Villa View: Issue 32

Dear Members of Villanova College Family,
Tuesday 10 October was the Feast Day of our Patron Saint, Saint Thomas of Villanova. Thomas grew up in a relatively wealthy family in Spain. His parents actively supported the poor families in the surrounding villages and Thomas, through their example, developed a keen social awareness.

Thomas excelled at school and went on to university where he gained numerous qualifications. A restlessness over took Thomas and he left a prestigious teaching role at the university to join the Augustinian Friars. He was ordained to the priesthood and served the people of his local community.

Thomas fought against injustices and neglect of the poor. As Archbishop of Valencia, he gave all his energy to the spiritual and material needs of his people, especially the poor. Hundreds of people turned up daily to his church to be fed and seek assistance. He became known as “the Father of the Poor”.

Building News

On Monday 9 October, the Parents and Friends Association hosted an Information Evening for parents on the College Master Plan.  Mr Peter Dawson from Architectus presented the preliminary planning and major concepts that have emerged from workshops and consultation with key stakeholders in our community. The presentation was well received and I thank the many parents who offered feedback to Mr Dawson for consideration.

The work to complete the wall of the Fr Michael Morahan Staff Centre will be commencing in the very near future. Hutchinson Builders are preparing the site and awaiting the supply of steel and materials so that construction can commence. This work is expected to take place over the coming weeks with a finish date close to Christmas.  We will all be overjoyed when this project has been completed.

The remains of the Cor Unum (One Heart) Centre at Villanova Park are currently being demolished and all materials removed from the site. The area is being secured so that sporting fixtures can continue on the playing fields.

We will commence planning for the future build over the coming months.

Fair Go Touch Football

This Sunday, 15 October the annual Fair Go Touch Footy Competition will be held at Villanova Park. This event brings together young people from across Brisbane to enjoy a celebration of friendship through sport. We look forward to welcoming the many schools who are participating in the competition.

Villanova Staff and Student Memorial

Prior to the commencement of the Touch Footy Competition a special ceremony will be held at Villanova Park to bless and open a special memorial to those staff members and students of the Villanova College community who died while in service of the College or were attending the College. The ceremony will commence at 9.30am.

Year 11 Leadership

The journey to being Year 12 student leaders in 2018 has begun for our Year 11 students with the Year 11 students embarking on their Leadership Camp this week. Preparation for this role requires a change of attitude and mindset. The Year 11 students need to realise wearing the ‘white shirt’ carries an expectation that they will be role models and servant leaders to this community. Our leadership model is based on the “Servant Leadership Model” as demonstrated by the example of Jesus Christ in his ministry to all people. Servant leadership is not about power or position – it is focused on being of service to others.

Prayers

We keep in our prayers all members of the Villanova College Family who may be battling illness at this time, especially Mr Charlie Fisher. We also keep the family of Blake (Year 12) and Ryan Humphrey (‘15) in our prayers following the death of their grandmother, Mrs Glenys Humphrey earlier this week.

You have made us for Yourself O Lord

And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

Celebration of Excellence Awards Evening
As we work our way towards the end of the year, it is timely to reflect on the importance of ceremonies and celebrations as a very important means of shaping a culture of success. As an educational institution, we believe in the notion of “we are what we celebrate”. Hence, our calendar of events includes occasions such as Scholars Assembly, End of Semester Academic Awards, various Cultural Awards, End of Trimester Sports Awards, Year 12 Graduation, Year 6, 9 Transition Evenings, and the inaugural Celebration of Excellence. It has always been an aspirational goal to create an environment where we not only recognise high achievers but also quiet achievers. Whilst it cannot be said that every single boy in the College has an opportunity to “cross the stage”, we do have an enormous number of students who achieve recognition or acknowledgement for their efforts and special qualities.

One of the powerful aspects of our College culture is that our young men know that it is okay in this place to work hard and flourish because their friends and peers enjoy their successes. The alternative of course is a culture of mediocrity where high achievers do not want to shine because they run the risk of being cut down as ‘tall poppies’. The reality of our community is that there are, inevitably, students with exceptional talents who fall outside our mainstream programmes. We still believe that it is important, nevertheless, to try to recognise such students and we do our best to profile a wide range of achievers across a variety of sports, ministry and cultural endeavours.

Many of our current ceremonial events have had very humble beginnings.  From Gaudeamus on the Quadrangle, to Speech Nights in Brisbane City Hall and Graduation in Goold Hall.  The ‘Celebration of Excellence’ will improve on these again, as we take Villanova into the 21st century and beyond.

The “Celebration of Excellence Awards Evening” will be held at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) at 6.30pm on Tuesday 31 October 2017, with doors opening at 6pm.   The evening will recognise the academic achievements of students from Years 5 to 12 and will include a presentation of academic awards, music and choral performances and addresses by the Provincial of the Order of St Augustine, Fr Dave Austin OSA, College Principal and College Captain.  To close the evening our Year 12 students will join together to sing the Villanova College Anthem.

In recognition of the completion of their academic journey, all Year 12 students are required to attend the Celebration of Excellent Awards Evening, however the Year 12 Graduation and End of Year Prize Giving Ceremony will still take place as scheduled in Goold Hall on Thursday, November 16.

It is envisaged that parents of award recipients will be notified tomorrow, Friday 13 October. Further details regarding rehearsal schedules, ticketing arrangements and parking will be communicated to families as soon as possible. There will be no cost to families or students who attend this evening.

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students across 2017 with our community on this special occasion.

Mr Steven Bremner, Deputy Principal

The Junior School Disco will be held tomorrow evening in Goold Hall from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.  It is an opportunity for our Year 5 and Year 6 boys to catch up with mates in a supervised environment, surrounded by music specifically chosen by the Year 6 leaders.  It is safe to say there are songs I know I will have heard on Nova as well as some classic hits I know will get some staff up on the dance floor within seconds.  Tickets are $10 and there are refreshments available on the night for $1.  Local parish schools have been invited and all parents are to escort their children to the Eighth Avenue entrance of the College and collect promptly at 8.30pm in the same fashion.

School dances are something my wife remembers with absolute joy.  Getting together with her friends, planning an outfit and the thrill of meeting new people whilst practising their (coordinated) dance moves was a highlight.  She acknowledges now that their dance moves to Pseudo Echo were entertaining for her teachers at the time.  Nonetheless, she still to this day will hit the dance floor with enthusiasm when she gets the chance.

I remember dances a little differently.  I was unsure whether to go, what if I missed Seinfeld or the chance to watch an NBA game (again) on the VHS?  Full of nerves about the lights being so low you couldn’t see properly and the complete fear of being rejected if I asked someone to dance was daunting.  For any boys who are unsure, I encourage you to come along this Friday.  Firstly, it is in Goold Hall and it is a great chance to relive the brilliant AIC basketball season or your favourite PE lessons.  Secondly, it is a Friday night out with mates, the equivalent of four lunch breaks altogether.  Thirdly, the music is going to give us another insight into everyone’s interpretation of beat and rhythm.  This is one that requires a little concentration; however, I would think by Term 4 we have definitely built our resilience and sense of humour so let’s just have FUN.

Dance moves are an interesting thing.  I have a solid repertoire of two, the “step and clap” is a firm favourite and there’s even a little head shake if I’m singing at the same time.  Easily adapted to songs of all paces this is my go-to move.  The “what’s that on the ceiling” is when I raise my pointer fingers to the ceiling and move my hands alternatively.  It shows other people the parts of the song that I really like, normally reserved for the chorus when I am more likely to know more of the lyrics.  I have tried other moves over the years but these two are where I start on the dance floor every time.

Asking someone to dance also takes some coordination.  On Monday, Mr Lubans gave the boys his best tips for such an occasion.  He suggests picking a partner who is already dancing as it suggests that she already likes the song and is happy to have fun – that’s important.  Eye contact is a definite must as you introduce yourself with perhaps something simple like “Hello, my name is ________”.  Now it is best to wait and see if this person reciprocates the introduction, it might give you a clue if she is comfortable to meet somebody new.  A smile might mean she is being polite and you can simply say her hair or outfit looks great and then move on.  If your partner turns to face you and introduces herself you have the chance to ask her to dance.  “Would you like to dance with me?” is as simple as it needs to be.  A “no thank you” reply just means she is happy with her friends and she is glad to be asked.  A “yes please” means you have a chance to make a new friend over two or three minutes.  Mr Lubans reminded the boys to speak clearly on the night as the person you are asking to dance needs to understand you in order to respond positively.

Socializing with friends in different situations makes for another prime opportunity to develop a balanced individual.  Whilst your sons are having some fun this Friday why not make the most of an opportunity to go for a meal nearby and relax yourselves.  The car trip home will be another chance to share some insights of the world your son is experiencing.  I hope it will be a conversation of joy that brings back some similar memories of your own.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

In preparation for future Master Planning, the College embarked on a new program in 2017 looking at classroom design, flexible furniture and co-teaching. The major part of the project involved the creation of two dynamic learning spaces, one in Year 8 and the other in Year 6.

These spaces, labelled initially as “pilot classrooms“, have throughout the year challenged the teachers and students’ preconceptions about what a classroom should look like and how learning should occur within it.

Villanova’s dynamic learning spaces have a number of key features:

• a launch pad: a multilevel place where students can gather to receive en masse instruction
• collaboration pods: large booths with sound absorption technology in which students can engage in discussion or collaboration
• a variety of flexible furniture: featuring a variety of levels, shapes and surfaces the furniture provides flexibility for teachers whilst encouraging collaboration between students

These new classrooms have also allowed co-teaching to occur. Whilst there can be a variety of co-teaching models, at its most effective it allows for a differentiation of content and pedagogy.

Over the last two years the increase of dynamic learning spaces in schools across the country (and abroad) has continued. Qualitative data is beginning to be published about the benefits of these spaces. These dynamic learning spaces also help foster 21st century learning education where skills such as creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration become a significant focus. The College is closely monitoring these exciting developments and introducing elements as their effectiveness is proven. By keeping abreast of these innovations and through graduated introduction of what has been found to enhance learning, we can continue to provide the best possible outcomes for your sons.

Over the course of the year, we have been collecting feedback from both students and teachers about the experience of working in these spaces. Whilst some teething issues, along with some initial apprehensions should be acknowledged, the feedback from students and staff thus far has been overwhelmingly positive. This positive feedback has included some original ideas for modifications that will serve to further augment what is already being achieved.

The College’s exploration of, and commitment to, Dynamic Learning Spaces will continue into 2018. As always, the College’s approach is one of collaboration and feedback from major stakeholders, which is critical to such a process. As such, and as 2017 draws to an end, I am eager to hear from 8 Blue and 8 Green parents whose sons have been part of the journey, as together we evaluate what the future in education may look like. Please simply email me at the College: goneill@vnc.qld.edu.au

I extend an invitation to all Middle School parents who may wish to come and see the classroom in action to make contact with me to arrange a suitable time. Should there be any questions about the Dynamic Learning Classroom initiative, please also feel free to make contact with me.

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

I would like to congratulate all Senior School students for the way in which they returned last week and settled back into the classroom environment and the routine of study. There certainly was a positive energy evident in the Senior School precinct as I engaged and conversed with the students across the Cassiciacum Gardens. It was great to see our Year 12 students, enjoying the company of their peers, no doubt finalising their plans and sartorial choices for their upcoming Formal. The old maxim, ‘don’t count the days, make the days count’ was shared with all Year 12s last week as a reminder that the unique experience of brotherhood underpinning their Villanova journey will soon be over.

Senior School Camp Program

As you read this article, I will be in the middle of the Year 11 Leadership Camp experience, an expedition though the wilderness of Camp Kokoda, Maroon.

When I think of camping, my thoughts wander to one of my favourite poets, Lord Byron. In the first verse of his seminal poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, he writes:

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,

There is a rapture on the lonely shore,

There is society where none intrudes,

By the deep Sea, and music in its roar:

I love not Man the less, but Nature more,

Escaping the shackles of social media dependency and the creature comforts of the home environment for a couple of nights communing with nature, believe it or not, does have value. Staff value the Senior School camp program for several reasons. Primarily, camps provide a means of personal challenge, which often takes students outside their comfort zone.

I would like to share with you the philosophy of Camp Kokoda, as it strongly aligns with my intentions for the development and formation of Villanova Senior School students:

Camp Kokoda’s education programs are grounded in the belief that if people come to value challenge in their lives (and see it as an opportunity to learn, develop and grow instead of seeing it as a burden or barrier), this will influence their attitudes and behaviour. Through challenge, people question their pre-set limitations and self-perceptions and grow in confidence, resilience and optimism.

It is disappointing when certain students remain narrow minded and refuse to consider how they can grow as young men by engaging in the camping programs.

I look forward to reporting next week about the way in which the Year 11 students grew both individually and as a cohort.

“Without the intense touch of nature, you can never fully freshen yourself! Go for a camping and there both your weary mind and your exhausted body will rise like a morning sun!”– Mehmet Murat Ildan

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

UQ Survey on Self Confidence, Leadership and STEM Career Aspirations
Villanova College has been asked to participate in a research study conducted by the University of Queensland (UQ) exploring the causes behind gender differences in self-confidence, leadership and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career choices.  The study aims to understand the process of self-confidence and leadership formation as well as how, when and why subject and career selection decisions are made.  An outcome of the study is to help schools understand when and how to intervene to improve student outcomes in terms of the development of self-confidence, leadership and career choices.  The research is being independently conducted by a research team from the UQ Business School and will involve Years 7 to 11.

Families will receive a letter outlining the project, consent forms and timelines by email later this week.  If you have any questions please contact Mr Paul Mead, Vice Principal – Teaching and Learning directly at the College on (07) 3394 5630 or via email: pmead@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Mr Paul Mead, Vice Principal – Teaching and Learning

Men Alive Breakfast
A contingent of staff, students, dads and one grandad did Villanova proud at the Men Alive Breakfast in the city last Thursday morning.  The speaker, Professor Richard Rymarz, is well known for his work on building a culture of faith within a Catholic school. Interestingly, the period you are born in has a significant impact on the way you experience and practise your faith. The elder statesman at our table, from the class of ’57, had a St Monica-like mum who gave him little choice. He recalled the time when, as a 20 year old, he attended a surfboat competition in Byron Bay and walked the 18km to hear Mass at St Kevin’s Bangalow because his mum told him to.

The Villanova dads, men of my generation, talked about a world in which we now need encouragement to attend Mass, even if it was the norm twenty or thirty years ago. Today, it takes considerable courage to talk about “the action of the holy spirit” in daily life. No doubt, the boys who practise their faith experience this often.  You do not win the popular vote by going to a Catholic men’s breakfast.

It is of course precisely through the rejected ones, the unpopular ones and the scoffed at ones that God works: “The Stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” As soon as we change our thinking about what the Church is, and remember that it is really like a little fishing boat out on the high seas, and then the whole project of being part of a Church becomes inspiring. The task of the boat: to create a wonderful kingdom in which the lowest, the poorest, the least, the despised, the rejected and the lonely are the first ones on board.

Work and Welcome

New into our boat at Villanova is Newawi Ahmed. Our Work and Welcome Worker for this term is originally from Ethiopia and has been in Australia for three years. Newawi has already shown that he is a very hard worker as he worked with the Grounds and Maintenance staff, and is this week packing all the cricket kit bags in readiness for 2018.

Fair Go Football and Dedication of Memorial – 15 October

The Fair Go Carnival on Sunday at Villanova Park begins with the dedication of the memorial to the 19 students and staff who have lost their lives while at Villanova College. This dedication will occur by the scoreboard at 9.30 am.

Family members are welcome to come out to Villanova Park to sample the atmosphere and support new school Woodridge SHS who will be attending for the first time, as well as Yourtown, Lourdes Hill, Ipswich Grammar and John Paul College who have been involved since the beginning.  What this list shows is the sheer diversity of students we welcome on the day, many of whom are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. It is a privilege for us, with the strong support of the Fair Go Australia Foundation, to hold out the hand of friendship to such students.

New this year is the presence of “Deadly Sports” Ambassadors, Mick de Vere, Kelly McKellar-Nathan and Sam Saif who will run activities for 11 and 12 year olds in touch footy, softball and soccer. These younger students from Villanova, St Laurence’s, John Paul College and Bellbird Park will then compete in a “deadly” touch footy competition. Please feel free to contact me for more information about the day.

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

AFAS Immersion 2017

During my school life, every two years I would see some older Villanova boys on the stage explaining what AFAS did over in the Philippines and the importance of it. However, it was not until I put myself in the same position as them and saw firsthand how people exist in the Philippines and how students, teachers and nuns from the different schools would react when meeting us.

The Philippines is a struggling country, but with every tragic sight seen along the streets or homes of the citizens, any sadness or loss of hope was overcome by the general happiness and hopefulness shown by the people helping and trying to reduce social injustice in the Philippines.

When I personally saw the emotion behind the people leading this ministry group, I gained an understanding of how much they have been able to achieve over the past 25 years and started to realise what this ministry group meant to both the teachers and the people of the Philippines.

Finally, I believe that this exchange is a true example of an idea coming to life, with only a few people at the start giving it a chance and never giving up.  Instead of assuming they knew the needs of the Filipino people, they acted and decided to ask what the people really needed. The people behind AFAS have shown what can be achieved if two countries work together for the greater good and I have been so lucky to be a part of it.

Tim Hazlewood, Year 11 student

Live and Wired at Loreto
Irish Ensemble 1 and Big Band will be performing at Live and Wired this coming Sunday afternoon, 15 October.  This annual event is hosted by Loreto College and is a wonderfully relaxed afternoon filled with fantastic music.  Along with our ensembles and the Loreto contemporary and big bands, we will be joined by students from Marist College Ashgrove and All Hallows’ School.

Due to the predicted inclement weather this weekend, Live and Wired has been moved indoors to the Mary Ward Centre.  The BBQ, Licensed Bar, Cupcake Stalls, Art Show, etc. will still be running; however, the jumping castle and other activities may not.  On the upside, there will be several hours of fantastic music to enjoy.  All event run times will remain unchanged – hope to see you there around 3pm!

Prestige Music Festival

As mentioned in our date claimers over the past month, across the coming fortnight we will have a number of ensembles participate in the Prestige Music Festival.  This festival is akin to our QCMF; however, schools from all systems and denominations across South East Queensland participate.  Entering this opportunity was a decision made by the Instrumental Music staff collectively as part of our outreach program.  The goal of participation is to provide our students with an opportunity to hear the standard of other programs and shape their musical goal setting into the future.

Information regarding the performance times and requirements for each ensemble have been sent to students and parents via email.  If you have not received this, please ensure you contact the Music Office urgently – music@vnc.qld.edu.au or 3394 5691.

Please note, there is an admission cost for audience members (performers are free) – Adults tickets are $10; Concession – $5; Family multi-pass (more than one section/day, at different venues) – $35.  There is no EFTPOS at the door – please bring cash.

As per the past four Villa View articles, performance dates and arrival times are in the date claimers below.  I look forward to hearing our groups perform at this event.

Strings and Choir at the Cathedral

Our annual ‘Strings and Choir’ at St Stephen’s Cathedral event is almost upon us and our ensembles have been diligently preparing for this performance opportunity.  Information has been sent home via email regarding the rehearsal after school on Tuesday 17 October and our performance on Sunday 22 October.  If you have not received this information, please contact the Music Office – music@vnc.qld.edu.au or 3394 5691.

The schedule for the after school rehearsal has been communicated to students and families.  We will require all participants in Year 6 – 12 immediately after school in the Hanrahan Theatre on Tuesday afternoon next week.  Students will only be required to remain at the College until their section has concluded.  Year 6 students will be available for collection from 3:40pm.

The concert is a pleasant afternoon in St Stephen’s and I highly recommend you come along.  We sojourn to the green outside the Cathedral for afternoon tea.  A reminder to families of students participating to check the information sent home for details regarding our share-a-plate guidelines.

I hope to see many of our music supporters there.

Big Band to play for River City Clippers

Our award winning Big Band has been approached by the River City Clippers to perform at St Laurence’s College on Sunday 22 October.  Further details will be sent regarding this event to participants.

Music Support Group

Our Music Support Group will be holding their Annual General Meeting during Term 4.  Two fantastic members of our executive, Stephanie Carlson and Sharon Williams, will be graduating from the Music Support Group as their sons graduate the College at the end of the year.  We will most definitely miss them as valued members of our team.  With that in mind, the group is looking for goal-orientated individuals who are connected and active in both the Villanova and wider community, have industry, management or relevant experience and are prepared to make a significant positive difference to what is a busy and exciting music community.

If you would like to discuss the operations of our Music Support Group and your possible involvement, I would welcome the opportunity to speak in person or approach our group through the Music Office.

Date Claimers

We now look ahead to the end of the year with our currently scheduled events.  Please ensure these are marked in your diaries.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Well done to all students who have continued to work hard at track and field training over the season. We have regularly seen a good turnout at training each week, particularly from the younger year levels. Unfortunately, attendance from the 16 Years and Open boys has been poor overall and we require these boys to step up their commitment in order for us to produce our very best on the day of the AIC Championships.

The AIC Track and Field Championships will be held on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 October. We hope to announce the squad next Wednesday when we will also distribute all necessary information pertaining to the Championship.  This Thursday’s Track and Field Meet presents another chance for all squad members to post an impressive time, distance or height in order to make the Track and Field Team. I wish all squad members the very best.

2018 Sign-On Forms for cricket, volleyball, AFL and swimming were distributed to all students during their Pastoral class earlier this week. Any student who wishes to represent Villanova in these sports during Term 1 next year must complete a sign-on sheet and hand it back to the Sport Office before Friday 20 October.  Parents and students are asked to co-sign the sign-on form indicating that they accept and are aware of the College’s expectations and policies regarding Villanova sport.

On the reverse side of the sign-on form, the College has listed the College’s Selection Guidelines and Code of Conduct. When signing on for a sport at Villanova, it will be the understanding of the College that players and parents do so knowing, agreeing and accepting the terms and conditions of this document. Please take the time to read before signing. Sign-on forms can also be downloaded from the College’s website under the Sport section.

Cricket and volleyball trials for all Year 7 – 12 2018 teams will be held in Week 5 of this term. Our aim is to have all cricket, AFL and volleyball teams selected before the end of year.

The Villanova Sports Department is currently seeking coaches, managers and officials for the Year 5 -12 AIC sports program in 2018.  In particular, we require the assistance of staff, parents, old boys and friends of the College to take on the many duties needed to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate and enjoy all the benefits that playing sport  provides as well as ensuring the ongoing growth and development of our sports program across all areas.

Villanova’s success in sport is dependent upon many factors, one being the generosity of members within our community to give of their time and efforts in order to serve our students by taking on specific roles. These roles include coach, manager, referee, umpire, scorer etc. If you are able to assist in any way, could you please complete the nomination form posted on the College’s website under the Sport section and return it to the College’s Sports Office as soon as possible.

All forms received will be compiled into a database and prior to the commencement of each season a member of the Sports Office will contact those who have expressed an interest to assist. A final confirmation of commitment will be requested and further details will be given. Now, as a priority, we require coaches for the up-coming AIC cricket and volleyball season as we require assistance with the trials being held in just a few weeks.

I thank all those who were able to assist throughout 2017 and I invite those who would like to assist in 2018 to become involved for the benefit of our students and the College. You will no doubt find it rewarding and no experience is necessary. 

Villanova Swimming Training

All those wishing to be involved must complete a rego/payment form available from the Sports Office or on the College web site. Our success next year is dependent upon the hard work put in this year. If you are looking for an activity to get your son busy and active (and off the computer screen) – sign him up for swimming, it is great for fitness! 

AIC Track and Field

The second AIC Invitational Carnival for the season has been cancelled this afternoon due to inclement weather.  

Date Claimers

Tuesday 17 October:  Training at SAF 3.45-5.10pm

Thursday 19 October:  Training at SAF 3.45-5.10pm

Friday 20 October:  AIC Track and Field Meet at SAF

Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 October:  AIC Track and Field Championships

Volleyball Report – Ms Barbara Dewis, AIC Volleyball Co-ordinator

Dig it! Set it! Hit it!  Each team in volleyball is reminded as they step on to the volleyball court of these three simple statements.  Last week was the beginning of what will be a very busy term for our volleyball players.

The Provence Cup provides the platform for Year 10 and Year 11 students with very good quality opposition.  Villanova can stand proud after Year 10 gained a worthy result with a win over Nudgee College (25-21, 25-15).  Unfortunately, Year 11 were defeated in a closely contested game going down (25-20, 27-25).  These games were all well contested and coaches were feeling the heat after each point played.  Villanova has a bye this week due to Year 11 Leadership Camp.

Date Claimers

• 18 October Villanova vs Gregory Terrace  (Villanova to host in Goold Hall)
• 25 October Villanova vs BBC (at Iona College)
• 1 November Villanova vs Padua (at Padua College)
• 8 November Playoffs (ACGS)

Junior Schools Cup Volleyball will be held across two venues this weekend at the Gold Coast. Year 7 will compete at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre (next to Metricon Stadium).  On Friday and Saturday Year 8 will compete at the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre (next to Dreamworld) but will play at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre on Sunday.  I wish both teams all the best for the weekend.

Volleyball trials will begin on Monday 30 October – Week 5 Term 4.

AIC Golf Championship

The annual AIC Golf Championship will be contested on Monday 23rd October at Indooroopilly Golf Club, with five students being selected to represent the College.  All players are to meet Mr McLauchlan at 5.40am in front of Goold Hall ready to arrive at the venue for team registrations at 6.15am. There will be a shot gun start at 7am followed by presentations around 1pm. Mr McLauchlan will transport the team by mini bus to and from the venue. Please contact Mr Stariha with any further queries or questions.

 2018 Villanova Cricket, Swimming, AFL and Volleyball Sign On and Trials

All students from Year 5 – 11 who are interested in representing Villanova in cricket, swimming, AFL and volleyball in 2018 must complete an ‘AIC Sport Sign-On Form’. These forms are available to all students from Year 5 – 11 through their Pastoral classes and are posted on the sport’s web page.

Please note:

• All students from Year 5 – 12 will play in the AIC Sport Competition
• All cricket, AFL and volleyball teams will be selected in year levels in 2018 not in age groups. Therefore, boys in Year 8 will play in the 8 A – D teams (not the 13 A – D teams)
• Students must attend all trials as listed below
• Cricket is open to all students from Year 5 – 12
• AFL is open to students in Year 5 and 6 (2018) only
• Volleyball is open to students in Year 7 – 12 (2018) only

Date Claimers – The trial schedule is below. Please note the year levels below will be your son’s year level in 2018.

Date Claimers – Further Trial Dates

• Trials will commence either before or after school on the week commencing Monday 30 October
• Internal cricket games/trials will be held on Sunday 5 November for all teams from Year 7 -12 (2018)
• Internal volleyball trials will be held on Saturday 4 November for all teams from Year 7 – 12 (2018)
• Volleyball trial matches against Iona on 11 November
• Volleyball trial matches against SLC on 18 November
• All specific times and venues to be advised

LL = Little Langlands (Langlands Park) Main Ave, Coorparoo (next to Easts Leagues Club).

Goold Hall = Located on Villanova’s College Campus, access via Eighth Ave, Coorparoo.

All students wishing to trial for an AIC cricket or AIC volleyball team must complete a

‘SIGN ON SHEET’ and return it to the College’s Sports Office by Friday 20 October 2017.

Email: sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au  FAX: 3394 5637

2018 Villanova Coaches, Managers and Officials Needed!

The Sports Office is currently looking at staffing for the 2018 sports season. If you are able to assist in any of these roles, we ask that you complete a ‘2018 Coaches, Managers and Officials Nomination Form’ which is found on the web in the sports section. Please return the completed form to the Sports Office. Villanova relies on the assistance of the parents, old boys and friends to help fulfil these roles. We encourage you to help if you can – your boys, our students are counting on us. 

Volleyball and Cricket Coaches Needed

We are in urgent need of volleyball and cricket coaches in order to assist with upcoming trials.  If you are keen to take on a coaching role, please complete the nomination form as above and return to the Sports Office.

Volleyball Schools Cup – Melbourne

We hope to announce a nine man touring squad to participate in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup Tour to Melbourne from the 3 – 8 December late next week. All successful members will be given further information regarding the tour soon afterwards. If students are unable to attend, other students will be called in their place. At this stage, the tour will cost approx. $1600.

Representative Sport

The Australian Junior Volleyball Championships were held at Coomera in the final week of the September holidays. Congratulations to Patrick Perrier who was a member of the 15 Years Queensland Maroon Volleyball team that won gold at these championships. Internationally renowned volleyball coach, Mr Christie was certainly very pleased with Paddy’s effort throughout the tournament. A fantastic achievement Paddy, well done!

Congratulations to Dale D’Souza and Josh Smith on their recent selection into the Met East 13 -14 Years Cricket Team. These boys will compete in the Queensland Cricket State Championships to be held in Caloundra in late November. Well done and best wishes go to you both!

Congratulations to Harrison Vig and Roarke Ronan who have both been invited to be members of the Queensland School Sport Swim Team to compete in the Pacific School Games held in Adelaide early December. A fantastic achievement from both boys. Well done!

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Dedication of the Villanova College Student and Staff Memorial at Villanova Park

A memorial dedicated to members of staff and students who passed away while at the College has now been completed and a Dedication Ceremony will take place this Sunday, 15 October at Villanova Park commencing at 9.30am.

The memorial stands at the edge of the Charlie Fisher Oval, between the upper and lower fields surrounded by a stand of 19 trees.  These trees form part of the living memorial to the 14 students and five staff members who are commemorated at this time. Beside each tree is a memorial stone block bearing the plaque that contains each individual’s details.

We look forward to welcoming all to Villanova Park on Sunday to share in this special dedication.

At the conclusion of this ceremony, the Fair Go Touch Footy Competition will commence and all are invited to stay and join in the festivities.

Mr Adrian Hellwig

Villa Visions Annual Art Exhibition

The Villanova College annual art exhibition, Villa Visions will be held on Friday 27 October from 6.30 pm until 8 pm and will once again showcase the exciting work of our Art students.

We invite all students, parents, teachers and members of the school community to attend this event, catered for by Hospitality students with fabulous entertainment provided by the Music Department.

Please refer to the exciting promotional poster below created by Year 8 student Travis Graham for further details.

The exhibition can also be viewed on Saturday 28 October from 9am until 11 am.

Mrs Laurine Field, Acting Visual Arts Curriculum Area Leader

Library Roster

Tuesday, 17th October

Cristina Palacios

Thursday, 18th October

Melanie Pickering

Tuckshop Roster

Monday, 16th October

Pupil Free Day

Tuesday, 17th October

Tricia Intelisano, Lisa Murphy, Angela Crisafi, Irene Tornatore, Christina Ross, Ita Dumont, Kelly Collins, Dimi Stergou, Maria Kambouris, Genevieve Keskinidis, Lisa Waugh, Miranda Dang, Irene Miano, Zam Stamatellos

Wednesday, 18th October

Tracey O’Reilly, Karen Meimaris, Natalie Jayne Dunton, Ruth O’Brien, Leanne Kruysmulder, Alison Wilde, Marlene Delbridge

Thursday, 19th October

Julie Paterson, Debbie Winfield, Jane O’Brien, Lydia Wilcox, Georgina Horky, Jayne Smith, Kellie Killips, Anita Fung, Nicky Micheletti, Sue Godwin

Friday, 20th October

Mary Atkinson, Maria O’Leary Chay, Cath Davies, Effie Prineas, Kelly Kendall, Tamara Hanley, Melissa Lorimer, Marina Pennisi, Nicole Dillon, Melissa Clark, Loreena Clark, Cathy Harris, Maria Spina, Angela Connolly, Jen Thomas, Kym Verity

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

ST JAMES PARISH COORPAROO (DATE-CLAIMER FOR 2017)

Term 4: Year 5 children (or older) who wish to continue their Sacramental Program with Reconciliation: begins 22 October and continues with child sessions on Mondays October 23 / 30, November 6, concluding with Sacrament of Reconciliation on Thursday, 9 November.  Please email St James Parish for more information: osastjames@bne.catholic.net.au