Villa View – Issue 19, 17 November 2023

Pastoral Retreat
On Monday and Tuesday of this week our Heads of House for 2024 gathered at the Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre to deepen their learning on Augustinian education, history and values in preparation for their roles next year.

In that time we looked to engage in the College values as professionals through personal interiority, developing community standard of professional practice, share our own beliefs, values and intents with one another to encourage one another as we shape a truth for the college moving forward.

Senior Graduation
On Thursday we celebrated with our Senior students, their parents, grandparents, siblings and friends, their graduation from Villanova College. The class of 2023 is one marked by ‘the every man’ rather than a few singular standout students. There were of course individuals whose star shone bright across the year but their motto, “Stronger Together” could not have been more apt as their legacy actually lies in the small things done by the boys, not great or grand moments. Our 2023 Seniors sang, laughed, smiled, worked, shared, chatted, debated and gathered together not just with each other but they shared their friendship with all. It was not uncommon to see our Seniors in regular support and contact with Year 5’s or 7’s or 11’s or 9’s. There was no aloofness or disconnect in the way they engaged in their senior year. As leaders of the College they hid among all of its students in a humble friendship. It was interesting to observe as it is quite unique and certainly valuable. I would think that there are many boys across our College who can say they ‘had a friend in Year 12’ this year. Of course we wait with great excitement for their results to be released and learn of the path they may travel but more importantly we wait for the years ahead where we see the results of their ongoing commitment to our Augustinian values and see both who they become for themselves, but more importantly who they are for the world.

Behavioural Processes 2024
Early in the new year the College’s reinvigorated behavioural processes will be detailed in communication by me to all parents. These are the result of the last six months of work by our pastoral team as they have reviewed student behaviour data, reflected with teachers and considered what will encourage positive growth, respect and accountability in our boys. Without detailing the specifics, I feel it is important to share that in 2024, we will be introducing what we consider a more streamlined, just and student-centred approach to the implementation of our of behaviour support processes; clear and appropriate consequences for poor behaviour. This will include the issuing by teachers and leadership staff Academic and Community re-engagement session notices for after school hours completion & greater communication home with parents on poor behaviours that students exhibit in their classes that corrupt the learning of others. This communication is to ensure your understanding of your son’s behaviour, enlist your support and encourage partnership. It is designed to develop in boys growth and the acceptance of responsibility for their actions. With this challenge for growth comes responsibility to respond, even in small ways. If growth is not shown, then the College will continue to escalate the level of consequence.

We are not moving away from our foundations of restorative practices merely being more authentic in the approach and ensuring that learning and changed behaviour is a result of effort, consequence, action, and reflection. Our support for all students in our community will continue. Most importantly this support is for our students who make up the majority. Those boys who are working hard to be their best and deliver their best in the classroom, on sports fields and in community and who may be being let down by the rest.

Music Christmas Concert
A big thank you to all involved in the Music Christmas concert on Tuesday evening. It was a wonderful night of fun and music and gave our musicians, and their teachers, the opportunity to let their hair down and play a few classic Christmas songs. While all were great the Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble were absolutely outstanding.

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.

Year 12 Graduation
Yesterday the Senior Class of 2023 celebrated the culmination of their secondary schooling at their Graduation Mass and Ceremony. Towards the conclusion of the Graduation Mass concelebrated by Fr Peter and Fr Saldie, I had the honour of joining our wonderful Liturgy Band in singing a blessing to the Seniors of 2023, based on the biblical passage Numbers 6: 24-26:

‘The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace.’

The Class of 2023 has walked a remarkable Villanova journey and will be remembered fondly. I would like to thank College Captain Mitchell Rieck for his humble service and affirm the Student Leadership Group for leading the Senior class and College well throughout 2023.

In reflecting upon the three year Senior School path for this year’s Seniors, I shared the following words at the conclusion of the Graduation Ceremony:

“I would like to take a moment to say what an honour it has been walking the Senior journey with these young men as their Head of Senior School. Over the last three years, I have witnessed the remarkable growth of a cohort, which will be remembered as one of our College’s finest.

Last night, the journey for the Class of 2023 ended with the inaugural Graduation Dinner. May God bless and keep this group of young men safe next week at their Schoolies celebrations.

Celebration of Excellence
Last Tuesday evening, we affirmed the gifts and graces of our wonderful Villanovan students at the Celebration of Excellence Awards Night at the Concert Hall, QPAC. There was a certain air of nostalgia permeating throughout the evening’s program with the video packages and speeches reflecting on the College’s 75th anniversary. 2024 College Captain, Tiernan O’Neill emphasised the work of our Augustinian founders in shaping the educational climate at Villanova:

“Saint Augustine had a powerful vision for education, one that was not individualistic but in community. This year, we have celebrated the 75th year of Villanova College. 75 years of teaching and learning and the development of boys into fine young men. Within that time, the Augustinian fathers, standing on the shoulders of giants of early Rectors Fr Ben O’Donnell and Fr Louis Hanrahan, have shaped a community which has seen many changes in education as you will see in the videos tonight. And despite those changes, especially in our technological age, I can confirm that I have not used Chat GBT for my speech tonight.

One of College’s values that resonates powerfully within our educational context at Villanova is the restless search for truth. Our College GREATS Framework illuminates this value though the aspects of Effort and Accountability. I would like to take a moment to focus on the importance of effort as it is one of the underpinning forces at play in the success of our award recipients this evening. Effort is tied strongly with an ongoing improvement agenda- where students work with their teachers, respond diligently to feedback and ensure that they are applying themselves to the best of their ability.”

The evening was also punctuated with some exceptional musical performances from our College Drumline, Symphonic Band, Sinfonia String Orchestra and Big Band.

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

Year 10 Dux:                                                Lucas Fleming
Year 10 Proxime Accessit:                        Dylan Fryga
Year 11 Dux:                                                Charlie Hodgson-Day
Year 11 Proxime Accessit:                       Luca Jordan-Vieira

Happy Holidays
I would like to wish all Senior School students and their families every blessing for the upcoming summer holiday and festive season. Please take the time to engage in some introspection about the year just experienced but also re-energise to be ready to return in 2024 to embrace with energy and enthusiasm the new House system, which promises to further strengthen the relationships within our community and to illuminate the Augustine story in the formation of our students. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Senior School teaching faculty for your ongoing dedication to our students. Furthermore, the Senior School Pastoral Care Team of Mr Blake McLauchlan, Mrs Sophie Kenny, Mr Ben Lynam (Heads of Year), Mrs Helen Bullen and Mrs Liz Griffiths (Student Services Officers) and our Counselling Team of Mr Tass Sakellariou, Dr Ashleigh Wright and Mr Adrian Hellwig are to be affirmed for their unwavering commitment to the young men in their care.

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” – Maya Angelou

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

As we approach the end of the College year, it is with immense pride and joy that I reflect on the accomplishments, growth, and spirit that have defined our vibrant Middle School community. The 2023 school year has been a journey marked by academic growth, sporting and music success and inspiring ministry efforts. There is much to reflect on and acknowledge over the course of the year.

Our students have demonstrated dedication to their studies, achieving academic milestones throughout the year. From excelling in challenging coursework to participating actively in class discussions, our Middle Schoolers have shown progress in their passion for learning. For some students this year, they haven’t reached the level of success that they were hoping to and didn’t produce the level of effort expected. Hopefully, the holiday break will allow them to reflect and set new goals for the 2024 year.

We extend our congratulations to all students who were recognised at our Celebration of Excellence last week. They not only demonstrated their intellectual capabilities but also their commitment to personal growth and study.

Our athletes across the various AIC sports have flourished with outstanding achievements. Whether it be on the soccer field, basketball court, or in E-Sports our students have showcased not only their athletic prowess but also sportsmanship and teamwork.

The spirit of service and community engagement has been alive and thriving within our Middle School. Students have actively participated in various ministry initiatives, contributing to local and global communities. Whether it was supporting food drives or volunteering for programs with other schools, our students have demonstrated compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact in the world around them.

The sounds of creativity and passion have echoed through the College as our talented musicians have graced us with spectacular performances throughout the year. From lunchtime performances, assemblies or through the QCMF, the dedication to nurture their musical talents has been amazing.

As we approach the holiday season, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all our students and their families. May this Christmas bring you joy, warmth, and cherished moments with loved ones. We encourage everyone to take this time to rest, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Villanova community. We look forward to an equally inspiring and successful year in 2024.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas holiday!

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

I have my youngest son graduating today with the class of 2023.  What does this have to do with our Junior School boys who graduate in the classes of 2029 and 2030?  For some of you, it would be understandable to think it’s “so far away – it doesn’t apply to us”.  That’s a fair reaction, but I promise you that the time is going to slip by so quickly that you just might remember this article in another six to seven years and appreciate what I am about to share with you.

I still remember Jack’s first day in Year 5.  He was an anxious kid who found his element hanging with some mates and consuming bacon and egg burgers (his first of hundreds thanks to Dot Blair and the College Tuckshop/Villa Park Canteen).  As parents, we watched him succeed, stumble and find his way through all the expectations – uniform standards, homework, assessment and co-curricular teams.  Part helpless but always supportive, we put our complete trust in Jack building resilience and figuring out his strengths and challenges – we could see the eight years ahead and knew that there was plenty of time – this was a long term process for us as family and not an express lane to anywhere in record time.  Yet somehow, here we are.  At this “finish line” which all of a sudden seems so soon, but also offers a little welcomed relief.  It’s bittersweet – we are excited for him but the reality of the world that waits for him is one we don’t quite recognise ourselves.  We have to trust that he’s ready – and try to remember that he’s 18 year olds, perhaps there’s a lot to be said for just being plain old excited to get on with life.  Sound familiar?

It reminds me that what we do here in Year 5 and 6 seems so BIG – and this week gives me the chance to see the whole picture from the other end.  Life does bring us surprises – ups and downs – but they soon fade as we return to being busy with something else.  Friendships do change, but they also return.  Classes, teams and social opportunities create flows that we can never predict from the young age of 10 or 11 years.  There are so many great times that wait for our young men, even as they come into a heavy assessment period in the Junior School this week.  Yet all of a sudden, I now have one son who has no more exams left at Villanova and that is surreal.  What he achieved in Year 5 or 6 is a distant memory – and even his Year 12 exams in recent weeks are now a thing of the past – worrying will achieve nothing and all that lies ahead are the opportunities he hasn’t heard about yet.  It’s a great moment in time.  Very much about “seize the day” as was mentioned in our College assembly last week – be grateful for this place and time for it really is a time to make memories with mates.

So I’m suggesting the adjustment of the parent binoculars this week.  From short term to long term.  Accepting that at this stage of the year, it’s about celebrating what are your son’s successes, and taking the challenges as the goals for 2024.  We need to embrace the seven school days left of 2023 and relish the personalities and charms that make our learning spaces the Red/Blue, Gold/Green and Black/White groups.  Acknowledge the efforts behind the results and be satisfied that we all tried – staff, parents and students.  That you are all lucky enough to have the next six to seven years of trying again but for our Seniors, that chapter is done.  Of course they will keep making their path in life, but it’s not the same without the teachers/coaches and office staff who know them so well.  Who treasured their highs and lows but all of sudden must say goodbye and good luck.

I am so glad that I work in a place where I see our students continue and finish their schooling journey.  I can truly give thanks, this year of all the 19 years I have worked at Villanova College, that I watch incredible people find their way through curriculum, sport, drama, music, tuckshop queues, film, leadership roles and life in general.  We in the Junior School, get to remember individuals for their beginnings and endings – hoping, in the smallest way, that we helped just a little in them being happy and healthy “fine young men” because we tried to set the standard in Year 5 and 6.  Sometimes it really does take looking back to see just how lucky we are.  To the class of 2023, the classes of 2029 and 2030 are keeping that cycle of love, learning and laughing all too real and ready to challenge you in future Old Boys’ events.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

It has been a significant week in the College as our Seniors of 2023 have graduated, and the rest of the College moves into final exams and assessments.  My eldest son has also graduated Year 12 this week.  Whilst I have always felt the mix of emotions that is part of celebrating the success of our students and grieving their departure from our school community as a staff member, the significance of the rites of passage in our Graduating Mass, awards and dinner has struck more deeply through the experience of parenting a graduating student.

As a parent there is so much in the mix!  Relief to have a child through the stress of exams and assessment.  Delight in the young adult they have become.  Disbelief that it is at all possible that your baby has grown up so quickly and that it is even possible to be grown up enough now myself to now have an adult child!  Thrilled that the responsibility of parenting is moving into a new phase and terrified at the same time of the changes ahead.

As staff we love and care for your boys alongside you.  As educators, we too have watched them grow and develop.  We have taught them, we have wanted the best for them, we have both challenged and supported them.

So at this time we give thanks for the parents of our Year 12 students, and we give thanks to all the staff at Villanova who have been a part of their journeys.  We pray in thanksgiving for our Seniors who graduate in 2023.

AFAS Immersion Program: 23 November to 7 December
As the school year draws to a close next week, 21 students and five staff members leave for the AFAS Immersion.  Our time in the Philippines will enable two weeks of connecting with Augustinian schools and ministries who have been our friends and partners in the AFAS program for thirty years.  Our group goes as representatives of the whole Villanova community.  We’ll be sharing the joys and the struggles of life together; learning about each other’s culture; and working together to make a difference.  There will be some extraordinary experiences like meeting and visiting the family homes of our 21 scholars; engaging in service learning and outreach projects of our partnering Augustinian schools; engaging in practical projects that make a difference in the schools and ministries we visit.  Students will be sharing the experience along the way and there will be some posts on social media to share the stories.  Please hold the group going and our partners in your prayers in these coming weeks.

Please keep the following students and staff in your prayers:

Year 12
Ryan Hegarty
Heath McPherson
Adam Zanatta
Ben Johnson
Thomas Winn
Jack Richards
Dominic Horky

Year 11
Ned Godwin
Joseph Grigson
Harry Bryant
Harry Weule
Henri Williams Poulton
Cooper James
Demetri James
Fionn Rossi
Joey Watson
Nicholas Sheahan
William Keene
Liam Hathaway
Ewan McCarthy
Diego Wieczorek

Staff
Fr Saldie Resolado
Amanda Waterson
Terry Gaffney
Adrian Hellwig
Kate Garrone

God of Justice, awaken in me the determination to work for a more just world.
God of Love, prompt me to always seek the truth.
God of Compassion, strengthen me to raise my voice in solidarity with those experiencing poverty and marginalisation.
God of Strength, enliven in me the courage to stand beside those fighting injustice.
God of Grace, inspire me to be more rather than to want more.
May I learn to walk your way of mercy and compassion with all.
May I be generous with what you have freely given so that my brothers and sisters can live life to the full.

Amen

Best wishes for maternity leave to Ms Nicole Jervis – Director of Service Learning
In the next couple of weeks Ms Nicole Jervis will be welcoming her first born!  Nicole makes an incredible contribution to the Mission and Identity team in her role as Director of Service Learning.  Through her capacity to facilitate and support opportunities for our students, Service Learning at Villanova has been flourishing.

We wish her every blessing in the time ahead as a mother and we look forward to welcoming her back in 2025.

Ministry Captains for 2024
We have been very excited about the appointment of Harry Bryant as College Ministry Captain in 2024.  Alongside him there are Ministry Captains and teams for each our Ministry teams.  We congratulate the following students for their roles in 2024:

Green team
Captain- Pat Hilyard
Vice-Captain – Diego Wieczorek
Secretary – Will Keene

YCS
Co-Captains – Tom Anderson and Charlie Cox
Vice-Captain – Henri Williams Poulton

Vinnies
Captain – Luca Gutierrez
Co-Vice Captains – Matt Politch and Leon Tom

YAYM
President – Gus Jones
Vice President – Archie Slee

Our AFAS crew are preparing to fly and also recruiting additional students for our Immersion in September 2024.  We’ll be appointing our leaders in the new year.  Certainly AFAS is bursting with energy.

Green Team – Expanding our Bee hives from Coorparoo to Villa Park
Our Green team is buzzing with plans this term.  Our beehive at Villa was harvested last week for  summer honey; and there are plans in place for installing another beehive at Villa Park in 2024.  Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem and it is a practical and inspiring way that our Green team is making a difference both now and into the future.

Mrs Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity

Dear Parents

Welcome to what is the final newsletter article for 2023. It is timely to look back on the year that was and reflect on how much our Villa boys have grown and developed in so many ways. And they have. Our Seniors of 2024 have already stepped up and embraced their leadership roles with gusto and passion. Watch this space for the many successes they will achieve in the new year.

In terms of the Wellbeing Program, we have gathered data from approximately 1600 students on their wellbeing in its inaugural year. Roughly 300 lessons were completed over a range of topics such as Resilience, Motivation, Nutrition, Sleep, Grit, Friendship, Group Dynamics, Respect, Peer Pressure, Impacts of social media, Self-reflection, Identity and Growth Mindset to name a few.

Be Your Best Self is a holistic approach that addresses the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our boys. Team building activities have been a regular feature along with social interactions across cohorts. In terms of measuring success, there has been regular evaluations on the program and the impact it has on the students and this feedback is then used for continuous adaptations and improvements. It’s been an exciting year in the wellbeing space, and there is much to do next year to build on the foundations that were laid in 2023. Again, watch this space.

The skills and qualities presented in the wellbeing lessons can be learnt and will improve student wellbeing. This won’t necessarily happen straight away, but we need to be patient and realise results may not be obvious in the initial years. We need to be optimistic and courageous. The success and failures of the initiatives that are being implemented now will guide us in the direction of our program 2024 and beyond. Undoubtedly, Villanova’s commitment to wellbeing will help your sons reach their potential and graduate as a well-rounded, mentally healthy, confident young man.

I hope you all have a relaxing break and a wonderful Christmas spent with friends and family. Thank you to all parents and caregivers for your support this year and for entrusting your sons in our care. You are valued, appreciated, and admired for all the work you do behind the scenes in raising these young men. Education is a partnership, and we are privileged to be walking alongside you in the journey.

Hope to see many of you in the New Year.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing

Christmas Extravaganza
We were blessed with some fine weather and a cool breeze as our music community gathered in the St Thomas of Villanova Agora and Whinstanes oval for our annual Christmas Extravaganza.  It was a great community evening that allowed our students, their families, and our music friends to come together, share a little festive music, and reflect on another great year of music at Villa.

The students, dressed in their festive best, all performed well.  We were gifted musical items from all our bands, orchestras, chamber ensembles (including our drumline and percussion ensemble), our choral program, our piano program, and our Big Band.  It was an action-packed agenda full of cheer from beginning to end.

We took the opportunity to farewell Mrs Justine Silk who, after 24 years, will be departing Villa for Holy Spirit College in Fitzgibbon where she will be taking on the exciting opportunity of building their foundation music program.  This move is a great professional opportunity for her and, due to the location, is a great opportunity for her young family.  We wish Mrs Silk all the best and are certain that we will see her again each year as QCMF comes ‘round!

We also took the opportunity to farewell Mr Carl Harvoe who has decided to take time to complete his Masters of Teaching and take time to look after his young son.  I personally have appreciated his work with our students across his three years with us and I am sure you will join me in thanking him and wishing him and his family all the best on the next step in their adventure.

Thanks must go to our Music Support Group for their great work in supplying food and refreshments to the gathered throng.  Thanks must also go to our tech team – Mr Miller, Mr Hartley, Mr Daly, and our student tech crew – who made us all look and sound amazing.  Thank you to the parents and friends who have continued to support Music at Villa across this year.  Finally, thank you to the staff and students who work tirelessly across the year to prepare for these events and share their wonderful music each and every time.

Instrument Returns and Summer Loans
We now require all Year 5 instruments and students in Years 6 and above to return their College Owned instruments for cleaning and servicing.  Please ensure these are into the Music Office NO LATER than Monday 20 November. 

For students requiring an instrument loan over summer, we will be able to release these to families by Friday 24 November with completion of a loan agreement and music enrolment form.

Music Enrolment Returns
Information regarding re-enrolment in music for 2024 has already been distributed home via email.  If you did not receive a copy of this email but were expecting it, please contact the music office urgently on 3394 5691 or music@vnc.qld.edu.au.

We require enrolment forms back urgently to allow us to plan effectively for 2024.  The sooner we finalise this information, the sooner we can guarantee our staff work next year and allow for timetabling to occur before the New Year.

If you are yet to complete your enrolment form, you may do so by accessing the online document via the QR code below:

Music Support Group AGM
Our AGM for the Villanova College Music Supporters Group was convened on Monday 13 November.  We farewelled our President Mike Molloy and Vice President Jayedan Naidu (Old Boys) and thanked them for their service over the past three years.  These gents gave of their time freely to support our music program when we were struggling to maintain parental membership.  We thank them and wish them all the best as they move on to the next chapter in their lives.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce our new Music Support Group Executive.  I thank them all for taking on this important role and wish them all the best as they work with our music community over the coming year (perhaps years) ahead!

President                              Rebecca Keighran
Vice President                    Frances Ellis
Secretary                             Liza Baumgartner
Treasurer                             Genevieve Lewis

Merry Christmas to you all
On a personal note, I would like to thank all students, staff, and families for their continued support of Music here at Villanova.  It has been another great year.  We have farewelled some fine young men as they graduate this place today, and we look forward to our new and upcoming musicians as they strive to build on the legacy of community that has been laid before them.

From all here, a happy and Holy Christmas to you all.  May you find peace with family at this time and enjoy the gift of their presence over the coming festive period.

As always, we end our concerts with music – a safe break to you all – we begin again Week 2, 2024.

Until then – over to you Mr Bean!

Salvation Army Carols | Mr. Bean Official – YouTube

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

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Director of Sport Address
As we approach the final week of the school year, it is a timely opportunity to remind students to finish the year well. Enjoy the time with your peers, have fun at training and pre-season games, thank your coaches for their efforts and acknowledge the care and support of parents and guardians.

For those students selected in AIC AFL, Cricket and Volleyball teams, be grateful for the opportunity to represent your College. Through this is an expectation that you will wear the correct uniform and at all times, respect the decisions of your coaches and officials and behave in a sportsmanlike manner at trainings and in games.

Families are reminded that all information pertaining to Villa Sport is available on the College website Locker Room page. Team lists are posted to Parent Lounge and Student Cafe. With regards to weekly draws/fixtures; these are generally available by the Wednesday preceding an AIC round. Unfortunately draws are not able to be published prior to this as there are often changes to team nominations and supplementary fixtures earlier in the week.

Draw – Trials vs St Laurence’s College – AFL and Volleyball – Friday 17 and Saturday 18 November

Draw – Trial 2 vs St Laurence’s College – 17/18 Nov

Team lists will be posted to Parent Lounge and Student Cafe. New Students will receive team lists via the enrolments office.

Important dates – Term 4
Term 1 Sport registrations have now closed for AFL, Cricket and Volleyball. Please visit The Locker Room page for information regarding training schedules and pre-season games.

Term 1 Sport Uniforms
Prior to the start of Term 1, families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Villanova College Uniform Look Book. This information is found on the Villanova College website Uniform Shop page. Opening hours for the Uniform Shop can also be found here. All students selected in AIC teams are expected to wear the correct uniform for AIC fixtures each week.

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.

Sport Contact List
If you are requiring information about a specific sport, in the first instance, visit the website Locker Room page. If you need further clarification, please contact the relevant coordinator below:

Director of Sport – Shaun McLean, smclean@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC AFL Coordinator – Matt Conlan, mconlan@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Cricket Coordinator – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Swimming Coordinator – Juanita Jacobs, jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Volleyball Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Cross-Country Coordinator – Brian Pascoe – bpascoe@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Chess Coordinator – Kath Underhill, kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Football Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Rugby Union Coordinator – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Golf Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Basketball Coordinator – TBC – contact the Director of Sport
AIC Rugby League Coordinator – Alex Russell, arussell@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Tennis Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Track & Field Coordinator – Anthony Kemp, akemp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Water Polo Coordinator – Juanita Jacobs, jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au
Composite District Sport – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
Lytton District Sport – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au

AIC Draft Draw 2024
Please find attached the “draft” AIC Draw for 2024. Please note this is only a draft version and changes may occur prior to the commencement of Term 1, 2024.

AIC Draw 2024 (draft only)

Training Schedules
For all updated information regarding training and selection trials schedules, please visit the Locker Room page of the Villanova College website.

Villa Sport – Term 4, 2023 – Training Schedule, Weeks 5-7

Only Firsts Squads and Strength & Conditioning sessions will continue in Week 8, Term 4. All other sessions, including Speed & Agility sessions, have now concluded at the end of Week 7.

Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport

AFL
AFL team lists for the Term 1 AIC Competition have been distributed. The only year level yet to be confirmed is the Opens (2024). Final selections for this group will occur following games this Friday 17 November. Open teams will be confirmed by 5pm Monday 20 November.

Year 8, 9 and Open (2024) teams play pre-season games this Friday 17 and Saturday 18 November against St Laurence’s College. All games are at Coorparoo AFL. The draw is available on the Locker Room.

All teams will finish for the year at the end of this weekend. Only the Open Firsts Squad will continue training in Week 8.

Training will recommence from Week 1, Term 1 in 2024.

Matt Conlan, AFL Coordinator

Cricket Coaches Needed
Unfortunately, we have found it difficult to find coaches to cover some of our teams. If there are parents who could volunteer to take on a coaching role for any of the following teams, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au if you can help: 9B, 8C and 8D.

Chris Everding, Cricket Coordinator

Villanova College is hosting a FREE Level 1 cricket coaching course on Monday 27 November at 5PM. This course is open to all previous and new Cricket team coaches, plus any current cricketers/students in Year 10, 11 and 12. This is a great course hosted by Jasper Sumner from Queensland Cricket, we strongly recommend this course as a great learning tool, while also being able to gain some coaching accreditation.

If this course interests you, please contact the Villanova Cricket Coordinator Mr Everding for details on how to register – ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au

Swimming
AIC Swimming training continues on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at Langlands Pool. There have been approximately 80 students in the water already this season which is fantastic to see.

A reminder that the Swimming Information Pack is on the Locker Room Overview page, with details on dates, times, payments and flipper packs.

Please note an update for holiday sessions. AIC Swimming training continues through now until Friday 15 December 2023 and commences again from Tuesday 9 January 2024. Originally we had it listed as finishing on the 22 December, this has now been brought forward a week.

Juanita Jacobs, AIC Swimming Coordinator

Volleyball – Trial Matches v Iona College – 11 November
A big thank you to all families as well as our AIC coaches for the previous two weeks as we finished the AIC Volleyball trials for 2024. I want to thank all students for attending across the trial sessions and Iona match, unfortunately as a result of trials there are students who have been unsuccessful in being selected for a team and won’t get the opportunity to play AIC Volleyball in Term 1. There will be some skill clinics held during Term 1 for those students who are interested in playing Volleyball but were unsuccessful in making an AIC team. More information will be released in the new year.

Volleyball – Trial Match vs St Laurence’s College – 18 November
This Saturday Villanova will play against St Laurence’s College in the final volleyball commitment for the year. I encourage families to check the fixture information carefully, this can be found on the Locker Room page. Can I also flag that teams in our Year 10-Open levels will be required to assist with court duty this weekend

Uniform requirements will remain the same as the previous week.

I wish all teams the best in their last ‘hit-out’ for the year!

Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator

Speed & Agility Training – Term 1, 2024 – Years 5, 6, 7 & 8 students
In 2024, we will be commencing a new Speed & Agility Programme for students in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8. The programme will be run by Matt Scott, who is the Villanova Track & Field sprints coach.

The programme will cater for all ability levels and will run for 8 weeks in each term. Students will register via a Jotform, and a payment is required. These links will be available prior to the holidays.

Look out for more information in next week’s Sports Bulletin.

Term 1 Speed & Agility programme – Years 5-8 students 2024

Strength & Conditioning – recharging without losing over the holiday period
Holidays are fast approaching.
We understand that you’ve worked hard towards your fitness goals, and we don’t want you to lose that momentum during the Christmas break.
Nothing worse than coming back and feeling like you lost everything you gained!
Does de-training happen so quickly? In short, yes!
A study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology indicates that performance can start to decline after just two weeks of reduced training. Muscle strength can decline by as much as 3% per week of inactivity, as reported in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

But the good news is that with some planning, you can minimize detraining and support your recovery, to have you ready when the schools/sports resume.
The approach you take is totally up to you.

• Change things up: If you feel you need a break from your usual routines, then cross training with totally unusual things should be the way to go.
• Consider the load: If you have been running a lot for instance (and will resume high loads when back), keep your fitness up by doing off-feet conditioning (swimming, biking, rowing).
• Stick to what you like: If you like to stick to the regular training, then keep up with your routines, and use the next couple of weeks to ask the coaches ways to avoid silly overload during a time that is meant to regenerate.
• Stay Connected: Reach out to your training partners or teammates to have extra ideas or go training together. Staying connected can boost motivation, even if you are holidaying elsewhere.

Until 22 December the College will provide you with daily morning training (the Sports Office will communicate in more detail).

In the event those times were not suitable, our gym – Athletix – in the Valley, has daily classes and opportunities to train at different times of the day with your school programs in a supervised environment (if you are 13 and over). Simply email info@athletix.com.au or visit www.athletix.com.au
Remember that you’ve put in a lot of effort to get where you are. Use the holiday season to recharge, but also stay committed to your fitness journey.
This way, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the new year begins.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!”

Marco Mastrorocco, S&C Coordinator

Composite Sport
Nomination paperwork is available from the Sports Office for the following Sports.

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Volleyball
For any volleyball students interested in some sport specific holiday strength and conditioning training, you can contact coach Jess via jess@rydertraining.com.au.

Cross-Country/Track & Field
Opportunities for Villa athletes to join external training groups for “Sprints & Hurdles” and “Middle Distance/Cross-Country Training.”

Matt Scott was a Sprints Coach for Villanova Track & Field this season and is running our Years 5-6 Speed & Agility programme in Term 4, 2023. Matt will also be running our Speed & Agility programme for Years 5-8 in 2024.