Villa View: Issue 4/23

It is with great enthusiasm me and Steven Bremner have returned to the College this week after a wonderfully enlightening and beneficial Augustinian immersion study tour to the United States. Across the next few weeks, I will share, in various forums, the fruits of our trip and while some will have more long-term outcomes, the re-establishment of relationships so that we can re-launch student immersion experiences to St Rita of Cascia Chicago, St Augustine Prep in New Jersey and Malvern Prep in Philadelphia in 2024 are certainly more immediate benefits. Additionally, we have established an exciting new partnership with Villanova University, Philadelphia which will hopefully see unique and lifelong benefits for Villanova College graduates.

Equally, it was wonderful to share, reflect and get feedback from other Augustinian schools on our approach to student growth and the Villanova graduate as we discussed and explained the GREATS model, the fundamental underpinning of our teaching through relational pedagogy and our continuing efforts in restorative practice and positive behaviour constructs. These conversations with other principals and leaders in schools, teachers and the Villanova University President both reinforced our commitment to grow these practices while also encouraging further consideration of what structures we may be able to put in place to continue to consolidate practice and, where necessary, make change or addition to strengthen both our identity and our practices.

There is no question that both Steven and I were called upon to practice interiority and the restless search as we brought forward our own College identity and practice and juxtaposed against the American experience. I think that, for our Australian context, we are most definitely shaping very well our young men and providing them with challenge, support and a view to a future of possibilities. It is then for us as we move beyond this experience to ensure that it continues to thrive.

As parents and friends of the College please feel encouraged to ask me when we next meet to give you more detail of the trip and its associated learnings and the outcomes that may deliver benefits to your son. It is difficult to do justice to this immersion experience in a few lines of a newsletter.

I also share my thanks to Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff and the College leadership team for their efforts across the period of my absence.

Maths Science Extension Program Years 6-9
Across this first term we have established our Maths extension program pilot for students in our Junior and Middle Schools. This is an invitational program based on student academic performance and involves both curriculum extension and project-based extension learning. Our project lead is Ms Emma Reid a Bachelor of Science Honours Graduate and Masters of Teaching student who is working under the direction and guidance of our Heads of faculty; Maths and Science. The program is designed to ensure that we are providing high quality extension and challenge for our high-level STEM students and focus not simply on curriculum knowledge but to challenge boys to be solution focused, create answers and alternates rather than ‘absolutes’ and understand both the need for accuracy and precision and clarity in mathematical and scientific communications. We will ensure that we periodically assess the pilot program and in what ways it is improving and challenging the boys involved.

We also have the STEM club, run by Ms Hannah Elder and Ms Shannon Lynam which is an open invitation club run across Terms 2 to 4 focusing on project-based problem solving and subject knowledge extension.

AIC Swimming performance
It is with great pleasure I welcomed the news of our Swim Team’s success this week as we placed first in the AIC Junior Carnival and then third overall in the AIC Championship. What has been enlightening as we have analysed the results, is that in finishing higher than some larger Colleges and Colleges that have large swim clubs attached to their school is that where we shone, the point at which we passed these rivals, was when we came together as a team in relays.

As many would know swimming is an individual sport, and when competing as individuals the boys were particularly good but then when they combined together to perform as a team under the banner of the Gold and Green they performed well above expectation. In the past this has been where we have perhaps slipped from third to fifth. In 2023 it is where we improved. Congratulations and thanks to Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Mrs Melissa Liddy, Mrs Terri Dillon and Mrs Theresa Henry, our swimmers, and Team Captains Oscar de Tina and Hugo Harrison on this outstanding result.

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’s Week 7 and the Junior School boys have started their 2023 assessment tasks.  Through learning experiences, knowledge and skills are gained through a variety of experiences, revision and study. The students work towards their Year 5 and 6 Assessment Calendars – aware and exposed to the cognitive verbs, and conditions of the tasks that will provide additional feedback to their progress along the ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority ACARA) continuum.

Every student is unique and has a myriad of circumstances leading up to assessment.  As parents, we nurture, guide and support the boys as best we can.  As students, the boys will have various learning histories and the ability, and willingness, to engage with their learning in a conscious and proactive manner. Just like adults, they will have strengths and areas for growth.  They are at the beginning of their eight year journey – there are going to be a lot of opportunities for showing their potential – so let’s just try to focus on what can be most helpful at this stage.

1. Know your son as a learner. How you learn best may not be the same as your son and this can be interesting, frustrating or comforting – it just depends on how he best retains and works with information.  Accept and trust him to a point as his world and classroom is vastly different from what you may have experienced.  Share experiences but be ready for when he chooses a different path.  Use the OneNote, textbooks and class workbooks to help him whenever you might have the time.
2. Help him attend school whenever possible. Plan your holidays and trips, wherever possible, for the weekends and official College break periods.  Learning experiences in the classroom are going to be strategically designed by staff – focusing on the knowledge and skills required to master.  This will be challenging to replicate at home, however, please feel free to use the links provided above to become familiar with what you are able.  Catching up on missed work if absent, or attending an appointment, as soon as you can, is key to our students staying on track and having the best platform for their success.
3. Use feedback provided to his advantage – class emails, teacher suggestions and your own observations of your child. Organisation, use of time effectively, decision making, engagement and ability to work towards changing what isn’t working.  Our boys need help here – they often want the quickest, straightest path to finishing a task – we need to help expand their minds to doing a little more, more often.  This usually means that our company (one in, all in!) is mandatory, and close behind, our sense of humour to get the cognitions happening in a way that everyone survives with a smile.
4. Do the homework – follow it up – check it’s their best effort and not just a “swish” past your eyes. Ask questions, get involved and be ready to be taught new terms and ways of doing things.  Our homework will lead the boys towards many things listed in #3 (above).  It’s part of the process towards doing better in the long term.  Teachers have the big picture of the term all mapped out, so trust that the tasks they set are purposeful and will be helpful, but only if done properly.
5. Remember that your boys have a long journey ahead of them.  They have six years until results impact an ATAR score or help with the transition to Certificates/Apprenticeships and TAFE.  That means they have time to figure out that just being “present” at school will not necessarily get them the grades they may like.  Our students need to work out their strengths and challenges within their ability to read, identify and fulfill their assessment tasks.  A grade does not define your son but the resilience and future planning for the next task will tell us a great deal about him as a learner.  There is at least 70% more information from his class teachers about his work ethic and effort every day to consider.  We will have standardized testing to help provide a wider picture of an individual’s scope, at this time.  Learning is never stagnated – it grows and changes, accelerates, and decelerates, depending on many factors.

Sleep, diet, family time, connections with friends – all are crucial to balance the assessment period.  Keep these parts of your son’s world stable and keep a treat or two ready to surprise the boys.  A note in the lunch box – a message of love and support never goes astray.  Once the assessment is done, stay positive and remember that we learn from how we go in our exams and assignments as well.  We move forward and keep the focus on happy, healthy and the bigger picture of how our boys will find their place in the world regardless.

­Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Part of our newly established Wellbeing Program, that all students are currently working on, involves an introspective look at themselves to better understand who they are. This includes not only the things we should be celebrating about ourselves but also those things that require further development.

The art of listening is a skill that needs constant practise. Too often in our lives, we are too quick in our responses and don’t take the time to listen and fully comprehend what is being said to us. Nor do we take note of what is behind the conversation, those non-verbal cues that add so much context to our interactions. As parents and educators, we spend a lot of time talking. Talking to our children/students, talking about content, talking about behaviour, talking to other adults about our experiences and how to best reach the adolescents in our lives. So, we too need to continually work on listening skills.

Engaging with a podcast this week, I was challenged to think about how much credence do we give our young people? How much are we really listening to their wants and needs? Are we arguing or discussing? Are our minds already set and our responses predetermined? In order for them to feel valued and connected to family, school, community, they need to be listened to in order to have ownership. One of the key learnings in this area is that ‘just because I disagree/have a different viewpoint to you doesn’t mean I haven’t heard you’. This is such an important lesson for both sides of a discussion to learn – failure to do so often means discussions become arguments and communication breaks down into defensive posturing.

At the moment, we are unpacking with some of our students their behaviour at lunch time. Part of it has been some poor behaviour choices but in sitting down in conversation with them, it has allowed me to hear their side of the story and their experience of the situation. They have been talking about wanting more to do at lunch time, more equipment to play with and some organised Pastoral games. So, I am listening. We have bought more equipment, we are organising games. This not only shows that we are listening, but also that we value their opinions and insights. It puts the ball back into the students’ court (pun intended) and opens the way for them to reciprocate this consideration in their interactions with the teachers on duty.

One parent shared with me this week that her and her son check in every night at bedtime [a little ritual that is often recommended by our counselling team]. The 10 or so minutes, which started organically some months ago, gives them an opportunity to debrief the day together. They both speak and they both listen. This time of full and exclusive presence to each other has the ability to engender great therapeutic healing, relationship development and a rich sharing – the benefits of all of which far outweigh the time investment.

As educators and parents, we need to ensure we create quality time and appropriate spaces for our children to unpack what they feel that life has just thrown at them. To listen, to engage, and to gently counsel is to not only help them at the time, but a model for them to reflect upon and hopefully enact with their own children.

All the best for the week ahead.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

In last Friday’s Year 10 Form Meeting, we shared with the students the importance of continuing to interrogate through a critical lens the health of our school culture. We would all collectively agree of the fundamental relationship between positive school culture and student engagement and achievement. Within our discussion, Head of Year 10 and I introduced a model created by Daniel Coyle, author of ‘The Culture Code’, that illuminated the principles of cultural chemistry that transform individuals into teams that can accomplish amazing things together. These principles are:

1. Start with Safety
2. Get Vulnerable and Stay Vulnerable
3. Roadmap your Story

I look forward to unpacking these three components of positive culture in my future columns as they underpin the work being undertaken across our Formation and Wellbeing Programs at the College to ensure that Villanova sustains the best environment for our young men to be their best selves.

Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council
Each year, Brisbane High Schools are invited to nominate one Year 10 student to represent their school on the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC). LMYAC delegates act as representatives of their school and community and are a voice for raising issues or sharing ideas that affect young people. This year, the College selected Matthew Linnell to represent the College. Matthew provided the following report of his experience at his first LMYAC meeting.

On 21 February, I and 60-70 other Year 10 students from around Brisbane attended the first of 5 Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council meetings. Our first meeting was more of an introduction to our role and what future meetings would be like, but it still allowed us to collaborate and get to know each other. Everyone from all schools were super friendly and inviting. It allowed us all a safe place to share our voices and opinion on influential topics. Some of these topics included what we like and dislike about Brisbane City and what changes we want to see happen soon. As well as talking about the whole Brisbane council, we got to learn about our school’s individual Ward (postcode area). Regarding Villanova’s Ward, Coorparoo, I learnt about our local councillor, other schools in the ward, indigenous areas, bushland areas and key future developments. All this information will be helpful for when we get the chance to meet our Ward Councillor and the Lord Mayor himself over the next four meetings. There is a meeting every term where we get the opportunity to suggest possible areas of improvement to benefit all people in the community.

Student Voice
At our last College Assembly, Student Council President Nicholas Malanos, delivered an inspired speech reflecting upon the value of teamwork, one of the pillars within our GREATS Student Formation Framework. Nicholas reinforced that ‘effective teamwork requires trust, respect, and open communication. It is about being honest and constructive in our feedback. It is about creating an environment where every team member feels valued and appreciated for their contributions. So now I ask you again… how have you contributed to your team? How have you contributed to our community? So, my fellow Villa brothers, let’s embrace teamwork. Let’s work together, support each other, and never lose sight of our goals. We are all a part of one team…and that team is VNC.’

At tomorrow’s College Assembly, Academic Committee Student Leader Christos Nicolaou will revisit the theme of Growth in reflecting upon the way in which our young men have developed individually and collectively across this first term.

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” – Henry Ford

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Conversations of the Heart – Twilight Retreat in Partnership with All Hallows’ School

Having respectful relationships and being able to navigate the teenage world of social media, peer relationships, parties and socialising is increasingly complex.  Our Senior students, in partnership with students from All Hallows’ School have worked together in unpacking these issues, preparing and running a twilight retreat experience for 41 of our Year 9 students on this experience.  We had 100% of the senior students who were involved in the program last year, return to be involved again this year.  We were also extremely fortunate to have two past students, Lachlan Bremner and Tom Price, return to be involved in the program.  It has been a great privilege as a staff member to be involved in the program and I am most grateful to Brother Damien Price for his facilitation of the retreat experience and helping our students to unpack their stories and experiences in a way that was meaningful for our students.  It is a great example of the capacity and agency within our young people to face the challenges of our times.

The takeaways from our Year 9s reveal the insights and wisdom gained from the program and I’m thrilled to share the feedback of our articulate young men:

• To always surround yourself with good people.
• You just have to be you, don’t change yourself at school or parties, just be yourself all the time.
• How to be more aware of the dangers of drugs and alcohol, as well as how social media is most of the time not fact or is exaggerated.
• How to regulate myself, if I feel uncomfortable, and that it is always okay to say no in a relationship.
• Not to compare myself to my peers.
• It is okay to move friend groups. You need to know your values and be able to uphold them.
• To learn about yourself. This means to learn your limits, to know yourself and don’t let friends hold you back from your own beliefs. Also to have fun in your life and to live it to the fullest.
• Make sure you are hanging out with the right people and not go down the wrong track because of the people you hang out with.
• To be true to myself.
• To not change yourself to fit and just to be you and how to deal with toxic relationships.
• Be with the people that help you be your best self.
• That everyone around you can feel the same way you can.
• Knowing how to deal with toxic relationships/friendships.
• Being able to talk openly.
• That it is ok to say no, and you don’t have to give into peer pressure.
• There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, surround yourselves with a good friend group.
• Think before you always act and to be with people who are right for you.
• Being able to know your limits and find your real friends.
• Don’t let people control you or peer pressure you into doing something that you don’t want to do – this includes drugs and alcohol and much more.
• Talking about parties and relationships because it gave me advice that will stick with me and help me through multiple challenges in my life.
• Don’t hang around the wrong people because they can pressure you into doing things that you wouldn’t do.
• The friends I made and the relationships formed as well as topics discussed in groups.
• Knowing how to deal with specific things in life like relationships, whether with mates, teachers or non-platonic. Also what my limits are and how to manage them.

All of these statements fit so well with our Lenten theme of ‘being your best self’.  Conversations of the Heart is a program that has certainly provided an opportunity for our students to consider what this looks like and what challenges may be ahead.

Lent – Being our ‘best selves’

Our Vinnies Easter Appeal in our Senior School
Currently our Senior School is collecting items for our Vinnies Hamper Appeal.

Every year at Easter and Christmas,  Villanova puts together hampers for families in our local community. Each year we are overwhelmed with the generosity of our community, and we are again asking for your assistance. There are many families in our local community who are struggling with the increasing cost of living and the shortage of affordable housing.

I spoke with one mother who said that she actually didn’t know where she and her three kids were going to live by the end of the week as she could no longer stay with family and there was no emergency accommodation available to her. This woman broke down in grateful tears when I presented here with groceries and Christmas presents for her children. She couldn’t believe that the Villa community were thinking of her and had been so kind.

The basket and gifts couldn’t have been timelier. Your donation has an impact on those who are facing difficult times. Thank you in advance for your support of this project.

Some of the types of items that could be donated include:
Non-perishable food:

• pasta and rice
• canned fruit and veggies
• jars of sauce (e.g. pasta sauce, stir fries, etc.)
• spreads
• canned tuna and salmon
• spaghetti and baked beans
• noodles
• cereal
• muesli bars
• biscuits

Toiletries

• soap
• roll on deodorant
• shampoo and conditioner
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes

Meditation in Religion! –  Sounds Off for Schools
Wednesday morning saw all Year 8s experiencing guided meditation in the Hanrahan Theatre. Using individual headsets and dimmed lighting, Nicola was able to take the boys out of busy and sun-glaring time into a place of refreshment and relaxed attention. She calls upon ancient techniques such as Yoga nidra – body scanning – as well offering incisive asides about how the boys can create their own meditations. With so many distractions in the lives of young people today, not least from social media, it is important that we practice ways of holding up a mirror to our inner selves, slowing down the thicket of emotions and thoughts and choosing how to respond from a space of calm. Many boys noted the feeling of refreshment after the meditation. The time it takes to reach a changed mental state was the most off-putting factor. Nicola and Tuhlane from Sounds Off were very impressed with the boys, and their willingness to jump into the experience.

The first person I saw after the first group was Brock Howard, who declared the experience “awesome” – and promptly attempted to go round again. Here are some other student reactions:

“It was great, and I loved it. It made me feel like I could see my body from outside.” – Oscar Kallis

“The meditation incursion was enjoyable because it involved hands-on learning, which I much prefer to learning in a classroom setting. I’ve come to realise the value of meditation, and using the headphones made it incredibly soothing.” – Luis Stagg

“The people who organised the meditation did a very good job and made it very calming and relaxing. My body felt like it had reset after each meditation we performed, and my mind felt clear.” – Frazer Rohloff

“The meditation was very refreshing and renewing after it was done, but the amount of time it took to do it made it so I could not take the time out of my day for such a long practice…” – Nicholas Duell

Mr John Holroyd, Head of RE Faculty

Artificial Intelligence
Whilst artificial platforms (AI) have been around for quite some time, they have certainly evolved rapidly and become very visible, particularly over the past three months. I am sure that most parents and students have not only heard of ChatGPT given the publicity around the platform that has made its way to news outlets and on social media but have interacted with it in some way.

Prior to ChatGPT (and its associated AI platforms developed by the company OpenAI), leading AI platforms that have been available for quite some time include Google Cloud AI, Amazon Web Services AI, Microsoft Azure AI, IBM Watson, and Salesforce Einstein. Each of these platforms offers a wide range of services and tools. They provide businesses and organisations with tools for data analysis, automation and decision-making. With the rise of machine learning and deep learning technologies, AI platforms have become more sophisticated and clever, allowing businesses to gain valuable insights from their data and improve their efficiency. And for those who don’t think they have been exposed to AI yet, you would no doubt have interacted with a ‘ChatBot’, the ones that pop up in the corner of the screen that ask if they can assist by requesting you enter questions about your reasons for visiting a particular website.

Currently ChatGPT is the most talked about of the AI platforms available. There are 100’s of articles being written everyday by experts, researchers and educators about the platform. Initially – in November and December last year – ChatGPT was going to be the death of education as we know it. The platform was going to allow students in schools and universities to draft responses to assessment tasks, all without being able to be detected. Plagiarism and academic dishonesty was going to go unchecked. As the days and weeks passed, those with a less distrustful outlook started to look for opportunities rather than threats in the platform. Rather than see it as anti the learning process, teachers were producing ways to enhance the learning process using ChatGPT.

At the commencement for the year, our Heads of Faculty discussed with their teaching teams what they could use ChatGPT for to deepen students knowledge and skills.

• “We could use ChatGPT to write a variety of different questions on a particular topic. We could change the cognitions to ask questions of varying difficulty.”
• “Given that ChatGPT has access to the Australian Curriculum, I have been able to use it to re-write a unit of work for Year 7 Visual Art.”
• “Our Year 11 team used ChatGPT to produce exemplars, that can then be posted around the classroom, and that students can then grade themselves using the ISMG. In doing this, they then see what is required to achieve a particular mark.”

Over the coming weeks, the AI in Education Focus Group, comprised of staff, students and external experts, will meet to develop guidelines as to how staff and students will best use AI platforms (including ChatGPT). They will also provide information to parents as to how they can support sons in using AI to enrich their learning and improve their understanding and skills across their course of study.

Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS)
Villanova College is proud to be one of only 400 schools in Australia participating in the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS).
The OECD survey asks teachers and principals about their experiences, their schools and their working conditions. This is what Australia learned from the 2018 survey – https://youtu.be/VdyOUGxerPg

When should students turn off their devices at night?
Artificial light from electronic and other devices generally emits a blue light (it may not look blue, but that is the underlying light).  Blue light is a type of non-visible light at a very short wavelength.

What does blue light do to the human body?
Non-visible light has a lot of energy, and studies show that a lot of exposure to this type of light can impair your sleep cycle. During sleep lots of essential physical processes take place and it is also when learning from the day is consolidated in memory. This means that having enough sleep is vital for students. Blue light is naturally generated only during the day, from sunlight. When it gets dark, naturally occurring blue light ceases, signalling the body to produce melatonin, the hormone associated with sleep. Using artificial lighting and devices which emit a blue light at night confuses the body-clock (the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle) by stopping the body from producing melatonin. This can result in disrupted sleep patterns, including difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep and shortened sleep duration.

Those at greatest risk from night-time exposure to blue light are those with existing sleep disorders and adolescents who often experience delayed sleep patterns as a result of biological changes.

What can students do to limit their exposure to blue light at night?
Some suggestions include:

• Be exposed to sunlight during the day to assist in accurately setting your body clock.
• Stop using all electronic devices, preferably an hour before bed.
• Get a red or orange reading lamp, which does not emit blue light.
• Use blue light blocking glasses at night.
• Install a program or app on your computer or device to change the type of light it emits. A variety of programs are available including f.lux, EasyEyes, Night Filter, Zzz iPhone filter, Bluelight and Twilight.
• Invert the colours on your smartphone or iPad or Kindle or change the device to the night-time setting.
• Turn the brightness down on your device for a few hours before bed (not perfect, but better than nothing!).

NAPLAN
NAPLAN testing commences for Year 5, 7 and 9 next Wednesday with the Writing Test. In the days following, students will complete the Reading, Language Conventions and Numeracy tests across the next six days. Students successfully undertook testing two weeks ago to ensure familiarity and to ensure that all systems were ready for our students to partake in each test as well as possible.

NAPLAN testing provides the College with the ability to:

• Assess students’ skills – NAPLAN provides a snapshot of students’ skills in literacy and numeracy, which can help identify areas where they may need extra support. Your son’s teachers use the data to tailor learning experiences and lessons.
• Benchmark – NAPLAN results can be used to benchmark individual student performance against state and national averages, as well as against their own previous results. This in turn provides the College an opportunity to strengthen programs in order to allow students to meet these agreed standards.
• Monitor progress – NAPLAN results can help to monitor students’ progress over time and identify areas where they may be struggling.

And whilst we do see NAPLAN as an important activity through which we gather important information, we acknowledge that it is a point in time test, and use other tests and results to establish student’s levels of ability.

Examination timetables
As we approach the end of another term, the focus for the majority of our students turns to examinations. Our Year 12 cohort completed a week long block last week; the rest of the College now turns its attention to examinations that will occur in Weeks 9 and 10. As always, our teachers are continuing to work with your son not only on their subject knowledge but also on the best ways to prepare for examinations. I spoke to the Year 10 and 11 cohorts recently about the importance of spacing out their revision to achieve their best results, and hope that over the last few weeks the students have planned their revision over weeks rather than days.

Mr Astill has emailed students in all year levels with regards to specific examination details and assessment calendars continue to be available on Student Café and accessible to parents on Parent Lounge.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching & Learning

Libraries actively work with all members of their community to both promote reading for pleasure and teach information literacy skills. As members of our community, you the parents/carers are central in the education of your sons. Together, we can help your son develop into a lifelong learner.

We would like to invite our Year 5 parents/carers to a Reading for Enjoyment Information Evening on Wednesday, March 22 (6.00pm for a 6:30 start – 7.30pm).
We would like to give you some insight into how we are supporting your son achieve the goal of becoming a lifelong learner.

Reading is the gateway to academic success. The Matthew Effect is real – those who read more become better readers. Together, we can support your son see himself as a reader, experiment with different genres, or if he already reads, consider broadening his reading.

Join us for a night of wine, cheese, and information. Please note that this night is designed just for adults – parents/carers. You can expect a Kahoot, trivia, treasure hunt and lucky door prizes. Please adhere to safe practices and attend only if you are well. An invitation will be sent on Friday, 10 March, to all Year 5 parents/carers.

The highlight of our week is working with your son in our Year 5 Reading classes. We know we will love working with you too!

Year 9-10 Super Smash Bros
Last week, we witnessed a thrilling esports event right here at Villanova College. The College  proudly hosted the Brisbane Senior High Schools FUSE Cup division premier esports event, where eight of our students from Years 9 and 10 battled it out against 64 students from various schools across Brisbane in a game of Super Smash Bros on four battle screens. The competition was fierce and only the highest ranked players from each school participated. Our students put up a strong fight and five of them made it to the round of 16, with three managing to secure a place in the top eight. Although the competition was eventually won by experienced players with great combat skills, we couldn’t be prouder of our team’s exceptional performance and the way they represented Villanova with distinction and pride. Well done to all involved!

Year 7-8 Just Dance 23
Excitement is building as we prepare for the upcoming Year 7 and 8 division of the FUSE Cup esports event, where our students will be showcasing their dance moves in Just Dance 23. Over the past month, a small but dedicated group of students have been putting in the hard yards, familiarising themselves with the 20 shortlisted competition songs during their lunchtimes. With the top four players set to represent Villanova at the Brisbane South State Secondary College on 29 March, the competition is heating up as everyone is scoring their dance runs. We would like to give a special shoutout to Harry Woodward, one of our Just Dance 22 competitors, who has been generously giving his time to mentor and organise the group. We can’t wait to see what our students can do on the dance floor!

Minecraft Queensland Cup
Villanova College is thrilled to announce that it will host the first-ever Queensland Minecraft Competitive Esports Cup from April to October this year. The three ‘seasons’ will be held on Saturdays in the Augustine Centre on April 22, June 10 and August 5, and the team places have filled up very quickly. Although we will not be competing, we are proud to host this unique esports event at the College. Therefore, we are looking for a team of students to take on various roles, including guest ambassadors, technical gameplay assistants, and server hosts. The selected students will have the opportunity to serve the community and gain valuable experience in the field of esports.

Firstly, I would encourage students who served at the 2022 AIC Esports round to come forward and offer their skills. There will also be the opportunity for new students to become involved. As for our own 2023 Minecraft Capture the Flag AIC Esports event, students from Years 7-9 will be able to compete against each other in round-robin tournaments later this year during Term 3. Our primary focus is currently on creating an esports cup that other schools can participate in, sponsored and supported by Minecraft Education globally and The FUSE Cup regionally. We can’t wait to see how this event unfolds and are excited to be a part of it!

E-Learning

Reminder – Don’t forget to charge your laptops overnight!
A friendly reminder to all students to develop good habits with charging laptops at home. It can be easy to forget, but taking the time to plug in your laptop before bed is a simple habit that can have a significant impact on your productivity during the school day. A fully charged laptop means you won’t have to worry about running out of battery during class, which can disrupt your learning and cause unnecessary stress. So, make an effort to develop good charging habits at home. Set phone reminders if you have to!

Why do we need a stylus?
Recently, some students have asked me why they need a stylus with their laptops. To answer this question, I want to highlight a few examples of how a stylus can be advantageous when working on your laptop. Firstly, imagine that you’re reading through a long passage on a OneNote page and come across a sentence or a paragraph that you want to mark up or highlight for future reference. A stylus allows you to do this easily and efficiently, without the need to fumble around with a mouse or trackpad. Secondly, a stylus can be incredibly useful when it comes to taking notes in the margins, underlining key phrases, and making other annotations directly on your screen. Annotations and marked up text draw your attention naturally – they stand out from typed, formatted text.

A study conducted by Pam A. Mueller and Daniel M. Oppenheimer, published in the journal Psychological Science, found that students who took handwritten notes retained more information than those who typed their notes on a laptop. The researchers suggest that this is because taking notes by hand requires more cognitive processing than typing, which leads to better retention of the material. Similarly, using a stylus to mark-up text on a screen may also require more cognitive processing than simply highlighting or underlining text with a mouse or trackpad, which could potentially lead to better retention of the information. So, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to consider using your stylus for your laptop and see how it can help you to enhance your learning experience – even if your teacher doesn’t direct you to do so.

Mr Jason Lane, Director of E-Learning

Director of Sport Address
Congratulations to the Villanova Swim Team for their amazing results at the AIC Championships on Tuesday 7 March.

Villanova’s Juniors (Years 5 and 6) finished in first place, with our Year 6 cohort being crowned Age Champions. Our Senior Team were exceptional placing third overall. A great team effort from all involved, well done. For further information, please refer to the Swimming section below.

Round 6 this week versus Iona College will be a test for all programs, as many teams match up in top of the table contests. The aggregate Cricket trophy, won by Villanova the past three years, will be on the line, and I challenge all teams and boys to work hard this week in preparation for Saturday.

With two rounds remaining, we now begin planning for Term 2 sports. A reminder that sign-ons are due by this Friday 10 March. Please click on the link provided: Villa Sport – Term 2 Sports Sign-On. Further information is provided below on sign-ons and the Term 2 training schedules.

Best wishes to all Villanova sporting teams in Round 6.

Communications
Families are reminded to access all Sport information via the Villanova College website and the Villanova College App. The Locker Room tab provides updated information regarding training schedules and current AIC/trial draws.

The AIC Draw 2023 can also be accessed here. A note that in some cases, draws may not match the AIC draw (for example this is the case in AFL). Families are encouraged to always check The Locker Room for accurate draws. Weekly Team Lists will be posted regularly to the Parent Lounge and Student Cafe Portals.

For full updated Term 1 results please click on the links provided below:

AFL Round 5

Cricket Round 5

Volleyball Round 5

AFL
Another positive weekend for Villanova AFL, with a number of players showing great skill development allowing improvement, both as an individual and as a team. The strength of each team is clearly displayed by the will and want to play for your teammates. We need to ensure we keep this up for the remaining fixtures as you endeavour to make your mate, ‘Best on Ground’.

I continue to encourage all players to turn up and show support in the appropriate way to all players and coaches. It is wonderful to experience the Villanovan Spirit each week. Remember to support and play in the right manner always respecting the opposition and supporters.

This weekend will see most teams playing local rivals, Iona College. We cannot underestimate our opposition and must be prepared for a tough round of fixtures.

Our Opens played Iona last week with some time lost in the game due to a rogue snake slithering across the ground at halftime. Thus, the third quarter was not played trying to remove the reptile with Villa losing the opportunity of the support from the stiff breeze. Well done to the players who worked hard to maintain their lead playing into the breeze in the last quarter.

The school year is becoming busy with Term 1 assessments due however I ask that if you are unable to make a game or training session, that you let your coach know as soon as possible. All coaches work hard to ensure games and training run smoothly and everyone is developing with their skill and game sense. It does not show the respect deserved by teammates and coaches by unexplained non-attendance, so please stay in contact.

Good luck to all teams this weekend, make sure you go out and play in the spirit of the game and proudly represent the Villanova community.

Mr Brian Pascoe, 1^st XVIII Head Coach

Cricket

This week at training we were extremely fortunate to have Jasper Sumner attend training and pass on some valuable coaching advice to our junior cricketers. Jasper is the Coaching and Talent ID officer for Queensland Cricket (Bears Region), he was super impressed by the skills on show across our age groups and our net facilities. Thank you to Jasper for giving up his time last week to be a part of the Villanova Cricket Program.

Cricket Aggregate Update
This week we play Iona College who have a very strong cricket program, this will be a great challenge for all our coaches, managers and players. The Aggregate Championship is made up of all A + B teams from Year 7 – Opens. After winning all 10 aggregate games on offer last Saturday, our teams will go into this Saturday’s round full of confidence. The updated ladder shows that it’s going to be a close finish between Villanova, SPC and Iona. We ask for all players to give that 10% extra effort at training this week, whilst being super focused on game day. Prepare well, play as a team and work together to give your team every chance to succeed and get the win. Villanova College has proudly won the last three cricket aggregate trophies; this weekend will be a deciding factor on who will most likely get that trophy this year. Good luck to all Cricket teams and always be your best.

Round 5 matches against Padua College were played last Saturday. It was a highly successful day for Villanova and the boys are showing a great improvement in both individual performances with the bat and ball and playing really well as a team. The enthusiasm and support for one another when runs are scored or wickets taken, highlights the bonds that these teams are developing. These bonds are essential to the wellbeing of the players and building relationships outside of the classroom.

Mr Chris Everding, Cricket Coordinator

1^st XI Match Report
The 1^st XI team travelled to Banyo to play a strong Padua side who were full of confidence after beating Iona the week before, as a team we knew this would be a tough game with a lot riding on it due with us being equal on the points ladder. Tom Rieck lost the toss and Padua chose to bat; a decision we would have also made as the pitch looked like a great batting wicket.

Our opening bowlers Jackson Moloney (1-14) and Larry Clark (1-42) took early wickets which had Padua reeling at 2-7, however we couldn’t capitalise on the great start and allowed Padua to form a decent partnership which resulted in them recovering to 2-72. We spoke at the first drinks break and set our “team plans” on how we’ll take the remaining wickets and minimise runs. The players responded brilliantly and were able to take regular wickets with Tom Rieck (3-16) and Connor Moloney (1-22) leading by example which resulted in Padua being 5-130. It looked like Padua would still post a decent score after setting a good platform, however Leg Spinner Zac Joyce (4-19) had other ideas which saw Padua lose 5-15 in quick time and being bowled out for 145. We set about the run chase by being positive and backing our skill set, unfortunately we lost a wicket early, but that wasn’t going to stop our positive approach. Enter Tom Rieck (60no) and Zac Joyce (58) who combined and put on a terrific partnership of 120 runs which saw us chase down Padua’s total in only 25 overs.

This was a great result for the team who have now won three matches in a row, they’re growing in confidence every week and it’s great to see them playing to their full potential. As Coach, I’m just super proud of the players attitudes and performances after losing our first two matches of the season, as a group – we’re really looking forward to the tough challenge that awaits us this Saturday playing away to Iona.

Good luck to all Villanova sporting teams in Round 6 Vs Iona.

Nathan Dufty 1^st XI Head Coach

Swimming
Wow! What a day!  The hard work and effort of our swimmers over the swimming season certainly paid off yesterday.  The boys gave all they had in the pool yesterday and they reaped the rewards.

The Junior School swimmers won their aggregate – AIC champions.  The Year 6 team won the age group convincingly, while the Year 5 boys in their first ever AIC meet finished second.  The team was led by Isaac Haywood and Ashton Lewis, both of whom swam superbly, but led with humility and a genuine passion for swimming and supporting the other boys.

The Senior squad had their highest ever ranking in the AIC Competition, finishing third behind the swimming powerhouses St Peter’s and Marist College Ashgrove.  Congratulations to those schools for continuing to dominate the pool.  But Villanova challenged them, they did not have it easy!

Our 12-Year-old team, Brody Clelland, Charlie Campbell, Charlie Caruso, James Chapman and Xavier Ringuet, finished 5th overall, but two more points would have seen them finish in 3rd place.

The 13-Year-old team was missing some of our key swimmers due to injury, but they still finished a credible 4th place.  Watch out next year AIC – this team will be back to full strength.  Caleb Johnston, Charlie Wiggins, Ethan Haywood and Will Price led the age group across the events and did Villanova proud.

The 14 Years age group, finished 2nd overall, defeating St Peter’s , and only 1.75 points behind Marist College.  There were strong swims from Tyler Schafer, Jack Stewart, Darcy Kerr and Isaac Bowen in the Div 1 events.  But we would not have achieved this result without the support of the Div 2 swimmers Lachlan Julius, Zac Bonke, Luke Estreich and Toby Hodson.  Congratulations to all the swimmers in this age group, and let’s look forward and build for 2024.

The 15 Years age group finished 3rd, only four points behind St Peter’s.  This age group is one of the most competitive with many swimmers from the schools being ranked first in Australia.  This Villanova age group pushed Marist and St Peter’s to perform to their personal bests, to win.

Our 16 Years age group has always struggled for places in the pool, but they do not lack heart.  Daniel Walding led the age group with some strong finishes in the pool and the rest of the team swam personal bests in each of their events.

Our Open swim team finished a strong 3rd overall behind St Peter’s and Marist, but again challenged both those schools at all times in the pool.  Tyler Clelland won his 50m Breaststroke event, but Charlie Kerr and Jordan Tunnah swam strong races in a highly competitive field of international swimmers. I could not be prouder of the Open Swim Squad.

The Open swim squad had 20 swimmers this year, many of whom did not get to swim on the day but have trained for the past eight years at Villa.  Their support and encouragement of the rest of the squad continually showed their passion for Villanova and exemplified the College values.  Congratulations to each and every one of the boys for their commitment to the team.  Particular thanks to our captains Oscar de Tina and Hugo Harrison, both who are wonderful examples of leaders of integrity and humility.

Finally to the coaches, Kerry Holland, Felipe Barras and Caden Clelland, once again your time, effort and expertise has supported the Villanova Swim team.  The association with Langlands pool began 11 years ago, and yesterday it finally came to fruition with the best ever results.  The managers Melissa Liddy, Terri Dillon and Theresa Henry have been at the pool with the boys in the early hours of the morning, and late into Friday evenings.  Thank you to them for their support of the team, and for their time and encouragement.  It is very much appreciated by all involved in the team.  The results of the 2023 AIC Championships was well deserved by the team of swimmers, supporters, coaches and managers, and the culmination of many years of development work. We hope to build upon this success further.  Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you.

Pool party to celebrate all our hard work.
Date: Saturday 11 March
Time: 3.00 to 5.00
Place: Langlands Pool
Things to bring:  A plate of food to share.

Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Swimming Coordinator

Volleyball
Another great weekend of AIC volleyball this past Saturday against Padua College. Despite posting some great results, the true shining moment of the day was seeing our teams compete in deciding sets. The deciding set in a volleyball game is always a tough challenge but I am proud to say our teams lifted to the occasion and we saw some great volleyball being played, this with our focus on being the same team for the first point of the match as the last, shapes a great future for Villanova Volleyball.

Our First VI team had a convincing win v Padua taking the match 3-0. This was a great result after our team took the win in the trial three sets to two, showing just how far our team has come in a short time.

Our teams have another tough challenge this week taking on Iona College. I encourage teams to take the confidence gained into this week’s round.

Reminders:

• Please check the draw carefully for playing times
• Duty teams for Year 7-9 are required this weekend

Mr Todd Kropp, First VI Head Coach and Volleyball Coordinator

Term 2 Sport Sign-Ons – Chess, Cross-Country, Football and Rugby – Online Now!
All students who are interested in representing Villa in Term 2 sports from Years 5-12 must complete an online registration form. This form is available via the link below.

Villa Sport – Term 2 Sports Sign-On

Within the online form please tick your preference. Note that Rugby and Football will be played during the same time. Students who are eligible may choose either Rugby or Football as well as Chess and Cross Country.  Please see below all information pertaining to the up-coming Rugby and Football season.

• RUGBY UNION (Open to all students from Year 5 – 12). Games played on Saturday as per College calendar.
• FOOTBALL (Open to students from Year 5 – 12). Games played on Saturday as per College calendar.
• CHESS (selected students from Year 5 – 12). Games played on Friday afternoon/evening as per College calendar.
• CROSS COUNTRY (Open to all students from Year 5 – 12). Meets – refer to College calendar.

We ask that all parents complete this online registration alongside their son/s.

All Term 2 Sports nominations are due by Tomorrow, Friday 10 March.
We expect that when a boy commits to a team that he follows that commitment through until the end of season. Both parents and players must acknowledge within the online sign-on form that they are aware of the College’s policies and expectations with regards to school sport. The College’s Selection Guidelines and Code of Conduct will also be found on the online sign-on form. Please note that school sport is given priority over club sport.

Term 2 Trials/Training Schedules (commences Week 9, Term 1)
Please click on the links below for the Term 2 training schedules. There are some slight changes from Term 1 (Weeks 9 and 10) to Term 2. Note, some Year 5 and Year 6 training times could change depending on the coach availability, however, we will endeavour to keep to the schedule below.

Training Schedule – Weeks 9 & 10, Term 1

Training Schedule – Term 2  

Chess
Chess is now well underway and sign-ons close this Friday 10 March.  If you haven’t registered to represent Villanova in the clever sport of Chess, then do so asap.

Term 1 practice and trial sessions for weeks 8, 9 and 10

St Laurence’s College will again be holding their annual holiday chess tournament. We will receive a flyer soon to pass on to the boys. The date for the tournament will be Wednesday 5 April, 8:00am-12:00 midday at St Laurence’s. Registration and tournament details to come.

Term 2 will see the introduction of specific coaching sessions once the teams have been finalised. This will usually be one session per week and boys and parents will be notified of session times. This will be considered a compulsory session, but arrangements can be made if there are clashes with music or other extra-curricular activities.

On Friday 24 March we will participate in an at home game against St Laurence’s. The teams will not be chosen by this time so all boys trialling are welcome to attend. Boys will be asked to sign up for the trial during the week.

In Term 2 we are having a second trial game away against Iona on Friday 21  April. Again, all boys who have trialled are welcome to come and play. This will also be the final trial day as well.

We are looking to a wonderful year of success in chess. Any enquiries please email kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au .

Ms Kath Underhill, Chess Coordinator

Cross-Country

The last few years have been a unique and challenging time making squad training for cross-country at times, problematic. However, the coaches were immensely proud of the effort and commitment shown throughout previous seasons. Without a doubt, the hard work and brotherhood displayed during the season resulted in a real positive and confident group of young men who attended the initial session for the 2023 AIC Cross-Country Season. Find below the photo of coach David Barton outlining the initial session to the ‘Running Wildcats.’

A reminder the Junior, Middle and Senior School cross-country squads training together this season and enjoyed a positive start. We encourage all runners to start training with the squad, as we work towards the goal of bettering last year’s performance. A reminder the training will be held on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 6.45am. All students are to meet at the front of Goold Hall at 6.45am sharp (not at Little Langlands), Junior School students are to meet Miss Roberts at the Agora.

Cross country running doesn’t reward the lucky but those who show commitment and perseverance. Well done to the boys who have indicated they intend to train with Villa’s ‘Running Wildcats’ in 2023. We look forward to having each runner in the team, become the best runner he can be. Dedication to training especially when no one is watching, is a key habit that enable a team, and an individual, to grow in character.  Challenge yourself boys because we are confident of you becoming a ‘winner.’

Thanking you in advance for your support of the Villa cross country team, good luck to those who take on the challenge to join the ‘Running Wildcats.’

Mr Brian Pascoe, Cross-Country Coordinator

Strength & Conditioning
The new training schedule for S&C will be commencing in Week 9, from Monday 20^th March. Boys must register here for the Term 2 schedule (even if they were already registered for Term 1, boys must register again for the new schedule). Please see below the link to the new Term 2 training schedule.

Register here for Term 2 S&C sessions (commences Week 9, Term 1)

S&C Training Schedule – Term 2 (commences Week 9, Term 1)

What is Long Term Athletic Development?
Long-term athletic development (LTAD) is a critical concept in the field of sports science, and it refers to the continuous development of an athlete’s physical, psychological, and emotional abilities over a long period. LTAD is essential for the optimal development of sporty teens and young athletes, as well as for those who are not sporty. In fact, it will support an overall harmonic physical development regardless of the starting level of ability.

Why is this important for those engaged in school sports?
Learning and practicing weightlifting is an important part of LTAD for young athletes. Research shows that resistance training, including weightlifting, can help young athletes develop muscular strength, power, and functional performance (Ford et al., 2011; Lloyd et al., 2015).

Resistance training programs can also help young athletes avoid injuries and burnout and maximize their potential by building a strong foundation of physical and technical skills (Lloyd et al., 2015).

Also, a well-planned program helps synching and sequencing several moving parts of training (Speed, Strength, Fitness), while also managing workloads across the year. Those interested in staying competitive across one or multiple sports, should take in serious consideration the importance of being coaches by professionals to learn skills for a lifetime.

What about if you do not like sports?
Those who do not take part in any real and organised physical activity, should be the ones keener to hear about LTAD. In today’s world, where technology and sedentary lifestyles dominate, it is even more important for young people to engage in physical exercise to counteract the negative effects of sitting for extended periods.

Strength training with weights can improve muscle strength and endurance, increase bone density, and enhance overall physical performance. It can also help reduce the risk of injury and prevent the development of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Research shows that resistance training can improve physical fitness, body composition, and overall health in non-athletic individuals (Faigenbaum et al., 2009; O’Shea et al., 2014).

Learning and practicing weightlifting can help individuals develop physical literacy (the ability to move competently and confidently in a variety of physical activities). This can lead to an increased sense of self-confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, strength training can also have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve cognitive function, which can benefit academic performance and success.

In conclusion, LTAD and the inclusion of resistance training, including weightlifting, is crucial for the optimal development of young athletes and sporty kids, as well as for those who are not sporty. When coached by professionals, these practices can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals with different interests and abilities, making it a valuable addition to a well-rounded approach to physical development.

Mr Marco Mastrorocco, Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

Rugby & Football Camps in the Term 1 holidays
Both our Rugby and Football firsts squads will be attending camps in the Term 1 break, in preparation for AIC competition in Term 2.
Our Football boys are attending training days at Villa Park on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 April, with trial games on Friday evening.
Our Rugby boys are travelling to the Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre at Currimundi from Sunday 2 to Wednesday 5 April.

We wish both squads well as they approach AIC Round 1 on Saturday 29 April.

Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport

Debut Concert Series
Thank you and congratulations to all students who performed at our Debut Concert 1 on Tuesday evening.  The Middle School Terrace provided an excellent backdrop for the outdoor component of this concert.  Special mention must go to Henry Manning for his work in designing and programming the lights for this stage – well done Henry!

Well done to our students who performed outdoors.  I have it on good authority that many of our neighbours nearby sat on their verandas or in their outdoor areas and enjoyed the music floating from the hill.  We even received several positive comments and messages of thanks on the Coorparoo Community Facebook page.  Congratulations are due all-round!

I would like to give recognition and thanks to our men in the bands and chamber ensembles that performed in the cool of the theatre.  Many of our outdoor musos backed up playing in both acts – all managed a great job.

Tonight, we celebrate our second concert of the Debut Concert Series.  This evening our Choral, String, and Guitar groups perform, along with our Percussion Ensemble and newly minted Drumline.

There are a handful of tickets remaining.  We strongly encourage you all to come along to Hanrahan Theatre this evening, enjoy the Music Support Group barbecue from 5:15pm, then move into the Theatre for a 6pm start.

We look forward to sharing a great evening of entertainment with you all.

Year 5 Instrumental Music – Jump Start Day
I would like to congratulate the progress our Year 5 musicians are making.  Comments from our teaching team are always positive at the end of the day and reflect happiness at the rate at which the students are progressing.  Well done gents – keep up the good work!

In four weeks’ time, we will be celebrating Jump Start Day for all Year 5 musicians.  We require all Year 5 students to participate, event those in extended ensembles.  Students will attend their regular class in the morning, before spending the afternoon with the IM team learning about the intricacies of ensemble involvement.  We will be holding a concert for parents at 4:15pm on Tuesday 28 March.  More information will be distributed next week with confirmed details and requirements.

We look forward to the debut concert at Villanova College for our Year 5 cohort.

As always, should you have any questions regarding the immersion program here at Villanova, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the Music Office at music@vnc.qld.edu.au or 3394 5691.

Playground Performances
As we move past the Debut Concert Series, our playground performance schedule kicks back into overdrive.  This coming week, we will be enjoying music from Chamber Brass in the Tolle Lege Library at morning tea on Wednesday, and Guitar Ensemble 1 in the Library at lunchtime on Wednesday.

Music Support Group
Our next Music Support Group meeting will be convened on Monday 13 March 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.

Assembly Commendation
I would like to publicly commend our Drumline for their performance on Senior School Assembly last Friday.  This was the students second performance (in two days!) and they acquitted themselves extremely well.  Congratulations Gentlemen, we now have a waiting list to join this group!

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/barbecue/etc. (flyer attached).

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 will go to the Music Support Group.

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

PARENT INFO
Vaping Webinar – Thursday 23 March 7pm. Tony Parsons – National Drug Awareness

Tony has a keen interest in the relevancy of vaping amongst today’s youth and works to deliver a down-to-earth approach of the harm associated with vaping.
Tony regularly speaks to school communities across Australia and overseas to ensure they have relevant and timely drug, alcohol and vaping information.

More information can be found here; Vaping webinar-Tony Parsons_flyer

Year 7 Vaccinations
The Chief Health Officer has notified Queensland schools of a change to the National Schedule of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
Please see the attached for further details. 2023 009 Att 3 Information to parents legal guardians of year 7 students

Parent Council Meeting – Archdiocese of Brisbane
Catholic School Parents Queensland is hosting an Archdiocese of Brisbane – Parent Council Meeting on March 9.
Brisbane Archdiocesan Parent Council meeting-March2023_flyer
Click here to register: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/brisbane-parent-council-meeting-march2023

P&F
Contact: Peter Roberts (President)
0412 055 884 or pjroberts0968@gmail.com

Sports Club 
Contact: Sally Warren (President)
sallyjwarren@gmail.com

Music Support Group
Contact: Michael Molloy (President)
Villanova College Music Office music@vnc.qld.edu.au

COMMUNITY NEWS
St Patrick’s Day Mass

The Annual St Patrick’s Day Mass, organised by the St Patrick’s Day Parade Association, will be celebrated again this year in the Cathedral of St Stephen, Elizabeth Street at 10.00am on 17 March 2023. Fr Gerard McMorrow will be the celebrant.

All are welcome to attend. And, for those who may be unable to do so, the Mass will be live-streamed through the Cathedral website on this link – Archbne.org/bzw

Villanova College Master Planning Activities
Planning for the Future
Villanova College has taken the next step towards the development of a new multi-purpose hall and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (‘STEM’) building and the future delivery of a new café/ canteen, Learning Institute and refurbishment of Mendel Hall.

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 5 of the Planning Act 2016, we have asked that the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning approve an amendment to the existing education facilities designation of our campus located in Coorparoo.

To assist with future development of the College a Master Plan has been developed with Cox Architects which strives to provide an appropriate balance between the built form and open space areas while considering the impact of the proposal on adjoining residential development. The Master Plan will be delivered over two stages as follows:

Stage 1A + 1B

• New approximately four storey building to accommodate Multi-purpose hall and STEM facilities (located in the southern part of campus, south of Seventh Avenue)
• Closure of Seventh Avenue to public access

Stage 2A + 2B

• New single storey building to accommodate café/canteen and Learning Institute
• Refurbishment of Mendel Hall
  

Ministerial Infrastructure Designation
To deliver on our commitment to the College community we will request that the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning endorse this Master Plan and amend the current designation over the subject. The MID process provides an alternate assessment pathway to lodging a development application with Brisbane City Council and allows for the delivery of essential community infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.

The MID (AID-1222-0657) has been requested in accordance with Chapter 2, Part 5 of the Planning Act 2016. If the Master Plan and MID is approved, this designation would acknowledge and reflect what the College uses this land for today and secure development of the campus in the future.

Having your say
To have your say about the proposed MID amendment, you can make a submission to the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, the Hon. Dr Steven Miles via:

• online: statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/mid-consultations
• email: infrastructuredesignation@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au
• post: PO Box 15009, City East, QLD, 4002
• Phone the Infrastructure Designations team on 1300 967 433

Please note, if you make a submission, it should:

• Be clearly marked as ‘Proposed MID for the development of Villanova College’
• Be in writing, dated and signed by each party or entity who made the submission
• State the name and address of each person or entity who made the submission
• State the grounds (or reasons) for the submission and the facts and circumstances relied on in support of these grounds.

Any submission must be received by the Minister on or before 9 March 2023.
If you wish to discuss the proposal with one of the project team. We would welcome the opportunity to brief you on the Villanova College Master plan.

TUCKSHOP NEWS 2023
All volunteers rostered on for the upcoming week will be contacted directly by the Tuckshop.
The 2023 menu and price list for Tuckshop is now available by clicking Tuckshop Menu 2023 Please note there are current supply issues with Hash Browns.

All students new to the College are asked to bring cash for tuckshop purchases until student ID cards have been received and a Flexischool account has been created and linked. Existing students with student ID cards and Flexischools accounts are reminded to bring cash as a backup for purchases until new ID cards have been received.

Volunteering at the Villanova College Tuckshop
The Tuckshop is a modern, commercial area of the College that provides an affordable and nourishing breakfast, morning tea and lunch service for the boys. Breakfast preparations begin from 7.00am and morning tea and lunch preparations beginning at 8.30am with the day concluding at 1.15pm.

We run a self-service system, with a diverse menu consisting of both freshly prepared and pre-packaged items.
It is managed by a paid convenor but could not exist without its dedicated volunteer helpers.
We welcome help from Mums, Dads, grandparents, other caregivers, friends, etc.

If you are interested in volunteering at Tuckshop you would be rostered on one day every four weeks generally from 8.30am to 1.15pm but for those of you who can accommodate or prefer an earlier start and/or finish, you can be rostered on the breakfast shift from 7.00am.

Even if you can only give just an hour or two, this is still very welcome – we can make use of any time you are able to give us.
Our helpers are provided with a cuppa and cake for morning tea, a delicious lunch, lots of laughs and an opportunity to see their sons in the College environment.
If you’re a little nervous about volunteering alone, why not join with a friend!

Current volunteers have mentioned the following reasons as to why they enjoy working at the Tuckshop:

• it helps our boys and the College community
• it is a great opportunity to meet other parents and chat to others with similar interests
• the boys enjoy seeing their parents at the College (even though they will not always admit it!)
• it is a chance to get to meet your son’s friends and their teachers
• it is a great way to seek advice from parents who have “been there, done that!”
• it is a lot of fun

If you are interested in volunteering you can register you interest at: Volunteering at Villanova » Villanova College (vnc.qld.edu.au) ,
call the Tuckshop on 3394 5592 or email Dot Blair – tuckshop@vnc.qld.edu.au

2025 ENROLMENT
Year 7/2025 enrolment applications will open on Friday 3 February.
For further information please contact our Enrolments Officer at enrolments@vnc.qld.edu.au

ENROLMENT COLLECTION NOTICE FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
2023 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 Regulation 2013, the school is required to provide the department with the following information about each student at the school:
• Names and residential addresses of 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. It is not allowed to 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 will be used to inform school funding calculations. It is combined with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data to calculate a non-government school community’s capacity to contribute to schooling costs.

From 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. Find more information about the DMI on the What is the methodology for the Direct Measure of Income (DMI)? Department web page.

Use and disclosure of personal information
Your personal information is protected by law under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (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 Privacy Act and the Australian Education Act 2013 and Australian Education Regulation 2013.

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 from time to time, carry out an audit of a school’s collection submission. The contracted auditor compares the school’s submission with the school’s student enrolment information. The contracted auditor will not use the information for any
other purpose.
GPO Box 9880, Canberra ACT 2601 | Phone 1300 488 064| www.education.gov.au | ABN 12 862 898 150
• disclosed to its service providers for the purposes of providing the department with information and communications technology support services.
• 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 seek correction of 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.

To contact the department about privacy-related matters, email privacy@education.gov.au or write to:
Privacy Officer
Legal Services
Department of Education
LOC: C50MA1
GPO Box 9880
Canberra ACT 260

Share your thoughts on Catholic Education
The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) is conducting an important survey with parents and carers about the Catholic education system in Queensland. QCEC would appreciate your feedback via a short online survey to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence families in choosing a Catholic school. QCEC are working with Market & Communications Research and the Online Research Unit to compile feedback. You can complete the survey online by clicking on the link below. All responses are anonymous.   https://survey.confirmit.com.au/wix/p559809241117.aspx?cg=18