Villa View – Issue 18, 23 October 2026

This week our Senior students completed their final day of formal classes and are now entering a period of preparation before final exams begin on Monday culminating in four weeks’ time with their Graduation Mass and dinner. It is an interesting time for these young men as they stare just a little over the precipice that is life ‘beyond the gates.  As I have walked around and spoken this week with both the Seniors and Parents the concept of how schools curate boys’ life and experience has been a hot topic. Mainly from the perspective of discussing the need for awareness and preparedness when that is somewhat abruptly taken away post Graduation.

At school each day they have a cohort of friends waiting for them. Each morning, games, sport and activities are organised and presented to them from which to choose an opportunity. A conga line of willing and enthusiastic adult mentors are available to them from which they can select whom they may be most aligned and seek counsel and guidance. There is a program, and people, dedicated and present to each boy, each day to respond to their every need and a timetable of classes that organises their activity. Come November 18 that is rapidly removed, not because we want to, but it is simply the flagstone of growing up. So when this goes what do you do?

For our Seniors the best thing they can do is look to maintain their friendships and stay connected to community and activities. Many will assist in sports coaching or music and debating mentoring at the College. These are wonderful transitional activities. Hopefully, in due course they will join University clubs, interest groups, sports and social groups that keeps them grounded and with direction. Most importantly the brotherhood that we speak of needs to be maintained and nurtured, it takes effort once school is over to stay connected. I would encourage each Senior, and parent, to support one another by keeping these connections alive and vibrant. As they prepare for their exams and the journey ahead I share this small prayer.

A Prayer for Our Seniors – Beyond the Gates

Loving God,
As our young men prepare to journey beyond the gates of Villanova, we give thanks for the friendships, experiences and people who have shaped their lives.
Grant them courage to embrace new beginnings, wisdom to make good choices, and the confidence to discover who they are yet to become.
May the bonds of brotherhood endure beyond these school years, and may they always find strength in friendship, purpose in service, and belonging in community.

In the spirit of St Augustine, may their hearts remain restless in the search for truth, and may they always know that wherever life leads them, they never walk alone.

Amen.

Staffing Changes
Over recent weeks, as we move toward the end of 2026 there have a been a number of significant staff movements that I would like to share.

Firstly, after 10 years of dedicated leadership of the Senior School Mr Matt Levander will step down from his role. Matt has been instrumental in the shaping of both the Senior school and the College’s culture and overseen the wonderful growth and vibrancy of the College senior family. Mr Levander will stay on staff in 2027 but will take a period of long service leave in the first Semester. As most know health issues curtailed his leave in 2025 and he is very hopeful of being able to recommence those plans next year. The Student support structures to replace Matthew will be announced next week.

In 2027 Mr Matthew Hannan will move from the Director of Sport role into the Head of House area. Matthew came to the College in 2025 from Trinity Lutheran College on the Gold Coast where he led the Middle school and as such his pastoral credentials are well formed. We have currently advertised for a new Director of Sport and we will announce the new appointment in due course.

Finally, we have two long term staff members who are finishing this year. Firstly Mr Brendan Kennedy will take on a new teaching role at Brisbane Grammar School. Brendan has been here at Villanova since his graduation as a teacher 17 years ago and has been a blessing to the College in both his classroom work and leadership of both the faith life of the College and the pastoral team. He will be missed by the team. Mrs Kath Hackett, our Risk and Compliance Officer, has also indicated her retirement after 24 years of service across a wide expanse of roles in the school. While Kath won’t be a stranger in 2027 and will continue with some relief opportunities, she will farewell her fulltime career with the school. We thank her for her tireless effort and the wisdom of her experience and offer every blessing moving forward.

Board Changes 2027
Separate to this newsletter each parent will receive an email from the College detailing some movements on the College Board and the new members who will begin their tenure in 2027. As you review these people and their skills and talents it is easily noted how fortunate we are to have such wonderful people guiding and governing our College. As a company limited by guarantee, it is a complex operation with many moving parts. It could not be run so well without the steady hand and expertise of our Board. I thank them all and look forward to the next iteration of their leadership and governance.

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.

Year 12 Farewell Assembly
The Senior Class of 2026 will forever be remembered in the annals of history, as a cohort which possessed a holistic love of their College- engaging wholeheartedly in all areas of Villa life with spirit and determination.

Today we conducted the Year 12 Farewell Assembly and Guard of Honour, one of the significant rites of passage events in our College calendar. Students and staff affirmed the Class of 2026 for a wonderful Senior journey as the baton of leadership of the student body was passed onto our Year 11 students as our 2027 Student Leadership Executive were entrusted with our symbols of leadership as part of the Student Leadership Handover.

Year 5 student Cormac Gardner, showing oratory skills and panache beyond his years, spoke glowingly of the impact our Year 12 students have had as outstanding role models, especially to our Junior School students in the areas of peer mentoring and being outstanding Big Brothers.

Next Monday sees the commencement of the External Examination Block and I wish all our Year 12 students every blessing for success in the completion of their final exams. I would like to thank all our Year 12 teachers for their dedication and unwavering support of our students in preparing them for the challenges to come.

Student Leadership
Last Thursday, the Student Leadership Team appointments were finalised for 2027. Following the announcement of the Student Executive Team last term of Rudi A (College Captain Elect), Oscar K, Ben L and Billy P (Vice Captains Elect) and Patrick L (Student Council President Elect), it gives me pleasure to confirm these appointments.

Academic Captain                                                Owen Z
Cor Unum Spirit Captain                                    Oliver K
Cultural Captain                                                   Will H-C
Wellbeing Captain                                                Lennox H
Adeodatus House Captain                                  George K
Alypius House Captain                                        Charlie G
Ambrose House Captain                                      Max S
Augustine House Captain                                    Harvey B
Monica House Captain                                         Ethan H
Nicholas House Captain                                       Sam C
Rita House Captain                                               Archie D
Thomas House Captain                                        Alastair S

 The Student Leadership Team will be invested at the Senior Commissioning Ceremony within the Mass of All Saints on Friday 6^th November.

The value of self-respect
At last week’s College Assembly, I had the opportunity to deliver the occasional address. In considering the GREATS theme of Respect that was the focus of the assembly, I considered looking through the lens of respect for oneself. Here is an excerpt of my address:

There is an old story about a grandfather who sits down with his grandson and tells him that inside every person, there is a battle between two wolves.
One wolf represents anger, jealousy, arrogance, dishonesty and the desire to fit in at any cost. It feeds on insecurity, comparison and the need for approval.
The other wolf represents kindness, courage, honesty, humility and self-respect. It feeds on integrity, compassion and the strength to stand by what you believe is right.
The grandson thinks for a moment and asks, “But Grandfather, which wolf wins?”
The grandfather replies, “The one you feed.”

It is a simple story, but it raises an important question for all of us: What are we feeding within ourselves?

Every day, we make choices that shape the people we become. It might be choosing whether to join in when someone is being mocked, whether to tell the truth when lying would be easier, or whether to stand by our values when everyone around us is doing the opposite.

These moments might seem small, but they reveal something significant: the level of respect we have for ourselves.

Self-respect is not about thinking that we are better than others. It is about recognising our own worth and understanding that we should never have to sacrifice our values to earn acceptance.

At school, it can be tempting to measure ourselves by what others think of us: our popularity, our achievements, our appearance or how well we fit in. But if our sense of worth depends entirely on other people’s opinions, we give them the power to decide who we are.

True self-respect means knowing who you are, standing firm in your principles and having the courage to make the right decision, even when nobody is watching.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”- Aristotle

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, it is easy for our attention to turn towards holidays, final assessments, sporting trials for 2027 and the excitement of a well-earned break. For our Middle School students, the finish line is getting closer. However, the final weeks of the year also provide an important opportunity to reflect on something far more significant than what we have achieved: the character we have demonstrated along the way.

At Villanova, we want our young men to understand that character is not defined by a single achievement, a great result or a moment when everything goes to plan. Character is revealed in the everyday decisions we make, particularly when we are tired, frustrated, disappointed or simply ready for the year to be over.

Do we continue to give our best when the excitement of the year begins to fade? Do we remain respectful towards our teachers and classmates when we are feeling tired? Do we take responsibility for our actions, even when it would be easier to blame someone else? And do we continue to look out for those around us, even when our own priorities begin to take over?

These questions connect directly to our GREATS expectations of Growth, Respect, Effort, Accountability, Teamwork and Service. They remind us that our College values are not simply words to be displayed or discussed during assemblies. They are standards to be lived every day, in our classrooms, on the sporting field, in our Houses and in the way we interact with others.

St Augustine offers a powerful reminder of the importance of love in the way we live and treat others: “Love, and do what you will.”

Augustine was not suggesting that we should simply do whatever we please. Rather, he challenges us to ensure that our actions are guided by genuine love and concern for others. When we act with compassion, respect and a sincere desire for the good of those around us, our decisions begin to reflect the people we aspire to become.

This is particularly important for young men navigating friendships, competition, social expectations and the increasing influence of the online world. It can be easy to follow the crowd, make a joke at someone else’s expense or disengage when something becomes difficult. It takes greater character to include someone who feels left out, acknowledge when we have made a mistake, apologise sincerely or persist with a task when no one is watching.

Our Augustinian tradition calls us to look inward, reflect honestly on our choices and recognise that we are always capable of growth. Finishing the year well does not mean that we have been perfect. It means that we are prepared to learn from our mistakes, repair relationships where necessary and continue striving to be better.

As parents and educators, we share the responsibility of helping our young men develop this understanding. The conversations we have at home and at school matter. Recognising effort, reinforcing expectations, encouraging accountability and celebrating acts of kindness all help boys understand that success is about more than individual achievement. It is also about the contribution we make to our community.

We want our young men to finish the year with pride, knowing they have given their best, treated others with dignity and contributed positively to the life of the College.

Ultimately, the measure of a successful year is not only what we have accomplished, but also who we have become along the way.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Green Team Reconciliation Garden Working Bee
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Villanova College’s Reconciliation Garden and Mural, located at the entrance to the College Library. The initiative began as the vision of then senior student Mackenzie Sarra, a proud First Nations Villanovan, and remains an important symbol of reconciliation, acknowledging the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land while calling our community to care for Country and one another.

To celebrate this milestone, members of the Green Team and Jarjum students recently came together for a working bee to refresh and reinvigorate the space. Spearheaded by Year 12 Green Team leader Jai, whose passion for environmental sustainability and the message of Laudato Si’ inspired the project. Students spread fresh soil and mulch throughout the garden and planted 51 Indigenous subtropical rainforest species, breathing new life into this significant place of reflection and learning.

The next stage of the project will involve restoring and repainting sections of the mural that were damaged during past storms, helping preserve an important part of Villanova’s history and identity. We look forward to seeing this special space continue to flourish for future generations of Villanovans as we walk together on a path to reconciliation.

Celebrating our Year 12 Ministry Leaders
Earlier this week was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and farewell our Year 12 Senior Ministry Leaders over dinner. We are immensely proud of all they have achieved and the positive impact they have had on our College community. Through their leadership, service, and witness to their faith, they have enriched the lives of many. We hope their journey has been a transformative one, and that the Augustinian values they have embraced will continue to guide their faith, inspire their actions, and shape the people they become long after they leave Villanova. You will be missed!

Mrs Eleni Greenaway, Dean of Mission and Identity

Last week, Red Frogs joined our Year 12s for an honest conversation about Schoolies. They put it all on the table, covering the realities and challenges that can come with the celebrations. These are important conversations to have, and we appreciate Red Frogs being upfront with the boys about making good decisions and looking out for themselves and their mates.

In the coming weeks during wellbeing sessions, Red Frogs will also be speaking with our Year 10 and 11 students about parties, the potential for violence in these settings, and how to make good decisions, stay safe and avoid getting caught up in situations that can quickly get out of hand. For many families, these sessions can provide a useful starting point for conversations at home as students begin to navigate these situations with increasing independence.

As we farewell our Year 12 cohort, it’s hard not to reflect on what a great group of young men they are. What stands out most is the genuine connection they share with one another. They’re a fun cohort who enjoy each other’s company, have a good laugh and bring plenty of energy wherever they go. They’ve been a pleasure to have around Villa, and they will certainly be missed.

And finally, a special farewell to the Wellbeing Crew of 2026.

Boys, you have made a genuine difference this year. You brought plenty of energy and good humour to the role, but more importantly, you brought ideas, initiative and a genuine commitment to student wellbeing. You cared about it, you advocated for it, and you helped keep it at the centre of school life. Thank you for everything you have contributed. You’ve left the role in a stronger place than you found it, set a high standard for those who follow, and you will be missed.

While we spend time celebrating our Year 12s, there is still plenty of work ahead for the rest of our students. Assignments are due, assessment blocks are approaching, and the end of term will arrive quicker than most would like. I encourage all students to stay organised, keep on top of their commitments and make the most of the weeks ahead.

Have a great week.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Programming

As we move further into Term 4, the rhythm of the term is well established. While this is a relatively short term, it is an important one academically, with students across the College consolidating their learning and working towards a strong conclusion to the 2026 school year.

For our Year 12 students, this week represents a particularly significant point in their Villanova journey. Their formal classes have concluded and attention now turns to External Assessment and ultimately, the completion of their secondary education. For our other year levels, there remains plenty of important work ahead and I encourage all students to continue approaching their learning with, commitment and a desire to finish the year strongly.

Year 12 External Assessment

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”

 St Augustine

These words of St Augustine provide a timely reflection for our Year 12 students as they enter the final stage of their academic journey at Villanova College. After many years of learning and particularly the sustained effort required throughout their senior studies, the coming weeks are an opportunity to trust in their preparation, remain patient and composed and approach each examination with confidence.

Our Year 12 students have now completed their final classes and should feel confident and well prepared for the upcoming External Assessment period. For many students, these past few weeks have undoubtedly brought a mixture of emotions. The realisation that their final lessons have been completed, that familiar routines are coming to an end and that their time as a Villanova student is drawing to a close represents a significant milestone.  Today provided our College community with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 2026 Year 12 cohort and wish them well for their future endeavours.

While today is certainly a time for celebration, for most of our Year 12 students, the academic work is not yet finished. The External Assessment period extends across three weeks and represents the final stage of assessment for students undertaking General subjects. Communication has been provided to students and families regarding examination arrangements, including commencement times, venues, permitted equipment and the procedures and expectations that apply throughout the examination period. We encourage students and families to re-familiarise themselves with these important documents and communications before examinations commence. Being organised, knowing where and when examinations are taking place and having the correct equipment are simple but important ways students can reduce unnecessary stress during this period.

Our students have worked extremely hard alongside their teachers throughout the year. They have completed practice examinations, responded to feedback, engaged in revision and taken advantage of additional opportunities to support their preparation, including the College’s September/October holiday Study and Tutorial Program. They should now trust in that preparation.

We know our Year 12 students will approach these examinations with determination and a strong desire to perform to the very best of their ability. There will inevitably be challenging moments across the three weeks, but patience, perspective and confidence in the work already completed will be important.

We wish every Year 12 student well as they undertake this final academic challenge and look forward to celebrating the culmination of their Villanova journey.

Diploma of Business
At last week’s College Assembly, it was a pleasure to formally recognise those Year 12 students who have successfully completed the Diploma of Business through our training partnership with Axial Training.

The Diploma represents an achievement for these students and reflects their commitment to completing an additional qualification alongside their senior studies. Throughout the program, students have had the opportunity to develop practical knowledge and skills relevant to contemporary business environments while adding a valuable qualification to their portfolio as they consider future study, training and employment pathways.

Congratulations to all students who successfully completed the Diploma this year. The College also extends its sincere thanks to Axial Training for its continued partnership and support of our students.

Vocational Education and Training Achievements
The Diploma of Business is just one example of the broad range of vocational education and training opportunities undertaken by our senior students. A significant number of Year 12 students have also successfully completed a range of Certificate qualifications during their time at Villanova College through arrangements with external Registered Training Organisations.

These programs provide an important complement to classroom learning and allow students to develop practical skills, industry experience and recognised qualifications while completing their senior schooling. Importantly, they also reflect our commitment to providing multiple pathways for students and recognising that success beyond Villanova will look different for each young person.

Completing these qualifications while managing the broader demands of senior schooling requires considerable commitment, organisation and persistence. We congratulate all students who have successfully completed their respective courses and acknowledge what they have achieved.

Year 10 and 11 Tutorial Opportunity
We have also been pleased with the response to our new tutorial opportunity for students in Years 10 and 11, delivered by MindBridge Education. The initiative has been designed to provide students with additional targeted academic assistance and support beyond the classroom.

There was a strong response from families, with a good number of students attending during the first week of the program. It was encouraging to see students making use of the opportunity and committing additional time to their learning as they approach the final assessment period of the year.

As the program continues, there are two important reminders for students and families.

Firstly, all students attending must be registered through the MindBridge portal prior to the session. Unfortunately, students who attend but have not completed the required registration will not be able to participate in the tutorial session. Families are therefore asked to ensure the registration process has been completed before their son attends.

Secondly, each tutorial session runs for two hours, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. To gain the greatest benefit from these opportunities, students who register should ensure they can commit to the full two-hour session. This provides sufficient time for students to settle into purposeful work, receive targeted assistance and make meaningful progress with their learning.

MindBridge Registration: https://mindbridgeedu.com.au/villanova-college

We appreciate the positive response from families to this initiative and look forward to seeing our Year 10 and 11 students continue to make productive use of the additional support available to them.

As we progress through this busy part of Term 4, I encourage all students to remain purposeful in their approach to learning and assessment. For our Year 12 students, the coming weeks represent the final academic challenge of their Villanova journey. For students in other year levels, there remains an important opportunity to consolidate their learning and finish 2026 strongly.

Thank you, as always, to our families for their continued partnership in supporting the learning and development of our students.

Mr Kirk Astill, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Foundation Update
Villa Golf Day: We need you!
We’re getting close now, and we’d love to see more of our Villa community join us for this year’s Villa Golf Day on 20 November at Pacific Golf Club. Whether you’re a serious golfer or simply keen for a great day out with friends, colleagues or fellow Old Boys, get your team together and come along. There’ll be some fantastic prizes up for grabs, including a round of golf at Pacific Golf Club with carts, plus plenty more throughout the day.

If you’ve been thinking about entering a team, now is the time.

Register Your Team →

A new chapter for Villanova
What an exciting week for Villa!
Our new Pope Leo XIV Precinct officially launched earlier this week, marking an incredible milestone for the College and our community.
For those keen to take a look inside, our next College Tour is on 2 November and will include a tour of the new Pope Leo XIV Precinct.

Register for the College Tour by contacting the Foundation → foundation@vnc.qld.edu.au\

Christmas giving is coming
Our 2026 Christmas Appeal launches 1 November, giving our Villa community the opportunity to support the cause that means the most to them.
And there’s a little something extra this year. Every donor who makes a donation between 1 and 30 November will go into the draw to win an accommodation prize valued at more than $1,000.
More details coming very soon.

This Christmas, give back to the Villa community and make a difference where it matters most to you.

Thank you, as always, for the generosity and spirit our Villa community brings to everything we do. We look forward to sharing these next few special moments with you.

With gratitude,
Mrs Effie Kent, Development and Foundation Manager

AIC Esports: Saturday 24 October
This Saturday, Villanova is set to host the fifth annual AIC Esports round at the Hanrahan Theatre, Villanova College.

As per previous years, Villanova is entering two teams into the Minecraft Capture the Flag 5 vs 5 competition. Each AIC school has prepared two teams to compete in a round robin, before the top-ranked teams from all schools compete in an elimination draw to decide the AIC Esports Champion School. Villanova has secured the three-peat (2023, 2024 and 2025), and aims to add another set of medals to the cabinet this Saturday!

Live esports requires a level of AV, lighting and staging that brings theatres to life. This weekend’s competition will be another great opportunity to witness the Augustine Centre’s lighting, AV and sound at full force, with streamed game feeds, live camera action, lighting and sound adding to the spectator experience. Come along and see for yourself! Due to licensing restrictions, we are unable to broadcast the experience outside the venue.

In addition to Minecraft Capture the Flag, this year’s event features an invitational Rocket League 2 vs 2 tournament. Rocket League is hugely popular for players or all ages and ranks, and is free to play across most platforms and consoles. Several of the AIC schools have entered teams into this competition, and we wish our own teams well.

All matches begins at 9:00 AM, with all players expected to register their attendance at 8:30 AM. The official welcome will take place at 8:45 AM. Spectators are warmly invited to join us at the Hanrahan Theatre, free of charge, and you may come and go as you wish.

A big thank you to the Villanova AV crew, especially Mr Caain Miller and Zac H (Year 12) for their detailed preparation and creative behind-the-scenes staging and design work. Within our esports group, Taylor P and Toby P have been instrumental in their leadership and support of this annual event. Thank you to Mr Lachie Dent for helping arrange and prepare our teams, in the midst of so many other commitments in this busy final term.

We look forward to this weekend’s action, and GO Villanova!

Mr Jason Lane, Esports Coordinator

Lessons and rehearsals
We are now 3 weeks into an 8 week term and our routine has well and truly kicked off.  We are looking forward to our ensembles’ performances in November at the opportunities we have to share the hard work the students have been undertaking.  Preparation for 2027 enrolments is being finalised and we look forward to being able to share that information with families very soon.

Wieneke Family Music Prize Finals
On Tuesday evening, 15 of our young musicians battled it out in the Wieneke Music Prize Finals.  With two generous cash prizes up for grabs in each ‘school’, five students each from Junior, Middle, and Senior schools performed for our guest adjudicator Mr David Law and gathered friends and colleagues in Hanrahan Theatre.

After an incredible evening of music, Mr Law was left with some difficult decisions to make.  After much deliberation the decision was made and we would like to acknowledge the following prize winners:

Junior School Final
First Prize            Jack Connors                      Drums
Second Prize      James Currey                     Clarinet

Middle School Final
First Prize            Luke Savage                       Saxophone
Second Prize      Bobby Liu                             Drums

Senior School Final
First Prize            Bayley Pih                            Marimba
Second Prize      Sammy Landmann           Flute

I would also ask that you join me in congratulating the 40+ students who participated in the heats, and the 15 musicians who made it through to the finals.  There is much growth and excellence occurring and we have much to be proud of with regards to the musical development within our program.  I am looking forward to next year’s event with great interest!

Term 4 events and activities
A communication has been sent via email to all musician families this week regarding the changes to music activities for the term.  Below are the key dates again for your information:

Please note that all lessons will conclude in week 6 (ending Friday 13^th November) and ensemble rehearsals will conclude in week 7, the week ending Friday 20^th November.

Music Support Group – next Monday evening
Our next Music Support Group meeting will be convened on Monday evening, 9^th November, in the Chapter Room, Hanrahan Theatre, commencing at 6:30pm.

This meeting will be the Music Support Group’s AGM.  We have a complete turnover of executive this year so we welcome members of our community who would like to take an active role in supporting family engagement with the musical life of our College.

All are welcome to come and learn a little more about what is happening in our program.

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
As we move deeper into Term 4, there is no slowing down in Villa Sport. While many students are turning their attention towards final assessments and end-of-year activities, our sporting programs continue to train, trial and compete with great energy and pride.

This week’s G.R.E.A.T.S. focus is Effort, an important reminder to continue showing up, preparing well and giving your best, whether at an early morning training session, an afternoon trial or representing Villanova in competition.

There was plenty to celebrate last weekend. Our Year 6 Primary AFL team went undefeated at the Primary Schools Cup in Maroochydore, an outstanding achievement by the boys. While the competition does not conduct a final or formally designate a state champion at this age level, completing the tournament undefeated was a terrific result. A big thank you to Mr Josh Hanek and Mr Angus Sullivan for their leadership, support and commitment to the boys throughout the campaign.

Congratulations also to our Junior Secondary Basketball team, who finished 9th overall at CBSQ. This was another excellent opportunity for our boys to compete against quality opposition and represent Villanova with pride. A big thank you to Ms Sharon Casey, Mr Ben Knight and Mr Tom Gunning for their leadership and support of the boys throughout the tournament.

Our 2027 Trimester 1 programs in AFL, Cricket, Swimming and Volleyball are also continuing to build as we head into Week 4. The Week 4 Training Schedule will be published by close of business on Friday, October 23.

There is also plenty of energy across our development and performance programs, with boys already putting in valuable work through Zone Cricket, the Wildcat Cricket Academy, our First XI and Development Cricket squads, the Andrew Slack and Ben Mowen Rugby Union squads, the Football Development Squad and Firsts Volleyball. These opportunities are an important part of preparing our students for 2027 and it has been great to see the commitment and effort being shown across each program. A big thank you to Mr Wian Joubert for his work across our Cricket and Football programs, Mr Chris Everding for his leadership of the Andrew Slack and Ben Mowen Rugby Union squads and Mr Todd Kropp for his work with Firsts Volleyball. The work being done now is building strong foundations for the season ahead.

Attention now turns to another busy weekend of Villa Sport. Our Primary Touch Football students will compete at Iona College on Friday; on Saturday, our Years 7–11 Touch Football students will compete at Iona College, while Esports takes place at Villanova College. On Sunday, our Water Polo students will represent the College at Marist College Ashgrove.

Best wishes to every student involved. Whatever the sport, activity or result, continue to give your best effort, support your teammates and represent Villanova with pride.

Families are reminded to regularly check The Locker Room via the Villanova College App for the latest sport-specific information, training updates and announcements.

Thank you to our coaches, staff and families for their continued support of our boys and sporting programs.

As we move towards the end of the year, I encourage all boys to keep showing up with purpose and pride. Every training session, trial and competition provides another opportunity to demonstrate Effort and contribute positively to your team and College.

Go Villa!
Mr Matthew Hannan, Director of Sport

AFL Queensland Schools Cup
The Villanova Year 6A AFL Team travelled up to Maroochydore Sports Complex to compete in the Street Smart AFL Queensland Schools Cup for 2026. This is an invitational tournament between the best AFL school teams in Queensland and competitors are not chosen but rather have to win their way through qualifying rounds. After convincingly winning the Best on Ground Brisbane Metro region of the competition, whereby none of the opposition teams were able to score against the Villanova boys across their four qualifying games, the Villa team was an obvious choice for entering the State Championships. Even though the wet and windy conditions were not ideal for open, fast footy the Villa boys skills, fitness, synergy and sportsmanship were of an incredibly high standard all weekend. Over the course of two days the AFL Boys went through the competition undefeated, winning all of their eight games and keeping a clean sheet against the opposition in four of their games. Although there was no trophy awarded for the outright winner the Boys were deservedly the best team throughout the two days and should be commended on the spirit in which they played every game. Nate Archer was acknowledged by AFLQ as the best team player for Villanova and he exemplified the collegial culture of the whole team’s efforts. Many thanks must be extended to Al Scarrott for his passionate coaching and insight, Angus Sullivan for his exceptional administration and organisation, the parent body and supporters for their unwavering enthusiasm and of course the young men who displayed the Villa spirit for every minute of every game.

Mr Josh Hanek

This weekend in Villa Sport

• Friday: Primary Touch Football, Iona College
• Saturday: Years 7–11 Touch Football, Iona College
• Saturday: Esports, Villanova College
• Sunday: Water Polo, Marist College Ashgrove