Villa Walsh Academy Clubs, Ministries & Activities
ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Grades 9-12
The Athletic Leadership Council is an application-based leadership cohort for athletes. The Executive Board consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. A Membership Chair, Villa Nation Chair, and annual Activities Chairs work with the Executive Board. Studentathletes in Grades 9-12 make up the Council. These students become strong leaders in and for the VWA community through participation in athletics. The council meets once a month to discuss activity planning, event speakers, and leadership activities which are held before sports practices each day. Applications for all positions are accepted in May for the following year.
BIOLOGY & PROTECTING O UR PLANT Grades 7-12
The club is open to all students in Grades 7 -12. This club is combining Protecting Our Planet into this new club. The club will explore various biological and environmental topics of interest to its members. The goal will be to educate the student body about ongoing issues and locate local volunteer opportunities. The club will share information through speakers, films and contests. We will look for to ways to increase students’ awareness of environmental issues and make Villa a more “green” environment.
CAMPUS MINISTRY | SOUL SISTERS Grades 7-12
Through Campus Ministry, students are given the opportunity to engage more with the Catholic faith and spirituality outside of the Theology classroom. Offerings include weekly rosary, retreats, faith-based service, times of prayer, Discipleship studies, community building, and more. For service, students will support soup kitchens, participate with our Honduras orphanage outreach, and collaborate with Villa Serves projects. Members of ‘Soul Sisters’ assist the campus minister in running events. Soul sisters will also be given unique opportunities for spiritual formation. While Campus Ministry events occur periodically throughout the year, soul sisters meet twice a month both during lunch and after school.
CARE CORE Grades 7-12
Care Core is a club that organizes monthly visits to local senior homes, tailoring activities to the residents’ requests. Whether bingo, arts and crafts, letter writing, or any other activity, club members create friendly and long -lasting relationships with the elderly. Students learn the importance of communication and the gift of helping people in our community. The club meets twice a month, once after school and once during lunch, in order to prepare for each month's visit.
COMPUTER SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETY Grades 9-12
The Villa Walsh Academy Computer Science Honors Society (CSHS) exists to encourage students’ enthusiasm for computer science, to honor academic excellence, and to promote service. We commit to and embody three core values: equity, service, and excellence. We believe that all students have the potential to enroll, to grow, and to excel in computing. We empower members to become ambassadors of the computer science discipline, helping underscore its importance as a mainstay in the school and community. We are committed to promoting outstanding scholarship in computer science coursework. We have bi-monthly meetings and ongoing community service projects. We are a branch of the national CSHS, a program of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA). We encourage all students who have earned at least a B or better in a high school computer science course to apply!
CREATIVE CLUB Grades 7-12
Creative Club is open to all grades and will meet twice a month after school for the whole year in either of the art rooms in Regina Pacis. We have some exciting new art techniques to explore with everyone such as group or individual work in fashion, photography, printmaking, stencils and more! We sponsor the Mannequin Fashion Contest displayed at the Fashion Show in November, plus other art contests throughout the year.
DIVERSITY CLUB Grades 7-12
The Diversity Cafe is driven to foster cultural awareness for everyone in order to increase diversity, inclusion, and equity within our school and beyond. The club’s aim is to provide activities and events around multicultural issues and to celebrate our diversity. Meetings are held twice a month.
FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION TEAM 8513 SISTERS 1ST Grades 9-12
Every January, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition Teams globally begin the yearly season in which they receive a new “game” challenge to design to build an industrial-sized 120lb robot within a 6-8 week period. Sisters 1st welcomes all students, ages 14-18, with a diversity of skills and talents, as our team functions like a STEM corporation that needs the support of business and logistics for its technical operations. We are composed of eight subteams, organized into Tech (Build, CAD (Computer Aided Design), Programming), Business (Program Management, Marketing/Communications, Fundraising), and Logistics (Website Development, Community Outreach). During the off season, September to December, the team competes in offseason tournaments and collaborates with coaches and mentors to train, raise funds, strategize, collaborate, and learn new skills. During the season, the technical subteams of Build, CAD, and Programming are required to meet several times a week for six to eight weeks to build and program their robot. The hard work and dedication culminates with District and Regional Competitions, and possibly Worlds! In 2022, our rookie season, Sisters 1st won numerous awards including District Tournament Champion at the Montgomery Event and the FIRST® MidAtlantic District Rookie All Star and Highest Seed Awards which qualified them to attend the FIRST® World Championship in Houston and ending their season ranked 32nd from 126 teams!!! All team members have access to FIRST scholarships and cooperative relationships with sponsors who include Johnson & Johnson, R. Seelaus & Co., Inc., The Mezzalingua Family Foundation, NBC Comcast, Picatinny Arsenal, Metals Supermarket, ServiceNow, and RxC International.
FORENSICS CLIUB
Grades 9- 12
The Forensics Club is open to students in grades 9-12 that are interested in competitive speech. Students choose one of the following categories in which to compete: Declamation, Drama, Dramatic Duo, Original Oratory, Extemporaneous, or Prose & Poetry. Once students choose a category, each student memorizes a speech to perform at the Paterson Catholic Forensic League competitions that take place on Saturdays throughout the school year. When practicing, students work on diction, volume, pacing, rhythm, and emotion.
FRENCH
CLUB Grades 7- 12
The French Club is a unique club where students can make friends while learning about the language and culture of French speaking countries. The club brings together students of all grades to gather for a good cause. The club is dedicated to giving back to the community. The French Club is an exceptional club because it strengthens students’ love for French culture and puts their passion to work to help those in need. The club also recognizes French National Week with various activities, and members celebrate Christmas and Mardi Gras together as well. Special guest presenters are invited to share more about francophone culture.
HISTORY CLUB Grades 7-12
This club will explore various historical topics of interest to its members. It will include virtual field trips, games, genealogy research and volunteer opportunities at local historical sites. The history will also help educate the student body on various days in history especially as it relates to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
ITALIAN CLUB Grades 7 - 12
The Italian club is open to all students who wish to learn more about Italian culture, food, music, art, and fashion. We welcome students and faculty who travelled to Italy to share their experiences so that students may become better acquainted with ‘il Bel Paese’ and its beautiful customs. The students are involved in community service by supporting other clubs and celebrating the Italian International Week with activities related to the theme suggested by the Italian government.
LIFE
WITNESS
Grades 9 - 12
Life Witness is a group of pro-life students who meet to discuss issues related to the most vulnerable in society, particularly the very young - including the unborn - and the elderly. We seek to build the "culture of life and civilization of love" about which St. Pope John Paul II often spoke. This work is accomplished by both prayer and action.
LITERARY MAGAZINE
Grades 9 – 12
The Literary Magazine Club produces an annual publication entitled Innervisions. A showcase for student writing and art, this magazine provides students with firsthand publishing experience. Positions include editors, layout, a literary and art panel, and word processors. Inspirational writing prompts as well as writing workshops are given throughout the year.
MATH LEAGUE Grades 9 – 12
Math League is open to students who enjoy solving challenging and unusual math problems. Students in g rades 10 - 12, as well as students in 9th grade Algebra II compete against teams from other schools. Tests are administered monthly before the school day with after school meetings to discuss and study problems and strategies.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Grades 7 – 12
The Mental Health Awareness Club is available to all students, grades 7-12, as a source of information and support. The Club aims to educate all members of the Villa Walsh Academy community on issues related to mental health and wellness. The Mental Health Awareness Club also provides opportunities for members to participate in self-care activities, such as meditation. Club members will work together to educate others and end the stigma against mental illness.
MOCK TRIAL Grades 9 - 12
Pursuant to the guidance of the Vincent J. Apruzzese High School Mock Trial Competition, the goals of mock trial competition are "to increase comprehension of the historical, ethical and philosophical basis of the American system of justice; to demystify the operation of the law, court procedures and the legal system; to help students increase basic life and leadership skills such as listening, speaking, writing, reading and analyzing; to heighten appreciation for academic studies and promote positive scholastic achievements; and to bring law to life for students. The goal is not to win for the sake of winning, but to learn and understand the meaning of good citizenship in a democracy vis-a-vis our system of law and justice." The Villa Walsh mock trial team consists of four lawyers and six witnesses, as well as paralegals who serve as alternates and otherwise support the competitors. Preparation begins in October/November; a scrimmage with another school is scheduled for January; and competitions occur in February at the Morris County Courthouse.
OPERATION SMILE Grades 9 - 12
Operation Smile is an organization that travels the world to perform facial surgeries for children with cleft palate or cleft lip. Our mission is to raise awareness and to help provide funding for the surgeries. The club meets every two weeks to organize fundraising, learn about the National and Regional Leadership Council and the Medical Missions that make such a difference in children’s lives. VWA fundraising events include the Powder Puff Football Game and bake sale.
PERFORMING ARTS CLUB Grades 7 - 12
The Performing Arts Club aims to enhance students’ appreciation of music, dance, and theater by exposing them to the beauty of the arts in a comfortable, nurturing environment. In addition to building a community that supports Villa Walsh Academy ’ s own efforts in musical theater, productions, and concerts, the Performing Arts Club also explores what makes a professional production successful. Guest artists and student leaders share their talents at the meetings.
PRE -HEALTH AND MEDICAL STUDIES SOCIETY Grades 7 - 12
This club is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in health, medicine, or research. Students will hear from speakers, who are in these careers, learn about health problems and crises, and present their own research about health topics and career interests. We would also like to encourage a healthy lifestyle among the students. The club will meet weekly after school.
PROTECT OUR PLANET Grades 7 - 8
This club is designed for students who are interested in participating in activities that help the environment. The students undertake activities to help Villa Walsh Academy stay eco-friendly and are the leaders in the recycling efforts.
SPANISH CLUB Grades 7 - 12
Under the leadership of senior officers, the Spanish Club holds eight after-school events from October through December. Our activities include Spanish Bingo, songs, dances, movies, and crafts. Refreshments will be served. EL CLUB ESPAÑOL is open to any student, even if she does not take Spanish.
ST. LUCY’S ANGELS Grades 7 – 12
St. Lucy’s angels is a volunteer service club serving the Religious Teachers Filippini residing in St. Joseph Infirmary at Villa Walsh. Due to visiting and safety restrictions, the activities of this club involve planning and delivering cards, letters, spiritual bouquets and other remembrances to our retired Filippini Sisters throughout the school year.
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Grades 7 – 12
Strength and Conditioning is being offered to introduce students and faculty to various areas of fitness and the fitness room and to improve personal wellness. Strength and Conditioning meets M, W, F from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the Sr. Doris Lavinthal Athletic Center. Yoga is offered every Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 PM in the Sr. Doris Lavinthal Athletic Center. No experience necessary. Sign up on Google Drive for all activities.
STUDENT COUNCIL Grades 7 - 12
The Villa Walsh Academy Student Council is a governing body elected by its peers. The Executive Board consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. In addition, Grades 9 - 12 are represented by a class commissioner and three representatives. The middle school grades each elect one representative. The council hosts various social events and acts as a motivating leadership force for all school activities.
TOWERETTE Grades 7 - 12
Towerette, Villa Walsh Academy's newspaper, reports on current events and opinions within the school community, such as seasonal events, sports, and the arts, and in the world around us. With the guidance of experienced student-editors, Towerette staffers develop skills in writing, interviewing, photography, and drawing, and collaborate to present the school community with an inside look at what makes Villa Walsh Academy shine!
VILLA SERVES Grades 7-12
This is a faith-based service organization that provides students with an opportunity to become involved in their local community to make a difference in the lives of people around them. The club meets weekly and is open to students in all grades. The student membership sponsors service projects throughout the year.
WOMEN IN THE WORD Grades 7-12
VWA Bible Study will meet at the end of the school day two times per month. Come join our discussions, pray and reflect. All are welcome.
YEARBOOK COMMITTEE Grades 9 - 12
The Yearbook Committee is established in the first few weeks of September and continues as an 8-month project that a group of students work to complete The efforts of the staff culminate in the publication of Horizons each year. Each student works on the planning process, cover design, and many assigned projects based upon the events of the school year. Photography, journalism, and graphic design are the key elements of the committee. Students select categories in which to be involved.
SPORTS PROGRAM
Villa Walsh Academy participates in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference. In addition, we participate in the Morris County, NJISAA/Prep and NJSIAA tournaments. Student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in various invitational and independent tournaments.
FALL
Cross Country: Varsity | Jr. Varsity |.7th/8th Grade
Soccer: Varsity | Jr. Varsity
Tennis: Varsity | Jr. Varsity
Volleyball: Varsity | Jr. Varsity | Freshman
WINTER
Basketball: Varsity | Jr. Varsity | Freshman | 7th & 8th Grade
Swimming: Varsity | Jr. Varsity
Track: Varsity | Jr. Varsity
SPRING
Golf: Varsity | Jr. Varsity
Lacrosse: Varsity | Jr. Varsity | 7th/8th Clinic
Softball: Varsity | Jr. Varsity | 7th/8th Clinic
Track & Field Varsity | Jr. Varsity | 7th/8th Clinic
Villa Walsh Academy encourages student participation in extra-curricular activities and service to the local and broader community for the enhancement of personal development and total education.