Dear Members of the Villanova College Family
Later this week I will be sending to all families a letter explaining the 2018 Tuition Fees for Villanova College. The College Business Manager and myself have been working with the College Board and College Finance Advisory Committee to formulate a realistic budget for 2018. All members of the Board and Finance Advisory Committee are mindful of the need to keep fees affordable for families and to plan for the future of the College in a prudent manner.
The challenges presented by the changes to Commonwealth Government funding for schools has had an impact on Villanova College as all schools transition to the new funding target of 80% of the School Resource Standard – SRS. Due to all Catholic Schools in Queensland being one group or block, this transition period must happen over six years from 2018 through until 2023. As a consequence, Villanova College’s funding from the Commonwealth Government will be increasingly reducing over the six-year period with a direct effect on our income.
Student Leaders 2018
I am pleased to announce the following students have accepted leadership positions for 2018:
Portfolio Captains
Academic Captain: Asier Goni
Cultural Captain: Cael McWilliam
Ministry Captain: Thomas Balshaw
Music Captain: Alexander Dang
Sport Captain: Nicholas Elsey
House Captains
Crane: Regan Womersley
Goold: Angelo Natale Davila
Heavey: Tyreece Rotscheid-Felu
Murray: Lachlan Littleton
House Vice-Captains
Crane: Louis Caltabiano
Goold: William Barwick
Heavey: Matthew Short
Murray: Jake Perrier
As a community, we offer our support to these young men as they accept the challenges of leadership. I am confident these students will strive to be excellent role models and servant leaders.
Year 12 Graduation
Next week marks the final week for our Year 12 students as they prepare to graduate from the College and move into the next phase of education, training and/or work. The Year 12 Formal will be held on Tuesday evening 14 November at Suncorp Stadium.
On Thursday 16 November the Graduation Mass and Ceremony will be held in Goold Hall and I look forward to joining with the parents of our Year 12 students as we officially farewell the students.
We keep all Year 12 students and their families in our prayers and thoughts at this time.
A Blessing for our Year 12 Students
Dearest Father in Heaven,
Bless our young men and bless this day
Of new beginnings.
Smile upon these young men
And surround each of them, Lord,
With the soft mantle of your love.
Teach our young men to follow in your footsteps,
And to live life in the ways of
Love, faith, hope and charity. Amen
God bless
Mr Mark Stower, College Principal
This Friday sees our youngest Villanovans head to the Easts Rugby Union Club at Norman Park for their Day of Reflection.
The annual Day of Reflection is an important time in giving our boys the chance to “look within”. It would be easy for some people to roll their eyes at such an opportunity; however, it is crucial that our spiritual and mental health is given priority. Balancing the education of ten and eleven-year-old children means making time for listening, recording and responding to their needs.
2017 has been an incredible year of new routines, expectations and achievements. With high support from home and school, they have endeavoured to reach their potential. Friday is their chance to think about the “year that was”. What words of wisdom would they share with the cohort of 2018? Well two classes have helped me get a head start, and I thank 5 Green and 5 Gold. Let’s explore the top five ideas they came up with earlier this week:
I think it is fair to say that with these 53 boys joining the other 109 students on Friday that we already have an amazing amount of hindsight coming to fruition. With all teaching staff leading sessions around being a Villanovan, the “Ingredients of a Brother”, recording “A Message to my Future Self in 2024”, respecting Remembrance Day and beginning our 2018 Buddy Letters – there is a great deal to be done at Bottomley Park. I can’t wait to spend time with you gentlemen. Your words will inspire me in ways that you might never truly appreciate. You teach me what’s important and what I must strive to do for our Junior School and I thank you.
Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School
With a two and a four-year-old at home, writing about the importance of sleep may well reflect my bias on the matter! However, research shows more of us should be talking about the importance of getting a good night’s sleep.
As adults, how much do we prioritise gaining the recommended eight – nine hours per night? For our teenagers, how much are they prioritising the nine – 10 hours that they require? The World Health Organisation has recently supported claims from key ‘sleep experts‘ that we are facing a sleep deprivation epidemic. In fact, if we get less than seven hours sleep, we are technically sleep deprived!
Sleep is an incredibly important restorative time for the human body. With the appropriate quantity of quality sleep, we can improve our creativity, health and emotional regulation. Conversely, a lack of sleep can lead to poor concentration and alertness, and can have a negative impact on our cognitive ability. Increased irritability and low mood can also be symptomatic of poor sleep habits.
Psychologist Andrew Fuller reminds us that, “Getting enough sleep is one of the most powerful ways we can protect ourselves against depression. The structures in the brain that support the most powerful antidepressant, serotonin, are built and re-built between the sixth and the eighth hour of sleep.”
What messages do we need to promote about sleep to our adolescent sons and students?
For more information about teenagers and sleep, here are a few helpful links worth navigating:
https://www.mindmatters.edu.au/
https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep
http://www.sleepeducation.net.au/Docs/Adolescent’s%20Sleep%20Facts%20Sheet.pdf
Mr Greg O’Neill, Head of Middle School
Year 12
At the beginning of this term, I spoke to the seniors about the high expectations I had for the final steps of their Villanova journey. I also encouraged them to positively savour their final days or to paraphrase one of my favourite writers, Henry David Thoreau, suck the marrow out of their last moments together as Villanova brothers. Whilst there has been an understandable air of excitement in the yard, especially regarding the lead up to next week’s Senior Formal, the Year 12 students certainly embraced my challenge to them with aplomb.
Last Friday’s final day of Year 12 classes was memorable on many fronts. The behaviour and conduct throughout the day was exceptional, particularly the way the seniors engaged and led the congregational singing at the All Saint Mass. Their passionate singing of Ancient Words, brothers in arms, was one of those lasting moments which all in attendance will carry with them into the future. Another highlight after the Mass was the Leadership Handover Ceremony in which the outgoing Student Leadership Executive transferred the College symbols of the Banner, Book, Flame and Heart Crest and the Declaration of Student Rights to the incoming leaders. The speech by 2018 College Captain Elect James King affirmed the significant contribution of the Senior Class of 2017. He stated: ‘to the class of 2017, thank you for not only showing us the true power of the Villanovan brotherhood but also illustrating what it really means to be one’s brother’s keeper.’ The final address by 2017 College Captain to the student body was met with a standing ovation, paying tribute to Hamish Drummond’s positive example of student leadership throughout the course of year.
At the conclusion of the day, the Year 12s gathered in the Senior School precinct for a series of war cries and chants, which echoed across Coorparoo. I would like to extend my thanks to parents for their assistance in reinforcing our collective high expectations and for Year 12 Pastoral Area Leader, Mr Tony Rolls for his organisation of the final day program. I look forward to the final celebrations at the Formal and Graduation next week.
2018 Student Leadership Team
Following the conclusion of the selection process last Thursday and Friday, the 2018 Student Leadership Team is now finalised. I would like to congratulate the following Year 11 and 10 students for their appointments:
Portfolio Captains
Academic Captain: Asier Goni
Cultural Captain: Cael McWilliam
Ministry Captain: Thomas Balshaw
Music Captain: Alexander Dang
Sports Captain: Nicholas Elsey
House Captains and Vice Captains
Crane House
Captain: Regan Womersley
Vice-Captain: Louis Caltabiano
Goold House
Captain: Angelo Natale Davila
Vice-Captain: William Barwick
Heavey House
Captain: Tyreece Rotscheid-Felu
Vice-Captain: Matthew Short
Murray House
Captain: Lachlan Littleton
Vice-Captain: Jake Perrier
The 2018 Student Leadership Team gathered for a Mass at the College Chapel on Tuesday. Fr Pete’s homily provided a strong reminder of the importance of service, humility and justice in the work of student leaders in a Catholic school.
“There is something in humility which strangely exalts the heart.”– Saint Augustine
Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School
Gala Dinner
One to tell the grandchildren about – James Webster, Amazing night to finish up an amazing year -Daniel Duskovic, Food delicious, great company and all wrapped up with excellent speakers – Angus Tracey.
It has been a great year in Ministry due to the spirited and distinguished leadership from many Year 12 students. A Gala Dinner was held on the top floor of Veritas last Thursday to say thank you to these students. Approximately 20 Year 12 students also attended from San Sisto College, Loreto College and Lourdes Hill College. As well as enjoying a delicious dinner, provided at cost by Chris’ IGA in Carina, the students were nourished by each other’s company and some great speeches from recent graduates giving practical ways of staying involved next year. Another highlight of the evening was the table quiz with questions relating to the years of the students’ lives.
About twelve staff and younger students gave up their evening to serve the dinner. I am very thankful to Liam Hampson, Tom Balshaw and Riley Pownall (Year 11), Dominic Duskovic (Year 10) and Luke Waterson (Year 6) for their help. Not only did they serve with dignity, they also helped to set up a very fine pop-up restaurant in the top floor classrooms.
All the values that beat at the heart of Villanova College were once again on display in a civilised evening of conversation and fun.
SVP Christmas Hampers
Many of these same students are now filling my office with items to go into the Christmas hampers for local families who are doing it tough at this time. Approximately $600 was raised last week through a BBQ, Crazy Sock Day and a generous donation from the Villanova College Tolle Lege Library.
YAYM
Like the other ministry groups, YAYM is currently receiving nominations for leadership roles in 2018 whilst also looking to honour the students who have provided great leadership in 2017. Plans are underway for a “Moving On” celebration with the Year 9 students, probably following a Christmas-themed visit to the elderly residents of Archbishop Duhig Village. Prizes to the winner and runner up in the YAYM Cor Unum Film Competition will be awarded this week at a special meeting involving popcorn and screening of the best entries.
Liturgy News
I am constantly impressed by the way that our Chaplain, Fr Peter Wieneke, and our Assistant Chaplain, Fr Saldie Resolado, find creative ways to express and celebrate the deeper moments in the students’ journeys. They have a gift for pointing to realities that lie beyond words. We saw this at the All Saints Mass last Friday, which became a vibrant celebration of the service given by the senior cohort of 2017. In a quieter way, the leaders elect for 2018 had the shared experience of beginning their journey as servant leaders in a special Chapel Mass this morning. What really stood out in both Masses was the sense of occasion, and an obvious humility and unity in the student leadership teams of both 2017 and 2018.
Mr John Holroyd, Vice Principal – Ministry, Mission and Evangelisation
The Veritas terraces will soon be home to a new feature garden created as a mark of solidarity between Villanova and the Philippines. The Solidarity Garden will feature different elements and symbols, which have stayed in the mind of students who went on the recent AFAS Exchange. The overall aim of the garden is to make the Villanova community more aware of life over in the Philippines and the work of AFAS. The central element of the garden will be a shrine housing a replica of the Filipino sacred relic Santo Nino.
The Santo Nino is located at the Basilica del Santo Nino in Cebu and receives millions of visitors each year. The shrine, which houses the statue, will be made from bamboo and corrugated iron, which is inspired by the design of the shanties present everywhere in the Philippines. Several other smaller design choices, such as including plants that are present in the schools AFAS helps, will also be included in the final project. We are hopeful that the garden will be finished early next year.
Daniel Duskovic, AFAS President, 2017
Guitar Finale Concert
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the vision of Mr Russell Neville, our Guitar Tutor, who was behind the preparation for our recent Guitar Finale Concert. The event was a great testament to the work of this department over the year and another great evening of music to conclude 2017. Guitar ensembles from Loreto College, and ‘Churchie,’ as well as the community guitar ensemble Cobalt Guitar Collective, directed by Paul Svoboda, joined us.
Thanks must go to the Administrations of both Churchie and Loreto for allowing their students to participate. Thanks also to Russell and Paul for their work with the students over the year. I would also like to recognise our fantastic Music Support Group who came to assist with the hospitality and front-of-house organisation, and our wonderful Tech Crew who assisted us yet again in preparations for a concert in Hanrahan Theatre. Finally, thanks must go to the students and families who continue to support music in all its guises at Villanova – for without you we would not have this wonderful program.
Music Support Group
Our Music Support Group held their Annual General Meeting last Monday evening. We had an excellent attendance and I would like to thank the members of this organisation for their continued support of the Music Department at Villanova College.
It gives me great pleasure to announce the Executive for 2018:
We also elected the Executive for the QCMF Organising Committee at this meeting. It gives me great pleasure to announce the QCMF Executive for 2018:
Information regarding our Music Support Group has been distributed with our re-enrolment packs via email. If you would like to be involved with this motivated group in 2018, please respond via the expression of interest form in this pack, or contact the Music Office for further information.
I am certain you will all join me in supporting these wonderful people in their new mission for the coming year.
Senior Musicians’ Dinner
It has come to the time where we farewell our seniors of 2017 and we will send them off from the Greenslopes Bowls Club tomorrow afternoon. We will be enjoying the Irish Ensemble 1 early in the evening and all members of our community are most welcome to come and join in ‘craic’ before our dinner commences. The boys will be playing from 5:15pm.
Re-Enrolment for 2018
Our information packs have been distributed to all students and parents via email. Please take the time to read the attachments and return the re-enrolment information to the Music Office (Years 7 – 12) or the Junior School Office (Years 5 – 6) as soon as possible. If you have not received an email from the Music Office, please contact us urgently so that we may resend the pack to you. The Music Office can be contacted via phone on 3394 5691 or email at music@vnc.qld.edu.au.
Date Claimers
We now look ahead to the end of the year with our currently scheduled events. Please ensure these are marked in your diaries.
Date | Activity |
Week 6 – Friday 10 November | Senior Music Dinner |
Week 7 – Thursday 16 November | Graduation Mass |
Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music
2018 Coaches, Managers and Officials Needed
The Villanova Sports Department is currently seeking coaches, managers and officials for the AIC sports program in 2018.
Villanova’s success in sport is dependent upon many factors, one being the generosity of members within our community to give of their time and efforts in order to serve our students by taking on specific roles. These roles include coach, manager, referee, umpire, scorer etc. If you are able to help out in any way, could you please complete the ‘2018 Coach, Manager and Officiating – Nomination Form’ available on the College website or from the Sports Office and return it to the Sports Office as soon as possible.
All forms received will be compiled into a database and before each season commences a member of the Sports Office will contact those who have expressed an interest to assist. A final confirmation of commitment will be requested and further details will be given.
I thank all those who were able to assist throughout 2017 and I invite those who would like to assist in 2018 to become involved for the benefit of our students and the College. I am sure you will find it a rewarding venture.
Villanova College Swimming – Langlands Pool
Training at Langlands Pool will cease on Friday 22 December 2017 and will recommence on Monday 8 January 2018. However, we certainly hope all swimmers will continue their training throughout the Christmas holiday period.
AIC Cricket and Volleyball Trials
All AIC cricket trials scheduled for this year have now been completed. In 2018, the following cricket trials have been organised before Round 1 of the AIC Cricket season.
Cricket Date Claimers
Cricket Selection Process – Phase 2
After last weekend’s trial games, all coaches submitted to the Sport Office their recommendations as to who they believe should be in the A, B, C teams based on the performances given at these trial games.
Please be aware all players were offered at least 4/5 overs of batting (within a pair) and a minimum of two overs bowling on the day of the trial. Mr Nathan Dufty was present throughout the day observing players and talking to those who conducted the games regarding selections. The Director of Sport, the AIC Sport Co-ordinators and the Head Cricket Coach (Mr Nathan Dufty) will work through the recommendations and cross-reference the performances given at the game with the gradings given at the net sessions held last week in order to formulate all teams.
As per the ‘Selection Guidelines and Code of Conduct’ signed and agreed by all parents at the time of sign-on, A, B and C teams are graded. All coloured teams will be of equal grading. Students who make an A or B team are in classified competitive teams who compete for aggregates. These players will have a specific role in the team and duties will not be shared equally within these teams. If parents prefer their son to receive equal batting and bowling opportunities, please inform the Sports Office and we will place your boy in a C team or lower.
All teams from Year 5 – 12 will be posted on the web in the AIC Cricket section by tomorrow and these teams will be considered draft teams. Following the trials and training held early next year these teams can and will change.
Volleyball Trial Process
AIC volleyball trials are still on going. Please refer to the College’s website to find a list of all boys required for further trials against Iona this Saturday, 11 November. Another set of volleyball trials has been organised against SLC next Saturday 18 November. We hope to finalise all volleyball teams from Year 7 – 12 after the SLC trial day. These teams will be posted on the web before the end of the year.
All cricket and volleyball team/squad lists are subject to change throughout the entire season depending on player performance, attitude and attendance at training.
Volleyball Date Claimers
Volleyball Trial Game v Iona Saturday 11 November
Please be aware that a full set of volleyball trial games has been organised against Iona for all teams. Please visit the Villanova College website for all times and venues. Players are to arrive at least 30 minutes before their allocated game time and all players are to wear their PE uniform.
Swimming, Volleyball and Cricket Clinics – 2018
The College has organised specialised clinics, which are open to all students from Year 5 – 12 in 2018. These are great opportunities for our student athletes to develop their skills before the commencement of the 2018 AIC sport season. Please check the website under the various sports for more information.
Cricket Clinics: 16, 17 and 18 January 2018 at Villanova Park
Swim Clinic: 15 January 2018 at Langlands Pool
Volleyball Clinic: 15 January in Goold Hall
AFL Trials
AFL trials have now concluded. A complete squad list will be posted on the web under the AIC AFL section by tomorrow. On the first weekend back next year (Saturday 27 January 2018), all squad members will play an internal game at Yeronga AFL grounds with specific times and venues to be announced next year.
At the conclusion of this internal trial, all A and B teams will be announced. Those students who were unsuccessful in making an AFL team are more than welcome to play cricket. We ask these students/families to email Mr Chris Everding ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au to ensure they are added to a cricket team.
First XI and Combined 10A/Second XI Cricket Trial Matches
Villanova will play two sets of trial matches against Iona and SLC on the dates listed below. Mr Nathan Dufty has now selected the two teams to play in these trial matches and these teams are posted on the web in the AIC Cricket section. After the two trial matches, a First XI squad will be selected to participate in the Oblate Cup held in Brisbane from the 3 – 7 December 2017
Saturday 11 November v Iona at Iona
Saturday 18 November v SLC at Villanova Park
Please note all players are required to provide their own lunch.
Cricket Coaching Camp at Villanova Park 2018
Please be advised that a cricket coaching camp will run at Villanova Park for all interested students from Jan 16 – January 18 2018. This camp is open to all students entering Villanova in Years 5 – 10 in 2018. The camp is run by experienced cricket coaches including Villanova’s First XI Coach at a cost of $175 per child. We strongly recommend all boys participate. Please refer to the College’s website under co-curricular/sport to view further details.
Representative Sport
Congratulations to Ethan Raymond on his selection into the Met East 15 – 19 year cricket team. Ethan will compete at the State Championships in March next year. Best wishes Ethan!
Congratulations to Cohen Stewart who has been selected in the Queensland School Sport Swimming Team who will compete in the Pacific School Games in Adelaide in early December. Well done and best wishes Cohen!
Mr Craig Stariha, Director of Sport
Sports Club 2017 Derby Day
Last Saturday, three hundred and thirty nine women attended Blackbird’s Bar & Grill to raise funds for Villanova College. The result of this fundraising was that $22,157 was raised, a fantastic effort!
A big thank you to the Villanova community and all our generous sponsors who ensured it was the most successful Derby Day to date.
The Sports Club would particularly like to thank:
Lisa Meredith and Lisa Gilhooley for their organisation of the event
Jeremy Meredith, Damien Gilhooley, Darren Klaassen, Stephen Harding and Robert Abraham for selling raffle tickets on the day
Paul Green and Bruce Myers who assisted with betting assistance on the day
The thirty-five generous sponsors are listed in the attached document. Derby Day Sponsors
Please like our Villanova Derby Day for Ladies Facebook page so you can receive regular updates.
The final HPV vaccination for Year 7 students will take place next Thursday morning at 9:00am. Please ensure your son has partaken of a good breakfast before arriving at the College on Thursday morning.
If your son is absent on Thursday, the BCC Immunisation Team will contact you with information about where to attend one of the BCC’s free immunisation clinics. If you have any further questions please phone the BCC Contact Centre on 3403 8888 and ask for Immunisation Services.
Ms Sally Byron, College Administrator
The Villanova College Second Hand Uniform Shop is urgently in need of items to sell, especially smaller sizes to assist new families joining our community in 2018.
We gladly accept donations or alternatively you can download a reimbursement form from the College website for items you wish to sell.
Items can be dropped off at any Student Service Office, the Uniform Shop or directly to the Second Hand Uniform Shop on Thursday morning between 7.45am – 9.15am.
We look forward to replenishing our second hand stock, while raising money for the Villanova P and F Association. Your support is greatly appreciated
Mrs Maree Erikson
Wednesday, 15th November
Jaclyn O’Shea
Friday, 17th November
Gina Avolio
The Tolle Lege Library is in need of more volunteers to assist with the return of text books from 13 – 24 November.
If you are able to assist, please email rheath@vnc.qld.edu.au.
Monday, 13th November
Kym Edser, Nicole Winsbury, Jenny Lanskey, Liz Burge, Donna Heaton, Chris Ghikas, Rachel Meyer, Donna Skelton, Souni Morelli, Angie Childs
Tuesday, 14th November
Tricia Intelisano, Lisa Murphy, Angela Crisafi, Irene Tornatore, Mechelle Fury, Christina Ross, Ita Dumont, Kelly Collins, Dimi Stergou, Maria Kambouris, Genevieve Keskinidis,Lisa Waugh, Miranda Dang, Irene Miano, Zam Stamatellos
Wednesday, 15th November
Tracey O’Reilly, Karen Meimaris, Leanne Kruysmulder, Alison Wilde
Thursday, 16th November
Julie Paterson, Debbie Winfield, Jane O’Brien, Lydia Wilcox, Georgina Horky, Jayne Smith, Kellie Killips, Catherine Bishop, Sue Godwin
Friday, 17th November
Mary Atkinson, Maria O’Leary Chay, Cath Davies, Effie Prineas, Kelly Kendall, Tamara Hanley, Melissa Lorimer, Marina Pennisi, Nicole Dillon, Melissa Clark, Maria Spina, Angela Connolly, Jen Thomas, Kym Verity
Stay up to date with the College events please proceed to the event calendar.
Villanova College is an independent Catholic School for boys under the care of the Augustinian Order. Striving for excellence in boys’ education as an Augustinian community one in mind and heart on the way towards God.
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