Villa View: Issue 33

Dear Members of the Villanova College Family

At the Parents and Friends Association meetings I have often heard parents voicing their concerns about gaming and how quickly young people become fascinated with video games and spend endless hours immersed in this world. An interesting article from a company, Safe on Social Media came across my desk that offers this point of view in relation to gaming.

The article put forward the view that in themselves video games are generally not harmful. Research has indicated that gaming on its own does not cause disorders like addiction. Take for example the game Fortnite. For some students the amount of time spent playing the game has become an issue. However, parents need to understand why kids play, as well as when to worry and when to relax.

Addiction by definition, involves a lack of control despite adverse consequences. If your child can put down the controller and pull themselves away from the game to engage in a family conversation, sit down to a meal at the table and show interest in other activities such a sports and socialising, then according to this article they are not addicted.

The article quoted research by Dr Andrew Przybylski from Oxford University which revealed playing about one hour per day enhanced psychological well-being. Playing over three hours per day was correlated with less well-being.

In answering the question, “What makes it so difficult for even non-addicted kids to step away from video games sometimes?” the answer lies in the way a well-designed game addresses basic psychological needs.

“Fortnite, like any well-designed video game, satisfies what we are all looking for. According to Drs. Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, people need three things to flourish. We look for competence — the need for mastery, progression, achievement, and growth. We need autonomy — the need for volition and freedom of control over our choice. And finally, we strive for relatedness — the need to feel like we matter to others and that others matter to us. Unfortunately, when considering the state of modern childhood, many kids aren’t getting enough of these three essential elements.” (Safe on Social Media)

For further information on this article and how to support your son to set good boundaries, please refer to Safe on Social Media Pty Ltd or the Office of the eSafety Commissioner- www.esafety.gov.au

Celebration of Excellence
I am looking forward to welcoming members of our community to the Villanova College Celebration of Excellence Awards Evening to be held next Monday 29 October commencing at 6.30 pm at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. This will be a great celebration of the academic achievements of our students. The organising committee has been successful in ensuring my speech has been reduced to an acceptable length. All are most welcome to join with us as we recognise the outstanding academic performance of our students.

Strings in the Cathedral
With the background of a looming storm, our musicians and their families gathered in St Stephen’s Cathedral for the annual Strings in the Cathedral Concert. The performances enthralled the appreciative audience and the quality of the music was once again extremely high. One of the highlights for me was the combined ensemble of 125 musicians from Years 5 to 12 backed by the choir playing and singing, “The Lord is my Shepherd”. Thank you to Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music and all our Music staff for their support and guidance of the students.

Year 11 Leadership Camp
The Year 11 students excelled in facing the challenges of their Leadership Camp in the wet, challenging conditions. The staff who accompanied our students were full of praise for the way in which the students faced the challenges in a positive manner and with good humour. Well done!

Prayers Please
We keep in our prayers Mrs Sandy Foster – College Receptionist and her family following the recent death of her mother, Mrs Edna Henderson, grandmother of Trent (Year 12) and Dylan (‘15) Foster.

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

You have made us for Yourself O Lord

And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, College Principal

World Teacher’s Day will be celebrated on Friday 26 October.  It is a very timely reminder to be thankful for the educators we have here at Villanova College.  Our staff willingly go beyond the curriculum, taking on numerous co-curricular positions so that your sons have a balanced range of experiences each year.  We take pride in modelling and nurturing our relationships – striving to be connected – knowing that this is truly all any of us need to be happy.  Education in 2018 takes great professionalism, many hours outside the school bells, and a dedication like no other.

So, which staff member does your son recognise as making a positive impact on him?  What he considers to be important, is for him to decide.  Humour, combined experiences such as team sports, or maybe it is that he is achieving his very best in a subject that challenges him.  For some students, it might be a teacher who finds their diary, hat, instrument or sports bag, and kindly brings it inside safely for collection the next day.  Perhaps it is a teacher who simply smiles at them whenever they pass – and that makes their day.  There will be at least one, if not more, teachers who your son looks forward to seeing during the day.

For parents, a teacher’s impact might be seen or felt in other ways.  It could be the emails and communication made in the evenings, or on the weekends, that bring relief and reassurance.  It is knowing that you have the highest support when it comes to homework and assessment items – that a teacher is scaffolding tasks into smaller, more digestible pieces, to ensure your son achieves his very best.  Knowing that there is a teacher who will be understanding of a rough morning, or a big weekend, so that even when your boy is tired or emotional, there is someone watching over him carefully.

How do you let this person know how important they are?  That their patience, work behind the scenes or commitment to best practice, makes a difference?  Just let them know.  Make the time to touch base – email, a card, or face to face – thanking someone can take just fifteen seconds.  Give the staff member an example of when they have helped you or your son, because they may have no idea just what their interaction meant at the time.  Teachers are often the first port of call when there are concerns or incidents to manage, so let’s make tomorrow a day when they hear appreciation and gratitude.

Our AIC Track and Field season has finished with many athletes proudly wearing the gold and green at QSAC on Monday and Tuesday.  Our coaches and Sports Department have given the boys every bit of advice and training possible to showcase their talents in running, throwing, jumping and working as individuals or teams, against some very tough competition.  Our Year 6 students cheered madly with the Middle and Senior School boys in the stands, watching classmates perform personal bests and rise to the occasion.  Like swimming, being an athlete brings quite a bit of pressure that needs to be managed by an individual.  Putting yourself on the starting line takes courage, and I am extremely proud of every Junior School student who blazed their lane, launched into sand and pushed metal out onto the field.

Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

AIC Track and Field
On Monday and Tuesday of this week, the AIC Track and Field Championships were held at the Queensland State Athletics Centre. Being the final AIC sporting event on the calendar year, we often call upon athletes to compete who have already given generously to the College’s sporting program throughout the year. I would like to extend my appreciation to the Senior School students who both trained throughout the season and competed at the championships. As a member of this year’s coaching team, I was incredibly proud of the improved performance of the squad, achieving 6th position in the aggregate (1.5 points of 5th place), two spots higher than the past two years. We have established a solid platform to further enhance our program next year.

Student Leadership
The fourth and final dimension of the Villanova College Student Leadership Model is intrinsically associated with our identity as a Catholic school whose mission is to follow the way of Jesus Christ- that is Service (Servant) Leadership.

St Thomas of Villanova, our patron, reminds us that “We are not born for ourselves and the natural gifts and graces we receive are not for ourselves alone, but we have received them for the benefit of all. It is a matter of justice that the graces, gifts, knowledge, and skills received – as a gift or by one’s industry – should be used for the common benefit.”

Therefore, the notion of servant leadership focuses on the welfare of others. Harmony, unity and respect for others are fostered through serving the needs of others in the community. Some examples might include, volunteer work, ministry groups, assisting staff and other students in various capacities, showing initiative, coaching/managing sporting teams, doorknocks, charity work, community service programs, contributing in whole school events, in the yard, and in the wider community. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’

Today, the Year 11 cohort continued their leadership journey by engaging in a program which builds upon the momentum established throughout the formation program and last week’s camp experience.

One of the keynote speakers addressing our students was the People and Engagement Manager for National Storage (and current Villanovan parent) Mr Manny Lynch. Manny outlined the importance of team culture built upon collective responsibility and how groups can leave a lasting legacy- the aspiration of any senior cohort. I would like to thank Dean of Mission and Identity, Mr John Holroyd and Year 11 Pastoral Area Leader Mr Peter Meecham for their efforts in preparing the conference program. Next week, the nominated candidates for the positions of College Captain and Student Council President will meet with Mr Stower and myself before the cohort decides the student leadership executive for 2019 in their Form Meeting.

Podcast of the Week
This week’s podcast is one for parents and focuses on how you can assist your teenage son to push through issues such as poor motivation and cultivate greater self-belief. The guest on the podcast is child psychologist Dr Adam Price, author or the book, He’s Not Lazy: Empowering Your Son to Believe in Himself. Dr. Price argues that the real reason many young men are unmotivated is not that they don’t care about succeeding, it’s that they feel too much pressure to do so and are scared of failing. Price discusses why nagging and over-parenting simply exacerbates this issue, and how stepping back and giving boys more autonomy can help them become more self-directed and find their footing.

The episode can be found by following this link:

https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-parent-teen-boys/

“Give of your hands to serve and your hearts to love.” – Mother Teresa

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Villa Visions – Friday 26 October
The Villa Visions annual Art Exhibition showcasing the exciting work of our Visual Art students will be held tomorrow in Goold Hall from 6.30pm – 8pm. Students, parents, teachers and members of the school community are warmly invited.

We are exceptionally proud of our students and the works they have created. The exhibition will showcase a selection of two-dimensional, three-dimensional and digital works from Year 5 – Year 12. The presentation of student awards will take place at 7.15pm.

Villa Visions will be catered by Villanova College Hospitality students and entertainment will be provided by Villanova College Music students.  A gold coin donation is appreciated on entry with all proceeds going to AFAS.

Tutoring Opportunities for Term 4
Staff Tutoring
Tutoring offered by staff will commenced next week. The list of opportunities is accessible via the following link:
Tutoring – Term 4, 2018

Student Tutoring
The ‘Homework Hub’ continues to be led by a committed number of Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students aiming to provide assistance to students in the Junior and Middle Schools. Details are as follows:

When:                Tuesday and Thursday mornings (7.30 to 8.15am)

Where:              Tolle Lege Library

Aim:                    Junior School students – Homework assistance

Middle School students – Homework assistance, assignment help and examination preparation

Students wishing to attend the ‘Homework Hub’ can sign on with their core teacher or simply attend on the mornings listed above.

John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

BYOD in 2019
In preparation for 2019, we have recently updated the BYOD pages on the College web site. For easier access and navigation, the BYOD pages are now categorised into four pages:

• Specifications and Purchasing – recommended minimum specs, warranty advice, JB Education Portal Access
• Setup Guides – how to set up a BYOD laptop for use at the College
• Support and Repairs – information regarding IT Helpdesk hours and services, Hotswap loan laptop forms, warranty repairs information and support
• Cybersafety – resources, links and guides to support parents with general cyber safety and security of networked devices.

To access these new pages, browse to Student Life > Our Technology > BYOD link from the College web site top menu. Alternatively, click the links above for direct access.

JB Education Parent Purchasing Portal
The JB Education portal is now live for 2019 BYOD laptop purchases. Access instructions are on the Specifications and Purchasing page of the College website.

To assist parents in identifying and comparing suitable BYOD laptops, the available devices are now divided into three categories:

• Windows 10 Recommended Program (Years 5-12) – laptops that meet the recommended minimum specifications.
• Windows 10 High Specification Program (Years 5-12) – laptops that are more suitable for specialist subjects requiring more CPU, RAM and higher specification graphics processing capabilities.
• Apple Program (Years 7-12) – Macbooks that meet/exceed recommended minimum specifications.

Students entering Year 5 in 2019 are required to bring a BYOD laptop to the College that is a Windows 10 touch-enabled laptop with a digital stylus. There are several of these listed in the Windows 10 Recommended Program in the JB Education Parent Purchasing Portal.

For most students in Year 6 and beyond, the laptops in the Windows 10 Recommended Program will be suitable for regular, sustained use. Students in Year 7 through to Year 12 may choose a BYOD laptop from any of the portal options, including the Apple Program. It is strongly recommended that students in Years 7-9 continue with a Windows 10 touch/stylus enabled device – although this is not essential, nor a requirement. If your son intends working in subjects where higher specification devices are recommended (such as Technology and Creative Arts), consider purchasing a laptop from the Windows 10 High Specification Program.

The importance of ADP/ADH
If parents purchase through the JB Education Parent Purchasing Portal, ADP/ADH must be included at the time of purchase. This cannot be added later. Accidents can and do happen. ADP (Accidental Damage Protection) or ADH (Accidental Damage from Handling) protects against expensive repairs to your son’s laptop in the event of accidental damage. The most frequent occurrence of accidental damage is screen damage – and this is the most expensive repair. ADP greatly reduces the repair cost to a low or nil excess, depending on the cover. When purchasing through the portal, look for “ADP” or “ADH” in the Warranty Options. Refer to the following examples:

• If purchasing Lenovo – recommend selecting Lenovo Warranty Upgrade – 3YR Onsite / Premier Support plus three (3) Year Accidental Damage – $100 Excess provided by Warranty Group (Please note that an ADP option directly from Lenovo is due to be added soon pending notification from Lenovo)
• If purchasing Microsoft – recommend selecting Microsoft Surface Book 2 Complete for Student + ADH
• If purchasing HP – recommend selecting HP Warranty Upgrade – 3YR Next Business Day Onsite and ADP
• If purchasing Apple – recommend selecting Education AppleCare+ for MacBook Air – up to 3 years’ service and support (Optionally add additional accidental Damage Protection $100 Excess provided by Warranty Group)

Other purchasing recommendations
Ensure your son has a suitable hard case for the laptop for the first day of Term 1, 2019. The JB Education portal offers STM Ace Vertical bags (matched to the dimensions of the laptop) at the time of purchase. Further, take advantage of any opportunity to upgrade the warranty period to three years. This will ensure your son’s laptop is maintained under warranty and serviced up to and including November/December 2021.

Saturday 27 October 9:00-11:00am – JB Education Portal Parent Information Session
This Saturday during the 2019 Orientation Day program, the Lower Library will be the venue for a pop-up JB Education Parent Purchasing Portal stall. Staff from Villanova College IT Helpdesk and JB Education will be available to speak with parents regarding laptops, purchasing processes, etc. A number of devices available on the 2019 JB Education portal – not displayed in JB Hi-Fi stores – will be available to touch, tap and test.

Subscribe to the Villanova College BYOD Facebook page
Over the next few weeks a series of  JB Education Parent Purchasing Portal video walkthroughs will be posted to the official College BYOD Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/villanovabyod/ This parent resource will also have regular updates regarding set-up of laptops for the 2019 school year. Subscribe and remain up-to-date.

If you have any questions regarding BYOD in 2019, please contact us via the universal email address: byod@vnc.qld.edu.au

Mr Jason Lane, Elearning Pedagogy Leader

Funky Tie Day
Under the inspiring leadership of Year 9 students Lachlan Lea and Maxwell Shearer, many students took the brave step of wearing a hideous tie last Friday, in order to support Juiced TV and the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Both Lachlan and Maxwell spoke courageously at Assembly about how much Juiced TV means to them – and to many other young people who spend time in the children’s wards at Lady Cilento. The sausage sizzle that followed, at Morning Tea, was by far the best supported that I can remember at Villanova. I think this is a tribute to the way Lachlan and Maxwell addressed the College, and advertised the event.

Some of the proceeds from the successful Middle School Dance last Saturday will also support Juiced TV, while the other portion of any profits will go to AFAS. Thanks go not only to the staff supervisors who gave up their Saturday night, but also the five Year 12 AFAS students who assisted: Brendan Wallis, Tom Balshaw, Liam Hampson, Jack Verner and Tim Hazelwood.

Villanova-Loreto Talent Quest
Has Villanova got talent? We will find out during an entertaining evening tonight in the Hanrahan Theatre. The best acts will compete for a $100 first prize JB Hi Fi voucher. More importantly, the planning group of students from both colleges have put together an enjoyable program of student performances to create a sense of shared community, and to raise funds for Vinnies – by way of a gold coin donation for entry.

The evening begins at 5.30 pm with a sausage sizzle, cupcakes and drinks, with the concert getting underway at 6 pm. This event is suitable for all ages and will conclude at 7.45 pm.

Ping Pong for Orange Sky Laundry: Villanova subsidy for Junior Registrations
A Villanova family is strongly involved in the organisation of a fun family day on Sunday 4 November at the Orange Sky offices in Dover Street, Albion. There will be a ping pong tournament for both adults and Under 15s, with many other activities, including music and refreshments.  All the proceeds go to Orange Sky. As the Junior and the Middle School have learned over the last two Mission Days, Orange Sky bring friendship and dignity to people down on their luck, by offering a free laundry and shower service.

The College will happily subsidise the $25 Registration fee by $15/ student for any student under 15 who wishes to participate in the Junior Ping Pong Tournament. The day begins at 10 am, and the Junior tournament will conclude by 1 pm. (All the rego money goes to Orange Sky).  Alternatively, families are encouraged to come along and spend some money – as all the profits go to Orange Sky. Please let me know by email if you would like to register your son or would like more information jholroyd@vnc.qld.edu.au.  Please see poster advertising the event under Calendar of Events.

Work and Welcome
Currently in the news is the urgent campaign by doctors to ensure that the children who are being held in detention on Nauru are released. One small way in which Villanova College assists people of refugee background is through the Work and Welcome Program. This is a program whereby employees in a workplace give up a little of their salary to enable the employment of a person of refugee background for a given time period. Very often, this contract provides a crucial first working experience for a person who has recently arrived in Australia. In this regard, Eric Mugenda has been employed for this term by the College. Eric fled his home country after civil war threw his home life into chaos: his tribe was being persecuted. After reaching a refugee camp in Kenya, he was given refugee status and was accepted into Australia six months ago. Eric is loving his experience within the Villanova community. Working in grounds and maintenance, he is dedicated to making the campus “look like home.”

Request for Laptops for “Super Coders” Program
Many Villanova Young Old Boys have forged a partnership with Vinnies and QUT to run a coding program for disadvantaged kids at the College over the summer holidays. There will be eight 90 minute sessions where kids who do not have access to such opportunities will learn about coding. The 10 – 15 young people will be transported to and from the College with the help of St Vincent de Paul volunteers. We would very much appreciate donations or loans of any old laptops you may have. These will be re-imaged for use by the young people on the program. Please let me know if you might be willing to donate, or if you would like more information.

John Holroyd, Dean of Mission and Identity

Symphonic Band at Prestige
Our Symphonic Band performed at Iona College last Friday evening as part of the Prestige Music Festival.  The students were performing in the same section as two Brisbane State High ensembles and the senior band from John Paul College.  Our Symphonic Band performed admirably, earning a Silver award for their efforts.

We now look forward to performing for our community at the Celebration of Excellence at QPAC this coming Monday evening.

Strings and Choir in the Cathedral
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone involved with the Strings and Choir in the Cathedral last Sunday afternoon.  The music produced was excellent – I have received countless positive emails on behalf of the string and choral team.  The students and the staff are to be commended for their efforts in ensuring this was a success.

From witnessing the growth in our young Year 5 musicians, all the way through to the stirring rendition of The Lord’s Prayer and the massed Palladio item, I was impressed by the way in which our young gentlemen conducted themselves as members of our community and musicians.  When I had the chance to speak with the audience, I intimated that it was incredible to be in a space where over 140 young men were sharing their gifts so freely and effectively – it gave pause to think and realise that we have so much to be thankful for.

Congratulations must go to Ms Bastos for her energy and enthusiasm in leading this event.  Congratulations also to Mr Sherlock and Mrs Stuart for working so diligently with our choral ensembles over the year.  I would also like to recognise Ms Byrne and Mr Koido in the Strings team, and to our staff who came and assisted with supervision – thank you, it was a wonderful event.

Big Band at Live and Wired
Whilst we were packing away at the Cathedral, our Big Band were preparing for their ‘Live and Wired’ performance at Loreto College.  Thanks must go to those students who represented Villanova College at such a public event – your time and effort are most appreciated.  Reports from Mr McKechie informed me that the students did a great job with Nicholas Eadie ‘wowing’ the crowd with his rendition of ‘Feelin’ Good’.  Well done and congratulations to all involved.

Preparation for 2019
Information regarding re-enrolment and program structure for 2019 has been sent home via mail to all currently participating students.  Please inform the Music Office if you have not received this by Tuesday 30 October.  We are looking for all forms to be returned at the beginning of November so that our timetables may be finalised for the year ahead.  As always, should you have any questions or queries regarding our program and the opportunities available to your son, please do not hesitate to contact me through the Music Office – I am more than happy to speak with you in person or over the phone.

Music Liturgy Group
Our Music Liturgy group is currently the hardest working ensemble in the College.  The students have done an incredible job over the last fortnight supporting our community through the mourning process, learning new repertoire at short notice and doing a fine job.  On Tuesday this week, the students led the music element of the Catholic Children’s Mission Liturgy in the Cathedral of St Stephen.  Celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Mark Coleridge, our students again acquitted themselves remarkably.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Belinda Tucker and the students for the dedication and commitment they have demonstrated to this important aspect of our Catholic identity.  Well done, and thank you!

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

Michael Jones, Director of Music

I am extremely proud of all the boys who participated in the 2018 Track and Field program over the many weeks and to those who were privileged to represent our College at the annual AIC Championships held on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

There is no doubt that over the past couple of years we haven’t performed as well as expected at AIC Track and Field Championships. I must point out that this was not due to the lack of effort put in from those involved in the program – including both coaches and athletes. I think I can fairly say that some of our past results reflected the fact that we didn’t have our best athletes represent our College on the day of the Championships as they weren’t prepared to train and be a part of the squad. Over the years the Sports Office and coaching staff have been hell bent on changing our fortunes by continually reviewing and implementing changes each season to ensure we come out better in subsequent years. It seems that this year we have seen the light at the end of the tunnel.

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 sixth position only 1.5 points behind fifth place (two places better than last year). The coaches involved in each of the disciplines were extremely impressed with the performances of their athletes as most boys across the board recorded a personal best performance throughout the carnival – mission accomplished.

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. In my opinion this is without doubt one the best performances given by Villanova this year and we have won two aggregates and have had many excellent performances across all sports all year resulting in loads of premierships. This one isn’t about winning, it’s about giving of yourself, having guts and showing pride – well done boys!!!

Please be aware that Villanova will conduct AFL, volleyball and cricket trials on the week beginning Monday 5 November. All students have been given a sign-on form which is due TOMORROW.  An invitation is extended to all members of our community who wish to assist the sports program by taking on a coaching, managing and/or officiating role for the various sports we have on offer in 2019. If any person is interested, we ask them to complete the nomination form found on the website. We are keen to seek those who wish to coach AFL, cricket or volleyball in 2019 as trials will commence soon.

AIC Track and Field
Given the timing of the carnival, a full report will be published in next week’s Villa View.

Villanova Swimming – Mrs Juanita Jacobs – AIC Swimming/Water Polo Co-ordinator
We have now well and truly begun the Villanova swim season. If your son is interested in joining the squad, there is still time. Please check the Locker Room section of the website for documents and further details on training times.

Could I please remind all students in grades 5-11 to have their name ticked off by the Villanova staff member who is present at training. Students must ensure they are out of the pool by 8am and getting changed as quickly as possible so they are not late to class.

AIC Water Polo
Villanova has entered the maximum number of 3 teams in the AIC Water Polo competition in term 4. Games will be played on Wednesday afternoons after school as per below.

Date

• Game 3 v Ashgrove at Ashgrove – October 31

Game times

• Year 7 and Year 8 – 4.15pm
• Year 8 and Year 9 – 4.50pm
• Opens – 5.25pm

The next game will be held in week 4 which is next Wednesday 31 October. Bus transportation will be provided. The bus will depart Villanova for Ashgrove at 3.10pm. The bus should return at approx. 6.30/40pm. Parents are welcome to collect their son from the venue after the game.

Players must wear the Villanova swim togs and the Villanova PE uniform to and from all games.

Volleyball Report – Ms Barbara Dewis, AIC Volleyball Coordinator
With two weeks to go before Volleyball trials begin, Villanova has been quite busy participating in several tournaments. During August, we entered a team in Senior Schools Cup and two teams in Primary Schools Cup. The team entered in the Senior Tournament was the first since l have been at the College. This team finished eighth overall in the Year 11 Division One category. To Villanova’s credit, they forced the opposition to work hard for each point, game and set.

A team was entered in the Participation category of Primary Schools Cup and another in the Competitive section of this tournament. This tournament is open to students from Years 4 – 6 and it provides the stepping stone for Villanova’s future volleyball players. Both teams performed well on the day.

Last weekend Villanova entered a Year 7 and Year 8 team in the Junior Schools Cup held on the Gold Coast. The teams were entered in Division 2 for their respective year level. Year 7 finished 9th and Year 8 finished at the top of their division and won the GOLD medal.  Thomas Boxall was awarded MVP of the finals.

Matthew Conway was part of the Queensland Schoolboys Volleyball team that played in a tournament in Singapore during the first week of Term 4. Matthew walked away with the MVP award for this tournament, congratulations Matthew.

I cannot thank the coaches enough who assisted these teams in a very short time in readiness for these tournaments – John Christie, Alex Sullivan, Chris Everding, Melissa Wilson and Kealan Dunnett.

All players, coaches and parents are to be congratulated for their continued support of volleyball at the College.

Save the Date – 18 and 19 January 2019 (Volleyball Skills Clinic 2019)

Gold Medallist Year 8 Div. 2 – Villanova College

AIC Golf Championships
The annual AIC Golf Championships will be held at Indooroopilly Golf Club next Monday 29th October. Mr. Stariha has met with the team this week to discuss all details. He will drive the bus leaving at 5.40am on Monday. Boys to meet in front of Goold Hall.

2019 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 2019.  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 to serve our students by taking on specific roles. These roles include coach, manager, referee, umpire, scorer etc. If you can help in any way, could you please complete the ‘2019 Coach, Manager & 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 asked, and further details will be given.

I thank all those who were able to assist throughout 2018 and I invite those who would like to assist in 2019 to become involved for the benefit of our students and the College. I am sure you will find it a rewarding venture.

2019 Villanova Cricket, AFL, Swimming and Volleyball Sign On and Trials

All students from Year 5 – 12 who are interested in representing Villanova in AIC cricket (Year 5 – 12), AFL (Year 5 – 12) and volleyball (Year 7 – 12 only) in 2019 must complete an ‘AIC Sport Sign-On Form’. These forms have been distributed to all students from Year 5 – 11 during their Pastoral classes. Students entering the College in 2019 have been sent the sign-on information during the September holidays. All sign-on forms are due back to the Sports Office TOMORROW.

Please note

• All students from Year 5 – 12 will play in the AIC sport competition
• All cricket, AFL and volleyball teams will be selected in year levels in 2019 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 – 12
• AFL is open to all students in Year 5 – 12
• Volleyball is open to students in Year 7 – 12 (2019) only

Date Claimers

• AFL and Cricket trials for students entering Year 6 in 2019 will take place during school time on Friday afternoons throughout Term 4
• Trials for Years 7 – 12 students (2019) will commence on the week beginning Monday 5 November (week 5) as per schedule below
• Further Internal cricket games/trials will be held on Sunday 11 November for all teams from Year 7 – 12 (2019)
• Further Internal volleyball trials will be held on Saturday 10 November for all teams from Year 7 – 12 (2019)
• Volleyball trial matches v Iona on 17 November
• Volleyball trial matches v SLC on 24 November
• All specific times and venues TBA

Initial Cricket and Volleyball Trial Schedule – Week 5
Note – The trials below are for the year the student is entering in 2019, therefore the Year 8 cricket trials are for current Year 7 students going into Year 8 in 2019.

Volleyball and Cricket Coaches Needed
We need 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 and return to the Sports Office asap.

Australian Volleyball Schools Cup and Oblate Cricket Tour to Perth
The abovementioned tours 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.

Ben Mowen and Ben Mowen Gold Squad – Field Training
Training for the abovementioned squads was cancelled this week due to the unavailability of the coaching staff involved. An email was sent to parents last week. A notice was also placed in the morning notices for students. However, we have just realised that the email was only sent to the parents of the Ben Mowen Gold Squad and not the parents of the Ben Mowen Squad.  We apologise for this clerical error and assure you that training will commence next Wednesday 31 October.

Representative Sport
Well done to Sam Binney in Year 5 who recently competed at the Qld State Track and Field Championships in Cairns. Sam came third in the 10yrs shot and has made the Qld team to compete at the Australian Track and Field Championships held in Melbourne in late November. A great achievement Sam. Best wishes at the Australian titles!

Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

‘The Villa Kitchen’ Cookbook:  Delivery and distribution is expected in early November

You don’t want to miss out! Sales of The Villa Kitchen are going well but to ensure you don’t miss out on your copy of this special 70th Anniversary and College keepsake, make sure you order your copy (or copies) on Flexischools asap.

The cookbook is a wonderful memento of the school for not only your son but for family as well. In the past the book has popped up on many an occasion:

* A memento for when your Year 12 boy graduates – either at the end of this year or in the future
* A great Christmas gift for family and friends
* A gift for host families for those boys who travel representing the College
* A great recipe book for anyone leaving home
* A treasured keepsake for many Old Boys

The book not only contains recipes and food images reflecting our Villanovan tastes and flavours but also encompasses images of the school and its surroundings along with a brief history of a number of its buildings.

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

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

TUCKSHOP ROSTER

Tuesday 30 October
Donna   Perkins
Melissa Davidson
Lisa         Forsyth
Nicole   Webb
Leanne McMahon
Sonia     Ballen
Susan    White
Tricia      Allen
Donna   Fingland

Wednesday 31 October
Tina        McCaul
Peta       Gomersall
Maria    Corones
Lena      Bazzo
Lisa         Gorry
Denise  Smith
Fiona     Jenkins

Thursday 1 November
Paula     Lisignoli
Maria    McGarry
Zsuzsa   Henderson
Juanita  Ryan
Kath       Eberhardt
Pauline White
Bernadette Papagiannis
Kelly      Stassi
Jane       Lawson
Louisa   Coote
Chrissy  Bonfiglio

Friday 2 November
Caroline Agnew
Louise   Pertnikovs
Jacki       Wilson
Pauline Vasta
Adriana Sofios
Gerry    Ternel
Leanne Bryant
Maria    Nicolaou
Kim        Creevey
Naomi   Jansen
Natalie  Basili
Jelena   Duskovic
Olivia     Becar
Rita        D’Amore

LIBRARY ROSTER

Wednesday 31 October
Donna Leahy

Thursday 1 November
Kelly Stassi
Maritsa Malanos

Friday 2 November
Gab Byrne

Students with Disability Travel Rebate

Will your child use Transdev Bus services in 2019? They may need to apply for Bus Travel Assistance

Celebration of Excellence – Monday 29 October
A final release of seats for the Celebration of Excellence has become available. If you would like any extra seats please email kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au.

The closing time for ordering will be Friday 12:00pm.  Any seats not collected by 10:00am Monday will be available for collection in the QPAC foyer on Monday evening from 5:45pm.

Ping Pong for Orange Sky Laundry – Sunday 4th November

Year 5 End of School Break Up Pool Party – Friday 30 November

St James Parish Coorparoo – Sacrament of Reconciliation
This term, Year 5 children who wish to conclude their Sacramental Program with Reconciliation: begins Monday 5^th November 6.30pm with Parent Info session. Please contact Parish for information Email: osastjames@bne.catholic.net.au

Irish Community November Remembrance Mass – Sunday 4 November
Come and 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 4 November at 12 noon in St James’ Church, 165 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo.

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) and the Celebrant will be Fr Seamus McMahon SM.

For further information please contact our IASAQ Co-ordinator on 0432 087 328.

2018 Elders Project –  Kintarcan Island
 Many thanks to all the generous people who have contributed towards the construction of the Community Centre on Kinatarcan Island.  Recent donations from K Ryan, P Edgerton, the senior cuff link sales and Old Boys Toby Bluett, Blaise Asnicar, Oliver Kendall and Jack Newman will go a long way towards achieving our goal of covering all construction and labour costs for the Centre.

With recent Augustine the Way CD sales, the total raised has now reached $5507.62.

With two weeks to go to reach our target of $8000, if you would like to assist the Elders reach their target, you can donate into the following account:

BSB                                     064-786
Account Number             019232109

When making deposit/transfer, please put ‘AFAS Elders’ in the description plus your name.

AFAS Elders        Smith                           

If you would like to remain anonymous, please put “anon” instead of your name.

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

EVERY LITTLE BIT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

Mount Walker

The 60 hectare property at Mount Walker near Rosewood, was donated to the College by Mr Ashley Daley in 1979.  A dedication ceremony was attended by over 300 people on March 18, 1979 and Villanova now had an outdoor education site for its students.

Large scale works, such as grading and surfacing the access road, levelling sites for later buildings and constructing two dams were carried out by a parent working for Caterpillar – at no cost to the College! In the early 1980’s many parents helped on weekend working bees to get the site ready for students.  In the mid 1990’s further improvements were made and new fencing erected around the campsite.

Primary school and Year 8 camps were held annually at Mt Walker until the mid 1990’s.  The boys worked through a program which aimed to develop teamwork, resourcefulness and bush skills.  Camp activities ranged from climbing the mountain, to visiting the Mt Walker cemetery where the first white settlers in the region are buried.  Local farmers and graziers allowed the students to visit their dairy and cattle farms to observe daily life and learn more about country living.

Those who attended the Mt Walker camps may still remember the long walks down to the neighbouring dairy farms, the guided tour of the old machinery shed, fresh milk from the farmer, bush walks through spear grass, the taste of freshly baked damper from the dutch-oven, the night time concerts, star gazing and stories around the camp fire.

While Mt Walker remains in the hands of the Augustinians, the College has not used the site as an outdoor education facility for many years.