Villa View – Issue 18, 6 November 2023

On Friday we have commissioned our Year 11’s to leadership of the College for the 2024 academic year. It is at times like this that as a College we reflect on the expectations of our students, and in particular our Seniors of the College. Naturally, we fall back to our values but there are times when these can then be a smokescreen for liberal interpretation and a shaping of the values to justify particular behaviours. As such I choose to be a little more direct in what I expect of as Senior group that leads Villanova College. What standards are they to uphold? This is what I shared with them, and the College community today.

To respect themselves, their learning and that of others. To actively make every classroom a place where each individual can thrive. Be disciplined and demand it of your peers. When you accept less than your best you have failed. A grade doesn’t define you, your effort and commitment does.

To show support through direct action to address negativity in others; in their language, their actions and their attitudes. What is direct action? Speak up and speak out! Ensure that your voice is evident, is loud and is direct. Tell those around you this is what Villanova stands for and as such so do I.

See, Judge, Act – Each boy, after years of a Villanova education knows exactly how to behave and what is expected of them. As a senior you both set and enforce the standard. Uniform, relationships, language, attitudes. Never walk past standards that are below our expectations. IF you don’t challenge the poor behaviour you see, you are condoning it.

Focus on kindness, empathy, compassion and care. Work with direct intent, and ask for support where necessary, to make your first action ‘one for others.’ Look to understand and consider the plight and feelings of those around you and deliver actions that look to lift them up not put them down. As seniors don’t hide direct and intentional bullying behind ‘banter’ or ‘fun’ and don’t allow others to do it either.

Deeply consider faith. You are not asked to blindly follow. You are asked, each day, to deeply consider the messages of the gospel and apply them to your life. To that you need to know the gospels, so religious education matters. It gives you a blueprint for which to guide your choices and shape your own journey.

If this is done then as Seniors, and young men in the world, you will thrive.

College Celebration of Excellence
On Tuesday night this week the College comes together to celebrate the richness of our community. It is an evening of interiority and consideration where we give acknowledgement and accolade to both individuals and the collective community across academics, sport, the arts and cultural pursuits.

It is hoped that in the near future, with the building of the Great Hall and Science precinct, we can once again celebrate on campus but at least for the interim it is held at QPAC. All members of the community are welcome and encouraged to come and celebrate together and enjoy the talents and skills of the boys in our College.

College Literary Competition
It was with great celebration and joy I congratulated members of the student community at our last assembly on their outstanding work in producing both short stories and poems as a part of the College literary competition. This is a competition instigated and coordinated by Mr Hayden Kennedy. There were some wonderful submissions including a Poem by Year 11 student Daniel Egert that has been published. It is with immense pride I congratulate Luca Jordan-Vieira, the winner of the poetry section and Lachlan Gillett in the short story category. Well done to these writers and all who submitted entries.

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.

2024 Senior Commissioning and Student Leadership Team Investiture
On Friday we celebrated the Mass of All Saints in a wonderful expression of our 2023 theme and College value of community. As part of our service, we commissioned our Year 11 students as the Senior Class of 2024 and formally invested our Student Leadership Team. To conclude the ceremony, our 2024 College Captain, Tiernan O’Neill spoke poignantly about change paradigms, especially in our exciting and transformative path towards the new House system, as well as launching the Senior Motto for 2024- Carpe Momentum, Seize each Moment. I would like to share with you some excerpts of Tiernan’s address:

“Change. What is change? Change is scary. Change is hard. Change is anything but familiar. In the human experience, we are taught to fear Change, despise Change, and even fight out against it. But you can’t run from it, it always catches up with you and the only way to accept Change is to embrace it. To trust the process, to understand that at some stages you will be uncomfortable but know that everything will work out in the end.

“Carpe Momentum” – Seize each moment, the Senior motto for 2024. We as a cohort have chosen this motto because we believe we can find power in it on a day-to-day basis. On the sports field when you’re tired and have had enough remember it’s your time to seize the moment. In the classroom when you just can’t understand a concept or are trying to bump your grades remember it’s your time to seize the moment. You only have so many moments at this school so cherish each and every one. Boys, we must embrace the change that is coming and seize each moment. There may be eight houses, but we all share this one home – Villanova College.”

Year 10 Day of Reflection
Last Tuesday, our Year 10 students engaged in our Day of Reflection program offsite at the Queensland Multicultural Centre. Facilitated by Mr Michael Fitzpatrick, who has been a long-standing friend and partner with the College, the shape of the program included the following aspects:

• Building positive culture towards leadership, especially within the new House System;
• Providing an opportunity to create safe environments for vulnerability;
• Promoting the value of interiority search and truth telling within the cohort to chart a course to personal and collective growth;
• To recognise and honour the pressure on our young men as they move towards their QCE studies.

I was particularly impressed by the students who shared their thoughts and feelings with the whole group- many who stepped outside their comfort zone and demonstrated enormous courage. These experiences are absolutely fundamental to the character and formation development of our students. I would like to thank Head of Year 10, Mr Ben Lynam for his organisation of the day and the team of teachers who supported our young men.

“Vulnerability is not knowing victory or defeat; it’s understanding the necessity of both; it’s engaging. It’s being all in.” – Brene Brown

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Endings are significant chapters in the book of life. Just like the conclusion of a gripping novel or a heartwarming movie, the ending of a school year holds profound importance. It’s not merely a closure, but a transition—an opportunity for transformation and growth. As we find ourselves at the end of another academic year it’s the perfect time to review in depth what an end truly signifies to us.

Recently, I stumbled upon an enlightening article by renowned clinical psychologist, author, and speaker, Andrew Fuller, entitled ‘The Adjourning or Ending Stage.’ Fuller’s insightful perspective illuminates a truth often overlooked in our fast-paced lives: amidst the excitement of new beginnings, we tend to neglect the crucial art of reflection and acknowledgment of what is coming to an end.

In these final weeks of the school year, a challenge arises—how do we wish to conclude this chapter? This query extends beyond academic grades; it delves into the essence of personal growth and emotional maturity. Every student aspires to see progress reflected in their report card, but the real challenge lies in their willingness to push boundaries, to strive harder, and emerge stronger. Equally significant is the way they choose to bid farewell to the bonds nurtured with their teachers and classmates.

Amongst these thoughts of closure, we find a whole raft of emotions. Some students grapple with anxiety, uncertain about the next steps in their journey or the friendships that await them. They might sense a pang of sadness as they anticipate changes in their relationships. Simultaneously, there can be a sense of achievement, a deep feeling of satisfaction derived from their personal accomplishments. Within reflective moments such as these, it is natural for students to have to navigate a complex web of emotions, each emotion echoing the depth of their own experiences.

As the academic year nears its end, I encourage each student to embrace this juncture with open hearts and open minds. It’s an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements but also to acknowledge the challenges overcome. It’s a time to express gratitude for the knowledge gained, the friendships formed, and the wisdom acquired. Just as the sun sets to rise again, every ending paves the way for a new beginning waiting to be embraced.

Finally, lets ensure that each student takes the opportunity to connect with their teachers and thank them for the journey of the year. Through the trials and tribulations, through the highs and lows, a relationship has been formed, and it is important for students to acknowledge the critical role that their teacher has in their formation. Of course, these thanks apply not only to their class teachers but also to the wonderful support staff in our Learning Enrichment Team who do so much for so many, our counsellors who are there for us through those difficult times, and all the staff in administration roles that keep the College ticking over. It is quite humbling for students to realise just how many people are in their corner in so many ways. To acknowledge that fact in the individual moment after class, in the hallway or out on the yard, and to personally thank them will mean the world to them and at the same time build our students development as fine young men.

So, let’s embark on this journey of endings with grace, reflection, and anticipation. Let’s celebrate the growth, cherish the memories, and welcome the transformation that endings bring.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Respect is a word I remember clearly from my childhood.  Parents, teachers, coaches, and seemingly any adult within our family or friend social circle expected it.  How did I know this?  Verbal and non-verbal cues – mostly explicit and some that would in fact pass me by depending on my age and the situation at hand.

In 2023, respect is still a crucial part of my world, professionally and personally.  At Villanova College, our GREATS College Expectations include Respect.  Every employee has “ethos” (moral nature, guiding beliefs) as part of their work contract.  We see the word respect inscribed on walls throughout the College grounds.  Parents commit with their sons to upholding the respect of our staff, facilities, use of technology and wider College community.  Students who walk onto the College grounds – continue their learning of Respect, be that successes and slips, from their family home to an even bigger connection of brothers and adults.

So over the past 50 years, and I’m rounding up, I’ve seen outstanding demonstrations of Respect inside and outside the education system.  This week, I want to focus on Respect within our Junior School space.  I want us all to really take stock of our understanding, modelling and expectations of what is such a fundamental piece of our belief system.  As individuals but also as a group of people working towards common goals – a sense of belonging, sense of worth and having a trusted platform to reach our potential.

Respecting ourselves.  If you have an enrolment, you pack your bag with the belongings you need, dress smartly in full academic uniform, tend to hair and hygiene, and make your way to school with your best mindset and intentions.  You are accountable for being prepared and anticipating the best in others.  You should feel safe, wanted and have a sense of purpose for completing work to the expectations at a Year 5 or 6 standard.  You meet the clearly stated GREATS targets the best you can.  Not the ones you want to do, not the ones you just find easy, you strive to meet them all.

Respecting others.  You treat others as you want to be treated – it’s a Christian commandment and we aim to live that.  All of us.  Surround yourself with like-minded people – your friends – and enjoy that company simply and graciously.  This looks like smiling, sounds like laughter and kind words, and feels like it’s the one true gift we can give with no cost other than time and thoughtfulness.  Meanwhile, give any other students the space to peacefully go about their games, their conversations and stay out of their personal and online spaces.  Broaden your ability to be flexible and learn differently in class, on the playground there is enough room for everyone.

Respecting our grounds.  We all deserve to walk into our learning and play spaces with our heads up high.  To do this, we must play our part in actively caring for the spaces (eg picking up belongings or litter) – we don’t step over it, kick it or pretend not to see it.  Keep furniture without graffiti, cuts and damage – it’s expensive and a privilege to use.

Respecting online platforms.  The College clearly states the purpose of search engines and email – shared learning sites such as Teams and OneNote are public are monitored closely by staff and the IT Department.  Digital footprints are real and permanent.  They can be the most positive and helpful ways to track learning, foster communication and improve feedback.  They can also be hurtful and inflict long lasting harm because of misdirected attempts at independence and power.  Respect the touch of your keypad, what social media you post on and searching on an internet that does not care, nor know, how old you are and what is suitable for you to read or see.

Respect amongst adults.  Parents and staff.  Those who should model first-hand civility, good intentions and a strong desire to communicate with hope and positivity.  If we fail to model the words spoken, our body language and willingness to pick ourselves up and find a way forward – then our sons will too.  Each day a fresh start.  Each time we should look to make respect the one thing, if that’s all that we are capable of, that all parties take away.  This will be most likely to happen when G, E, A, T and S work collaboratively with Respect.  Read, internalize and start practicing in whatever capacity you can.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

External Examinations
Our Year 12’s have hit the halfway mark of their external examinations. Discussions with the students have been very positive and they have been confident in their performances so far. Whilst some have indicated that the examinations have been challenging or ‘thrown a few curve balls,’ all have attested to the fact that they have prepared well with their teachers. We continue to keep our Year 12’s in our thoughts in this busy period.

Subject Confirmation and Stationery Lists
There has been a minor delay in sending out the subject confirmation for 2024 for Years 8 to 11. This will occur over the next week. Stationery lists are available on Parent Lounge so once subject confirmation has been sent, parents/carers of students in Year 7 to 10 can order. Parents/carers of students currently in Year 5 and 6, and Year 11 can place orders now as all subjects are compulsory or have been studied this year. Please contact Mrs Kerryn Graham (Teaching and Learning Office) if you have any questions with regards to stationery packs or ordering.

Examination Preparation
It’s never too early or too late! With examination time approaching, it is time for students to seriously think about making study notes – especially if they haven’t been doing them regularly throughout the year. Please encourage your son(s) to find out what topics will be tested, make a quick mind map of each topic so they can see an overview of what they need to learn, then start making point form notes about what they need to learn and remember for the examination. You want to make your study notes as soon as possible so you have ample time to learn them and to do lots of practise questions.

Top 5 tips to improving notes:

1. POINTS: Avoid long sentences and condense content into key points.
2. TABLES: Use tables wherever you can to create structure and make the content easier to learn.
3. KEY WORDS: Pull out key words and capitalise them (as shown in this list).
4. HIGHLIGHT: Make sure the main content stands out (but don’t go crazy with colour).
5. FEEDBACK: Show your notes to teachers, parents and friends so they can suggest ways to improve them.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

On Friday we have gathered for the Mass of All Saints and for the investiture of our Year 11s as senior students leading our College.  These two celebrations are woven together on purpose.  In our Christian life we are called to love one another, to want the best for others, to tap into a joy that sustains us.  We have many saints in the Augustinian tradition who can inspire us.  Each of them looked at what has been happening in the world around them and challenged injustice and reached out with compassion and love to those around them.

Father Saldie explored our invitation to living saintly lives powerfully in his homily today and I share a section of it for your consideration and reflection.  Sainthood might seem a far off concept disconnected from our life.  Fr Saldie has made it much more practical and described it powerfully enough it certainly is desirable!

“A young Villanovan boy was shown through many churches in Brisbane CBD by his mother and told that all the figures in the stained-glass windows were Saints.  When they returned home his Dad asked him what a saint was, he said in his childish simplicity,

“A saint is something the light shines through.”

And how true that is: saints are brightening, warming, cheering, beautifying everything they touch, everyone they encounter.

A saint is someone who brings brightness into others, warmth to people, cheerfulness in life, an adorable presence in the community that everyone wants to be around with.  There is something inside that person that is desirable to possess.  And we ask, what is that something?  That willingness for the good or happiness of the others without expecting a return.  That is love. That is a saint, one who is in love. This is also the ordinary goal of everyone, to be happy by being a source of happiness for others.  So let me say it again, being a saint is the ordinary goal of all.  Everything that one encounters in life, everything we celebrate here in the liturgy: the readings, the sacraments, the singing of praises; are meant to conduce to the place where we become happy and share our happiness.  We become saints; we become holy. 

This holiness business is defined as friendship with God, to follow the will of God and his will is love.  “God is love” as the Bible says and in St Augustine’s understanding, “love is God”.  A Genuine Love is willing the good of the other.  If we wake up every day and set a goal to love, to make someone feel loved, feel important, feel appreciated, feel fulfilled in life, then you are in the radar of becoming holy. If that is not what godliness is about then what is?”

We hope that we can each strive to live more fully in God’s love.  We most certainly pray that our Seniors of 2024 will do this as they lead our school.

Reflections on our Visit to Chung Tian Temple: Year 11 Study of Religion
Our Head of Religion, John Holroyd, led a visit to Chung Tian Temple last week as part of Year 11 Study of Religion.  He found classes were a credit to themselves and the College in the way that they were so positive and open in their visit. What struck the Venerable MaioLai, the monk who greeted us, was how respectful, wise, and well-mannered the boys were. Her lessons on the “dharma” – the teachings of the Buddha – were well-received, and quickly put into practice, both with the mindful way the boys rang the Temple bell, and also their mindfulness of other worshippers and visitors to the Temple. The Venerable summed up the teachings of her Buddhist Master, Hsing Yun, in the following way: Think positive thoughts, carry out good actions, and speak kind words. Here are two student accounts of their experiences:

“Hidden within an unassuming bushland of Underwood lies a haven for clarity and tranquillity, yet also a grandiose appearance sufficient to awe a group of Grade Eleven students. On Friday the 27^th of October the Year Eleven studiers of Religion visited the Chung Tian Buddhist Temple to experience some traditional rituals focussing on a broadened understanding of mindfulness and Buddhist ethics.

After a welcome through an enormous wooden arch and a series of striking statues, we were met by a Buddhist monk in a meticulously kept garden  (the maintenance of which is a prime example of focussing the mind on simple sources of joy – something we experienced in great depth throughout the day). First, we were given a short presentation on the fundamental principles of Buddhist philosophy. Walking into the large hall, an instinctual air of respect and civility filled us all as, with our shoes off, and small bags of rice adorning gold-stitched tea towels before us, everyone became aware we were entering a spiritual space larger than ourselves. The monk explained the history of the temple itself, how Hsing Yun began his Buddhist faith with a temple in Taiwan which is now one of over 300 worldwide.

She then proceeded to explain what the Buddhist teaching is all about. Using examples from our own lives such as pets, money and to all us teenagers’ despair, iPhones, the group explored attachment to material possessions. Through the contemplation, it became clear that whilst these things may bring us joy or even feel ‘meant to be,’ an even more inevitable force surrounds them all: loss and impermanence. In layman’s terms, all good things come to an end, but more importantly here is where a paradox occurs as all the joy our attachments bring us eventually become a cause of suffering. Whilst Buddhism commonly refers to sources of suffering as ‘greed,’ we quickly realised this term is more general than the Tax Collector stories from the Bible. For example, whilst they do not involve directly taking from others, simply searching for company or happiness can be a form of greed – or rather attachment; in essence, any pursuit bar enlightenment falls under this umbrella. However, greed is not something to be feared, nor something that is the evil sin we’re led to believe, instead, it is simply any desire within the mind, and as we’re all aware, those are perfectly natural.

Training the mind’s natural tendencies was something explored in the exercise of meditation. To paraphrase a term used by one of the volunteers, the mind is like a wild monkey, whilst it can sit still and concentrate, given a few seconds it will swing off into the trees and explore. Meditation though is about giving our monkey a map back to the start-point, through breathing and bringing consciousness to our sense of touch. Similarly to meditation, Tai Chi provided a mindful, concentrated distraction for the mind. Particularly as small droplets of rain began to fall, a beauty could be found in the moment as well as the delicate things we take for granted in wider life. Once again, this was reiterated by the bell ringing exercise, a satisfaction could be found in pulling the string just hard enough to resonate a sound rather than a dramatic crash on the bell. The feeling of being on the cusp of enlightenment, at the bare minimum relates to the feeling generated by Buddhism’s abstinence as whole which is that the bare minimum is not a sign of a lack of effort, but rather a fulfilling feeling of returning to our roots by living with simplicity rather than self-indulgence.”

Luca Jordan-Viera, Year 11

“Going to Chung Tian temple with my peers was an exciting experience as I got to see many of my classmates dive into the Buddhist lifestyle for half a day. Tai chi seemed to be a fan favourite among everyone. The atmosphere around the temple was very peaceful and relaxing. It was filled with gardens and open spaces with beautiful architecture. The monk who guided us through the temple was extremely welcoming and told us about the sacrifices that monks make in service of their faith. The temple was an effective way to welcome us to the culture and open our eyes to a different faith to what we are used to.  Learning about Buddhism and experiencing it first hand was a whole new experience for many and this caught the attention and interests of the majority of our peers.”

Dominic Andrews – Year 11

Call to Action from Vinnies: Our Christmas Appeal
Our Christmas Hamper appeal is underway.
Each pastoral has been allocated a specific family with details of family members.
For each hamper we are seeking the following:
– non-perishable pantry staples (e.g. tea, coffee, cereal, tinned goods, 2-minute noodles, cans of soup)
– toiletries products (e.g. sunscreen, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, tampons, sanitary pads, tissues)
– Christmas items (e.g. shortbread, lollies, Christmas crackers, Christmas fruit cake – nothing that can melt)
– a little gift to lift the spirits (hand creams, moisturisers…)
– gift cards
These are all due at school by end of Week 6, on Friday 10 November

Date Claimers
AFAS Immersion 2024: Applications open for current Year 9 and 10 students

On Thursday night interested families and students in Year 9 and 10 attended an information session about our AFAS immersion to the Philippines which will be held in the September holidays of 2024.

Applications are due by next Friday, 10 November.  Please see the attached flyer for further information including the student link to register for the AFAS Immersion.

Pastoral Masses
With only three weeks of term remaining our College chapel has been filling with students and parents as the junior school students celebrate their class masses.  With all that is happening in our lives and in our world locally and globally creating spaces to stop and pray is part of our DNA here at Villanova College.  It builds community and it links us with the Christian tradition which can guide us in the challenges and hardships alongside the joys in our lives.  Whilst these masses have a roster, there is always room for more students, staff and families to attend.  Parents are welcome to attend when their son’s mass is on, and we love it when grandparents come to.  Masses are held in our chapel and start at 8am and are finished by 8.30am.

Please ensure that your son is present when his pastoral or team is gathering.

Term 4

As we close, I ask you to pray for our teachers.  Last Friday we celebrated World Teacher Day.  This is prayer for teachers across our world who work with our young people shaping the minds and hearts of the coming generations.

Let us give thanks for all the teachers in our lives,
Especially those who work in schools.
The ones who work in secret teaching girls in northern Afghanistan,
The ones who work in rooms made of scraps of timber in Tanzania,
The ones who work with few resources in refugee camps,
The ones who sit up at night preparing lessons,
The ones whose patience seems endless,
The ones who understand the needs of the young
And help them find their place in the world
Where they can live with compassion
And create a more just future
Jesus’ friends called him ‘teacher’.
He taught people to see reality with a fresh pair of eyes.
We give thanks that this work continues.
Often unappreciated, but always wonderful.
We ask thanks that this work continues.
Often unappreciated, but always wonderful.
We ask blessing on teachers who feel tired or frustrated.
Learning happens in community,
And teachers are its makers.
For this we give thanks.

Amen

(By Michael McGirr, Community Engagement Manager and Mission Facilitator, Caritas Australia)

Stress Management
As we approach the pointy end of the last and hectic term, when assessment due dates creep up and preparation for exams begin, we often see stress levels of the students rise. Being stressed before assessment is entirely normal. Tests, exams, trials, auditions, recitals etc can all create stress. In most cases, a bit of stress is actually really good for us, as it keeps us sharp, motivated and focused. The skill of being able to manage your stress before big events is a powerful life skill.

It is important that whilst the boys are studying, they also take time out for themselves and don’t become consumed with the study schedule. Research continues to show that taking a 5 – 60 minute study break will refresh our brain, allow us to recharge mentally, gain a fresh perspective, and return with renewed focus and motivation.

At Villa, we take many steps to alleviate stress during this time for the boys, particularly in the wellbeing space where each cohort is given the opportunity once a term to be outdoors and partake in fun and physical activities with their peers. This allows them to take their mind off study and the pressures of their academic work.

Physical activity can help your emotional health in a variety of ways. Some of the benefits include:

• causing the release of “feel good” chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins and serotonin, to improve wellbeing
• reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness by venturing outside into your community, or interacting with others in a group activity setting
• helping to improve your all-important sleep patterns

This term in the Wellbeing program, the Year 11s are undertaking a unit on Stress Management. They are given strategies to manage stress around exams and assessments and look at practical techniques to de-stress with the ultimate aim being for students to approach this time of the term with a balanced perspective and a toolkit for stress reduction.

In times when we are really stressed, it’s important to find ways to calm down and relax. Other strategies to do this is to practice Mindfulness and Meditation, and these are also included as part of the wellbeing lessons.  Some boys might just need to take a break, go outside, and regroup before hitting the books again.

It is challenging to “get the balance right” with all the elements of our life. The better we get at this, the less stress we will experience. No one lives without some stress. Therefore, managing it when it arises is an essential life skill.

Like everyone else, I experience a range of stressors that range in severity. On Monday, it was finding an ‘Infernal Beast’ Halloween costume for my son with one day’s notice, every week it is making sure the kids get to all their extracurricular activities on time, and this year it has been the hope for the Wellbeing program to actually make a difference in the lives of your sons. Going for a run or doing a spot of Pilates always helps me de-stress. That along with talking things though with family or trusted friends is in my stress reduction toolkit.

Whilst strategies like these can help, it’s important for the boys to reach out and talk to a trusted friend, parent, teacher, or counsellor if they feel like it’s becoming too much. Because while stress is common and a normal human emotion, sometimes we need help to deal with it.

Here’s hoping you all have a lovely and stress free weekend.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing

Congratulations to our Esports Teams!

Villanova has had a very successful and affirming conclusion to the 2023 esports calendar, with recent wins and commendations at the regional, state and national level. As a summary, Villanova esports students won the AIC Esports round, made the state semi-finals in the FUSE Cup Minecraft Cup, won the FUSE Cup Rocket League state finals, and went on to become runners-up in the FUSE Cup Rocket League nationals. Read on for the full story.

Firstly, AIC Esports. Villanova College hosted the second annual AIC Esports Minecraft Capture the Flag competition on Saturday 21 October. Alongside all other AIC schools, Villanova entered two highly competitive teams comprising students from Years 7 and 8. Both our teams performed admirably well, notching wins against AIC rivals in the qualifying rounds. However, it was our Year 8 team colloquially known as “The Lorax Gang” who qualified highest to enter the elimination stage of the draw. Pleasingly, this team made it all the way through to the grand finals, where we defeated St Laurence’s College in a very competitive 15-minute Capture the Flag match. Throughout the day, our students were exceptional role models both on the ‘field’ and from the sidelines. I was very proud of the way our teams displayed sportsmanship, skill, strategy and collaboration in all matches played. They brought the very best of themselves to their matches.

Congratulations to our deserving AIC Esports Champions – Daniel Cooney, Hugh Laidlaw, Mathias Maldonaldo, Diego Rios Yanez, and Laurence Townsend! Thank you to our game server leadership group of Cooper Crowley, Riley Gaffney, Hamish O’Toole and Hugh Weston, supporting referees from Year 7, tournament shoutcasters (MCs) Ming Yang and Elijah La Porte, and the YCS team for providing cake, donuts and drinks for attendees. Thanks to Nicole Jervis, Amanda Waterson and Kath Underhill for supervising the YCS students running the fund-raising stall. Middle School students Zac Henry and Cooper Crowley were instrumental in setting up servers, networking, power and laptops at each of the three player game zones. Caain Miller, Liam Hartley and the Villanova AV team did an exceptional job preparing the theatre for lighting, AV and technical setup required to run an engaging esports tournament. Overall, the AIC Esports Competition was a great success due to the involvement and participation of so many generous, talented people.

On the following day, Villanova hosted the State Finals for the FUSE Cup Minecraft Capture the Flag Cup. The competition followed a similar format as our own AIC Tournament, however schools from the entire south-east Queensland were invited to enter. Over three seasons, eight teams qualified to compete in the state finals. Villanova teams took two of these eight slots – one by direct entry and the other through wildcard selection. Interestingly, it was the exact same two teams as our AIC teams- meaning two days of back-to-back competition! In a grueling round robin stage, every team played against each other. Again, “The Lorax Gang” made top four and entered the semi-final sudden death round. They played competitively but were beaten. Congratulations to inaugural state finalists, St Peters Lutheran College. Thanks to the team of hosts and referees, most of whom worked two consecutive days in this “Minecraft Esports Festival” of sorts.

Last Friday, Year 8 students Aidan Davis and Patrick Joyce competed at the FUSE Cup Rocket League state finals at Emmanuel College, Gold Coast. Aidan and Patrick secured their place at the state finals after winning the Brisbane region Rocket League competition in an all-Villanova grand final against Year 7 students Sage Arancibia and Veer Kalyan. At the state finals, Patrick and Aidan dominated, winning two matches to nil to clinch the State Champions trophy. They returned the next day to compete against the other state champions from NSW, Victoria and Western Australia. Our dream team made the national finals where they went down two matches to one to Western Australia. Aidan and Patrick represent all that is great about esports – these students are skilled yet humble, polite and gracious, and serve the College as excellent ambassadors and competitors. Congratulations and best wishes for 2024!

Mr. Jason Lane, Esports Coordinator

Closing Out 2023 – Moving On to 2024
We continue all lessons and rehearsals through until the end of Week 7 (Friday 17 November) so please ensure you are aware of when your timetabled classes are occurring and continue to arrive for rehearsals unless advised otherwise by your conductor.

Information regarding continuation into 2024 will be distributed to families this week.  We are looking to confirm our numbers for timetabling and staffing purposes prior to the Christmas holidays.  We appreciate your assistance in ensuring we make our deadline of 3pm Wednesday 15 November for completion of online enrolment forms.

Musicians at Celebration of Excellence – Tuesday 7 November
A reminder that members of Drumline, Big Band, Sinfonia String Orchestra, and Symphonic Band are to meet at 7:30am at the Stage Door of QPAC next Tuesday morning, 7 November for our sound check.  Students will be transported back to school for the remainder of lessons so will need to be prepared to attend Lesson 3-6.

In the evening members of Chamber Brass, Chamber Winds, and Guitar Ensemble 1 will need to arrive at 5pm at the QPAC Stage Door to prepare for their foyer performance.  All other musicians need to arrive by 5:30pm.

All students, even those receiving an award, are to wear their performance uniform for the evening.  We will communicate with our musicians regarding where they need to be and when should they be receiving an award – this will all be confirmed whilst they are at QPAC on Tuesday.

We are looking forward to another great opportunity to showcase to our College community some more of the fine work of our musicians.

Music Student Leadership Group
Over the past fortnight, our music community have completed our processes for selecting our next team of student leaders who will lead the student voice for our program.  I would like to thank all students who have participated in this process and congratulate all those who nominated, and those who were successful in their election.

Please join me in congratulating our new Music Student Leadership Team:

I look forward to working with them and our Senior musicians as we prepare for the coming musical year.

Year 5 Music Information
Rehearsals for Year 5 ensembles for the next two Tuesday’s are postponed.  Staff will not be at school before school on Tuesday 7 November due to Celebration of Excellence preparations.  We will not have a rehearsal on Tuesday 14 November due to our Year 5 Christmas Concert during Period 6.  Information regarding the Christmas Concert will be distributed very soon.

Christmas Extravaganza
Our 2023 Christmas Extravaganza will be convened on the evening of Tuesday 14 November.  We will be communicating final details around this event very shortly.  Please keep an eye on your regular communication channels.

Music Support Group AGM
Our AGM for the Villanova College Music Supporters Group is to be convened on Monday 13 November, commencing at 6:30pm in the Chapter Room – at the front of the Augustine Centre.  Please contact the Music Office if you would like to receive communications regarding this meeting – music@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Key Dates Term 4
As we look ahead across the coming months, 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

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 to purchase a membership and obtain ongoing special deals throughout the year.

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

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Director of Sport Address
As I walk around the fields, courts, nets and gym space, I am impressed with the level of engagement of our young men in physical activity. Whether it is an early morning Speed & Agility session on Whinstanes or an afternoon Volleyball selection trial in Goold Hall, Sport is alive and thriving at Villanova College.

Students and families are encouraged to stay up to date with all things Sport on the website Locker Room Overview page. This is a central hub of information with trials and training schedules, draws and week to week information specific to each of our fourteen AIC Sports.

As the dust settles on selection trials for our 2024 Term 1 Sports, I congratulate all who participated, from the students to our volunteer coaches. The strength of our community is evident as we look to finish 2023 on a strong and positive note.

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

Communications
Families are reminded to access all Sport information via the Villanova College website and the Villanova College App. The Locker Room Overview 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, will cease at the end of Week 7.

AFL
Trials for AFL continue through Weeks 5 and 6, Term 4. Students are reminded that trials are conducted in 2024 year levels. The AFL 2023/2024 Calendar and Training Schedule for Terms 4 and 1 are available on the Locker Room Overview page.

Following trials in Weeks 5 and 6 and the pre-season games versus Iona College on Friday 10/Saturday 11 November, AIC AFL teams will be selected and posted online by 5pm Sunday 12 November. Students selected in AIC teams will continue training in Week 7 and play pre-season games versus St Laurence’s College on Friday 17/Saturday 18 November.

Unfortunately, due to the restricted team nominations in AFL, some students will miss out on joining a team. These students will then be welcome to join Cricket and/or Swimming (and possibly Volleyball in some available year levels).

Matt Conlan, AFL Coordinator

Cricket
A big thank you to the cricket parents for organising your sons to attend the trial last Sunday at Villanova Park. It gave the coaches an opportunity to see how the boys performed in the field for the duration of an innings and to assess their running between wickets and shot selections with fielders in place.

Team lists for the trials v Padua in the new year have been posted. There are still a number of selections to be made and players will move up and down teams based on their performance at the skills clinics being held over the next two weeks for A and B players and from their trial form before Round 1.

There are still spots that we need to fill in the Opens, Year 10 and Year 9. If boys are unsuccessful in making teams for AFL or Volleyball and would like to play Cricket, please contact the Sports Office.

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, 8D and 5D.

Cricket Skills Clincs for A and B teams
Just a reminder that skills clinics will continue for the next two weeks at Little Langlands for the A and B selected players in Years 6, 7, 8 and 9 (2024). Year 8 and 9 will have their sessions on a Monday afternoon. Year 6 and 7 will have their session on Wednesday afternoons. The sessions run from 3.20pm to 5pm. Parents please be at the nets to collect your son prior to 5pm.  The safest place to collect them is in the Easts Rugby League carpark. Please enter via Panitya Street just past the entrance to Langlands Pool. Players are asked to bring their own kits to school for these sessions.

Chris Everding, Cricket Coordinator

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.

AIC Swimming training continues through until Friday 22 December 2023 and commences again from Tuesday 9 January 2024.

Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Swimming Coordinator

Volleyball
AIC Volleyball trials kicked off (served off) again this week ahead of the 2024 AIC season. Our trials will continue on Saturday 4 November with the final clinics, after which the final selection squads will be announced. The schedule for Saturday can be found below, please note this is an updated version noting changes for Year 9 and Year 11 only per College app notification.

In some year levels, we will unfortunately be required to reduce the number of students participating.  Any student not selected in a Volleyball team is welcome to join an AIC Cricket team and can do this by contacting the Sports Office.

AIC Sport trials also provided the opportunity to meet some students who will join the College for Year 7 in 2024. These students got the opportunity to meet and train with members of our First VI Volleyball squad as they navigated through their first session of Sport at Villanova.

AIC Volleyball Clinic information (noting changes to Year 9 and Year 11)

Date:               Saturday 4 November 2023
Venue:             Court 1 – Goold Hall, Nearest Main Entrance
Court 2 – Goold Hall, Near Stage
Uniform:         Sports PE uniform or any suitable sports clothing

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

Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator

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

• Upcoming Events

Celebration of Excellence at QPAC – Tuesday 7 November | https://n.qtix.com.au/tickets/series/snvillanova23

Christmas Concert – Tuesday 14 November | More information to come.

• Community Meetings

P&F – Monday 6 November – 6pm in the Library

Music Support Group – Monday 13 November – 6:30pm in the Augustine Centre, Chapter Room