Villa View – Issue 19, 7 November 2026

All Saints Day Mass and induction of the 2027 Leaders and Seniors
Friday marked the day that we welcome the new cohort of Seniors into College leadership life. As a College we came together as one for Mass in the Cor Unum Hall of the Pope Leo Precinct. This was momentous not just because we welcomed these student leaders, but it was the first time we celebrated mass as one community for some 15 years. It was a great highlight.

Welcoming Our Augustinian Colleagues from the Philippines
This week, Villanova College has had the great pleasure of welcoming six educational leaders from Augustinian schools and institutions in the Philippines as part of a three-day professional learning and cultural exchange from 4–6 November.

Our visiting delegation includes Fr Dante Juloc OSA, President of Colegio San Agustin–Biñan and Superintendent of OSA Cebu Schools; Fr Rodel Magin OSA, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Colegio San Agustin–Biñan; Fr Amel Dizon OSA, President of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City; Cathy Joy Pagunsaran, Senior High School Coordinator at Colegio San Agustin; Sr Flolyn Catungal OSA, President of La Consolacion College Bacolod; and Aliana Concepcion Gonzales, Assistant Principal at La Consolacion University Philippines.

Throughout their visit, our guests have been engaging with members of the College Leadership Team, teachers, students and professional staff to explore the contemporary expression of Augustinian education within an Australian Catholic school.

The professional learning program, delivered by Villanova staff, has covered a broad range of educational, pastoral and operational themes, including:
Augustinian Identity and Mission: The characteristics of an Augustinian Catholic school, the Charter for Australian Augustinian Schools and the practical expression of our Augustinian values.
Learning and Teaching: Villanova’s pedagogical framework, collaborative classroom practices, Developmental Relationships and classroom observations across the College.
Student Formation and Wellbeing: The GREATS framework, restorative practices, character education, student leadership and the College’s approach to wellbeing.
School Governance and Operations: An exploration of Australian school funding, governance structures and the particular challenges facing Catholic and independent schools.
Mission and Social Justice: The College’s outreach initiatives, service learning and commitment to developing young people who contribute meaningfully to their communities.

We are particularly grateful to the many Villanova staff who have shared their professional expertise throughout the program.
Presenters and facilitators have included Paul Begg, Kristy Watkins, Stephen Rouhliadeff, Kirk Astill, Agi Waloszek, Ken Leung, Matt Baker, Callum Hackett, Chloe Adams, Mel Liddy, Tyler McCluskey, Kristina Moffat, Sean O’Neill, Justin Fuerrigal, Matthew Levander, Sheridan Carey, Alisa Cleary and Eleni Greenaway.

The program has also included opportunities for engagement with the Australian Catholic University, providing our visitors with a broader understanding of Catholic education, teacher preparation and educational leadership in Australia.

While the visit provides an opportunity to share Villanova’s practices and experiences, it is equally an occasion for us to learn from the rich educational traditions, leadership and perspectives of our Filipino colleagues. Despite the geographical distance between our schools, we share a common Augustinian commitment to community, the pursuit of truth, the formation of character and the education of the whole person.

These encounters remind us that Villanova belongs to a much larger international Augustinian educational family, united by a shared mission to accompany young people as they discover who they are and who they are called to become.

We warmly welcome our visitors to Villanova and Brisbane, and look forward to the friendships, professional relationships and opportunities for ongoing collaboration that will grow from this experience.

CBSQ Basketball Success
A big thankyou to our basketball coaches Mr Dom Hayes and Mrs Sharon Casey and congratulations to the players on the effort that saw our Year 7 and 8 boys achieve a wonderful result in the Queensland Basketball Championship results on the weekend. Not only did the boys play wonderful basketball but they’re to be congratulated for the method of their engagement, their friendship of one another and their sportsmanship. Playing in the top division they finished in 4^th place. This is Villanova’s best ever result in the state Basketball carnival. Well done team!

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.

Senior Commissioning Ceremony
Yesterday, we celebrated the Mass of All Saints, our final eucharistic celebration as a whole College community for this academic year and the first significant occasion in our new Cor Unum Hall.

As part of our service, we commissioned our Year 11 students as the Senior Class of 2027 and formally invested our Student Leadership Team. Year 11 student William Campbell led the incoming Seniors in the taking of their pledge where they promised to enact their motto: ‘Be the Change. This motto is an apt articulation of the College value of Ongoing Conversion which our 2027 College Captain, Rudi Almera articulated so eloquently in his Commissioning Address:

“To the younger boys in this hall, my challenge to you is simple: Don’t wait until your captain stands at a podium on commissioning day. The sun’s out now, make the most of it, be the fine young men you were sent here to become. And I know that’s a difficult task, one I don’t expect you to know how to do, but just start by look up at your brothers in white. Because my challenge to them, is to be the change they want to see, lead through their actions as much as their words. Wear this uniform like it’s their last day in the green and gold. And be the roles models to you, that previous seniors were to us.”

We keep our new Senior class very much in our prayers as they embark upon their Year 12 journey ahead.

Year 10 Day of Reflection
Last Wednesday, the Year 10 cohort were given the opportunity to step away from their normal classroom schedules and engage in a day of reflection and deep interiority. The following is a report from student Callum M about his experience:

‘The Year 10’s had the privilege of working with Michael Fitzpatrick at Kangaroo Point, where we embarked on a day of reflection. We took time to recognise how faith and spirituality influence our everyday choices, while developing and recognising leadership skills, strengthening personal character, getting outside of our comfort zone, and reflecting on personal growth. We considered how as a cohort, we can work towards building positive culture towards leadership and creating a welcoming community, by discussing qualities a good leader should have, and how we can improve moving forward, as we come closer to becoming the Seniors of the college. We were encouraged to meet new people, share our interests, and my personal favourite part of the day, having the opportunity to show appreciation for one another and the daily acts of kindness and humility that can sometimes go unnoticed. Overall, the day of reflection provided a valuable opportunity for us to grow as individuals and as a cohort reminding us of the importance of faith, leadership, kindness and building a positive college community.

“Reflective thinking turns experience into insight.”- John C Maxwell

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

As we enter the final three weeks of the school year, it is an important time to recognise just how much our young men have achieved throughout 2026. A year of learning is never measured solely by academic results or assessment grades. It is also measured by the growth in maturity, the development of character, the friendships formed, the challenges overcome and the young men our students are becoming.

St Augustine reminds us that “The measure of love is to love without measure.” It is a wonderful sentiment to reflect upon as we approach the end of another busy school year. At the heart of our Middle School community are the relationships we build, the care we show one another and the responsibility we have to help each other grow.

There is no doubt that the final weeks of a school year can be tiring. Students and staff alike have worked incredibly hard and the excitement of the approaching summer holidays is certainly beginning to build. However, these final weeks provide us with a wonderful opportunity to finish the year with the same purpose, energy and commitment with which we began it.

Above all, we must continue to put relationships first. We should never allow tiredness, frustration or the pressures of the final weeks to undermine a positive relationship that has been carefully cultivated throughout the year. The way we treat one another in these final moments matters. Continue to show patience, kindness, respect and understanding and take the opportunity to acknowledge the people who have supported you along the way. Let us ensure that every student, staff member and family can look back on 2026 knowing that we finished the year as a strong and connected community.

It has also been wonderful to share some of the exciting developments taking place at Villanova with our current families through the first round of Twilight Tours of the Pope Leo XIV Precinct. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase this impressive new space and give families a glimpse of the opportunities that lie ahead for their sons in 2027. Equally exciting was the enthusiasm shown by parents as they explored the precinct and began to see the learning experiences, connections and opportunities it will provide for our young men. There is much to look forward to and it was particularly pleasing to share that excitement with the families who are such an important part of our College community.

Alongside these celebrations, the next three weeks represent a significant opportunity for our students to put a full-court press on their learning and preparation. When examinations and major assessments seem a long way away, finding the motivation to study consistently can sometimes be challenging. However, with the finish line now firmly in sight, there is a real opportunity to give these final weeks everything you have.

Be organised, establish good study routines, seek assistance from your teachers, revisit challenging concepts and make the most of every opportunity to consolidate your learning. Those small, consistent efforts over the coming weeks can make a significant difference. The knowledge that a well-earned and much-anticipated summer holiday sits just beyond these final assessments should provide plenty of motivation!

To all our Middle School students, I wish you the very best as you enter this examination and final assessment period. Approach it with confidence, determination and a willingness to give your best. You have learned a great deal this year, both in the classroom and through the experiences that have helped shape you as young men. Now is the time to demonstrate that growth.

Let’s finish 2026 the way we want to remember it: with strong relationships, a commitment to learning and the character to give our very best right until the end.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

A Community That Welcomes, A Legacy That Continues
Last weekend, I had the privilege of being involved in strategic planning with the Villanova College Board as we began looking towards the next five-year chapter of our College’s journey. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in some exciting conversations, particularly with several new Board members, and to hear their perspectives and experiences of Villanova. 

One particular conversation stayed with me. 

A Board member shared how her son had commenced at Villanova halfway through Year 10. Arriving at a new school at that stage of adolescence can be challenging, not only for the student but for the entire family. Yet what struck me was her reflection that both her son and their family felt part of the Villanova community almost immediately. Having experienced a number of other school communities, she commented on just how unusual and special that experience had been. 

It was a simple observation, but one that speaks volumes about who we are. 

We often talk about the strength of our community, but it is particularly rewarding when this is recognised by people who are relatively new to it. It reminds us that community is not something we can simply put on a prospectus or promote during an enrolment tour. It is something people experience through the everyday interactions, the relationships we build, the way we welcome others and the genuine sense of belonging that we create. 

There is certainly plenty of excitement ahead for Villanova College. The development of the new Pope Leo Precinct represents an important next chapter in the growth of our campus. Having the opportunity to take prospective families through the expanding facilities highlights just how far the College has come. More importantly, this development is about more than bricks and mortar. It will provide a facility capable of bringing our entire community together, strengthening the connection across our campus and taking our STEM learning facilities to an exciting new level. 

These are exciting times, and we should be proud of the opportunities that lie ahead for our boys. 

However, as I reflected on our strategic planning conversations, I was reminded that while buildings and facilities help shape a school, it is ultimately the people who give it its character. 

When Ben O’Donnell and Louis Hanrahan began their journey alongside their fellow Augustinian priests and brothers, they were establishing much more than a school. They were sharing the vision and spirit of St Augustine, building relationships and creating a community grounded in faith, friendship and a shared sense of purpose. 

In many ways, our responsibility today is no different. We are the custodians of that legacy, but we are also responsible for shaping what Villanova will become for the next generation. Every member of our community has a part to play: our staff, students, families, Old Boys, Augustinians and friends of the College. 

Whether it is welcoming a new family, supporting a colleague, encouraging a boy who is finding his feet or simply taking the time to get to know someone a little better, these everyday moments help make Villanova what it is. 

As we look towards the next five years, there is much to anticipate and plenty to be excited about. Our facilities will continue to grow, new opportunities will emerge and our College will continue to evolve. But one thing I hope never changes is that unmistakable sense of belonging. 

Our buildings may connect our campus, but it is our people who connect our community. 

That is a legacy worth protecting, strengthening and passing on. One in mind and heart, as we continue our journey together as an Augustinian community. 

Mr Stephen Rouliadeff, Head of Junior School

“The greater the difficulty, the greater the glory.”
St Augustine

As we enter the final three weeks of Term 4, these words from St Augustine provide a timely reminder of the value found in perseverance. This is an exceptionally busy period across the College, with examinations, final assessments, preparations for 2027 and significant celebrations all taking place.

While the end of the school year is now clearly in sight, there remains important work to be completed. I encourage all students to remain focused and committed to their learning. The final weeks of the year provide an opportunity to demonstrate the habits developed throughout 2026 and to finish the year strongly.

Years 7–11 Examination Timetables
Examination timetables for students in Years 7–11 have now been published. Students and families are encouraged to review the relevant timetable carefully and ensure that examination dates, commencement times, venues and equipment requirements are clearly understood.

The Year 10 and Year 11 Examination Block will commence on Thursday 19 November and conclude on Thursday 26 November. Examinations for students in Years 7–9 will take place from Monday 23 November to Wednesday 25 November.

Students should begin preparing now by developing a structured revision plan, organising their notes and completing practice questions or other revision activities provided by their teachers. Effective preparation should not be left until the evening before an examination. A consistent approach across the remaining weeks will allow students to consolidate their understanding and seek assistance where required.

During the Year 10 and Year 11 Examination Block, eligible students will receive examination block privileges and are permitted to remain at home when they do not have a scheduled examination. Students should only attend the College for their examinations or approved commitments. This privilege is intended to provide students with additional time for purposeful study and preparation.

Students must arrive at the College in full academic uniform and with sufficient time to be seated and ready before each examination begins. They should also bring all required equipment and comply with examination conditions and staff directions. Students are not permitted to leave an examination early and must remain in the examination room for the full scheduled duration.

Year 11 Summative Assessment
Across Term 4, many Year 11 students have commenced Unit 3 work in their senior subjects. This represents an important transition from the formative Units 1 and 2 period into the summative phase of their senior studies.

For many students, the upcoming assessment period will include their first Summative Internal Assessment. These assessments contribute directly to students’ final subject results and for ATAR-eligible students, form part of the results used in the calculation of their ATAR.

It is therefore essential that Year 11 students understand the significance of this transition. Students should carefully review assessment requirements respond to teacher feedback and maintain consistent study routines. They should also seek clarification or assistance early rather than waiting until an assessment deadline is approaching.

This is not a time for students to become overwhelmed. Instead, it is an opportunity to establish the habits that will support success throughout Year 12. Organisation, consistent effort, academic integrity and a willingness to ask for support will be particularly important as students complete their first summative assessment tasks.

2027 Stationery Lists
Stationery lists for students in Years 5–12 are now available on myVilla through the relevant Year Level Communication pages.

This year, there will be no delivery or packing fee for orders placed before Sunday 13 December. Placing orders by this date will also help ensure that the required items can be sourced and delivered before the commencement of the 2027 school year.

Families are encouraged to review the relevant stationery list and finalise their orders as soon as possible.

2027 Subject Selections
Students currently in Years 7–10 should have received an email this week confirming their elective subject choices for 2027.

We thank students and families for their engagement with this year’s subject-selection process. For the majority of students, we have been able to accommodate their preferred subject choices. However, this is not always possible due to the considerable complexities involved in constructing a whole-College timetable, including subject demand, resourcing, staffing and the combination of subjects selected by students.

We also appreciate that some students, particularly those moving into Year 11, may still be considering whether their selected subjects are the most appropriate choices for their interests, abilities and intended pathways.

The College remains available to discuss individual pathways and subject options where circumstances or plans have changed since a student’s SET Plan interview. However, as the 2027 timetable has now been substantially developed, families should be aware that some changes may be limited by timetable lines and available places.

Year 12 External Assessment
Our Year 12 students have now reached the conclusion of their second full week of External Assessment, with one final week remaining.

I congratulate our students on their organisation, punctuality, effort and commitment throughout the examination period. It has been evident that they have approached these important examinations with maturity and a consistent desire to perform to the best of their ability.

The final week will require students to maintain the routines and disciplined approach that have served them well to this point. Students should continue to review their examination arrangements and balance their preparation with appropriate rest and wellbeing.

We wish every Year 12 student the very best for the remaining examinations and encourage them to remain focused, trust in their preparation and finish strongly.

Celebration of Excellence
On the evening of 17 November, the College will hold its annual Celebration of Excellence. We are delighted that this significant occasion will take place in our new Cor Unum Hall within the Pope Leo XIV Precinct.

The evening provides an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate student achievement across the academic, cultural, service and co-curricular life of the College. I extend my congratulations to all students who will be recognised, including recipients of an Overall Academic Excellence Award or Subject Prize Award.

These awards represent a significant achievement and reflect sustained effort, commitment and a consistently high standard of academic performance across the year.

Formal awards, however, represent only one measure of success. Across the College, many students have experienced considerable growth and improvement in their learning during 2026. Others may have worked consistently throughout the year and narrowly missed receiving formal recognition. To those students, I encourage you not to allow one result or award to define the progress you have made. Improvement is built through persistence, reflection and the willingness to continue trying even when recognition is not immediate. The habits developed through consistent effort will continue to serve students well beyond the classroom.

Study Skills Handbook: How to Finish the School Year Strong
With examinations, assessment and end-of-year commitments approaching, maintaining effective study habits becomes increasingly important. This month, the Study Skills Handbook provides some timely advice for students about how they can remain focused, organised and motivated during the final weeks of the school year.

The November article, “How to Finish the School Year Strong,” encourages students to think carefully about their routines, organisation and wellbeing as they approach the end of 2026. The following strategies have been provided by the Study Skills Handbook to support students in making the final weeks count.

Stay focused, stay organised, and make the final weeks count

As the year progresses, it’s natural to feel tired, distracted, or ready for a break. The final stretch can be challenging. Assessments are due, revision ramps up, and motivation often dips. Finishing the school year strong isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smart, staying organised, and making deliberate choices that help you perform at your best. With some simple strategies, you can stay steady and confident right to the end.

Prioritise what matters most
When the workload feels heavy, focusing on the most important tasks can reduce stress and improve productivity.

• List all upcoming assessments, examinations and other commitments.
• Identify which tasks are most urgent or will have the greatest impact.
• Complete high-priority tasks early to avoid unnecessary last-minute pressure.

Tip: Use colour coding, such as red for urgent, orange for upcoming and green for ongoing, to see priorities at a glance.

Maintain steady routines
Good routines become even more important towards the end of the year.

• Maintain a consistent homework and study commencement time.
• Use short, focused periods of study with regular breaks.
• Limit distractions, particularly phones, gaming and social media.

Tip: If a routine slips, reset the following day. Do not wait for the “perfect time” to become organised again.

Keep materials organised
Clutter can build up across the year and make final assessments feel more overwhelming.

• Clean out folders and binders.
• Organise digital files into clearly labelled subject folders.
• Gather notes, summaries and revision materials in one accessible location.

Tip: Spend five minutes at the end of each study session resetting the physical or digital study space.

Look after wellbeing
To finish strongly, students need to support both their minds and bodies.

• Maintain regular and sufficient sleep.
• Stay hydrated and choose nutritious meals and snacks.
• Include physical activity as part of the daily routine.
• Take short breaks to reset concentration and manage stress.

Tip: A short breathing or mindfulness exercise can help restore focus when study begins to feel overwhelming.

Reflect on progress and celebrate small wins
Reflection allows students to recognise their growth and remain motivated.

• Identify areas in which improvement has occurred this year.
• Consider which habits or strategies have supported success.
• Acknowledge smaller achievements and milestones along the way.

Tip: Create a list titled “What I am proud of this year” and continue adding to it during the final weeks.

The end of the school year does not need to feel draining or chaotic. By prioritising effectively, maintaining routines, staying organised, caring for wellbeing and reflecting on progress, students can approach the final weeks with confidence.

Students and families can access additional resources at Study Skills Handbook using the College login details:
Website: Study Skills Handbook
School Username: forvillanovaonly
School Password: 129results

Finishing the Term Strongly
The final weeks of Term 4 will be busy, but they will also provide many opportunities to recognise achievement, celebrate progress and bring the 2026 school year to a positive conclusion.

I encourage every student to remain focused on the work that is still to be completed. Whether preparing for an examination, completing a summative assessment, finalising subject choices or supporting another member of the College community, each student can contribute to a purposeful and positive conclusion to the year.

Thank you to our teachers and support staff for their ongoing commitment to our students, and to our families for their continued partnership.

Mr Kirk Astill, Dean of Teaching and Learning

As we move further into November, there is much to celebrate across our College community, from remembering those who have gone before us, to recognising students who are putting faith, service and care for our common home into action.

All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days
This week, we marked All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, two important moments in our Catholic tradition that invite us to remember those who have gone before us in faith and those whom we continue to carry in our hearts. We give thanks for the example of the saints and remember in prayer our family members, friends and loved ones who have died.

Let us pray
Loving God, we give thanks for the saints whose lives inspire us to follow you with courage and love. We remember especially those we have loved and lost, and ask that you hold them in your eternal care. May their memory remain a blessing in our lives and may we find comfort in the hope of eternal life. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

Ministry Leadership for 2027
It is wonderful to see our students stepping forward to lead and serve through Ministry in 2027. Congratulations to Gus J, appointed AFAS Captain, and James W and Christopher S, who will serve as AFAS Vice Captains.

We also congratulate Isaac C, Lachlan O, Henry H, Xavier L and Tom P, who will take up leadership roles in our new Amnesty Club. We thank each of these young men for their willingness to use their gifts in the service of others and look forward to seeing their leadership grow throughout the year.

Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal: We Still Need Your Help
Thank you to the families who have already contributed to our Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal. We are still collecting items and would greatly appreciate the support of our Villanova community as we work together to provide Christmas hampers for families doing it tough.

Suggested donations include tea and coffee, canned fruit and vegetables, soup, rice, pasta and noodles, breakfast cereals, biscuits and Christmas treats, fruit juice and soft drinks, tinned ham, tuna and salmon, toiletries, laundry products, books and other family-friendly items.

Donations can be brought to House Mentor Groups in the Senior/Middle School or Home Room classrooms in the Junior School, with the final collection day Friday 13 November.

Every contribution, big or small, helps us share a little hope and joy with others this Christmas. Thank you for your generosity.

Green Ministry: Young Environmental Leaders
Congratulations to Tom, Sage and James, who recently graduated from the Lord Mayor’s Young Environmental Leadership Network. Alongside 90 student leaders from 31 schools, they strengthened their leadership, communication and project management skills throughout 2026.

Through our Green Ministry, they have put these skills into action by raising awareness of the impact of lunchtime litter on the Kulpurum (Norman Creek) catchment, including the introduction of Containers for Change in the Junior School.

We also congratulate departing senior Green Ministry members Riley, Sam, and Dean whose work to reduce lunchtime litter across the College received Third Place in the Environmental Action Plan Division of the 73rd Queensland Science Competition. Congratulations to all these students for their leadership, service and commitment to caring for our common home.

On the Journey Towards Reconciliation: RAP Launch
We are delighted to be launching Villanova College’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and warmly invite our whole College community, including parents, siblings to join us for this significant occasion.

Our RAP represents an important step in Villanova’s ongoing journey towards reconciliation, strengthening our commitment to relationships, respect and meaningful action within our College community.

The RAP Launch and New Building Tour of the Pope Leo XIV Precinct will be held on Wednesday 11 November from 5.00–6.30pm, beginning in the Mendel Café with a light afternoon tea. Please enter via Eighth Avenue.

We hope many members of our community will join us as we mark this important milestone and continue together on the journey towards reconciliation.

Please RSVP to the RAP LAUNCH by return email to missionandidentity@vnc.qld.edu.au by Monday 9^th November 10am.

Mrs Eleni Greenaway, Dean of Mission and Identity

There has been plenty happening in the wellbeing space at Villa, with lots of great opportunities for the boys to learn, share their experiences and pick up some valuable skills along the way.

Last week, Jonah Frare, Archie Godwin and Lennox Hine represented Villa at the Positive Education Seminar, taking part in a student panel in front of approximately 500 educators. The boys shared their thoughts on what schools are doing well and where they think things could improve. They were fantastic, speaking openly and confidently and giving educators a genuine insight into the student experience. Several people approached us afterwards to comment on how well the boys represented the College. Great job boys.

This week, our 2027 Student Executive Team – Rudy Almera, Ben Landers, Oscar Kallis, Patrick Lawlor, Billy Pearson and Wellbeing Captain Lennox Hine – attended the Mate to Mate: Emerging Leaders Day 2027. The day covered some really important topics, including consent, respectful relationships and positive leadership. There was a strong focus on the Ask a Mate message and the importance of checking in on your mates, recognising when someone might not be travelling so well and having the confidence to start a conversation. Hopefully, the boys can bring some of these messages back to Villa and share them with their peers.

We also continue to look for opportunities to bring in people with valuable experience and messages for our boys. Red Frogs recently spent time with our senior students, talking about making safe and responsible decisions in social situations, including parties, and looking out for one another. These are important conversations to have as our boys get older and begin navigating more social situations independently.

Closer to home, our Year 7 boys have been sharing their experiences of moving from Junior School to Middle School with our Year 6 students. Who better to hear from than the boys who have been through it themselves? It has given our Year 6s the chance to ask questions, hear a few tips and get a better idea of what lies ahead.

Lifeline has also been working with our Year 6 students, delivering a session on coping with change as they prepare for Middle School next year. The boys explored some of the changes they can expect, from new teachers and classrooms to friendships and greater independence, along with some practical ways to manage the transition.

There is plenty going on, and while the activities and age groups might differ, the message is much the same: helping our boys build confidence, make good decisions, develop positive relationships and look out for one another. These are skills that will serve them well both at Villa and beyond.

Hope the final few weeks of term go smoothly for everyone.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Programming

November is shaping up to be a busy month for the Villanova Foundation, with our Christmas Appeal now underway and the Charlie Fisher Cup just around the corner.

Join Us at the Charlie Fisher Cup
The countdown is on to the 2026 Charlie Fisher Cup Golf Day.
Join Old Boys, parents, staff and friends of the College for a fantastic day on the course while supporting Villanova Foundation initiatives.

This year’s event includes

• Ambrose competition
• On-course activities and prizes
• The exclusive launch of our new Villanova Old Boys golf polo, available only at the Golf Day
• Our Luxe Raffle featuring a Tangalooma Island Resort prize package valued over $1,000

Team and individual registrations are still available, but places are filling fast.
Register today and be part of one of Villanova’s great community events.

Our 2026 Christmas Appeal is Now Open
Our Christmas Appeal is now underway, providing an opportunity for our community to support the areas of Villanova that matter most.
This year, gifts can be directed to:

• The Building Fund
• The Terry Hendle Bursary Fund
• The Wieneke Family Music Fund

As a special thank you, every donation made between 1-30 November will automatically be entered into the draw to win a two-night stay at Tangalooma Island Resort.
Whether you’ve helped open doors for a student, nurtured a love of music, supported the spaces where our boys learn and grow, or are making your first gift, every contribution helps create opportunities for current and future generations of Villanova boys.

Give a gift today and help make a lasting difference.

A Wonderful New Chapter for Villanova
Last week also marked the opening of the new Pope Leo XIV Precinct. It has been wonderful to welcome members of our community through the building on recent tours and to see the excitement and pride the new facilities have generated.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the College’s growth and future through their involvement, generosity and advocacy. We look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming Foundation events.

Mrs Effie Kent, Development and Foundation Manager

Enrolment Forms for 2027
The music enrolment packs have been distributed to all Year 5 families and current musicians in Years 6 to 11.  There have been some adjustments to fees for 2027; however, we remain extremely competitive in terms of other like-schools and external providers.  Should you require support for your son to continue his music education, please do not hesitate to contact me in the Music Office – we do have the capability to assist families through the Wieneke Family Music Fund.

We have asked that all forms (including cancellations) are returned by Friday 13^th November.  This will allow our department to complete timetabling and room scheduling before Christmas break, so that students and staff are prepared for the commencement of the 2027 academic year.  We appreciate your assistance in ensuring we meet that deadline.

JS Christmas Concert – Tuesday 10^th November
Our Year 5 musicians are performing for families before school on Tuesday 10^th November.  The concert will commence at 7:45am in Hanrahan Theatre; however, students will be required from 7am. We will have a coffee van and muffins available for those gathered from 7am at the front of the Augustine Centre.  The concert will conclude by 8:45am.
Students have been asked to wear school uniform for this performance, with ‘something Christmassy’ (i.e. tinsel, hat, elf ears, etc.).

This event is ticketed to assist with seating on the day.  Tickets are free and accessible via the following link:  https://www.trybooking.com/DRFYG

Celebration of Excellence
This year we are excited to be involved in the first major whole-of-College community event to be convened in the new Cor Unum Hall.  The Pope Leo XIV Precinct is an impressive, imposing structure on Main Avenue, and one that has certainly brought a lot of excitement to our community.  Our musicians will again have the opportunity to provide interludes across this important occasion.

Musicians involved in the COE will be sent the gig-sheet for this event.  We will require musicians onsite from 7:30am on Tuesday 17^th November, for sound check, with performers then required to arrive at 5:15pm for the evening’s event.  Tickets to the Celebration are free.  Parents of participating musicians will receive the link to book these through Trybooking.  Please note – there is a booking limit of 4 tickets per family.

The following ensembles are performing before the event:  Chamber Brass, Chamber Winds, Guitar Ensemble 1.  The following ensembles are performing during the event:  Drumline, Symphonic Band, Choir, Sinfonia String Orchestra, cast of The Big 1-0!

Christmas Extravaganza Concert
We will be convening our annual Christmas Extravaganza Concert on Friday 20^th November in Goold Hall.  All ensembles from Junior School Band and Orchestra, through to our Senior groups will be performing.  This is the final concert for the year.

This event is a relaxed opportunity for our department to celebrate another great year, and for families to gather in fellowship ‘in the round’.  Gig sheets and ticketing information will be available shortly.  Remember to pack your camp chairs, Christmas gear, and your carolling voices.  It is always a great evening!

Music Support Group AGM
We are looking for new members to join this motivated group of parents.  The group meets once a month and assists with the planning of pre-concert refreshment logistics, along the ongoing support of students involved in musical activities across the year.  If you are looking for a group of like-minded people to meet within the school community, I strongly encourage you to come along.

Our next meeting is on Monday 9^th November, at 6:30pm in the Chapter Room

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

This week’s G.R.E.A.T.S. focus is Teamwork, a fitting theme as we reflect on another busy period across Villanova Sport.

Teamwork is often most visible in competition, but it is built well before game day. It is found in students turning up for one another, coaches giving their time, staff working behind the scenes and families supporting the many commitments that come with representing the College. Strong teams understand their roles, communicate well and work towards something bigger than the individual.

Our CBSQ Sophomore Basketball team provided a wonderful example of this over the weekend, finishing fourth in Queensland, our best-ever CBSQ result. The boys reached the semi-final before being defeated by the eventual champions. Across the broader campaign, Villanova competed in Division 1 across all three age categories, a tremendous achievement for our Basketball program.

A sincere thank you to Sharon Casey and Dom Hayes for their outstanding contribution throughout the Sophomore campaign. The result belongs to the whole group, with players, coaches, support staff and families combining to represent Villa with great pride.

The significance of teamwork extends across our current AFL, Cricket, Swimming and Volleyball programs as preparations continue for 2027. Trials and training require students to compete for opportunities while continuing to encourage teammates, respond positively to feedback and contribute to the success of the group. That balance between individual improvement and collective responsibility is an important part of sport at Villanova.

As Term 4 continues, I encourage our boys to keep looking beyond themselves. Be a great teammate. Communicate. Encourage others. Do your role well and recognise that every contribution matters.

Thank you to our students, coaches, staff and families for continuing to work together in support of Villa Sport.

Mr Matt Hannan, Director of Sport

Villanova College Foundation Christmas Appeal

This Christmas, we invite our Villanova community to come together and help create opportunities for current and future generations of Villanovans.

Through the Villanova College Foundation Christmas Appeal, you can choose to support the area that means the most to you: the Terry Hendle Bursary Fund, the Wieneke Family Music Fund or the Building Fund.

Together, we can help students learn, grow and thrive, and continue the wonderful tradition of people supporting people that sits at the heart of Villa.

Make a gift this Christmas: https://vnc-christmas-appeal-2026.raiselysite.com/