Villa View – Issue 1, 25 January 2024

Welcome to all of our parents students and community members as we draw week one of the 2024 academic year to a close.

It has been a wonderful start as we make the significant transition to a House based system with the intention of being able to know better, educate better and care more closely for your boys as they learn and grow across their time at the College. This week they have met their House Mentor and settled into their home room. The people they have met will now stay with them each morning across their time at the College with the intention of creating deeper and more valuable relationships, ones which are fraternal, supportive, and where necessary corrective and guiding. I must admit to a few moments of joy this week as a result of this move. The first at assembly as boys of different ages came arm in arm to sing the College anthem at our Rite of Beginning ceremony and the second only this morning at the end of morning mentor sessions when our white shirted Seniors were around the entire campus, walking and talking with others. Previously they would be seen in the St Thomas of Villanova centre and rarely around the broader campus.

So much has already happened as outlined in my correspondence of last week, but we also have the Musical “Legally Blonde” deep in production mode. This year’s performance is led under the direction of Loreto College staff and debuts in Week 5 (from 22 – 24 February) in the Hanrahan Theatre here at the College. A number of boys and staff have been preparing and choregraphing their performance with dedication and rigour since late last year and we look forward to opening night in a few weeks’ time. I would very much encourage parents and students of all ages to come along and support our first big cultural event of the year.

It has been a great week of learning and preparation by staff, and I thank them for their commitment to ensuring that they are well prepared for your sons return and that we are in a wonderful position for learning to take place from day 1.

Finally, at this early stage of the year I do think it is important to remind parents of the Colleges expectations in regard to behaviour and conduct. This is especially important when attending sporting fixtures, when interacting with staff and at various times when you may come in contact with students of the College who are not your son.

Parent and Community Conduct Expectations

• Look to understand and uphold the College’s beliefs and values in your dealings with all members of community and those from other schools.
• Always endeavour to behave in a manner that does not endanger the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves or others whether this be in written, verbal or face to face interactions.
• Respect our staff members, observe College rules and abide by directions given understanding that they do hold authority particularly in the manner in which people conduct themselves on and around campus and at Villanova events.
• Behave with respect, courtesy and in consideration of others. This would include refraining from conduct or action that would be defined as bullying or harassment.
• Respect the College and community by not engaging in activities that could be seen as undermining its reputation, that of its employees or students (including activities or posts on social media)
• Deal with issues and disputes in the appropriate manner and always through College channels stipulated in relevant policies.
• Respect College property, staff, students and volunteers in both action and language.

As an educator of some 30 years, and a parent, I am very aware of the way that frustration and misunderstanding can develop if clear, respectful and quick communication on issues does not occur. I am equally aware of how one’s own competitiveness can sometimes skew rational thought on a sporting sideline. I would ask of all community members, as we start this year, to be sure to communicate with the College at the earliest moment, to the most appropriate person, challenges or issues you have in regard to your son so that we respond appropriately and in good time to his needs and look to address the problems raised.

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.

It is with great sense of positivity that I pen my first editorial of the new school year, such has been the energy and enthusiasm that has permeated the way in which our young men have returned for the commencement of 2024.

Our Seniors have embraced the responsibilities placed upon them in the opening days, setting the tone for the spirit of welcoming of those entering our community for the first time. The Year 12s were exceptional in leading their new House Mentor Groups this week and I am confident that they will continue to rise to the occasion and be change makers to transform the culture of brotherhood within our new House system.

Our Year 10 and Year 11 students will be called upon as the term unfolds to step up and take further responsibilities within their Houses to support the Seniors and shape our new House identities and spirit.

I would like to thank parents and caregivers for their support in working in partnership with the school to ensure that our Senior Schools students returned to the College well-groomed and presented.

On Wednesday, we gathered as a College community for the first time this year for our traditional Rite of Beginning, unveiling our 2024 College Theme of Interiority. For our older students, the practice of interiority underpins a unique aspect of our Augustinian identity, however, it is a practice in which we need to encourage our young men to give time to in their busy schedules. The intrinsic value of reflection, careful consideration and discernment is essential in the development of responsible and open-minded individuals.

Senior School Parent Information Evening
This year, I have decided to combine all three Senior School cohorts into the one Parent Information Evening, next Tuesday 30^th January. The intentional focus of this evening is to provide further information about our House System and the holistic support of our Senior School students, particularly in the areas of academic, wellbeing and spirituality. I look forward to seeing many of our parents join us for drinks and nibblies at 5pm prior to commencement of the evening.

Date Claimer- Paul Dillon Parent Evening
On Monday 12^th February, all Senior School students will have the opportunity to listen to renowned drug education expert Mr Paul Dillon during three separate sessions targeting each year level. The College has retained the services of Mr Dillon for a number of year, such is our strong commitment to regular drug and alcohol education for our young men.

Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) Paul has been contracted by many agencies and organisations across the country to give regular updates on current drug trends within the community. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure that they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education.

On that night, Paul will present to parents who are interested in practical ways to keep their son safe from the dangers of vaping, drugs and alcohol. This seminar for parents will take place at Loreto College’s Mary Ward Centre at 6pm. A letter was sent home by Mrs Sheridan Carey and myself outlining this event and our intention to host further parental seminars across this year.

Holiday Reading
One of the most enjoyable aspects of an extended period of holidays is the opportunity to get my teeth into a feast of great books. One of the most influential thought-leaders in the world in my view, is organisational psychologist Professor Adam Grant. His latest book, Hidden Potential– The Science of Achieving Greater Things contained many poignant takeaways on the skills of character, the structures for motivation and the systems of opportunity. I will be sharing some of Grant’s work with my students across this year, but I would like to finish this week’s article with an extended quote on the idea of being an ‘imperfectionist.’

‘Strive for excellence, not perfection. Progress comes from maintaining high standards, not eliminating every flaw. Practice wabi sabi, the art of honouring beauty in imperfection, by identifying some shortcomings you can accept. Mark your growth with Eric Best’s questions- did you make yourself better today? Did you make someone else better today?’

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Welcome back to the College. I trust that you had some time with family and friends during the summer break. It is with great joy that I either welcome you or welcome you back to the Middle School.

We can certainly understand the range of emotions that the students have been experiencing over the last two weeks in the lead up to the start of the year and the first few nervous days. There is obvious anxiety regarding classes, teachers, friendship groups that all take time to smooth out as everyone connects again. We also know it can be very easy for students at the start of the school year to ‘go through the motions’ somewhat. After a holiday break, it can be hard to get motivated and they can just want to get through to the next break without much thought of what they want to achieve. It is something that our teaching staff will continue to challenge and help the students navigate. We have spent much time over the staff days working with our teachers on the concept of ‘connection before content.’ These relationships that they build will help to nurture, challenge and motivate.

There is also the opportunity for each student to self-reflect on how they are going to improve as both a person and learner throughout Term 1. Perhaps it is one of the following:

• Answering questions in class
• Including, supporting, encouraging and looking out for others (that aren’t necessarily their best friends)
• Taking positive risks socially and with their learning
• Giving others permission to try new things, to shine and to be themselves
• Using Social media in a positive way, to boost others, to educate, to support one another
• Valuing the relationship with their peers and teachers

With the new House system beginning, I encourage parents to contact their Head of House with anything troubling their son over the coming weeks. It should make for an early solution to problems. Along with their House Mentor, the Head of House will be the students closest connection point to the College, and we want to ensure that relationship grows and thrives.

Finally, my main message that I will reiterating to all students over the first week will be to embrace the challenge of the new year. With a new House system, teachers, classes and content, it is important that you face the challenges with a sense of optimism and hope. If the young men in the Middle School are able to open themselves to everything on offer, they will flourish this year!

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Beginnings are exciting.  A fresh start for us all – 2024 has all the potential and experiences to come.  Breathe deeply.  Take a moment for yourself and all that you did to make it, successfully, to the start of our Junior School year.  Families have played a very special part in organising uniforms, books, bags, lunch boxes and let us not forget the ultimate challenge of the work/school/home schedule.  My heartfelt thanks to you all.  What it takes, managing the butterflies and excitement of change and the unknown, will never go unnoticed nor unappreciated by Villanovan staff.  

Our theme this year as a College is “Interiority”.  Over the next ten months we will aim to honour our Augustinian heritage, embrace our Catholic identity, and show gratitude for the people, spaces and opportunities we have.  From the smallest gifts such as a smile or greeting, to the incredible physical resources such as our St Thomas of Villanova Learning Centre – we will not take for granted.  Whatever chances we have, we will embrace and celebrate.  Our time together is precious, and we are committed to making every minute count. 

The Year 5s have officially taken their place as our youngest Villanovans.  Their bright, wide eyes under crisp green College hats, with perfectly ironed grey academic uniforms and polished shoes was a sight to behold on Wednesday morning.  This cohort brings the energy, positivity and life that reminds me what a privilege it is to be at the very start of the next 8 years of their Villanovan journey.  Greeting these young men, together with our treasured Year 12 students being the “big brothers”, gives me the best feelings of pride, joy and gratitude.  Parents, you are putting your trust in us – we understand the emotions that come with this – thank you. 

Year 6s have bounced through the College gates with a wisdom that comes only from living College life firsthand. 2023 shifted the goalposts yet these students navigated the unknown and forged ahead like champions.  They are our newest leaders in the Junior School, ready to help their Year 5 buddies and channel all that they know into their best work academically and in co-curricular activities.  Now on Level 2, their sky-high city views remind them that they are limited only by their imaginations – these boys have lived through setting goals and understand more about themselves as learners than they ever would have thought possible.  They are ready and pumped to make the choices that will bring them the successes they understand exist when time and effort combine. 

Our Junior School Staff return with some new faces, we welcome Miss Caitlin Walls 6 Blue, Mrs Wuele 6 White, Ms McIlroy & Ms Underhill 6 Green, teachers in new class spaces and professional goals of their very own.  Collaborative teaching partnerships have used the time made available to determine the best for the two classes that join as lifelong learners.  Learning Enrichment and Specialist Staff are already coordinating timetables and planning for the boys alongside core class teachers.  Mrs Mascadri, in her truly inspiring fashion, is determined that all Junior School families will feel like royalty in the first week back – there is no question too small or large for her to find a solution.  Together, our team has worked thoroughly to prepare to welcome you all to 2024. 

Monday, 29th January, at 6.00pm, the Parent Information Evening will be conducted in your son’s Junior School classroom.  We will start with some drinks and nibbles from 5.00pm in the Junior School Agora area.  It is a very important time to form connections within the college and be involved in the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead for you and your son. You will also have the opportunity to meet your son’s class teachers and see the collaborative and flexible learning spaces, where organisational and behavioural expectations are of a high standard.  Channels of communication, procedures/policies and the chance to clarify Term 1 matters will be given priority.  OneNote and College email expectations and the support you can provide at home with both is important to understand.  This evening should conclude no later than 6.45pm.   

My sincere thanks to all staff involved for their work in helping you, the parents, settle into Villanova life through these meetings. 

 Mr Steve Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Welcome! Welcome back!
I have a renewed sense of understanding the power of ‘welcome’ from our AFAS immersion at the end of 2023 with 21 students from Years 11 and 12 and four amazing Villanova colleagues.  In each school and community we visited, we were given an extraordinary welcome with music, dance, speeches.  On our first day the students of Divino Amore lined the driveway to welcome us into their school, and there were literally hundreds of students ready to greet us!  All were smiling and waving, and fully in the moment.  There was a tangible joy and sense of anticipation for the shared days ahead.  The drums announced our arrival, and we were ushered straight into a space where the whole school community were gathered for a welcome assembly and mass.

This welcome made a deep impression on all of us Australians!  Personally, I had to wipe away a couple of spontaneous tears of joy; and I did see others doing it too.  I couldn’t help but hear in my heart the scripture from Matthew “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me!”  Without any doubt this was a welcome filled with the spirit of love.  I knew I was walking into a relationship that has been developed over 30 years by the extraordinary staff and students of Villanova College, and developed further through the generosity of all at Villanova through both prayer and action.  I am so grateful to be part of that story at Villanova College…indeed all of us are.

So I do hope that you feel our welcome at Villa in these early weeks.  There are many events and rituals that mark the beginning of the school year.  I was delighted on Tuesday watching from the verandah of Veritas as the stream of Year 5 students walked past with Year 12s who were leading them up to Goold Hall for their first experience of a Spirit Rally.  The younger boys had beaming smiles and were looking up at the Seniors with awe!  The Seniors walked with pride and confidence, engaging the younger boys and showing them the way.  It was a great moment to witness. Minutes later my office was filled with the sound of the boys together cheering!  On Wednesday, our full College gathered for the Rite of Beginning.  We both cheered and prayed for our new students, families and staff and welcomed back all in our community.

There are plenty more opportunities in the coming days to mark down in your diary and attend.  Please allow me to flag a couple:

Mass of the Holy Spirit – 9am Tuesday 30 January.  There will be a link on our socials for families to join if they are able.
Rite Journey: The Departure – 6am to 7.30am on Wednesday 14 February.  An event for Year 9s and their parents at Villa Park.
Time and Space – Tuesday 20 February 6.15 for a 6.30pm start until 8.45pm.  This is a fantastic new event, sponsored by our P&F, for Year 7s and a significant mother figure.

We hope that this year, you, and your family will feel welcomed at Villa.  That you will feel seen, heard and that you are able to contribute and do the same for others in our community. Please join me in praying for our Villanova community as the school year begins:

Loving God,
Grant us the grace to love one another
as you love us.
Strengthen the bonds of community that bind us together and bring us closer to each other in heart and mind.
Help us to forgive one another,
as you have forgiven us.
Fill us with your compassion,
that we may be moved to help and serve those in need among us.
Grant us the wisdom to settle disputes with justice and the courage to speak truth with love.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.

Ministries in 2024
In the next two weeks all our Ministry groups will be swinging into action.
At Villanova students engage in a wide range of student led initiatives responding to needs within and beyond our community through our Ministries program.  There are 5 thriving Ministry groups within the College, and we welcome students to be involved.  Below is a quick overview:

Green Team – Green Team is passionate about all issues concerning the environment such as recycling, litter, planting of vegetation and sustainability

AFAS (Australian Filipino Augustinian Solidarity) AFAS is the partnership between Villanova and schools and ministries in the Philippines.  Our AFAS group promotes ongoing connection and solidarity and in particular looks to assist the poor and marginalised in the Philippines. Students have supported through donations of money and goods as well as visiting through immersions and being part of Global VILLAge zoom connections with our friends in the Philippines.

Vinnies – The St Vincent de Paul ministry raises awareness and fundraises to support about some of the most vulnerable members of the community. Some of these projects include fundraising to support Emmanuel City Mission homeless outreach, organising baskets of groceries for families and individuals at risk in our community, participating in a Sleep Out experience in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness.

YAYM (Young Augustinian Youth Ministries) This ministry is for students in the Middle School who are interested in voicing their ideas to better the College and broader community through fundraising projects as well as outreach to the elderly with their work to support residents of Duhig Village Nursing Home.

YCS (Young Christian Students) Students in YCS have traditionally engaged with Year 5 and 6 students through lunchtime games but expanded to look at the promotion of good mental health in the College last year and will continue to do this in 2024.

AFAS Report

There will be more to follow in the coming weeks with the reflections of our students who participated in the AFAS immersion.
Following is a report from Fr Saldie Resolado, College Chaplain at Villa and fearless leader of our AFAS Immersion!

From November 23-December 7, 26 members of the Villanova Community, Brisbane embarked on an immersion to the islands of The Philippines (Cebu and Bacolod, Negros Occidental).  There were 21 Senior students (a mixed number of Year 11s and 12s) who committed to complete their service-learning experience at Villanova through AFAS (Australian Filipino Augustinian Solidarity) Ministry by joining the international immersion program.   The five staff members (Kate Garrone, Amanda Waterson, Adrian Hellwig, Terry Gaffney and I) accompanied the delegation of mostly newbies to international travel.  We all stayed in variety of accommodation from a 2-star hotel (La Fortuna in Cebu) to a 3-star mountain resort (Mambukal in Murcia, Negros Occidental) then to the university student accommodation (CSA-Bacolod) and in a 4-star hotel (L’Fisher in Bacolod) to finish the leg of immersion. 

The two-week program is designed to give opportunity to the Villanovan students and staff members to understand “solidarity” with another culture and people from a developing country like The Philippines.  AFAS has been coming to The Philippines since 1993 (first immersion).  The 2023 immersion is the tenth immersion with students and staff members and the next one will be in September 2024.

However, before the set dates of immersion could happen, we make sure that the participants will receive proper orientation about the program like cultural orientation, language, food, traditions, faith practises and even health and security matters.   The risk assessment is the top priority when it comes to bringing a delegation outside Australia.  We also had zoom conferences with the students’ community from the schools to be visited to have an initial encounter online with our Villanova participants.  We call the online program “Global Village.”  Constant communication with all stakeholders and coordinators in The Philippines gave more assurance to the parents of the participants and the Villanova community on this post-Covid international travel.  Not to mention, there was an earthquake too when we were in Bacolod, but not so serious though.  We were safe!

Mrs Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity

Welcome back everyone to a new school year! The introduction of the House System and new initiatives in the Wellbeing Program mean exciting times lie ahead in 2024.

Though still in early stages, ‘Be Your Best Self’ has entered its second year and will deliver new activities, opportunities, and experiences for the boys. At the end of term 4 last year, students were asked for their feedback on the program, and it was reassuring to hear their honest and articulate responses, some of which I will share at the upcoming Parent Information Sessions. They reiterated what they had learned, gave suggestions, and spoke freely. Reading their responses was reaffirming that the program is reaching them – they understand the need for it, believe that it can help them, and they provided some valuable and significant ways on how to improve the program and make it relate to them. It has been listened to, and in many cases, has been incorporated (and boys I hear you about sport – it can’t be played every week, but I get you love it!)

Below is the program outline for 2024 which is based on the PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning Accomplishments) framework and Augustinian values. New units have been written and old ones updated and amended, and all are made up of key topics that are evidence based and instrumental in achieving optimal wellbeing.

A new initiative for 2024 will begin in February! Empowering Parenting Workshops is a series of sessions run by expert professionals about issues that directly relate to and impact your sons. This ensures a multifaceted approach to your child’s wellbeing and strengthens the partnership between families, the community and Villanova. The workshops will align with content in the wellbeing program and will take place in Hanrahan Theatre. More information will be provided in upcoming newsletters regarding this initiative.

This year will be about building on the work done in its inaugural year and strengthening the program. While I may be biased, the young men at Villa truly are an incredible group and I look forward to collaborating with you and them across all aspects of wellbeing.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing

Welcome back to all parents/carers and families as students return to the College after the Christmas – New Year break. It is wonderful to see all our young men back at the College, ready to get back into all that Villanova has to offer. Our magnificent teachers have spent the past two weeks preparing for what we hope is a very ‘vanilla’ year ahead. Not in the sense of an average year but a year that is free from surprises. What I do know is that your son’s teachers will continue to provide excellent learning experiences for all students.

As we embark on another year of learning and continued academic growth, it is important that students commence the year with the mindset that hard work and engagement with their studies is the key to success. The College’s teachers are committed to providing our students with the best possible education and opportunities for advancement; it is, however, ultimately up to each individual to take advantage of these resources and make the most of their time.

The College understands that the past few years have challenged families and students, and I want to remind you that we are here to support in any way we can. Whether your son requires extra help with a particular subject, or just someone to talk to, our dedicated faculty and staff are here to assist you.

We are excited to begin the new school year and look forward to working with each and every student to achieve their goals.

Year 12 Cohort, 2023
Over the coming weeks, many of our newly graduated ‘Old Boys’ will move on to tertiary or further study. We wish them all the best with their further education. We also congratulate those students who have already commenced courses, who have commenced apprenticeships or have chosen to enter the workforce. The College wishes all these men the best in their endeavours and know that they will do Villanova proud.

Over the last 2 months, we have celebrated the academic achievements of this group. The snapshot of 153 students completing Year 12 and receiving their QCE, the cohort achieving a median ATAR of 87.85, 27% of the cohort achieving an ATAR of 95.00 or better, and 73 students being awarded one or more VET qualifications was an outstanding end of year story. It would also be remiss of me to not congratulate our 2 top students; 2023’s School Captain Mitchell Rieck achieved an ATAR of 99.85 and Thomas Winn achieved the ATAR of 99.80.

We look forward to welcoming back all of our graduated cohort to celebrate their accomplishments at the Scholars’ Assembly and Graduates’ Celebration. These events will be held on Tuesday 6^th February and Thursday 8^th February.

Year 12 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
Year 12 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday 15^th February. This is a great opportunity for Year 12 parents / guardians and students to engage with teachers early in the year in order to discuss students’ progress and best way forward for the year. Conferences will run from 3.30 to 8.00pm. Parents / carers will be emailed details soon in order to make bookings. Please note that these conferences will be online via Microsoft Teams.

Scholars’ Assembly
As mentioned above, our Scholars’ Assembly will be held on Tuesday 6^th February. This assembly recognises the academic achievements of students from Semester 2 last year. For students in Years 5 to 9, an academic award is given if a student, in their core subjects, achieves a minimum of 4 A’s and a B in their semester results. For students in Year 10, 11 and 12, an academic award is awarded if a student, in all of their subjects, achieves a minimum of all A’s and a B in their semester or unit results.

Started last year, the College will also recognise students who have demonstrated consistency across the school year; those students who received an academic award in Semester 1 and then also in Semester 2 will be given an Academic Award badge as a way of acknowledging their determination and academic purpose.

New Timetable Structure
In 2024, the College has introduced a new timetable. In part, the new timetable has been implemented as a result of the new House structure, however, it also been introduced to provide greater advantages as they relate to Teaching and Learning. Below is the new daily timetable structure.

Our students have navigated the new structure very well over the first 3 days of classes. We look forward to the benefits of the new timetable this year.

Goalsetting
Every year, students are encouraged to set goals for the year. But we don’t always understand why setting goals is important. Research has shown that people who set goals (and use them effectively) not only perform better, but suffer from less stress and anxiety and are happier and more satisfied with life. In 1953 a Harvard University study showed that 3% of the students graduating that year wrote down their specific career goals. Twenty years later, a team of researchers interviewed the class and found that the 3% who had written down their goals were worth more financially than the other 97% combined! Whilst salary and financial worth are certainly not the markers or indicators of success, the setting of goals can certainly lead individuals to achieving higher levels of attainment. I would be confident that many of our most recent old boys would attest to the fact that setting goals enabled their high levels of success.

Other reasons why you students are encouraged set goals for the year:

• Setting goals gets you to think about possibilities.
• Goals give you a direction to work towards.
• Goals give you a clear picture of where you want to go.
• Goals help you to push yourself just that little bit more.
• Goals help you have a more fun and fulfilled life.
• Goals can give you motivation and focus.

All of our students will be encouraged to set goals over the coming weeks, no matter what year level they are in. Goals are just as important for Year 5 students as they are to Year 12 students. The most important thing to remember is that if you don’t set goals, you’ll find that life just sort of ‘happens’ to you rather than you actually deciding what you want out of life. I’d ask parents / carers to adopt the same approach to goalsetting as our teachers will with students. Get in the driver’s seat of your life and take control with your goals this year – both personal and academic.

Teaching and Learning Office
The Teaching and Learning Office is a place where students can visit to discuss teaching and learning, their academic program and progress, or to enquire about careers and pathways. Parents / carers are also encouraged to contact the office if they have any questions or queries. Please contact the Teaching and Learning Office manager (Mrs Kerryn Graham – 3394 5521) if you would like to speak to the following staff with regards to your son’s academic endeavours:

• Mr John Christie : Dean of Teaching and Learning
• Mr Kirk Astill : Director of Studies
• Mrs Julie Duffy : Head of Careers and Pathways

Wishing all the very best to all students at the College in 2024.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

BYOD Startup Checklist For All Students
As we commence 2024, it is important to ensure that all students’ BYOD laptops are completely prepared for the year ahead. This extends beyond labelling, charging the device overnight and signing into Microsoft 365! Here is a short checklist to go over with your son to ensure he is ready:

• OneNote Class Notebooks: Make sure to close all 2023 Class Notebooks and open your 2024 Class Notebooks through your new class teams. This will declutter OneNote and improve syncing.
• OneDrive Check: Confirm that your OneDrive is syncing with Villanova College systems. Organise your files by creating new folders for 2024 and be sure to archive last year’s files. This will help organisation and minimise the impact of data loss.
• Email Management: It’s time to tidy up the inbox! Delete or archive all emails from 2023. Emails should be checked several times daily, to establish good email management habits early on.
• Desktop & Downloads: Keep your digital workspace clean by organising your Desktop and emptying your Downloads folder. This will save storage space and help with personal organisation.
• Uninstall Distractions: Remove games and other applications that may distract you during school hours. Whilst students’ laptops may have been used for leisure over the break, it’s time to switch back into academic mode.

And finally, some practical reminders. Students should always transport laptops in hard cases. A sleeve is not a hard case. Villanova is a very active campus with a small geographic footprint, with busy corridors and congested gates at peak travel times. Hardcases are the most practical way to reduce any likelihood of accidental, unintended damage. Labelling is also critical, as so many students have the same or very similar devices. When labelling, also label accessories such as mouses, power adaptors and styluses.

2024 Acceptable Use of IT and Online Privacy Guidelines
In the coming days, you will receive a link to a form to complete with your son present. With concerning trends surrounding data breaches, especially with recent advances in free AI-related platforms such as ChatGPT, the College has amended the typical agreement found in the College Diary. Our new agreement is more than a pledge, it serves as a reminder to pause, think and act in the interests of preserving private information. When emailed to you, please complete this online form with your son as soon as possible to help him set the right foundation for the year ahead.

Mr Jason Lane, Director of E-Learning

Welcome back to VNC Music 2024
On behalf of the entire Music team, I would like to welcome all new and continuing members of our Villanova community.  We are looking forward to working with our musicians across the year and preparing some great music to share with you all.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome our new Brass Leader, Mr Dan Quigley.  Dan comes to us with a wealth of performing and teaching experience, with a career that has afforded him the opportunity to play and learn with some of the world’s greatest musicians.  He has been responsible for the development of the highly acclaimed music education program at Jazz Music Institute.  We are blessed that he has joined our community, and I am looking forward to him sharing his gifts with our musicians.  I am sure you will all join me in making Dan most welcome.

Lessons and Rehearsals
Communication regarding our rehearsal schedule for 2024 has been forwarded to all musicians.  A copy has been included with this week’s newsletter.  We are looking forward to all rehearsals commencing in Week 2.  Ensemble conductors will have communicated with ensembles this week confirming arrangements for next week’s first session.

Please remember that rolls are marked at the beginning of each rehearsal.  If you receive an alert regarding your son’s attendance, its purpose is to open a dialogue around the situation.  We take our duty of care of your son very seriously and want to ensure all students are safe and where everyone expects them to be.

IM tutors have been asked to forward all timetables home to enrolled students.  We expect that this will be completed before the weekend.  If you are expecting your son’s timetable but it has not arrived, please contact the Music Office – music@vnc.qld.edu.au – so that we can follow this up for you.

Year 5 Instrumental Music
We will meet our Year 5 musicians for the first time this year on Tuesday 30 January.  Information regarding the program model and delivery we have here at Villanova has been emailed home to all families.  If you have not received this communication, please contact us on 3394 5691 or music@vnc.qld.edu.au.  We are looking forward to working with you all over the coming year and believe that your son will enjoy his experience here in the music department.

Music Support Group
Our next Music Support Group meeting will be convened on Monday 12 February in the Chapter Room at the front of the Augustine Centre, commencing at 6:30pm.  All parents are most welcome to attend.  We encourage you all to come along and learn a little more about what happens behind the scenes in music here at the College.

Key Dates Term 1
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/BBQ/etc. this Summer!

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.

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

www.entbook.com.au/22002q9 

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

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

I wish everyone in our community a happy new year and very warm welcome to 2024.

The Christmas holiday period is always a great time to rest, refocus and reevaluate. Following a very successful 2023 for Villa Sport, many staff, coaches and students continued through the break with their individual and team sporting pursuits.

Prior to Christmas, our Senior Volleyballers embarked on their national schools’ tournament in which they placed seventh in the Year 11 Division 1. Our Cricketers had a busy schedule with the Oblate Cricket Tour, AIC T20 competition and the Australian Schoolboys Cricket Carnival. Our First XI squad performed exceptionally well at the ASCC winning all three pool games and advancing to the final versus hosts Nudgee College. Villa Cricket Captain for 2024 Finn Thallon (Year 11) was named in the merit team chosen from all twenty participating schools.

Our Swimmers were remarkable at the recent State Championships with many boys achieving top 10 finishes and personal bests. Oliver Jacobs (Year 11) won the Gold medal in 50m butterfly 15 years and College Vice-Captain Charlie Kerr (Year 12) won Bronze in the 50m butterfly 17 years. We also had many students participate in the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, Max Jones (Year 11) winning a Bronze medal for Javelin at the Track & Field Nationals and Charles Warr (Year 8) Captaining the Queensland U12 Futsal team.

Throw in the Volleyball and Swimming clinics, Football and Rugby camps, some Strength & Conditioning training and even a ball-boy at the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament, the Villa Sport juggernaut powers on. Please note I have added more detail to some student accomplishments below in the ‘External Achievements’ section.

As our focus turns to the new year we start afresh with anticipation and excitement. This week sees our AFL, Cricket and Volleyball players participate in the final trial matches before Round 1 versus Marist College Ashgrove on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 February.

I encourage our boys, in all year levels, to remember the notion of humility in all that we do. By all means we want to compete; but we can do it with respect, and we can do it with humility. “How” we win or lose is so much more important than if we do.

The final note for Week 1 is for all our Villanovan young men to be safe in and around the sporting venues in these hot conditions. Wear your hats when you can, apply sunscreen if you are outdoors and stay hydrated at all times.

I wish all our families a great start to 2024 and I look forward to seeing you all around the courts and fields soon.

Draw
The Trial Round vs Padua College – Thursday 25 and Saturday 27 January – is now available on the Locker Room page. The draw will be posted to Locker Room by the Wednesday prior to the round ahead. This is the earliest possible time we can post this information.

Team Lists
Team lists do not appear online. They appear in the Parent Lounge and Student Cafe sections of the portal. Team lists will be posted by Thursday prior to the round ahead. This is the earliest possible time we can post this information.

AIC Draw 2024
Please find attached the AIC Draw for 2024.

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.

Training Schedules
For all updated information regarding training and selection trials schedules, please visit the Locker Room page of the Villanova College website. Sport specific training schedules for AFL, Cricket and Volleyball can also be found on the Locker Room page.

All Sport Training Schedule – Term 1, 2024

Term 1 Sport Uniforms
Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Villanova College Uniform Look Book. This information is found on the 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 to AIC fixtures each week.

Hire Jerseys – Term 1 AFL and Volleyball
In Term 1, students playing AFL and Volleyball will hire jerseys from the College. These jerseys can be picked from the Uniform Shop, by the students, at the allocated time below. If any students are away from school on the allocated day, they will need to visit the Uniform Shop on another date.

Jerseys are then returned to the Uniform Shop before the end of Term 1.

Jerseys not returned by the end of Term 1 incur a late fee charge on the student’s account. The deadline of the end of Term 1 (last day of term) is strict. All hire jerseys must be returned by then to avoid the late fee charge.

As many students will not have their hire jerseys for the trial round this weekend, students are encouraged to wear their Villa Sport or HPE uniform. Students must have the full correct uniform, including hire jersey, for all AIC matches.

Please read through the individual Sport sections below for more information on uniforms.

** Please note Year 5 & 6 AFL hire jerseys will be distributed at Junior School Assembly

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. For any training or game absences, please contact your Sport Coordinator.

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

Wet weather cancellations
If there is any reason to cancel training sessions or weekend games, this information will be posted to the Villa App in the Notices section. Please ensure you have downloaded the Villa App and updated your preferences and settings.

The Villa Sports Department will endeavour to cancel morning training sessions by 6am and afternoon training sessions by 1pm. If a training session is cancelled, boys are not able to be dropped off to the training venue as there will not be supervision present. Please check the Villa App regularly for these notifications.

If any AIC fixtures are cancelled, we will follow the same procedure above. Timing will be dependent on when that information becomes available.

Villa Sports Club
The Villa Sport Club’s first meeting of 2024 is this Monday 29 January, 6:00-7:00pm in the St Thomas of Villanova building, Level 3, in classroom ST6. This classroom overlooks Whinstanes Oval. All are welcome!

Year 9 AFL and Cricket players still needed
We are still looking for around 4-5 AFL players and 5-6 Cricket players from Year 9 only. Please reach out to Mr McLean, smclean@vnc.qld.edu.au for AFL and Mr Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au, if you would like to join a team. We need you so that boys who have already registered don’t miss out on the AIC season in Term 1. Please help!

Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport

AFL
Following a two-day camp at the Sunshine Coast before Christmas, plenty of field and gym sessions and a trial versus Iona College over the break, our Open AFL players are primed and ready for the season ahead.

All AFL players and families are encouraged to note the Hire Jersey handout register above. Students will need to attend the Uniform Shop at the allocated time to collect their AFL hire jersey for the AIC season.

If students do not have their trial jersey for this weekend, they are encouraged to wear Villa Sport/HPE uniform. Students must be in full AIC uniform for Round 1.

Players are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to their game start times and bring a water bottle and hat (for warm up – hats can’t be worn during games).

Please keep up to date with the training schedule and draws on the Locker Room page. Best of luck to all players in their final trial matches this weekend.

Please note – All AFL players are required to have mouthguards for all AIC matches, this is also recommended at training. 

Mr Matt Conlan, AFL Coordinator

Cricket
1^st XI Cricket
Our first XI squad have had a very busy preseason competing in the several tournament’s pre- and post-Christmas. These tournaments have provided a great opportunity for all students to improve their skill base, while allowing the 1^st’s squad to build great camaraderie as they prepare for the term 1 AIC season.

I would like to thank Mr Corey Barsby, Mr Ben Thallon and Mr Matthew Short for their coaching commitments across these tournaments. I would also like to personally thank all Villanova parents who assisted across the holidays to allow their sons to participate in the tournaments, your commitment was much appreciated by myself and the entire playing squad.

We have our final trial match this upcoming Saturday against Padua in preparation for our opening Round 1 fixture against Ashgrove.

Mr Nathan Dufty, 1^st XI Head Coach

Zone Cricket Report
Last term eight teams represented Villanova in the local Eastern Districts and BEARS cricket competitions. The teams are run and managed by parents each year and we could not successfully compete in these competitions without the continued support of our parents who volunteer their time for the boys. A big thanks to Matthew Borger and Nathan Dufty for doing all of the behind-the-scenes work registering teams, attending meetings and sorting coaching and equipment, as well as having to adjust fields, weekly draws and chasing up players.

We would also like to thank the following for coaching and managing the boy’s last season; Matthew Borger, David McMahon, Michael Pauli, Kylie and Mick Harris, Peter Arvoll, Steve Gifford, Tim Harrold, Brad Wyatt, Deanne and Byron Wooden, Damien Lewis, Cameron Lee, James McKenzie, Dan Glass, Alex Sneyd and Paul Innes.

Division 1 Champions
Villanova 6/119 defeated Wynnum 8/110
Congratulations to our Division 1 team, who defeated Wynnum Cricket Club in the final last December. This is the top tier side and there are outstanding cricketers playing in this competition, making it very difficult to win. This feat is credit to the team, many of whom have played together since year five in the Term 4 competition. There has also been a hugely supportive group of parents who have taken this team each year since year five and our thanks go to Rob Watson (coach) and Deanne Perrier (manager). This was a fitting result for your contributions to this team.

AIC Cricket
All players should be aware that we have a full round of cricket trials this Saturday 27 January against Padua College. The Year 5 teams will have internal trials at Kianawah Park, Tingalpa. As is typical this time of year, there will be a certain level of ‘organised chaos’ as our coaches continue the selection/trial process. Unfortunately, we missed the internal trials last Friday, which has limited our preparation. Some boys have been moved after training sessions this week were used as a net selection trial. Negotiations have been made with Padua to allow coaches from both Colleges to be flexible during the match. Therefore, leniency will be given this weekend for the coaches to give all players an opportunity to perform.

As this weekend’s games are only a trial, may I please ask parents and players to be patient. There will be some movement of players from team to team as the coaches finalise teams ready for Round 1 next weekend v Marist College Ashgrove. All boys should check the website regularly to keep up to date with all information regarding teams, training and games.

All players are to wear the correct Villanova cricket uniform; have adequate water, sunscreen and a hat for the games. Please be advised that all training schedules are finalised, and training has begun as of this week as per schedule posted on the Villanova College website. All Year 5 training begins in Week 3 due to camp next week.

Villanova Cricket Uniform
All players from Years 5-12 are to wear whites.
Cricket Whites

• White pants
• Villanova Cricket Shirt
• Sports shoes
• Villanova green sports cap or broad brimmed hat

Under no circumstances are players permitted to wear club shirts or club hats.
Important note – All cricketers from Year 5-12 are asked to wear protective equipment. It is compulsory for all batsmen and wicket keepers whilst keeping up to the stumps to wear a helmet. All players are required to purchase and wear their own cricket box (protector). The College will provide two helmets per kit, per team.

Cricket Managers Needed
Many of our 26 teams are coached by Old Boys or parents. It is important for each team to have a manager to get any important information out to all team members and their parents. Other jobs include, coordinating a contact list, looking after the gear and organising rosters for scoring and umpiring. This role will allow the coaches to ‘Coach’ and not have to deal with the administrational side of things. If your son is playing and you can take on a manager’s role, could you please email Mr Chris Everding at the Sports Office, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au,  to sign on and to let the coach know this Saturday.

Unfortunately, we cannot give out personal information and managers will need to get the parents to pass this information on.

Year 5 Cricket Trials
Cricket trials begin this Saturday morning 27 January. All teams will play at Kianawah Park, Wynnum Road Tingalpa. There are 11 cricket fields at this venue and our allocated field numbers are 5 and 9. They are directly in front and on the left-hand side as you drive into the complex. The 5A/B trial will be on Field 9, while the 5C/D trial will be on Field 5. Can all players please assemble at 7.45am for an 8am start. Games should conclude by 11am at the latest. Please see the map below.

Weekly Team Lists are found in Parent Lounge. Players are to wear cricket whites if they have them or the College sports uniform. Cricket gear will be supplied.

When the trials have concluded, the boys will be selected into teams. This year there will be an A, B, C and D team selected. If we get more players this week then we may even go to a fifth team.  Saturday’s draw, coaches’ details, by-laws and training schedules have been placed on the website for you to view. A revised list for Round 1 against Marist College Ashgrove will be posted next week.

Please note that many of the boys will change into different teams and that this is part of the trial process. There will be several changes made throughout the season to try and get the boys into their right ability level groups. If there are training clashes with other commitments, after these changes, please contact the Sports Office and we will attempt to work out a solution.

It will take some time to eventually get the boys into their right teams. Please be patient with the selection process as we can only grade the boys on what we see. Their attitude and sportsmanship also contribute to the selection process, as we expect very high standards in both these areas when the boys are representing the College.

Wet Weather Procedure
In the event of rainy weather, a notification will be placed on the Villanova College App.

If afternoon training is to be cancelled due to rain evolving during the day, then an alert will be posted via the Villa App by 1.00pm, as well as giving an announcement to the students over the College’s PA system. If training is cancelled during the session, boys at Langlands will be taken to the undercover carpark at Easts Rugby League Club and can be collected from there.

Mr Chris Everding, Cricket Coordinator

Swimming
On Monday 15 January, 58 members of the Villa swim squad kick started the 2024 season with an extended training session. It was a great opportunity to welcome our new Year 5 and Year 7 swimmers. Thank you to Coach Felipe for organising the session and to Langlands Pool staff for their support of Villanova swimming.

AIC Swimming Meets
Save the dates for upcoming AIC meets and AIC Championships:

• Friday 2 February at St Peter’s Lutheran College
• Friday 9 February at Iona College
• Friday 16 February at SPLC
• Thursday 22 February at Chandler
• Tuesday 5 March AIC Championships at Chandler

Buses will transport boys both ways at all meets and championships, other than Iona which will be one-way only. Parents may collect boys from the meets and take them home – they just need to check in with a staff member prior to leaving. Meet timings and details will be distributed closer to the dates.

Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Swimming Coordinator

Volleyball
It has been a busy time on the court for the Villanova Volleyball program in readiness for the 2024 AIC season. Our trials began in Term 4 of 2023 with a number of internal sessions and two matches vs Iona College and St Laurence’s College. In addition to this, a number of our teams, including the First VI Volleyball Squad, have been hitting the court since the beginning of Term 4.

Our First VI squad entered the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup hosted by Volleyball Australia. This tournament was a fantastic opportunity to engage in some match play against opponents from around the country. We know this off-season preparation will be of great benefit to the teams as the season gets closer.

Our First VI squad has been in preparation for the season since August 2023. In addition to the Schools Cup tournament, our team headed up the Toowoomba range for our annual training day with Toowoomba Grammar School prior to Christmas break as well as taking on some friendly matches against Brisbane SHS and Browns Plains SHS. We know the long hours put in by this group of young men will have big rewards as the season progresses.

First VI Team at Aus Volleyball Schools Cup after their final match defeating Cannon Hill Anglican College 2-0

First VI Team vs Browns Plains Open boys

This Saturday we take on Padua College in the final trial for the season. Our Senior teams will travel to Padua and our Junior teams will play at home. Our Junior teams (Year 7-9) are asked to play in their HPE, Squad shirt or previous House Polo before they collect their hire jerseys next week.

A few reminders about the 2024 AIC Volleyball season:

• The training schedule is now posted via the Locker Room page.
• Teams playing at home (Villanova College) will also be responsible for court duty. Team duty is assisting with scoring and the lines duty for the match before or after your scheduled playing time. The duty roster will be included on the Weekly Fixture document each week. Coaches will assign three members of the team each duty, we expect students won’t have more than two commitments for the season.
• The expected uniform for the season is:
  • VNC Hire jersey
  • Green HPE shorts
  • Alinta sport socks (black)

In closing, I wish all the best to all our AIC teams competing, and an extra special welcome and best wishes to our Year 7 teams who will take to the court for their first official AIC Volleyball match next week.

Mr Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator

Football
If any Year 10, 11 or 12 boys are interested in trialling for Goalkeeper positions in our Firsts Football and Development Squads for season 2024, please note the information below.

GK Trials – any student in Years 10, 11 and 12. Students will be committing to playing Villa Football in Term 2, 2024. If you are interested, please contact smclean@vnc.qld.edu.au.

The two trials will be:

• Tuesday 30 January, 3:45-5:15pm at Villa Park
• Tuesday 6 February, 3:45-5:15pm at Villa Park
• A bus will transport students from the Augustine Centre Carpark to Villa Park on both days, leaving the College at approx. 3:10pm. Parents to pick up from Villa Park at 5:00-5:15pm.

Our Football programme really needs you, and this is a great opportunity for someone new to Football to trial for our elite squads. Successful students will receive specialist GK coaching from an external company in Terms 1 and 2.

Mr Hudson Rogers, First XI Football Head Coach

Strength & Conditioning
Welcome Back to S&C in 2024!
Exciting times are upon us as we dive into the new school term for our Strength and Conditioning (S&C) programs! This year is set to be extraordinary with a holistic approach to athletic development.

S&C for everyone: S&C plays a pivotal role in both sports success and long-term physical health; our programs are meticulously designed to foster all-encompassing growth and build lifelong skills for the boys.

Launch of Rehab Class: Introducing our dedicated S&C Rehab class! Our specialized Rehab Coach ensures a swift and safe return to play, adhering to solid rehab principles and liaising with the school sports physios.

S&C for Swimmers! We’re thrilled to announce a tailored S&C class for our swimmers, focusing on enhancing strength, flexibility, and endurance in the water.

Rugby Union Pre-season Intensifies: Rugby Union pre-season enters a crucial phase, emphasizing strength and power in the gym, along with high repeated efforts for conditioning. The boys have a tough 10 weeks ahead.

In-Season Sports Maintenance: All in-season sports receive dedicated attention for maintenance, ensuring athletes are primed for success in upcoming games.

Get ready for a phenomenal year at S&C, where we’re committed to comprehensive development across all sports.

Here’s to a year of achievements, growth, and success!

Mr Marco Mastrorocco, S&C 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 one of Villanova’s Track & Field sprints coaches. The programme will cater for all ability levels and will run for eight weeks in each term. To register, just go to the Parent Lounge to make payment and attend the first session on Monday 29 January. Sessions are Monday, 7 – 8am on Whinstanes from Weeks 2 -9, Term 1. This programme will also continue in other terms.

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

For students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12, there are “free” Speed & Agility sessions on Wednesday mornings, 7 – 8am on Whinstanes, commencing in Week 2 (Wednesday 31 January). These sessions are free of charge and open to any boys in Years 9 – 12.

Composite Sport (13-19 Years)
Nomination paperwork is available from the Sports Office for the following Sports.

Lytton Sport (10-12 Years)

Swimming
Students who wish to nominate for the Lytton District (10-12yrs) swimming team for the Met East trials  are to submit ratified times to Mr Everding by Friday 2 February. Boys can nominate for 50m, 100m or 200m in the four strokes, 200m and 400m medley, and the 400m freestyle. Boys must meet the Metropolitan East Qualifying Times in order to have their nomination accepted. For further information please contact Chris Everding ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au .

Golf
Met East Golf is on March 11. Students who wish to nominate, must have an approved GA or club handicap. The Met East office will then decide whether to accept the nomination based on golfing experience. Please contact Chris Everding ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au for further information.

External Achievements
Please note achievements that have already been posted to the College’s social media platforms will not also be displayed in the newsletter.

Criteria for social media posts are generally achievements reaching a National level of representation or success/leadership of State level teams (e.g. selection in an Australian team). Or significant achievements on parallel with this.

Criteria for newsletter posts are generally achievements reaching a State level of representation (e.g. selection in a QLD team). Club, Met East or Composite representation does not meet the criteria for newsletters.

Please send all newsworthy stories to smclean@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Australian Youth Water Polo Championships
During the January holidays, three Year 8 Villanovans played and competed at Australian Youth Water-Polo Championship 2024: Sebastian Romano, Xavier Ringuet and Boris Vukelic. Our boys represented their club in Under 14 Gold Division and placed 10^th overall. The AYWPC24 welcomed more than 210 teams and 28,000 spectators from three countries, making it the largest festival of Water Polo in the southern hemisphere. Will Price (Year 8) also represented Sunshine Coast at the championships, winning a Bronze medal. Well done boys!

Josh Wilson – Karate Black Belt
Over the holidays Josh Wilson (Year 6) was successful in obtaining his Junior Black Belt in Karate through the Australian Karate Academy. This outstanding effort has taken Josh five years to achieve with a lot of hard training, dedication and commitment. Well done Josh!

External Advertisements

Cross-Country/Track & Field
Opportunities for Villa athletes to join external training groups for “Sprints & Hurdles” and “Middle Distance/Cross-Country Training”.
Matt Scott is a Villanova Track & Field Sprints Coach and is running our Years 5-8 Speed & Agility programme in 2024.

Community Events – Save the Date! 2024 major Community events schedule available here.

Collection Notice for parents/guardians
2024 Student Residential Address and Other Information

The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to notify you that we have requested for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information. Under the Australian Education Regulations 2023, the school is required to provide the department with the following information about each student at the school:
– names and residential addresses of the student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
– student residential address (excluding student names)
– whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
– whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status).

The school collects the above information by generating a unique and unidentifiable student reference number (SRN) for each student record. The school only uses the SRN for this collection. The SRN cannot be used for any other purpose. The number only indicates to the department that each record provided is for one student.

Purpose of the collection
The Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection (the collection) informs Australian Government school education policy and helps ensure funding for non-government schools is based on need. The information collected is used to inform school funding calculations. It is combined with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data to calculate a non-government school community’s anticipated capacity to contribute to schooling costs.
In 2020, the department introduced a new measure of capacity to contribute: the Direct Measure of Income (DMI). The DMI is based on the median income of non-government school students’ parents or guardians using the collection data. For more information see Direct Measure of Income (DMI) Methodology.

Use and disclosure of personal information
Your personal information is protected by law under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act). Personal information is information or an opinion about an identifiable individual. Personal information includes an individual’s name and contact details.
Any use or disclosure of your personal information must occur in accordance with the Privacy Act, the Australian Education Act 2013 and Australian Education Regulations 2023.

Your personal information provided to the department through the collection may be:
– disclosed to the ABS for the purposes of capacity to contribute calculations and analysis as a part of the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP). Find more information about MADIP on the ABS website MADIP page
– disclosed to a contracted auditor where the department may audit a school’s collection submission. The contracted auditor compares the school’s submission with the student enrolment information. The contracted auditor will not use the information for any other purpose.

Communications technology support
– used or disclosed where it is otherwise required or authorised by law.
The department does not intend to disclose your personal information to any overseas recipients.
Find the department’s privacy policy on the Department of Education website which includes information on:
– how individuals can access and modify personal information held by the department
– how complaints about potential breaches or breaches of the Privacy Act can be made
– how the department will deal with these complaints.

The department commissioned an independent Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA). The PIA assesses the flows of information under the Collection, compliance with the Privacy Act and measures in place to safeguard the personal information being collected. The current version is available on the 2018 Student Residential Address Collection: Additional Required information Privacy Impact Assessment web page.
What do you need to do?
You are not required to do anything. Your school is responsible for providing the department with the requested details; however, you can contact the school to update your family’s details.

Contacts for further information
Your school can provide additional information about the collection process.
Alternatively, please visit the SchoolsHUB Address Collection help and support page.