Villa View: Issue 34/21

Dear Members of the Villanova College Family,
I know the students can see the finish line in sight as the weeks of this term fly by. As with most races to the finish line it is the effort in the last part of the race that will determine the winners. It is the same with academic studies and the upcoming exams.

Preparation for the final assessment tasks of this year need to begin now. This weekend should be the starting time for that extra effort and hours put aside for revision and covering the work completed this term and semester.

We know for boys the best strategies are to plan when this extra work will occur, clear the desk or dining table, remove as many distractions as possible and tackle chunks (maximum 30 minutes) of time followed by a short break and then begin again. We know leaving the study to the last minute and staying up all night is not sufficient or sustainable. So, we need to assist our sons to start the study program now. Let us all set this weekend as the beginning of the revision and study program.

2021 Celebration of Excellence
On Tuesday evening this week, we celebrated the academic achievements of our students at the 2021 Celebration of Excellence held at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The students receiving the awards are to be congratulated and applauded for their efforts across the year. To achieve to a very high standard takes great determination, perseverance, and grit, especially when tired and there are so many other distractions to take you away from your studies.

During the evening we heard an inspiring speech from Lachlan McGregor – Academic Captain 2022 reminding the students of the need to set goals and to seek excellence in their academic pursuits. Entertaining the audience were a number of the College ensembles, showcasing the high quality of the music performances of our students.

Major Award Winners

Year 5:

• Dux – Patrick Tiernan
• Proximate Accessit – Dominic Lewis

Year 6:

• Dux – Archie Dickinson
• Proximate Accessits – William Pearson and Owen Zulpo

Year 7:

• Dux – Reuben Wagels
• Proximate Accessit – Christian Snell

Year 8:

• Dux – Dylan Fryga
• Proximate Accessit – Isaac Lerato

Year 9:

• Duces – Daniel Egert and Gabriel Pavilion

Year 10:

• Dux – Mitchell Rieck
• Proximate Accessit – Thomas Winn

Year 11:

• Dux – Liam McConville
• Proximate Accessit – Lachlan McGregor

Once again, my congratulations to all the award recipients on their fine achievements.

The Celebration of Excellence is a major event of the College and I thank all the staff who contributed their skills to this event. Special thanks to Mr Steven Bremner, Mr Matt Levander and Mrs Kath Underhill for their lead of this event.

Prayers
We keep in our prayers College Psychologist, Mr Tass Sakellariou and his family and the family of Michael Corones (2017) and Gregory Corones (Year 12) following the death of Tass’ father and Michael and Gregory’s grandfather, Gregory Sakellariou yesterday. Father Gregory Sakellariou was Parish Priest at the Greek Orthodox Church, South Brisbane for over 50 years.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in Peace. Amen

God bless

Mr Mark Stower, Principal

In keeping with the spirit of Reconciliation, Villanova College acknowledges the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples, as the Traditional Custodians of this land on which we stand.  We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.  This has always been, and always will be, a place of teaching and learning connected to country, culture and community. 

Let’s Chat Education is a business focused on helping students, parents and educators communicate at age-appropriate stages about puberty, relationships and growing up.  Mandy Stephens and her team of educators travel all over south-east Queensland delivering information and engaging students in respectful conversations and activities about personal development.   As staff, we are always in awe of how these female professionals deliver sensitive content matter in a way that accommodates all students – those that can’t wait to ask questions and students who prefer to observe.  The topic itself is universal – every human being grows, matures, and navigates their way through physical, social, and emotional changes.  Yet it can be a little awkward at times using the scientific terms, discussing the mechanisms of our own bodies, and helping the next generation understand that every person has a different experience, although similar to their family or friends.  As part of the National Curriculum – Health and Physical Education – we are responsible for ensuring our young men have access to this education in each year level.

You can find more information using this link Health and Physical Education | The Australian Curriculum.  Our Year 5 students had their session last Monday – Introduction to Changing Bodies, and our Year 6 students will begin their 3 sessions from next Monday over 3 weeks – Managing Changing Bodies, Where Babies Begin and Media Madness.  Please visit Let’s Chat Education | Puberty, Relationships & Growing Up With Mandy Stephens (letschat.com.au) if you would like any further details.

Relationships and sexuality is also included in the Brisbane Catholic Education Curriculum – 2019 Relationships and Sexuality Shape Paper_.pdf (bne.catholic.edu.au) and so this forms part of our line of sight – that from Year 5 to Year 12, we must give individuals the opportunity to have the time they deserve to consider their part in the world around them.

A huge part of relationships is about our sense of belonging within our community.  We have positive experiences when we feel included, respected, and valued for our contributions.  It’s part of human nature to be liked by others.  It makes us feel happy and safe when our relationships fulfill our needs.  The reality is that when we have a lot of people working and playing together then it’s inevitable that relationships can change.  Sometimes people change and grow in the same direction.  It’s also healthy that our needs and wants move in different directions – friendships can shift.  As adults we know only too well that across our school days we moved between friends, and through our work and families, our social circles keep on shifting.  They can expand or contract, depending on the time we have available to keep commitments and invest in the relationships we wish to sustain.

For our students, changes in friendships can have quite a large impact as they are far less distracted by the demands that adults have.  So, when a Junior School boy has a close friend or a classmate that experiences conflict, it is upsetting and can cause anxiety.  They may not want changes to take place at all – seeking the comfort of what is familiar.  Making new friends can seem over-whelming despite there being around 57 other choices in their immediate learning space.  So, we must always keep a regular focus on relationships – Circle Time, Well Being, Let’s Chat, Focus of the Week – and involve games that continue to build new partnerships or reveal common interests that spark a connection between classmates.  It is crucial to allow boys the opportunity to become involved in Co-curricular teams and projects such as Debating, Sport and Maths Olympiad classes.  Accepting invitations but also extending your own request for catch ups over the weekends or holidays can make an incredible difference for all boys involved.

Over the next few weeks, as we reach the finish line for 2021, I would ask that we all put our relationships first.  At the end of all that we achieve in work and play, who we are to each other reflects the very essence that is the gift of life.  How fortunate we are to be here, to be making memories and to hope that when we look at someone, we find a smile and someone we can trust to show us kindness.  It’s what we can all offer each other with ease.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

This week the College recognised the outstanding achievements of a number of students at our annual Celebration of Excellence. I wish, first and foremost, to acknowledge each of the Middle School award recipients. On behalf of all the Middle School staff, I was extremely proud to see the breadth and significance of their achievements and to join in our celebration of them.

As various speakers on the evening mentioned, the pursuit of excellence always comes at a cost. The Dalai Lama once said: “judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.”

The 2021 recipients undoubtedly made the necessary sacrifices throughout the year to achieve their outstanding individual results, and again I wholeheartedly congratulate them for their achievements, along with their supporters [staff and parents]. A former coach of mine left me with the adage that ‘consistency and discipline is what transforms average into excellence’.

But ‘excellence’ comes in many forms and looks different depending on who or what is involved. All of us have our own perception of what excellence is.

Over my past 20+ years of working in education, I can categorically say that success indicators look quite different for every student. Measuring success by using a ranking or a scoreboard may work in some circumstances, but it doesn’t adequately encompass the effort, diligence and sacrifice that has been made. There are many students in the Middle School that throughout 2021 have met the goals that they themselves have set and many have even exceeded them – this too is ‘success’, regardless of whether anyone else knows of it or celebrates it with them.

As parents and educators, we need to be constantly finding ways to affirm our boys and celebrate these often unseen individual successes. These might be academic, sporting, cultural, or personal. All of us, but adolescent boys in particular, thrive on positive affirmation.

At the Celebration of Excellence, our 2022 Academic Captain Lachlan McGregor gave an incredibly passionate and meaningful speech. I’ll leave you with his words…

“The stoic philosopher Epictetus describes a dichotomy of control that effectively states that there are some things within our control, and there are some things that are not. Whilst we may not always be able to change the environment in which we find ourselves, we can always change the way we perceive it. Too often we find ourselves trying to control the things that we have absolutely no influence over, ultimately resulting in frustration and confusion. When we are able to determine what is in our control, such as our beliefs, values, perspective and actions, we are able to focus more time and energy on the areas of importance for long-term academic excellence.”

Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Celebration of Excellence
On Tuesday 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 focused upon the interplay of our four Augustinian core values of Community, Humility, Interiority and Restless Search for Truth within the context of learning and teaching at the College.

The following excerpt from our 2022 Academic Captain, Lachlan McGregor’s address also illuminated the essence of an Augustinian place of learning:

The one thing that will hold you in good stead for the future, is a love of learning. St Augustine teaches us to restlessly search for truth and to never relent on attaining knowledge, for it is in the ability to take a concept, internalise it, and use it to perceive the world differently, that we continue to grow and develop as human beings. The measure of our intellectual ability lies not in how many hours we study, but in the strength of our curiosity and willingness to learn, both of which, are within our control. A love of learning is a strength that teachers would like to see in their students, parents want to encourage in their children, and employers try to foster in their employees. Develop a passion for learning. Have the ability to self-regulate efforts to persevere, despite challenge and frustration. Ignite the flame of inquisitiveness, seek clarification, and never surrender to the embarrassment of asking questions. “He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever”. If you do this, you will never cease to grow.

 “The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, the willingness to learn is a choice”.

The more you progress with your academic studies, the more you understand that teachers are your greatest ally and the greatest source of information. With a perpetual desire to see each and every one of us achieve our goals, the hard-working, generous teachers here at Villanova College act as positive role models for students and exhibit a tenacious work ethic and dedication we can all take inspiration from. So, I encourage you all to personally take the time to thank your teachers for everything they have done for you.

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 Year 11 recipients of Dux and Proxime Accessit:

• Year 10 Dux: Mitchell Rieck
• Year 10 Proxime Accessit: Thomas Winn
• Year 11 Dux: Liam McConville
• Year 11 Proxime Accessit: Lachlan McGregor

Service Learning
This Friday and Saturday, ten of our Year 10 students will engage in the Head 2 Heart program. Edmund Rice Camps (ERC), the facilitator of this program, provides an opportunity for our young men to be mentors to young participants (boys and girls aged eight – ten years), with the aim of creating a safe, supportive and fun environment for the development of self-esteem, team participation, and many positive memories for these young people. The program also provides our students with a valuable opportunity for service and social justice- based learning.

I look forward to attending the Friday afternoon and evening session of this program and observing the engagement of our students in this program. Such opportunities are invaluable in the context of our model of servant leadership within the Senior School at Villanova College. I look forward to further opportunities being made available in other programs moving forward into 2022. I would like to thank both our Dean of Identity and Mission, Mrs Kate Garrone and our Service Learning Coordinator, Ms Nicole Jones for offering this program for our students.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

In a relay the most exciting and vulnerable moments in the race are when one team member tags the next to continue the race.  It is so important to make this transition well – to hold the speed and direction, to ensure the baton is passed smoothly and with trust. There is something exhilarating about being part of a team and taking a leg of the race.  It is about being part of something bigger than ourselves.  It is about achieving something we cannot do alone.  At any school sporting event I’ve attended, these events capture the attention and support of the crowd the most!

As the weeks race past in Term 4 there is still much happening in our Ministry groups as the baton is handed from those who have shown great leadership to new people who are coming in to support and continue the work.  Much of this is marked in the handing on from our current Year 12 and Year 9 students to the incoming students who will shape what continues to happen.  It is this wonderful process of handing over from one year to the next that reminds us that these programs are part of the fabric of who we are at Villanova College.  They are part of the culture that defines who we are and how we want to be in the world.  In my experience it is a key example of how we develop fine young men at Villanova College.

Head 2 Heart
Tomorrow and Saturday we are partnering with Loreto College to join with Edmund Rice Camps to have our first Head 2 Heart program.  Head 2 Heart is an overnight recreational program that caters for boys and girls, aged eight – ten years who would not otherwise have the opportunity. Edmund Rice Camps (ERC) provides young adult and student mentors to young participants, with the aim of creating a safe, supportive and fun environment for the development of self-esteem, team participation, and many positive memories for these young people. The program also provides the student leaders with a valuable opportunity for service and social justice- based learning.

The following Year 10 Villanova students will be involved:

• Isaac Solomon
• Cruise McCaul
• Mitchell Voss
• Riley Lightfoot
• Charlie Corrigan
• Benjamin Addley
• Max Clark
• Hugo Harrison
• Ashton Taylor
• Kai Asnicar

A big thank you to our YAYM students who on hearing about the Head 2 Heart program decided to run a Krispy Kreme fundraiser to cover the costs of the program, and of course to all who supported by buying a Krispy Kreme!  It is another great example of how we support and work together here at Villanova for the common good.  Please keep the young children who will attend our Head 2 Heart; our students and staff from Villanova and Loreto and the team from Edmund Rice Camps in your thoughts and prayers across the weekend.

Vinnies Christmas Hampers
This coming Christmas, many of us will enjoy food and gifts and celebrate with our families. Unfortunately, some people can’t afford to have those same kinds of celebrations and can find it very hard to enjoy the day. What has helped many of their days in the past has been the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, and we’re once again requesting help. We need staple foods such as beans and toiletries.  Given it is Christmas, though, we would also like treats like chocolate or lollies to bring a little joy. All these simple things can really make their days.

Xavier Simondson – Vinnies leader for 2022

Green Team innovations to support our recycling efforts
Caring for our environment and doing all we can to reduce, reuse and recycle is a passion for Villanova’s Green team.  At times when you look around the yard, or see the common spaces that are shared, it is very evident that this is an essential and ongoing issue that we need to address.  How we care for our environment, reflects the respect and care we show to each other and our appreciation of the resources we share here at Villanova.  We are aiming to work towards a culture that is about caring for our shared spaces and doing all we can, beginning with here at the College, to ensure we are becoming more ‘green’.

This year has seen the installation of new bins at the College, and our Green team, particularly with the support of Fr Saldie have been championing efforts to look at our behaviours around rubbish.  This last week has seen the completion of a project shared between our Green team, the College Maintenance team and College cleaners – aiming to assist in our recycling.  Timber inserts have been built and then painted yellow to sit at the opening to our recycling bins.

Please let’s all use them appropriately and reduce our waste and make sure that we are recycling as much as we can.

AFAS – Gratitude for the work of Desiree Diel the Co-ordinator in CSA-Bacolod
Last Thursday, AFAS received news that our Co-ordinator in CSA-Bacolod, Desiree Diel (Des) has resigned her position at the College to return to her nursing profession at the Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.  AFAS first met Des on the 2013 Exchange. During her nine years in this position, 13 staff members and 91 students have had the privilege to meet Des and her group of workers from the Community Outreach Programme during our time in Bacolod.

Many new initiatives from AFAS were followed through under Des’ guidance. Far too many to mention them all but some include:

• Villa students are paired with CSAB students who are studying similar subjects and have similar interests and attend classes and other activities with them
• Work experience – students work for a day and receive the wage a Filipino worker would be paid-students then have to buy their own meals on this wage
• Projects-assisting with the construction of community building in Purok Sagrado Community, building of drinking fountains at I. Makilan Elementary School
• Barbecue dinner with CSAB buddies and volunteer ministry students. Leftover food is then distributed around Bacolod to the homeless by Villanova students
• Continuing the interaction/games with pre-school students at VSAC- CSA-B extension campus

Father Saldie, Tony Hindmarsh, Father Berdon, Katie Dauth-Sousa, Desiree Diel

We are so grateful to Des for partnering with us and together sharing the benefits of our shared partnership with AFAS.  We wish her well and will miss her.  We also hope this partnership will continue. Des asked us to share the following with the Villanova College community:

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with you and your group. The things that were achieved were a result of all of us coming together for a common cause. It is amazing what can be accomplished when friends come together for the good of all.

Take care, enjoy the challenges and great times that lay ahead.

Many thanks from everyone in AFAS that’s had the privilege of working with you-staff and students-you have touched our lives and the memories will last forever.”

Sunday readings at home
Please use this link to access this week’s readings and commentaries:

Ms Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity

The official trials for the up-coming AIC AFL, cricket and volleyball season have commenced this week. I thank the many families who were able to complete and submit their online sign-on forms to the Sports Office on time. This certainly assists our office with the huge task of organising and selecting teams for the respective seasons ahead.

May I ask all concerned to carefully read the section below regarding the trial schedule planned for the up-coming weeks. It is extremely important to have those students who have been asked to attend the trials this weekend to be present.

Those who are unable to attend the trials will be considered, however, they will most likely be selected in a lower graded team. Please understand that it is impossible to appraise a student’s ability and select him in a team when they are not present. Students who are unable to make trials due to their selection in representative teams must see Mr Stariha so as this information can be passed to the coaches involved. I thank the many parents and students who have communicated this already to me.

Given the hot conditions it is imperative that all boys wear a hat, apply sunscreen and bring at least one to two filled water bottles.

I wish everyone all the best over the trial period.

Year 7 – 12 TRIAL INFORMATION – Volleyball, Cricket and AFL (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 November)
After the cricket, AFL and volleyball trials, the College has organised further trials to take place this weekend, that is, on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 November. It is important for all interested students to attend these trials as we hope to finalize teams and squads after this weekend. All times and venues are found below.

Please note – we ask all parents to ‘drop and go’ this weekend for the volleyball trials.

Those who don’t make an AFL or volleyball team have the option of joining a cricket team. NOTE – The trials pertain to the year level the student enters in 2022. Therefore, the Year 7 trials are for students entering Year 7 in 2022 and so forth. We hope to announce the AFL and volleyball teams/squads by next Monday 8 November.

FURTHER AFL TRIALS – SATURDAY 6 November, 2021
Please note that all students who have signed up for AFL trials will be expected to attend further trials this Saturday 6 November at the Coorparoo JAFC. After these trials all coaches will then select their AFL teams/squads for 2022.

These squads will be posted on the Parent Lounge and Student Café portals by next Monday 8 November at 9am. If a boy fails to make an AFL team/squad, they are welcome to join a cricket team, if this is the case, please contact the Sports Office to advise – sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au Phone: 3394 5621.

Please note that new parents have been sent access codes and passwords to the Parent Lounge portals. Simply log-in as normal to this portal. Select the ‘Links’ tab from the top tool bar. From the drop-down menu, select the ‘Team Lists & Weekly Schedule’ tab to view team lists and other important documents which cannot be posted on our website due to privacy issues. These documents are often updated so please check regularly.

We encourage current and new families to use our website. The sports page on our website is called the ‘Locker Room’ – https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular/sport/the-locker-room/

The ‘Locker Room’ has all the latest sports news and information. From the ‘Locker Room’ you can then access the individual sport pages to find more information pertaining to each specific sport. In this case you can access the ‘AIC AFL’ section – https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular/sport/aic-afl/

Date:  Saturday 6 November
Venue: Coorparoo JAFC, Birubi St Coorparoo, Giffin Park
Uniform: Any suitable sports clothing to play AFL including boots and mouthguards. Bibs will be supplied

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

After teams and squads have been selected in Week 5, we will then have further training and trial games against other colleges over the next two weeks. All Year 6 – Open teams will train in Week 6 and will play against Iona in trial matches that week. Only the Year 8 – Open teams will train in Week 7 then play St Laurence’s in trial matches that week.

Training will be held on the same afternoon and during the same time that you trialed in Week 5. Therefore, if Year 7 had trials on Wednesday afternoon from 3.30 – 5.00pm in Week 5, they will continue to train on Wednesday afternoons in Week 6 during the same time.

NOTE – Year 6 (2022) students will train at Coorparoo JAFC on Thursday 11 November only before their trial match against Iona.

The College has organised trial matches on the following dates.

• Friday 12 November First trial match v Iona College – Times and venues TBA
• Saturday 13 November, Year 6 – 10 Trial matches v Iona College – Times and venues TBA
• Friday 19 November First trial match v St Laurence’s College – Times and venues TBA
• Saturday 20 November, Year 8 – 10 trial matches v St Laurence’s College – Times and venues TBA

The specific times and venues for these trial matches will be posted on our website by the Monday before the match – https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular/sport/weekly-fixtures/

FURTHER VOLLEYBALL TRIALS – SATURDAY 6 November, 2021
Please note that all students who have signed up for volleyball trials will be expected to attend further trials this Saturday 6 November in Goold Hall at Villanova College. After the Volleyball trials held on Saturday 6 November all coaches will then select their volleyball teams/squads for 2022.

These squads will be posted on the Parent Lounge and Student Café portals by next Monday 8 November at 9am. If a boy fails to make a volleyball team/squad, they are welcome to join a cricket team, if this is the case, please contact the Sports Office to advise – sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au Phone: 3394 5621.

Please note new parents have been sent access codes and passwords to the Parent Lounge portals. Simply log-in as normal to this portal. Select the ‘Links’ tab from the top tool bar. From the drop-down menu, select the ‘Team Lists & Weekly Schedule’ tab to view team lists and other important documents which cannot be posted on our website due to privacy issues. These documents are often updated so please check regularly.

We encourage current and new families to use our website. The sports page on our website is called the ‘Locker Room’ – https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular/sport/the-locker-room/

The ‘Locker Room’ has all the latest sports news. From the ‘Locker Room’ you can then access the individual sport pages to find more information pertaining to each specific sport. In this case you can access the ‘AIC Volleyball’ section – https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular/sport/aic-volleyball/

Further Volleyball Trials – Saturday 6 November at Goold Hall, Villanova College

Venue: Court 1 – Goold Hall, Nearest Main Entrance
Court 2: Goold Hall, Near Stage
Uniform: Sports PE uniform or any suitable sports clothing

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

After teams and squads have been selected in Week 5, we will then have further training and trial games versus other colleges over the next two weeks.

Volleyball training will continue for all teams in Week 6 and 7 this term. That is, on the week beginning Monday 8 and 15 November. Training will be held on the same afternoon/morning and during the same time that you trialed in Week 5. Therefore, if Year 7 had trials on Wednesday afternoon from 3.30 – 5.00pm, they will continue to train on Wednesday afternoons in Week 6 and 7 during the same time.

The College has organised trial matches on the following dates.

• Saturday 13 November, Trial match v Iona College – Times and venues TBA
• Saturday 20 November, Trial match v St Laurence’s College – Times and venues TBA

The specific times and venues for these trial matches will be posted on our website by the Monday before the match – https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular/sport/weekly-fixtures/

Players are to wear their PE uniform. New students will be given a shirt to wear for these trials v other colleges, new students may wear their PE shorts from the school they currently attend.

FURTHER CRICKET TRIALS – SUNDAY 7 November, 2021
Please note the trial games for cricket will be played on Sunday 7 November at Villanova Park. These trials are for selected teams/students only. NOT ALL BOYS WILL BE REQUIRED. After the trials held earlier in the week, we will advise those who are required to attend further trials on Sunday 7 November.

Boys will be selected into an A/B squad or C/colored squad after the initial trials held above. These squads will play each other on Sunday. After which the selectors will then choose an A, B, C and colored teams. Depending on numbers some C/Gold (colored) squads may not play each other this Sunday.

These squad lists will be published by midday this Thursday 4 November on the Parent Lounge and Student Café portals.

Please note new parents have been sent access codes and passwords to the Parent Lounge portals. Simply log-in as normal to this portal. Select the ‘Links’ tab from the top tool bar. From the drop-down menu, select the ‘Team Lists & Weekly Schedule’ tab to view team lists and other important documents which cannot be posted on our website due to privacy issues. These documents are often updated so please check regularly.

We encourage current and new families to use our website. The sports page on our website is called the ‘Locker Room’ – https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular/sport/the-locker-room/

The ‘Locker Room’ has all the latest sports news. From the ‘Locker Room’ you can then access the individual sport pages to find more information pertaining to each specific sport. In this case you can access the ‘AIC Cricket’ section – https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular/sport/aic-cricket/

Further Cricket Trials – Sunday 7 November at Villanova Park, Tingalpa

Date: Sunday 7 November 2021
Venue: Villanova Park, Manly Road, Tingalpa
Uniform: Villa cricket whites or any suitable sports clothing

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

After the trials on Sunday, we will publish all team lists by mid next week via the Parent Lounge and Student Café portals.

IMPORTANT! – All members of the A and B teams from Year 5 – 10 will have further training for the next three weeks commencing next week as per times below.

• Year 5A/B and 6A/B Teams – Friday 12, 19 and 26 November 3.30-5.00pm at Little Langlands
• Year 7A/B and 8A/B Teams – Wednesday 10, 17 and 24 November 3.30-5.00pm at Little Langlands
• Year 9A/B and 10A/B Teams – Monday 8, 15 and 22 November 3.30-5.00pm at Little Langlands

All other teams will commence their training in 2022.

Year 7 – 12 Villanova Cricket Selection Process
This article aims to clarify the selection process for all members of the Villanova community to understand how players are graded and how teams are selected.

The purpose of the Villanova cricket selection trials is to provide each student with an equal opportunity to display their batting and bowling skills over a 90-minute net session. External coaches are used to grade the players for teams to be selected.

The initial trials will take place at the Little Langland’s cricket nets. At the conclusion of the trials, up to four teams from each age group from Year 7 – 10 only, will be chosen to play each other at an internal cricket trial game held on Sunday 7 November at Villanova Park. The best 22/24 players will play in an internal A/B trial; the next best 22/24 players will play each other in a C/Gold trial. At the conclusion of the game, we hope to choose the A, B and C teams. Note – This will only involve 2022 teams from Year 7, Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 students. Students who are not selected to attend these trials will automatically make a ‘coloured cricket team’. All coloured teams are of equal ability and those who make a coloured team will not be required to play a game at Villanova Park on Sunday. Students who attend the trial game on Sunday and do not make an A, B or C team will be automatically placed in a ‘coloured team’.

Some students may not be able to make the Sunday trial game due to other cricket commitments. Please understand that selection into any club representative team/s does not guarantee a player’s selection into any Villanova team. Cricketers who are unavailable to play on the Sunday due to representative club cricket commitments will be considered for team selection, however, only their grading at the initial net session will be used.

Selection guidelines are as follows:

• There will be no more than seven students at each cricket net (usually only five)
• A Villanova staff member (in this case the Director of Sport or an AIC Sport Co-ordinator) will administrate and conduct the entire session and coordinate times for the duration of the session
• There will be externally sourced and qualified cricket coaches located at each cricket net
• Each student will get the opportunity to bat for 10 minutes
• Each student will get the opportunity to bowl a minimum of 30 deliveries
• The external cricket selectors will assess and personally rank each student based on performance displayed at the cricket net session in both batting and bowling. Each student will be given a tentative ranking in batting and bowling of either an A, B, C or D
• In addition to the physical fundamental skill set that each player displays, head coach Nathan Dufty and fellow qualified coaches will be monitoring how each student interacts and conducts themselves in the presence of fellow players on a social level i.e. is the student supportive of other team members? Is he a good “team player”? Does the student show leadership capabilities? Does the student lack confidence? etc.
• Based on the initial tentative rankings, the head coach Nathan Dufty will liaise with the Villanova College Director of Sport, and both will select a combined A/B cricket squad and a combined C cricket squad.
• Once these tentative squads are agreed upon and selected, those selected will play an internal trial game at Villanova Park on Sunday 7 November. This will provide an opportunity for each student to display their skill set in a game situation.
• Upon completion of the internal trial game the students as a collective will be divided into final team rankings of A, B, C or a coloured team in order to represent Villanova College in the season ahead. Note that current representative players who are unable to make the trial game will be considered. Their ranking from the initial net session will be used.
• Further trials have been organised v Churchie and St Laurence’s College before round 1 against Iona College. More information regarding these trials will be given at a later stage. The College reserves the right to change the make-up of all teams depending upon attitude, performances and attendance. Therefore, teams can and will change before Round 1.
• Students entering Year 5 must attend cricket trials held on the Orientation Day
• Students entering Year 6 will have their cricket trials conducted by Villanova Staff members after school during Week 3 Term 4.

PLEASE NOTE – All parents are to support this process and not engage in any undesirable conversations that may contribute towards a negative experience for all involved including the coach, other parents and players.

The aim of schoolboy sport is to ensure all students are engaged in sport and enjoy the experience of competition with their mates.

FURTHER AFL, VOLLEYBALL and CRICKET TRIALS 2022 – Year 5-12 teams

DATE CLAIMER – Further cricket, volleyball and AFL trials will be played against St Laurence’s College (or internal trials) on Saturday 29 January, times and venues TBA. Please keep this date free.

Churchie ‘A’ Team Cricket Trials
Date Claimer – Our 6A; 8A; 9A; 10A; Third XI, Second XI and First XI will have their annual cricket trial against Churchie on Friday 21 January. Times and venues TBC. Please keep his date free.

We may also have an internal 7A v 7B cricket game on that day too.

First XI  and Second XI Cricket Trial Match v Iona
Villanova will play a trial match against Iona on the date listed below. These teams are now posted in the parent lounge and student café portals. Players are to provide their own lunch. These teams are now posted on the web.

Saturday 13 November v Iona at Iona College

• First XI 9.30 am start – 50 overs
• Second XI 1pm start – 35 overs

2022 Coaches/Managers and Officials Needed – OUR BOYS NEED YOUR HELP!
The Villanova College Sports Department is currently seeking coaches, managers and officials for the Year 5-12 AIC sports program in 2022.  In particular, we require the assistance of staff, parents, old boys and friends of the College to take on the many duties needed to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate and enjoy all the benefits that playing sport provides as well as ensuring the ongoing growth and development of our sports program across all areas.

Villanova’s success in sport is dependent upon many factors, one being the generosity of members within our community to give of their time and efforts in order to serve our students by taking on specific roles. These roles include coach, manager, referee, umpire, scorer etc. If you can help in any way, could you please complete the online nomination form below.

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

The College is indebted to those who were able to assist throughout 2021. We now invite those who would like to assist in 2022 to become involved for the benefit of our students and the College. You will no doubt find it rewarding and no experience is necessary. Please click on the link below if you are able to assist – https://form.jotform.com/VillanovaSport/coachofficialnomination 

First/Second Football Trials
The College will commence the First/Second football program on Tuesday 23 November at Villanova Park from 3.45-5.00pm. The second session will be held on the 25 November as per below.

Trial session dates

• Tuesday 23 November
• Thursday 25 November

Currently we have a list of students who we require to attend the trials posted within the parent lounge and students café portals. Any other student who aren’t listed and would like the opportunity to trial are welcome to attend. Boys are to find their own way to the trial venue.

Experienced Football Coaches Required
The Villanova College Sports Department is currently looking for experienced/highly qualified coaches to be involved in the football program starting later in Term 4 and continuing into next year. We are seeking coaches who will work with our ‘A’ level sides. Coaching positions will be paid. If you are interested or know of someone who might be interested, please get in contact with Football Co-Ordinator – Anthony Kemp, akemp@vnc.qld.edu.au

Swimming/Volleyball and Cricket Clinics – 2022
Please find below some date claimers regarding to the up-coming swimming, volleyball and cricket clinics, which are open to all students from Year 5-12 in 2022. These are great opportunities for our student athletes to develop their skills before the 2022 AIC sport season commences.

• Cricket Clinic – 18, 19 and 20 January at Villanova Park (flyer found on website within AIC Cricket section)
• Swim Clinic – 17 January at Langlands Pool
• Volleyball Clinic – 17 and 18 January at Goold Hall

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

Villanova Swimming
Last day – Friday 17 December 2021
Start back – Tuesday 4 January 2022

Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport

Christmas Extravaganza 2021
As we draw to the end of another academic year, the Villanova Music Department’s Christmas Extravaganza arrives like the decorations and carols at your local department stores.  Featuring many of our Middle School and Senior Ensembles, we are looking forward to sharing the Christmas Spirit with our broader community mid-November.  The event is scheduled for Thursday 11 November, commencing at 6.00pm – information has been distributed home regarding this event.

We will be featuring the following ensembles:

• Combined 2022 Bands (JS Wind Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble)
• Guitar Ensemble 1 & 2
• College Choir
• Fluteus Maximus
• Camerata String Orchestra
• 2022 Percussion Ensemble

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Celebration of Excellence
I would like to take a moment to thank and congratulate our musicians who shared their music with our community at the recent Celebration of Excellence on Tuesday evening.  Symphonic Band (2021), Sinfonia String Orchestra (2022), and Combined Irish Ensemble (2021) performed to a large house in QPAC Concert Hall to great acclaim.  We have received much positive feedback regarding the performances, and I would like to reflect this upon our students and the teachers who have worked so diligently with them across this year.

Congratulations everyone and well done!

Music Support Group AGM
The Villanova College Music Support Group will be convening their AGM next Monday 8 November, commencing at 7:30pm in the Chapter Room, adjacent to Hanrahan Theatre foyer.  The group welcomes new members to come and learn a little more about what happens behind the scenes in the Music Department.  We look forward to seeing members new and old next week.

2022 Ensembles for Band and Strings
Our 2022 Ensembles have commenced rehearsal.  Ensemble lists were distributed at the end last term – please click here for a copy of this term’s rehearsal schedule.  We are all looking forward to preparing our new groups for a great calendar of events in 2022.

Excellence Villanova Camp Chairs and Wildcat Coolers
Our fantastic Music Support Group have organised an innovative fundraiser for Villanova College.  You may have heard the buzz about our Villanova Camp Chairs and Wildcat Coolers…  the MUST HAVE items for the beach/cricket/park/fishing/barbecue/etc. this summer! (flyer attached).

Villanova Branded Camp Chairs – $35; Wildcat Coolers – $30

All items can be purchased via TryBooking through the following link:  https://www.trybooking.com/BMEML

Purchases can be collected from the Music Office and all profits will go to the Music Support Group.

Entertainment Publications Memberships
Entertainment memberships are one of the Music Support Groups main fund-raisers.  Just click on the link to purchase a membership and obtain ongoing special deals throughout the year.

Opportunity to Participate
The Music community at Villanova welcomes all students interested in participating in ensemble or instrument/vocal tuition.  If your son would like to take lessons on an instrument this year, please contact the Music Office on 3394 5691 or via email at music@vnc.qld.edu.au for further information.

Calendar

Thank you all for your ongoing support of Music at Villanova College.

Mr Michael Jones – Director of Music

SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS IN THE BRIDGE TO BRISBANE
This Sunday, a team of 20 Villa Year 11 and 12 students and supporters will be jogging, running and walking many kilometres in the Bridge to Brisbane. They are raising funds for the Villanova Terry Hendle Bursary helping families impacted by financial hardship to access a Villanova College education. The aim has been set to raise $5,000 which will fund a semester of Bursary assistance. Tax deductible donations to the team can be made via the Bridge to Bursaries link and all are greatly appreciated https://www.mycause.com.au/p/262057/bridge-to-brisbane

YEAR 9 PARENTS’ END OF YEAR EVENT

• Saturday 20 November, 7.00pm
• Beyond the Pale, Coorparoo Square
• Purchase drinks and food at the bar

See the Year 9 Parents’ Facebook group for RSVP details.

LIBRARY ROSTER (MONDAY 8 NOVEMBER – FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER)
All volunteers rostered on this week will be contacted directly by the Library.

TUCKSHOP ROSTER (MONDAY 8 NOVEMBER – FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER)
All volunteers rostered on this week will be contacted directly by the Tuckshop.