn up on time, get your head in the game, give 100 percent, support your mates and enjoy as only two rounds remain this year.

The AIC Track and Field Training Program has begun and it is pleasing to report that the coaches have been impressed with the overall attendance at training so far this season. Although we know there are many things happening within our sports program at the moment, we ask those boys who have been selected in the Track and Field squad to regularly attend training each week. The training schedule is posted on the web under the AIC Track and Field section. The first AIC Meet for the season is held this Saturday for all Year 5, 6 and 7 students only at SAF. Those students who are involved with AIC basketball, AIC tennis or the Year 6 father/son camp are excused.

As detailed below, the Villanova Swim Program will commence next week for those boys who are currently in Years 5 – 11. This program is open to anybody who wishes to become part of next year’s AIC swim squad or for those who simply want to improve their fitness.  Please read below for further details. I strongly encourage your son to get involved. To further develop Villanova sport, we must accept that a good work ethic and attendance to regular training (among other things) is a must. It is a fact that we must do the hard work pre-season to obtain good results in competition.

I wish us all the very best this weekend in basketball and tennis fixtures against St Peter’s Lutheran College. Please enjoy!

AIC Tennis and Basketball Round 6 v St Peter’s Lutheran College, Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September – Times and Venues
All Year 5 and 6 basketball games are played on Friday afternoons. 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 St Peter’s.

Tennis and Basketball Photo Schedule
Photos will be taken for all teams playing at the home venue this weekend. All players are asked to wear the full and correct uniform as indicated in past Villa Views and is stated in the ‘Season Schedule’ found in the respective AIC basketball and tennis sections.

The photo schedule is found on the website.

AIC Tennis – Mrs Kath Underhill, AIC Tennis Coordinator
While a seemingly even level of competition, our mighty green and gold players ended up in front overall last Saturday against Iona College.  Morningside Tennis Centre was abuzz with great play, while the Year 5 – 8 players were enjoying the atmosphere out at Wynnum.  Thanks to the parents who cooked up the sausage sizzle storm to share with our visiting players from Iona. Once again, many close matches were happening everywhere, but our mighty Villanovan players stopped at nothing to ensure an almost clean sweep of winning matches. Overall, out of 17 matches, Villanova was victorious in nine.

Tennis team photos will be taken this Saturday again for home teams.  Please be sure to be on time, as the schedule is very tight, and we don’t want players to miss their shoot!

AIC Tennis Results v Iona

AIC Basketball – Mr Sean O’Neill, AIC Basketball Co-ordinator
The Round 5 fixtures against Iona were always going to be a tough round and a number of games showed how strong an opposition they are. We finished the weekend with 23 wins, five losses and a draw with the Year 6 games unfortunately cancelled due to transportation issues with Iona. The aggregate result was eight wins and four losses which means our hunt for Champion School is still possible, but we need two good final fixtures. With only SPLC and Ashgrove remaining, it is fantastic to see that so many teams are in contention for a premiership. Hopefully the training over these last two weeks is enough to chase them down. Our First V had a disappointing loss on a day when Goold Hall was full of cheering supporters. While Iona produced a strong effort, our players were disappointing in their style of play. They will no doubt be wanting to redeem themselves this weekend against SPLC.

I wanted to highlight a new initiative that we have introduced with our First V team this year to try and help them understand the importance of the jersey they play for by having Old Boys who have played First V over the years come back and address the team and hand out the jerseys each week. As a coaching staff, we always remind the players of the esteem with which the jersey is held and the pride which they should play with. This has been articulated so well by all four of the former players who have come in. Ben Davis (‘12), Michael Wyld (‘11), Luke O’Dwyer (‘06) and Tim Dilger (‘02) were so giving of their time by attending a training session to watch the players work out and then sit the bench on game day to help push the players to be at their best. A big thank you to all four for giving back to the program.

This week against SPLC will be pivotal for the aggregate so we expect all teams to be giving it everything. A reminder that it will also be photo day for the Year 7 – 9 teams at Villanova.

AIC Basketball Results v Iona

AIC Track and Field
Please refer to the College’s website to view a full list of students required to attend the weekly training sessions for Track and Field. It may be the case over the coming weeks that we will further reduce this squad to ensure we can supply a high level of coaching at a favourable staff/coach ratio. Students whose names do not appear on the list are not required for training.

The first AIC Track and Field meet for the season is held this Saturday 8 September at SAF. This was originally set down for the Year 5 and Year 6 athletes only but is now opened to all Year 5, 6 and 7 athletes. Those students who are involved with AIC Basketball and AIC Tennis must commit to that sport, all other boys are asked to come along to the meet. Please note only the sprints, hurdles, long, high, shot and 800m events will run at this meet. Boys involved with javelin, discus and triple are not required.  The full program including times etc is found in the AIC Track and Field section within the website.

Note:  For this week only, all Year 7’s will compete together, that is, not as 12 years or 13 years competitors but as Year 7 competitors. This will change for the next carnival.

Volleyball – Open Squad and Schools Cup Melbourne Tour Trials
Volleyball trials will continue every Wednesday afternoon from 5pm until the end of term. Training will then increase to Monday and Wednesday afternoons in Term 4. We plan we announce those travelling to Melbourne by Week 4 of next term.

Villanova Swimming
Please be advised that the Villanova Swim Program will commence next week for those students who are currently in Years 5 – 11 (that is, our 2018 AIC swimmers). All new students to the College in 2019 are invited to commence their training in Week 1 of Term 4 as per days and times listed below.

The cost of these sessions will be a one-off fee of $150 per student for the season leading up to Week 1 of the school year in 2019. This program is heavily subsidised by the College and I am sure all would agree, it is very good value. We are hoping that students who currently swim with Jets or any other club are also able to join our program, if not just to build a sense of culture and spirit amongst our squad.

All students who are interested need to complete a swimming rego/payment form that is available from the Sports Office and is found on the College website later this week or early next week. We encourage as many boys as possible to participate. Our success in 2019 in dependent upon the work put in this year!!!

Below is the initial training schedule as from Tuesday 11 September 2018 – Thursday 4 October 2018.
 

 As from Week 1 Term 4 the training schedule listed below will be in place until the conclusion of the Villanova swim season in 2019. All Villanova students will compete in the AIC competition from Year 5 -12. Training sessions will now be split, that is, Year 5 – 8 sessions and Year 9 – 12 sessions (year level based on which year the student will enter in 2019).

 The training schedule commencing Tuesday 9 October 2018 and onwards is below:
 

Fees: A flat fee of $150 will be charged per student for all training sessions up until the start of the 2019 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 53 training sessions throughout this period for only $150 (less than $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: All payments are to be made through Flexischools www.flexischools.com.au The link is available on the school’s website.  Parents with boys commencing at the College in 2019 can pay via Flexischools using the ‘Guest’ option d.

Flipper/Pool Buoy and Bag: All students are required to purchase their own flippers and pool buoy for training. Langlands Park Memorial Pool will supply your son with a training pack at a cost of $70. Please find attached 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 12 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 2019. The breakfast will commence at 7am and is simply a meet and greet which all coaches and managers will attend.

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 2019, 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.

Andrew Slack and Ben Mowen Squads
Information packages regarding the abovementioned squads will be posted and emailed to all members next week. Please ensure all paperwork is returned and all payments are made by the due dates.

Senior Football Development Squad
A full invite list of the abovementioned squad is found in the AIC Football section on the website. More information regarding the commencement of the program will be given early next term to those involved. Training/trials will begin around mid-Term 4 and will consist of four Wednesday afternoon sessions. Note – all members of the Japan Football Tour are involved plus some other selected players.

Villanova Junior Football Development Program
In addition to the existing First Football Training Program, the College has introduced a Junior Football Development Program, which seeks to identify and offer an intensive pre-season skills program to a select group of players from our current Year 6, 7 and 8 cohorts. It is envisaged that the pathway through to the First XI level will be through the Junior Development Program and the 1st Football Training Program.

The College has engaged Mr Michael Rooney to take on the role as the Director of Football Skills and Development. This role encompasses the development of both our coaches and players.

During the 2018 AIC Football season, Michael identified and selected a group of players from the Year 6, 7 and 8 cohorts to enter this program in 2018/19. His objective was to identify players who displayed the appropriate level of skill, attitude and potential to someday play First XI Football.

This select group of players will train together on a weekly basis under the supervision of a number of very experienced and qualified coaches including Michael Rooney. These coaches will aim to increase the players’ ball skills, game speed and vision along with game structure to create and develop a pathway of quality players, which will feed into the First XI Football Program. These sessions will strive to challenge and improve all aspects of a player’s development.

Training will begin in Week 2 of Term 1 2019 and will continue throughout term next year up until the commencement of the AIC Football season. An information note regarding this program will be sent out early next term to all invitees. Please visit the College’s website under AIC Football to view those who are invited to be a part of this squad in 2018/19. Note – this squad is not open to all and many will miss out.

Please be mindful that we expect all members of the squad to participate in Villanova’s Track and Field program as a requirement. If the boys performed well during our carnival they then must join the Track and Field Squad if asked and train as per schedule found on the website, if not their invitation to join the football squad will be withdrawn – no exceptions!

Given the current situation with club football and the ridiculous amount of training sessions young players are required to attend. We have noted a reluctance from certain clubs and coaches to encourage players to participate in other sports. Some impose possible withdrawal of players from their program who look to try other sports and or involve themselves with school sport. It may be the case that some players will not have the time to squeeze in an extra session for school. This is fine as the College would not want to place further burden on these students with a possible fourth training session in one week. Therefore, some players may not take up our invitation to join this program. A student’s participation or non-participation in this program will in no way effect their positioning into any team during our AIC season. This program merely seeks to offer an opportunity for our best players to improve their skills which in turn would increase their probability of gaining selection into a higher graded team. It is also about culture building as well.

Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Eastern Suburbs Football Club – September/October Holiday Clinic  will be held from Tuesday 2 – 4 October.

‘The Villa Kitchen’ Cookbook

Don’t forget to order your copy of The Villa Kitchen for the pre-sale special of $30.  Make sure you order your copy (or copies) of this wonderful cookbook on Flexischools asap.

All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will go to the P&F. We look forward to you enjoying your copy of the The Villa Kitchen.

If you have any queries regarding the cookbook, its delivery or distribution, please contact Megan Stuart – bmstuart1@gmail.com or Jacqui Steendyk – jsteendyk@vnc.qld.edu.au

TUCKSHOP ROSTER
Monday 10 September

 Tuesday 11 September

 Wednesday 12 September

Thursday 13 September

Friday 14 September

LIBRARY ROSTER
^{Tuesday 11 September
Susanna Greaves
Anastasia Bailey}

^{Wednesday 12 September
Donna Leahy}

^{Friday 14 September
Gina Avolio
Maryanne Bingham}

Mass for Deceased Old Boys, Staff and Parents of the Villanova College Community
The Mass for Deceased Old Boys, Staff and Parents of the Villanova College Community is being held on Sunday 9^th September at 10:00am.

We invite you and your family to join us in Goold Hall at the College, for this special celebration of the Eucharist.  Fr. Peter Wieneke OSA will be the celebrant.

Morning tea and refreshments will be served from the canteen of Goold Hall immediately after Mass has concluded.

Parking is easily available on the College grounds via the entrance in Eighth Avenue.  Please drive up the driveway in-between the pool and Goold Hall.

We look forward to your presence.

To assist with catering and other details, please RSVP to the College on 33945593.

Year 7 End of Year Celebration
When: 6pm – Friday 19 October 2018
Where: Summerhouse, Kangaroo Point
All Year 7 parents lock this date in your dairy – more details to come!

2019 AFAS EXCHANGE

A reminder to those students wishing to attend the 2019 AFAS Exchange that a booking deposit of $700.00 is required by September 21.  This deposit is payable through Flexischools.

 VILLANOVA OLD BOYS, STAFF and PARENTS (AFAS ELDERS) HEAD TO KINATARCAN ISLAND
 Donations
Thank you to the families who have contributed to the AFAS Elders project in the Philippines. Recent donations from Pertnikovs Roofing and David O’Shannessy all go a long way towards the construction of a community hall which will also be used for the mat weaving business thereby ensuring a sustainable business for the people on Kinatarcan Island.

Unfortunately, AFAS Elders is not a registered charity, so donations are not tax deductible but if you require a receipt, please contact Tony Hindmarsh (thindmarsh@vnc.qld.edu.au).

Mothers of Villanova Old Boys 
Last Saturday, on the Senior School Terraces some one hundred and twenty proud mothers of Villanova Old Boys gathered together to toast our College and our sons while sharing some wonderful memories and friendship.

This annual event was initiated by Wendy Wallis, to support the connectedness of mothers after their sons had left the College. Whilst it was predominantly a female event, we wish to thank some special men for their presence; Father Pete, Principal Mark Stower and Old Boys President Harry Adams. For keeping the refreshments flowing; Brian Dooley, Alan Sim, Rob Jansen and Kieran Wallis, and for extraordinary entertainment, Nick Foster.

We also wish to acknowledge the generous support of In A Pickle and Paloma Boutique Camp Hill. Please join us on our Facebook Page, and we look forward to seeing many more of you in 2019!

Fr Laurence James Mooney O.S.A.
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 to be ordained and to 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, 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.