Villa View: Issue 33/19

The implementation of the new Queensland Certificate of Education this year has seen new syllabuses introduced into Year 11 and next year into Year 12. Associated with the new syllabuses is a new system of assessment involving several new procedures and processes. Our staff have completed the first endorsement of their assessment pieces in a professional manner and all assessment tasks have now been endorsed.

In Year 12 next year, students will sit four assessment pieces. Three internally written assessment tasks will be completed before October 2020. In the final three weeks of the Year 12 academic program all students will sit external exams set by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority – QCAA. In most subjects the external exams will count for 25% of the final marks out of 100. In Mathematics and Science subjects the external exam will contribute 50% towards the final mark out of 100.

Students seeking entry to tertiary institutions post-school will receive an ATAR- Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. The top ATAR is 99.95 and across Queensland it is expected that 30 -35 students will receive the top ATAR. The ATAR is calculated by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre- QTAC and will be made available to students around the middle of December each year.

Our Year 11 students continue to meet the challenges of the new system with enthusiasm and determination. Through the support and professionalism of our teaching staff I am confident our students will be thoroughly prepared for the rigours of Year 12 in 2020.

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
On Monday evening the 2019 Celebration of Excellence was held at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Special guest was Fr. Peter Jones OSA, Prior Provincial who travelled from Sydney to be with us for this special occasion. The evening was a wonderful event that showcased the many opportunities our students are offered. We congratulate the award winners for their academic achievements. The performances of our musicians during the evening were a highlight and were received with great appreciation by the audience.

2019 Major Awards
Villanovan of the Year – Matthew Rolls
Dux of the College – Gunit Singh
Proxime Accessit – Thomas Pham
Sportsman of the Year – joint winners – Peter Klaassen and George Stokes
Musician of the Year – James Battersby

Congratulations to these major award recipients. The College is proud of your achievements and significant contributions to our community.

A special thanks to Mr Steven Bremner, Mr Matt Levander, Mrs Kath Underhill and Ms Sallyanne Freney for their organisation and production of the 2019 Celebration of Excellence.

ENTERPRISE BARGAINING PROCESS
In preparation for the establishment of a new Enterprise Agreement from 1 July 2019, Catholic employers and the Queensland Independent Education Union (QIEU) have been negotiating key workplace issues in order to reach an agreement. Unfortunately talks have stalled on several outstanding issues. Union members at Villanova College have voted to take protected industrial action from Thursday 7 November. The Protected Action will not affect the teaching of classes. However, there may be some disruptions to normal operations that will need to be covered by staff who are not union members. Please be assured that the College staff will ensure day-to-day operations of the College will proceed as normal.

YEAR 12 STUDENTS
Our Year 12 students conclude their formal classes this week and will commence their Assessment Block on Tuesday 5 November. Monday 4 November is a study day for Year 12 students as they prepare for their final exams. We keep these young men and their families in our prayers as they conclude the final stages of their secondary schooling journey.

“May God hold each of them gently in the palm of his hand.”
You have made us for Yourself O Lord
And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD) INFORMATION FOR 2020

BYOD session – Orientation Day
Last Saturday, a large number of new families attended the BYOD information session in the lower Library space. Parents had the opportunity to touch and test a number of laptops available on the JB Education Parent Purchasing Portal. Thanks to the IT Helpdesk team and JB Education staff for hosting the BYOD information session – many questions were answered and families were very appreciative of the advice and support provided.

BYOD 2020 recommendations for all students
If your son’s current laptop is three years old (or older) then you should consider upgrading to a new device for 2020. Typically, the life cycle of a laptop used every day is three years. The effective charge cycle of a laptop battery used daily is even less – between one and two years.

Please consider the following points if purchasing a new laptop for 2020:

• If buying for Year 5-9 buy a Windows 10 laptop that meets the BYOD minimum specifications (i5, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, touch screen, stylus) as published on the College website.
• If buying for Year 10-12 you may buy a Windows 10 or Macbook laptop that meets the minimum specifications. In the Senior School students may bring Macbooks to school, but there is an expectation that these students are familiar with the mac OS environment and know how to maintain and manage the laptop themselves. If your son is not familiar with mac OS it is recommended he bring a Windows 10 laptop to school. This will enable teachers and the majority of his peers to assist with software installation, general use and maintenance.
• There are further recommendations if your son is studying specialist subjects in Years 10-12. Refer to the documentation on the BYOD minimum specifications page of the College website.
• In Years 5-9, avoid detachable models (where the keyboard can be removed from the screen) as any moving parts can become worn and damaged over time. Detachable laptops, such as the highly sought-after Microsoft Surface Pro 6, are more appropriate for responsible Senior School students who have demonstrated effective care of their prior laptop over time.
• Purchase a hardcase for the care of the device. Avoid soft cases! There are many zippered and lined soft cases that look appealing, but serve no protective function at all. At best they protect the laptop from surface scratches.
• Add ADP/ADH (Accidental Damage Protection/Handling) at the time of purchase. This cannot be purchased later.
• Look for warranty options that meet the life of the device (three years) and include a warranty upgrade (sealed battery) option.
• Think education, not recreation. In recent years, I have seen an increase in gaming laptops in classrooms. These laptops are the pride of the students who have them, but the processors and screens require extensive power resources. As a consequence, these gaming laptops are the first to run out of charge and require students to charge at school.
• Label the laptop. The best place to affix a Dymo label is to the back of the laptop screen (facing upward when open). This will make your son’s laptop instantly recognisable. Label, don’t engrave. Engraving can void warranty terms and conditions.
• Consider buying a compatible ‘Power Bank’ device. At times your son may need to charge at school. To avoid trip hazards and damage to charge ports it is best to charge with a Power Bank, not an AC adapter. Power Banks are portable chargers that can sit next to your son’s laptop on his classroom desk and provide additional charge without the need for power/AC cables. When purchasing, choose a Power Bank that matches the charging port (usually USB-C), the required supply (e.g. 45W) and has a high mAh capacity.

If you are purchasing a new laptop the College has selected a number of laptops in the JB Education Parent Purchasing Portal that meet/exceed our minimum specifications. Follow the link and instructions on the bottom of the BYOD minimum specifications page of the College website. Remember, there is no requirement for you to purchase through this portal. You may purchase independently if you wish. Over five years of BYOD implementation, the College recommends purchasing through the portal for the following reasons:

• store purchases may not meet the recommended warranty duration (three years);
• store purchases may not include ADP/ADH at the time of purchasing;
• after-sales servicing and repair procedures may require extensive documentation and handling by the parent;
• after-sales servicing, replacements and repairs may result in extensive durations without your son’s laptop.

Follow this link to view a short video demonstrating how to use the JB Education Parent Purchasing Portal to buy a Windows 10 device which would be suitable for students across Years 5 – 9: https://tinyurl.com/y2durj2o

Like the Villanova BYOD Facebook page at www.facebook.com/villanovabyod to stay up-to-date with all things BYOD as we prepare for the 2020 school year.

If you have any queries please use the dedicated BYOD email address: byod@vnc.qld.edu.au or view the BYOD Support and Repairs page on the College website.

Mr Jason Lane, eLearning Pedagogy Leader

2019 VILLA VISIONS ART EXHIBITION
Thank you to all the parents and friends of the College who attended and participated in the 2019 Villa Visions Art Exhibition. Close to 300 people attended the opening night which is a true testament to the support of Visual Art and the students who study this subject at the College.

$809.30 was raised from the People’s Choice Award sales, AFAS raffle and gold coin donations. These proceeds will be used to fund local art programs on the next AFAS student exchange to the Philippines.

Acquisition Prizes are awarded by staff of participating departments, with each Acquisition Prize recognising excellence in Visual Art. The staff select and purchase this work for display in the College’s permanent art collection. We offer our congratulations to these students – please click here.

The People’s Choice Award recipient for 2019 was awarded to Year 12 student Jayden Bryant for his work titled ‘Challenging Conventions’. This award acknowledges the most popular artwork judged by the general public at the 2019 Villa Visions Art Exhibition. Our congratulations are extended to Jayden, and  to all award recipients and participants whose varied forms of art made Villa Visions such a success in 2019.

Villa Visions Year Level Prizes

Mrs Vanessa Briggs, Villa Visions Convenor

COLLABORATIVE AND REFLECTIVE PRACTICES (CRP) PROGRAM
In this week’s article, we hear from Mr Adam Fry, 5 Green’s core teacher, on how being a part of the Collaborative and Reflective Practices (CRP) program has improved his teaching practice and student achievement in his class.

“CRP pods have been such a valuable experience for all staff in the Junior School, as they have provided the opportunity to effectively collaborate as teams to reflect on not only our own teaching pedagogy, but other teachers and their pedagogies as well. We have been provided with new ways to integrate co-teaching into our classrooms and extend our boys to get the most out of them.

Within our classrooms we have seen great improvements in our students as we reflect and collaborate to provide relationships and support throughout the year.

CRP has been an invaluable experience since the first time we met together four years ago.”

The Celebration of Excellence Evening provided a spotlight for students who have achieved exemplary results in academic areas.  College staff donned academic gowns and families gathered in the balconies to appreciate and celebrate the many hours it takes to achieve honours in learning.  An incredible number of hours in preparation by teaching, office and technical/grounds staff mean that such an evening is polished – so thank you to all involved.  My sincere appreciation to all the family members who came along.  It is always a tough decision whether to have dinner before or after this event, I chose Nando’s on the way home!

It was a privilege to call the names of our Junior School recipients.  Year 5 students, Alexander Capaldi, Will Colquhoun, Grant Crawford, Jaylen Huber, Christian McIlwain, Samuel Pauli and Reuben Wagels walked across the stage for the very first time.  This is a little daunting but mostly very exciting for a young Villanovan.  Being seated in full view of the College Staff and families – the spotlight is certainly all theirs to relish in.

While in Year 6, Sabastian Bailey, Lachlan Boustead, Liam Curtis, William Fritz, Dylan Fryga, Gabriel Gagen, Thomas Hellyer, Bailey Horvath, Nikolas Katakis, Isaac Lerato, Noah Lum, Jackson Mantis, Liam Martin, Mitchell Millard, Connor Nicholls, Jonah Nicolaou, Matthew Peachey, Hamish Read and Liam Viney Gonzalez shook hands with Mr Stower with pride.  This is their last opportunity as a Junior School representative and I am very proud of how they stood proudly, knowing that all that hard work and attention to criteria paid off so handsomely.

I was never on the Scarborough State High School list of academic achievers.  I lived for PE lessons, enjoyed Maths and Geography, and tolerated everything else knowing I needed good grades to get into teaching.  Ideally, I would have played for Los Angeles Dodgers after attending Arizona State University, but teaching was just meant to be a part of my life.  On Monday evening, I watched the 2019 Seniors and felt nostalgic about that time of life, all the adventures, hope and mischief ahead of them – a world of possibilities.  Having known these boys for the best part of eight years means that I am going to be waiting for all the good news that will filter back to the College of their successes and achievements in the real world.  My heartfelt best wishes go out to every single one of them – a very special cohort indeed.

There are many students who would have perhaps watched The Amazing Race on Monday evening, – but gentlemen, your efforts in academia are very much noticed.  Your class teachers monitor your every achievement, your Curriculum Area Leaders track your progress each year, and the College Curriculum Department are also entering your achievements so that over the journey at Villanova there are indicators we can use to enhance your success.  It matters a great deal to all of us that you realise your best is all that matters.  You will make the best version of yourself in many ways in life – and academia is one aspect that can provide the choices you need to do that.

As a Dad, I know firsthand what it takes on the home front to help two sons manage their workload.  Both are incredibly different learners and so require different levels of support and strategies to achieve their best.  Granted, I work more on my sons’ sporting achievements, but I know for a fact how diligent their routines are with homework and study, thanks to their Mum.  It has taken years of patience, persistence and a lot of helping hands from classmates and staff – a real team effort.  As they get older, it’s true they may not always ask us as much for a helping hand – but checking in with specific questions leads their developing minds to know that help is always available.

We have just over four weeks of tuition time left – we must focus on the tasks at hand and give them our very best effort.  There are responsibilities to manage so let’s work on doing that with honesty, integrity and a passion for doing things to our capacity.

As Mr Stower mentioned at the Celebration of Excellence, let God take under his mercy our past, may we give today all our energy and leave the future to the faith in the miracles around us.  Remember to notice the smallest joys because these days do actually pass us by far too quickly.

Mr Stephen Rouliadeff, Head of Junior School

This term, we continue our series of podcasts where we’ll discuss a range of issues relevant to our adolescent boys. This week’s episode is:

Episode 14 – “Ministry” with Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission & Identity, and 2020 Ministry Captain, Isaak Collie.

Click on the image to begin listening.

Previous episodes are listed below.

Episode 13 – “Improving the Middle Years’ Experience” with Mr Adrian Hellwig

Episode 12 – “Teachers in the Hot Seat” with Mrs Kate Alexander and Mr Alex Sullivan

Episode 11 – “Hearing the Student Voice” with Tom Price and Cameron Wallace

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
On Monday evening this week, the annual Celebration of Excellence was held at the Queensland Performing Art Centre, affirming the significance of our core business within our learning community. The opening liturgy and magnificent performance of ‘Coming to Villanova’ reminded us of the value of a holistic education within a dynamic and vibrant community. The following excerpt from 2019 Academic Captain, Matthew Short’s address aptly captured this when exploring our three gateway values:

Our search for truth connects strongly to our academic journey from Grade 5 to Grade 12. It is fundamentally why we are here and is obviously very important, hence we recognise the achievements of those who sit behind me. It is imperative that we develop growth mindsets and ‘learn how to learn’. In 10 years’ time, it is unlikely that I will be asked to recall the 38^th element of the periodic table, or Hamlet’s fatal flaw, but the ability to pick up new concepts, and the grit needed to reach my goals, are skills that are essential to succeed in our ever changing world.

 Interiority. Often, we find this one the hardest to define. It involves looking inwards and understanding yourself. To me it relates to our character. In knowing ourselves we must decide what we value and what is important to us. Of course this will continue to develop and change, because we, as people, will change dramatically as we grow and learn. But the important thing is that we stay true to the virtues we value in our decision making and in our actions. Currently, as young Villa men, these values may include friendship, humility, service, honesty – the list continues. So let us try to be people of substance and of character. I believe this is what Mr Simpson had meant by his advice.

 Lastly, we have community. Although this seems like a common value, present in a lot of places, there is something unique about the Villa community. The number of old boys who stay involved in the college is a testament to how special it is. Made up of students, families, staff, old boys and friends, our community is founded on a network of strong relationships that have a profound impact on us. Largely, it is built by parents and teachers who truly want the best for us.

I would like to congratulate all Senior School students who received awards for Overall Academic Excellence and Subject Awards. I would also like to affirm the outstanding achievement of the Year 10 and 11 recipients of Dux and Proxime Accessit:

Year 10 Dux: Henry Barras
Year 10 Dux: Luke Palmer
Year 11 Dux: Jack Dunbar
Year 11 Proxime Accessit: Luke Skelton

Finally, the recipients of this year’s Awards of Distinction are a group of exceptional young men of distinguished character who have made significant contributions to Villanova College in the areas of academia, sport, culture and service. They epitomise the Augustinian gateway values and are wonderful role models for our College community. I warmly congratulate these Year 12 students:

Villanovan of the Year: Matthew Rolls
Dux of the College: Gunit Singh
Proxime Accessit: Thomas Pham
Sportsman of the Year: Peter Klaassen and George Stokes
Musician of the Year: James Battersby

The citation for College Dux, Gunit Singh, contains a profound message that one can still be an exceptional academic achiever yet gift their intellectual talents to the benefit of others, a philosophy that our current Year 11 students are encouraged to embrace in the new SATE system:

Always engaged and keen to contribute, our Dux is one of those students who is essential to the dynamics of a class and will, as a result, bring the best out in his peers. The amount of time and effort he spends helping his classmates in and out of class time, before exams and out of school is unparalleled – often sometimes he reteaches an entire term’s content.

ALL SAINTS MASS
Tomorrow marks the final day of timetabled classes in the morning for our Year 12 students. In Period 3, our entire student body and staff celebrate Eucharist collectively for the final time this year at the annual All Saints Mass. One of the strategic intentions of the College’s Liturgy Committee is to continue to encourage our young men to actively participate in the Mass through engagement in singing. This is something that I am particularly passionate about – I can recall the victory song for my rugby teams in the past being the hymn Shine Jesus Shine and given what we have witnessed in the current Rugby World Cup, there is something incredibly powerful about a sea of voices belting out an anthem or hymn. Building upon the work of the Cor Unum Spirit Committee Choir, I am hopeful that this practice can become part of our culture at Villanova. The support of parents in promoting this would be much appreciated.

“Nature is the one song of praise that never stops singing.” – Richard Rohr

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

ONE DAY OF MINISTRY FOR BLIND EYE DROP-IN CENTRE – SERVING THE HOMELESS
An enterprising group of Year 9 students are reaching the end of their active service in YAYM (Middle School Ministry), and yesterday held the “Better than Bunnings” Sausage Sizzle to help raise much needed funds for the Blind Eye Drop-In Centre.

Why? I think the simple answer is that visits to Blind Eye Drop-In centre have touched their hearts and opened their eyes. Every day the doors of Blind Eye can open, it makes a difference to people who feel lost, isolated, vulnerable, without a friend…. It costs Blind Eye $1000 to open each day – just to offer one day of Ministry.

One of our favourite patrons of Blind Eye is Michael Raymond Cox. A recovering addict, he has been transformed by the welcome received at the drop-in centre and greets the Villanova students with genuine warmth. He will be coming to the College to join the cooking and the action. We will of course be serving him his favourite meal – lamb chops – and then he will explain directly to the boys why their actions matter. More will follow on this event next week.

The other part of Operation One day of Ministry is the raffle. Owing to the enterprise of the Sausage Sizzle Party, a star prize will be a baggy green signed by Matt “the bat” Hayden. Other prizes include generously donated Super Cars merch (two posters and one cap) signed by Chaz Mostert, and/ or Scott McLaughlin and Cameron Crick. There are also four $30 “Ultimate Teen cards,” and a mouth-watering chocolate and lolly tray. Two special-creative prizes round out the list: one is a “Jump the Queue” pass for four friends on Wet’n’Wild Day end of term) and the other is the “Uber Eats Experience” for four friends.

Tickets for this amazing raffle can be purchased from Middle School Student Services until the end of the week.

AFAS ELECTIONS AND SERVICE
AFAS staff and students have scarcely landed before committing themselves wholeheartedly to spreading the news of their exchange, and explaining the massive benefits created by both funds raised and also the physical presence of and interaction with Villanova students on Filipino soil.

Working in partnership with the Middle School Dance and with Villa Visions, the students have also helped to raise more than $5000 towards the next Exchange. In the former case, a group of AFAS students created a display at the PCYC (dance venue) and explained how some of the cost of the tickets would go directly to kids in the Philippines who likewise love singing and dancing, but who have very little materially, by our standards. I would say that the boys and girls who attended were very happy to hear that their fun would also be of value to students whom we meet every two years and sustain good relationships with.

In all operations and events, Joshua Kerr’s leadership of AFAS in 2019 has been exemplary. Next year’s President-elect is Nathan Farrelly. He will be supported on the servant leadership team by two current Year 10s who have been profoundly influenced also by the Exchange: Luke Palmer and Isaac Langford.

NORMAN CREEK CLEAN-UP
Friday 25 October

Motivated in part by their AFAS experiences, a small group of Year 12 students joined Mr Col Grant and Fr Peter Wieneke in cleaning up Norman Creek last Friday evening. It takes considerable maturity and generosity of spirit on the part of these young men to see that the Villanova value of community extends to unseen acts of service and also prophecy. The booklet given to each departing Year 12 student about opportunities for service beyond school is called “The Light on the Hill.” Particular thanks go to Mr Grant for his energy and insight in leading the boys to follow the creek, as it were, beyond the College gates, and help to clear up the mess being made by a culture which can become all too casual in its consumerism. The next such clean-up will occur in two weeks’ time, again on Friday after school.

The next clean-up is scheduled for Friday, 8 November.

ALL SAINTS MASS INVITATION
November 1 in Goold Hall at 10.30am

Fittingly, the final day of class for Year 12s falls upon All Saints Day – a Feast in the Catholic calendar where we remember heroes who have stood against cruelty or blindness on behalf of the poor, the lame, the blind, the lonely – like St Thomas of Villanova in fact. Just as importantly, it is an occasion upon which we remember and celebrate all the hidden saints who make a big difference by being authentically themselves in their place every day. So many of our Year 12 students are like this, and ALL of them are making their way upon that journey, lifted up by each other.

All family members are warmly welcome at the College Mass, which begins at 10.30 am in Goold Hall tomorrow.

Mr John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity

I am extremely proud of all the boys who participated in the 2019 Track and Field program over many weeks and to those who were privileged to represent our College at the annual AIC Championships last Thursday and Friday.

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 12 years – Opens and third position in the Year 5 and Year 6 aggregates. Our Year 5 boys performed extremely well and won the Year 5 AIC Age Championship. Our next best age group was the 16 years which placed second overall. I must admit we were 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. This one isn’t about winning, it’s about giving of yourself, having guts and showing pride – well done boys!!!

On Monday of this week the Villanova golf team competed at the annual AIC Golf Championships at the Indooroopilly Golf Course. Our boys competed extremely well and were able to secure a fourth position overall this year. Congratulations go to Jordy McGarry who tied for first place for the best individual gross score, that is, 77 off the stick, which is a great score considering the course. On behalf of the College I thank all the players as well as Mr Matt Smith, who escorted the players on the day. A full report is found below.

 I take this opportunity to draw to your attention to a section written below regarding coaches, managers and officials needed for 2020. As with all Colleges within AIC, Villanova relies heavily on the assistance of staff, parents, students and old boys to assist with coaching, managing etc. Put simply, our boys depend upon the good nature of many within our community to give of themselves so that our students can enjoy the benefits that playing sport provides. PLEASE give serious consideration to nominating yourself to assist the AIC Year 5 – Year 12 sports program at Villanova in 2020 by completing the nomination form found on the College website and in the Sports Office (further details below).  At this stage we are still short on cricket coaches. If you would like to assist the College by fulfilling a coaching role, please contact the Sports Office.

AFL, volleyball and cricket trials commence next week for all boys entering Villanova College in 2020 from Year 7 – Year 12. By this stage all students who are keen to participate should have completed the appropriate sign-on forms to register their interest. Students must attend these trials in order to be considered for a team. Please find all dates and times listed below.

It was once said to me years ago – it takes many years to build a positive school culture but only one year to destroy it. I urge everybody within our College community to get behind the sports program and become involved. The positive school culture which can be enhanced by participation within sport benefits our whole College. The first step is to get involved.

Australian Volleyball Schools Cup – Gold Coast
Information regarding the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup held on the Gold Coast in December has been distributed to those who are involved. We ask all players to complete the forms and payment by the due date indicated on the forms.

Oblate Cricket Tour to Melbourne
The abovementioned tour will be conducted over the Christmas vacation period. All information has been distributed to those who are selected including, payment, medical, permission and information forms. Please return forms and payment by the due dates indicated.

AIC TRACK AND FIELD REPORT
Written by Mr Mick Garske

Firstly, I would like to thank all the Villanova athletes who committed their time and efforts towards competing for spots in this year’s team. Training attendance was excellent throughout the season and boys are to be commended for the hard work they have put in on the track. Special mention goes to our Year 5 members of the Track and Field squad. Their commitment to the season was second to none and, as a result, they were rewarded for their efforts with the Year 5 Age Champion Trophy for 2019. Also noteworthy was the performance of our U/16 team that finished second in their age championship.

The 2019 AIC Track and Field Championships were, again, of the highest standard with 12 new individual records and three new relay records being set across the two days of competition.   Pleasingly, Villanova was among the record breakers with the Year 5 Div. 1: 4 x 100m team setting a new record of 56.48 sec.

There were many notable performances by Villanova athletes throughout the championships, with Villanova athletes achieving 28 first places (22 track; five field; one relay), 19 second places (12 track; five field; two relay) and 18 third places (eight track; eight field; two relay). Special mention goes to the following Villanova athletes who achieved first place in their events:

First Place – Track Events

First Place – Field Events

Second Place – Track Events

Second Place – Field Events

Third Place – Track Events

Third Place – Field Events

At the end of a very tight two days of competition, Villanova had finished third overall in the Junior School carnival and seventh overall in the Senior carnival. Notably, six of the eight colleges competing collected at least one Age Champion trophy.  Overall placings for Villanova teams at the Championships were:

Year 5 – Year 6  Aggregate:  Third (Year 5 – First and Year 6 – Fifth)
Year 7 – Year 12 Aggregate: Seventh (U12 – Sixth; U13 – Eighth; U14 – Fourth; U15 – Seventh; U16 – Second and Open – Eighth).

AIC Track and Field – Best Athletes on the day of the Championships were:

Junior School – Harvey Anderson
Middle School – Mitchell Rieck
Senior School – Luke Barton

Finally, special mention goes to staff members, Mrs Baillie, Ms Dewis, Mrs Dillon, Mrs Rouhliadeff, Ms Smith-Rowan, Mr Levander, Mr Pascoe, Mr Rolls, Mr Schiavo, Mr Valentine, Old Boy Nic Elsey and all the outside coaches who generously contributed their time and expertise to the coaching the track and field squad this year. Also, a special thanks to the Sports Department of Mrs Schofield, Mr Stariha, Mr Everding and Mr McLauchlan for their dedication towards coordinating the season, including assisting with coaching and arranging for the squad to train at QSAC.

AIC GOLF REPORT
Mr Matt Smith

On Monday 28 October , Villanova’s best golfers returned to Indooroopilly Golf Club to again challenge for the annual Balharry Shield. Representing the College, students Ben Pickering, Jordy McGarry, Thomas Winn, along with seniors Jack Milner and Peter Klaassen were seeking to regain the AIC title most recently held by Villanova in 2016 and in 2017.

The Balharry Shield is a teams’ event, with each school in the AIC Competition entering up to five players. The winner is declared after the aggregate of the best four net scores per team is calculated. The uncharacteristically benign conditions allowed for favourable scoring, making it one of the most evenly contested Championships in recent times. At the close of play, Villanova finished a credible fourth behind eventual winners, St Peter’s Lutheran College. Throughout the day, individual prizes were also on offer with players having the opportunity to win lowest gross score, lowest net score, nearest the pin, longest drive and second approach shot competitions. Congratulations to Jordy McGarry who shot the joint low round of the day, 77, to take out the gross award honours.

Once again, our young men showed great sportsmanship and were excellent ambassadors of the College throughout the day. There is no doubt that we will return to Indooroopilly Golf Club in 2020 in the hope of winning back the coveted Balharry Shield.

Pictured above – Jordy McGarry AIC Winner of the Overall Best Gross Score

The Villanova Golf team – Ben Pickering, Thomas Winn, Jordy McGarry, Jack Milner and Peter Klaassen.

WATER POLO REPORT
Mrs Juanita Jacobs

Congratulations to all competitors on a fantastic job at the AIC water polo competition last Sunday. It was a great turnout and a lot of fun with the Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 teams filled to capacity.

With some great training sessions from our coach Mr Olivier and under the guidance of Henry Lamb the boys were ready to give it their best shot.  Many thanks also to Mrs Humphries who assisted with time keeping and scoring.

The teams were very competitive, with the Year 7/8 team only losing one game by a single point and the Year 9/10 team going through undefeated. The Open team were competing in a premiership competition, and won their first game, but narrowly lost their final game,  and lost to St Laurence’s who won the inaugural AIC water polo premiership.

The competition was tough and there were some amazing players on each of the teams, with the he strength of the Villanova teams clearly evident in the scores.  Thank you to all the players and the parents who gave up their time for training and competition.

2020 COACHES/MANAGERS AND OFFICIALS NEEDED – OUR BOYS NEED YOUR HELP
The Villanova Sports Department is currently seeking coaches, managers and officials for the AIC sports program in 2020.  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 programs.

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 ‘2020 Coach, Manager and Officiating – Nomination Form’ available on the College Website and from the Sports Office and return it to the College’s Sports Office as soon as possible.

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.

I thank all those who were able to assist throughout 2019 and I invite those who would like to assist in 2020 to become involved for the benefit of our students and the College. I am sure you will find it a rewarding venture.

2020 VILLANOVA CRICKET, AFL, SWIMMING AND VOLLEYBALL SIGN ON AND TRIALS
Trials commence next week for all students from Year 7 – Year 11. Please note boys attend the trials in the year level they are entering in 2020. Therefore, current Year 6 students attend the Year 7 trials.

Please note:  All students from Year 5 – Year 12 will play in the AIC Sport Competition.

• All cricket, AFL and volleyball teams will be selected in year levels in 2020 not in age groups. Therefore, boys in Year 8 will play in the 8A-D teams (not the 13A-D teams)
• Students must attend all trials as listed below to gain selection. Failure to attend trials will affect team positioning
• Cricket is open to all students in Year 5 – Year 12
• AFL is open to all students in Year 5 – Year 12
• Volleyball is open to students in Year 7 – Year 12 (2020) only

Date Claimers

• AFL and cricket trials for students entering Year 6 in 2020 will take place during school time on Friday afternoons throughout Term 4
• Trials for Year 7 – Year 12 students (2020) will commence on the week beginning Monday 4 November (Week 5) as per schedule below
• Further Internal cricket games/trials will be held on Sunday 10 November for all teams from Year 7 – Year 12 (2020)
• Further Internal volleyball/AFL trials will be held on Saturday 9 November for all teams from Year 7 – Year 12 (2020)
• Volleyball trial matches against Iona will be held on 16 November
• Volleyball trial matches against SLC will be held on 23 November
• All specific times and venues will be advised as soon as possible

Initial AFL, Cricket and Volleyball Trial Schedule – Week 5

Note – A bus will transport all AFL players to Coorparoo JAFC at 3.10pm for the AFL trials. Parents are responsible for collecting their sons promptly from the venue after the trials at 5.00pm

At the conclusion of the trials listed above, all volleyball and selected cricket students will be asked to attend further trials on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November as per times, dates and venues below:

AIC VOLLEYBALL TRIALS

Date: Saturday 9 November
Venue: Court 1 – Goold Hall, nearest main entrance Court 2 – Goold Hall, near stage
Uniform: Sports PE uniform or any suitable sports clothing

AIC CRICKET TRIALS

Date: Sunday 10 November
Venue: Villanova Park, Manly Road, Tingalpa
Uniform: Villanova cricket whites or any suitable sports clothing–           

AFL TRIALS

Date: Saturday 9 November
Venue:  Coorparoo JAFC, Giffin Park, Birubi Street, Coorparoo
Uniform:  Any suitable AFL clothing

SWIMMING/VOLLEYBALL AND CRICKET CLINICS – 2020
Please find below some date claimers regarding to the up-coming swimming, volleyball and cricket clinics, which are open to all students from Year 5 – Year 12 in 2020. These are great opportunities for our student athletes to develop their skills before the 2020 AIC sport season commences.

Cricket Clinic – 14, 15 and 16 January at Villanova Park (click here for flyer)
Swim Clinic – 20 January at Langlands Pool
Volleyball Clinic – 20 January at Goold Hall

VILLANOVA SWIMMING
Mrs Juanita Jacobs, AIC Swimming Co-ordinator

Thank you to all the students who have been able to attend the morning training sessions.  It is great to see so many people in the pool developing their skills and fitness.  We realise that there are often clashes with other sporting trials or music programs and that getting organised can be difficult.  There will be swim training right up until the 20 December.

To start the 2020 season, all members of the Villanova swim squad are invited to participate in a special Swim Clinic run by the team at Langlands pool on Monday 20 January.  The clinic will include a mixture of pool and gym work.  There is no cost to participate.  More information will be supplied in next week’s edition.

Villanova College Swimming – Langlands Pool
Please find below training dates over the upcoming vacation period at Langlands Pool. We certainly hope all our swimmers will continue their training throughout the Christmas holiday period.

Villanova College Swimming Training 2019/2020
Training with conclude for 2019 on Friday 20 December.
Training will recommence in 2020 on Monday 6 January.

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

STRINGS AND CHOIRS IN THE CATHEDRAL
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students and staff of the Choral and String program for their efforts in preparing for last Sunday’s concert in St Stephen’s Cathedral.  Under some challenging circumstances, our students produced some fine performances, filling the space with wonderful, ethereal music.  From the opening of String Sinfonia, through to our massed item to conclude, students from Year 5 through to Year 12 had the opportunity to share their music with their gathered friends and family.

We have received much positive feedback from this event, with very kind emails and messages coming through the Music Office.  I was even stopped at the end of the concert by a couple who were on holiday from the UK:  they had seen the event advertised in the parish notices and decided to come back.  They were very impressed with the concert – so much so they were considering making a trip again next year!

Thanks must go to Matthew Conway and James Battersby (Music Captain and Vice-Captain) who were MC’s for this event.  I would like to thank the Music Support Group for their assistance in setting and dismantling for our afternoon tea.  Thanks to Ms Bastos, Ms Gill, and the String and Choral Departments for their hard work.  Thanks to the students for their fine efforts, and finally thanks to the family and friends who came and enjoyed the afternoon with us.

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
We have had another great evening of music at our recent Celebration of Excellence on Monday evening.  I would like to commend the JS Clarinet and Saxophone Ensembles, Chamber Brass, Amadeus Chamber Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble 1 for sharing their music in the foyer before the celebration commenced.  Jack Meimaris also shared his gifts on piano in the concert hall as the masses gathered.

I would like to thank and recognise the Symphonic Band, Ms Bastos and Sinfonia String Orchestra, Mr McKechie and Big Band, and Mrs Tucker and Irish Ensemble 1 for their fine performances during the celebration.  Again, we receive much positive feedback on the music produced by our students.  Congratulations and well done to all involved!

REHEARSALS AND LESSONS
Lessons and rehearsals will continue for all ensembles through until the end of Week 7.  A new rehearsal schedule has been distributed; please ensure you have received this via email.  Please note that all Year 5 ensembles will continue through until the end of Week 7.

MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP AGM
Next Monday we will be holding our Music Support Group AGM.  We welcome new and old families to come along and take an opportunity to become more involved in your son’s musical activities here at the College.  The meeting will commence at 7.30pm in the Chapter Room, at the front of the Augustine Centre.

DATE CLAIMERS
As is tradition, we look forward to the fantastic events we have planned in the near future:

Thank you all for your continued support of Villanova Music.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Congratulations to all students who have been selected in the cast of Mary Poppins. Further information will be emailed to successful cast members from the production team.

See the cast list here.

MIDDLE SCHOOL END OF YEAR PARENT CELEBRATION – Saturday 23 November

TUCKSHOP

Tuckshop Menu Price List – 2019

TUCKSHOP ROSTER

Monday 4 November
Narelle Rieck
Julie Stokes
Jane Green
Sally Caltabiano
Maria Woodger
Sylvia Wright
Mary Brady
Stephanie Sullivan
Susanne Smyth
Katrina Hermiston

Tuesday 5 November
Donna Perkins
Melissa Davidson
Lisa Forsyth
Nicole Webb
Sonia Ballen
Susan White
Tricia Allen

Wednesday 6 November
Tina McCaul
Peta Gomersall
Kathy McCaul
Maria Corones
Lena Bazzo
Lisa Gorry
Denise Smith
Fiona Jenkins

Thursday 7 November
Maria McGarry
Zsuzsa Henderson
Juanita Ryan
Kath Eberhardt
Pauline White
Bernadette Papagiannis
Kelly Stassi
Jane Lawson
Chrissy Bonfiglio
Leesa Francis

Friday 8 November
Caroline Agnew
Louise Pertnikovs
Jacki Wilson
Pauline Vasta
Adriana Sofios
Gerry Ternel
Maria Nicolaou
Kim Creevey
Naomi Jansen
Jelena Duskovic
Rita D’Amore
Kathy Lerato

LIBRARY ROSTER

Tuesday 5 November
Cristina Palacios

Wednesday 6 November
Madhu Kalaimannan

Thursday 7 November
Sue Mulligan
Maryanne Bigham

NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE MASS FOR THE IRISH COMMUNITY
Join with other members of our Irish Community in praying for the peaceful repose of your deceased relatives and friends at our Annual November Remembrance Mass, which will take place on Sunday 17 November at 12 noon in St. James’ Church, 165 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo. Fr Seamus Mc Mahon SM will be the celebrant.

This year, our Mass will also be a Memorial Mass for Fr Paddy Dwyer OMI, who sadly died last year – a good friend of IASAQ and former chaplain to Rosies.

Tea/coffee will be served afterwards – an opportunity to renew old acquaintances and meet new friends.

The Mass is being organised by The Irish Australian Support Association of Qld Inc (IASAQ). IASAQ is part of the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme. Our primary mission is to assist any Irish or Irish Australian persons in time of need or distress. For further information, please contact the IASAQ Co-ordinator on 0432 087 328.

BECOME A HOMESTAY FAMILY
ISCA is looking for homestay families to host visiting international students who are here to study and enjoy the Australian high school experience. The age group ranges from 15 up to 18 years of age.

Please contact International Student Care Australia (ISCA) by visiting our website www.isca.net.au or contact us on (07) 3851 0704 during business hours or email us at isca@isca.net.au for further information. ISCA pays a competitive market rate per week to reimburse you for your costs.

LANGLANDS HOUSE – HISTORY:  THE CONNAH FAMILY
Thomas William CONNAH was born on November 2, 1843 at Birkenhead, England.  After training as a bookkeeper and accountant in his father’s office, Thomas came to Brisbane in 1866 working for Bright Bros and Co, then joining the public service as an Audit Office Clerk in 1873.  After a series of positions in the public service he was appointed as Auditor- General in November 1907.

On 9 March 1871 Connah married Emma Barton Heywood, who had come to Australia from England.  Together they had three sons and two daughters.  In 1886 they purchased Langlands House as their family home.  Their home at Langlands demonstrated a way of life, taste and custom of the late 19th century.  It was originally built for a wealthy Brisbane businessman, who wanted to escape out of the inner-city suburbs to a rural landscape.  There was a tennis court and flower gardens, pasture land and crops.  Servants were part of the lifestyle as were a horse and buggy to reach the ferry terminal or tram stop to visit the city, call on friends and go to church.

Langlands aimed to impress with its chimneys, acroteria, decorative frieze, imported cast iron lace, wide verandahs, lattice fence enclosures and gardens.  The roof, as viewed from the front elevation, is hipped and originally clad in slate.  Brisbane homes of the late 1800’s often had chimneys, and one was essential for the detached kitchen.  Only the wealthy had them for all the family bedrooms and formal rooms, as typified by Langlands.

Every room had two openings allowing ingress and egress to the interior or exterior of the house.  The front windows are full length, double-sash, while the side verandah openings are French doors that all open onto the wide verandah allowing good ventilation.  All interior and exterior doors and openings are surmounted by fan lights.

Thomas Connah died of a heart attack in his office on 2 November 1915 and was buried in the South Brisbane cemetery.  His widow negotiated the sale of Langlands with the Roman Catholic Church, and on 16 April, 1916 sold it for £4,600.