Villanova College
Villa View: Issue 5/23
Villa View: Issue 5/23
Our Easter intentions and the call to community interiority
We enter the last week of school with a keen eye toward the end of the Lenten season and the Easter period. It is of course the most solemn time in the calendar and a time of reflection on the passion of Christ, his sacrifice, and messages of love and forgiveness. This weekend we will share in Paul’s letter to the Romans. In this reading, as a precursor to the Easter story, St Paul shares the importance of living the values and principles shared with us through the life of Jesus. That in living a Christan life, in developing our spirit and faith, and sharing that with others we develop in his image and can move toward creating and sharing in the kingdom of God. It is a powerful time of learning and guidance in the church’s calendar and a wonderful time for interiority in our community and in the Christian family. To reach inside ourselves, examine our actions and decisions and look to grow into better more caring, more compassionate, more loving and accepting people. I do wish you all a wonderful Easter period.
Student academic and behaviour performance review meetings
Across the break period a number of boys and their parents will be requested to meet with me and their Head of School to discuss their Term 1 performance in the areas of behaviour, academic application and commitment.
At Villanova we are most accepting of students and their varied academic ability. We encourage boys through numerous pathways toward future success. However, there are non-negotiables around effort, accountability, and respect. Those boys who have shown signs of inconsistency in these areas across Term 1 will be required to discuss their performance, attitude, commitment and indicate their commitment to improvement. Students and their parents invited to attend these interviews will receive notification next week.
Trimester One Sport and Cultural Activities
While there is still an important AFL game to be played for our First XVIII this Friday, Trimester One sport did in fact conclude last weekend.
In summary it was a highly successful season with Villanova crowned aggregate champions in AIC for Cricket and a very credible third placing in the Volleyball aggregate. This is Villanova’s highest ever placing, matching the efforts of our Swim team. To this point we do not have the AFL aggregate as there is still the final Firsts games which will decide both the premiership in that division and the final aggregate standings. As such I give huge commendation to the leadership of Mr Shaun McLean our Director of Sport and the individual sport coordinator in Mr Nathan Dufty (Cricket), Mr Todd Kropp (Volleyball), Mrs Juanita Jacobs (Swimming) and Mr Brian Pascoe (AFL). While final positions are a welcome reward and acknowledgement it is the learning that is delivered to our boys through the effort in training, the thrill or victory and the disappointment of defeat that truly mark the importance and value of our sporting seasons.
On the Music front Term 1 has seen a number of outstanding assembly performances, lunchtime concerts and of course the debut concert series. Mr Michael Jones and his team of teachers and tutors have again ensured that this pert of our boys development is being beautifully stewarded. The culmination of the term though may well be when our student band “The Shamps” takes on the staff band in a ‘battle of the bands’ for the ages next Thursday.
Our debating season has commenced and as it is an activity outside of AIC it continues throughout next term. The season has started very well for our 10 teams and our coordinators, Mr Kennedy and Ms Waterson, are most pleased with the results from the first two rounds. Good luck to our Year 7, 9 and 11 teams who have their second debate next week. Watch this space for the interschool competition against Loreto College next term
In E-sports we continue to grow this opportunity for our boys and throughout this term they have been eagerly improving their dance moves to participate in the upcoming “Let’s Dance” Fuse Cup series. E-Sports has been a great way to include further student in College extra-curricular life while also providing a great avenue for student self-guided leadership and organisation as the E-Sports competition are very much student led and engineered competitions.
Mr Paul Begg, 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.
This week the Junior School focuses on “Accept the Decision”. Three simple words that have a huge impact on our teaching, learning and playing spaces at Villanova College. A huge part of our learning is based on relationships – a very time consuming investment – however it’s in the best interests of all concerned to give a platform to adults and students. In order to work efficiently, especially with recent NAPLAN commitments, overall Year 5 and Year 6 Assessment Calendars, Co-Curricular events and some students have time away for health/holiday reasons, we simply must at times make decisions that are for educational purposes. These include, but are not limited to, safety, equality and the commitment to College Expectations.
In terms of our playground, we make rules for the safety of your children. If your son enters the grounds earlier than 8am, and does not have sporting or musical training to attend, then he may put his bags down at his class racks, and sit down immediately on the Agora steps. There is no supervision until 8am – you make the choice to drop him early at school (and we can appreciate work and family circumstances) and so he in turn, must be responsible and trustworthy outside. Our neighbours do not appreciate yelling, music played or excessive noise before 8am. The staff have commitments and should not be expected to intervene should your son be tempted to treat the space as his own jungle gym. The Tolle Lege Library is open from 7.30am for suitable activities. If you are dropping your son off prior to 8am, please reiterate the expectations – as we extend the courtesy to understand your situation, we need it to go both ways. A teacher is on duty in the Junior School from 8am, and another staff member from 8.15am. The bell rings at 8.25am to gather in the Agora and then move to classes for Pastoral (roll call, messages and general organisation).
Within the classroom, equality means respect. It’s a two-way street. Staff work before and after school in faculty meetings, engaging in parent communication, planning and marking and sometimes also coaching a sporting team. From 8.25am until 3pm they are available for the students, often balancing this with so many changes and interruptions to the daily timetable – phone calls, emails and students who attend appointments or private lessons. They try to impress, please and enjoy working with the youngest Villanovans with incredible energy. So they do expect the boys to meet them at some point along that continuum of learning by turning up, being organised and giving the curriculum a red hot go. We do want the boys to feel included, noticed and connected – but there is much else to also give attention to. It’s Week 9 of Term 1, so for Year 5s there is a world of experiences they are almost completing in their first term – they will be tired and perhaps starting to look forward to their holidays. In Year 6, the expectations are raised, and so they now should have grasped the routines and effort working on Level 2 of the St Thomas Learning Space. This will be the norm for the next seven years – always lifting and working to new potentials.
We have the world’s biggest poster in every classroom – our College Expectations – which spread from being out in the community in our uniforms (including shops and on public transport), at sporting events representing Villanova, and in both classroom and specialist lessons. There are even expectations for walking between lessons, behaviour at the College Canteen and lining up outside a classroom. Whether in front of a teacher, or not, or remembering there are numerous security cameras, or not, the students and staff have expectations written in black and white print. Both sides have much to live up to, and it’s always a work in progress to do our best. For a community to be its best, we simply must “Accept the Decision” made for the common good of all.
You can feel weary, but still be kind. You can be over-excited but keep your hands and feet to yourself. You can feel disappointed but control your tongue. You can be nervous or anxious, but resist using words or a tone of voice that intimidates or insults. You can not know the answer, but be ready to learn how to conquer something new.
We can “Accept the Decision” to be better. Being better takes your best self to work a little harder and keep trying. It means doing the right things because it’s the right thing to do. Self-control, self-regulation and self-belief that changes are possible. That’s where the fun, the best kind of laughs and a life that gives us purpose, is waiting for us all.
Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School
Year 12 Retreat
Next week, our Seniors will leave the busyness of school life and head up to picturesque Mount Tamborine to embark upon their Year 12 Retreat experience- one of the most significant rites of passage of their Villanova journey. Building upon an explicit focus on student wellbeing with our Be Your Best Self Wellbeing Program, this retreat program allows our young men to connect with their peers and staff and reflect upon their life journey in an environment in which they are challenged to embrace vulnerability and courageously practice interiority.
I would like to thank Dean of Mission and Identity, Mrs Kate Garrone and Director of Service Learning, Mrs Nicole Jervis for their facilitation of the program and Head of Year 12, Mr Blake McLauchlan and Ms Amanda Waterson for their wonderful logistical support in ensuring the best possible experience for the boys. Furthermore, I would like to affirm the staff who will be in attendance for their sacrifice in spending time away from their families in support of our students.
Student Voice
In our last two College Assemblies, we revisited the GREATS Framework pillars of Growth and Respect. Academic Committee Student Leader Christos Nicolaou reinforced the value of embracing a ‘growth mindset’ in all areas of personal endeavour. Christos stated, ‘growth comes in many different facets of life. It can be in our relationships, where we learn to communicate more effectively, empathize with others, and build deeper connections. It can be in our health and wellness, where we learn to take care of our physical and mental well-being and adopt healthier habits. It can be in our careers, where we learn new skills, take on new challenges, and advance in our roles. It can even be in our hobbies, where we learn new crafts, sports, or artistic pursuits.
The key to growth is to embrace a growth mindset. This means being open to learning, accepting feedback, and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. It means being willing to step out of our comfort zones, take risks, and learn from our mistakes. It means being patient, persistent, and resilient in the face of obstacles.”
Last Friday, College Vice Captain Connor Moloney delivered a profound address on the fundamental value of respect and implored the student body to live up to the expectations of a Villanova gentlemen. “It shouldn’t take emails, rants or someone to ask you to just have the human decency to pick up after yourself, or tuck in your shirt, or save the inappropriate chat for home, because you’re representing more than yourself. You’re representing you, your mate beside, in front and behind you. And you’re representing a community, past, present and emerging of thousands. I love you boys, and I love my school, so let’s please show some respect and do something about this. I hope to never hear of disrespectful Villanovans in the future because your teachers, peers, parents and I know you have it in you to have some sort of humanity and show some sort of respect. Boys, let’s be better.”
I would like to affirm the Student Leadership Team for their significant contribution to the success of our fresh format for College Assemblies this term underpinned by the importance of student voice.
End of Term 1
As we conclude this first term and look towards Term 2 and the formalities of the winter academic uniform (such as blazer, tie and trousers), I would like to remind all students of the value of pride in their personal appearance. The support of parents in working collaboratively to sustain a culture of high expectations is always much appreciated.
The second term is always punctuated with the importance of either consolidating upon a strong academic start or bringing about change to address issues which limited success in the first term. I encourage all parents to have a conversation with their son regarding their interim report and potential areas for improvement and growth.
I wish all families a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday period and may you have a Holy Easter.
“Since we have been united with him in His death, we will also be raised to life as He was.” – Romans 6:5
Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School
Creating a better future for all of Australia: Uluru Statement of the Heart
In May 2017, over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates from all points of the Southern Sky gathered and issued the Uluru Statement from the Heart to the Australian people, which invited the nation to create a better future for all of Australia. This is an extremely important step forward for Australia and one that is supported strongly by the Catholic Church. The first proposed reforms address Indigenous Constitutional Recognition through a Voice. Understanding what is meant by an Indigenous Constitutional Recognition through a Voice – and what a Voice to Parliament is, and is not, is an essential understanding for our upcoming Referendum.
There has been a great resource for understanding this that we invite and encourage our families to undertake, in the hope that we can make more informed decisions and understand the upcoming Referendum.
The experience will take about 15-20 minutes of your time and is well worth the effort.
Indigenous Constitutional Recognition through a Voice – Overview (fromtheheart.com.au)
Head 2 Heart
Last weekend ten generous and fun-loving Year 10 students joined with a further 10 from Loreto to partner with Edmund Rice Camps for our 2023 Head 2 Heart Program. This year this was hosted at Loreto College. In the third year now of our program we also had very capable involvement of senior students as leaders on the camp.
Head 2 Heart provides the opportunity for younger children from disadvantaged backgrounds to have a bit of a holiday and time with a positive mentor as a buddy. The weekend was filled with fun activities, lots of laughter, and the forming of friendships. It is absolutely inspiring to see our students giving of their time and energy so selflessly.
Unfortunately due to privacy issues we can’t share the delight and joy of the little buddies but hopeful the photos capture the other side with the fun our buddies experienced.
A big congratulations to the following boys and a huge thank-you to Ms Nicole Jervis for her organisation and planning and to Loreto and ERC for partnering with us:
Leon Tom, Jonah Nicolaou, Jack Neate, Noah Lum, Adam Kielenniva, Ryan Hodson, Tom Hellyer, Forbes Hardy, Eli Dunstan, Alex Collins and Ashton Taylor.
‘To Love’ Year 9 Twilight Retreat
Following our very successful Year 9 ‘Conversations of the Heart’ Twilight retreat with All Hallows, on Friday 10 March, 20 Villa students joined with St Laurence’s and Loreto for another twilight retreat at Loreto College. It was a great social evening to share ideas and build relationships whilst exploring issues around how we build really healthy thriving relationships and understanding more about our love languages.
Upcoming Events
We have a number of events coming up in the next few weeks that we’d great appreciate your thoughts and prayers for.
Year 12 Cassiciacum: The Villanovan Kairos Retreat
As the term draws to a close next week our Year 12 students will be heading off for three days of retreat next week. This is a time leave the busyness and pressure of school in order to recharge; to enjoy time together nurturing friendships; a chance to consider some of life’s bigger and deeper questions and an opportunity to connect with the living source of faith, hope and life found in God!
Minjerribah On Country Experience for our First Nations Students
We are so pleased at Villanova to have a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. On Thursday 31 March we have invited them, with a friend to have a time on country at Minjerribah, which is Stradbroke Island. This will be time with the elders.
AFAS – Staff trip to plan immersion for 2024
This year marks 30 years of partnerships between Augustinian schools and ministries in the Philippines with Villanova College. The friendships forged between our communities has been extremely mutually beneficial to all communities. Our immersion program was put on hold due to COVID and now that borders have reopened and life has returned more to ‘normal’ we have a small group of staff heading over to the Philippines during the upcoming holidays to reconnect with partners and to plan for a student immersion in 2024. In Term 3 we will be launching the program.
Sacramental Program
Our Sacramental program aiming to allow young people who have not been able to complete their sacraments due to COVID is happening in Term 2. Fr Saldie will be leading this with the assistance of the St James’ Coorparoo Church sacramental team. Please complete a form for each child in your family who is seeking to complete a program to receive the Sacrament(s). This program will benefit the student(s) to enjoy fully the liturgical life in our college community i. e. college Mass, Chapel Mass, Ash Wednesday liturgy, Lenten and Advent liturgy, Graduation Mass and more.
There will be a parent/guardian information evening at St Thomas Learning Centre Auditorium (STLC-Auditorium) for the details of the program. Registration will follow.
There will be 3-4 evenings for the young people to attend with parent/guardian here at Villanova with Fr Saldie.
Please complete the following form if you are interested for your son/s to be involved with this program.
https://forms.office.com/r/4DCdT7TZWQ
Mrs Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity
Director of Sport Address
Congratulations to all Term 1 sporting teams, coaches and families. It was a very positive term with many outstanding results. We celebrate our Premiership winning teams below:
AFL – 7A, 6A, 6B
Cricket – 2nd XI, 4th XI, 9A, 9B, 7A, 5A
Volleyball – 2nd VI, 11A
Our aggregate results were also outstanding with Cricket placing first and Volleyball third. AFL is still pending with our First XVIII playing their final game this Friday 24 March versus Padua. If our boys are successful, that will be a back-to-back Premiership for the Wildcats.
Following an exceptional Term 1 there is great momentum and spirit evident across our sporting communities. As we transition into Term 2 sports, families are reminded to please refer to website The Locker Room page for updated Term 2 training schedules and draws and the Villanova College App. Team lists will be posted to the Parent Lounge and Student Cafe by the Thursday each week.
With regards to transport to Villa Park, boys are reminded that buses will be provided for all Year 7-Open teams in Football (Monday and Wednesday afternoons) and Rugby (Tuesday and Thursday afternoons), one-way to Villa Park. Parents are required to pick up students from Villa Park at approximately 5pm. Year 5 and 6 teams will have training sessions allocated at Little Langlands or Whinstanes.
Year 7, 8 and 9 students are permitted to leave class at 2:45pm on their allocated training days. Teachers will be provided lists of students’ names, so that only these students are dismissed early. Please note the following:
- Only Year 7, 8 and 9 boys are to be dismissed early, and only on the relevant training days.
- Early departure is at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
- Examinations or formative assessment items take priority over early departure.
- If dismissed early, students must move directly to Sixth Avenue and board a bus.
Return of Hire Jerseys in AFL and Volleyball
Students are reminded to please return AFL and Volleyball Hire jerseys to the Uniform Shop as soon as possible.
Sports Club – parent volunteers please sign-up for Saturday 25 March
A reminder that the Villanova Sports Club run the barbecue/Canteen at Villa Park on Saturdays. If any parents have some spare time on game days to lend a hand, perhaps during your son’s warm-up or post-game, that would be very much appreciated. Revenue raised from our canteens goes directly towards the development of our Sports programs. Thank you in advance for your assistance. It is very much appreciated.
Villa Park sign up, Sat 25th March
Communications
Families are reminded to access all Sport information via the Villanova College website and the Villanova College App. The Locker Room tab provides updated information regarding training schedules and current AIC/trial draws.
The AIC Draw 2023 can also be accessed here. A note that in some cases, draws may not match the AIC draw (for example this is the case in AFL). Families are encouraged to always check The Locker Room for accurate draws. Weekly Team Lists will be posted regularly to the Parent Lounge and Student Cafe Portals.
For full updated Term 1 results please click on the links provided below:
AFL Results Final 2023 (First XVIII pending)
AFL
Augustinian teaching practice is relational and designed to be transformative. Thus, the coaches involved in the AFL program endeavour to build on the Villanova ethos promoting community through football. I believe the coaches in their dealings throughout the season displayed care and provided support that challenged performance and growth to the players under their care both individually and as a team.
On behalf of the boys who played AFL in 2023 I would like to express my appreciation for the members of the Villa community who guided the boys through the AFL season. Those sharing their gifts through the mentoring and coaching included Darren Fazldeen, Paul Thompson, Manny Lynch, Charlotte Edmunds, Michael Gordon, Jamie Linnell, Michael Artis, Luke Bailey, Peter Long, James Dent, Ben Reinmuth, Dennis Midgley, Greg Greenwood, James House, Matt Conlan, Michael Gordon, Joe O’Neill, Jackson Voss, Bart Ritchie, Callum Hackett and Amy Roberts.
The challenge issued to the members of the Open team (Leaping Wildcat’s) by the coaches due to the relative infancy of the AFL in the AIC program was to set a culture and value in the jersey that the younger villa boys will aspire to wear. It is a culture built on humility, based on the actions, “Make Your Mate Best on Ground”.
The leaders and members of the 2023 Leaping Wildcats added value to the jersey they wore each Friday representing Villanova College. Congratulations to the Year 12 students who will wear the jersey with pride this Friday continuing to add value to the Leaping Wildcat’s Jersey at Yeronga AFC. The Seniors include Hugo Crawford, Charlie Corrigan, Jake Fazldeen, Frasier Lay, Daniel White, Kieran Micheletti, Jack Johannesen, Will Serafini, Callum Lamb, Ben Addley, Caden Griffiths, Jackson Moloney, Isaac Lynch, Isaac Solomon, Griffin Cullen, Larry Clark, Tom Audet, Mason Honeyman and Connor Moloney. Good luck in your endeavours to attain back-to-back Premierships.
Villa continues to be competitive in AFL within the AIC Competition. Following the final round for the rest of the teams there were many great results with Undefeated Premierships achieved by the following teams,
- The 7A’s coached by Villa Parents Greg Greenwood and James House.
- The 6A’s coached by staff member, Matt Conlan (Matt coached most of the Year 12 cohort in the Year 6 team when AFL was reintroduced into the AIC program six years ago).
- The 6B’s coached by the 2022 Leaping Wildcats Captain, Michael Gordon.
Congratulations to all of the boys who represented with pride displaying the Villa-man in their effort and intent this year during the AFL season.
Good luck to the Leaping Wildcat’s who will do their best to defend their Premiership against Padua College at 4.45 pm on Friday afternoon at Yeronga AFC.
Mr Brian Pascoe, 1st XVIII Head Coach
Cricket
Congratulations to Villanova Cricket: Cricket Aggregate Champions 2023
Villanova has won the cricket aggregate and crowned the best cricket College in AIC for a fourth straight season. The aggregate teams, comprising of all the A and B teams from Year 7 and up, performed very well and played some excellent cricket against very skilful opposition. There were many close games, which could have gone either way and our boys dig deep on many occasions and games went down to the last over to get a result. St. Patrick’s, who have been the big improvers in recent years, were the front runners in the aggregate until Round 6 when Villa took the lead after a good round against Iona College and then scored a 9-1 aggregate win against St. Peter’s to increase the lead over St. Patrick’s and secure the shield. Four of our aggregate teams won premierships, with another four finishing second.
Final aggregate placings and scores.
Villanova 68.5 St. Patrick’s 63 Iona 57 Ashgrove 50 St. Peter’s 39.5 St. Laurence’s 36.5 Padua 29 St. Edmund’s 7
To achieve an aggregate championship in cricket not only requires the top teams to ‘Bat above their average’ and to have a lot of things go right, but depth, with the C and D players working hard to knock on the door of B players, making them train harder and perform better. The planning for an AIC cricket season begins in Term 3 and then approximately 150-200 players represent the College in the local District Cricket Competitions (EDJCA and BEARS) in Term 4. The teams are coached by a band of qualified coaches lead by Nathan Dufty and they look after all of the skills sessions. This pre-season cricket program gets our boys well prepared for the AIC cricket competition and ready to challenge the top AIC Colleges for the Aggregate. This is a great result for our College and a well-deserved reward for all our dedicated coaches.
Not too many cricket seasons go by where we are not impacted by the weather, however, this was one of them, all bar a couple of games, and all teams had the opportunity to play every College in each age group. Getting to play every round makes winning the aggregate even more special because there are no question marks over those missed rounds and who could have won, had those rain affected rounds been played. Many premierships have been won or lost over the years due to the impact of weather but to get a full season in and play every week, requires all our players to be at their best and perform in every match.
All of our teams performed well over the season with six teams winning a premierships and numerous sides finishing second or third. To get these results, a lot of preseason organisation goes into the selections, coaching appointments and management of the 25 teams that represented the College this year. A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved, for what has been an extremely successful and competitive season. It highlights the program is effective and our younger age groups will benefit from the cricket knowledge being passed on to them by the quality coaching they are receiving. Small changes have been made over the years to boost the profile of cricket at Villanova and the inclusion of development squads, and extra skills sessions for all A and B players in Term 4, can only better serve the students and improve their overall skills. Promoting cricket through signage and the constant upgrading of equipment and facilities, has boosted the profile of the sport and Villanova is attracting more cricketers to the College. We would like to thank Mr Nathan Dufty, who has been instrumental in the programme for the huge amount of time he has invested into Villanova cricket.
Premiership Teams:
2nd XI coached by Ross Whitby and Tim Hazlewood
4th XI coached by Joel O’Reilly and Harry Wilson
9A coached by Michael Dann and Warren Dillon
9B coached by Ben Fingland and Jack Carson
7A coached by Oliver Timms
5A coached by Louis Henderson and Luke Palmer
Second Place
1st XI coached by Nathan Dufty, David Short and Corey Barsby
3rd XI coached by Jamie Mullins
10A coached by Josh Schaumburg and Jack Challinor
10B coached by Julian Buttigieg
8A coached by Simon Smith and Andrew Berkmann
7B coached by Damien Lewis
6A coached by Frazer Moloney
5B coached by Max Gosling and Jack Stone
Six Centurions
It’s rare to have a player score a century in a season but to have six players score a century is remarkable and four of them came in the last round. Congratulations to:
Roman Murnane- Round 5 v Padua 102
Finn Thallon- Round three v SLC 101no
Henry Muir Round seven v SPLC 117
Max Knight
Cameron Bukowski- Round seven v SPLC 102 no
Connor Moloney- Round 7 v SPLC 102 no
A massive thank you to our coaches, who have made the season run smoothly and allowed our students to get out and play each week. Thanks for assisting the boys in improving their cricket skills and especially allowing them to enjoy the game of cricket and develop humility in victory and grace in losing.
Staff: Ben Lynam and Alex Russell.
Parents: Ross Whitby, Simon Smith, Dave Capra, Steve Miller, Damien Lewis, Paul Innes, and Steve McLean.
Over the years, there has been an increasingly large number of Old Boys who return and assist with the sports program. 21 Old Boys coached our cricket teams this year, which is an amazing number and on behalf of the Villanova Community, I would like to thank them for their contribution to the development of our young men. Making the effort to give back to the College is appreciated by all but especially the students and the younger boys feel the impact more than anyone. Thanks to these Old Boys for your time and assistance;
Josh Schaumburg, Jack Challinor, Tim Hazlewood, Joel O’Reilly, Harry Wilson, Ben Fingland, Jack Carson, Will Ilka, Alex Ilka, Oliver Timms, Frazer Moloney, Luke Watson, Ben Watson, James Grigson, Patrick Grigson, Louis Henderson, Luke Palmer, Max Gosling, Jack Stone, Domenic Franco and Alessandro Porreca.
Finally, to the Groundsmen at Villa Park, Clyde, Gary and Jason, for preparing the fields each round and having Villa Park looking exceptional week in and week out. It is a facility the whole College can be proud of and is the envy of other Colleges. Thank you for your hard work, so we can get the boys out playing.
Mr Chris Everding, Cricket Coordinator
1st XI Match Report
The 1st XI team were playing at home for our last game of the season against SPLC who were full of confidence after beating the exact same opposition as us during the season. As a team – we knew this would be a very tough game with a lot riding on it due to us being on equal points on the ladder and the winner receiving a second-place finish.
Captain Tom Rieck won the toss, and we chose to bat; this was a decision that would end up being the correct one which resulted in some exciting scenes on Andrew Slack Oval. Our opening pair laid a great platform with Tristan Bailey (25) again amongst the runs, Finn Thallon also scored (21) in his brief stay at the crease, but the big moment in our batting innings came when Cameron Bukowski (102no) and Connor Moloney (102no) combined for a 183-run partnership which was witnessed by a big crowd of supporters at Villa Park. The execution of skill and the attacking batting display was a joy to watch, to have two Year 12 students (who are both three-year 1st XI players) have that special moment in their last game for Villanova cricket, was something that will be talked about for many years to come. The great batting display saw us post our highest score of the season of 5-302.
Our opening bowlers Jackson Moloney (4-34) and Larry Clark (1-21) took early wickets which had SPLC under pressure early in their batting innings, Captain Tom Rieck (2-11) capitalised on the positive start and bowled aggressively which saw SPLC in trouble at 6-49. SPLC were able to put on a decent partnership through the middle stages, which resulted in them making us work hard for the final wickets.
A fitting end to the season when Captain Tom Rieck took the last SPLC wicket to have them bowled out for a total of 145. This was another great result for the 1st XI team, who have now won five matches in a row to finish the season and secure second spot. As Coach, I’m just so proud of the players attitudes and performances after losing our first two matches of the season, I can’t be more grateful to all of them for the ultimate respect that they’ve shown me all season. Thankyou also to all the 1st XI parents who have helped with team lunches, scoring and game day organisation, it really allows the players to be clear with their match day focus and your support is truly appreciated.
Congratulations to all Villanova cricketers and coaches on such a tremendous season, it has been another season to remember for our cricket program with plenty of premierships and Villanova College again winning the Cricket Aggregate (Champion Cricket School). A special thank you to Villanova Cricket Co-Ordinator Mr Chris Everding who has made sure that our overall cricket program continues to thrive and grow each season.
Centurions – Cameron Bukowski & Connor Moloney
Before and after – some of our First XI boys in their 5A team photo and now in the First XI.
Mr Nathan Dufty 1st XI Head Coach
Swimming
The performance of our Swim Team at the recent AIC Championships was remarkable. Our Junior Swimmers placed first and our Senior Swimmers placed third. Over the day we had 18 first places, 18 seconds and 26 thirds. This amazing result sparked many conversations within our school community and Old Boy networks, with historians dating all the way back to the 1980’s to find a time where Villanova placed in the top three. Congratulations to our Swimming staff, coaches, Captain Oscar De Tina and boys for their outstanding season.
Villanova’s First Place Swimmers at AIC Championships 2023.
- Year 6 medley relay team – Isaac Haywood, Ashton Lewis, Will Gregory, Jonah Frare
- 14 Yrs Medley relay team – Isaac Bowen, Jack Stewart, Tyler Schafer, Darcy Kerr
- Jonah Frare – Year 6 Div 2 Breaststroke
- Ashton Lewis – Year 6 Div 1 Breaststroke
- Tyler Clelland Open Div 1 50m Breaststroke
- Fred Carter Div 4 Year 5 50 m Freestyle
- Harrison Bligh Year 5 Div 3 50m Free
- Lachlan Rees Year 5 Div 2 50 Free
- Nate Economidis Year 5 Div 1 50m Free (amazing swim)
- Jonah Frare Year 6 Div 3 50m Free
- Ashton Lewis Year 6 Div 1 50m Free
- Jack Stewart 14 Yrs Div 3 50 Free
- Hugo Harrison Open Div 4 50m Free
- Ashton Lewis, Year 6 Div 1 Back
- Isaac Bowen 14 Yrs Div 2 Back
- Ashton Lewis Year 6 Div 2 Fly
- Year 6 Div 2 Freestyle Relay – Zach Newell, Preston Webster, Braxton Jarvis, Will Gregory
- Year 5 Div 1 Freestyle Relay – Harrison Bligh, Angus Shand, Lachlan Rees, Nate Economides
Finally our major Swimming awards for 2023:
- The Greg Cran Trophy for Best Performance at AIC Swimming – Ashton Lewis.
- The Year 6 Champion School Trophy and the Primary Aggregate Shield – presented to our Junior Swimming Captains, Isaac Haywood and Ashton Lewis.
Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Swimming Coordinator
Volleyball
It is a sombre feeling wrapping up the 2023 AIC Volleyball season, it is with sadness that our program comes to an end but there is certainly much to celebrate and remember. The 2023 season saw the return of AIC Aggregates and saw a full round of AIC matches. A season filled of ups and downs, wins and losses, and a mix of long-term development and short-term success. Only time will tell how our targets will fare on the court in the future, but I am optimistic our approach and long-term plan will continue to make Villanova a fierce competitor in AIC Volleyball for many years to come.
Villa Volleyball entered 20 teams into the AIC Volleyball competition in 2023 and I am proud to say Villanova secured the 11A and 2nd VI Premierships. I would also like to make special mentions to the following teams for finishing in second place on their respective AIC ladders; 3rd VI, 11B, 11C, 10A, 10B, 8B, 8D, 7B. 7C, 7D. With the return of AIC Aggregates, I am also proud to announce Villanova College finished in third place, 0.5 points away from second place.
The positive results we have had throughout the season was due to the tireless efforts of coaches and players exemplifying what our program Is striving for, playing an aggressive style of volleyball, not being intimidated by our opponent or surroundings and being humble winners and gracious in defeat. I would like to thank each of our coaches for the season, and a special mention to our Junior Coordinator, Ms Tegan James.
As a coach, it was an honour to have worked with each of our teams throughout the season. It was truly a great experience to get the opportunity to work with the First VI team as they competed. In 2023, the First VI team were a true competitor and took many matches to deciding sets, most notably, losing in a narrow defeat to a well-trained St Peters side 3-2 who will finish the season undefeated. I would like to acknowledge and thank First VI captains Nick Craig and Blake Bishop.
In closing, 2023 was another season to be proud of and I look forward to welcoming our Volleyball teams back to the court for the Schools Cup series later in the year.
Mr Todd Kropp, First VI Head Coach and Volleyball Coordinator
Term 2 Trials/Training Schedules (commences Week 9, Term 1)
Please click on the links below for the Term 2 training schedules. There are some slight changes from Term 1 (Weeks 9 and 10) to Term 2. Note, some Year 5 and Year 6 training times could change depending on the coach availability, however, we will endeavour to keep to the schedule below. Teams are reminded in Week 9 to remain off the centre wickets at Villa Park – these areas will be signed.
Training Schedule – Weeks 9 and 10, Term 1
There will be trial games for Chess on Friday 24 March and Friday 21 April. There will also be trial/internal games for Football and Rugby on Saturday 25 March and Saturday 22 April. Draws coming soon.
Chess
We are looking forward to our first round of trials this Friday 24 March against St Laurence’s. Students may go straight to the library at 3:00pm, where we will provide a light afternoon tea before we begin the playoffs at 4:00pm.
WANTED! We desperately need two more Year 10 or Year 11 students to complete our teams! If you are a keen chess player, want to represent your College, have fun and gather treats along the way, then please contact Mrs Underhill at kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au.
Year 5 and 6 Parents, could I please ask that you come into the College and collect your son from the Tolle Lege Library on Friday. As a duty of care, every Junior School student will need to be marked off as being collected at 6:00pm. If you have someone else other than yourself collecting your son, could I kindly ask that you communicate this with Ms Leah Belson prior to Friday afternoon.
Wishing our Chess players the very best this Friday!
Kath Underhill, Villanova Chess Coordinator
Cross-Country
Throughout the cross-country season there are three scheduled training sessions each week. These sessions are intended to be difficult and challenge you. However, I suggest members of the ‘Running Wildcats’ include longer runs throughout the week or participate in Parkruns.
The longer run sessions are intended to benefit and improve aerobic fitness and endurance. They can also be used to enhance recovery and using the sessions suggested following contact sport or intense training to flush lactate etc, they can be used to assist you to reach your optimal performance. The pace you start the longer runs at should be the pace you finish with. If you are running with a mate, you should be able to be able to say a few words to each other now and then to keep your motivation and keep the run to an enjoyable pace. By the time you are finished, you should recover quickly and feel great about the run you just did. Please find below four examples of long run sessions.
| 1. Tempo session | 2. Fartlek session | 3. Hill session/resistance | 4. Long-run |
| W/Up: 10 mins + Drills – Core/stretch
5min Threshold Run 5-10 min steady, 5 min cross-country race pace (suggested threshold pace), 5-10 min steady (continuous)
|
W/Up: 10 mins + Drills – Core/stretch
3 – 5 x (4 min steady, 1 min moderate) (continuous)
|
W/Up: 10 mins + Drills – Core/stretch
10 – 20 minutes of steady paced running on a hilly circuit. (You should be able to talk & run and not be too out of breath) |
W/Up: 10 mins + Drills – Core/stretch
15 – 30 minutes of steady paced running (You should be able to talk & run and not be too out of breath) |
Alternatively, the Parkruns are highly beneficial for racing practice. The AIC cross-country season has few chances to race, and it is an important skill to practice. So, I challenge all members of the cross-country squad to attend Parkruns with the view to optimise your ability to race.
However, if playing other sports in conjunction with your cross-country training please seek guidance from one of the coaches so you do not overtrain and detract from your ability and compromise your health and safety.
Mr Brian Pascoe, Cross-Country Coordinator
Football
The 1st XI Football Squad have been hard at work during this preseason with their sights set on back-to-back premierships. Their first external trial game saw the boys earn a hard-fought draw (1-1) against GPS giants Churchie. Unfortunate not to come away with the win, the talent and effort on display was that of the true Villanova man.
The 1st XI Football Squad are far from finished their preseason preparation, however, as there is still plenty of opportunity for boys to earn their spot. This Saturday (25 March) the internal trials and 10A, 2nd XI and 1st XI matches against St Laurance’s College provide the perfect platform for players to showcase their talent in the presence of numerous Villanova Coaches, including 1st XI Head Coach – Tom Carnavas.
2nd XI Head Coach – Hudson Rogers – was busy Monday and Wednesday this week observing trials around Villanova Park in attempt to afford boys the opportunity to prove themselves this weekend verse St Laurence’s College and present them with the chance to train with the 1st XI Football Squad.
Following the game versus St Laurence’s College, a team of players will be selected to take on the Brisbane State High School 1st XI Football Squad on Thursday 30 March. This will be the last opportunity for players in the squad to prove themselves before the holidays where a selected squad of boys will be invited to attend the Villanova College Football Holiday Camp at Villanova Park on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 April. In the coming days more information will be released regarding the camp, however, it is advised that players currently in the 1st XI Football Squad save the dates.
Mr Hudson Rogers, Second XI Head Coach
Rugby
With internal trials beginning this Saturday, we ask that all players have the right equipment to engage in contact sport. The rugby jersey and shorts are available from the uniform shop and the boys are to have boots and a mouthguard (compulsory). Each session will run for 90 minutes and coaches will run drills and small games to have a look at the boys and see where they start fitting into the team sheets.
Trials will continue next week on both Tuesday and Thursday and also during Week 1 of next term. Trials will be played against Iona College on Saturday 22 April before Round 1 teams will be advertised prior to 29 April against Ashgrove.
Please be aware that as the boys train together and play at the same venue most weeks, it is easy for us to move players around due to injury. The by-laws state that all teams can carry fresh reserves except for the ‘A’ team. We ask all parents to make sure your son sticks around and reserves for the next game to make sure we can cover any illness or injuries and for the boys to form a run-on tunnel and support their classmates. No team should be left short reserves or support.
Easter holiday rugby clinics are being run at Villa Park for students in Year 5-8 during the first week. Please refer to the flyer below to register your interest. Limited spots are available, so register early.
Rugby Clinic – Advantage Line Sports Performance
Mr Chris Everding, Rugby Coordinator
Strength & Conditioning
The new training schedule for S&C has now commenced. Boys must register here for the Term 2 schedule. Please see below the link to the new Term 2 training schedule.
Register here for Term 2 S&C sessions (commences Week 9, Term 1)
S&C Training Schedule – Term 2 (commences Week 9, Term 1)
Mr Marco Mastrorocco, Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
Rugby & Football camps in the Term 1 holidays
Both our Rugby and Football firsts squads will be attending camps in the Term 1 break, in preparation for AIC competition in Term 2.
Our Football boys are attending training days at Villa Park on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 April, with trial games on Friday evening. Further details will be emailed to the relevant boys soon.
Our Rugby boys have a trial game versus Churchie on Saturday 1 April, 10am at Villa Park. The squad is also travelling to the Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre at Currimundi from Sunday 2 to Wednesday 5 April.
We wish both squads well as they approach AIC Round 1 on Saturday 29 April.
Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport
PARENT INFO
Mother’s Day Stall……… We’d Love Your Help
Mothers and grandmothers, if you are cleaning out those cupboards and have some quality goods you would like to donate to our Mother’s Day Stall, please send them in. We would welcome any unopened, unwanted items which could be included in our bundles. These can be left at College Reception or your Student Services Office (labelled Mother’s Day Stall). Please leave your name so we can acknowledge your generosity. Many thanks.
Kath Underhill Mother’s Day Stall Organiser
You Are Not Alone Fun Run & Festival.
REMINDER to register by 5:00 pm on Monday 27 March to go in the draw for a free Iphone 14! See attached poster for registration link.
Mega Raffle Tickets – WIN $10,000 Cash
Tickets available from the Sports Canteen at Villa Park – $100 each.
Look out for any of our lovely Sports Club Volunteers to buy your ticket.
All money raised will help support Villanova boys in their sport and recreational endeavours.
Vaping Webinar – Thursday 23 March 7pm. Tony Parsons – National Drug Awareness
Tony has a keen interest in the relevancy of vaping amongst today’s youth and works to deliver a down-to-earth approach of the harm associated with vaping.
Tony regularly speaks to school communities across Australia and overseas to ensure they have relevant and timely drug, alcohol and vaping information.
More information can be found here; Vaping webinar-Tony Parsons_flyer
P&F
Contact: Peter Roberts (President)
0412 055 884 or pjroberts0968@gmail.com
Sports Club
Contact: Sally Warren (President)
sallyjwarren@gmail.com
Music Support Group
Contact: Michael Molloy (President)
Villanova College Music Office music@vnc.qld.edu.au
COMMUNITY NEWS
Villanova College Master Planning Activities
Planning for the Future
Villanova College has taken the next step towards the development of a new multi-purpose hall and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (‘STEM’) building and the future delivery of a new café/ canteen, Learning Institute and refurbishment of Mendel Hall.
In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 5 of the Planning Act 2016, we have asked that the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning approve an amendment to the existing education facilities designation of our campus located in Coorparoo.
To assist with future development of the College a Master Plan has been developed with Cox Architects which strives to provide an appropriate balance between the built form and open space areas while considering the impact of the proposal on adjoining residential development. The Master Plan will be delivered over two stages as follows:
Stage 1A + 1B
- New approximately four storey building to accommodate Multi-purpose hall and STEM facilities (located in the southern part of campus, south of Seventh Avenue)
- Closure of Seventh Avenue to public access
Stage 2A + 2B
- New single storey building to accommodate café/canteen and Learning Institute
- Refurbishment of Mendel Hall
Ministerial Infrastructure Designation
To deliver on our commitment to the College community we will request that the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning endorse this Master Plan and amend the current designation over the subject. The MID process provides an alternate assessment pathway to lodging a development application with Brisbane City Council and allows for the delivery of essential community infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
The MID (AID-1222-0657) has been requested in accordance with Chapter 2, Part 5 of the Planning Act 2016. If the Master Plan and MID is approved, this designation would acknowledge and reflect what the College uses this land for today and secure development of the campus in the future.
Having your say
To have your say about the proposed MID amendment, you can make a submission to the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, the Hon. Dr Steven Miles via:
- online: statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/mid-consultations
- email: infrastructuredesignation@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au
- post: PO Box 15009, City East, QLD, 4002
- Phone the Infrastructure Designations team on 1300 967 433
Please note, if you make a submission, it should:
- Be clearly marked as ‘Proposed MID for the development of Villanova College’
- Be in writing, dated and signed by each party or entity who made the submission
- State the name and address of each person or entity who made the submission
- State the grounds (or reasons) for the submission and the facts and circumstances relied on in support of these grounds.
Any submission must be received by the Minister on or before 9 March 2023.
If you wish to discuss the proposal with one of the project team. We would welcome the opportunity to brief you on the Villanova College Master plan.
TUCKSHOP NEWS 2023
All volunteers rostered on for the upcoming week will be contacted directly by the Tuckshop.
The 2023 menu and price list for Tuckshop is now available by clicking Tuckshop Menu 2023 Please note there are current supply issues with Hash Browns.
All students new to the College are asked to bring cash for tuckshop purchases until student ID cards have been received and a Flexischool account has been created and linked. Existing students with student ID cards and Flexischools accounts are reminded to bring cash as a backup for purchases until new ID cards have been received.
Volunteering at the Villanova College Tuckshop
The Tuckshop is a modern, commercial area of the College that provides an affordable and nourishing breakfast, morning tea and lunch service for the boys. Breakfast preparations begin from 7.00am and morning tea and lunch preparations beginning at 8.30am with the day concluding at 1.15pm.
We run a self-service system, with a diverse menu consisting of both freshly prepared and pre-packaged items.
It is managed by a paid convenor but could not exist without its dedicated volunteer helpers.
We welcome help from Mums, Dads, grandparents, other caregivers, friends, etc.
If you are interested in volunteering at Tuckshop you would be rostered on one day every four weeks generally from 8.30am to 1.15pm but for those of you who can accommodate or prefer an earlier start and/or finish, you can be rostered on the breakfast shift from 7.00am.
Even if you can only give just an hour or two, this is still very welcome – we can make use of any time you are able to give us.
Our helpers are provided with a cuppa and cake for morning tea, a delicious lunch, lots of laughs and an opportunity to see their sons in the College environment.
If you’re a little nervous about volunteering alone, why not join with a friend!
Current volunteers have mentioned the following reasons as to why they enjoy working at the Tuckshop:
- it helps our boys and the College community
- it is a great opportunity to meet other parents and chat to others with similar interests
- the boys enjoy seeing their parents at the College (even though they will not always admit it!)
- it is a chance to get to meet your son’s friends and their teachers
- it is a great way to seek advice from parents who have “been there, done that!”
- it is a lot of fun
If you are interested in volunteering you can register you interest at: Volunteering at Villanova » Villanova College (vnc.qld.edu.au) ,
call the Tuckshop on 3394 5592 or email Dot Blair – tuckshop@vnc.qld.edu.au
2025 ENROLMENT
Year 7/2025 enrolment applications will open on Friday 3 February.
For further information please contact our Enrolments Officer at enrolments@vnc.qld.edu.au
ENROLMENT COLLECTION NOTICE FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
2023 Student Residential Address and Other Information
The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to notify you that we have requested for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information.
Under the Australian Education Regulation 2013, the school is required to provide the department with the following information about each student at the school:
• Names and residential addresses of student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
• Student residential address (excluding student names)
• Whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
• Whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status).
The school collects the above information by generating a unique and unidentifiable – student reference number (SRN) for each student record. The school only uses the SRN for this collection. It is not allowed to be used for any other purpose. The number only indicates to the department that each record provided is for one student.
Purpose of the collection
The Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection (the Collection) informs Australian Government school education policy and helps ensure funding for non-government schools is based on need.
The information collected will be used to inform school funding calculations. It is combined with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data to calculate a non-government school community’s capacity to contribute to schooling costs.
From 2020, the department introduced a new measure of capacity to contribute: the Direct Measure of Income (DMI). The DMI is based on the median income of non-government school students’ parents or guardians using the Collection data. Find more information about the DMI on the What is the methodology for the Direct Measure of Income (DMI)? Department web page.
Use and disclosure of personal information
Your personal information is protected by law under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act). Personal information is information or an opinion about an identifiable individual. Personal information includes an individual’s name and contact details.
Any use or disclosure of your personal information must occur in accordance with Privacy Act and the Australian Education Act 2013 and Australian Education Regulation 2013.
Your personal information provided to the department through the Collection may be:
• disclosed to the ABS for the purposes of capacity to contribute calculations and analysis as a part of the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP). Find more information about MADIP on the ABS website MADIP page.
• disclosed to a contracted auditor where the department may from time to time, carry out an audit of a school’s collection submission. The contracted auditor compares the school’s submission with the school’s student enrolment information. The contracted auditor will not use the information for any
other purpose.
GPO Box 9880, Canberra ACT 2601 | Phone 1300 488 064| www.education.gov.au | ABN 12 862 898 150
• disclosed to its service providers for the purposes of providing the department with information and communications technology support services.
• used or disclosed where it is otherwise required or authorised by law.
The department does not intend to disclose your personal information to any overseas recipients.
Find the department’s privacy policy on the Department of Education website which includes information on:
• how individuals can access and seek correction of personal information held by the department;
• how complaints about potential breaches or breaches of the Privacy Act can be made;
• how the department will deal with these complaints.
The department commissioned an independent privacy impact assessment (PIA). The PIA assesses the flows of information under the Collection, compliance with the Privacy Act and measures in place to safeguard the
personal information being collected. The current version is available on the 2018 Student Residential Address Collection: Additional Required information Privacy Impact Assessment web page.
What do you need to do?
You are not required to do anything. Your school is responsible for providing the department with the requested details; however, you can contact the school to update your family’s details.
Contacts for further information
Your school can provide additional information about the Collection process.
Alternatively, please visit the SchoolsHUB Address Collection help and support page.
To contact the department about privacy-related matters, email privacy@education.gov.au or write to:
Privacy Officer
Legal Services
Department of Education
LOC: C50MA1
GPO Box 9880
Canberra ACT 260
Share your thoughts on Catholic Education
The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) is conducting an important survey with parents and carers about the Catholic education system in Queensland. QCEC would appreciate your feedback via a short online survey to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence families in choosing a Catholic school. QCEC are working with Market & Communications Research and the Online Research Unit to compile feedback. You can complete the survey online by clicking on the link below. All responses are anonymous. https://survey.confirmit.com.au/wix/p559809241117.aspx?cg=18
Address
24 Sixth Avenue, Coorparoo, Brisbane, QLD 4151 Australia
Villanova College is an independent Catholic School for boys under the care of the Augustinian Order. Striving for excellence in boys’ education as an Augustinian community one in mind and heart on the way towards God.
