Villa View – Issue 4, 6 March 2026

Musical Success

What a wonderful experience it was to attend the College musical across last week and see the magnificent work of our young men and the Loreto students. This year’s show was fully produced and directed by Loreto College who did a fantastic job at bring the story of Beauty and the Beast to life. Particular commendation needs to be given to our Cogsworth and Lumiere, Jake Townsley and Oscar Kallis, who were absolutely brilliant in their roles.

For those younger members of our College community we are producing a junior musical later this year, on a far less grand scale, to introduce and encourage boys into the Arts. This is being done in partnership with Lourdes Hill College Junor school. I would encourage a smany boys as possible to take part in this excellent development opportunity.

Interim reporting and MyVillla access

Today the student term 1 interim reports will be released on MyVilla. These reports are designed to give a 5 week check in on your sons learning habits as he starts the academic year. While there are no specific subject results attached to this report you will be able to see that in a number of his subjects assessment is available for you to view, and in some cases the first assessment items of the year have been submitted, feedback given, and results accessible for you to view.

I would encourage all parents to monitor and discuss their sons progress, congratulating where appropriate and encouraging future improvement and effort should that be required.

If you have any access issues please contact the College.

Staffing Update

Mr Blake McLaughlin left us this week on three terms leave as he is starting a business in the fitness industry with his family. In his place as Augustine Head of House we welcome and congratulate Mrs Lauren Robinson. Lauren stared with us in 2023 and has mainly taught in the Maths and Science faculties as well as coaching Rugby and coordinating our swim team. Blake is due for return for the 2027 academic year.

AIC Swimming

Best wishes to our AIC swim team as they look to deliver personal best performances as they represent the College next Tuesday. Swimming can be a very lonely sport as you grind lap after lap gaining both speed and endurance. Our boys have certainly shown wonderful commitment across this season and we all support them as they represent us. We have had wonderful success across the past three years and look forward again to a fine result.

Mr Paul Begg, Principal

In keeping with the Spirit of Reconciliation, Villanova College acknowledges the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples, as the Traditional Custodians of this land on which we stand. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. This has always been, and always will be, a place of teaching and learning connected to country, culture and community.

As we move through the first half of Term 1, the focus across the College shifts from establishing routines and expectations to reflection, consolidation and preparation. This period of the term is an important time for students to consider how they are approaching their learning, for families to engage in meaningful conversations about progress, and for the College to provide timely feedback and guidance.

Interim Reporting
With the College’s continued implementation of myVilla, particularly from a teaching and learning perspective, we have recognised the importance of providing a streamlined, accessible and consistent platform for reporting student progress. All interim reporting will now occur through myVilla, ensuring families can easily access timely and meaningful information in one central location.

As part of this refinement, the College has also reviewed both the timing and focus of Interim Reporting. To support timely communication and meaningful conversations between home and school, Term 1 Interim Reporting has been shifted to the middle of the term. Interim Reports will be published for parents and carers on Monday 9 March.

The purpose of Interim Reporting is not to report on academic results or grades. Instead, it provides focused feedback on the learning behaviours and dispositions that underpin success later in the term, particularly as the College moves into assessment and examination periods.

What Does Interim Reporting Focus On?
Interim Reporting is guided by a clearly defined Reporting Matrix, which provides a shared language between staff, students and families.

Middle and Senior School (Years 7–12)
The Interim Reporting Matrix for Middle and Senior School focuses on three key domains:

Each area is reported on using a continuum ranging from consistently demonstrates through to rarely demonstrates, allowing teachers to provide clear, behaviour‑focused feedback that highlights both strengths and areas for growth.

Junior School (Years 5–6)
To better reflect the developmental stage of younger learners, students in Years 5 and 6 will receive an extended set of criteria, reported by their core teacher. This provides a more holistic picture of learning behaviours and personal development.

The Junior School matrix includes the following focus areas:

• Engagement – curiosity and persistence in learning tasks
• Participation – active involvement and reflection
• Collaboration – teamwork and relationships aligned with Augustinian values
• Community – belonging and respectful participation in College life
• Behaviour – responsibility, humility and moral growth
• Organisation – preparedness and self‑management
• Presentation – pride in representing the College community

This approach ensures reporting is age‑appropriate, strengths‑based and growth‑focused, while maintaining consistency across the College.

Why This Matters
Interim Reporting is designed to support timely, constructive conversations between students, parents and teachers. By focusing on engagement, organisation, behaviour and collaboration, families are provided with insights into how their son is approaching his learning — before formal assessments take place.

NAPLAN Readiness – Years 5, 7 and 9
Last week, students in Years 5, 7 and 9 participated in NAPLAN readiness sessions, which included:

• A practice Writing Task
• An Omnibus practice session

These activities are designed to familiarise students with:

• The online login process
• The layout of the testing environment
• The style and types of questions they will encounter

This preparation complements the work currently being undertaken in English and Mathematics classes and ensures students are technically confident ahead of the formal testing window.

NAPLAN provides useful longitudinal data that assists the College in evaluating literacy and numeracy trends, cohort performance, and areas for targeted intervention. It is important that students approach the testing seriously and apply themselves diligently, so the data accurately reflects their capabilities. At the same time, it is equally important that NAPLAN is not viewed as high-stakes or a source of anxiety. It is one data point within a much broader picture of your son’s learning journey. We encourage our boys to prepare well, try their best, and maintain perspective.

Year 12 Examination Block
The Year 12 Examination Block will commence on Thursday 12 March and conclude on Tuesday 17 March. This marks the first formal examination block of Year 12, an important milestone for our senior students.

Our Acting Director of Studies, Mr Tyler McCluskey, has communicated directly with students and parents/carers regarding the examination timetable and expectations associated with this assessment period.

As students prepare for their examinations, boys are reminded to:

• Be well prepared and organised
• Maintain healthy routines, including adequate rest and sleep
• Approach examinations with confidence and focus

Any absences due to ill health during the examination block must be communicated directly to Mr McCluskey, with a medical certificate provided to support the absence.

We wish our Year 12 students every success as they approach this important stage of their senior studies and commend them for their commitment and effort to date.

Study Skills Handbook – March Focus: Using Checklists
As academic demands increase throughout Term 1, developing strong organisational habits is essential. The Study Skills Handbook focus encourages students to use checklists as a practical tool to reduce stress and stay organised.

Checklists can help students:

• Structure daily homework routines
• Break large assignments into manageable steps
• Plan ahead for weekly commitments
• Establish consistent study and organisational habits
• Build motivation by recognising progress

Simple strategies such as daily homework lists, reusable packing checklists and weekly planners can have a significant impact on student confidence and academic growth.

Year 10 Careers Profiling
As part of the College’s commitment to supporting informed pathway decisions, Year 10 students will participate in Careers Profiling conducted by Career Avenues. This program supports students as they prepare for their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan interviews early in Term 3. Rather than focusing on “What do you want to do?”, the profiling encourages students to consider:

• What can I do?
• What am I likely to enjoy and be good at?

Each student will receive:

• A personalised Career Profile Report
• A Digital Careers Workbook
• Access to web‑based research tools, including career snapshots, university pathways and subject prerequisites

Key details for families:

• When: Periods 1–3, Tuesday 10 March
• Requirements: Fully charged laptop, charger, and pen or pencil

Students representing the College at the AIC Swimming event, or those absent due to illness, will be provided with an alternative opportunity to complete the profiling. The outcomes of this program provide valuable, individualised insights that support subject selection, future planning and meaningful career conversations at home.

Thank you for your continued partnership with the College. Together, we remain committed to supporting each boy’s learning journey.

Mr Kirk Astill, Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning

The last fortnight has once again been punctuated with the vibrancy of community life at the College. Thank you to our families who were able to attend the series of House Breakfasts last week- there was a wonderful feel to these gatherings and I would like to congratulate our Seniors across our eight Houses who made significant contributions.

As we enter into the second half of this first term and move towards examination periods, it is of paramount importance that our young men are ‘locking in’ and ensuring their work ethic and attention to detail are on point. I am reminded of the words of former NFL quarterback Tom Brady who poignantly outlined his definition of success in his Patriots Hall of Fame speech:

“To be successful at anything, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t. Consistent, determined, and willing to work for it.  No shortcuts. If you look at all my teammates here tonight, it would be impossible to find better examples of men who embody that work ethic, integrity, purpose, determination, and discipline that it takes to be a champion in life.”

I urge all our students across the Senior School to adopt the Brady mentality when it comes to working hard and ensuring that our core business of learning is their number one priority.

Student Voice
Each week on College Assembly, a member of the Student Leadership Team delivers an address on an aspect of our GREATS Framework- the pragmatic expression of our values in action. The leaders seek to construct powerful takeaway messages that have relevance for the student body. In recent weeks we have heard Adeodatus House Captain Xavier Webb speak about the value of Accountability and this week, Cultural Captain Reuben De Groot expressed his vision of Teamwork at Villanova. I’d like to share some of their remarks:

“No meaningful story is built on everything going to plan. Growth happens in the setbacks, in the detours, in the moments where you must look at yourself honestly and decide whether you’re going to improve or make an excuse. Because one day you’ll look in the mirror and see exactly what your habits created. The question is whether you’ll be proud of what you chose to build”- Xavier Webb

“Whenever you present yourself with your shirt out, socks down, a ruined hat- you’re letting the team down. Whenever you adopt a selfish mentality, you’re letting yourself down. Be the change you want to see, be the teammate that you want others to see. Not just your mates, but the whole Villanova team. So I challenge you, not only this week, but for the rest of your time at Villa.
Pick up that piece of rubbish, tell your mate to tuck in his shirt. Because when we work together, we can move mountains. And I believe we will.” – Reuben De Groot

I look forward to sharing with you more of our student voice throughout the year.

“What lies in our power to do, lies in our power not to do.” – Aristotle

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Dear Families,
It has been a significant and deeply meaningful week in our Middle School community — one that reflects both the responsibility we carry for our young people’s safety and the privilege we share in walking alongside them as they grow.

E-Scooters and Student Safety
Earlier this week, families received a letter outlining the College’s position regarding the use of e-scooters in College uniform. I also addressed this matter directly with students at Assembly on Tuesday.

Over recent weeks, we have received a substantial number of emails and phone calls from parents and members of the public expressing concern about students riding rental e-scooters — particularly Lime scooters — in traffic, without helmets and in situations that have resulted in near misses.

The statistics surrounding e-scooter injuries, particularly among young people, are alarming. Emergency department data across Australia continues to show a significant rise in head injuries and fractures in riders under 18, with helmet use being inconsistent. Many rental e-scooter platforms are legally restricted to riders aged 16 and over, meaning their use by our students is not only unsafe but unlawful.

As communicated:

• Students are not permitted to use rental e-scooters in College uniform.
• While we cannot prevent families from purchasing personal e-scooters, we strongly discourage their use in College uniform, particularly given the safety risks and the public perception associated with students representing the College.

Our priority is always the safety of our young people. We ask families to reinforce this message at home and to have clear conversations with their sons about responsible decision-making. Wearing our uniform carries responsibility — in the classroom and in the community.

The Rite Journey – Call & Departure Ritual (Year 9)
On Tuesday morning at Villa Park, we formally began the 2026 Rite Journey program with our Year 9 students through the Call & Departure Ritual.
What a powerful and memorable morning it was.

The ritual challenged the boys emotionally and reflectively. It asked them to pause, to consider who they are becoming and to acknowledge that the journey from boyhood to young manhood requires intention.

Most importantly, it created time and space for families to connect. In the busyness of life, opportunities to stop and be fully present with one another are rare. Watching fathers, mothers, mentors and sons stand together in that moment of commitment was deeply affirming. This ritual marks the official beginning of the Rite Journey for 2026. It signals to our young men that growth does not happen accidentally — it requires courage, accountability and community. I am incredibly excited for the year ahead with this cohort.

Time & Space – Year 7 and Their Mothers/Mother Figures
Last Monday evening, our Year 7 boys gathered with their mothers and significant mother figures for the annual Time & Space event.

It was a truly beautiful experience.

The workshops facilitated thoughtful conversations in small groups, allowing the boys and the women in their lives to speak openly about change, growth and the transition into secondary schooling. Many of our older student mentors commented on how mature and engaged the Year 7 boys were throughout the evening.
The closing moment where the boys were invited to sit close and give a cuddle was very moving. In a world that often rushes young people toward independence, it was powerful to witness such tenderness and connection.

These moments matter. They build relational foundations that will support our boys well beyond Year 7.

AIC Swimming Championships
Finally, we wish all of our swimmers the very best at next week’s AIC Championships.
Swimming is one of the most demanding sports – physically gruelling, mentally taxing and requiring extraordinary discipline in training long before the sun rises. To compete at this level takes commitment and resilience.
We are immensely proud of every student who will represent the College and those that trained towards it. Please keep them in your thoughts and, if you are able, come along and support them. They have earned it.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership in forming fine young men. It is a privilege to work alongside you.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

The rapid pace that develops throughout a term never ceases to amaze us. We’ve crossed over the half-way point in the term. Those first few days of the 2026 school year feel like they were simultaneously only just yesterday, but also a lifetime ago. I hope your son’s have enjoyed a positive start to the year and have settled into a positive routine.

House Breakfast & Upcoming House Showcase
Last week our House Breakfasts were a wonderful display of the Villanova Community. These events were well-attended by Junior School boys and families and your support and engagement at the breakfasts was welcomed and appreciated. I know our brand-new House Mascots were very popular with the younger boys and the Agora each morning was adorned with balloons of various house colours. Next Tuesday marks an important date in the calendar as the boys will learn the song that their house will perform for the House Showcase occurring in Term Two. The theme this year is kids animated songs, with a mostly Disney flavour. The showcase event is always a highlight of the year and apologises in advance for the amount of times you may have to hear 1 particular song on repeat as they master the lyrics.

AIC Swimming Championships
On Tuesday our AIC Swimming Squad will compete in the AIC Swimming Championships. Our swimmers are to be admired for their commitment to their training and preparation, as they undertake early morning sessions as they push themselves to constantly improve. Any student who has participated throughout the season should be proud of their achievement and we wish our Junior School Swimming Captain Finn C and the team the very best. A special thanks must be extended to Mrs Melissa Liddy who has assisted the squad throughout the season at trainings and meets.

Junior School Musical
There was a very noticeable difference in the Agora on Wednesday morning this week. Junior School Staff wore brightly covered party hats and held balloons during our morning gathering. The Head of Creative Arts Ms Sallyanne Freeny and Ms Sharon Casey, decorated in bright rainbow clothing, officially announced the exciting news to our Junior School boys that Villanova will be hosting the very first Junior School Musical. The Big One-Oh is a high-energy musical about Charley Maplewood, who is turning ten and planning the ultimate birthday party! The musical will feature a wide cast of lead, supporting and ensemble roles and any boy who is keen to be involved is warmly invited to register their interest in auditions taking place in Week 9. For more information, please check your emails.

NAPLAN
Next week our NAPLAN testing period officially begins for our Year 5 students. The boys have had a practice session in their venues and spoken to their teachers about how best to approach the tests. You can assist your son’s by helping them ensure they are organised and eat a solid breakfast each day. We always encourage the boys to simply do the best job they possibly can and look to make full use of the time allocated to them. Any student who misses a particular test due to illness or absence will be able to take the missed test on scheduled catch-up days.

Mid-Term General Reminders
As the boys become more familiar with their new classrooms and expectations at times they need increased reminders about their organisation and presentation. If you could assist at home by supporting your son’s in the following areas that would be greatly appreciated.

Uniforms – some boys have grown or stretched out their academic socks and may require news ones to ensure they are able to stay up and presentable.
Hats – In the Junior School we have a ‘No Hat, No Play’ policy, and boys who do not have hats are required to sit in the Agora in a shaded area. If your son has lost his hat, please encourage him to check thoroughly for it and if it cannot be located a new one will need to be purchased from the Uniform Shop.
Lost Property – Unnamed items of clothing, stationary and other belongings routinely show up across campus. These are usually kept in a bucket down in the Agora and boys are reminded, but without names they cannot be easily returned. Please ensure all property is clearly named so it can make its way back to your son.
Laptops – A reminder that all boys are responsible for charging their laptop each night.

Loreto College Primary Years Dance

Our Year 5 and Year 6 students are invited to attend Loreto College’s Primary Years dance, Friday 27 March, 5.30pm to 7.30pm. This dance will be held at the Mary Ward Centre, Loreto College, 415 Cavendish Rd, Coorparoo. Pre-purchased tickets are essential (no tickets will be available at the door) and are also limited (first in best dressed – RSVP close Monday 23 March). Tickets are $20.00 each and can be booked now at  https://www.trybooking.com/DGXOO

Mr Callum Hackett, Head of Year 5 and Year 6

Students at Villanova College have many opportunities to contribute to the service learning life of our community. This is possible thanks to the strong commitment of school leadership and staff to sustaining a vibrant and well-established ministry program.

The Mission and Identity team, who lead this program, have ambitious and worthy goals. Above all, our service learning offerings aim to nurture our core Augustinian values—humility, community, interiority, and the restless search for truth. Being a Villanova student means not only speaking about values but living them. Service learning provides a rich space for doing exactly that, inspiring students to work for justice for those who are poor, marginalised, or vulnerable—locally and beyond.

Each year, students volunteer for a range of reasons. Some seek to put their Christian values into action or are motivated by concern for issues such as homelessness or environmental sustainability. Others are drawn to opportunities to grow as ‘servant leaders’—young people who act with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. Many simply want to make a meaningful difference alongside like‑minded peers. For some, Service Learning offers a positive and constructive outlet—an energising way to step outside personal worries and focus on helping others.

Villanova currently offers five active, school‑wide ministries, each with a range of projects planned for 2026. Term 1 initiatives include:

1. Vinnies (St VdP): A delicious Pancake Tuesday fundraiser (17 February) supporting Project Compassion. Senior students are leading the way in living out the Vinnies mission of practical service grounded in Gospel values.
2. Young Christian Students (YCS): Weekly Wednesday buddy sessions between Senior and Junior School students. These encounters help young people integrate their Christian faith into daily life and foster a more inclusive and just community.
3. Australian Filipino Augustinian Solidarity (AFAS): A major Villanova ministry strengthening solidarity, friendship, and educational support between Villanova (Brisbane) and Augustinian communities in the Philippines. Next week, AFAS students will run a doughnut drive to help fund the postage of essential goods to our partner communities—a sweet treat making a real difference.
4. Young Augustinian Youth Ministry (YAYM): A dynamic group of Middle Years students leading local and global action. Their leadership in the recent Schools Clean Up Australia Day—one of over 4000 participating schools—resulted in the removal of hard‑to‑reach litter and raised awareness of the College’s waste challenges.
5. Green Ministry Team: Dedicated to “care for creation,” a central Augustinian value. In 2026, members are driving a cultural shift toward cleaner school grounds and recently joined the local council and bush care group in cleaning the Norman Creek banks on Clean Up Australia Day. Three Year 10 students also represented Villanova for the first time at the Lord Mayor’s Young Environmental Leadership Network (LMYELN) orientation day and will continue developing environmental leadership skills across four workshops this year.

Each Ministry group warmly welcomes new members, as well as students who may wish to volunteer occasionally for special events. Students can get involved by:

1. Dropping in to the Ministry Office (next door to V10) to learn more about Service Learning opportunities.
2. Attending a Ministry meeting in their area of interest. See times below.

3. Emailing Mrs Cleary at alisa.cleary @vnc.qld.edu.au or Mrs Greenaway

Our ministries remind us daily that service is not merely an activity but an expression of who we are as an Augustinian community. We are invited to contribute, to care, and to act for justice. Pope Francis captured this beautifully when he wrote:

“Love, overflowing with small gestures of mutual care, is also civic and political, and it makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world for all.”
(Laudato Si’, 231

Mrs Alisa Cleary, Director of Service Learning

Guest Speakers and Community Connection
Last week our senior students have recently engaged in two powerful and thought-provoking guest presentations as part of the Be Your Best Self Wellbeing Program.

CEO of Sporting Wheelies Dane Cross spoke to our Year 12 boys about resilience, perspective and purpose. Drawing on his lived experience, Dane challenged the boys to consider how life’s setbacks and challenges do not have to define them. Instead, he emphasised the strength found in mateship, the value of gratitude, and the importance of choosing to live with intention.

He encouraged the boys to reflect deeply on what it means to be good men – leading with empathy, integrity and compassion in their relationships and decisions. The session was engaging and authentic, prompting thoughtful questions and genuine reflection from the cohort. It was clear that his message resonated strongly as the boys considered the kind of men they want to become beyond Villa.

As part of the Year 11 Men’s Health unit, Dawson Sorby shared his lived experience of cancer, disability and neurodiversity. Specialising in working with adolescents and young adults, Dawson spoke openly about resilience, identity and self-advocacy. His presentation helped break down stigma and encouraged honest conversations around health awareness and help-seeking.

This opportunity arose after Vice Captain Darcy Kerr suggested bringing in a professional to speak about self-awareness and cancer prevention – a strong example of student voice shaping our wellbeing program in meaningful ways.

Continuing this commitment to student input, selected Year 9 students will meet this week as part of SWAT (Student Wellbeing Action Team) to provide feedback on the current Social Media unit, ensuring the program remains relevant and impactful. We will also look ahead to Term 2 where Dave Kramer – founder of Small Steps for Hannah will speak with the Year 9 cohort about how the cycle of domestic violence and how everyone can feel respected, informed confident to act and safe.

Parent Feedback Group
A new initiative is launching in the Parent Wellbeing space at Villa, and we’re seeking 1–2 parent representatives from each year level to be involved.

The role would involve meeting once a term (biscuits and top-quality instant coffee provided!) to share feedback and insights about all things wellbeing at the College from a parent perspective. We’re particularly interested in understanding what you’re noticing at home with your sons and gaining valuable input through a parent lens.

This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and direction of our Wellbeing Program and to strengthen the partnership between school and home.

If you’re interested in being involved, please email me on scarey@vnc.qld.edu.au to express your interest – we’d love to have a great cross-section of parents across the year levels.

Friday Fun Run Returns
This Friday we see our first Friday Fun Run of the year – an initiative that was a huge success in 2025 led by Vice Captain Christian McIlwain and Wellbeing Captain Hayden Eller. The Fun Run is about bringing the Villanova community together to move, chat, connect and share a few important stats and messages around mental health in a relaxed and fun environment.

We encourage your boys to come along and be involved. Pick-up is at 4:15pm sharp.

Hope everyone has a wonderful rest of week

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Programming

Stepping into Villanova College as the new Foundation and Development Manager has been an energising start to the year, and I’m genuinely delighted to be joining this community. Over the past few weeks, Kath Underhill and I have been exploring new ways to reconnect with Villanovans, those who are part of the College today and those whose stories continue to shape it long after graduation. At the heart of our work is a simple commitment: ensuring every student’s experience is the best it can be. Each young man’s journey is unique, and while his time within the bricks and mortar of Villanova may eventually end, our hope is that he remains part of the Villanova story for life.

There’s already plenty happening across the Foundation and Development space. We’re excited to welcome two new FMC members current parents James McKenzie (Old Boy) and Julieanne Dimitrious who bring valuable insight and enthusiasm to the team.
A major focus this year is supporting the equipping of the Great Hall and STEM Precinct ahead of its opening later in the year, ensuring these new spaces are ready to inspire the next generation of learners. We’re also continuing to strengthen opportunities for students through initiatives like the Terry Hendle Bursary and the Wieneke Music Fund, both of which play an important role in supporting young Villanovans.

Our Old Boys community remains a vital thread in the rich tapestry of the College, and we look forward to reconnecting with many of them during Muster Week later this year. Recently, we were delighted to welcome members of the Class of 1966 — Greg Jones, Michael Long and Richard Rylands — back to campus. It was a privilege to show them around and to hear their stories as they reminisced about their time at the College, sharing memories that continue to shape the spirit of Villa today.

Finally, after last year’s sellout success, the Charlie Fisher Cup Golf Day will return later this year a great chance to come together, enjoy a day out, and support the College.
If any of this sparks your interest or you’d like to learn more about what we’re working on, we’d love to hear from you. foundation@vnc.qld.edu.au
With gratitude,

Mrs Effie Kent, Development and Foundation Manager

From the Podium
On behalf of the music team here at Villanova College, I would like to take a moment to thank you all for the manner in which we have engaged with the program at the start of 2026.  It is always wonderful to return to our building, witness the buzz of activity, and listen to the music floating through our space, created by our talented and industrious musicians. 

As we reach the mid-point of Term 1, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on this excitement at the beginning of this journey and share something truly inspiring with you. 

Learning music isn’t just about playing notes or mastering an instrument—it’s about building skills that will prepare your children for the job market and shape them into outstanding employees as they grow into adulthood. 

Take Panos Panay, for example—a successful entrepreneur and the founding managing director of the Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship at Berklee College of Music. He once said, “I succeeded as an entrepreneur not despite the fact that I had a music degree, but precisely because of it.” At first, he felt his music degree held him back compared to a business degree, but then he realized the incredible skills he gained through music—like listening carefully, experimenting,
overcoming failure, practicing self-discipline, and collaborating effectively. These are the very qualities employers seek in great team players and persistent workers! 

But it’s not just about teamwork. Music also teaches theoretical concepts, presentation skills, and even the courage to improvise and find originality—skills that turn failure into a stepping stone for fresh ideas. Picture your child struggling with a tricky scale—each try builds resilience, much like Panos mastering his craft. These attributes will serve them well in any career, from business to science, long into their adult lives. 

So, as you watch your children practice and persevere, know you’re giving them a gift that goes beyond music—a foundation for success. And if they hit a sour note now and then, just smile — it’s all part of turning them into future leaders!
Thank you for supporting their journey, and let’s keep cheering them on as they grow into skilled, confident adults. 

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music 

Need information re our Music Program?  Look here!
In 2026, our music department is utilising a number of tools to assist students and families in their engagement with our program.  Some of these will be a work in progress over Term 1, most are currently active and accessible for all participants.
For general program information, including our Music Program Handbook, enrolment form, and uniform requirements, please refer to the Music section on our College website.
For lesson and rehearsal times, please refer to your son’s ‘Calendar’ tab in MyVilla.  Your son will need to log into MyVilla using the ‘Sign in with your School Account’ button.  The calendar tile is found towards the top left-hand corner of the screen, immediately beside the ‘news’ tile.  Along with important College community dates, the calendar will contain your son’s lesson and rehearsal times for music for the term. These times are updated in real-time and are stored in advance – historic data is removed by the program once the day has passed; this is your point of truth for all IM lessons and rehearsals. 

Our department will utilise MyVilla for the communication of curriculum and assessment requirements as the term progresses.  We are in the process of refining how we will implement this across our department and are looking forward to the benefits this will bring in the near future. 

For lesson content and practice requirements, all students have access to a Microsoft Team for their instrumental music lesson, and for their ensemble/s.  Whilst we will make these easily accessible via your son’s MyVilla page later this term, he will be able to see these ‘teams’ when he opens the app up on his school laptop.  Teachers use teams like the ‘old’ practice diary; this is where your son has access to information immediately pertaining to him and his music experience in the program.  As per the trusty diary, this may be a 2-way source of communication between home and school, as teachers may comment on posts made, or replies to posts in the team or student’s channel. 

As always, we continue to provide program updates in our fortnightly College Newsletter, and we look forward to returning to our alternate Music News being distributed to you all as another source of information around our program’s events and activities.
As always, should you require more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us in the music office via phone – 3394 5691, or email – music@vnc.qld.edu.au.  We are always happy to assist! 

Year 5 Music
We have been really excited to meet and work with this year’s Year 5 cohort.  The students have engaged in a very positive manner with our music team, and I am receiving many reports around how well this year’s team has assimilated into the program. 

As per previous years, we have two strands within our Year 5 Immersion Music Program; our Aural Musicianship Program or stream, and our Immersion Program.  These two strands have been developed to allow us to effectively ability group students and provide developmentally appropriate music education for all our new students; we aim to meet students where they are, and bring them along the journey.  The Aural Musicianship Program stream is for students who have proficiency on their instrument of at least a year’s experience (or equivalent).  These students and their families will have been contacted directly by our team regarding their involvement in this stream.  A student in our AMP stream will be: 

• taking a group (or private) lesson on a band (brass/wind/percussion) or orchestral string instrument on a day other than Tuesday; 

• attending a band or orchestra rehearsal before school on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday morning; and, 

• is having a lesson with Mrs Hinrichs every Tuesday when their class comes to the Augustine Centre for music. 

A student in our immersion program will have their only instrumental music engagement on a Tuesday.
As with any ‘rule’ there are the occasional exceptions.  However, if your son is only involved in music on a Tuesday, he will be in the Immersion Program; everyone else is in the AMP stream. 

Year 5 Chorale
Almost two weeks ago, we held our first Year 5 Chorale rehearsal for 2026.  This rehearsal is for all Immersion Program students.  This opportunity has been developed to allow us to work with the students in developing their executive function: working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control: and focus required to be successful in ensemble rehearsal before they have their instruments in hand.  Whilst we have sent an invite to the participant group, we strongly encourage the students to attend not only because it will set them up for success from Term 2, but the session also primes their brain for success in the classroom for the remainder of the day. 

Led by Mrs Hinrichs and Mrs Hall, the students participate in a range of vocal activities and games, ending with a period of aural skills and singing.  The work the students achieve is quite amazing with the students performing a short arrangement of ‘Here Comes the Sun’ in 3-parts – an incredible feat after 5-6 minutes of activity!  We are really pleased with the outcomes of this session thus far – we look forward to seeing all of our Immersion Program musicians next Tuesday morning. 

Student Music Leadership Group
On behalf of the Music Captains, welcome to 2026! 

This year’s work is already well underway; the music office is once again alive with the sound of band rehearsals, scales drifting down corridors, and the steady rhythm of weekly lessons. As Bach once said, “It is the special province of music to move the heart,” and the music program has certainly been doing just that. From the first downbeat of the term, there has been an unmistakable energy about the music office. Music stands unfolding, instruments being tuned, and students rediscovering the joy (and challenge) of ensemble playing. 

Our new grade five cohort have already begun to settle into their cohort, gathering bright and early each Tuesday morning for choir rehearsal. Though the start may be early, the enthusiasm from the boys is unmistakable. I had the chance to speak with a few of the boys between songs; one shared that he has expanded his musical horizons from piano to learning the viola.  A great example of the curiosity and ambition we love to see in our youngest musicians. 

With equal enthusiasm, Symphonic Band rehearsals have also resumed. Despite Mr Jones’ firm belief that band is the best way to begin the week, some bleary eyed brass and woodwind players may still be convincing themselves of that fact. Nevertheless, every chamber and large ensemble group have been working hard to bring a new performance to assembly every week. 

Finally, as we continue to put last year’s mission statement (attached) into action and develop our 2026 mission statement, we work on our culture and ourselves through teamwork and enthusiasm. 

We are excited for all that 2026 will bring and look forward to another year of growth, challenge, and music that truly moves the heart. 

Sammy Landmann (Music Captain) and the Student Music Leadership Team. 

Music Mission Statement_v2 (003)-1

Calling all Old Boy Musicians
Communications have been distributed through the Old Boy network, Foundation, and Music Office, regarding a community outreach event occurring in May this year.  We are inviting all Alumni Musicians to come back and join us in celebrating the 21st Birthday of the Augustine Centre and Hanrahan Theatre.  The voracity of the contacts list is a little haphazard so we would appreciate your assistance in sharing the news far and wide.   

The event will take place on the weekend of the 16-17 May, 2026.  We hope to create massed ensembles of past students and having them grace the stage of our theatre once again.  Aside from marking a key milestone in our program, we look forward to reconnecting with our past students and the possibility of creating some community ensembles that will continue beyond this event. 

Please contact the Music Office if you would like to participate or would like further information:  music@vnc.qld.edu.au – (07) 3394 5691. 

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

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 

Director of Sport Address
Round 4 reinforced a simple truth – when we operate as one, we compete better as one. This week in our GREATS framework, the focus is Teamwork.

AFL recorded 8 wins from 15, with all Year 6 teams undefeated. The First 18 absorbed early pressure and responded with calm composure – trust in structure, trust in each other.
Cricket secured 12 wins from 23. The Seconds, 6A and 6C remain undefeated. Individual performances are being built on partnership, discipline and pressure applied as a unit.
Volleyball achieved 4 wins, with 8D still undefeated. The Firsts pushed an unbeaten Iona side across three tight sets through communication, coverage and accountability.

It was a privilege to introduce our AIC Open Swimming Squad and Senior A Debating Team at Assembly. Pride, preparation and unity define both groups. Whether in the pool or on the stage, teamwork is the edge.

Swimming now turns to the AIC Championships on Tuesday, March 10 at Sleeman Sports Complex. We are proud of your preparation. Compete with courage, back each other and represent Villanova College with humility. If parents can assist with Monday morning’s post training breakfast, please contact Julie Colbert. Support behind the scenes strengthens culture.

As Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” That is the standard we hold ourselves to at Villa.

Key reminders

• AFL Uniform – Correct Villa socks only. Presentation reflects team standards.
  • Bus and Sideline Conduct – Seat belts fastened, follow instructions promptly, use respectful language at all times.
  • Trimester 2 Sport Registrations – Online registrations are extended until Monday via The Locker Room: https://villanova.jotform.com/tkropp/aic-term-2-2026-sport-sign-on. After this date, paper nominations must be submitted at the Sports Office.

📣 All Morning Training – Changing Arrangements
Students attending AFL, Cricket, Volleyball, Rugby Union and Gym training are to change upstairs in the Goold Hall Mezzanine following morning sessions.
On buses, travel safely and respectfully. On the field, compete hard, support your mate, respect officials. One lapse impacts the whole team.
Teamwork is evident in preparation, behaviour and response under pressure. Effort over ego. Team over self.

Go Villa! 💚💛

🔔 Team Villa opportunities

• Trimester 2 programs are approaching.
  • Please contact Kath Underhill (Chess), Brian Pascoe (Cross Country), Nathan Dufty (Football) or Chris Everding (Rugby Union) if you are interested in supporting Team Villa. 💚💛

Season Results to date:

2026 AFL Round 4.pdf

2026 Cricket Round 4.pdf

2026 Volleyball Round 4.pdf

Mr Matthew Hannan, Director of Sport

P&F Fathers Night
It’s time for the Dads to get together! Friday 27 March from 6pm, Lord Stanley hotel. Register now https://fathers-night-2026.raiselysite.com

Can you offer a student a glimpse into your world of work?
We are reaching out to Villanova College parents, Villa Old Boys and community members who might be able to host a student in Years 10, 11 or 12 for a short work experience placement during the school holidays. These placements are typically three days and offer students a valuable chance to explore different industries, workplaces and career pathways. We welcome all types of roles – from engineering and trades to business, healthcare, hospitality and everything in between. If you are able to help, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/URTWc7M1D9
Thank you for helping our boys explore, learn and grow beyond the classroom.

Year 7, 2028 applications closing Friday!
This is a reminder that Year 7, 2028 applications will close tomorrow. More information can be found at Year 7 in 2028 | Villanova College

Tuckshop
The 2026 menu and price list for Tuckshop is now available by clicking here https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Tuckshop-menu.pdf
We ask for students to use CASH ONLY for the first 2 weeks of school. All students new to the school are asked to bring cash for tuckshop purchases until student ID cards have been received and a Flexischool account has been created and linked. Existing students with student ID cards and Flexischools accounts are reminded to bring cash as a backup for purchases until new ID cards have been received.

Volunteering at Tuckshop
The Tuckshop is a modern, commercial area of your school that provides an affordable and nourishing breakfast, morning tea and lunch service for the boys. Breakfast preparations begin from 7.00am and Morning Tea and Lunch preparations beginning at 8.30am with the day concluding at 2pm. We run a self-service system, with a diverse menu consisting of both freshly prepared and pre-packaged items.
It’s managed by a paid convenor but could not exist without its dedicated volunteer helpers. We welcome help from Mums, Dads, grandparents, other caregivers, friends, etc.

If you are interested in volunteering at Tuckshop you would be rostered on one day every four weeks generally from 8.30am to 2pm but for those of you who can accommodate or prefer an earlier start and/or finish, you can be rostered on the breakfast shift from 7.00am. Even if you can only give just an hour or two, this is still very welcome – we can make use of any time you are able to give us. Our helpers are provided with a cuppa & cake for morning tea, a delicious lunch, lots of laughs and an opportunity to see their sons in their school environment.
If you’re a little nervous about volunteering alone, why not join with a friend!
Current volunteers have mentioned the following reasons as to why they enjoy working at the Tuckshop:

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

If you are interested in volunteering you can register you interest at: Volunteering at Villanova » Villanova College (vnc.qld.edu.au) .
Thank you.

Mrs Dot Blair, Villanova Tuckshop Convenor
Ph: 3394 5592 Email: tuckshop@vnc.qld.edu.au

Second Hand Uniform Shop
Do you know you can purchase quality, pre-loved Villanova College Uniforms through the P&F Second-hand Uniform Shop?
2026 Second Hand Uniform Shop Opening Times will be fortnightly on Tuesdays Week B, 730-9am.

The second-hand uniform shop is now located under Lecceto building (behind Goold Hall), best access is via Gate 3, Goold Hall Gate, on Eighth Avenue.

Drop off tub locations for pre-loved uniforms for sale or donation. Don’t forget to include your form!

• Outside Tuckshop
• Directly to the second-hand shop during opening hours

Click on link for all Second Hand Uniform shop info (scroll down the page for the 2^nd Hand shop section).\

Safer Schools Program
Brisbane City Council, Safer Schools Program
Villanova College (Coorparoo) is confirmed to be included in
the Brisbane City Council (Council) Safer Schools Program for Term 1 2026. This program
aims to promote safe parking practices and ensure compliance with local traffic regulations
around schools.

Child safety is paramount, and illegal parking within school zones remains a significant
concern for parents, residents, and schools. Limited parking spaces around peak drop-off and
pick-up times often leads to competitive and potentially dangerous parking behaviours.

While we understand the challenges parents face in navigating school zone drop-off and pickup,
it’s crucial to prioritise safety. Over the coming term, Council officers will be conducting
regular patrols around your school to monitor parking compliance. Our enforcement approach
will use a combination of foot patrols as well as our highly visible Community Safety and
Regulation vehicles that can identify alleged offences using Automatic Number Plate
Recognition and GPS software. Compliance action will be taken on any observed breaches.
We kindly request that you encourage parents, guardians, and visitors to adhere to all parking
regulations in the vicinity of the school. The following may be useful to include in your school
newsletter and/or other communication forums utilised by your school.

School Zone Parking
Parking in accordance with all road rules and signage is important to keep our
children and other road users safe. Unfortunately, Brisbane City Council has
received an increase in the number of reports of illegal parking around our school. As
a result, our school has been added to Council’s Safer Schools Program this term.

What does this mean?
Brisbane City Council’s Parking Compliance Officers will be actively patrolling the
streets surrounding our school over the coming term to encourage safer parking
behaviours. These patrols will be conducted on foot and in highly visible Community
Safety and Regulation vehicles that can identify alleged offences using Automatic
Number Plate Recognition and GPS software. Please be kind – they have a job to
do.

What are the common parking signs around schools?
A guide to common parking signs around school zones can be found on Council’s
website by searching the term ‘School Parking’.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students and other
road users. If you wish to discuss the matter further, please contact Parking Supervisor Curtis
Boyle, Parking Supervisor on 3027 4337.
City Safety | Compliance and Regulatory Services

Brisbane City Council
2026 School Bus Tip Sheet & Contact Update – refer link below

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:ap:d2aea4c6-314b-4e06-ba4f-b8f29dd95ca

Collection notice for parents/guardians
2026 Student residential address and other information collection (address collection)
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 address 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, known as the capacity to contribute (CTC) score. More information is available on the CTC page.
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 the ABS linking names and address(es) with their personal income taxation data using the capacity to contribute calculations and analysis as a part of the Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA – previously known as MADIP). Find more information about PLIDA on the ABS website PLIDA page
• disclosed to an authorised person (for example, contracted auditor or identified departmental official) where the department may audit a school’s collection submission. The authorised person compares the school’s submission with the student enrolment information. The authorised person will not use the information for any other purpose
• disclosed to our service providers for the purpose of providing the department with information and 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.
Aggregated information will be provided to your school in the form of school level median income for the last 3 years, rounded to the nearest $5,000. This information is provided to help your school understand their level of government funding. Your personal income information will not be provided to your school.
Find the department’s privacy policy on the Department of Education web site. This 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.
In association with this, the department commissioned an independent Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA). The PIA assessed the flows of information under the address collection, compliance with the Privacy Act and measures in place to safeguard the personal information being collected. The current version is available on the Department of Education web site.
What do you need to do?
You are not required to do anything. Your school is responsible for providing the department with the requested details; however, you can contact the school to update your family’s details.
Contacts for further information
Your school can provide additional information about the address collection process.
Alternatively, please visit the EducationHUB address collection page.