Villa View – Issue 5, 21 March 2024

Harmony Week
Over the past week the College has taken time to engage the community in Harmony Week initiatives. While it certainly is in alignment with our Inclusion, Diversity and Equity policy the College’s zero tolerance to racial vilification is not something that can sit passively in a piece of writing. As an educational institution we are called to take proactive educational steps to bring the challenge of racism and acceptance into the everyday aspect of boys lives. 

As such this last week has devoted significant time to bringing racism into the spotlight at our College. In our middle school we have conducted an anti-racism forum focusing on the notion and power of the bystander and challenging boys to be ‘upstanders’. Members of staff and the student community shared their experiences of racism, and casual racism in particular, as an attempt to grow and encourage empathy and understanding. When you live in the ‘majority context’ it is important to take time to listen. Father Saldie challenged the boys to engage in the process of See, Judge, Act when dealing with others and relationships. If we observe racist behaviour to acknowledge it, to consider its impact and the best ways to combat it and then to take what for many may be the courageous step and actually take action. To call out the behaviour or language and look to find better ways to behave and operate. 

Further to this a number of classroom and wellbeing lesson activities have also asked boys to consider their character and highlight what areas of growth and development they could focus on that improve their ability to live our mission and See, Judge and Act against racism in our College and beyond. 

I must thank the Young Augustinian Youth Ministry team (YAYM) and their student leaders for their commitment to this project and the significant action taking to raise awareness and challenge for action. It has been a wonderful launchpad toward improving College culture and living our values. 

Year 12 Retreat
Next week our year 12 students head off on their annual Kairos retreat. The boys will make their way to three venues, two at Mt Tambourine and one at Peregian Beach. This is an important part of the final year of school and offers our seniors the opportunity to engage in our college value of interiority with significant focus and to develop greater understanding of themselves and their journey. I look forward to both my own participation in the camp and of sharing time and stories with the boys. 

Debut Concert Series
It was with great joy our College launched the new year of music ensembles with the Debut concert series last week. As always these are evenings where parents and community members have an opportunity to celebrate the early work of our musicians and their tutors and experience the ground work being laid in their development and the burgeoning teamwork and alignment that is needed to produce high quality results. 

What was striking this year was the breadth of opportunity for boys across ensembles, rock bands and orchestras. The array of talent was quite remarkable and these early performances have all of us excited for the winter concert series and of course QCMF later in the year. 

While speaking of musical opportunities I have to mention a wonderful opportunity in the Rock Band space with our students having a chance to work with one of Australia’s premier Indie bands Ball Park Music in coming months in a song writing and recording experience. The band members will come to the College and work across four days with our students to write, produce, record and release a song. It is with great thanks to Mr David Campbell who has worked hard to secure this opportunity for our music students. 

AIC First Trimester Sport
Last weekend we concluded the first trimester of AIC sport and while for our firsts teams the season didn’t end as hoped, with losses in Volleyball , AFL and Cricket the overall season was a success with so many boys out on Saturdays spending time with one another, enjoying the challenges of sport and connecting with their own peers and those from other schools. We had some 900 boys in active competition this term and over 90- coaches giving of their time to support and guide students in both skills and sportsmanship. 

Things don’t stop for long though with Rugby and Football season kicking off this weekend with training and trials. I would encourage all of our boys, where possible, to engage in the AIC and co-curricular programs to receive the full benefit of a Villanova education. 

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.

One of my favourite personal development writers and life coaches is Ben Crowe, creator of the Mojo Crowe course. One of the taglines of his philosophy is ‘own your story’ and every Friday, he shares with his followers a reflection about how one can not only take control of their lives but also harness the power of extracting meaning and purpose from all the mountain and valley moments that we traverse throughout our life journey. Crowe often cogitates on the beauty of discomfort, essentially how we stimulate growth from the challenging moments in our experience. I would like to share an excerpt from his most recent newsletter that encapsulates his contention:

‘On any Hero’s Journey, we’re either winning… or we’re learning. And if there’s a lesson to take away from an experience, there’s a good chance that growth is already taking place. That’s a win in and of itself!  Well, ‘finding wins amongst the struggle’ sounds great in theory. But it’s much harder in practice, right?  You’re not alone there.

As a macro-trend, we’ve noticed that we struggle to navigate discomfort as a human race. And it makes sense. Our brains are wired for survival, often encouraging us towards the path of least resistance, and away from anything new or uncertain. Now we all have a need for security and safety in our day-to-day lives… but the thing we don’t often realise, is that we’re also in need of a little uncertainty. For spontaneity, wonder, adventure, and the chance to stretch our purpose and potential.”

Year 12 Retreat
Next week, our Year 12 students will have the rare opportunity to depart the busyness of their hectic schedules and consider their own Heroes Journey as they experience one of most significant rites of passage of their Villanova experience- their Senior Retreat.

Our Kairos Program- Kairos meaning the appointed time in the purpose of God- allows our young men to connect with their peers and staff and reflect upon their life journey in an environment in which they are challenged to embrace vulnerability and courageously practice interiority. With our largest Year 12 cohort, we will be running simultaneous programs across two venues- Peregian Beach and Mount Tamborine, with Dean of Mission and Identity, Mrs Kate Garrone and I facilitating the experience for our young men. I would also like to thank Ms Amanda Waterson for her wonderful logistical support. Furthermore, I would like to affirm the staff who will be in attendance for their sacrifice in spending time away from their families in support of our students.

House Cup
Last Tuesday, the second House Cup event of the year was conducted- our inaugural House War Cry Competition. Each of the eight Houses took to the Goold Hall stage which was symbolic as perhaps some students never walk the stage until their Graduation Day. Led by their House Captains and a boisterous cabal of Year 11 and 12 House Spirit Leaders, each House performed a repertoire of chants with some interesting choreography and interpretation of some popular songs. Congratulations to Augustine House, led by Luke Caffery, for being crowned champions by our judging panel of College Principal, Mr Paul Begg and last year’s Cor Unum Spirit Captain and Villanovan of the Year Benjamin Addley. At the conclusion of the event, we conducted the song draw for next term’s House Choir Competition which will feature classic hits from the Eighties. That promises to be a unique experience for our boys and young men.

Senior A Debating
Last Wednesday night, our Senior A Debating Team once again triumphed in their Round 2 QDU fixture against The Southport School. Captain Charlie Hodgson-Day, Jack Power, Daniel Egert and Year 11 student Dylan Fryga are to be congratulated for their meticulous preparation and oratory skills in successfully arguing in the affirmation ‘that we support the privatisation of humanitarian intervention’. Keeping with our holistic Cor Unum Spirit, I would like to acknowledge the presence of members of the Student Leadership Team for supporting the debaters. Whilst not the environment to have large throngs of the Villanova Army, the attendance of SLT was much appreciated.

“Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. The magic happens on the fringes. On the edges, in the struggle.” – Ben Crowe

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

It has been a busy fortnight in the Middle School with NAPLAN for our Year 7 and 9 students and all students preparing for their end of term examinations. Teachers have certainly been talking about the increased level of focus and attention in classes as students are beginning their final preparations. This focus on study is important but equally, the habits attached to it are of equal significance.

First and foremost, cultivating good study habits is the cornerstone of effective exam preparation. Adopting a consistent and organized study routine is key by spacing out study sessions over a number of weeks allows for better retention of information and a deeper understanding of concepts. By breaking down the material into manageable chunks and dedicating regular time to do so, we not only reinforce our learning but also reduce the stress associated with last-minute cramming.

While there may be bragging rights attached to who stayed up the latest to finalise their exam preparation, studies have shown that adequate sleep is often undervalued yet is paramount for cognitive function and memory consolidation. Late nighters might seem like a heroic effort, but it ultimately diminishes the ability to recall information during exams. Research consistently underscores the importance of sleep in enhancing learning and problem-solving skills. Therefore, prioritizing a good night’s sleep, aiming for eight to nine hours each night, should be a non-negotiable component of our exam preparation strategy.

Equally important is ensuring the food we are putting into our bodies can aid in our concentration and focus. Just as athletes optimize their diets to enhance performance, students can benefit from nourishing their minds with nutritious foods. It is certainly alarming seeing the growing number of students walking onto campus in the morning with caffeinated drinks such as Mother that lead to major sugar highs and then big energy crashes. Making conscious choices to fuel our bodies with wholesome foods not only supports academic performance but also promotes overall well-being.

It is hoped that students are well aware that the success of an exam block is not solely determined by the hours spent studying in the night or two before an exam but rather, is the culmination of the terms work and the ideal preparation into the lead up to it with proper sleep and nutrition.

I wish all students in the Middle School the best for the completion of their NAPLAN and all exams.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

There was a buzz of excitement and a few nerves as the Year 5 parents and students gathered at the front of the College yesterday.  It was time for us to depart for the Apex Mudjimba Camp, carefully organised to the finest of details by Chloe Adams, Callum Hackett and Maria Mascadri. After weeks of filling in paperwork, collecting and processing forms, preparing the students through discussions and previous photos from other years, it was time to say goodbye to Mums and Dads for an adventure.

Camp, a little later than normal in Term One, is undertaken in the hope that we can focus on the young boys and consolidate some relationships and memories to bring back to classroom learning.  It’s about being together, whether comfortable in air-conditioned dorms, or a little uncomfortable whilst running through the mud pit.  On camp we can rely on each other.  Helping others and being able to receive a helping hand gets us around the mid-ropes, riding the boards over the waves, casting a hand line into the river (crabs a popular catch) and finding our balance on paddle boards.  Teachers and students braved the wet weather & humidity, slapped on sunscreen and insect repellent, and did their very best to laugh a little, whilst showcasing their strengths and challenges in front of peers.

It’s not easy to be away from family – and it’s not always that easy to wave your son goodbye either.  Yet, we show trust in each other, by trying to do this with a smile and all the hope that our Villanovan family can be there for one another.  Over hamburgers, pasta, sausage and scrambled eggs, biscuits and fruit, sausage rolls and pies, chicken drumsticks and rice, ham and egg McMuffins, and finally chicken burgers, our appetites were satisfied as we excitedly shared the highs and lows of our recent activities.  Dorm rooms were adorned with hanging towels, odd socks and excited chatter between bunk beds.  Outside the kangaroos watched us play football, cricket and were very fascinated with our attempts at archery.  We found more crabs with our yabby pump than we did bait, but luckily there was squid for our lines pre-purchased!  We stayed busy and always looked forward to returning home with tales that might be a little exaggerated but were absolutely got the message across that for most, this experience was positive and insightful to who we are.

I would very much like to thank our team of staff who did their very best to care for your sons and support them through every part of being away from home.  I send heartfelt thanks home to all the parents who may have decided to bin those mud pit clothes, or simply had to block their noses to wash what clothing did make it home – wet or dry.  Above all, I high five every single Year 5 student – those who couldn’t make it due to illness and those who attended.  You should be very proud of all you could manage – we are very, very happy to have been given the chance to be a part of your first Villanova camp.

As a Junior School, our Focus of the Week is “Being Organised and Responsible”.  We turn to our classwork – being organised, using visual cues such as class timetables, packing our PE/sports gear on the right days, and of course, managing our schoolwork.  Laptops become a part of this too – charging them each night and learning how to navigate tools such as Teams, OneNote and Outlook for emails – there is etiquette and standards about how we communicate at Villanova College.  It takes a village – help from home, the boys need to step up and be a part of planning their days, and of course, we will provide as many answers as humanly possible here at school.  The boys will soon be able to help each other – teaching what they learn (for example where to find IT) to their mates which is invaluable.  Remember to be patient and expect a few hiccups – there is a lot going on – for all of us.  Problem solving is key – there is always a solution so just keep on looking, asking and trying your best.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
One element of school operations that changed significantly as a result of COVID was how school’s engaged with their parent body. Information evenings and subject selection nights were activities that saw the material delivered moved to an online event. These have now thankfully moved back to face-to-face deliveries as the expert presentations and ‘tangible’ displays had so much more impact in this format. A specific area of parent engagement, though, that has retained an online function is parent-student-teacher conferences. Parent/carers would be well aware now of the convenience of these conferences being online; being able to remain in the office, not having to find parking and not having to potentially find care for younger children was all part of this convenience. Last year, the College surveyed parents about parent-student-teacher conferences and their preferred mode of delivery. Whilst many had grown to appreciate the online conferences, there was still a high percentage of parents/carers who wanted to attend face-to-face conferences again; the message of community again once stood out.

In taking this feedback into account, next term’s Year 5 to 11 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences will occur as follows:

• In Week 2 of the term, conferences will be conducted online on Tuesday, 23 April from 1.30 to 7.00pm.
• In Week 3 of the term, conferences will be face-to-face on Wednesday 1 May from 1.30 to 7.00pm.

There will be an early finish to school on both of these days to facilitate the conferences. Students will have the opportunity to go home at approximately 1.00pm or remain on campus (with supervision) if they cannot get home or won’t have care before 3.00pm.

Mid-Semester 1 Reports
The College provides four reports per year for students in Years 5 to 11 (and two reports for Year 12 students). The first of these reports, for all students, is the Mid-Semester 1 report. It will be published and made available to parents/carers at the end of this term.

At the same time as these reports are released, bookings for the Term 2 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences will also be released. An email will be sent to all parents/carers late next week with specific information and details.

Wishing all families a Holy Easter. After a very busy Term 1, the break has been well earned.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Holy Week at Villanova
This year, Holy Week intersects with our term schedule, presenting a unique opportunity for the Villanova community to engage in meaningful reflections and acts of compassion.  Across Lent we have invited our community to engage with a daily journey to the Interior.  This year, we will mark Holy Week in three main ways:

Specially Crafted Stations of the Cross
From Monday to Wednesday of Week 10, our students will participate in specially designed Stations of the Cross. These stations, created by a dedicated team of students, reflect upon the journey Jesus took through the narrow streets of Jerusalem, from the moment of his condemnation to his death upon the Cross. These stations offer a profound exploration of contemporary struggles and challenges currently faced by individuals in our city. Through this experience, we aim to cultivate empathy and inspire compassionate responses. You can read more about the Stations of the Cross here.

Sponsored Walk for Emmanuel City Mission
As a culmination of our Lenten journey, student leaders will embark on a sponsored walk from Emmanuel City Mission (South Brisbane) to Villanova via South Bank. This walk symbolises our solidarity with Emmanuel City Mission and serves as a fundraiser to support their vital work in aiding the homeless and at-risk individuals in our community.

Join us in embracing the spirit of Holy Week through prayer, reflection, and acts of service (almsgiving). Together, let us make a positive impact and uphold the values of compassion and generosity.

To Support our Walk for Emmanuel City Mission Click here

Holy Week Liturgy
Our full Villanova community will gather in Goold Hall on Holy Thursday for our Holy Week Liturgy.  Our pilgrims who have walked from Emmanuel City Mission will be just arriving and together we will take a journey through some of the key events of Holy Week with a consideration of how they are still experienced today.  It will not be the full story and we hope that families and students will engage in the rest of the story within their parishes and faith communities.  Whilst it is certainly an experience of the suffering and death of Jesus, we are a resurrection people, and we believe in the risen Christ who remains present and active in our lives.

Our Holy Week Liturgy closes with the following prayer, appropriate for us all as we enter Holy week:
Loving God, stretch our hearts and minds.
Encourage us and challenge us
To reach out to a heartbroken friend.
Encourage us and challenge us
To listen the voices of the ignored.
Encourage us and challenge us
To stand up against injustices.
Encourage us and challenge us
To call ourselves Christians when it is unfashionable to do so.
Encourage us and challenge us
To remember that we should be ‘washing one another’s feet.’
Encourage us and challenge us

On a Mission in ‘24

Happy Harmony week!  Last Friday our YAYM students led a powerful and challenging Middle School assembly focusing on people’s experience of belonging at Villa which was prepared by our YAYM students and Mrs Alisa Cleary.  A diverse panel of both teachers and students engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on confidently addressing casual racism, with the audience actively participating.

This week, we have continued with celebrations of Harmony Week as we unite with a Pledge for Harmony.  The assembly triggered ongoing discussion particularly with  Year 7 students who have spent a lesson exploring how their cohort could lead in strengthening our commitment to deeper respect for their peers and the wider Villa community. Students then contributed their handprint on a banner symbolising our commitment to unity and respect.  Hopefully, you will see it displayed on Eighth Avenue.

Congratulations to all students and staff involved.  Our work in building community helps Villa become a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.

AFAS Global VILLAge zoom conference 2024 with ~ La Consolacion College, Murcia (Negros Occidental, Philippines)

One of the unexpected outcomes of COVID has been that around the globe we learnt how to connect with one another online!  In 2022, when we so wanted to return to the Philippines for our immersion program we took to zoom and started the Global VILLAge.  Through zoom we’ve been able to continue to connect students around the world.

The following is Conor O’Mara’s insightful reflections on our recent zoom.  It is super exciting that Conor, and a further 18 students from Year 11 will be on the AFAS immersion at the end of Term 3 this year.

The annual Global Village zoom conference with the La Consolacion College in Murcia was held on March 8 this year. We had quite a range of students, from Year 5 all the way up to Year 11 attend this event. Despite only having one hour to connect with our AFAS scholars, we packed in a decent amount of conversation and exchanged several opinions and personal interests. As a group, Villanova students collectively asked the scholars about things they are interested in or experience in order to foster a deeper insight into the way they live and go about their lives. We covered topics from small to large and everything in between.

Starting off with favourite sports and foods, before diving into more complex dilemmas and ordeals, such as the usage of technology at school, and climate change. We also had the opportunity to answer questions about the way we live our lives here in Australia, more specifically Villanova College.

Whilst some groups actively took the scholars for a tour of our Senior Study Hall and classrooms, other groups engaged in deep conversations on social issues and dilemmas on a global scale. It was certainly interesting to see how their positions on climate change and environmental awareness were alike ours here at Villanova College. It was very intriguing that the majority of those we spoke to wanted to get a career that gives back to their community, such as a field in medicine and healthcare to treat the sick in their society, or science to investigate diseases and create cheaper more accessible treatments. Or simply just a job that pays enough for them to come back and support their family. It was very refreshing when compared to Australian society which is generally more self-centred. It was inspirational the way they dedicate themselves to their studies and strive to help others. In essence, this year was certainly an eye-opening experience through apprehending how similar and different it is for young people in a place like Negros Occidental, Philippines compared to Brisbane.

Upcoming Events
Year 12 Cassiciacum: The Villanovan Kairos Retreat
As the term draws to a close next week our Year 12 students will be heading off for three days of retreat.  This is a time to leave the busyness and pressure of school in order to recharge; to enjoy time together nurturing friendships and is a chance to consider some of life’s bigger and deeper questions and an opportunity to connect with the living source of faith, hope and life found in God!  Please keep our Year 12s and the staff attending in your thoughts and prayers next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Date Claimers and more!
Calling all Australian Army Cadets!

We would like to invite our cadet students to be involved in our Anzac Assembly on Wednesday 24 April.  Cadets, please complete email Mr Adrian Hellwig ahellwig@vnc.qld.edu.au if this applies to you and you would like to be involved.

Vinnies Holiday Kids Camp
Every Easter Vinnies run a Kids camp providing a fun, safe experience for children where confidence, resilience, teamwork and social skills can be developed.  We have three Year 11s who have volunteered as leaders to be Big Buddies in this experience – building friendships and ensuring everyone has as much fun as possible.  We thank Noah Lum, Wade Powell and Cooper Price for stepping forward to be involved in this experience during their holidays.

Ozanam Leadership Program
Congratulations to Year 11 student Eli Dunstan on being accepted into the Ozanam Leadership Program.  This program runs from term 2 to 4 and develops students’ leadership and advocacy skills and connects them with a network of other students, Vinnies staff and volunteers.  We look forward to hearing about Eli’s experience.

AFAS Partners With Us For Mission Week 2024

For many years we have been dreaming about our AFAS partners being able to visit us at Villa.  We are thrilled to announce that we have four of our key partners joining us for Mission Week in May:

Judith Fe M. Pilongo – Augustinian Provincial Office, Cebu
Myrna Geraldez – Divino Amore Academy, Cebu
Altha Diopido – Community Engagement Program Office, Colege San Agustin, Bacolod
Desiree Diel – Colege San Agustin, Bacolod

Each of these women have made a huge contribution to the immersion experience of students and staff from Villa over many years.  It is going to make Mission Week 2024 an even richer opportunity to really learn about our Augustinian partners and share them with our wider Villanova community.

There will be opportunities for present and past people involved with AFAS to share time with our visitors in what is shaping up to be a fantastic week.

Project Compassion – For All Future Generations
Please as a family consider a final contribution to support the great work of Caritas.

Director of Sport Address
As the curtain closes on Trimester 1 Sports, it is important to acknowledge all students, coaches, staff and parents who contributed to the Villanova College Sport programmes in AFL, Cricket, Swimming and Volleyball.

906 students and 94 coaches were engaged in Trimester 1 Sports. The breadth and depth of our programmes is evident as we summarise the seasons’ results and successes.

Congratulations to our First VI Volleyball team who placed second, winning five of the seven AIC matches played. Well done also to our AFL teams and Swimmers who placed third in the aggregate rankings.

A special mention to our Year 12 students who have completed their final Trimester 1 season. Our community wishes you all well with your future endeavours and we hope to see many of you back in future years as coaches.

Congratulations to our Premiership winning teams in Trimester 1. Winning all matches of an AIC season is a tremendous effort and testament to the hard work, for many weeks, from the playing and coaching groups. Our Premiership teams and coaches are listed below. These teams will be acknowledged further at our Term 2 Sports Assembly, alongside our major Sports award winners.

AIC AFL

AIC Cricket

Trimester 2 Sport commenced this week with Chess, Football and Rugby Union selection trial sessions. Cross-Country commenced in Week 7, Term 1.

This weekend we have Chess trial matches at St Laurence’s College on Friday 22 March, Firsts/Seconds/10A Football and Rugby trial matches vs St Laurence’s College on Saturday 23 March and internal trial games at Villa Park for all other Football and Rugby year levels and teams, also on Saturday 23 March. This weekend’s trial draw is available on Parent Lounge and the Locker Room Overview page.

With the holidays and Term 2 fast approaching, here are some dates and events to remember:

• Thursday 28 March – final day of school for Term 1 – no Football and Rugby training.
• Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April – Football and Rugby Skills Clinics – any students from Years 5-10 – registration link in section below and on the Locker Room Overview page.
• Saturday 13 April – Football trial matches at Churchie – A teams from Years 5-Open, includes Open Seconds and Thirds. More information below.

Draw – Trial Round Friday 22 and Saturday 23 March

• Friday 22 March – Chess at St Laurence’s College, 82 Stephens Rd South Brisbane, second level sports centre.
• Saturday 23 March:
  • 1sts/2nds/10A Football at St Laurence’s College, Gair Field, 82 Stephens Rd South Brisbane
  • 1sts/2nds/10A Rugby at SLC Playing fields, Nathan Rd, Runcorn
  • All other Years 5-Open Football and Rugby teams internal games at Villa Park

The Trial Round draw for this Friday 22 and Saturday 23 March is now available on the Locker Room Overview page. The draw will be posted to Locker Room by the Wednesday prior to the round ahead. This is the earliest possible time we can post this information.

Trial Round Draw – Chess, Football & Rugby – 22/23 March

Sports Club President – Expressions of interest
Calling for expressions of interest for the role of President of the Sports Club (commencing Term 2, 2024). Please contact smclean@vnc.qld.edu.au for more information. The next Sports Club meeting is Monday 22 April, 6:00-7:00pm at Villanova College.

Sports Club – Villa Park Canteen Volunteers – Saturday 23 March
Football and Rugby Union seasons kick off this Saturday 23 March with matches versus St Laurence’s College in Firsts, Seconds and 10A’s and internal games for all other year levels and teams at Villa Park. Check the Locker Room Overview page for the draw.

For those parents of registered Football and Rugby players, who are not in the Firsts, Seconds and 10A teams this weekend (team lists will be available on Parent Lounge by midday Thursday), the Sports Club needs your help!

Please sign up using the link below to assist on the Villa Park canteen this Saturday. Shifts are in half hour blocks, so you could help before or after your son’s game.
Proceeds from the Villa Park canteen will go directly to the development of all our AIC sporting programmes.
Thanks for your help this Saturday 23 March.

Villa Park Canteen Volunteers – Sat 23 March – Register here!

Final Trimester 1 Results

Final AFL Results 2024

Final Cricket Results 2024

Final Volleyball Results 2024

Trimester 2 Sport Sign-Ons
Registrations for Trimester 2 Sports are now closed.

If you did not register your son, he must now visit the Sports Department to collect a “Late Registration Form.’ This form must be taken home, completed, signed by both student and parent, and returned to the Sports Office, prior to the student being added to a Sport. Failure to follow this process may result in non-selection for the upcoming season.

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

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

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

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

The Term 2 training schedule (which will commence in Week 9, Term 1 from Monday 18 March) is below. Please note the schedule below is for Weeks 9 and 10, Term 1 only.

Term 2 Training Schedule – Weeks 9 and 10 Term 1 only (commencing Monday 18 March)

The Term 2 Training schedule for Weeks 1-8, Term 2 is below. This schedule will commence from Monday 15 April.

Term 2 Training Schedule – Weeks 1-8, Term 2 (commencing Monday 15 April)

Chess players, please refer to the training schedule below. These sessions commence from Week 9, Term 1 (from Monday 18 March).

Chess Training Schedule 2024

Villa Park pick-ups – Football and Rugby
Football and Rugby trials commenced at Villa Park from Week 9, Monday 18 March. Football on Monday’s and Wednesday’s, Rugby on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.

Transport for all players is organised ‘one-way’ from the College to Villa Park straight after school. Buses will depart Sixth Avenue promptly from 3:05pm. All buses will be supervised by a Villa staff member/coach.

Parents are reminded to please collect their son/s promptly from Villa Park between 5:00-5:15pm. A staff member will be on site until all students are collected. The hope is that we do not need to ask our staff to remain past 5:15-5:30pm at the latest. We appreciate your consideration.

Save the dates – Easter Holidays Skills Clinics Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April – Football and Rugby
The Sports Office invites all interested students from Year 5-10 to participate in the inaugural Easter skills clinics for Rugby & Football (Soccer).

These clinics are open to all ability levels, with a range of coaches in both disciplines. Players from our A/B teams through to our lower teams and students beginning in each sport are invited to attend. The details for this event are listed below.

Date:  Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April 2024
Times:  Arrive 8.45am for 9am start – 12pm (each day)
Venue:  Villanova Park, Manly Road
Cost:  Single day – $70 (either Thursday or Friday), both days – $130 (made payable via Parent Lounge)
Uniform:  Sport specific clothing including boots or playing shoes, sunscreen, hat, water bottle etc. Students participating in the Rugby Camp will not be permitted to participate without a mouthguard. Students are welcome to wear Villa sports uniform or casual sports clothes.

Please click on the link below to register. Registrations close Wednesday 27 March.
Payment (via Parent Lounge) must be received by Wednesday 27 March.

Easter Rugby & Football Skill Clinics – 2024 – Register here.

Save the Date – Football trial matches versus Churchie, Easter Holidays Saturday 13 April.
In the Easter holidays, on Saturday 13 April, all “2nds/A” level Football teams will have trial games versus Churchie. The games will be played at Churchie (Oaklands Pde, East Brisbane). See timings below.

Once teams are selected, students will be invited to attend the trial game in the holidays via a JotForm. If players are unavailable due to being away (which is understandable and won’t influence selections), B/C players will be invited to fill the gaps.

2^nd XI – 2pm kick-off
3^rd XI vs Churchie 11A – 2pm kick-off
10A – 2pm kick-off
9A – 12:30pm kick-off
8A – 12:30pm kick-off
7A – 12:30pm kick-off
6A – 11:30am kick-off
5A – 11:30am kick-off

Save the dates – Sporting Tours, Camps and Clinics

• Firsts Rugby Camp – Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre – 7-10 April 2024.
• Firsts Football Tournament – The Southport School – 8-12 April 2024.
• Football & Rugby training clinics all year levels – Villa Park – Easter holidays, 4-5 April 2024.
• St Augustine’s College Tour – Sydney – 17-19 June 2024.
• Rugby League Confraternity Carnival – Townsville – 22-29 June 2024.
• Xmas holidays 2024/2025 – Cricket Oblate Tour to Perth & Volleyball AVSC Tournament Gold Coast.
• ** International Tour ** – Football & Rugby Tour to Japan – Easter 2025.
• ** International Tour ** – Basketball & Volleyball Tour to USA – Xmas holidays 2025/2026.

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

For those students preparing for Trimester 2 Sports – please see correct uniforms below.

       
Hire Jerseys – Term 1 AFL and Volleyball
In Term 1 hire jerseys for AFL and Volleyball, will need to be returned to the Uniform Shop before the end of Term 1 – by Thursday 28 March.

Jerseys not returned by the end of Term 1 incur a late fee charge on the student’s account. The deadline of the end of Term 1 (last day of term – Thursday 28 March) is strict. All hire jerseys must be returned by then to avoid the late fee charge.

The late fees are as follows:

• AFL jersey – $100
• Volleyball jersey – $100

The Uniform Shop opening hours can be found on the College website.

Sport Contact List
If you are requiring information about a specific Sport, in the first instance, visit the website Locker Room page. If you need further clarification, please contact the relevant Coordinator below. For any training or game absences, please contact your Sport Coordinator.

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

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

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

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

Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport

AFL Final Report: Celebrating a Successful Season
Team in Focus
The 7A AFL team finished off the season with a tight loss to Marist in a spirited encounter. With over 30 players having the opportunity to play at A grade level which, it will stand them in good stead in future years. There were many solid contributors across the season including Jonah Frare and Jed Normington along with some great improvers such as Diezel Kennedy and Dom Bukowski.

As the AFL season comes to a close, it is time to reflect on another rewarding year for Villa AFL. I would like to acknowledge and express my gratitude to the coaches, parents, and players who have contributed to the success of the season. With undefeated premierships achieved by the 8A and 6C teams, as well as several teams finishing second on the ladder, including the 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B teams it is clear that hard work and dedication paid off.

The 8A and 6C teams deserve special recognition for their outstanding achievements this season. Their undefeated premiership titles reflect the hard work, teamwork, and talent that they consistently demonstrated throughout their matches. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and supporters who contributed to these victories.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all the coaches who dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to guide our teams throughout the season. The boys appreciated your efforts in the training sessions, strategising game plans, and providing invaluable support both on and off the field. It was through your guidance that our teams achieved success this season.

Additionally, special recognition goes to the players who donned the Villa AFL jersey for the first time. Your determination, and willingness to learn has been admirable. All players embraced the challenge and made significant contributions to your respective teams.

As we wrap up another successful AFL season, the accomplishments of this season have set a strong foundation for next year. We were excited to witness the growth and skill development of our players and with the support of our dedicated coaches, parents, and players, we are confident that the next season will be even more successful.

Matt Conlan, AFL Coordinator

First XVIII AFL
The Leaping Wildcat’s played their final game of the AIC season with a defeat by Ambrose Treacy College to achieve fourth place for the season.

Congratulations to the Senior students who played throughout the season including Max Blaser, Lachy Brown, Jackson Dalrymple, Max Downie, Lachlan Ebrington, Ned Godwin, Benny Lawrence, Henry Oberhardt, Luke Patterson, Harry Poole, Oscar Tanks, Joey Watson, Charlie Blyth, and Darcy Woodger who all played their final AIC AFL game for Villa’s Leaping Wildcats. The value of the Jersey continued to grow while in their possession.

Conversations can be powerful, and telling a player he will not play in the Firsts can be difficult. The reasons are often not because that person isn’t good enough but because the coaches may be looking for more size, speed or a different game style etc against the next opponent. However, the receiver of the news are usually dismayed when I deliver the intentions of the coaches.

In this vein I would like to acknowledge Darcy Woodger.  Darcy’s reaction was to look me in the eye and thank me for the privilege and opportunity that had been extended to him to play for the Leaping Wildcat’s. The humility and gratitude expressed by Darcy in that challenging moment, displayed a strength of character that identifies him as an authentic Villa Man.

In closing I dare the following boys to dream, Rhys Doman, Toby Hall, Darcy Kerr, Nick Landers, Jack Logan, Ollie Logan, Oscar McCoola, Alex Solomon, Xavier Webb, and Will White. They all played a significant role in the Leaping Wildcat’s as Year 10 student’s; how great will they make the team over the next two years. It was a young team with at least 7 Year 10 students playing and improving in the Firsts each game, thus, the future is bright for Villanova’s Leaping Wildcat’s.

Brian Pascoe, First XVIII Head Coach

Cricket
Looking back over the season, having watched many games each Saturday and sorted through early round team lists, it was clear that we took a bit of a hit as our numbers were lower than usual and we were not as dominant as we have been over the years. With AFL growing and increasing their number of teams in the competition, a few of our good cricketers, jumped ship and headed over. This had a considerable impact on our depth and put more pressure on some of the other boys to perform above expectation.

Our Year Nine cricketers found this to be a huge hurdle. We were six or seven players short of putting three teams in the competition, so it was decided that the seventeen players in this group would play in the B Competition. This was not an easy decision made by the College and we would like to thank all of the playing group for rising up to the challenge and playing the longer format of the game, even though this was not what you signed up for. Dave Capra, Peter Mullins and Steve Miller along with a few other parents, built up their confidence and even though they did not have too much success on the field, I hope they all return next year and bring some friends with them to build up those team numbers. With Opens playing AFL on Friday night, some boys will be happy to play both sports.

There was a great deal of preparation and planning that goes into the selections, coaching and management of the players since last October and a huge thank you goes out to everyone involved. Having enthusiastic and motivated coaches, allows the program to be effective and our younger age groups benefit from the cricket knowledge being passed on to them from the coaching they are receiving. Hopefully more players will continue to come back to cricket to play and we can build on the twenty-six sides that represented the College this year.

Congratulations to our 10A premiership team and to coaches Michael Dann and Warren Duke and to the 6As for going through undefeated coached by Ben Thallon, Cameron Bukowski and Connor Moloney.

Well done also to the 10B, 8A, 8B and 7B sides for finishing second in their respective competitions.

Overall, in the aggregate, Villanova finished fourth. Congratulations to St. Patrick’s College, who have won it for the first time and is third College to have won a cricket aggregate since the inception of AIC in 1999.

Final Points
St. Patrick’s 66            Iona 60                        Ashgrove 55                Villanova 52
St. Laurence’s 45         St. Peter’s 36               Padua 22.5                  St. Edmund’s 5.5
Cricket Coaches:
Thanks to the following people who coached a team this year, your efforts have enabled the boys to get out and play some cricket and develop their skills.
Staff: Ben Lynam, Steve Miller, Joel Cosgrove and Peter Mullins
Parents: Paul Keene, Ross Whitby, Paul Innes, Damien Lewis, Dave Capra, Elliot Fox. Lee Carseldine, Steen Carlson, Steve McLean and Simon Smith.

I would like to make special mention to following group of Old Boys, who have returned to the College and helped with the program. Twelve of the twenty-six teams were coached by Old Boys and without them, we would really find it difficult to cover these sides and have them play. Some of these gentlemen are only in their first year out but they have made the effort to get involved and the impact they have had on the boys, particularly the Junior School boys has been invaluable, and they all thoroughly enjoyed having these men as coaches:

Jamie Mullins, Matthew Short, Jack Challinor, Oliver Timms, Luke Palmer, Ben Thallon, Callum McMahon, Jackson Moloney, Ben Fingland, Jack Carson, Michael McCarthy, Jimmy Collins, Dean Basili, Tom Rieck, Connor Moloney, Cameron Bukowski, Alessandro Porreca, Domenic Franco, Vincent Avolio, Tristan Bailey and Matthew Short.

A big shout out to the Groundsmen at Villa Park, Clyde, Gary and Jason, for preparing the fields each round and having Villa Park looking exceptional week in and week out. It is a facility the whole College can be proud of and is the envy of other Colleges. Thank you for your hard work, so we can get the boys out playing and experience high class grounds.

Finally, to Nathan Dufty, our 1^st XI coach. Nathan has been with the College since 2013, coaching our 1st XI teams and developing players along the way. He has put in an enormous amount of time to Villa cricket and has left it in a better place. Five Cricket aggregates highlights the overall impact he has had on the cricket program. It is exceedingly difficult to win the aggregate and it has been Nathan’s development of all players in all year levels, not just 1^st XI players, which has seen Villanova sit proudly at the top of the cricket tree. Villanova has also managed to claim the prestigious 1^st XI premiership three times under his guidance in 2013, 2019 and 2021. The 1sts also finished second on five occasions, with Nathan at the helm. He has moulded individuals into teams and those teams have performed exceptionally well.

Nathan will be sorely missed as our coach but will continue, in his role at Villanova in Sports Administration and is still keen to be involved in Villanova Cricket and to make sure that the right people are in place and that Villanova continues to be a force in AIC cricket.

Zone Cricket Term 4 2024
We have also slowly been building up the profile of Villanova in the local club scene and Nathan has coordinated a band of coaches, along with himself, who worked with all the teams over the last six years coaching the term four boys weekly. It is our aim, with the assistance of a keen group of parents to run the term four program, to get more players involved. Villanova is hoping to put our AIC teams into the BEARS comp for Years Seven to Open and the EDJCA for our Year 5 and 6 teams. Letters will come out in August asking for registrations and if we can keep our AIC teams together for term four and play a high standard of cricket, it should have a positive outcome for next year’s AIC season. Please have a chat to other parents of boys in your team and see if we can keep them together at Villanova, rather than other local clubs, and be better prepared for next year.

Chris Everding, Cricket Coordinator

1^st XI Cricket
Our last game of the season saw us come up against a strong SPLC team who were still in contention of sharing the 1^st XI AIC premiership, so we knew that we were in for a tough away game to finish the season.

We lost the toss and SPLC chose to bat first, which is something that we would’ve also done. The pitch looked like a fair wicket and our bowlers needed to be on target for our bowling/fielding innings. The team executed well and bowled a consistent tight line to keep the pressure on SPLC. Henrik Frederiksen (2-25) and Lachlan Colbert (1-24) both bowled positive opening spells, but they were also supported by Ned Godwin (1-32) and Zac Joyce (2-25). Lachlan Whaites continued to show great improvement finishing with figures of 3-29. We were able to restrict SPLC to total of 176 which was a great effort by the team.

Our batting innings started positively again with our openers putting on a 30-run opening stand, unfortunately as we lost the first wicket, many more wickets continued to follow. Every time that we looked to build a partnership and get ahead of the game, SPLC always found a way to break it through building pressure and with some excellent fielding. The pick of the Villanova batters was Zac Joyce who ended up with 47 runs from his 56 balls. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win to finish season and SPLC bowled us out for 137 inside 38 overs.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported the team at some stage throughout the season.  Thank you to the 1^st XI parents for showing much commitment to the team in a very time-consuming sport. Thank you to Mr Chris Everding and Mr Shaun McLean for their many hours spent in making sure that the team prepared well with a detailed preseason, while also allowing the team to play across many various tournaments/tours over the previous two terms.

My final thank you is to coach Mr Corey Barsby who has worked with the 1^st XI team over the last two seasons, Corey has helped grow the overall program with his excellent detailed coaching and professional advice to many students.  Thank you Corey for your invaluable commitment and dedication to Villanova Cricket.

Last Saturday was also my last match as the 1^st XI coach after 12 seasons. I will look back on my time in this role with many fond memories with many great friendships forged, it was an absolute privilege and honour to coach the Villanova 1^st XI cricket team.  I know that the Cricket program will only continue to keep growing and prove to be a force in the AIC Cricket competition for many years to come.

Nathan Dufty, First XI Head Coach

Volleyball
It is a sombre feeling wrapping up the 2024 AIC Volleyball season, it is with sadness that our program comes to an end but there is certainly much to celebrate and remember. The 2024 season saw a full round of AIC matches and was a season filled of ups and downs, wins and losses, and a mix of long-term development and short-term success. Only time will tell how our targets will fare on the court in the future, but I am optimistic our approach and long-term plan will continue to make Villanova a fierce competitor in AIC Volleyball for many years to come.

The positive results we have had throughout the season was due to the tireless efforts of coaches and players exemplifying what our program Is striving for, playing an aggressive style of volleyball, not being intimidated by our opponent or surroundings and being humble winners and gracious in defeat. I would like to thank each of our coaches for the season, and a special mention to our Junior Coordinator, Mr Alex Russell.

As a coach, it was an honour to have worked with each of our teams throughout the season. It was truly a great experience to get the opportunity to work with the First VI team as they competed. In 2024, the First VI team were a true Premiership competitor finishing the season with 5 wins and 2 losses and holding second place on the First VI ladder. Our team put up a valiant fight against the eventual First Premiership winner in Iona but fell short losing the match 3 sets to 1. This game was truly thrilling to watch, and the coaching team and I are proud of the achievements of this year’s team. I would like to acknowledge and thank First VI captains Luke Caffery and Lachlan Gillett, along with Leadership team member Ewan McCarthy for their efforts above and beyond training and games. I thank the First VI Coaching team in Shania Hewitt and Nathan Wilkins for many hours of contribution, and finally, a special thank you and acknowledgement for all of our departing Year 12 students for their contribution over many years to AIC Volleyball.

Our teams will return to the Volleyball court to participate in the annual Volleyball Schools Cup series later this Year.

In closing, once again, it is with the deepest gratitude that I thank all our coaches, families, referees and support staff for their contribution to Volleyball in 2024.

Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator

Rugby
We are still looking for a couple of coaches to cover teams in the Year 7 age group. If you can assist train the boys on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, and be there on Saturdays, could you please contact ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Trials this Saturday will run for 90 minutes for each year level session. Coaches will run drills work with forwards and backs and then play internal trial matches. Initial teams will be selected for the trial against Iona College on April 20^th and advertised before the term ends.

Chris Everding, Rugby Coordinator

Chess
Welcome to the first week of Chess Trials, and the excitement is building as we face our St Laurence brothers this Friday afternoon.

We will venture over there by bus on Friday, leaving Villanova at 3:15 pm , and parents are asked to please collect your sons at 5:30 p.m. from St Laurence’s. No usual food/pizza will be provided this Friday by Laurie’s, so students will need to pack afternoon tea. Further details will be included in an email on Thursday, once teams have been finalised.

Our official training sessions have begun, and the buzz in the rooms is magical, as the lads face each other. Please remember to attend training gents, as no-shows could jeopardise your chance at playing for Villa. Please communicate with your manager if you are unable to attend a session, and.… please do this BEFORE the training session begins.

Finally I wish to share more news with you of our cleverly talented year 8 student Jackson Waldie, with another undefeated performance, this time in Open A Division at the Gardiner Chess Brisbane One Day Challenge for Term 1 on Sunday. 7 wins and a hard-fought draw with the top-rated player (who was 1400+). So proud of you Jackson!

Kath Underhill, Chess Coordinator

Cross-Country
The first couple of weeks of Cross-Country training has been attended by a lot of boys new to the sport across arrange of grades. This is pleasing and congratulations on those boys being brave and showing the intent to improve themselves through the running training.

I invite all boys who have just completed the AIC AFL season to consider joining Villa’s Cross-Country Squad. The individual gains will permeate through the teams. The 1^st’s Team employ a run and carry game plan which requires a high workload and the boys to cover a significant amount of ground. So, any extra running will complement your gameplay.

I also encourage students in other sports to use the Cross-Country training to improve your fitness and performance in your chosen sport.

The Cross-Country coaches are at either the Agora for the Junior School or Goold Hall for the Middle and Senior Schools from 6.30 am. The squads walk down to Langlands at 6.45 am.

If you are dropped to school after 6.45 am please do not walk to Langlands unsupervised, stay on the Villanova grounds. Alternatively, we use a number of training venues so if you are running late, please don’t just drop your son at Little Langlands if your son cannot see the Cross-Country staff.

This is a shared training zone, please don’t assume Cross-Country will be at this venue. I thank all parents and caregivers for their support to ensure safe training for the Cross-Country squad.

There were some notable performances at the recent Queensland Track and Field Championships in the middle-distance events.

• Harris McPherson (Year 7) was 9^th in the U14 800m in 2.19.92.
• Bailey Horvath (Year 11) placed 12^th in the U17 800m and 10^th in the 1500m in times of 2.05.26 and 4.13.91.
• Kyan Simpson (Year 12) placed 15^th in the U18 1500m in 4.13.78 after setting the pace for most of the race.

Congratulations to all boys who competed at the Queensland T & F Championships.

Brian Pascoe, Cross-Country Coordinator

Tennis
Tennis training for invited students in our 2024 Tennis First Squad commenced on Tuesday 5^th March, 6:00-7:30pm at Morningside Tennis Centre, and continue on Tuesday evenings through to the end of Term. Invitations to this squad have been emailed to students and families.

Nathan Dufty, Tennis Coordinator

 Strength & Conditioning
As we approach the end of the current preseason block, we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates. Our First XV Rugby and Football Firsts and Development Squads have been putting in some serious work and are gearing up for an epic start to Term 2. The dedication and effort they’ve shown during training are truly remarkable, and we can’t wait to see them in action.

Cannot miss the opportunity to commend those guys from our Swimming, AFL, Cricket and Volleyball teams who have been working to maintain their physical preparation, during their in-season training, under our coaches’ guidance and support.

The Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) program is providing the benefits we all expected, building skills and confidence with age and ability appropriate training.

Finally, an important reminder, the College has created some gym availability during Easter Holidays. Gym will be open to everyone on April 3, 8 and 10 from 6:30-8:00am.

These sessions will be a great opportunity for our athletes to do some deloading work and stay sharp over the break, as well for those in the LTAD program wishing to stay active during the holidays. Please note that there won’t be a session on Monday April 1 due to Easter Monday.

Let’s all get behind the teams for this upcoming Term 2 of Sports.

Marco Mastrorocco, Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

Speed & Agility Training
The final Speed & Agility session for Term 1 is this Monday morning 25 March.

Term 2 registrations are now available. See details and flyer below for Term 2. Note sessions will move to Friday mornings, from Weeks 2-9, commencing on Friday 26 April and concluding on Friday 14 June.

Speed & Agility sessions teach technique, change of direction and speed work to excel in your chosen sport.

Term 2 information:

• Friday mornings, 7-8am on Whinstanes Oval
• Weeks 2-9, Friday 26 April to Friday 14 June
• Registrations and payments through Parent Lounge
• Cost is $154 per student per term
• Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 students only

See flyer attached for all other information.

Speed & Agility – Years 5,6,7,8 – Flyer

And always remember; kids sport is meant to be fun…

Jump Start Day
As per our College Calendar, next Tuesday 26 March we will be convening our annual Year 5 Jump Start Day.  All students in Year 5 will be participating in this event.  It is a great afternoon where we learn the mechanics and etiquette of being part of an ensemble and prepare ourselves for Term 2 rehearsals.

As per the information sent home, there will be a concert for parents commencing at 4:15pm in Hanrahan Theatre.  Our Music Support Group will be present to provide a fortifying beverage before you enter the space to witness some of the awesome sounds we will produce.  It is going to be a great occasion!

Debut Concert Series
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for the support of our Debut Concert Series last week.  From our Jazz and Rockers shredding on the terraces with the incredible city backdrop, to all ensembles that performed in Hanrahan Theatre, I would like to recognise the effort of all students, staff, and families that made these events possible.  Congratulations on your performances!

Thanks must of course go to our Music Support Group for providing the BBQ and refreshments for both events.  I know that the challenge of feeding a tribe at 5pm before a concert is real – thank you for taking that pressure off our families.  Thank you also to Messrs Miller and Hartley, along with their tech team, for ensuring all venues looked and sounded great, and worked smoothly – no mean feat with the number and variety of ensembles we boast here at the College.

Our music team is looking forward to sharing some great music again in Term 2 with some exciting news coming up around events for the coming term.  Stay tuned to Villanova Music and Villanova College socials for updates.

ANZAC Marching Practice
Information regarding our annual participation in the ANZAC Day march has been distributed to all members (including parents) of Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band.  The marching practice schedule below was distributed via email.

All members of Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band are required to attend these sessions.  We expect full participation as a recognition of the value of providing this community service to the Coorparoo community.  Please contact the Music Office (if you haven’t already done so) to communicate whether your son will be available on ANZAC Day due to commemoration activities outside Coorparoo.

Please note – our sessions now commence on Whinstanes from Thursday 21 March.  Students are to meet in the JS Agora for this activity with their instruments, music, and lyre.  Please ensure you bring a hat and a water bottle.

Changes to Enrolment
If you are considering changing your son’s enrolment in the music program for Term 2, now is the time to complete the paperwork to ensure timelines are met.  Please contact the Music Office at music@vnc.qld.edu.au or via phone on 3394 5691 to receive a link to the change of enrolment form.  Please note, we cannot accept email or phone advice – the digitally signed form is required to ensure processes are met through the Finance Office.

AHEP & SHEP Nominations
Open Conservatorium, Griffith University, have been recently seeking nominations for students to attend the Australian Honours Ensemble Program (to be convened in September/October holidays) and the Brisbane State Honours Ensemble Program (to be convened in Term 2).  The staff of the Music Department have made nominations for a number of students to both these events.  If you receive an email regarding either of these activities and require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us in the Music Office.

There are three other opportunities across the year that we will be nominating students for:  SHEP Middle School SE Queensland, SHEP Primary, and SHEP Queensland.  These events are age and ability based.  We will continue to seek to support our students participating in these events for the benefits it brings the individual, and the benefits they then bring to their colleagues in our program.

Congratulations to those nominated.  We look forward to sharing more of their story across the year’s events.

Mobile Phones in Rehearsal
As our College embarks on a new era of relationships with mobile phones, we will look to emulate a similar approach in rehearsal.  Historically, in rehearsals that I take, I expect that mobile phones are not to be used or seen during ensemble.  These activities, whilst co-curricular, are still part of the College routine; as such, the regular rules around mobile devices apply.

With the removal of mobile phones from classrooms from the beginning of the 2024 academic year, it is expected that mobile phones are not brought to rehearsal.  Mobile phones may be placed inside a student’s instrument case (on silent) or left in their school bag.  If a phone is seen by a teacher during rehearsal, the regular school rules will apply – the device will be confiscated and taken to Student Services for collection by the student’s parent.

We thank you all for supporting our College community at this interesting juncture in time.

Music Support Group
Our next Music Support Group meeting will be convened on Monday 22 April in the Chapter Room at the front of the Augustine Centre, commencing at 6:30pm.  All parents are most welcome to attend.  We encourage you all to come along and learn a little more about what happens behind the scenes in music here at the College.

Key Dates Term 1 and 2
As we look ahead across the term, please ensure we pencil the following dates into your diary:

Villanova Camp Chairs and Wildcat Coolers
Our fantastic Music Support Group have organised an innovative fundraiser for Villanova College.  You may have heard the buzz about our Villanova Camp Chairs and Wildcat Coolers…  the MUST HAVE items for the beach/cricket/park/fishing/BBQ/etc.

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.

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

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

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Upcoming events:

• Villanova College P&F Fathers’ Night
  Friday 22 March
  Fathers Night 2024 (vnc.qld.edu.au)
• Open Day
  Wednesday 24 April
  Open Day | Villanova College (vnc.qld.edu.au)
• Year 6 Mother & Son dinner
  Thursday 9 May
• Villanova College P&F Mothers’ Night
  Friday 10 May
  Mother’s Night 2024 (vnc.qld.edu.au)
• Sports Lunch
  Friday 17 May – Tickets now on sales!
  Sports Lunch 2024 | Villanova College (vnc.qld.edu.au)
• Veritas Veteran Lunch
  Sunday 19 May
  Veritas Veterans Lunch 2024 | Villanova College (vnc.qld.edu.au)
• Giving Day
  Thursday 6 June
• Villanova Community Carnival
  Save the date: Saturday 20 July
  Villanova Community Carnival 2024 | Villanova College (vnc.qld.edu.au)

Collection Notice for parents/guardians
2024 Student Residential Address and Other Information
The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to notify you that we have requested for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information. Under the Australian Education Regulations 2023, the school is required to provide the department with the following information about each student at the school:

– names and residential addresses of the student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
– student residential address (excluding student names)
– whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
– whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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