Villa View: Issue 32/20

Dear Members of Villanova College Family,
Last Friday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Ministry Thank-you Dinner held for our Year 12 students. There were approximately 30 or more students attending the dinner who have given significant time during this year to support Ministry activities. The fact Ministry activities continued to thrive during 2020 and COVID-19 is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our staff and students.

Special guests at the dinner included representatives from Rosies, St Vincent de Paul, Emmanuel City Mission and Landcare. A common theme of the presentations to the students was no matter what you do for others, do it with your heart. Eddie from Emmanuel City Mission has responded to the COVID-19 crisis by not shutting people out but by opening their doors and welcoming those who are doing it tough.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, (³⁶⁾ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

⁽³⁷⁾“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? (³⁸⁾ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? (³⁹⁾ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁽⁴⁰⁾ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:36-40

Year 12 External Exams
Our Year 12 students will be the first cohort of students to sit External Exams since 1972. The external exams will commence on Monday 26 October and will conclude 17 days later on Tuesday 17 November. It will be a challenging time for students as they sit their final papers.

Over the past twelve months our students have been preparing for these final exams. They have completed their Internal Assessments tasks and the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority will release the academic results for each student next week. This report will be made available to families and students via the Parent and Student Portals.

Each student report will have a result for each Internal Assessment task and a mark out of 75 for all subjects except Mathematics and Science. Mathematics and Science subjects will have a mark out of 50.

Students sitting their external exams will be aware of the results they have received from the Internal Assessments and can set achievable goals for their final results out of 100 marks. At Villanova College we aim high, confident we have put in the necessary work to do our very best.

We keep our Year 12 students in our prayers as they rapidly approach the final weeks of their secondary schooling and wish them well for their external exams.

AIC Track and Field Carnival
Well done to the athletes who competed in the 2020 AIC Track and Field Carnival held last Friday and Saturday. Our Junior athletes were outstanding winning the Year 5 and Year 6 trophies as well as the overall Junior School trophy.

Our Year 12 Athletes were exemplary role models for our younger students. Their efforts on the tracks and field events were inspiring and showed the younger students the value of determination and effort.

Thank you to all coaches, managers and parent supporters for your work with our athletes.

You have made us for Yourself O Lord
And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

Dr Larry Rosen, professor of psychology at California State University has a must-read book for parents called ‘iDisorder: Understanding Our Obsession with Technology and Overcoming its Hold on Us’. In this book he discusses changes that occur to the brain´s ability to process information and the ability to relate to the world due to daily consumption of media and use of technology. This obsession with technology can result in signs and symptoms of psychological disorders (which Dr Rosen has labelled iDisorders) such as stress, sleeplessness, narcissism and a compulsive need to check-in with our technology.

However, it is important to note the word ‘obsession’. Dr Rosen is not anti-technology; far from it. Instead, he argues that we need to become more aware of issues that can arise from over-use of technology and then implement strategies to deal with these. Self-awareness and a move towards restorative balance are essential.

Some of the ideas Dr Rosen discusses are:

• Ensure your child gets a full night’s sleep and that mobile phones are switched off during the night and ideally in a different room. If a student wakes in the night and checks their phone, however briefly, this will interrupt their sleep patterns for that night and disrupt essential memory processing.
• Convene regular family dinners (three – four times a week for 30 – 40 minutes) where technology is forbidden at the table – parents included! Dr Rosen points to the fact that many parents are also obsessed with technology and are modelling these behaviours to their children, for example not paying full attention when their child is talking to them, instead answering an email on their smart phone at the same time. Rosen believes we are massive self-interrupters, and we are training our children that if something buzzes, beeps or vibrates, we should jump and immediately check to see if there is something we should attend to right now.

Given the pervasiveness of technology in our lives as well as the fact that technology evokes high levels of mental activity, we need to start taking technology ‘time-outs’ to reset our brains and refresh our capacity to process information.  It is important to recognise that the constant lure of multiple technologies and our obsession with them is overloading our brain. If we want to avoid iDisorder and ensure our use of technology does not make us exhibit signs and symptoms of psychological disorders, then we need to reset our brain on a regular basis. You may decide to take a 10 minute break from technology every two hours or you may even decide to allocate at least one day a week where you focus your attention 100% on real life and shut off your technology for a significant portion of that day. During this time, you could laugh or talk with friends or family, experience nature or do something active. The aim is to give the brain a chance to slow down and rest by doing something that does not involve electronic devices.

We live in a connected world and we can’t turn the clock back and take away all these fun new technological tools. So, the message is, we need to learn to take care of our brains and take some small proactive steps to avoid a potential iDisorder.

 Year 12 External Examinations
The first three weeks of the term sees our Year 12 students finalising their preparations for their final examinations that commence at the end of next week. The first examinations, Essential English and Essential Mathematics, will be held next Friday. On Monday 26 October, the external examination block commences with English and English As An Additional Language in the morning and Business in the afternoon. Our Year 12 cohort then navigate just over three weeks of examinations concluding on Tuesday 17 November. The external examination timetable is below.

External Examination Timetable
As the Year 12s complete their last lessons, I would like to acknowledge the work that our teachers have done in this first two years of the new SATE system. Many hours of professional development, planning and assessment, not just over the past two years, but in the years leading up to the system’s implementation have contributed to the successful implementation of all programs. The task has been a significant one but one that will reap the rewards for our Year 12 cohort.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

2021 BYOD Parent Purchasing Portal open
The JB Education BYOD Parent Purchasing portal is now open and ready for use. To access the BYOD Parent Purchasing Portal please follow the instructions on the BYOD Specifications and Purchasing page of the College website at https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/our-technology/byod/specifications/ using the code VILLA2021.

Windows 10 in 2021
Whether you choose to purchase a BYOD laptop from the Parent Purchasing Portal or independently – please remember that the College is moving towards a unified operating system and type of device in 2021. All new laptops purchased as BYOD devices must be Windows 10 laptops with touch screen and digital inking capabilities. With all students using the same device there will be greater consistency with in-class support, uniform device functionality and equitable access to assistive technology applications / Inclusive Classroom principles.

Depending on the age of your son – and elective subjects he may be studying – there may be other requirements to consider. Please refer to the BYOD Specifications and Purchasing page on the College website at: https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/our-technology/byod/specifications/

2021 BYOD Purchasing Recommendations Video
To support parents in understanding the frequency and nature of technology-based schoolwork we have produced a short video. This short webinar video is based on the information presented to new parents at the Parent Information Evenings in mid-September. Please review this video prior to making purchasing decisions for 2021.

This video is posted on the BYOD Specifications and Purchasing page on the College website at: https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/our-technology/byod/specifications/

OneDrive is replacing Google Drive
As we move towards 2021, the College seeks to support students in learning how to manage and operate their own laptops. The most effective way to achieve this is for all students to be using a common platform and common application.  The most widely used platform for day-to-day schoolwork and communication is Office 365. Students use OneNote, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint regularly, if not daily. OneDrive is the cloud hosting solution that brings email, documents, class collaboration and communication together.

OneDrive has a free client (system tray application) that students may install on their BYOD laptop. Like Google Drive File Stream, the OneDrive client constantly searches for changes to files in specific locations. OneDrive keeps a history of file “revisions”, simplifying the process of backtracking through document and file versions. No more issues with saving and retrieving files! Further, OneDrive allows for some basic sharing and collaboration processes with other students and teachers. This is highly useful when students are working with others on group projects such as presentations (PowerPoint) and manipulation of data (Excel). These are just some of the immediate benefits of this cloud storage platform – and why your son should be placing all school files in this space.

In the coming weeks, all students will be required to migrate and move any school files they wish to keep onto OneDrive. At the moment, it is likely your son’s school files are either stored on Google Drive File Stream or perhaps stored on the hard drive of the BYOD laptop itself. A recent poll revealed that very few students are storing files on OneDrive. In the coming fortnight please assist your son in transferring necessary files into OneDrive. There will be a set of guidelines available next week.

Villanova BYOD Facebook page
During this term you will notice a gradual increase in posts and shared resources on the Villanova BYOD Facebook page. This page seeks to connect parents with important information to help manage and maintain BYOD devices at home. If you have not already liked the page, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/villanovabyod

Mr Jason Lane, eLearning Pedagogy Leader

It’s October, and Spring is definitely all around us.  The weather is sublime with clear blue skies, warm days and cool nights; the magpies are swooping, protecting their young and sometimes leaving their mark on the Head of Junior School as he rides on weekends for fitness; and the AFL finals are taking place in Brisbane, much to the joy of many Junior School families.

Over the past two weeks I have also learnt that it is Frocktober – an event run for the duration of October empowering women around Australia to wear their best frocks and raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Amy Roberts, our 5 Red class teacher, decided to gather together those interested staff in the Junior School to commit to wearing frocks in solidarity as women who believe that education, conversation and early detection can save lives in our community.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of gynaecological cancers. Without an early detection test, it claims the life of an Australian woman every eight hours. Our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, nieces, wives and friends/colleagues depend on us all to support such an important health matter.

It can be a simple misconception that an all boys’ learning environment means a detachment from learning how significant, crucial and valuable women are in our world.  At Villanova College, nothing could be further from the truth, and I am very proud of the professionals committing to Frocktober in 2020, leading and educating young men to be the best son, mate and sibling they can be.

Looking at https://www.frocktober.org.au/ and also learning from the staff involved, this event began in 2007, with ten friends sitting around a table at a 24-hour diner in Geelong. Their backgrounds spanned from business, architecture, health, education and design, but they all shared on common concern: how they could encourage more women to get involved in a cause that impacts every woman, everywhere – ovarian cancer awareness and research. Their solution was a quirky fundraiser that would empower women to rethink something they used every day – their wardrobe – and transform it into something special. That is exactly what I have witnessed in the Junior School, a collaboration of colleagues standing together, promoting the importance of their own health, and every woman connected to the boys they teach.  Every dress, every day in October is for Villanovan women.

There are many messages that our young boys can take away and learn by supporting and understanding an event such as Frocktober.  The first being that anyone can make a difference. We all have a voice that can make an impact. The fact that this event was started by women sitting around a table having a conversation is something we can promote with our boys. Anything big always starts with a small idea. We constantly encourage our boys to have conversations about how they can make a difference in the world no matter how big or small, it all counts. The second message the boys can take away is that even though they attend an all-boys school it is still important to support charities and events that support women. Listening, learning and leading our young men through pro-active measures means they can build an understanding of proactive measures, rather than reactive.

This year the women of Junior School have embraced the Frocktober theme and have been wearing their most fashion forward dresses in their hope to raise much needed funds for OCRF. From florals and animal print, to stripes and spots, there is no dress the women of Villanova College will not wear to show diversity – because cancer does not discriminate age, your bank balance, or where you live.  So, we will use October, rather Frocktober, to show presence to women’s health and to acknowledge those who have fought or who are currently fighting.  May the chance of the future fight diminish because we action now.

You will find a VNC support page at https://www.frocktober.org.au/my-fundraising/1156/vnc-gals where any words of encouragement would be appreciated.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

This week is Queensland Mental Health Week (10 – 18 October, 2020).

Joining me on this week’s podcast to discuss mental health in our adolescent boys are Pastoral Area Leaders Mr Matt McGrath and Mr Alex Sullivan, and College Counsellor Mr Adrian Hellwig.

Click the image to begin listening.

Mr Peter Simpson, Head of Middle School (Acting)

Boys’ Education
Villanova College is a member of the International Boys School Coalition. The IBSC connects dedicated educators worldwide to discover the best learning practices for boys. Members join a coalition of professionals who are committed to advancing schools and the learning experience for boys. With respect to our ongoing commitment and focus on best practice in boys education, I am continually drawn to the IBSC article on the marks of boys schools that I would like to share:

While young men and boys can and do excel in many types of educational institutions, schools for boys focus with intention on learning that addresses not only how to excel in academics but also how to grow into a young man of integrity and empathy. In engaging and supportive single-sex environments, students explore their values and establish a foundation for making responsible decisions; they explore their own definitions of self, who they are and who they want to become; they learn to forge healthy relationships; they step out of their comfort zone to explore their full potential.

They are preparing for their roles in a globally connected world.

Schools for boys-

1. Understand and celebrate boys.
2. Seek first to build good men.
3. Know that boys develop and learn in different ways.
4. Teach in ways that boys learn best.
5. Help students discover and explore their full potential.
6. Foster brotherhood and lifelong friendships.

Over the coming weeks, I would like to unpack some of these points with further discussion as well as illuminate some of the pertinent issues currently impacting the healthy development of our young men.

Culture is King
For those who know me, you would understand how much I love my rugby. So, it was with great anticipation that I tuned into last Sunday’s Bledisloe Cup opener – the first test under the stewardship of new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, ironically the second New Zealander after Robbie Deans to take the helm of the Australian national team.

A young and relatively inexperienced team took to field in windy Wellington and came within a few centimetres of a famous victory after Reece Hodge hit the post with his penalty kick after fulltime. It ended in a tense draw following seven more minutes of trench warfare beyond the 80 minutes. In the aftermath, lamenting our missed opportunities, I tuned in to the press conference and listened intently to coach Rennie’s commentary on the team’s performance and was immediately impressed with what I heard:

“We’re certainly not celebrating in the changing room,” Rennie said in his post-match press conference.

“ … I’m rapt with the character. What I like is seeing the disappointment with the guys in the changing room.

“There’s three Tests (in the 2020 Bledisloe Cup series) left, and we’ve got to win two, so from that perspective it’s not a bad result but we’re certainly not satisfied with a draw.”

“We’ve put a lot of emphasis on culture.”

Striving for continual excellence and not being satisfied with a ‘near enough is good enough’ mentality is one of the underpinning drivers of my philosophy for the culture of the Senior School. For the teams that I have coached and the cohorts that I have led, the building of positive culture marked by the cultivation of character and commitment to high standards is incredibly important. I wish Dave Rennie and the Wallabies every blessing in winning the Bledisloe Cup for the first time in 18 long years.

“It is in the character of very few men to honour without envy a friend who has prospered.” – Aeschylus

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

The Ministry Gala Evening
Last Friday evening saw a memorable evening held in honour of our Year 12 Ministry students. Throughout the year, the student ministries have continued to work with great flexibility and resilience. 37 students attended our pop-up Italian restaurant in either op shop fashions – St Vincent de Formal – or Italian themed. There were special guests from the partner organisations the students have sought to serve. In between the delicious courses of pizza, lasagne, and “Villa-misu,” there were speeches by Dan Ingledew (Vinnies Youth), Dan Duskovic (former Ministry Captain, 2017), Sarah Corbett (Rosies), Rob and Reece Jansen (Finger Gullies) and Eddie Murray (Emmanuel City Mission).

Sarah spoke of how the patrons of the Rosies Van had most missed the company and the conversations of the volunteers. Rosies are now training up 100 new volunteers as the iconic van hits the street again. Meanwhile, Emmanuel City Mission (Merivale St) will remain open over Christmas for homeless and vulnerable people, with meal service every 3 hours. “Putting the Christ back into Christmas was Eddie’s description.

Finally, the Ministry leaders spoke with warmth about their Ministry journey through school, with Ministry Captain Isaak Collie offering the insight that some kinds of currency are more important than money, namely the offer of personal support and service to people who feel unloved or excluded. His reflections on his time as Ministry Captain are included below.

A huge thank you is due to staff members Kath Underhill, Nat Davidson (Foundation Manager), and Nicole Jones, who poured so much into making this such a wonderful evening.

The Ministry Captain Reflects…
“It feels surreal that my ministry journey is coming to an end this year. The previous four years have flown by, from my middle school years in YAYM, to the life-changing experience with AFAS in the Philippines, and finally to being appointed as the 2020 Ministry Captain. I have enjoyed every minute of my time in Villa ministry and if I had my time again, I wouldn’t change any aspect of it. My tenure as ministry captain this year has been quite different from my expectations when I was elected last year. Dealing with COVID and the restrictions in place meant that some of the usual ministry events were unable to be held. It was a tough year innovating with unique and creative solutions that still promoted ministry to the Villa community – for example with the virtual Sleep-out. Yet I believe that thanks to the hard work of staff and the ministry leadership team, the year of ministry was a massive success, as even though our traditional calendar was quickly made redundant, the hard-working boys of ministry created new projects, some that may continue long after the memory of COVID is forgotten.

One of my favourite achievements this year is the creation of a brand-new ministry, the Green Team. It was created as a result of the bin program started by the Vinnies leadership team in late 2018, as well as a growing need for Villa to help make a pragmatic difference in a world dominated by the climate change crisis. Although it has been difficult getting the new group off the ground, it has been rewarding watching the Green Team becoming a staple of life at Villanova.

2020 was also a year of personal revelation for me. I’ve always been from the school of thought that the more money raised by a fundraiser, the larger success it was. For me, the end result always justified the means when it came to ministry event. COVID changed my perspective. Ministry became more about raising morale rather than raising money and it revealed to me that sometimes a smile is better than a dollar when it comes to creating true ministry.

I would like to finish off by encouraging students of all ages to be involved in ministry. No matter what grade, it is never too late to get involved and make a real difference to not just the direct Villanova community, but also our local one too.”

(Isaak Collie)

Vinnies Christmas Appeal
Guided by what was learned at the Gala night, the students have launched Villanova’s own “Putting Christ back into Christmas” appeal. As well as supplying 20 or so hampers for neighbouring households, there will be a series of creative fund-raisers so that donations can also be made to people who are homeless and at risk, via Rosies and Emmanuel City Mission.

Two events occur this week. In tandem with YAYM, the Vinnies team sold soft drink and gummy bears at second break on Wednesday. Meanwhile, tomorrow (Friday), the rowing machines come out for the legendary 500 metre row challenge. Current record holders are Dante Santos 1:29 (Senior School); Caden Clelland 1:43 (Middle School) and Luke Judge 2:24 (Junior School). There will be a prize – and glory – for the best time in each sub-school and it is $1 to enter. All profits will go the Vinnies Putting Christ back into Christmas Appeal.

Mass of All Saints, Friday October 16 2020
Tomorrow, the College will celebrate two College Masses for students and staff.  First up is Middle School in Period 1, then in Period 3, the Senior School will celebrate the Feast with Junior School.  This year, we are grateful to be able to come together to celebrate the Eucharist, the word “Eucharist” literally means thanksgiving.

Eucharist also refers to what feeds and nourishes us, as a community. One clue is found in the Latin word from which “Mass” is derived, meaning “sent.” The mission to make the world a better place in turn nourishes the community, however, to be truly effective, there needs to be a sacred time to step back, together, and examine who we are, in prayer, and thanksgiving.

A number of quotations by St Augustine – put up by A+ Signs – also have a nourishing impact. My current favourite is on the shutter door as you go into the third floor of the St Thomas of Villanova Building: “No one is known except through friendship.” We pray that Villanova College will always be a place where warm friendships are made.

Please click here for Sunday’s Readings.

Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity

Junior School boys on fire taking out the trifecta – AIC Swimming, AIC Cross Country and AIC Track and Field Championships – 2020
It is not often that one school is able to take out the three AIC Championship titles in one year, that is, the AIC Swimming, AIC Cross Country and AIC Track and Field Championship titles. Each year there is an AIC Year 5 and Year 6 Aggregate and an AIC 12 Years – Open Aggregate award contested amongst all AIC schools. In 2020 our mighty Junior School boys have taken out the trifecta, winning all three AIC Championships in a calendar year. This result speaks volumes about the pride, commitment and talent of the young men involved. The future bodes well for Villanova sport when we have quality such as this coming through the school. Well done to all the boys and coaches involved to get this fantastic result.

I am extremely proud of all the boys who participated in the 2020 Track and Field program over the short season and to those who were privileged to represent our College at the annual AIC Championships held on Friday and Saturday of last week.

The early message given to our squad this year was to compete and give of your best at every training session to improve. We challenged the boys to challenge each other and to raise the bar for each other. Put simply we wanted there to be a strong sense of competition within our team where the boys had to compete against each other to make the team. Once the team was selected the clear message to all athletes was to aim to break your personal best on the day.

Overall, Villanova was placed in seventh position in the 12yrs – Opens and first position in the Year 5 and Year 6 Aggregates. Our Year 5 and Year 6 boys performed extremely well and won the Year 5 AIC Age Championship and Year 6 AIC Age Championship too. I must admit I was disappointed with the overall result as we were hoping to build on last year’s performance. However, we weren’t disappointed in the boys as we know they did give their very best on the day.

In some ways it’s easier to be involved in a program when things are going well. It shows a tremendous amount of courage and conviction from both student athletes and coaches to stick to a program, to work hard and to find a way to dig themselves off the bottom when the going is tough. Our boys did that this year. They worked hard, attended training, concentrated on their own efforts to improve and were keen to beat their fellow school mate to make the team. They then backed themselves on the day to produce in most cases a personal best but certainly the best they could muster on the day. I am very proud of all the boys and coaches. It is about giving of yourself, having guts and showing pride – well done boys, and well done to those mighty talented Junior School boys for taking out the title.

Please be aware that the ‘2021 Online Sign-On Link’ for those wishing to play cricket, volleyball, AFL and swimming has been published on the website all week. Any student who wishes to represent the College in these sports during Term 1 next year must complete this online sign-on sheet by tomorrow, Friday 16 October.  As part of the sign-on process both the parents and students are asked to check a box to indicate that they accept and are aware of the College’s expectations and policies regarding Villanova sport. Some of these are listed on the sign-on form.

At the bottom 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 Villa, 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 submitting the form. The sign-on link can be found on the College’s website under the Sport section or simply click here – https://form.jotform.com/VillanovaSport/aic-term-1-2021-sport-sign-on

Cricket, AFL and Volleyball trials for all Year 7 – 12 2021 teams will be held in Week 5 of this term.

NOTE – Year 6 (2021) Cricket and AFL trials for those current Year 5 boys moving into Year 6 2021 will commence next Monday and Wednesday afternoon after school. Please ensure you read all information below regarding times and dates. This information is also found on our website. Our aim is to have all cricket, AFL and volleyball teams selected before the end of year. Please see all trial information below.

COACH, MANAGER AND OFFICIALS NOMINATION FORM – 2021 
The Villanova College Sports Department is currently seeking coaches, managers and officials for the Year 5 – 12 AIC sports program in 2021.  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 help out in any way, could you please complete the online nomination form below.

All forms received will be compiled into a database. Before each season commences, a member of the Sports Office will contact those who have expressed an interest to assist. A final confirmation of commitment will be sought, and further details will be given.

The College is indebted to those who were able to assist throughout 2020. We now invite those who would like to assist in 2021 to become involved for the benefit of our students and the College. You will no doubt find it rewarding and no experience is necessary. Please click on the link below if you are able to assist – https://form.jotform.com/VillanovaSport/coachofficialnomination

VILLANOVA SWIMMING TRAINING
For those who are wishing to be involved, please complete the online rego/payment form which is posted on the College’s web site in the swim section. Our success next year is dependent upon the hard work put in this year. Attendance at training has been excellent. We had over 80 boys attend the ‘welcome meeting’ held last Friday which is a very positive sign. 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! Please remember these are not learn to swim sessions, they are for boys who are competent swimmers who are able to swim laps of the pool without struggle.

For those wishing to enrol in the swim program, please click the link below to register your details online. Information regarding payment can also be found within this link. Please understand that the personal details and emergency contact information provided within the registration form will be shared with the staff from Langlands Pool. Langland Pool does not have access to the College’s data base and needs your contact information in the event of an emergency. If your details change you must notify the Sports Office (details below) as the updated information the College receives is not shared with Langlands Pool. If you do not wish for your emergency details to be shared with the staff from Langlands Pool, we will be unable to allow you to participate in the program.

Villanova Swimming Registration Link – https://form.jotform.com/VillanovaSport/aic-swimming-registration—202021-

AIC TRACK AND FIELD
Mr Mick Garske, Track and Field Coach

The reduced schedule for the Track and Field season resulted in all teams arriving at the Queensland State Athletics Centre having endured limited preparation time in Term 3, and with no warm-up carnival form to rely on. Despite all the challenges that each college faced, the 2020 AIC Track and Field Championships were fiercely contested, and the spirit of friendly rivalry shone through over the course of the two days of competition. Quality athletic performances were in abundance in the Main Stadium and there were six new individual records set, with Villanova’s new hurdling whiz-kid, Archie Dickinson, amongst the record breakers with his sizzling time of 9.87 seconds for the Division 1: 60m Hurdles (Year 5). On behalf of the College, I would like to congratulate Archie on his outstanding performance.

Congratulations also to all the Villanova athletes who made the effort to compete for places in the 2020 AIC Track and Field Squad. Our younger athletes lead the way with their excellent commitment and enthusiasm for attendance at training, including two sessions during the school holidays. The Year 5 and Year 6 squad members were justifiably rewarded for their special talents and training efforts by securing victory in their Age Champion divisions, as well as the overall Aggregate Trophy for the Junior School Championship. Also noteworthy were the performances of our U/15s and Opens teams, which finished fourth in their respective Age Championships. At the end of a very tight two days of competition, Villanova had finished seventh in the Senior School carnival, a mere 3.25 points behind sixth and less than 30 points off fifth place. Overall placings for Villanova teams at the Championships were:

Year 5 – 6  Aggregate = First (Year 5 – First ; Year 6 – First)
Year 7 – 12 Aggregate = Seventh (U12 – Sixth; U13 – Seventh; U14 – Eighth; U15 – fourth; U16 – sixth; Open – fourth).

There were many notable performances by Villanova athletes throughout the Championships, with our athletes achieving 38 first places, 18 second places and 22 third places. Special mention goes to the following Villanova athletes who achieved first place in their events:

Year 5:
Archie Dickinson (60m Hurdles; 200m; 800m; 4 x 100m Relay)
Lennox Hine (100m; 4 x 100m Relay)
Liam Holmes (100m; 200m; 800m)
Billy Pearson (100m; 4 x 100m Relay; Long Jump)
Jacob Short (100m; 200m; 800m; 4 x 100m Relay)
Flynn Spooner (100m; 200m)

Year 6:
Harvey Anderson (100m; 200m; 4 x 100m Relay)
Thomas Longland (100m; 200m; 4 x 100m Relay; High Jump)
Oscar McCoola (4 x 100m Relay)
Ronan McMahon (200m; 4 x 100m Relay)
Beau Poustie (100m; 200m; 60m Hurdles; 4 x 100m Relay)
Harry Miller (100m; 4 x 100m Relay)
Max Rakitovszky (100m; 200m; 4 x 100m Relay)
Luca Strong (200m; 4 x 100m Relay)

U/12:
Samuel Binney (Shot Put)
Remi Hall (Long Jump)

 U/13:
Liam McGarvey (Javelin)

U/15:
Mitchell Rieck (1500m)

Open:
Hamish Muir (Javelin; Long Jump)
Jaxson Paterson-Wright (3000m)
Oliver Rae (100m)

AIC Track and Field – Best Athlete on the Day of the Championships were:
Junior School – Archie Dickinson
Middle School – Riki Taylor
Senior School – Luke Barton

Finally, special acknowledgement goes to staff members Mrs Baillie, Ms Dewis, Mrs Dillon, Mrs Rouhliadeff, Mr McLauchlan, Mr Pascoe, Mr Roache, Mr Rolls, Mr Schiavo, Mr Valentine, Old Boys David Barton, Michael Criticos, Callum Davies and Nic Elsey, and all the outside coaches who generously contributed their time and expertise towards coaching the Track and Field squad this year. Also, a special thanks to the sports department of Mr Stariha, Mr Everding, Mr Kemp and Mr Kropp for their dedication towards co-ordinating the season, including assisting with coaching and arranging for the squad to be able to utilise the new Track and Field facilities at Villanova Park.

AIC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
The annual AIC Golf Championship will be contested on Monday 26 October at the Indooroopilly Golf Course.  We are currently seeking nominations from students in Year 5 – 12 who have a current AGU Handicap and Golf Link Number. Each College must submit a team consisting of 5 players. These players will be escorted by a staff member on the day of competition. Transport to and from the venue will be arranged by the College. All interested students are asked to see Mr Stariha to register. The final team will be selected based on handicaps. Nominations close tomorrow, Friday 16 October. The final team will be selected by Monday 19 October.

2021 VILLANOVA CRICKET, AFL, SWIMMING AND VOLLEYBALL SIGN ON AND TRIALS
Villanova College will conduct AIC Cricket, AFL and Volleyball trials for all teams from Years 7 – 12 on the dates listed below. These trials are open to all students who are enrolled at Villanova College in 2021.  Please note that all students compete in their year level and not in their age groups.

All students, including those students who will join Villanova in 2021, must attend these trials to be considered for team selection in 2021. Students entering Year 7, 8 and 9 in 2021 may only participate in cricket, AFL or volleyball as these will all be played on Saturday.

Students are required to wear any appropriate sporting attire to these trials.

IMPORTANT – Due to the COVID protocols in place, those wishing to play cricket must supply and wear their own equipment, including, gloves, box, pads and helmet to all trials and games.

Students wishing to trial must complete an online sign-on form (link found below) and simply attend the venue 15 minutes before the advertised start time.

Commitment:  All teams will have one or two training sessions either before or after school each week during Term 1.  Term 1 training times for all teams will be advised before the end of the year.

All students wishing to trial for an AIC cricket, AIC AFL or AIC volleyball team must complete an ‘On-line Sign -on Form’ by Friday 16 October. Link below.

https://form.jotform.com/VillanovaSport/aic-term-1-2021-sport-sign-on

INITIAL TRIAL WEEK SCHEDULE – Term 4, Week 5

PLEASE NOTE: Trials are for those boys who are entering that year in 2021, e.g. Year 7 trials are for those boys who are entering Year 7 in 2021.

• Little Langlands – Langlands Park, Main Avenue, Coorparoo (next to Easts Leagues Club)
• Goold Hall – located on the Villanova College Campus, access via Eighth Avenue, Coorparoo
• Coorparoo JAFC – Giffin Park, Birubi Street, Coorparoo

Further trials will be held on the following weekend dates after the initial trials are held above. Please keep these weekends free.

FURTHER AFL, CRICKET AND VOLLEYBALL TRIAL DATES – YEAR 7 – 12 TEAMS
After the cricket, AFL and volleyball trials held during Week 5, Term 4 (that is, 2 – 5 November), the College has organised further trial games to take place on the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November. It is important that all interested students attend these trials as we hope to finalize teams and squads after this weekend. All times and venues will be given to all players during the trials played earlier in the week. However, most of these are listed below.

Those who do not make an AFL or volleyball team have the option of joining a cricket team. NOTE – The trials pertain to the year level the student enters in 2021. Therefore, the Year 7 trials are for students entering Year 7 in 2021.

All students wishing to trial for an AIC cricket, AIC AFL or AIC volleyball team must complete an ‘On-line Sign -on Form’ by Friday 16 October. Link below.

https://form.jotform.com/VillanovaSport/aic-term-1-2021-sport-sign-on

FURTHER CRICKET TRIALS – YEAR  7 – 12 TEAMS
All teams from Year 7 – 12, Sunday 8 November 2020 at Villanova Park – Specific times and fields will be advised.

Please note the trial games for cricket will be played on Sunday 8 November at Villanova Park. These trials are for selected teams/students only. NOT ALL BOYS WILL BE REQUIRED. After the trials held earlier in the week, we will advise those who are required to attend further trials on Sunday 8 November.  More information about team lists will be given at a later stage.

Please contact the Sports Office if you have any queries or concerns – sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au Phone: 3394 5621

Date: Sunday 8 November 2020
Venue 1: Villanova Park, Manly Road, Tingalpa
Venue 2:  Kianawah Park, Wynnum Road, Tingalpa
Uniform: Villa cricket whites or any suitable sports clothing

FURTHER VOLLEYBALL TRIALS – YEAR 7 – 12 TEAMS
All teams from Year 7 – 12, Saturday 7 November 2020 at Villanova College, Goold Hall

Please note that all students who have signed up for Volleyball trials will be expected to attend further trials held on Saturday 7 November in Goold Hall at Villanova College. After the Volleyball trials held on Saturday 7 November all coaches will then select their volleyball teams/squads. If a boy fails to make a volleyball team/squad, they are welcome to join a cricket team. More information about team lists will be given at a later stage.

Please contact the Sports Office if you have any quires or concerns – sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au Phone: 3394 5621

Date:  Saturday 7 November 2020
Venue:  Court 1 – Goold Hall, Nearest Main Entrance and Court 2 – Goold Hall, Near Stage
Uniform: Sports PE uniform or any suitable sports clothing

* All players need to be at their respective venues 15 mins prior to the commencement of their game.

Other Trial Matches Organised (only for those boys who are selected after Saturday 7 November)

• Saturday 14 November, Trial match v Iona College – Times and venues TBA
• Saturday 21 November, Trial match v St Laurence’s College – Times and venues TBA

FURTHER AFL TRIALS – YEAR 7-12 TEAMS
Saturday 7 November 2020

Please note that all students who have signed up for AFL trials will be expected to attend further trials held on Saturday 7 November at Coorparoo JAFC, Birubi St, Coorparoo (Giffin Park). After the AFL trials held on Saturday 7 November all coaches will then select their AFL teams/squads. If a boy fails to make an AFL team/squad, they are welcome to join a cricket team. More information about team lists will be given at a later stage.

Please contact the Sports Office if you have any queries or concerns – sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au Phone: 3394 5621

Date: Saturday 7 November
Venue:  Coorparoo JAFC, Birubi St Coorparoo, Giffin Park
Uniform: Any suitable sports clothing to play AFL including boots. Bibs will be supplied.

* All players need to be at their respective venues 30 minutes prior to the commencement of their game.

FURTHER AFL, VOLLEYBALL and CRICKET TRIALS 2021 – Year 7-12 teams

Date Claimer – Further Cricket, Volleyball and AFL trials will be played against St Patrick’s College on Saturday 23 January, Times and Venues TBA. Please keep this date free.

In 2021 AIC Round 1 Cricket, AFL and Volleyball will be played in Week 1, Term 1 (not in Week 2 as has been the case in previous years). Therefore, we have organised trials on the Saturday before the boys commence the school year. Please keep Saturday 23 January 2021 free.

AIC CRICKET AND AFL TRIALS – YEAR 6 STUDENTS 2021
Students entering Year 6 in 2021 (current Year 5 students) will have their 2021 cricket or AFL trials conducted on Monday 19 and Wednesday 21 October after school at Little Langlands from 3.15 -4.40pm.

These trials are open to all students who are enrolled at Villanova College in 2021. Please note that in the AIC Competition the boys compete in their year level not their age groups. All students must attend these trials to be considered for team selection in 2021.

The College can only submit a maximum of two teams into the Year 6 divisions of the AIC AFL competition. Therefore, some boys will miss out. Those boys who miss out on a place in an AFL team will be offered a place in a cricket team. There are no limits to the number of cricket teams we can enter.

IMPORTANT – Due to COVID protocols in place, those wishing to play cricket must supply and wear their own equipment, including, gloves, box, pads and helmet to all trials and games.

Commitment required:  All teams will have one – two training sessions either before or after school each week throughout Term 1.  All cricket and AFL games will be played on Saturday mornings during Term 1. Training times for all teams will be advised next year.

Note – new Year 6 boys entering the College in 2021 will be invited to attend these trials. If they are unable to make these trials, we will trial these boys separately on their – ‘ORIENTATION DAY’ – which is held on Saturday 24 October 2020.

All interested students will be escorted down to Langlands Park after school by Villanova staff members. Parents are to collect their son/s from Little Langlands at the conclusion of the trials.

Please note that students may participate in cricket or AFL and the swimming program in 2020/21.

We hope to select boys into teams or squads after these two trial days. These teams/squads will be advertised by approx. Wednesday 28 October, that is, after the Orientation Day for new students as some new boys will need to be considered.

FURTHER AFL and CRICKET TRIAL DATE 2021 – Year 5 and Year 6 Teams

Date Claimer – Further Cricket and AFL trials will be played against St Patrick’s College on Saturday 23 January 2021.  Times and Venues TBA. Please keep this date free.

In 2021 AIC Round 1 Cricket and Volleyball will be played in Week 1, Term 1 (not in Week 2 as has been the case in previous years). Therefore, we have organised trials on the Saturday before the boys commence the school year. Please keep Saturday 23 January 2021 free.

2021 VILLANOVA COACHES, MANAGERS AND OFFICIALS NEEDED
The Sports Office is currently looking at staffing for the 2021 sports season. If you can assist in any of these roles, we ask that you complete the online ‘2021 Coaches, Managers and Officials Nomination Form’. The link is found on the website or simply click here – https://form.jotform.com/VillanovaSport/coachofficialnomination

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 require coaches of the teams listed above to assist with trials very soon. If you are keen to take on a coaching role, please complete the nomination form described above.

OBLATE CRICKET CARNIVAL – BRISBANE
Unfortunately, due to COVID the annual Oblate Cricket Carnival (which was to be hosted in Brisbane this year) has been cancelled. The coaching staff are keen to run a replacement training program/camp at Villanova Park between Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 December 2020.

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Well done to Nick Craig, Nicholas Humphries, Malcolm Stavens (U15) and Tom Boxall (U17) who all won gold for their respective teams at the State Volleyball Championships.

Further congratulations to Tom Boxall who was recently selected in the 15 years Queensland  Schoolboy Volleyball Merit team. A great achievement!

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Senior Musicians’ Dinner
We will be celebrating the service of our Senior Musicians this Friday evening, as advertised.  Information relating to this function has been emailed home to all families involved.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Music Office on 3394 5691.

Wieneke Bursary 2020
This term we will be celebrating the Keith and Dawn Wieneke Bursary Competition with our heats held during Week 3, and the final convened during Week 4.  Information regarding this year’s Bursary has been distributed to students, families and staff.

As per previous years, entry is free, and students are to perform a short solo work on their chosen instrument during the Heats stage for the Director of Music.  Five finalists will be selected from each Junior, Middle, and Senior School; these students will be performing for an external adjudicator.

This year we will have a significant difference in that we will be offering First and Second prizes within each section.  The prize money has been increased and we are looking forward to rewarding more of our fantastic musicians.  Prizes are delineated as follows:

Senior School                       First Prize – $600        Second Prize – $300
Middle School                      First Prize – $400        Second Prize – $200
Junior School                       First Prize – $300       Second Prize – $150

Key dates for Term 4
Key dates for Term 4 are outlined below.  A revised calendar for the remainder of the year will be communicated over the break.  May I ask that you note the following dates in your diaries as ‘set’ for the coming term:

Entertainment Memberships
Entertainment Publications are no longer selling books, just digital memberships from 2020 onwards.  If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please access our membership portal through the links below.  There are a number of great offers available focussing on supporting local and small businesses through this challenging period.

Thank you all for your continued support of Villanova Music.  We are glad to continue to be of service to you and your son as we navigate this challenging time together.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

*Value displayed is an example of potential savings within the Membership only and is subject to available offers at any one time. The redemption examples show how a Member could redeem the cost of the Single City Membership in one day.

^The additional $10 and $20 per Membership sale during the current promotional period 12am 14 August 2020 – 11:59pm 13 September 2020 AEST will be paid to the relevant Entertainment fundraising group as per the standard payment terms within the corresponding quarter.

*All member offers are subject to terms and conditions. Check individual offers on the Entertainment Membership App or www.entertainment.com.au for more information. For all dining offers, it is optional for participating businesses to accept your Entertainment Memberships on all official Australian and New Zealand public holidays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day. © 2020 Entertainment Publications of Australia Pty Ltd.

Support our entrants in the Sydney City to Surf!
This Sunday, four Villanova staff members will be part of the 20-strong Augustinian Volunteers Australia team in this year’s virtual Sydney City to Surf.

We wish Fr Saldie, Ms Amanda Waterson, Mrs Maria Mascadri and Mrs Eleni Greenaway all the best as they complete the 14 kilometre distance.

By going to https://city2surf2020.everydayhero.com/au/walking-with-augustinian-volunteers-australia you can meet team members and use the GIVE NOW button to add money to the fundraising pages of our Villanova staff members.

Augustinian Volunteers is a community of young and not-so-young adults who volunteer to support those living in the margins of society. They have ministries in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and have been in Melbourne and Thailand.

Helping Hands – Term 4 Clubs
This term, we are offering clubs that provide learning outcomes for each child. Students are invited to join us for Lego Masters Club, World Star Sports Club, and Animation Claymation Club. Our team has planned a weekly program for each club to maximise fun and learning outcomes.

If you have any questions, please email villanova@helpinghandsnetwork.com.au or call 0437 784 379
If you are enrolled, bookings to be made via iParent: https://parentslogin.kidsoft.com.au/
If you aren’t enrolled, please register and then follow the above step after registration: https://www.helpinghandsnetwork.com.au/register/

Helping Hands Villanova operates between 6:30am – 8:30am and 3:00pm – 6:00pm on school days. We also operate a Vacation Care program during holidays between 6:30am – 6:00pm.

Tuckshop Roster (Monday 19 – Friday 23 October)
All volunteers rostered on this week will be contacted directly by the Tuckshop.

Bus Travel Assistance
Please click here for details regarding applying for Bus Travel Assistance in 2021.

Villanova College Rectors 
Father Peter Wieneke OSA – Rector: 1987 – 1994

Fr. Peter was born in Brisbane in 1944, the only child of Keith and Dawn.  He attended Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Toowoomba for his primary schooling then Villanova College for his secondary education.

His studies for the priesthood were completed at Villanova University, Pennsylvania and at the Augustinian College, Washington.  Peter took a break to teach at Villanova before finishing his studies at Kensington Seminary, Sydney.  In 1972 he was ordained at St James’s Church, Coorparoo.

Fr Peter was on the staff at Villanova for eight years, then moved to St Augustine’s College, Brookvale as Vice Rector for five years.  He was appointed Rector of Villanova College in 1987.

As Rector, Fr Peter kept alive the community spirit, so characteristic of the College since its foundation.  The general improvement of the College grounds and environment were features of his leadership. He encouraged all students to lift their standards of dress and to take pride in wearing the College uniform.  The academic curriculum diversified during his time as Rector, as did changes to the governance and administration of the College.

Moving to Sydney in 1995 Fr Peter was attached to various parishes in the western suburbs.  He returned to Villanova College in 2011 as Chaplain and currently works alongside Fr Saldie Resolado OSA, the Campus Minister.