Villa View Issue 9: 1 June 2023

Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day
Last Friday 26 May marked National Sorry Day. The first Sorry Day was acknowledged on 26 May 1998 and The National Apology occurred in 2008. For us at Villanova it was an opportunity to officially bless the Welcome Wall that now welcomes people to our College on Main Avenue.

On Friday Bishop Ken Howell, Bishop of Brisbane, presided over the Blessing and Smoking Ceremony and shared the principle position of the Catholic Church in regard to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. There were of course many Catholic missions that were actively involved in the removal of children from their homes, placing them in care, often far away from relatives and their lands.

Present to share in our day were Mr Joe Kelly, State Member for Greenslopes, Mrs Paula Hoctor, Deputy Chair of the Villanova Board, artist Ms Georgia Burke and the Burke family, Indigenous students of Villanova, their parents and grandparents, Villanova parents, Mr Blake Stockton, former staff member at Villanova and Mr Marlon Riley from Brisbane Catholic Education who led our smoking ceremony. We were also fortunate to have representatives from St Laurence’s College, Iona College and Loreto College to share in this important time.

At Villanova College, for 75 years our Indigenous students have largely walked their journey in silence, being present but moving quietly, going about their learning and growth with passion but perhaps without an open and celebrated connection to land and culture – one that is shared and enjoyed with our Augustinian community. In many respects it mirrors Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s journey in contemporary Australian history, while diligent, proud and courageous – our Indigenous brothers and sisters walked their journey quietly in the background, more often than not against discrimination and misunderstanding in a culture that seemingly had no time or interest to stop and understand.

This is until the likes of Vincent Lingiari, Faith Bandler, Eddie Mabo, Charlie Perkins, Archie Roach, Lowitja O’Donoghue, Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Neville Bonner and others found voice and began to speak and share their story to an Australian people who were increasingly interested and were now wanting to move from the passiveness of hearing to listen and understanding. The National Apology in 2008 was a key step on this movement toward reconciliation, which started on May 26 1998, and this year’s theme of “Reflect, Heal, Support” continues this movement toward creating a fair, just and equitable Australian Society.

The artwork created by Georgia Burke, is our way at Villanova to honour the journey of our Indigenous students, past, present and future, to acknowledge their story and to encourage them to write their own story on the journey beyond today.

AIC Cross Country
Many congratulations to the efforts of Mr Brian Pascoe, Ms Amy Roberts and Mr Jordan Roache on the performance of our Cross Country athletes at Curlew Park on Wednesday, 31 May.  While finishing a credible fifth place overall, second in the primary division, third in the Open age division and a dominant age group win by our Year 6 students it was the volume of regular runners, and their commitment to training and performance, that was this year standout.

Each week over 140 runners completed their training in and around Coorparoo and Little Langlands, regardless of weather or temperature. So many boys worked hard to make the team and represent Villanova with courage and passion. It was a wonderful day to watch these boys perform in what is a sport that can so often find itself in the shadows. Well done boys!

Giving Day
You will notice over the next few weeks the launch of our first Giving Day. This is an important College fundraising initiative to help kick start the STEM and Sport performance centre, stage 1 of our College Masterplan.

Mendel Hall has served the generations of Villa men so well since it was opened by Archbishop O’Donnell in 1971, similarly Goold Hall has seen many a wonderful basketball and volleyball game, musical production, dance, or senior banquet since 1986. But this generation of boys, and the next do need upgraded facilities that allow us to shape their journey and their future. A place that can comfortably fit the entire College population, welcome boys and their families to the College and continue our strong tradition of science, maths, technology, and health education.

I would encourage all families to give a tax deductable gift, large or small to seed this project and bring it from dream to reality.

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.

National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May to 3 June and is a time to put our minds, hearts, and actions towards bridging an informed understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples with the communities of Australia.  To acknowledge the harm in the past, to hear and appreciate the voices of the present projects, and to work towards helping the movements of the future.  In 2023, the theme encourages First Nation Peoples to use their voice, on platforms that are built with our willingness to embrace their history, culture, and achievements, recognising the generational trauma that will need the voices of all Australians to speak up, support and nurture a way towards peace.

The days 27 May to 3 June are directly connected to two significant events – a Referendum that saw 90% of Indigenous People vote for the Government to make laws specifically to protect and serve First Nations People, as well as officially include them in the National Census (27 May 1967); and the Mabo decision of 3 June 1992 that saw “terra nullius” (land that belongs to no one) formally recognise the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land we acknowledge daily as part of our College Pastoral rituals before prayer and morning notices.

In 1996 the idea of Reconciliation Week first began through the Council of Aboriginal Reconciliation and by 2001 Reconciliation Australia was established as part of a national support system to help.  Shortly after, 300 000 people walked over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to show their unity for the importance of recognising the commitment towards finding a way to begin the repair and restoration of relationships between the land and people of Australia – everyone needing to take responsibility for their part.

So how does the Junior School play its part?  What does this mean for our Indigenous students and families – how do we pledge our words, hearts and feet towards reconciliation in 2023?

In Term 1, we invited Indigenous students and a friend of their choice to visit Stradbroke Island – Aunty Delvene Cockatoo-Collins hosted our Villanovans with a tour that provided experiences of connecting to people, past and present, through Museum and Art visits, sharing the unpacking of trees, statues and walking tracks that share historical value and significance – finishing with the skills beside the water of twine making, orca painting – all whilst sharing her experiences of how art, storytelling and life has led her to her place in the community.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan, approved in 2021, sees the College moving forward with projects such as the Smoking and Blessing of the Villanova Wall on Main Avenue just last Friday with other schools, St Laurence’s, Iona and Loreto College in attendance, and Bishop Ken Howell presiding.  Invited guests had the privilege of listening to Georgia Burke, the humble yet proud artist, sister of one of our Villanovan brothers.

Only last Wednesday evening, our Junior School boys and staff were cheering and supporting the First XV Rugby team at Easts – all wearing the Indigenous jerseys designed by Georgia, connecting the river to the meeting place of Villanova as a place of learning, love and peace.

Together, we pledge to work towards listening with open minds and hearts just as Augustine taught us long ago in words on pages that we hold close to our College Values and Mission towards the happy, educated and active servicemen that graduate this year and all the years to come.

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

Last week, the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new report on the effects of social media on mental health. In it there were a number of interesting points that were raised and that are worth exploring. From his data he was able to conclude that 95% of young people aged 13-17 report using a social media platform and almost a third of those use social media “almost constantly”.

Whilst the report does acknowledge the many benefits that can be had through social media, the focus of the report is on the growing evidence of the harm being done to young people’s mental health. To quote a section of the report:

“Children are exposed to harmful content on social media, ranging from violent and sexual content, to bullying and harassment. And for too many children, social media use is compromising their sleep and valuable in-person time with family and friends. We are in the middle of a national youth mental health crisis, and I am concerned that social media is an important driver of that crisis – one that we must urgently address.”

The report found that anything over three hours of social media in a day can double the risk of poor mental health outcomes. The disturbing fact is that, here in Australia, on average, young people are spending a minimum of 3.5 hours a day on social media platforms.

So, as families, what can we do about this?

Modelling the online behaviours that you would like to see, being active in the online lives of your son, establishing tech-free times in the home, combined with positive interaction activities [such as non-competitive board games] that better foster in-person relationships, are all a positive start in bringing about change. It is also important to establish expectations around mobile phone use at night-time and having your sons hand them in every night so that they don’t stay awake at night on social media.

At school, we will continue to teach about healthy practices on social media, blocking unwanted content, not sharing personal information and where to find support if they need it.

Given the current government consideration of banning mobile phones in schools, reports such as those by Dr. Vivek are well worth considering.

The lure of social media to young people will continue to grow and attract them. All we can continue to do is establish good expectations, routines and relationships to help support the young people in our care.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

The second term of each school year is punctuated with the winter sporting season where much focus is placed on the performance of our teams, particularly in our Firsts programs. As both a coach but more importantly an educator of young men, I am reminded of the work of Hall of Fame American Football Coach Bill Walsh and how he designed a framework for defining success. His ‘Standards of Performance’ which was outlined in the book ‘The Score Takes Care of Itself,’ illuminates a philosophy built upon the foundation of values, principles and ideals rather than wins, losses and championships.

I’d like to share some of Walsh’s standards of performance which can be applied to schoolboy sport, and which can redefine the mentality of our young men to be process and values driven in their pursuit of success:

1. Exhibit a ferocious and intelligently applied work ethic directed toward continual improvement.
2. Demonstrate character.
3. Show self-control especially when it counts most – under pressure.
4. Use positive language and have a positive attitude.
5. Take pride in my effort as an entity separate from the results of that effort.
6. Deal appropriately with victory and defeat, adulation and humiliation.
7. Promote internal communication that is both open and substantive (especially under stress).
8. Put the team’s welfare and priorities ahead of my own.

I wish all our Senior School teams every enjoyment for the final home game of the season against Iona College which is designated Old Boys Round.

Student Voice
At our last College Assembly, the theme focused upon Teamwork. Our Music Captain and Cultural Committee Leader Kai Asnicar spoke eloquently about the importance of leaning into the support of the community and being connected to ‘Team Villa.’ Kai stated:

“You have great people all around you at Villa. We are a team. You need to know how to use these people for your own benefit. Even if you don’t know what you’re doing at all, working as a team can help you get through whatever it is you need to get through. And it’s not selfishness because you are expected to do the same for them, and because we are for the collective benefit of all.

So my question to you is this. Are you vulnerable enough to rely on your peers? Do you trust them enough? If you can’t have a good, healthy conversation with everyone in your team, whether that be in the classroom, on the stage, or at Villa Park, you are limiting yourself. And I encourage you, if there are people at Villa, maybe in your class, that you have never spoken to SPEAK TO THEM! Even if you don’t like them and they don’t like you. Whether you like it or not, you need them, because they are in your team. And when the time comes, you will need to rely on them. This also means that you have got to ask yourself, are you yourself a trustworthy person for others to depend on? Because you only get out of a team what you put in.”

Male Mental Health
One of the most important reasons why the College has invested so significantly in establishing an explicit wellbeing lesson within the timetable this year is to overtly normalise conversations around mental health amongst our young men. Our partnership with the University of Queensland and their research project exploring adolescent mental health is another significant opportunity for us to identify current levels of mental wellbeing among Senior School Students, their knowledge of positive mental health behaviours and how being part of a boys’ school influences wellbeing. We commence administering the survey instrument in our Year 12 Form Meeting this week.

In the May edition of Men’s Health Australia, there is a thought-provoking article entitled ’24 Reasons Why Men Don’t Talk About Their Mental Health’. Some of the reasons outlined have correlations with the attitudes of some of our students and as such are the particular mindsets we hope to challenge and shift in our work in wellbeing, formation and pastoral care. These include:

• There’s nothing wrong with me
• My problems aren’t that bad- I can deal with them myself
• Having a mental health problem means that I am weak
• I just don’t want people to judge me
• I have so many other things to deal with, my mental health isn’t a priority
• What if word gets round among my friends?
• Everyone thinks I have everything together- I can’t let them see the cracks

As we continue to journey through our first year of the Be Your Best Self Student Wellbeing Program, it is incumbent upon us all to challenge these reasons and to collectively support the message that it is not weak to speak and that our mental health needs the same attention and priority as our physical health.

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Arthur Ashe

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

da Vinci Decathlon
Last Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Villanova sent four teams of students from Years 6, 7, 8 and 9 to St Joseph’s Nudgee College for the da Vinci Decathlon. The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students.

“Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was one of the world’s greatest thinkers and scholars. da Vinci demonstrated an ability to perceive the interconnected nature of knowledge and embraced learning with a lifelong passion and determination to uncover the unknown. The Decathlon competition places a particular emphasis on higher order thinking skills, problem solving and creativity.”

Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and Legacy.

All our teams competed with great skill, respect and a sense of determination across what was a long yet rewarding three days. Our Year 6 team worked together well on Tuesday, and whilst they did not come away with any discipline placings, they enjoyed the challenge of working as a team. On Wednesday, the Year 7 and 8 teams experienced what it was like to be put under real time pressure across the 10 disciplines. The Year 7 team displayed great skill in placing third in the discipline of Engineering. It was the Year 9 team’s turn on Thursday to show off their academic and problem-solving skills, and this was rewarded with a second place in Code Breaking.

At the end of each day, all teams were determined to return to the decathlon in 2024 and challenge the other schools present. Thanks to Ms Leah Belson, Ms Devon Fisser and Ms Emma Read for their support of the teams and also being part of the marking team on the day.

Literacy Initiatives
This year the College has worked with a literacy consultant to trial a spelling program with our Year 7 cohort. The program is an evidence-based program known as Spelling Through Morphographs and is aimed at improving the spelling ability of students through direct and explicit lessons and activities. The is a Level 2 Reading Program with the aim to have all students at grade level spelling by the end of Year 7. Whilst many of our students are already at grade level, we have found that all students are benefiting from the program by either improving or consolidating their spelling.

Feedback from both students and teachers has been positive. Students like:-

• doing it as a group;
• that it is predictable and routine; and
• that their spelling is noticeably improving.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

From Little things Big things Grow!
This week across Australia we are celebrating Reconciliation Week.  There was a call from the National Reconciliation Council for communities across Australia to come together and sing “From Little things Big Things Grow.”  This song was co-written by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody and is based on the story of The Gurindji Strike and Vincent Lingiari.  It describes how the Gurindji people’s claim sparked the Indigenous land rights movement and consequently the Commonwealth Aboriginal Land Rights Act.  It is a fantastic story of reconciliation and non-Indigenous Australians coming to understand and recognise Indigenous land rights.

There could not have been a more appropriate invitation for our 2023 Mission Week to focus on this theme of big things growing from little things!  Across Mission Week we have focused on thirty years of partnering with Augustinian schools and ministries in the Philippines in a way that has deeply enriched our Villa community.

A huge thank-you to all families who have contributed to Mission Day so that together we can support great things happening in the Philippines with projects in schools, scholarships and feeding projects.  Our small part makes a big difference. Certainly, we do go to the Philippines to learn from, and with our partners there, but also, always we must be responding to injustice here locally as well.  The call of reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is critical in this.  Our Mission Week closed with an extremely important Smoking and Blessing of our Welcome Wall along Main Avenue – a public sign of Villanova College’s celebration of Aboriginal culture, heritage and story here, and our willingness to listen and learn more.  There are fantastic posts of this event, and all the Mission Week events on Facebook and Twitter, including a video of the Smoking and Blessing of our Welcome Wall.

Mission Week 2023
Last week was Mission Week here at Villanova College, a very significant event as AFAS celebrates 30 years in 2023.

The week began with red candles going home to all families.  We trust that during the week you all had  the opportunity to come together to light a candle and enjoy a meal together whilst sharing and praying for our partnering schools, scholars and projects in the Philippines.

On Monday evening we had over 120 parents and students from Years 10-12 attend a Parent Information session for our AFAS Immersion that will be held at the end of 2023.

Present were five Old Boys who have been a part of the immersion program and one mother, Jelena Duskovic, who has already had two of her sons involved in the program and was there with her youngest son, Anthony.  One of the Old Boys, Adam Fitz, was attending with his son, William.  Adam was part of the first AFAS Immersion in 1993.  All spoke of how life- changing the experience was for them and how inspirational it had been to see firsthand the amazing work people are doing in the Philippines to support educational opportunities for young people.

There were a number of other events held during Mission Week.  Throughout the break times Mrs Henry’s Business class ran a Sari Sari stall across the College and students came to buy and try some Filipino treats.  Additionally the Ministry Teams ran a very popular Lob a Choc each break.  A huge thank-you to all of the students involved.

Thursday was our Mission Day as an entire College community.  Some of our students share their following reflections on the day:

Once the mass concluded the Year 12’s met the Year 5’s in the Agora.  From this we joined them in a presentation from Vinnie’s.  We assisted and challenged them in an activity of what we would bring with us if we were to suddenly become homeless.  The first task was to select seven of the 23 items.  My group selected a swag to keep us warm, food and water for our survival, Medicare/ID to access services, a phone for its versatility, money to get more food and a pet for companionship.  The challenge was then furthered as we had to cut this down to five items, it was chosen that we could access water from council bubblers, and we made the hard choice to not also bring a pet as the associated costs.

Joining the Year 5’s for this activity allowed us to engage on a new level that we would not be able to with only our friends in our grade, and their infectious excitement rubbed off on us.  After the talk we joined them for activities of either escape and ball games or pipeline and cup stack.  I was involved in pipeline and cup stack.  Pipeline was quite a challenge for us Year 12’s, we had to try and organise Year 5’s.  We were organising them to relay a marble into a box with only five pieces of pipe.  It was a chaotic storm of Year 5’s but most of them were able to get in in by the end.  With cup stacking the Year 5’s started highly engaged in the cup stacking relay race, but all sense of competition had dissipated by the end as they joined together with the goal to create the largest stack they could.  The Year 12’s left the Year 5’s after this, collecting our complimentary lunch of a sausage.  The day then culminated with a battle of the bands like performance from rock bands in the school.  The concert as interjected with quick talks from mission organisations like Vinnie’s and Rosie’s.  The only thing louder than the music during that concert was the cheers from the boys.

Year 12 Ryan Hegerty

Mission Week at Villanova’s campus is a much-anticipated event that encapsulates the campus community’s spirit of compassion, service, and cooperation. This week was jam-packed with meaningful events and engagements that allowed students to immerse themselves in a variety of humanitarian organisations and social justice campaigns. Mission Week provides as a platform for students to use their studies and abilities for the improvement of society, from fundraising efforts for local organisations to volunteer work in the larger community. The week also includes thought-provoking guest speakers, seminars, and educational events that inspire students to think on global concerns and examine their own roles in making the world a more just and equitable place. With its vivacious energy and united will to make a difference. We had many guest speakers like a speaker from Rosie’s and a speaker from Emmanuel City Mission. With the VNC community, Mission Week seemed like a complete success to me and others too. Not only did they learn a lot about the difference that Mission Week makes but we had stronger connections between our younger Villa brothers.

Year 10 Leon Tom

It was great to see the Villanova College community come together on Thursday 25 May, all dressed up in red to celebrate the annual Mission Day. The day was filled with exciting activities and marked a special occasion – the 30th Anniversary of the AFAS Immersion program at the College. We kicked off the day with a College Mass in Goold Hall, followed by a range of games and a Justice Workshop. At the second break, the Year 10 cohort cooked up a storm for everyone with barbecue stations around the College.  The day ended with an amazing concert featuring guest speakers from Rosies, AFAS, Vinnies and Emmanuel City Mission. As well as showing off our student talent with bands ‘Rock Band 2’ and ‘The Shamps’, performing iconic songs such as ‘Message in a Bottle’ and ‘Take Me Out’. The highlight for many, was the student-teacher band performing ‘Country Roads’ which had the entire College singing along. Overall, Mission Day 2023 was a huge success, bringing awareness and support for AFAS and uniting the College together.

Year 11 Charles Cox

Friends of Saint Augustine

Friends of Saint Augustine is a lay movement following the spirituality of Saint Augustine that is attached to Augustinian parishes around the world.  They are inviting interested people to a unique opportunity to listen, explore and share the joy of walking together in “one heart and one mind” at a National Lay Congress being hosted here at Villanova College from 7-9 July 2023.

Please have a look here to find out more about the congress:

https://www.osa.org.au/province-updates/the-augustinian-magazine/amici-friends-of-st-augustine/amici-may-202

A prayer for Pentecost and Reconciliation Week – A time for us to use our voice to act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
May the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
bring fire to the earth
so that the presence of God
may be seen
in a new light,
in new places,
in new ways.
May our own heart
burst into flame
so that no obstacle,
no matter how great,
ever obstructs the message of the God within each of us.
May we come to trust
the Word of God in our heart,
to speak it with courage,
to follow it faithfully
and to fan it to flame in others.
Amen.

Ms Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity

Last Friday, a group of students from Years 9 and 10 showcased their skills at The FUSE Cup Mario Kart Brisbane High Schools competition hosted here at Villanova College. The competition drew participation from over 60 competitors representing schools across Brisbane and regional Queensland, as regional as Moranbah! The standard of competition witnessed was exceptionally high, and our students demonstrated remarkable talent and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Special mention goes to Jack Fidge and Alexander Fraser of Year 9. Both participants displayed exceptional skills in their preliminary events and quarter finals to compete for the semi-finals. Although they narrowly missed securing a place in the grand final, their sportsmanship was commendable, and both students represented Villanova with distinction.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the Villanova Library staff for their support in hosting this event. They graciously transformed the library spaces into a dedicated four-screen competition zone, providing an ideal setting for the tournament.

Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the exemplary conduct and manners demonstrated by our esports ambassadors. Their role in welcoming visitors at the front gate and guiding them to the Library did not go unnoticed. Staff from other schools specifically remarked on their welcome and courtesy, which reflected positively on Villanova. We are proud to have such outstanding ambassadors representing our school.

Once again, we extend our congratulations to all the participants who competed in The FUSE Cup Mario Kart competition. We eagerly look forward to Rocket League season, which is already underway with a beta training group participating in a closed trial. I look forward to providing updates on this new initiative in the coming weeks.

Mr Jason Lane, Esports Coordinator

Director of Sport Address
As our senior group embark on their final home games in Chess, Football and Rugby this weekend, it is an important time for reflection for our Year 12 students.

The hope is that everyone has enjoyed their journey. At Villanova College, we strive to provide the best opportunities for all boys to learn, develop and discover their passions. Whether that is competing at the highest level or playing with your mates, sport is a mechanism for lifelong learning and growth. I wish all of our senior students well and encourage them to enjoy these final moments together.

Round 6 versus Iona College is also a special occasion for our community as we celebrate Old Boys’ Round. We look forward to welcoming past, present and prospective families to Villa Park on Saturday 3 June.

Round 4 Results
Please click on the links below for updated Term 2 results.

Chess results – Round 5

Football results – Round 5

Rugby results – Round 5

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. 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.

Team Photos
Any sporting teams who have not yet had their team photos taken, will be done at Villa Park in Round 7 (Saturday 10 June). More information will be included in next week’s Sports Bulletin.

Community Events
Saturday 3 June – Old Boys Round (Football and Rugby) v Iona
Thursday 15 June – Villanova Giving Day
Saturday 22 July – Villanova Carnival | 4-10pm | Villanova College

Sports Club
A huge thank you to all our volunteers out at Villa Park on the weekend serving at the canteen and barbecue.  All proceeds go towards our coaching programs, the new STEM and Sport Science Precinct, and various sports projects at Villanova.

To register your help this Saturday 3 June at Vila Park, please click on the link: Volunteers sign up for Villa Park, Saturday 3rd June

Training Schedules
Please click on the link below for the Term 2 training schedules. Note the Chess and Strength & Conditioning (S&C) training schedules, plus the sign on link for S&C, can be found on the website and in the College Newsletters/Sports Bulletins.

Term 2 Training Schedule

Please see below the trials schedule for Term 3 Sports – Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis. The trial schedule is for Week 9, Term 2. Also included are holiday clinics. This schedule is also available on the website Locker Room page.

Term 3 Trial Schedule – Week 9, Term 2 and holidays.

The Term 3 training schedule will be available in next week’s Sports Bulletin.

Chess
Round 5……another closely fought home round against Padua!

Last Friday was another round of chess which saw some very close games and results. Worthy of note was Joe Wellspring, Year 10, who was elated at winning his first game of the season!

In the Juniors, Luka Dickie played like a real trooper, dominating the play with strategic moves to win over his opponent. We are very much looking forward to hosting our last home game this week against Iona, which we know our boys will have to play with all their might.

So practice, practice, play, play, Team Villa! Remember, your wonderful chess Captain Daniel Egert, has formed an online chess club, so please use this to sharpen your moves and skillset – https://www.chess.com/club/villanova-college/join/8118b7

Wishing all players the very best this week as we take on Iona here at home, and next week at St Peters Indooroopilly.

Ms Kath Underhill, Chess Coordinator

Villanova Football
It was fantastic to see such a great turnout at Villa Park on Saturday for our Round 5 matches against Padua College. Adding to the occasion as well was the importance of celebrating Reconciliation Round with our First XI team wearing a proudly designed Indigenous jersey. The results overall from the weekend were a bit of a mixed bag, the final wash up in terms of results was eight wins, five draws and 15 losses. We had plenty of close matches on the weekend and it always shows the importance of playing out the entire duration of the match and staying completely focused. The game is made up of little moments that can change momentum of the match instantly, if we can turn the 50-50 challenges into our favour, I’m sure that we’ll see some more positive results on the scoreboard.

Our First XI team had a tough 1-1 draw in the headline match at Villa Park.  It was a case of missed opportunities and although I’m sure the boys are disappointed with the outcome; I know that they’ll keep working hard at training and will be looking to put up a strong team performance this Saturday against the ladder leaders Iona.

With only two games left in the Football season, we ask all players to keep listening to your coaches at training and to finish the season strongly. We face a very strong opponent this Saturday in Iona College, look at it as a great challenge “within the season” to really put your best foot forward and show that true Villanova spirit. This round also coincides with it being “Old Boys Day” at Villa Park. I’ve got no doubt that it will be one of the biggest crowds at Villa Park for the season, what a great opportunity for us to put our best performance for the season on the pitch.

I remind all parents to keep checking the fantastic new website and our various communication channels, always double check start times for your son’s matches and we ask all players to arrive at least 30 minutes before there scheduled kick off.

Good luck to all teams this weekend in your Round 6 matches.

Mr Nathan Dufty, Football Coordinator

First XI
Our third home game put us against Padua College and a positive result would keep us in the mix for the premiership.

We started the game very tentatively looking nervous and unsettled. We showed some nice combinations with the ball and created some great chances but still never looked composed. Our attacking corners were threatening with Alex Vasiliou unlucky not to score with two headers which were both cleared off the goal line. Finally Seb Bishop capitalised off another corner with a great header to make it 1-0. Despite our inconsistent play we were still creating chances but couldn’t find the second goal. We were shaky in defence and Padua were looking dangerous on the counterattack. Thankfully, it stayed 1-0 at halftime.

Second half saw Padua come at us strongly. We never looked settled, and their persistence paid off with an equaliser midway through the half. The game see-sawed from end to end with neither team claiming a winner.  Full-time 1-1.

Overall a disappointing performance but a fair result. We’ll definitely need to bring our “A” game to Villa Park this Saturday against frontrunners Iona. See you there.

Mr Tom Carnavas, First XI Head Coach

Rugby
Villa came away with 15 wins from 26 games against some very tough and physical Padua College teams. Our Junior teams enjoyed the day out at Banyo and were able to assert their dominance with some tough defence and good control of the ball for numerous phases. The Year 6, 7 and 8, A and B teams led the way, securing good wins. The Year 9s all did well at Villa Park but the Year 10s and Opens ran into very determined Padua teams, with just the 3rd XV and 10Cs coming away with wins.

This weekend is Old Boys Round against Iona College at Villanova Park, with all of our older boys playing at home. It would be great to get as many Old Boy supporters as possible attend Villa Park to watch what will be another tough match between the two Colleges.

It also marks Heritage Round for the College, and the 1st XV will run out in a specially designed jersey to mark the occasion. The jerseys will be very similar in colour to the traditional ‘Bottle Green,’ that was worn by many 1st XV teams back in the 60s, 70s and 80s. They will then wear the Jerseys against St. Augustine’s College at East’s Rugby Club when they contest the M G Lyons Cup on the 14 June. The jerseys will then be auctioned off. Please keep an eye out in future Villa View’s for the details of the auction.

Good luck to all teams for their games against Iona this weekend. If we can compete with them, the way we did last weekend, then it could be a successful round.

Mr Chris Everding, Rugby Coordinator

Volunteers
For those games being played at Villa Park this Saturday 3 June, we are asking for parents to help by volunteering their time to help serve and/or cook. The barbecue will fire up at approx. 7am and it is usually in the first hour that we need the most assistance to prepare and cook the food. Please drop your son off and help if you can.

Although at times the canteen/barbecue may look like they have enough helpers, please come and offer your time as some of those volunteers may need to get to their son/s games. The canteen/barbecue during the Football/Rugby season is the Villa Sports Club’s main source of income and it can only operate with the help of Villa parents (both Football and Rugby). So please come along and help, meet some new friends and catch-up on what’s going on around the College. We hope to see you Saturday. Even if you don’t register, please come to the door and let them know your keen to help.

Volunteers sign up for Villa Park, Saturday 3rd June 

Dogs at AIC Sporting Venues
A reminder to all parents that due to Health and Safety requirements, all AIC Sporting venues are dog free venues including Villa Park. Please do not bring your dog/s.

Strength & Conditioning

Register here for Term 2 S&C

S&C Training Schedule – Term 2, 2023 (note two versions)

The new, updated training schedule for S&C will be available in next week’s Sports bulletin.   This schedule will commence from Week 1, Term 3.

There will be no S&C sessions in Week 9 Term 2.

St Augustine’s College Tour
In Week 9, Term 2 we will be welcoming our brother school from St Augustine’s College Sydney for our annual tour and sporting matches. Over the three-day visit, from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 June, our Colleges will join together for cultural activities and matches in Debating, Rugby, Football and Basketball.

Basketball
Basketball selection trials commence for Years 7-12 boys in Week 9, Term 2. See schedule below which is also available on the website Locker Room page.

Term 3 Trial Schedule – Week 9, Term 2 and holidays.

Year 5 and Year 6 Basketball trials continue during Friday sport lessons, (Period 5 and 6). Boys who have signed on for Basketball will have trials each Friday until the end of term, when teams will be announced. There will be 36 boys chosen in each year level to represent the College in Term 3. Boys who are selected will be notified before the end of term and will be given hire singlets prior to the season starting.

Mr Jordan Mullan, First V Head Coach

Rugby League
Rugby League selection trials will commence in Week 9, Term 2. The Term 3 trial schedule is available above below and on the website Locker Room page.

Term 3 Trial Schedule – Week 9, Term 2 and holidays.

Save the date – Villanova College vs St Laurence’s College, Confraternity Rugby League game, 12pm Sunday 25 June, curtain-raiser to the Broncos vs Titans game at Suncorp Stadium.

External Achievements
A big congratulations to Patrick Holmes (Year 10) for his achievements on the hockey field. In Week 1 of Term 2, Pat represented Queensland Gold at the U15 National Championships in Darwin, with his team finishing fifth.

Pat then represented Brisbane at the U18 State Championships in Townsville where they also finished fifth.  Patrick then represented Met East last week at the U13-19 State Hockey Schoolboys Championships where the team finished fourth. Pat was rewarded after a fantastic performance being named a shadow in the U16 State team. Well done, Patrick!

Well done to Logan Hunter (Year 6) who recently competed for Metropolitan East at the State Basketball Championships in Townsville. Logan’s team made the final versus South Coast, winning nine games over the weeklong tournament. Congratulations Logan!

Congratulations to Year 12 students Jackson, James, Larry, Caden and Ben who represented the 17-18 Years Metropolitan East team at the Queensland School Sport Championships last week. The Met East team won the Championships and Jackson Moloney (Year 12 – left of picture) was named in the Queensland 1 side to compete at the National Championships. Well done boys.

Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport

Year 5 Music – Grandparents Morning Tea
We are looking forward to our Grandparents Morning Tea next Tuesday 6 June.  Our Year 5 Band and Year 5 String Orchestra will be performing for this event in the Junior School Agora.  It is always a great morning and a fantastic way for our groups to share their musical journey thus far with some very important people!

An email regarding logistics has been sent home.  Please note that there is NO before school rehearsal on TUESDAY morning this coming week (6 June). We are asking students who are in Year 5 but don’t play with the Tuesday morning ensembles, to please bring their instrument as they will be joining the groups for the performance.

Winter Concert Season
At time of writing, we have successfully convened the first concert of our Winter series, with the second to be convened this evening, Thursday 1 June.  There are still tickets and pre-sale food available online via the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/CIPPK

We will share images from the event in our next edition of the Villa View.

Playground Performances
After a week off due to Concert Week, our playground performances return to schedule with our Jazz Combo sharing their music in the library on Wednesday 7 June, and the Villanotes (formerly Secret Men’s Business) performing on Thursday 8 June at the same venue.  We are looking forward to these ensembles sharing their music after our busy Winter Concert Season.

Old Boys Round – Villa Park
Due to popular request, our Villanova Drumline and The Shamps will be providing some light entertainment at Villa Park this coming Saturday.  The Villanova Drumline will be playing at half-time of the Open Football match, and again at the beginning of the Open Rugby.  This will be followed by our half-time entertainment provided by The Shamps.  We look forward to having these groups represent the Music Department on such an important day in the College calendar, and we look forward to supporting the Green and Gold at Tingalpa as we face Iona College.

Information re logistics has been distributed to participant families.  Should you have any queries, please contact the Music Office on 3394 5691.

Irish Ensemble and Big Band at The Village
A special thanks must go to our students in Big Band and Irish Ensemble, along with their ensemble directors Mr Harvoe and Mr Meimaris.  The students performed for The Village retirement community in Coorparoo on Sunday afternoon.  They did a great job with the audience very pleased with not only our students’ music, but with the way they carried themselves in this space.  They are a credit to their families and this community – well done and thank you gentlemen.

I would like to thank Lita Perrier and the team for inviting our ensembles to come and share their music with such a receptive audience.  Thank you!

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

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

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

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music

Volunteer on Giving Day
This year, our inaugural Giving Day is a chance for all Villanova Old Boys, past staff, families, and friends to come together as One College and One Community.
Jump on the phones to call our supporters and help build the future of the College for the next 75 years! We’ll provide call scripts, training, snacks and loads of fun!

On Thursday 15 June, every donation will be doubled for the day. We need YOU to volunteer on the phones. Volunteer shifts run for two hours all day from 9am to 8pm.

Register online – http://bitly.ws/EKua