Villa View: Issue 8/23

Villanova – Living the Augustinian Story

It has been with strong interest, and a view to our values, that I have viewed our social media presence these last few weeks, to gauge at what level we offer an educational experience beyond academic rigour. Or perhaps more importantly, how are our values embedded in the way in which we shape a Villanova education and in turn the Villanova graduate.

So, on analysis I have seen our staff and students engaging in reflection on themselves and their journey through Wellbeing lessons. I have seen others taking an active role in building positive friendships through physical activity and games. Those students with musical talent have shared with others during lunchtimes and in so doing affected the tone and feel of the playground experience. I have again, through music, heard students prepare for the Mission Week challenge, to come together in solidarity, empathy and understanding via the Paul Kelly ballad “From Little Things Big Things Grow” based on the story of Vincent Lingiari as we share Mission Week with National Reconciliation Week.

Our boys have engaged in Geography, Physics, Drama, Film and Chinese excursions and competitions to shape not simply their learning but also their attitudes on how their learning relates, and impacts upon, the future they are building and the world in which they will lead and create.

Finally, there are of course the sharing of our co-curricular opportunities with debating, camp and spirit, taking centre stage rather than particular sports or results. The energy the boys put into supporting one another, giving of themselves, and challenging their boundaries is certainly motivating as an educator.

In all of this we come back to our purpose, the core business of the education we offer. Our vision speaks of “striving for excellence in boys’ education as an Augustinian community one in mind and heart on the way toward God.” As we break that down it means challenging and providing opportunity to reflect and engage in interiority,  for each boy to ask questions of the world around him and look for answers and opportunities – the restless search for truth, to build strong friendships, relationships and be at one with others working toward a society of kindness, love and justice – the value and purpose of community and finally to act in, and develop, a way of behaving that encourages and develops Humility. Perhaps the hardest for teenage boys and in a society of ‘look at me’ politics and practices. But we look to counter that through these other values, by looking at the purpose behind our actions, to look at the authenticity in both our action and the accolade, to challenge our motivations for social action and intervention.

In summary is our learning, our commitment to excellence and our achievement solely for our own benefit or are we overwhelmingly clear that the actions, and effort taken to achieve our best delivers greatness to others and opportunities for them, in equal measure to ourselves.

I am often asked what makes a Villanova education special, why would one choose Villanova for their sons. Above is the answer!

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools develop
• shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact Mrs Melissa Wilson (Head of Inclusive Learning)

Mr John Christie

Dean of Teaching and Learning

Every Monday afternoon, from 3:15-4:30pm, Villanova College allocates time to professional learning and development. During this time, you will find Junior School teachers working industriously in their teaching teams on rigorous curriculum plans, aligned assessment design, and analysing and tracking student data. We are also able to dedicate time to our core business of reflecting on pedagogy (the how we teach).  We set aside this time to ensure that we are not only continuing to grow and develop as professionals, but also to ensure that we are delivering the highest quality learning experiences possible to our students – your sons.

We wholeheartedly believe that we have exceptional teachers in the Villanova Junior School- they are committed, innovative and passionate. Our teachers are also acutely aware that designing, refining, and delivering outstanding learning experiences does not happen by accident. We are constantly engaging in professional reading, collegial conversations and reflecting on our own practices to ensure your sons get our very best.

We frequently refer to the work of John Hattie, a highly respected researcher, whose work primarily focuses on the factors which have the most significant impact on learning. Hattie clearly articulates time and time again, that the “greatest effects on student learning occur when the teachers’ become learners of their own teaching”.

It is this sentiment, of teachers becoming learners of their own teaching, which sat at the centre of our Staff Professional Learning this week. Junior School teachers were all invited to participate in a Collaborative and Reflective Practice (CRP) session, whereby the focus was looking at the year so far- considering the challenges, triumphs, and key learnings they have experienced in their classrooms and with their teaching partners. They shared with each other their journeys so far and the goals they have moving forward.  These enriching discussions, not only provide an invaluable opportunity to learn from each other, but an opportunity to support colleagues.

Such discussions, happen on a smaller scale each week when co-teaching teams meet with their relevant Head of Curriculum and Pedagogy. During these meetings, we facilitate discussions about how we can best deliver the curriculum and adapt our pedagogy to suit the needs of the 56 boys in each space. During these discussions, teachers are able to become students of their own teaching and practice- discussing, reflecting, and making considered decisions about how their lessons can become even better.

Through our roles, we are afforded such a unique opportunity to work with teachers and students on a daily basis. We are able to work with teachers to design meaningful and innovative learning opportunities  and model different teaching styles whilst engaging with the various co-teaching models in each classroom. Working across the entire cohort allows us to support teachers and develop relationships with each student. It also ensures that we understand the unique learning needs of each space and are able to alongside core teachers to provide differentiated, targeted, and challenging learning experiences for all students.

Moving forward, we will be working with all teachers to develop their own Professional Learning Goals. We have already seen teachers take time to consider their classroom dynamic, personal, and collaborative strengths, and the needs of their learners to design goals that will provide maximum benefit for our Year 5 and 6 boys. These goals sit within a broader framework called “New Art and Science of Teaching” which is designed to enhance the pedagogical skills of teachers through self-reflection and coaching. We are so excited to work with teachers over the coming weeks and months as they continue to fine-tune their goals and put into place action plans to consistently improve your son’s learning experiences here in the Junior School.

Stay tuned for more updates from us as we head into our busiest time of the term!

Thank you for all your ongoing support.

Chloe Adams and Melissa Liddy

Heads of Curriculum and Pedagogy – Year 5 and Year 6

Over the last two weeks our Year 9 students have completed their camp experience. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to disconnect from the world and experience some time outdoors and with their peers.

Noosa North Shore certainly provided a wonderful backdrop for the camp. The roaming kangaroos was a constant reminder of the beautiful landscape around us which was in direct contrast to the annoying mosquitoes buzzing around.

One of the highlights for the students was the one-night camp-out experience. Packing an overnight bag and making the long canoe trek over to Boreen Point is an experience they will never forget. For some groups, the lake was crystal clear and made for easy paddling, whilst for others, a bitter headwind and an opposing current made for a real challenge.

Resilience and teamwork, those critical skills we continue to teach, were put into action. Some excelled and others faltered – and that’s ok, the real learning is in discovering where they are on the journey of improvement. Having to then beach the canoe and jump straight into prepping and cooking their own meal took a determined effort [hunger is a great motivator however]. That completed it was getting their tents ready for the night’s sleep, for which I have to say they were pretty ready. Whilst also a challenge, the early morning wake-up and sunrise on the water provided a meditative start to the day, as they contemplated the glassy lake.

Camp was also an excellent opportunity for the boys to showcase the differing leadership styles required within each group. Some were able to use their athletic prowess to help the group, some used their good humour and energy to motivate others and some used logic to help problem solve difficult situations. Identifying the need and working out what needed to be done and then completing the task allowed the boys to see and appreciate the various skill sets within the cohort.

Finally, my message on departing camp for both sets of campers was around ensuring that they took the learnings and experiences from camp and found ways to connect them back to school life. Whether it be showing initiative, problem solving issues in the playground or overcoming challenges in classwork, we can lean on, and learn from, our experiences from camp to guide us to new and previously unthought of solutions.

Many thanks is to the staff who volunteered their time to come away and support your sons. It was so pleasing to see the enthusiasm and care they had for their groups and their efforts in supporting the growth taking place in each individual group. Without exception each of the staff members present gave up of their best and sacrificed family time to support the boys and I am incredibly grateful to them all.

It has been another dynamic fortnight within the Senior School shaped by community engagement and infectious school spirit. The You Are Not Alone Round connected to the St Patrick’s Round of AIC Football and Rugby was a great success and I commend the Student Wellbeing Committee for their support of this event and continuing to promote a strong message connected to the importance of adolescent male mental health.

Our Year 11 and 12 students are in the midst of heavy assignment load which is the nature of the term two program across Units 1 and 3. It is vitally imperative that our young men are well organised and implementing positive study habits so that they manage their workload and are able to engage in the entire assignment process so that positive and diligent plans and drafts lay the platform for complete teacher feedback and ultimately strong final submissions. Our Year 10 students continue to work through the Careers Education program and their journey of discerning their program of study for Year 11 and 12, culminating with the completion of their SET Plan.

Next week, we enter Red Candle Week and Mission Day on Thursday where the College focuses on our charism, identity and purpose as a Catholic school- supporting the marginalised and making a positive difference in the world. On Friday, the Senior Drama Production will be staged at the Hanrahan Theatre which is always a significant Event for our Year 12 students. I would like to affirm the work of our Year 11 and 12 Drama Students and thank Mrs Sophie Kenny for her energy and work in providing this opportunity for our young thespians.

Student Voice

Our Student Leaders continue to make powerful contributions to our College Assemblies through their thought-provoking addresses reflecting on how the student body can enact our values and GREATS pillars that serve as the character foundations of a Villanovan. College Vice Captain Charlie Corrigan delivered a poignant address last Friday on the importance of taking accountability for one’s own actions. I would like to share an excerpt of his speech:

“As mentioned earlier, accountability is rooted in our College’s three gateway values of Interiority, search for truth and community. These values are intrinsic to OUR character. Intrinsic to our beliefs. Intrinsic to who WE are as young Villanovan Men. So now I’ll ask you, when you act, when you respond, when you make a decision are you responding with a character, that resonates with our College’s three gateway values? With a character that reflects our College’s 75 years of traditions. Or are you getting lost in the temptations of life? The temptation of choosing the easy way over the right way? For many of you sitting in front me, you may well and truly reflect the latter. You may well and truly be swept up in the wears and tears of life. But that’s ok. Because the first step in taking accountability for our actions, is acknowledging, and accepting our mistakes. Only once we have acknowledged and accepted where we have gone wrong and been accountable for our mistakes can we learn from them and take a step forward. What is not ok is when we make mistakes, and do not take accountability for them. When we act against our colleges gateway values, and do not take responsibility for our actions. Boys we concluded our term so well, off the back of Connor’s address on respect, but we are slipping. Boys respect and accountability aren’t one-time things. They aren’t words we nod our heads at assemblies. Words we think about for a day and forget about. They are character traits that define who we are. Who we are as young men, who we are as Villanovans.”

The Culture Code- The Power of Purpose

Over this term, I have been sharing with you the work of Daniel Coyle and his positive cultural framework articulated in his best-selling book ‘The Culture Code’. The first two aspects of his model emphasised the vitality of belonging and sharing vulnerability. Coyle’s final component illuminates the power associated with a shared purpose. Road mapping our work at Villanova College is not about nice-sounding value statements- it’s about continuing to enact vivid narratives that work like GPS signals, guiding our young men and staff toward its goal of creating fine young men. Our GREATS Framework is an expression of our College values in action and is a playbook for forming the Villanova Graduate. We are explicit in the way in which we inculcate our students with:

• a growth mindset
• a respectful disposition,
• a thirst for effort,
• an appreciation of accountability,
• a commitment to teamwork
• a heart for service

The Culture Code framework will be used by our Senior School Pastoral team in our formation program when evaluating and critically reflecting upon student behaviours and community engagement.

“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”- Abraham Lincoln

Mr Matt Levander

Head of Senior School

Mission Week 2023

Next week is Mission Week and is a very significant celebration this year as AFAS celebrates 30 years.  We are also relaunching our AFAS Immersion for the end of 2023, following COVID preventing our visits to the Philippines for a few years.

On Monday afternoon the youngest Villa member of every family will be bringing home a red candle and a flyer that explains how it is to be used.  This has been a tradition of solidarity and awareness that has involved all Villanova College families for many years.  We ask all families next week to prioritise having dinner together during Mission Week, where you can share the stories in the flyer, light the candle and pray together.

The red candles are made in Cebu and the Augustinian Basilica in the middle of the city is filled every week with people from the city who come to pray and light a candle.

On a Friday there are so many visitors that Mass runs in a huge outside area every hour from 5am until with 8pm to welcome all the people wanting to take time to stop and pray.

Last month Fr Saldie, Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Mrs Nicole Jervis and I were in the Philippines, and we visited the candle factory, helped make candles, and carried back in our luggage literally all the candles needed for Mission Day next week.  Indeed, we had to wash and give away nearly all the clothes from our suitcases in order to fit them in!  Consequently,  I certainly have a whole new appreciation for these candles that have been carried back by our groups visiting over the  years.  We hope they are a tangible way we can come together as a community, in solidarity with our Filipino partners, to celebrate Mission Week.

There are a number of other events for Mission Week.  Throughout the break times Mrs Henry’s Business class will be running a Sari Sari stall across the College and students can buy and try some Filipino treats.  Additionally, the Ministry teams are running Lob a Choc each break.

Next Thursday is our Mission Day.  In brief the arrangements for the day are:

Dress: Sports Uniform or a red shirt

Our Year 10s will be preparing lunch for all students for the second break.  This will be a sausage on bread, chips, chocolate and drink.  Please if you have dietary requirements bring your own lunch or complete the following form by Tuesday 23 May: https://forms.office.com/r/9bt9apFfX9 .

AFAS Immersion 2023

Parent Information Session

7.30pm on Monday 22 May

Expressions of interest welcomed from students in Years 10-12

Year 10, 11 and 12 students and their parents last week all received an invite to the Parent Information Session being held for AFAS on Monday 22 May at 7.30pm in the St Thomas of Villanova Auditorium.

Expressions of interest will be welcomed after this meeting, and this process will close on Monday 29 May.  Here is the link to further information about our Parent Information Session.

Friends of Saint Augustine

Friends of Saint Augustine is a lay movement following the spirituality of St Augustine that is attached to Augustinian parishes around the world.  They are inviting interested people to a unique opportunity to listen, explore and share the joy of walking together in “one heart and one mind” at a National Lay Congress being hosted here at Villanova College from 7-9 July 2023.

Please have a look here to find out more about the congress:

https://www.osa.org.au/province-updates/the-augustinian-magazine/amici-friends-of-st-augustine/amici-may-2023/

Year 7-8 Mario Kart Team Success!

On Wednesday 3 May, our Year 7/8 Mario Kart esports team travelled to Ripley Valley State Secondary College to participate in the Brisbane regional FUSE Cup esports competition. Villanova’s two teams did exceptionally well, with all eight of our competitors progressing from the qualifying heats to the elimination rounds amongst the 68 drivers attending. Then, all eight of our students qualified for the semi-finals, recording 8 of the 16 fastest lap times in the Mario Kart Stadium time trial stage. For the semi-finals, 3 of our 8 students finished first in the Banana Cup Grand Prix to qualify for the grand finals. Our grand finalists were James Cronin and Jacob McGreevy from Year 7 and Hugh Weston from Year 8. Amazingly, the grand final event resulted in a rare tie (on points) for first place between James Cronin (Year 7), and a Year 8 competitor from St Edmunds College. Unfortunately, James was defeated in a sudden death random track shoot-out, but he showed such good grace in immediately congratulating the better racer in this stressful end to a close day of continuous competition. I couldn’t be prouder of our amazing Year 7 and 8 teams, and particularly James!

Congratulations to all our representatives on their fine efforts throughout the day – James Cronin, Lucas Andreou, James Cronin, Lincoln McAlpine and Jacob McGreevy from Year 7, and Cooper Crowley, Damian Ellis, Hamish O’Toole and Hugh Weston from Year 8.

Minecraft Education in the Curriculum

This week, Year 7 students commenced using Minecraft Education to explore an immersive, virtual world based on Palestine and Jerusalem in the time of Jesus. Middle School Religious Education students experience a narrative journey within a Minecraft world map exclusively designed for this task. The task is designed to give students an immersive understanding of the lifestyle and culture of Jesus and his followers – one of the key strands of the RE Curriculum. It is important to note that this activity was designed by students in Year 7 over five years ago and continues to evolve with the input and creative energy of a small team of students who modify and improve the map from year to year.  This virtual game-based experience is a great example of innovative, engaging and divergent learning – a way of engaging students with a familiar environment to make new connections and form new understandings. An email to all Year 7 parents was distributed on Tuesday with further details on the activity and how (and when) students should be using Minecraft Education in their home and classroom studies.

Augmented Reality and ClassVR in Religious Education

Over the last week there have been several creative uses of digital technology to support learning in the classroom. Year 10 Religious Education students had the opportunity to learn about coral bleaching on coral reef systems using Adobe Aero Augmented Reality software on iPads. The software gave students an experience of a living coral reef animated with fish and coral species, to compare it to the devastation of a dying, bleached coral reef with little to no evidence of life.

Our Year 7 RE students also got to experience a fun and curious virtual reality scene using ClassVR headsets to learn about the origins of Passover (or Pesach). A completely rendered virtual reality scene showed somewhat cryptic evidence of the ten plagues, the importance of the symbolism in the Seder meal and plate, and examples of the dwellings and environment in Egypt some 3000 years ago.

It has been a fantastic experience to work with our Year 7 and 10 Religious Education teachers and students over the past week. I hope these examples of divergent and immersive learning help students in their upcoming assessments.

Photos: 

James Cronin – grand finalist for esports article

Students on balcony and coral reef photo – Augmented Reality article

Frogs on roof – Augmented Reality article

Desert photo – Minecraft article

Year 5 Music

At the beginning of rehearsal this week, I communicated to Year 5 Band that Tuesday is my favourite morning.  I spend all week looking forward to working with the team as it is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to do so for a number of years.  I would like to commend our Year 5 musicians on their application thus far – we are all doing a great job.

Information regarding our new practice goals, along with a pizza prize, some information regarding our Term 2 assessment, and some cursory information regarding our Grandparents’ Morning Tea a little later this term will be distributed by email to all families.  Please ensure your son is across all things we are covering in lessons and we’re attending rehearsal each week.

Ensemble rehearsal is a key learning opportunity for our musicians.  We need to ensure that we are making both lesson and rehearsal each week to gain the most benefit from playing a musical instrument.  Tuesday morning rehearsals will require the students to arrive by 7:15am so that we can assemble and start rehearsal at 7:30am.  I’ve challenged the band to be onstage, ready to go each week – last rehearsal we started at 7:32am, an admirable effort.  The team have assured me we’ll be ready to go at 7:30am next Tuesday – I’m looking forward to us meeting that goal!

Playground Performances

Our playground performance schedule continued this week Jazz Band and Big Band performing at morning tea and lunch respectively.  We look forward to Camerata String Orchestra performing next Wednesday morning tea in the Tolle Lege Library, and our Irish Ensemble performing in the Veritas Undercroft at lunchtime.  Photos and video to come via our social media channels.

Year 6 Mother’s Dinner – thank you Amadeus Chamber Ensemble

Our Villanova College string leaders, the Amadeus Chamber Ensemble, have proven that they are again one of the hardest working ensembles in the College.  The gents kindly gave of their time to provide music for the Year 6 Mother/Son dinner.  Thank you to Mrs Duncan and the team.

String Workshop – Tuesday 23 May, Loreto College

We are looking forward to sending our Camerata and Sinfonia String Orchestras over to Loreto College for a combined workshop next Tuesday evening.  As per the communication home, our students will be departing Villanova via bus at the end of the school day.  Students will be provided a pizza dinner after the workshop, immediately prior to a concert for parents and friends in the Mary Ward Centre.  We are looking forward to the event and the opportunity – thank you to Mrs Duncan and the Loreto String Department for organising this opportunity.

Irish Ensemble and Big Band at The Village

The Village at Coorparoo have sent a special invitation to our Irish Ensemble and Big Band to come and perform for their community.  With several Old Boys, past parents, current grandparents, and past staff members as part of this community, we are honoured and very happy to go and share our music with them on Sunday 28 May.  The students will be playing from 4-5pm in The Village restaurant and will be joining the residents for light refreshments afterward.  Information has been sent home to participant families.  We look forward to seeing all of our ensemble members there.

Winter Concert Season

Our Term 2 (Winter Concert) season is upon us, and we will take our heed from last winter and move all performance elements indoors this time.  We will be running two shows in Week 7, either side of the first State of Origin match – Tuesday 30 May, and Thursday 1 June.

Information regarding ticketing and food pre-orders will be distributed to participant families shortly.  We look forward to sharing the music our students have been busily preparing over the past term – it’s going to be another great concert!

Key Dates Term 2

As we look ahead across the term, please ensure we pencil the following dates into your diary:

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.

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 go to the Music Support Group.

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

Michael Jones – Director of Music

Director of Sport Address

Although many results did not go our way last weekend in Round 3 sporting fixtures, it was very pleasing to see how far many of us have come with respect to the manner in which we accepted defeat. I was proud of our boys on the weekend, many trying their best until the full-time siren, even though they were behind on the scoreboard. To lose graciously, with your head held high, is an important part of our journey in sport.

This week we have commenced sign-on for Term 3 Sports. We are accepting nominations for AIC Basketball, Tennis, Rugby League and Track & Field. To register, please follow the link below. Nominations due no later than Friday 26 May.

Term 3 Sport Registration

Round 3 Results

Due to the changeover to our new website this week, Round 3 results are not currently available. Round 3 and 4 results will be posted in next week’s Sports Bulletin.

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. 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.

Community Events

Wednesday 24 and Saturday 27 May   AIC Reconciliation Round (Rugby & Football) v Padua

Friday 2 June                                          Sports Lunch– sportslunch.vnc.qld.edu.au

Saturday 3 June                                     Old Boys Round (Football and Rugby) v Iona

Sports Club

Sports Lunch – less than 75 tickets remain

Guest speakers include NBA Champion and Australian Boomer Andrew Bogut, All Black and World Cup winner Conrad Smith, New Zealand NRL Legend Stephen Kearney, Australian Cricketing Legend Rodney Hogg and B105’s very own Abby Coleman as your MC

Friday 2 June

12 – 4pm

The Greek Club

Tickets available at https://sportslunch.vnc.qld.edu.au/

Includes Lunch and 4-hour drink package

Mega Raffle

Mega Raffle on sale now!

1 in 200 chance of winning $10,000! Tickets are $100 each.

Available for purchase at Villa Park Canteen or text Jeremy Meredith on 0407895207.

Be in it to win it!

Finally, a massive thank you to all our volunteers out at Villa Park on the weekend serving at the canteen and barbecue.  All proceeds will go towards our coaching programs, the new STEM and Sport Science Precinct, and various sports projects at Villanova.

To register your help this Saturday 20 May, please click on the link: Register here.

Term 2 Training Schedule

Please click on the link below for the Term 2 training schedules.

Term 2 Training Schedule

Note the Chess and Strength & Conditioning (S&C) training schedules, plus the sign on link for S&C, can be found on the website and in the College Newsletters/Sports Bulletins.

Chess

Round 3…… Our toughest yet…. Our first away session against St Laurence’s College.

Team Villa gave it their very best against the home side, but there were some very tight matches in all divisions. The First Four came very close to an overall tie against Laurie’s, until one match was declared a draw due to time. Well done to our Firsts for a sterling effort this week. Senior teams also fought some strong competition but refused to give in without a fight.

Our Intermediates, who have grown from strength to strength over the past weeks, experienced great success with the Intermediate B continuing their undefeated season. The Juniors fought well with quite a few players being promoted from the internal comp to the game day team. The boys individually won and even though the overall score showed an SLC win, it’s all learning and the future of Villa Chess is looking strong .

One match worthy of note was that of Kacper Pajak, whose first match was full of tension and concentration. As peers watched, they witnessed the Laurie’s opponent about to win, but then the cool, calm and collected Kacper wrestled back control and took the match. It all starts in Year 5, and the future of Villa Chess is certainly looking very promising. Wishing all players the very best this week as we take on Eddies.

Ms Kath Underhill, Chess Coordinator

Cross-Country- The Running Wildcats

As a community we congratulate the students selected in the leadership roles with the Cross-Country squad for the 2023 AIC Championships. Dedication to training, resilience, effort, and conduct were the characteristics considered when choosing the leaders.

A high level of support shown to younger members of the squad is characteristic of Joaquin Wieczorek conduct. His positive and empathetic approach to his peers and dedication to training has made Joaquin a valued member of the Running Wildcats Cross-Country Squad. As such, Joaquin is a real inspiration to the students around him with the sense of humility in which conducts himself.

It is an honour to declare Joaquin Wieczorek Captain of the 2023 ‘Running Wildcats’.

Good luck to the following students in their leadership roles with the Running Wildcats:

Age Group Leaders

• Year 5 – Freddy Hare
• Year 6 – Lachlan Ison
• U12 – Lawson Greenwood
• U13 – Ethan Haywood
• U14 – Nate Lobegeiger
• U15 – Bailey Horvath
• U16 – Dylan Fryga
• Open – Mitchell Rieck

Vice-Captain – Junior School

• Harris McPherson

Vice-Captain – Middle School

• Jack Fidge

Vice-Captain – Senior School

• Alex Holmes

Villanova’s Running Wildcats Captain

• Joaquin Wieczorek

The Running Wildcats will travel to St Patrick’s College Playing Fields at Shorncliffe, next Wednesday 24 May for the final Cross-Country trial and a run over the course proper. It provides each person their last chance to record a time for a place in the 12 competitors who run on the day in the AIC Cross-Country Championships (Wednesday 31 May). I encourage each member of the squad to make the most of the opportunity.

A bus will transport the Villanova cross-country squad to and from the trial run at St Patrick’s College (Curlew Park) on Wednesday 24 May and is expected to return to the College by approx. 6.30pm.

AIC Cross-Country Date Claimers –

• AIC Cross Country Meet at Curlew Park 24 May
• AIC Cross Country Championships at Curlew Park 31 May
• AIC Cross Country team photo at Villanova College 31 May (taken prior to departure for Championship venue)

Mr Brian Pascoe, Cross-Country Coordinator

Villanova Football

Round 3 Football saw us up against SLC who have one of the strongest Football programs in AIC. Unfortunately, it was a tough weekend for our teams only winning three matches across the day. In what has been a chaotic start to football season, it was pleasing to see our teams remain positive and most importantly – play in the right spirit.

The First XI had a tough 0-4 loss against SLC which gave the team their first loss of the season, it’s an extremely tough and competitive competition, I’m sure that coaches Tom and Anthony can keep the boys focused and that they respond with a strong performance this Saturday.

This weekend we will be taking on SEC in Round 4 fixtures. Could I please remind all parents and players to check the draw carefully this week for game times and venues, we have a lot of “supplementary matches” against different opposition at various venues, so it’s very important to double check the draw.

I would like to remind all players to arrive at least 30 minutes before your game. There were several situations on the weekend where players arrived just before kick-off, this makes it extremely tough for coaches to plan for the game and it also puts a lot of unwanted pressure on your teammates. It’s clear that last weekend was a tough weekend results wise for the Villanova Football program, I personally ask for all players to continue to put in the hard work at training and to always listen to your coaches, this weekend is a great opportunity for all teams to respond with a positive attitude and show that Villanova spirit.

Good luck to all the players and coaches this week in your matches.

Mr Nathan Dufty, Football Coordinator

First XI

We visited Runcorn in Round 3 for our much-anticipated game with Laurie’s. This was a matchup between last year’s joint premiers.

Despite our confidence from winning our previous two games we started this game very tentatively and found ourselves on the back foot. We were defending well but were showing a lack of composure with the ball. Laurie’s kept their team shape and made it very hard for us to penetrate their backline. We were anxious. Unfortunately, we didn’t settle, and Laurie’s went into halftime up 1-0.

We decided to change our formation to be more proactive with the ball. Despite our efforts Laurie’s were making it very hard for us. Frustration was setting in amongst the boys and we conceded a sloppy goal. Unfortunately, the boys let their frustrations takeover, and down to 10 players, we conceded another two goals, with the final result 4-0.

Credit must go to Laurie’s for outsmarting us on the day and hopefully the boys can learn a massive lesson. First and foremost the boys needed to concentrate on playing a good solid game of football and ignore all the hype around them. We’ve previously shown what we’re capable of, so Round 4 against Eddies will be a big test for the boys to get back to playing football and hopefully back to winning ways. I’m confident they will.

Mr Tom Carnavas, First XI Head Coach

Rugby

St. Laurence’s College hosted all of our rugby games last Saturday at Runcorn and the matches were tough, as expected, and many games were decided by a try or less. It was great to see all of our teams dig deep right up to the final whistle. This was evident in the 6As, won on the bell by one point, 9As, lost on the bell by one point and 2nds, lost on the bell by four points, where the results changed by teams fighting it out until the end.

Fixtures against St. Laurence’s College in any sport, will give us a fair idea as to how we are progressing. In the rugby matches played on the weekend, Villanova was successful in 13 matches, with two draws and 10 losses. If you look at the top teams in each age group Villa was victorious in the 10A, 8A, 7A and 6A, while the 5A’s, 9A’s, and 2nd XV all went down in close games to very competitive opposition.

We must congratulate all members of our college community who did their part to ensure the round of fixtures was relatively trouble-free v St. Laurence’s College over the weekend. However, there were a few spectators that need to remember that if we want our sons to display good sportsmanship towards the opposition players and the referees, it should be modelled by coaches and parents. A couple of games were marred by abuse directed at the referees from the sidelines, and whether from Villanova parents or from the opposition, there is no place for it in on our sporting fields.  Please see the Spectators Code of Conduct which is to be followed by all.

Conduct of Spectators

1. a) Good play by either side should be acknowledged by spectators in the appropriate manner. This can encourage players and help them to lift their game as the match or contest progresses. Unwise or fanatical barracking can make a players perform foolish actions in his play, or incite him to foul play, which is not to be condoned.
2. b) The Head of College has the legal right to remove any person or persons who do not conform to the acceptable standards of behaviour as laid down by his school.
3. c) Consumption of alcohol by spectators during the conduct of a match or contest is not permitted. d) Referees or umpires are not to be approached by spectators at any time before, during or after a match.
4. e) Abuse of any form, directed at referees is not acceptable and has no part in the AIC association. Spectators responsible for yelling abuse at games may be asked to leave the venue.
5. f) Cheering and supporting one’s own team is recognised as part of the conduct of the game and, provided this barracking is within the requirements of the By Laws (with respect to Athletics and Swimming), it is to be encouraged. However, negative barracking against another school is not acceptable, and should be discouraged.
6. g) While the Host School should make every endeavour to provide for the disposal of rubbish, all should make every effort not to litter any parts of the playing fields and/or grounds.

Parents are reminded that they are not to approach a coach, referee, or any member of the opposing school. If there any issues or concerns that parents may have regarding rugby, they should be directed to the Rugby Coordinator or the Director of Sport on the day or via email the following week.

As we look towards Round 4 versus St Edmund’s College many of our rugby teams will be playing at various venues. Please give yourself ample time to arrive at venues, we ask for at least 30 minutes, as some players are turning up just before kick-off. We would also ask all players to speak with the coach of the next team to see if they are required to sit on the bench for the next team playing. It would be great for all boys to stay back and support their classmates and then stay on for other games. This creates a strong community and builds school spirit.

Mr Chris Everding, Rugby Coordinator

1st XV

The 1st XV loss on Saturday was a little deflating considering the boys seemed in control even though they were behind on the scoreboard for the entire match and were playing catch up. Every week our players seem to rise to the challenge and it’s obvious that many aspects of rugby have been taught well. The defense is aiming up and our attack is improving with every match and technically they are a very good side. The execution and ball handling let them down on Saturday and the challenge now is to regroup and head to Ipswich confident they can put in a good performance and come away with a win.

Date Claimer- Villa 1st XV v Padua 1st XV at Easts Rugby Club, Wednesday 24 May at 5pm

There will be a short turnaround with the 1sts playing Padua College next Wednesday night 24 May at Easts Rugby Club. The team would love the support of the entire community, students, old boys and parents as Easts host the game under lights kicking off at 5pm.

Thanks to all the supporters who were at Runcorn on Saturday. They took over the hill and supported the firsts with colour and strong vocals.

Villa Park Canteen – AIC Rugby and Football

For those games being played at Villa Park this Saturday 20 May, we are asking for parents to help by volunteering their time to help serve and/or cook. The barbecue will fire up at approx. 7am and it is usually in the first hour that we need the most assistance to prepare and cook the food. Please drop your son off and help if you can.

Although at times the canteen/barbecue may look like they have enough helpers, please come and offer your time as some of those volunteers may need to get to their son/s games. The canteen/BBQ during the Football/Rugby season is the Villa Sports Club’s main source of income and it can only operate with the help of Villa parents (both Football and Rugby). So please come along and help, meet some new friends and catch-up on what’s going on around the school. We hope to see you Saturday. Even if you don’t register, please come to the door and let them know your keen to help.

BBQ/Canteen Volunteers at Villa Park, Sat 20th May

Dogs at AIC Sporting Venues

A reminder to all parents that due to Health and Safety requirements, all AIC Sporting venues are dog free venues including Villa Park. Please do not bring your dog/s.

Strength & Conditioning

IN-SEASON SPORTS – Rugby Union (Andrew Slack and Ben Mowen squads)

The Rugby teams showed impressive consistency during pre-season, displaying a strong intensity and resilience in each game.  Coaches have created a solid plan to guarantee (in both groups) a good balance between recovery-based activities, reduced loads for those recovering from injuries, and the training exposures needed to maintain all the strength/power capabilities and conditioning necessary to be ready week after week.

PRE-SEASON SPORTS – First VI Basketball Squad

The Basketball boys have been exposed to a full-body strength development program; their improvements in proficiency and strength have impressed the coaches. Next week the group will switch to the power phase for the final few weeks of the pre-season.

LONG TERM ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT

The movement competency across the different age groups is firmly improving week after week. Year 7-8-9 are working on knee-extension exercises (squat variations) and upper body pushing movement patterns, via bilateral (both arms) and unilateral (single arm) methods. Tools and loads differ across the groups, depending on their age and competency. In the second half of the term, we will focus on HINGE patterns and upper body pulling movements, which have been instead the focus for the Year 10-11 groups till this week.

STAFF TRAINING

After strong demand, the STAFF V-46 class has started, and has been a great hit among the staff.  At least a dozen have attended with enthusiasm and humour to work out a mix of Cardio conditioning with hard HIIT protocols and Strength-based exercises, executed in a circuit style, to ensure consistent metabolic expenditure and muscular endurance improvements.

Register here for Term 2 S&C

S&C Training Schedule – Term 2, 2023 (note two versions)

Basketball

Year 5 and Year 6 basketball trials begin tomorrow, Friday 19 May

Year 5 and 6 basketball trials begin tomorrow during sport lessons, (Period 5 and 6). Boys who have signed on for basketball will have trials each Friday until the end of term, when teams will be announced. There will be 36 boys chosen in each year level to represent the College in Term 3. Boys who are selected will be notified before the end of term and will be given hire singlets prior to the season starting.

Wildcats Academy

Villanova College is excited to continue the Wildcat’s Basketball Academy in Term 2. The Academy aims to improve the individual skill level of all players in the College to help further the success of Villanova’s basketball program. The Academy is open to all students across Year 5 – Year 8 and offers players an opportunity to acquire and develop new basketball skills from experienced coaches with NBL, WNBL, NBL1 and national and state experience. We welcome players of all skill levels and will provide new players with a great introduction to the game, and for the more experienced player, the chance to take their game to a new level.

WHEN:  Term 2 – Sunday morning (Six-week program which commenced on 7 May 2023)

SESSION TIMES:        

•       Year 5               7:30 – 8:30am
•       Year 6               8:30 – 9:30am
•       Year 7 and 8        9:30 – 10:30am

WHERE:  Goold Hall, Villanova College

COST:  $120 for Term 2, Payment is to be made through Villanova College Parent Lounge

UNIFORM:  Reversible Wildcats Basketball Academy singlet available at the Villanova College Uniform Shop for $65.

Please note players returning from last term must complete a new form: Wildcats Registration Form.

It is an expectation that all students contribute to the playing of Saturday sport for Villanova College and should not be choosing the Academy as a replacement for representing Villanova during Term 2.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jordan Mullan on jmullan@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Mr Jordan Mullan, First V Head Coach

Rugby League

Rugby League selection trials will commence in Week 9, Term 2. Keep an eye on the website Locker Room and Rugby Leagues pages for further information.

Save the date – Villanova College vs St Laurence’s College, Confraternity Rugby League game, 12 noon Sunday 25 June, curtain-raiser to the Broncos vs Titans game at Suncorp Stadium. The College will soon be issuing discounted tickets to our community.

External Achievements

A big congratulations to Charley Hegarty and Wade Wildin Powell (Year 10) who were invited to the Australian institute of Sport over the Easter holidays to trial for the Australian U16 Water polo team. As a result of their hard work, both have been named in the Australian Men’s Navy Water polo team heading to New Zealand in the September Holidays. We wish both boys all the best for the upcoming Championships and congratulate them once more on this fantastic achievement.

Online Ordering is now LIVE

Download the flyer or click the image below to order online.

We are excited to announce that our new Villanova College website has been launched! Our new website features a fresh design and improved functionality, making it easier to navigate and find the information you need. We hope you enjoy exploring our new website and discovering all the new features and resources available to you.
Please take a moment to visit our website at vnc.qld.edu.au. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to hear from you!

Community Events

Saturday 27 May              AIC Reconciliation Round (Football and Rugby) v Padua

Friday 2 June                   Sports Lunch – sportslunch.vnc.qld.edu.au 75 tickets remaining

Saturday 3 June               Old Boys Round (Football and Rugby) v Iona

Thursday 15 June             Villanova Giving Day – charidy.com/villanova

Saturday 22 July              Villanova Carnival | 4-10pm | Villanova College

Parking

Reminder to all parents and families, please be conscious of our neighbours when parking and/or picking up and dropping off your sons.  We have received several reports lately from neighbours of cars either parking in front of resident’s bins on collection days, resulting in the bins being unable to be emptied or cars stopping and waiting in resident’s driveways. Thank you for being mindful of all of our community, we all play a vital role in keeping our community safe.