Villa View: Issue 3

Dear Members of the Villanova College Family
Thank you to the many families who have taken advantage of the opportunities to attend the Parent Information Evenings held over the past fortnight. Next week the Year 10 Parent Information Evening will be held on Monday, 13 February at 6.00 pm and the Junior School Evening will be held on Wednesday, 15 February commencing with Year 5 at 5.30pm and Year 6 at 6.30 pm. At each of the Information Evenings the importance of a strong parent-school partnership has been emphasised as one of the key ingredients to boys achieving well academically. Parents have been encouraged to utilise the support structures in place at the College to assist parents and students navigate the often challenging years of early adolescence.

It has been a very busy time over the past fortnight as the students settle into a routine and the challenges of a new year. For all students it is important that they now give priority to their study program and find the time to sit down and complete homework tasks, assessment pieces and revision of work covered during the day. Students need an area in the house that is relatively quiet and away from distractions to set up their work area. As one of my colleagues recently stated, students having their phones with them when they study invites 25 other people into the room with them and that is not a good situation for most boys.

Year 5 Camp

Last week Mr Steven Bremner and I visited the Year 5 students at their Outdoor Education Camp. When we arrived the students were engaged in a range of activities including rock climbing, whirlpool making, obstacle course with mud bath, construction of a medieval sling shot and mountain bike riding. It is no wonder the boys returned home tired and happy. We stayed for dinner and our table companions were most delightful conversationalists.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Mrs Kate Alexander who recently received funding of $2000 from the State Library of Queensland – Design Minds: Design Spark Microgrant Program. The funding will support project-based learning in the Year 7 integrated learning unit with a particular focus on water in the world and its connection to the people who use it. This unit will be conducted in Term Three as part of the Geography, English, Religion and Science curriculum.

We also congratulate Tristan Lacy – Year 9 who has recently been selected in the National Performance Program for Basketball. Tristan is one of six players from South-East Queensland to be invited into the program. Joshua Schaumburg – Year 11 will represent Queensland in the Under 15 Australian Cricket Championships to be held later this term. We congratulate Joshua on his selection.

Prayers

We ask for your prayers for Mrs Helen Palmer (School Officer – Learning Support) and her family following the recent death of her mother, Mrs Joan Thompson.

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

You have made us for Yourself O Lord

And our hearts are restless until they rest in You

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

Mudjimba Apex Camp 2017 was a huge hit for our Year 5 cohort last Week.  With fine weather and bags packed the lads waved to Mums and Dads who were so proud of their sons joining 159 new mates for three days.  “Becoming Brothers” was never a more fitting theme as the dorm groups brought all 6 classes together and new relationships began to form.

The organisation of Mrs Kirstina Moss and the Junior School Staff in selecting mountain bike riding, body boarding, catapulting, rock climbing, beach activities, challenge and initiatives (aka mud pit) and the Aqua Park proved ideal for our boys.  They were motivated, challenged and given the chance to excel or strive for new goals.  Some boys shone as being able to support and help others.  Teachers were full of praise about the ways in which your sons would reach out in ways to new mates.  From how to make beds, to sharing sun screen, to finding lost property and returning it to the owner, to sharing tips on how to stop a bike (without falling off) or offering to wipe down tables after meals.  The night time activities meant boys could twist damper on the campfire or lie on a pillow in front of the big screen.  Our Year 11 boys were paramount in joining every activity and making connections with our newest community members and I thank Mr Peter Meecham for selecting the absolute best role models to join us.

Meal time was certainly an occasion to share stories and laughs over the best kind of boy friendly food we could hope for.  Breakfasts saw bacon, eggs, hash browns and croissants/pastries, lunches delivered hot dogs, hamburgers and meat/salad rolls and dinners served up chicken schnitzels and roast beef.  It began with saying grace in the common room and finished with treats such as ice-cream and chocolate mousse.

The luxury of air conditioned dorms at night proved ideal for perfect sleeping patterns.  In bunk beds the boys didn’t take long to drift off to a deep sleep after being so active from dawn to 930pm.  Pillows, soft toys and music helped the transition to dreams and I’m appreciative for the teachers who showed immense patience and care in checking the boys frequently before grabbing what shut-eye they could before the first whispers around 515am.

There is a real purpose to taking the boys away on camp in Week 2.  The best kind of teaching and learning comes from genuinely having relationships that are based on experiences together.  Whether it’s the celebration of learning to ride a bike or catching that perfect wave together – or even making it through a grazed knee or down a high rope into the dirt – your sons have found new friendships, have impressed and connected with their teachers in a way that is bound to enhance classroom learning.  The boys have bonded over what they love, like or are challenged by – because they made it through together.  They have built trust with the people who will now lead them through the National Curriculum – and the same loves, likes and challenges will lay ahead.  Ultimately I am hoping that you, the parents, have also established a base of trust and further respect for our staff.  They have spent 3 days away from their own families and given up their time to be with your boys.  They have chosen to come together and run a family of 160 between the 10 of them (and 12 big brothers).  I was really impressed by the boys who made a conscious effort to say thank you to a teacher on Friday afternoon – for the camp, for caring for them when they were sick and for the fun times that were had.

It’s imperative that the medications taken on camp have been collected and we ensure that Mrs Mascadri has the exact medications that are required in the Junior School First Aid Room.  The lost property has been dried and sorted for collection – any items left over by Friday of Week 3 will be disposed of – towels, shoes and bathers tend to be the typical items.

As you read this, the Year 6 camps will be wrapping up and I can’t wait to share some stories with you next week.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

The main focus emphasised to all Senior School students throughout Form Meetings this week has been the importance of establishing challenging yet realistic academic goals for the semester ahead. Hopefully the teacher comments within the End of Semester 2, 2016 reports offered students the opportunity to seriously reflect on areas which require further improvement. Often these areas include consistent engagement across the whole assessment process from planning to final submission as well as connecting with teachers for clarification and further support.

With Putting Teaching First the College theme for 2017, maximising the quality time that teachers spend in guiding their students to achieve their academic potential is incredibly important. It is critical therefore that students attend their lessons fully focused and ready to work. These high expectations of student application and engagement within the classroom are the foundations of building a culture of academic excellence within the Senior School.

Students in Year 10 were asked to complete a survey during last week’s Form Meeting outlining their academic and personal goals for the semester ahead. In Year 11 ISP (Independent Study Program) lessons, teachers have started the process of revisiting purposeful time and organisational management strategies that will allow students to navigate through the increased demands of their academic workload. In Year 12 ISP classes, Academic Review meetings have commenced where students receive estimated OP ranges based on their End of Year 11, 2016 results. Furthermore, Year 12 students are asked to critically reflect on their study habits from last year in order to articulate an action plan which will allow them to achieve success in their final year of study at Villanova College.

I encourage you to have regular conversations with your son regarding his academic goals for 2017. In addition, if you have any concerns regarding your son’s study habits, please contact his Pastoral Area Leader. They will be sending home an email which will reinforce how students can effectively sustain the balance required to successfully maintain academic success as well as engage in the co-curricular life of the College.

Paul Dillon Drug Education Sessions

Next Monday, all Senior School students will have the opportunity to hear renowned drug education expert Mr Paul Dillon during three separate sessions targeting each year level. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), Paul has been contracted by many agencies and organisations across Australia to give regular updates on current drug trends within the community. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure that they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education.

On Monday night, Paul will present practical ways to keep your son safe from the dangers of drugs and alcohol. This seminar for parents will take place at 6.30pm in the Hanrahan Theatre following the conclusion of the Year 10 Parent Information Evening which commences at 6pm.

AIC Sport Round 2 v St Laurence’s

This weekend our cricket and volleyball players face St Laurence’s College in Round 2 of AIC competition. Speaking from personal experience during my 12 years at St Laurence’s, I am acutely aware of the eager sense of anticipation associated with this fixture. It is important, especially in light of the pledges made by all AIC Sporting Captains at last week’s Ecumenical Service, that the main focus of the weekend is the healthy competition on the pitch and court and that the spirit of the occasion is one driven by positivity and good sportsmanship. It would be great to see a large crowd supporting the Wildcats to victory this weekend. Best wishes to all Senior School teams.

“When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less.” Paul Brown

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

AIC Ecumenical Service

Villanova College is fortunate to belong to an association of like-minded Colleges, the Association of Independent Colleges (AIC). One of the main benefits of membership is that a large number of students can enjoy team sports each week at a level which suits the ability of each individual participant. The AIC meets at the start of each year for a special service and meeting to help make sure that all the sporting competitions are conducted with a spirit of gratitude and sportsmanship.

This year, the nineteenth of the Association, Villanova hosted the 2017 AIC Ecumenical Service.  The liturgy was based on the theme of ‘Education from the Heart,’ acknowledging that all eight schools in the Association place a significant investment in educating the whole person. The centrepiece of the service involved a display of all College banners, with each banner’s symbolism being explained by their College Captain. What surfaced strongly was that there is so much shared ground between our schools. Each of us is determined to place emphasis on Gospel values, whilst keeping the flame alive of our particular tradition and story. It was also clear that all the students in our schools enjoy a wonderful set of opportunities, so it was opportune to take time to be grateful and to focus on the wider reasons for AIC Sport, for example that sport is not played for the benefit of the parent nor the glory of the College.

After the service, the 100 or so students from the eight student leadership teams remained in the Hanrahan Theatre to listen to incisive speeches on leadership by Wayne Bennett and Manny Lynch (General Manager – People at National Storage). Wayne Bennett cut to the chase in detailing how many of our habits and choices are in fact “below the line” when it comes to leadership.  This, he said, is because we are not honest with ourselves and seek to be puffed up or make excuses rather than truly embedding the behaviours that make a difference: joy, peace, love, hope, kindness, empathy, humility and truth. The talk really hit home and was built upon the premise that in our hearts we know what is right, and can take the tough road of teaching ourselves to make more of the unique self that is our starting point and destiny.

Manny Lynch speaks in a very energetic and engaging way, drawing upon experiences from his time in the navy and developing team culture at the Brisbane Lions. He emphasises the need to be accountable in day to day behaviours whereby we do not “step over the rust.” He also emphasises how it is the values of the team or organisation that must be the ultimate guide, especially when the going gets tough.

Mr John Holroyd, Vice Principal – Ministry, Mission and Evangelisation

Last Friday, the College hosted its first Sports Assembly for the year. At this assembly, it was our chance as a community to publicly acknowledge those who will represent Villanova in AIC cricket and volleyball this season and present to the College our 1^st VI Volleyball and  1^st XI  Cricket teams and Captains for 2017.

Well done to the following boys on their appointments this year:

1^st VI Volleyball Captain 2017:  Charlie Cooke

1^st XI Cricket Captain 2017:  George Myers

At the conclusion of the assembly, Hamish Drummond, College Captain, spoke to the boys about the expectations he had of all students who don the green and gold. Likewise, assemblies are an opportune time for me to address the boys and speak to them about getting involved, enjoying sport and to reiterate the College’s expectations of all students regarding sport before the official AIC season begins. Although enjoyment and participation is fundamental to why we play sport at the College, I did mention to the boys that there is one more important factor which ties it all together, and that is pride. School pride encompasses a whole range of ideals which in turn affects our will to do things and to do them well.

The way we wear our uniforms, conduct ourselves at school and in public, the way we play and train, the way we support each other and the attitude we have to want to give our very best are among the many things important to us at Villanova. We ask our boys to strive to be the best they can be in all facets, not because they are asked but because they have a sense of pride in themselves and the College.

I must congratulate everyone who participated in the sports program over the weekend including all swimmers, cricketers, volleyball and AFL players. Overall our results were very pleasing. This week we approach Round 2 of competition against St Laurence’s College (SLC). This will be a big round for all players so I challenge all boys to ‘step up’ and produce their very best this weekend and show everybody the amount of pride they have in their College by the way you conduct yourself as a competitor and as a member of our College. Best wishes to all!

Round 2 AIC Fixtures – Saturday 11 February, AIC Cricket and Volleyball v St. Laurence’s College (SLC), AIC AFL (Internal Games)

Please refer to the College’s website to view all times and venues for this weekend’s fixtures against SLC. Simply scroll down on the College’s home page to the ‘Latest News’ section and click the ‘Weekly Fixtures’ section.

AIC Cricket

Congratulations to all players, managers and coaches for a great start to the AIC season. Villa managed 24 wins and 11 losses, winning eight aggregate matches and losing four.   I ask all players and coaches to put last weekend behind them and focus on the challenge we face this weekend against St. Laurence’s. The opposition will be determined, but Villa will be ready and waiting.

AIC Swimming – Mrs Kate Alexander, AIC Swimming Co-ordinator  – kalexander@vnc.qld.edu.au

The AIC swim season has well and truly kicked off with the whole swim squad (Year 5 – 12)  competing in a successful swim meet for the whole squad at Marist College, Ashgrove last Friday night. Thank you to those parents who assisted with timing.

Tomorrow, the boys will attend a swim meet at Iona College. There will be two buses leaving Villanova College at 3.10 pm but parents are asked to make arrangements to collect the boys promptly from Iona College by 5.30 pm as the buses will not be returning at the conclusion of the meet.

AIC Swim Meet at Iona College

Date:  Friday, 10 February

Venue:  Iona College Pool, North Road entrance

Time:  Warm-up – 4.00pm   Start 4.30pm – 6.00pm

Bus:   Leaving Villanova College at 3.10pm (students to be collected from Iona College promptly at 5.30pm)

A full program of events can be found in the AIC Swimming section. Parents are encouraged to attend and assist with timekeeping if possible.

We appreciate that many boys will be arriving home from a big week at camp on Friday, but please keep in mind we only have four meets left to register times for the boys.  These times are used to determine who will swim at the AIC Swimming Championships at Chandler. The competition is tight in many of the year level, so it is important the boys are training hard, as often as possible.

Note – If you are unable to attend the Friday Carnival for any reason, please contact myself or the relevant Swim Manager.

Years 5 and 6 Managers: Ms Georgia Mills-Geer and Mrs Kirstina Moss.

Years 7 – 9 Managers: Mrs Terri Dillon and Mr Jack O’Hare

Year 10 Manager: Mrs Theresa Henry

Years 11 and 12 Manager: Mrs Juanita Jacobs

Mrs Kate Alexander, AIC Swim Coordinator kalexander@vnc.qld.edu.au

Friday Breakfast

Our famous Friday morning breakfasts have started again and will continue for the remainder of the season. If your son trains on a Friday morning, they are welcome to join us at the Villa pool after training for a hot breakfast before school. Please ensure your son returns his form (available on the website) and money to the Sports Office this week.

Junior Swim Squad

As mentioned previously, we have a large number of Junior School boys who have taken up the challenge and joined the swim team. Unfortunately, we cannot invite all boys to attend the Friday night swim meets. Therefore, we have shortlisted the boys who have made the AIC Junior Swim Squad and the team list is now available.  If your son did not make the squad, we would strongly encourage him to continue training on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning. All boys will be attending the AIC Swimming Championships at Chandler on Monday 6 March as reserves/spectators.

2017 Senior, Middle and Junior School Inter-House Swimming Carnival 

Last Wednesday, Villanova College held its annual Middle and Senior School Inter-House Swimming Carnivals at Langlands Pool.  The Junior School Inter-House Swimming had previously been held at the Villanova College pool on Friday, 27 January.

On both days, the Carnivals were divided into two events, Championship and House events. The Championship events were keenly contested by members of our swimming squads. Inter-house rivalry was at its highest point during the King of the Pool events, with high participation rates from all year groups, trying to increase their overall house position.

Congratulations must go to Heavey House for outstanding victories in the Junior, Middle and Senior School Carnivals. They have now been crowned overall House Swim Champions for 2017, well done! Congratulation to Nicholas Green who took out the King of the Pool –  Middle School and Connor Wadsworth who took out the King of the Pool –  Senior School.

2017 College Results

1^st             Heavey                    2033

2^nd           Goold                      1784

3^rd            Crane                       1613

4^th            Murray                    1359

AIC Volleyball – Ms Barbara Dewis, AIC Volleyball Co-ordinator – bdewis@vnc.qld.edu.au

What a great start to the volleyball season, with 14 wins and five losses.  These results now set the scene for the rest of the season, however, it is early days and as the saying goes, you are only as good as your last game!

Coaches are now working on the little things that could prove to be the difference between a win or loss. As they continue to give support and encouragement to their players, the momentum from each training session and game must carry over from week to week.

Round 2 has Villa facing their arch rival, St Laurence’s.  Laurie’s are always tough opponents and when I spoke to all players before the season began I mentioned that volleyball is a game of two elements, being mentally strong as well as physically fit.  I have no doubt about each player’s fitness levels but it is the mental toughness that will be required from each and every player to overcome St Laurence’s.

Players are constantly reminded to check the website for training sessions and game times.

AIC Volleyball Results v SPC

AIC AFL – Mr Adam Fry, AIC AFL Co-ordinator – afry@vnc.qld.edu.au

Saturday was truly a fantastic effort from all players especially those Year 5 boys returning from camp.  The College certainly started the season with a bang with three great wins and one close loss. It was fantastic to see all families and players arriving early to support each other, well done to all.

This weekend sees both teams up against each other for some healthy rivalry. The teams this weekend will be split evenly to give all boys a fair opportunity to play and put their best foot forward. Tams can still change from week to week so it is imperative that all boys turn up and play to the best of their ability.  This week’s games will begin at 10:30 am for both Year 5 and Year 6.  All players must arrive by 10am so we can sort out the teams and complete an efficient warmup together.

Thank you to all parents who helped out with photography and support on the weekend. If any parent would like to run water for a quarter or two feel free to see Mr Conlan or myself to grab a bib.

Results Round 1

5A Division Villanova College 8.5.53 def. St Laurence’s College 6.4.40

5B Division St Laurence’s College 6.2.38 def. Villanova College 2.3.15

6A Division Villanova College 19.14.128 def. St Laurence’s College 1.0.6

6B Division Villanova College 7.7.49 def. St Laurence’s College 4.1.25

Round 2 – Internal Game (Villa A v Villa B)

5 A/B      Field 1                    10:30am

6 A/B       Field 2                    10:30am

AIC Rugby and Football Season – 2017

Please visit the AIC Rugby and AIC Football sections to view all information pertaining to the up-coming rugby and football season. This includes the commencement date of the trials as well as times and venues for all training. All Year 7 – 12 rugby and football training will be conducted at Villa Park, Manly Road, Tingalpa this season. East Rugby Union fields will not be used at all this year. Buses will transport all players to Villa Park after school and parents are asked to collect their son/s promptly after training. Year 5 and Year 6 rugby and football training will be conducted at Little Langlands or Whinstanes.

The Sports Office will soon be looking to cement coaching allocations for the season. If you are interested and able to assist the College by coaching or refereeing games throughout the season please complete the ‘2017 Coaching, Managing and Officiating Nomination Form’ found on the College’s website and return to the Sport Office as soon as possible.

Sign-on forms will be distributed to all students from Years 5 – 12 next week.

Representative Sport

Parents are invited to email the Sports Office regarding the sporting achievements of their son at a Met East level or higher. These achievements will be noted in this section of the Villa View from week to week.

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

SPORTS CLUB NEWS

A warm welcome is extended to new and existing families from the Villanova College Sports Club.

Would you like to win $10 000?  You can if you purchase a ticket in the Sports Club Mega raffle ticket, with only 200 tickets printed.

The Mega raffle is one of the main fundraising events for the year organised by the Villanova Sports Club.   Mega raffle tickets will be ready for purchase from 6 February, 2017.

Monies raised from previous Mega raffles have helped fund the building of the Villa Park cricket nets, renovations to the outdoor basketball courts and specialist coaching, just to name a few.

Tickets can be bought individually or get together with other members of your son’s sports team and purchase a ticket as a syndicate.

To purchase a ticket  telephone Jeremy Meredith on 0407 895 207, Robyn Gunning at the College Tuckshop rgunning@vnc.qld.edu.au or Allyson Smith from the College Finance Department asmith@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Lessons and Rehearsals

Thank you to all students who have been attending lessons and rehearsals.  Our students are particularly busy at the start of year with camps and new co-curricular commitments, however in the main I believe we have negotiated our way around these issues.  For those students who continue to have sporting clashes, the current arrangement with our sporting colleagues is if a student has one training session per week they are to alternate week on/ week off with their rehearsal.

We continue to have a slight delay with our Choral Program, however I do have some very good news.  We have managed to procure the services of Mr Tim Sherlock who will be our Choral Director for Senior Choir and the Supernovans this year.  Tim is a very experienced musician and teacher who I have had the opportunity to see work with students in a variety of different workshop and masterclass contexts.  I am very confident our students will enjoy working with him and the musical results they will produce.  Senior Choir (Tuesday pm) and Supernovans (Wednesday pm) commence in Week 4 – next week.

Due to our choral adjustment, our rehearsal schedule has been slightly altered.  It has been attached again, so please ensure you are working with the document updated 8 February 2017.

Junior School Music

Year 5 students have been participating in our instrument selection process this week.  Every student has had the opportunity to blow, scrape, hit and or honk their way across those instruments we offer in our Year 5 ensemble program.  A letter has been sent home with your son this week outlining some information about the program.  Attached to this letter was an instrument preference form.  We have asked that these forms be returned to the College by tomorrow at the latest.  We endeavour to complete this process as soon as possible and communicate these allocations home via a letter to your son.

Year 6 Ensembles have now commenced rehearsals.  Band meets on the Hanrahan Theatre Stage and String Ensemble rehearse in the String Room on level one of the Augustine Centre.  Students are to arrive for a 7am start.

A reminder that Year 5 ensembles do not commence until Term 2.

New Students to the College

New students enrolled at Villanova College in the Middle and Senior Schools are most welcome to join our co-curricular Music program.  All other interested students are encouraged to come down to the Music Office to introduce yourselves or alternatively contact us during business hours on 3394 5691 or via email at music@vnc.qld.edu.au.

There is opportunity to learn guitar, piano and voice at Villanova College.  Information regarding our program is available from the College website, on Parent Lounge or through the Music Office.  Please don’t hesitate to make contact!

Communication

As per 2016, information regarding the general running of the program and upcoming events will be communicated through the College newsletter, Villa View.   Information relating directly to your son’s ensemble involvement in a performance will be communicated via email and or a letter sent home at rehearsal times.  Emergent matters relating to urgent changes to routine will be communicated via the Skoolbag App.

Have a great week!

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

BYOD Set up reminders

At this stage, I am hopeful all new BYOD laptops have Google Drive (installed and signed in), Google Chrome (installed and signed in), Office 2016 software installed and anti-virus software running at all times. In addition, your son’s teachers may have requested the installation of additional software in elective subjects from the BYOD Software page of Moodle (particularly in the Senior School).  Outlook 2016 should be the default mail application for all school-related email communications. If you are experiencing any difficulties completing these set-up tasks, please ask your son to take his laptop to the IT Helpdesk staff at the times indicated on the BYOD page of the College web site at: https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/our-technology/byod/

The IT Helpdesk staff are able to assist the boys with passwords, access to Wi-Fi, diagnosing and looking into possible hardware issues, installation and set-up of software. Parents may also contact the IT Helpdesk team using the BYOD email address: byod@vnc.qld.edu.au

Password reset/change instructions

Without a doubt the most frequent request over the past week has been resetting and changing passwords. Instructions are in the Resources and Forms section of the BYOD page of the College web site.

Minecraft Education Edition is finally here!

Last week Microsoft announced the official release of version 1.0 of Minecraft Education Edition. The Minecraft platform offers creative, collaborative and highly engaging opportunities for teachers and students to work in “virtual reality” environments that are supervised in real-time. As a College, we are very much at the infant stages of using Minecraft in the classroom, however there are a number of teachers in the Junior and Middle School who are highly interested in exploring the possibilities of virtual reality, construction and role play in their classrooms. If students wish to, they may download and install Minecraft Education Edition from the BYOD Software page (installation requires the laptop Administrator Account password). Please note: this installation of Minecraft is different to the Windows 10 version and other versions – Minecraft Education Edition is the only version that will be used in a classroom context. More news regarding Minecraft will follow in subsequent updates.

OneNote Class Notebooks

Thanks to the integration of Office 365 and our College network accounts, teachers across Years 6 to 12 are using OneNote Class Notebooks as a content delivery and digital feedback tool with increasing regularity and confidence.  All students in the Middle School and a majority of students in the Senior School use OneNote Class Notebooks on a daily basis. The following link is an interactive guide which students (and parents) can access to learn more about OneNote Class Notebooks: http://www.onenoteineducation.com/en-US/Guides/Student%20Basics%20-%20Collaborating%20in%20the%20classroom%20with%20a%20OneNote%20class%20notebook

As the video demonstrates, OneNote Class Notebooks have the following structure: Content Library (where students access resources, handouts, PDFs, videos, etc.); Collaboration Space (where students and teachers can collaborate on individual or group pages at the same time) and Student Sections (where each student completes work and assessments and the teacher can provide direct feedback to students individually and instantly). The structure and permissions of Class Notebooks makes them accessible and flexible across the diverse curriculum areas the College offers.

Acceptable Use of Computer Network Resources – please sign

Could all parents please sign pages 12 and 13 of the College Diary after a conversation with your son regarding our Acceptable Use of Computer Network Resources Policy. Classroom and Pastoral Care Teachers will be checking this essential task has been completed in the coming week. Students who have not had pages 12 and 13 signed may face the inconvenience of loss of their networking access,  so I encourage you to complete this with your son as soon as possible.

Mr Jason Lane, Elearning Pedagogy Leader

Junior School Parent information evenings

Wednesday 15 February

Year 5 – starts at 5:30pm

Venue: Hanrahan Theatre

Year 6 – starts at 6:30pm

Venue: Classrooms

Senior School Parent information evenings

Monday 13 February

Year 10 – starts at 6:00pm

Venue: Hanrahan Theatre

College Fees

Reminder to parents – Term One School fees are due for payment this week.

Mrs Irena O’Donnell, Finance Department

STEM OPPORTUNITIES

During the holidays, Year 12 student Harrison Rieck was fortunate to be able to participate in the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra.  To be selected for this program, Harrison had to work his way through a very rigorous selection process facilitated by Rotary.  This involved Harrison undergoing a series of interviews and presentations to selection committees at both local and state level.  Harrison then had to present a written report to Rotary on his experience and the skills he gained after attending the forum.

Below is Harrison’s summary of his experience at the forum:

“The National Youth Science Forum was both an opportunity to immerse myself in the diversity of Australian science and an opportunity to make friends and contacts from which I will benefit for a lifetime. Throughout our 12 days in Canberra we heard from countless leaders in the scientific community including Dr Rolf Landua from the European Organization for Nuclear Research, Nobel Laureate and current Vice-Chancellor of ANU, Professor Brian Schmidt and the CEO of the Australian Academy of Science, Ms Anna-Maria Arabia. We were also granted special access to many labs and institutions such as The ANU’s Quantum Computing Centre, The National Computational Infrastructure and The Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope. The NYSF is without question the greatest experience of my life to date.” 

The College community congratulates Harrison on this wonderful achievement.  If any Year 11 student wishes to participate in this program, please either speak to Harrison or contact Mrs Jacobs.  Applications will open in March and close in May.

Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Senior School Science Curriculum Area Leader

Year 11 English QCAA External Exams Trial – 30 May 2017 – Representations of Identity

This semester, all Year 11 students will take part in the QCAA (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority) trial of an external examination in English on Tuesday, 30 May.  As we prepare for curriculum changes in 2019, this is a great opportunity for our students, and indeed the College, to experience the processes of preparation and delivery of, an external test.

Students have already started the teaching phase for this assessment. The examination itself will be of two hours’ duration and the written responses expected of the students will be analytical and to a specific question concerning Representations of Identity created through literature.

Should you require any further information, please contact myself (pgribben@vnc.qld.edu.au) or Mr Paul Mead, Vice Principal – Teaching and Learning (pmead@vnc.qld.edu.au).

Mr Paul Gribben (SAC English)

Senior Maths Tutorials

Students from Year 10 – 12 are invited to attend Senior Maths Tutorials on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 3.15pm – 4.15pm on the mezzanine level of the Tolle Lege Library.  These tutorials are open to students of all mathematical ability, however students attending must be motivated to improve their mathematics.

Mr Brett Morrissey, Senior School Mathematics Curriculum Area Leader

Senior English Tutorials

Students is Year 12 are invited to attend Senior English Tutorials on Wednesday afternoons from 3.15pm in V11.  Students with concerns about the tasks or unit currently being taught in class are especially invited to attend as these tutorials are an ideal forum to ask questions or join in discussions.

Mr Paul Gribben, Senior School English Curriculum Area Leader

Parent Representatives

Dear parents If you would like to be a parent rep there are some vacancies for years 5, 6 and 8.  Parent Reps are required for: Year 5 (not Green) and Year 6 (not Black).  Year 8 – the current reps are looking for assistance from Gold Maroon Red and White.  One person ~ 2 maximum each class. 

If you are interested please email keric@live.com.au  with your name, mobile and year level and class colour.   

Once finalised there will be a parent rep meeting for all reps with Mr Stower. 

Time and date of meeting to be confirmed. 

Ms Keri Campbell, P&F Parent Rep Co-Ordinator

New Uniform Shop Hours

The new uniform shop is open at the following times. These times are available during term time only.

MONDAY                    7.45 am – 10 am

TUESDAY                    CLOSED

WEDNESDAY             CLOSED

THURSDAY                 7.45 am – 10 am

FRIDAY                       7.45 am – 10 am

Online orders can be collected by students during their first lunch break between 11.30 am – 12.00 noon. 

Mrs Chris Purcell, Uniform Shop Coordinator

Second Hand Uniform Shop

We have 1 second hand blazer for sale in good condition – size 28 – would suit someone wearing size 26 shirts.

Also just a reminder that we have a good selection of all second hand uniforms and accessories for sale at great prices! Why not call in on any Thursday between 7.45am – 9.15am and browse through our stock!
Don’t forget you are welcome to donate (or resell) your unwanted uniforms in our store anytime.

Mrs Maree Erikson, Second Hand Uniform Shop Coordinator

Tuckshop Roster

Monday 13 February

Narelle Reick, Julie Stokes, Jane Green, Sally Caltabiano, Maria Woodger, Cath Griffin, Loretta Jordan-Vierra

Tuesday 14 February

Donna Perkins, Melissa Davidson, Lisa Forsyth, Nicole Webb, Leanne McMahon, Cristina Watson, Sonia Ballen, Susan White, Tricia Allen

Wednesday 15 February

Angela Dooley, Tina McCaul, Peta Gomersall, Kathy McCaul, Karen Marrinan, Maria Corones, Lena Bazzo, Lisa Gorry,Denise Smith

Thursday 16 February

Paula Lisignoli, Maria McGarry, Zsuzsa Henderson, Juanita Ryan, Kath Eberhardt, Pauline White, Bernadette Papagiannis, Kelly Stassi, Jane Lawson, Louisa Coote

Friday 17 February

Caroline Agnew, Louise Pertnikovs, Pauline Vasta, Kellie Smith, Leona McLearie, Adriana Sofios, Gerry Ternel, Orla Thompson, Leanne Bryant, Natalie Basili, Maria Nicolaou, Naomi Jansen, Melissa Young

Tuckshop menu and price list

Library Roster

Monday 13 February

Cristina Palacios

Wednesday 15 February

Anita Murnane, Denise Smith (after Tuckshop)

Thursday 16 February

Melanie Pickering

Friday 17 February

Anna Egert, Gina Avolio

Stay up to date with the College events please proceed to the event calendar.

We would like to extend a huge welcome to our new Villanova College families.

The Villanova International Carnival is now just 5 weeks away.   Make sure you mark your diary so you don’t miss it!  The Carnival is our major social and fundraising event for the year and is a hub of food, fun and family entertainment.  Below you will find current requests for assistance from our stallholders along with some very important ‘Stall Convenor Positions’ that we need to fill as a matter of urgency.  We would love your support and assistance in making it the best it can be in 2017.

We are currently in the process of assigning year levels to various stalls to make it easier for all to contribute where they can!  This full list will be included in next week’s newsletter.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

We are urgently seeking convenors for 4 important stalls in 2017:

Silent Auction

This is a fun stall that is a good moneymaker for the Carnival.  The database and support letters are done.  Grab a friend and sign up now. There is plenty of support from the Carnival crew for this stall!

Tombola Stall

This is one of the easier stalls to run.  Families provide the Tombola bags and you need to set up the stall and arrange for some helpers to sell them.  It’s easy and fun!

Indian Food Stall

The Indian stall is a stable in the dining mix at the Villanova Carnival.  It really extends our ‘food from around the world’ focus! So, if you love Indian food then this one is for you.  You need to arrange a team of happy cooks to make bucket loads of beautiful curry!  A full handover will be provided.

French Café Stall

The French Café is a beautiful and relaxing café on the upper area at the back of the Tolentine building.  It’s the place to sit back and relax on Carnival night.  So if you love coffee, fancy food and maybe champagne – then this is the stall for you!  A full handover will be provided.

Playing host to a stall is a fun way to get involved with the Villanova community.  You will meet new people and ensure our boys have the resources they need from the money we raise from the event.

Interested?  Contact Cameron Clelland | 0402 522 943 | cameron.Clelland@tomkinscommercial.com.au

NEW STALL – LATINO CUISINE

Do you love Latino Cuisine? 

Think tortillas, taco’s, salsa, guacamole and spices!  We need your help to assist with this new stall.  If you are happy to cook then recipes will be provided.

Contact: Simon Mungarrieta | M:  0412 750 157 | E: smunga@live.com

LOB-A-CHOC UPDATE

Attention All Year 5 And 6 Villa Classes

Be In the running to Win A Pizza Party for your Class.  Start bringing in your Chocolates NOW.  Only 6 Collections To Go!!  Deliver your wrapped chocolate to the Lob-A-Choc Basket in your classroom each week.

THE CLASS WHO BRINGS IN THE MOST CHOCOLATE WINS A PIZZA PARTY!

Any questions, please contact the stall conveners:

• Amanda Smith E: amk1968@bigpond.com
• Louise Bukowski – E: louisel@broncos.com.au

SPONSORSHIP AND DONATIONS NEEDED

Can you help us or do you know someone that can?

We are seeking donations and sponsorships of any kind (including cash, product or otherwise for all stalls). Do you have a contact for equipment for our food stalls? Ie. bain-marie’s, commercial BBQ’s for the Greek stall, deep fryers for hot chips etc.   Do you have a business or know of one that could provide meat trays for the Lucky Wheel and BBQ, onions, tomatoes, lettuce and bread rolls.   Donations of any kind for all stalls (food and otherwise) are welcomed and will be greatly appreciated!

Carnival Convenor: Cameron Clelland | 0402 522 943 | cameron.Clelland@tomkinscommercial.com.au