Villa View – Issue 13, 30 July 2026

Semester 1 Academic Awards
This week we celebrated Semester 1 academic excellence with the awarding of the College academic achievement awards.
These are an incredible high threshold award with boys receiving these awards based on A’s in all subjects except one, which must be a minimum B standard. This celebration has a far deeper purpose and context though than simple acknowledgment or praise

Academic achievement is something we are proud to celebrate at Villanova College—not because it elevates individuals above others, but because it honours the virtues of dedication, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. In the Augustinian tradition, learning is a journey of interiority: a continual invitation to know ourselves more deeply, recognise our God-given gifts, and use them in service of others. It also reflects the restless search for truth, encouraging our young men to remain curious, thoughtful and committed to lifelong learning. These were the theme of our assembly this week, delivered through the lens of our GREATS framework elements of Growth and Effort.

While we acknowledge exceptional academic accomplishment, we do so with equal emphasis on humility. True success is never measured solely by results, but by the character with which those results are achieved. We celebrate these boys and their outstanding academic performance with gratitude, recognising that every talent is nurtured through the support of family, teachers, peers and God’s grace. That, to use St Augustine’s words “God provides the wind, but we must raise the sail. We honour the boys who are working so hard and truly raising their sail to the wind. It is our hope, beyond simple recognition, our academic awards inspire all students to strive for personal excellence while remaining grounded in service, generosity and respect for others.
Congratulations to all recipients and their families.

Community Survey and new College Strategic Plan development
What I have learned, encouraged and cherished in these five years at Villanova College is the belief that our greatest strength lies in the wisdom, experience and aspirations of our community.
In the coming weeks, we will invite students, parents and staff to participate in a comprehensive stakeholder survey that will help shape the next chapter of our College’s Strategic Plan for 2027-2032. This process will be guided by our Augustinian values and a shared commitment to excellence, this process is an opportunity to reflect on who we are, celebrate what we do well, and imagine together what our future can become.

There will obviously be a time commitment from our Villanova family, but your voice is so important and will help us strengthen our mission, deepen our sense of community, and ensure that Villanova continues to provide an outstanding Catholic education that forms young men of character, purpose, compassion and leadership for generations to come.
More detailed information will come via email from the Principals office in the next fortnight or so.

Careers and SET planning Season is upon us
There are moments in a young person’s education that quietly shape the course of a lifetime. Subject selection and career discernment are among them. While these decisions naturally focus on pathways and possibilities, they are, at their heart, an invitation for our young men to reflect on who they are becoming. Across this last fortnight our boys from Years 9-12 have been invited to engage in that reflection and discernment.

One of the great privileges of a Villanova education is the opportunity for our students to learn from those who have walked the path before them. We were honoured last Tuesday evening to welcome an outstanding group of careers professionals, many of them proud Old Boys, who generously shared not only the realities of their professions but the deeper lessons that have guided their lives. Their message was both simple and profound: careers may define what we do, but character defines who we are.

Our presenters clearly detailed their field of endeavour but, without prompting shared equally that success is rarely measured by titles or financial reward alone, but by the values we live each day, the relationships we build and the positive difference we make in the lives of others.

As an Augustinian community, this is precisely the wisdom we hope every Villanova student carries with him. Our mission is not simply to prepare young men for employment, but to prepare them for lives of purpose. To remain lifelong learners, To know themselves deeply, to remember that no one succeeds alone, and to stay grounded through gratitude and service.
As families begin conversations about subject selection and future aspirations, I encourage our young men to seek advice, ask questions and listen carefully to those who know them best. Parents, teachers, mentors and those who have travelled before them all have wisdom to offer. The best decisions are rarely made in isolation.

I thank our Learning and Teaching Office staff, presenters and Old Boys for giving so generously of their time and experience. Through your example, our students have seen that the most meaningful careers are built not only with knowledge and ambition, but with faith, character and a commitment to making the world a better place.

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.

This week, I addressed the Year 12 cohort about the inherent nature of the Senior journey as being a marathon and not a sprint. That their final year at the College, amidst all the significant rite of passage moments, requires persistent, grit and determination. The Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho, in his book ‘The Alchemist’ talks about the nature of resilience:

‘I ask myself: are defeats necessary? Well, necessary or not, they happen. When we first begin fighting for a dream, we have no experience and make mistakes. The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.’

How our young men face adversity and deal with difficulties in their lives is just as an important in their educational journey as solving that problem in Methods or balancing that ledger in Accounting. Being a ‘fulltime’ student requires a fulltime effort and I affirm the students who were acknowledged at our Academic Assembly on Tuesday for their resilience, self-discipline and sustained effort in achieving academic excellence across the first semester.

Student Voice
In last week’s College Assembly, the GREATS pillar in spotlight was that of Respect and given the commencement of Trimester Three sporting fixtures, Cor Unum Spirit Captain Ronan McMahon delivered an engaging address on our relationship with sports officials and the importance of being counter cultural in the respect that they need to be afforded. This is a poignant excerpt from his speech:

“We live in a sporting culture that has normalised abuse toward referees. It starts small- a groan here, a sarcastic clap there- and it builds until screaming at a 16-year-old ref feels completely normal, feels like it’s just “part of the game.”
Why is that?

I think it’s because blaming the ref is easy. It’s a release valve. It lets us walk away from a loss without looking too hard at ourselves. If the ref cost us the game, then we don’t have to sit with the fact that we cost ourselves the game. Blaming the whistle protects the ego. It’s the most convenient lie in sport.

As I’ve said many times this year- it is up to us to be counter-cultural. Not to follow the crowd into the easy blame, but to hold ourselves to a higher standard.”

Ronan’s speech reminds us that there is a profound responsibility for all community members to challenge ourselves to be better in this space to ensure that we model our values and practice true accountability and respect.

Villa Loreto Cup
Last Friday, a contingent of our Year 12 students participated in the second game of our annual three match series against our sister school Loreto College. Facing the competency and composure of a seasoned outfit, the Loreto ladies dominated in every facet in demolishing the Villa team for a comprehensive victory in the netball fixture to square the series one all. The decider will staged at Villanova later in the term with a final game of touch football. My thanks to those who represented the Senior class and the spectators and staff who attended.

“There is no respect for others without humility in one’s self.” – Henri Frederic Amiel

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

One of the great privileges of working in a school is witnessing our young men find their voice and use it to challenge others to be their best selves. At last week’s assembly, Student Leader Ronan delivered a thoughtful and compelling reflection on respect, accountability and the courage it takes to own our mistakes. Using the recent State of Origin series as a starting point, Ronan spoke about the temptation to blame others when things do not go our way and challenged us instead to look honestly at ourselves. In many respects, his message captured the very heart of what we seek to develop in our Augustinian students.

Ronan’s Address to Assembly
“Let’s talk about Origin.
Coming away from game three, everyone was talking about our good mate Ashleigh Klein, who apparently ‘sold’ the game for us. Everyone said it. But boys, what we’re conveniently forgetting is the 30 errors we made across that series. That’s an average of 10 a game.
The best players in the country, the ones who train full-time to be the best at this game – and they still drop the ball, miss the tackle, throw the wrong pass, ten times a game. And yet it’s the whistle we remember. Not the knock on. Not the missed read. The whistle.

And that’s just how our culture is boys, refs are an easy scapegoat.

We live in a sporting culture that has normalised abuse toward referees. It starts small – a groan here, a sarcastic clap there – and it builds until screaming at a 16-year-old ref feels completely normal, feels like it’s just ‘part of the game’.
Why is that?
I think it’s because blaming the ref is easy. It’s a release valve. It lets us walk away from a loss without looking too hard at ourselves. If the ref cost us the game, then we don’t have to sit with the fact that we cost ourselves the game. Blaming the whistle protects the ego. It’s the most convenient lie in sport.

As I’ve said many times this year – it is up to us to be counter-cultural. Not to follow the crowd into the easy blame, but to hold ourselves to a higher standard.
But boys we gotta remember, the refs we deal with aren’t professionals. Some are parents running the line on a Saturday morning, others are a kid trying to earn some extra cash. Every single one of those people is doing a thankless job so that we get to play the game we love. Nobody puts on a whistle to get thanked. They do it because it’s something they enjoy as well.

So coming into Lauries round, let’s just show that bit of respect for the refs. Because who knows, you might get an extra call or two. Especially to the 4ths basketball who I’m reffing on Saturday, be nice.

So my challenge to you is this. Next time you’re out there and a call doesn’t go your way, be the one who doesn’t chase it. Be the one who shakes the ref’s hand first, win or lose. Be the one who pulls a mate up when he starts having a go at the touch judge. Own your ten errors before you go looking for someone else’s one.

Because Ashleigh Klein didn’t lose us that series. We did. And it’s about time we were honest enough to say so.”

Ronan’s challenge reflects the values that sit at the foundation of a Villanova education. It speaks to Humility in recognising our own shortcomings before pointing to the mistakes of others. It invites Interiority, the Augustinian practice of honest self-reflection. It strengthens Community by reminding us of the dignity of every person who contributes to our sporting experiences and it demonstrates a Restless Search for Truth by encouraging us to resist convenient excuses and embrace honest self-awareness.

Saint Augustine wrote, “Let us return to the heart; there we shall find God.” In many ways, this was Ronan’s challenge to us all. Before we point outward, we must first look inward. The strongest character is not shown in victory, nor in finding someone else to blame when things go wrong, but in the courage to be honest with ourselves. If our young men can learn to accept responsibility, show respect when it is difficult, and seek truth even when it is uncomfortable, then they will develop into the kind of men our world desperately needs. Last week’s speech was a powerful reminder that leadership is not always about having the loudest voice; often it is about having the courage to speak the truth.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Catholic Education Week – Share Your Light, Inspire Others
This week we celebrate Catholic Education Week, and this year’s theme, “Share Your Light, Inspire Others,” has prompted some wonderful conversations throughout the Junior School.

I have often wondered what it is that makes a community truly special. Is it the magnificent buildings? The sporting victories? Outstanding academic results? While these are certainly things to celebrate, I don’t believe they are what people remember most.
People remember how they were made to feel.

They remember the teacher who believed in them before they believed in themselves. The classmate who invited them into a game when they felt alone. The older student who smiled and said “good morning.” The teammate who celebrated their try or goal as enthusiastically as their own. The friend who noticed they were having a difficult day and simply sat beside them.
These are moments where someone’s light quietly shines.

One of my favourite sayings is:
“Putting someone else’s light out does not make yours shine any brighter.”

In today’s world, this can be a difficult lesson for young people to learn. We live in a society where comparison has become almost constant. Social media, sport, academics and even friendships can sometimes convince us that success is about standing above others rather than standing alongside them.
Yet the Gospel teaches us something very different.

Jesus never asked us to compete for significance. He asked us to serve. He showed us that greatness is found in humility, kindness and lifting others up. When we help another person discover their gifts, we don’t lose anything ourselves. In fact, our communities become richer because of it.

At Villanova, we speak often about moving from “Me” to “We” and from “Mine” to “Ours.” They are simple words, but they challenge us to think differently. Every boy who walks through our gates has been blessed with unique gifts. Some are natural leaders. Others are wonderful listeners. Some are gifted athletes, musicians, artists or mathematicians. Others quietly demonstrate compassion, patience or courage every single day.

Our responsibility is not simply to discover those gifts. It is to share them generously.

When one boy encourages another, the whole class benefits.
When a teammate celebrates someone else’s success, the entire team grows stronger.
When a Year 6 student chooses to include a younger boy, our Junior School becomes a more welcoming place.
When a teacher shares their passion for learning, curiosity spreads throughout the room.

Light has an incredible quality about it. It was never designed to be hidden or kept to itself. One candle can light another without losing any of its own brightness. In fact, the more candles that are lit, the brighter the room becomes.
Perhaps that is the challenge Catholic Education Week offers all of us.
How can I help someone else shine today?
Can I offer encouragement instead of criticism?
Can I celebrate another person’s success without comparing it to my own?
Can I notice someone who might be feeling left out?
Can I use my gifts not for recognition, but for service?
These questions sit at the heart of our Augustinian tradition. Community is not built by extraordinary moments alone. It is built through ordinary acts of kindness repeated every day.

As I walk around the Junior School, I see countless examples of boys sharing their light. A Year 6 student patiently helping a Year 5 buddy. Friends applauding someone who finally found the confidence to speak in front of the class. Boys inviting others into lunchtime games without being asked. Teachers giving their time before and after school because they genuinely believe in the potential of every child.
This is Catholic education at its very best.

It reminds us that education is about much more than reading, writing and mathematics. It is about forming young people of character—young men who understand that success is measured not only by what they achieve, but by the difference they make in the lives of others.
May we all continue to share our light generously. For when we inspire others to shine, our Villanova community becomes brighter, stronger and more hopeful for everyone.

“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.”
Matthew 5:14–16

Mr Stephen Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

As Term 3 gets underway, the academic calendar has quickly shifted into a busy period for students across all year levels. With Semester 1 now complete, students have returned with valuable feedback on their learning and the opportunity to reflect on their progress and set goals for the months ahead. Semester reports provide an important opportunity to acknowledge growth and identify areas for future development. Learning is a journey of continual improvement, and Semester 2 offers every student the opportunity to build upon their achievements and work towards continued growth.

For our Junior School students, this marks the completion of their first semester in either Year 5 or Year 6. In the Middle School, students continue to engage in a broad and balanced curriculum through their core subjects while also experiencing a variety of elective rotations that help develop interests, skills and future pathways.

In the Senior School, subject selection has been a major focus for our current Year 10 students as they begin making important decisions regarding their senior studies. Our Year 11 students continue their Unit 2 courses, an important phase in building the foundations required for success in Units 3 and 4, which contribute directly to their final senior results. Meanwhile, our Year 12 students are approaching the final stages of their internal assessment programs and increasingly turning their attention towards the knowledge, skills and examination techniques required for the External Assessment period later this year.

Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
On Tuesday 21 July, the College conducted its Semester 2 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences. These conferences provide an important opportunity for students, parents and teachers to come together to discuss learning progress and identify strategies to support continued growth throughout the semester.

Strong learning partnerships are built upon open and constructive communication. These conversations allow families to gain a deeper understanding of their son’s academic progress, engagement and learning habits, while providing students with an opportunity to reflect upon their own development and take ownership of their future goals.

We thank all parents and carers who were able to participate in the conferences and trust that the discussions provided valuable insights into your son’s learning journey. I would also like to acknowledge our teaching staff for their preparation and commitment in supporting these conversations. Their willingness to engage thoughtfully with students and families reflects the strong partnership that exists between home and school in supporting student success.

Careers Expo 2026
On Thursday 23 July, the College hosted its annual Careers Expo. This event provided students and families with an excellent opportunity to engage with representatives from major universities, training organisations, industry groups and employers, while exploring the wide range of pathways available beyond school.

A particular highlight of the afternoon was the series of industry and career panel discussions that were offered. We were fortunate to welcome a number of members of the Villanova community, including several Old Boys, who generously volunteered their time to share their personal and professional experiences. Their insights into university study, apprenticeships, employment pathways and career development provided valuable guidance for our students as they begin considering their own future aspirations.

We thank all presenters, exhibitors and panellists who contributed to the success of the event and hope that students and families found the afternoon both informative and inspiring.

Year 10 Subject Selection and SET Plan Interviews
Our Year 10 students are currently in the midst of their 2027 Senior Subject Selection process. Last week’s Subject Selection Information Evening provided students and families with important information regarding QCE requirements, ATAR and non-ATAR pathways, subject prerequisites and senior schooling opportunities. This process continues with SET Plan interviews, which commenced on Wednesday 29 July. These conversations provide an invaluable opportunity for students, parents and staff to discuss future aspirations, interests and potential pathways beyond school.

I would like to thank our students and families for the positive way they have engaged with this process and acknowledge the generosity of our staff who continue to provide their time, expertise and guidance throughout these conversations.

A reminder that all information relating to Year 11 2027 Subject Selection remains available via the Year 10 Communication Page on myVilla. Families who were unable to secure a booking during the initial round of SET Plan interviews will be contacted to arrange an alternative meeting time.

Year 9 into Year 10 Subject Selection Evening
On Tuesday 28 July, we welcomed our current Year 9 students and families to the College for the Year 10 Subject Selection Information Evening.

This year, the event was held in Goold Hall, where students and parents received key information regarding Year 10 curriculum structures, pathways and subject options. Following the presentations, families were able to engage directly with Heads of Faculty and teaching staff to discuss the opportunities available across each learning area. It was wonderful to see more than 300 students, parents and carers in attendance. Such a strong turnout reflects the value on education and future planning, while also highlighting the importance of the partnership between students, families and the College in supporting informed subject selection and future pathway decisions.

Semester 1 Academic Assembly
On Wednesday 29 July, the College community gathered for our Semester 1 Academic Assembly. This special occasion recognised students in Years 5 to 11 who achieved Academic Excellence during Semester 1 and celebrated the commitment, discipline and perseverance required to attain outstanding academic results. Importantly, while the assembly recognised high achievement, it also reinforced an equally important message: success is not measured solely by academic outcomes but by the growth, effort and improvement demonstrated by every student throughout their learning journey. Academic excellence is certainly something to aspire to; however, the pursuit of personal growth and the willingness to continually improve remain equally important measures of success.

A highlight of the assembly was the address delivered by our Academic Portfolio Captain, Christian Snell, whose message challenged all students to remain focused on the opportunities that lie ahead during the second half of the year. Christian’s reflections on persistence, self-discipline and striving for personal excellence resonated strongly with students and aligned closely with this year’s College theme of Interiority.

EmpowerEd: Goal Setting and Student Development
On Friday 31 July, students will participate in the Semester 2 EmpowerEd program, with a particular focus on goal setting and personal growth. This process provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their Semester 1 achievements, identify areas for continued improvement, and establish meaningful goals for the remainder of the year.

During House Mentor time, students will complete a structured goal-setting exercise. These goals will then form the basis of individual conversations with House Mentors on Friday 7 August, allowing students to discuss their aspirations, challenges and strategies for success throughout Semester 2.

Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting student growth, and we encourage families to engage in conversations with their sons about the goals they have established and the steps they intend to take to achieve them.

In addition to the goal-setting process, students will participate in a series of workshops and learning experiences designed to support their ongoing development. This semester’s program includes sessions focused on literacy development and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, providing students with practical skills and knowledge that will support both their academic success and digital citizenship.

We look forward to seeing our students actively engage with this valuable program and the opportunities it provides for reflection, growth and future success.

Looking Ahead
Finally, a reminder to our Year 7 and Year 8 families that Subject Selection Information Evenings will be held on Monday 10 August. These evenings provide an important opportunity for students and families to explore subject offeringsand begin planning for future learning opportunities. Further information regarding the event, including session times and booking details, will be shared with families early next week via myVilla.

As always, we thank our students, staff and families for the enthusiasm and partnership they continue to demonstrate. Term 3 is always a busy period in the academic calendar, but it is also a term rich with opportunity. Whether through subject selection, pathway planning, academic goal setting or continued classroom learning, students are encouraged to embrace the opportunities before them and commit to finishing the year strongly. We look forward to working alongside our students and families as we continue to support every learner.

Mr Kirk Astill, Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning

Catholic Education Week celebrates, the mission of Catholic schools, formation of the whole person and learning as faith filled, hope-filled and love-centred. The theme “Share Your Light, Inspire Others” invites students to see themselves not just as learners, but as contributors to God’s mission in their school and world. It is a theme that resonates deeply with St Augustine’s vision to “Become what you are not yet” sharing Christ’s light to those around us.

On Monday, several of our student leaders truly shared their light as they participated in the Lourdes Hill Social Justice Forum. Through thoughtful and courageous conversations about domestic violence, respectful relationships, and the role young people can play in shaping a more just society, they demonstrated a genuine commitment to social change. By listening, learning and sharing perspectives, our students are helping to build a culture of respect, empathy and accountability.

A group of our young men continued to shine their light joining over 300 students across Brisbane at the Amnesty International Human Rights Youth Conference held at BBC College on Wednesday. Here they had the opportunity to explore themes of human rights, diversity and social justice, engaging with guest speakers and advocacy workshops that highlighted the power of informed action.

Inspired by the call to be people of truth, justice and service, we are reminded of St Augustine’s belief that our gifts are to be shared for the good of others. As we celebrate Catholic Education Week, let us join together in prayer.

Loving God,
Thank You for the many gifts You have placed within each of us.
Help us to share our light with kindness, courage and generosity, so that our words and actions bring hope, joy and compassion to those around us.
Guide our students, staff and families to use their unique talents in service of others, inspiring our community through faith, love and example.
May we continue to grow together, celebrating the gifts of every person and reflecting Your light in all that we do.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Mrs Eleni Greenaway, Dean of Mission and Identity

One of the greatest strengths of our wellbeing program is the opportunity to bring exceptional people into our community – people who don’t simply talk about important issues but who have real experience in dealing with them.
Over the past fortnight, we have been fortunate to welcome several outstanding guest speakers to Villanova, each bringing a unique perspective to the challenges our boys face as they grow into good young men.

A particular highlight was welcoming Maggie Dent to the College. Maggie has a remarkable ability to connect with boys and those who raise, teach and care for them. Her warmth, humour and deep understanding of adolescent boys resonated with students, parents and staff alike. Whether she was speaking about resilience, emotional development or helping boys navigate today’s world, her message was practical, relatable and full of hope.

Our staff also had the opportunity to learn from Maggie during a professional learning session. The strategies she shared will continue to shape conversations and classroom practice long after her visit, ensuring the impact extends well beyond a single day.
Justin Feuerriegel and I also had the privilege of sitting down with Maggie for the first episode of our new wellbeing podcast, Beyond the Classroom, now available on MyVilla and the College website. The podcast is an exciting addition to our wellbeing program, allowing parents to hear directly from the experts who work with our boys. We hope this is the first of many conversations with the outstanding speakers who visit Villanova.

One message continues to come through clearly in our student wellbeing surveys: our boys want authenticity. They don’t want another PowerPoint presentation or something they could search for online. They want to hear from people with genuine expertise, real stories and practical experience. That feedback has been instrumental in shaping our wellbeing program, and it is why we continue to invest in bringing leading voices into our College community.

Last week, our Year 10 students also participated in an important session with Sue Chandler, who spoke about pornography and its impact on young people, relationships and developing brains. Sue has spent many years educating schools and families in this space and challenged our boys to think critically about an industry that generates billions of dollars each year by capturing attention and shaping attitudes towards relationships, intimacy and respect. These conversations are not always easy, but they are essential if we are serious about equipping young men to build healthy relationships and make informed decisions.

Our senior students also worked with Sally Dwyer from Be Social Be Smart, who explored digital identity and personal branding. As many of our Year 12 students prepare for life beyond Villanova, Sally encouraged them to think intentionally about the digital footprint they leave behind and how they can use platforms such as LinkedIn to present themselves professionally. In today’s world, developing a positive online presence is just as important as writing a strong résumé.

At Villanova, wellbeing is about far more than responding to challenges. It is about preparing young men for life. By exposing our boys to respected educators, experienced professionals and authentic voices, we are helping them develop the knowledge, character and confidence to navigate an increasingly complex world with integrity and compassion.

Have a lovely rest of Week 3.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Programming

From the Foundation
What a busy and exciting start to Term 3 it has been already!

Last week, we were thrilled to host our 2026 Careers Expo, welcoming 19 Old Boys back to Villanova to share their career journeys, insights and advice with our students. One of the most rewarding parts of the afternoon was reconnecting with so many alumni who generously gave up their time to support the next generation of Villanovans. Watching our students engage with such a diverse group of Old Boys was a wonderful reminder of the strength of the Villa network and the willingness of our alumni to give back.
And we’re only just getting started.

Next week marks the beginning of Old Boys Muster Week, a highlight on the Villanova calendar. Throughout the week, we’ll host the Generations Breakfast, Old Boys Dinner, Vincit Veritas Luncheon and Deceased Villanovans Mass, bringing together members of our community from across the generations. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, share stories and celebrate the lifelong bonds that begin at Villanova.
There are also some fantastic prizes up for grabs, including a Noosa getaway package valued at almost $5,000. You don’t need to attend Muster Week to purchase a raffle ticket, so if you’d like to learn more or secure your tickets, please click here.

There has also been plenty happening on campus. The Pope Leo XIV Precinct has really taken shape over recent months and after recently walking through the building, I can honestly say it will be transformational for our College community. It’s exciting to see the vision becoming a reality, and I know our students, staff, families and Old Boys will benefit from this incredible space for many years to come.

As we look ahead, I would also like to sincerely thank everyone who supported our End of Financial Year Appeal. The generosity of our Villanova community never ceases to amaze me. Whether you supported the Pope Leo XIV Precinct, the Terry Hendle Bursary or one of our other Foundation initiatives, your contribution is helping create opportunities for current and future generations of Villanovans.

I look forward to catching up with many of you throughout Muster Week.

With gratitude,

Mrs Effie Kent, Development & Foundation Manager

Responsible Use of AI Presentations
On Monday 7 August, students in Years 7–10 will participate in our Semester 2 EmpowerED program. As part of this program, each year level will take part in a 35‑minute session focused on the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning.
With AI tools now readily accessible to young people, these sessions will provide timely guidance about when using AI is appropriate and genuinely helpful, and when it crosses the line into “doing the thinking and learning for you”. Students will work through two kinds of prompt examples: helpful prompts that support understanding, study and improvement, and unhelpful prompts that encourage cognitive offloading (where the tool replaces a student’s own thinking).
Our aim is to give students practical, safe examples of how AI can be used well, while clearly signposting misuse that does not support learning, integrity or personal growth. A copy of the slides will be made available to parents and carers after the sessions, and we hope this encourages open, meaningful conversations at home as families support their sons to navigate both the opportunities and risks of AI.

Continued use of Cechat (Years 7+)
Within these sessions and beyond, Villanova continues to endorse and support the use of Cechat for students in Years 7 and above. Cechat is our private, Catholic‑grounded AI platform, providing a protected, safe and structured space for students to explore ethical and responsible AI use. Within Cechat, all discussions are monitored, and students can access standard chat, educational apps and games, as well as teacher‑designed agents created for specific academic and pastoral purposes.

Mr Jason Lane, Director of E-Learning

QCMF 2026
The Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival returns to Coorparoo in 2 weeks with Villanova College, St James School, and St James Church hosting 15,500 student musicians from across Australia and New Zealand for four amazing days.  From 13-16 August, our school and community becomes the epicentre for music education in Queensland Catholic Schools – an incredible honour for us and a wonderful legacy that we continue.

Over this festival, we will have a record number of ensembles participating (651) with students travelling to us from Auckland New Zealand this year to join in the celebration.  We have some exciting additions in this year’s festival with our Quad Stage running all four days of the Festival, our wonderful QCMF Mass at 7:30am on Sunday morning in Goold, and the inaugural presentation of our Keith Druery – Spirit of QCMF Awards.

As with all previous years, all MS students will be expected to complete at least one volunteer shift.  We ask SS students to complete at least 2 over the weekend.  We also require assistance from our parent community through volunteering for at least one shift over the festival.  All volunteers receive a festival pass for their work.

For those who have volunteered in previous festivals, we need you to check and update your profile.  All adults need to link a Blue Card or Exemption Card with their profile this year – please make sure these details are included via your log in.  All existing and new volunteers (even students) need to access our portal via the following link:  Better Impact – QCMF Volunteering

Remember – adults who volunteer receive a FREE Festival Pass.

QCMF Logistics
As per our previous Newsletter Edition, our Villanova Performance times are outlined in the following table.  This information will be distributed directly to families via email as well.
Please note the following key details:

• All students require the correct performance uniform. Make sure that yours fits NOW, that you have dark coloured socks (black – no colours) for under your trousers.  Irish members – make sure you have a kilt that fits!
• Make sure of your performance venue. Not all groups are performing at Villanova – some are performing at St James.
• All students arriving for performances are to come to LEVEL 1 OF THE AUGUSTINE CENTRE, even if you are performing at St James. Counter-intuitive, I know, but that is how we manage things.
• You need to be here 1 hour before your performance time (check the Arrival Time column). That gives us plenty of time to get everyone in, focussed, and ready.
• Take your instruments home NO LATER than Tuesday 11/8 with the exception of course of our Tuba, Double Bass, and Percussion students. Students cannot access the store-room from Wednesday onwards.
• Make sure you volunteer. This is our opportunity to live our charism of community for the entire State.  We need your help – at least a couple of hours of your time – to ensure we maintain our reputations as incredible hosts.  I know we won’t let the team down!

Villanova Performance Times
Come and support our teams – they will do us proud no doubt.

Key Dates Term 3
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

How to Use MyVilla and The Locker Room
Families are reminded that MyVilla and The Locker Room are the central locations for Villanova Sport information, including weekly training schedules, fixture information, draws, team lists and key sport updates. To support families in navigating these pages, we have prepared a simple step-by-step guide:

How to navigate the MyVilla Locker room and sports pages.docx​

Families are encouraged to bookmark the Locker Room and check it regularly, as sport information may be updated as fixtures, venues and team details are finalised. The Villanova College App will continue to be used for urgent updates, including cancellations or same-day changes. Thank you for your support in staying connected with Villa Sport.

Director of Sport Address
Round 1 against St Laurence’s College provided plenty of memorable moments, valuable lessons and encouraging signs across our Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis programs.
Our Basketball teams recorded 15 wins from 31 matches. While our First V was defeated 92–81, the boys continued to compete strongly throughout a high-scoring contest.
In Rugby League, Villanova secured five wins and one draw from 14 matches. Our First XIII produced a gutsy 24–22 victory at Runcorn. After leading 18–6 at half-time, the boys saw St Laurence’s draw level during the second half; however, they remained composed and found a way to secure a terrific result.
Our Tennis teams recorded seven wins from 15 matches, highlighted by an excellent 5–3 victory for our First IV. It was a brilliant team performance and a wonderful start to their AIC season.

Congratulations to every student who represented Villanova during the opening round. Whether your team enjoyed a win, endured a narrow defeat or faced a difficult contest, each match provided an opportunity to learn and improve.

Our GREATS focus this week is Effort.
Effort is easy to recognise when a team is winning and confidence is high. Its true measure, however, is how we respond when we are tired, behind on the scoreboard or disappointed by a mistake.
In Basketball, effort can be the sprint back into defence, the extra pass or the contest for a loose ball. In Rugby League, it may be making the next tackle after missing one, supporting a teammate or working hard away from the ball. In Tennis, it is chasing down one more shot, resetting after a lost point and remaining composed throughout a difficult match.
Effort is also demonstrated during the week. It means arriving prepared and on time, attending training consistently, listening to feedback and completing each activity with purpose.
Talent may provide an opportunity; however, sustained effort is what allows that talent to grow.
Importantly, effort is within the control of every student. We cannot always control the opposition, the conditions, a selection decision or the final result. We can control how well we prepare, how positively we respond and how much we contribute to our team.

This weekend, we face St Edmund’s College in Round 2. In Basketball, Years 5 and 7–9 will host, while Years 6 and 10–Opens will travel. All Rugby League teams will play away at St Edmund’s College. In Tennis, Years 5–8 will host, while Years 9–Opens will travel.

Round 3 against Padua College will follow in Week 4. Families are encouraged to continue checking The Locker Room throughout the week for team lists, fixture information, venue details and program updates. The Villanova College App will be used to communicate urgent changes on the day.

Our Track and Field athletes have also begun their Trimester 3 training program. We look forward to seeing students continue preparing for the Interhouse Track and Field Carnival at Villa Park on Thursday, August 13, followed by the opening AIC Track and Field meets later in the term.

At next week’s College Assembly, we will also recognise our AIC Golf team following its third-place finish in the Team Gross Championship. Congratulations again to Oliver W., Tate R., Joseph U., Archie G. and Harvey A., who also won the Longest Drive competition, on representing the College with distinction.

Thank you to our coordinators, coaches, officials, medical staff, venue managers and volunteers for their continued commitment. In particular, thank you to Ms Sharon Casey, Mr Wian Joubert, Mr Angus Sullivan and Mr Andrew Lund for their leadership and coordination of our students and coaches.

Thank you also to our families for supporting training commitments, transport arrangements and the many early starts involved in AIC Sport.
To every student representing Villanova this weekend: compete with purpose, encourage your teammates and make your effort something your team can rely upon.

Winning is possible, but learning is guaranteed.

Go Villa! 💚💛

2026 Basketball Round 1.pdf

2026 Rugby League Round 1.pdf

2026 Tennis Round 1.pdf

Mr Matthew Hannan, Director of Sport

Key Updates and Announcements
Communications
Families should access sports information via the Villanova College website and App. The Locker Room and Villanova College Application will be relied on to provide key updates between Villa View Newsletter issues. All training and match changes or cancellations will be communicated via the Villanova College Application.

No Dog Policy
A reminder that there is a NO DOG policy at all AIC sporting fixtures. Venue coordinators at and adjacent to Villa Park have reported that some pet owners are ignoring the gate signage. Pet owners who ignore the signs will be asked to remove their pets immediately.

Fixtures, Results and Training Information
AIC Draw 2026
Please find linked the AIC Draw for 2026.

Training Schedules
The Term 3 Weeks 2 to 9 Training Schedule has now been published to the Locker Room page. If any changes or cancellations occur, the Villanova College App will also be updated accordingly.
Please note also: In the event of cancelled sessions or extremely poor weather, sessions may be adjusted or rescheduled where possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Team Lists
Team lists are published via The Locker Room. Basketball team lists will be released by Thursday evening, with Rugby League and Tennis published by Friday lunchtime ahead of the round. This is the earliest possible time this information can be finalised and shared.

Key Links

Sport Results – Associated Independent Colleges

Trimester 3 Sport Uniforms
Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Villanova College Uniform Look Book, which can be found on the Uniform Shop page of the College website. Uniform Shop opening hours are also available on this page. All students selected in AIC teams are expected to wear the correct Villanova College uniform for AIC fixtures each week.

2026 Uniform Shop Hours (School Term Only)
Monday: 7:30am – 9.30am
Tuesday: 7:30am – 9.30am
Wednesday: 7:30am – 9.30am
Thursday: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Friday: CLOSED

For students preparing for Trimester 3 Sport, please refer to the correct uniform requirements below.

Training Expectations
For teams training at Villa Park, please note the following:

• Buses will depart immediately after school from Sixth Avenue, outside the front of the College.
• A teacher will escort players onto the buses.
• Players are to change into their training gear at Villa Park.
• Students must not wear boots on the bus.

Parents are required to collect their son from Villa Park after training. There will be no return bus service from Villa Park. Parents are asked to collect players between 5:15pm and 5:25pm. Our aim is to avoid requiring staff to remain on-site beyond this time. We appreciate your support and consideration.

Sport-Specific Updates
AIC Sport Contact List
For information about a specific sport, families should first visit The Locker Room. If further clarification is required, please contact the relevant Sport Coordinator listed below. Coach contact details will be progressively added to The Locker Room. Once available, please report training or game absences directly to both the relevant coach and Sport Coordinator. Until then, please report absences directly to the Sport Coordinator.

Trimester 3 Sports Coordinators
Basketball Coordinator – Sharon Casey (sharon.casey@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Golf Coordinator – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Rugby League Coordinator – Wian Joubert (wian.joubert@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Tennis Coordinator – Angus Sullivan (angus.sullivan@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Track & Field Coordinator – Andrew Lund (andrew.lund@vnc.qld.edu.au)

Sport Office Administration
Sports Administrators – Angus Sullivan (angus.sullivan@vnc.qld.edu.au) and Maria Mascadri (3 days)(mmascadri@vnc.qld.edu.au)
AIC Sports Leader – Wian Joubert (wian.joubert@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Central Sharks District Sport – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au) and Wian Joubert (wian.joubert@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Assistant Director of Sport – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Director of Sport – Matthew Hannan (matthew.hannan@vnc.qld.edu.au)

Term 4
Touch Football Coordinator – Sports Office staff (SportsOffice@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Water Polo Coordinator – Lauren Robinson (lauren.robinson@vnc.qld.edu.au)

Trimester 1 Sports Coordinators
AFL Coordinator – Angus Sullivan (angus.sullivan@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Cricket Coordinator – Wian Joubert (wian.joubert@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Swimming Coordinators – Julie Colbert (jcolbert@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Volleyball Coordinator – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)

Trimester 2 Sports Coordinators
Chess Coordinator – Kath Underhill (kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Cross Country Coordinator – Brian Pascoe (bpascoe@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Football Coordinator – Wian Joubert (wian.joubert@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Rugby Union Coordinator – Chris Everding (ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au)

Sports Department Reminders
Wet Weather Cancellations
If there is any reason to cancel training sessions or weekend games, this information will be posted to the Villanova College Application in the Notices section. Please ensure you have downloaded the Villanova College Application and updated your preferences and settings.

Regional and External Sports
Regional Sport
In 2026, there have been some updates made to the School Sport Representative pathway. Villanova College now joins the Central Sharks district (former Composite & Lytton) for 10-19 Years Sport.
Further information can be found on the Locker Room page including a current list of eligible sports. Eligible sports will be communicated via the Sports Bulletin and Morning Notices only.

Central Sharks trial information (former Met East/Central): Paperwork for the following sports is now available from the Sports Office (located in Goold Hall). Nominations returned after the due date will not be submitted.
The table below lists the sports/activities that are currently available to students wishing to nominate for the district & regional school sport pathway. Students wishing to nominate should have extensive experience in their chosen sport including club or previous representative history.

Mr Todd Kropp, Regional Sport Coordinator

Guidelines regarding communication of External Achievements
The Villanova College Sports Department celebrates individual student sporting achievements through our social media platforms and newsletter. To maintain clarity and consistency, the recognition criteria are outlined below.

Social Media and Sports Bulletin Recognition

• Selection in a Met East, Queensland or Australian team
• Being crowned a state or national champion
• Outstanding individual results at recognised state or national events

Exclusions

• Representation at club or district levels (e.g. Central Sharks) does not meet the criteria for inclusion in social media or newsletter posts.

To have a qualifying achievement featured, please email SportsOffice@vnc.qld.edu.au with the subject “External Sport Achievement”. Please include:

• Student name and year level
• Sport and achievement details
• Level of representation or competition
• Relevant results, selection details or event information

A photo of the student in their representative uniform, where available.

TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS 13 – 16 AUGUST DURING QCMF:

Please click here to read more about the Traffic Disruptions During QCMF 2026 | Villanova College

Upcoming Community Events – Get Your Tickets Now!

5 to 9 August – Muster Week!
Old Boys – It’s Time to Come Home to Villa. Full events details available here: Villanova Old Boys Muster Get your tickets now!

13 – 16 August – QCMF – Tickets now on sale and Volunteers Needed!
From Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 August, Villa will once again be buzzing with the sounds of the Queensland Catholic Schools & Colleges Music Festival (QCMF) – one of the largest school music festivals in the country! With thousands of students, families, and visitors coming through our gates, it takes a village to make the magic happen. Tickets Now on Sale: https://qcmf.com.au/
The Volunteers portal will be operational in the coming days.

Saturday 5 September – Villa P&F Ignite
Villa’s Riverfire event is planned for Saturday 5 September 5 from 4pm to 10pm – and it will be bigger and better! This year we are opening tickets to Present and Past Villa parents, Old Boys and your own friends. Join us and enjoy our front row Riverfire views. (Strictly 18+ event)
Your ticket includes – $85pp

• Canapes by In a Pickle – food service from 4.30pm.
• 2-hour beverage package – 4pm to 6pm. From 6pm to close at 10pm, cash bar. (no BYO)
• Opportunity to Pre-Order champagne bottles for your evening.
• DJ and entertainment + dancing – 4pm – 10pm
• Opportunity to purchase and win raffle prizes

Registration link – https://ignite-2026.raiselysite.com/

A Reminder About MyVilla and the Villanova College App
As we continue to streamline communication across the College, we would like to remind parents and caregivers that MyVilla remains the central hub for important information relating to your son’s education and College life. The Villanova College App provides convenient access to MyVilla directly from your phone.

2026 Census Privacy Collection Notice
Census and special circumstance applications privacy collection notice

About
The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to advise all staff, parents, guardians and students (where applicable) that it will collect certain information about your school, its staff and student body as part of the non-government schools census collection (the census) and special circumstance applications.
How and what information is collected for the census?
Census information is provided to the department by your school’s legal entity (the approved authority) via the Education Funding System (EFS).
The census provides information about your school and the number and characteristics of the school’s staff and student body during a specific reference period. Information and characteristics collected through the census include:
•teaching and non-teaching staff
•students’ year level and workload
•students’ gender and age (as on 1 July 2026)
•Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students
•students with disability
•students receiving distance education
•day, boarding and overseas students.
The names of students and staff are not collected, apart from the name, position and contact details of the staff member nominated as the primary contact for the census.

Census special circumstance applications
A census special circumstance application is for a student who did not attend during the census reference period and/or did not have a pattern of regular attendance at a school during the year but otherwise meet the non-government schools census eligibility requirements. Schools can apply to have a student individually considered for inclusion in the census through a census special circumstance application. Any information provided to the department through this application should be de-identified by the school.
Purpose of the census collection
The information provided during the census is collected by the department in accordance with the Australian Education Act 2013 (the Act) and the Australian Education Regulations 2023 (the Regulations). The Act and the Regulations require the legal entity responsible for the administration of the school (the approved authority) to provide this information to the department to:
•ensure the provision of Australian Government funding to schools is properly calculated and appropriately managed
•conduct research, statistical analysis and develop school education policy for the Australian Government
•meet national and international reporting obligations on school students in Australia
•publish and provide information about schools to the public.

Use and disclosure of personal information
Your personal information is protected by law under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act). Personal information is information or an opinion about an identified individual or an individual who is reasonably identifiable.
Any use or disclosure of your personal information must occur in accordance with the Privacy Act and the Act and Regulations and any other applicable laws.
Your personal information provided to the department through the census may be:
•Used or disclosed by the department for the purposes outlined above under the heading Purposes of the census collection.
•Disclosed to the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) to publish on the My School website and include as high-level data for ACARA’s National Report on Schooling in Australia.
•Disclosed to state and territory government departments and authorities in accordance with the Act and Regulations.
•Disclosed to Australian Government departments and authorities in accordance with the Act and Regulations.
•Disclosed to non-government school representative bodies in accordance with the Act and Regulations.
•Disclosed to a contracted auditor where the department decides to audit or verify the information provided by an approved authority about a school. The contracted auditor may use previously collected information or request access to individual student records for comparison purposes. The contractors may pass this information onto officers within the department, if there is a discrepancy in the data provided by the school and the school’s records and further investigation is required. The contracted auditor must handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act.
•Disclosed to its service providers for the purposes of the provision of information and communications technology support services to the department.
•Used to validate data from other collections undertaken by the department.
•Used or disclosed where it is otherwise required or authorised by law including under the Act or Regulations, or otherwise permitted under the Privacy Act.
Other than in exceptional circumstances (for example, investigation of fraud relating to overseas students), the department does not disclose any of the personal information collected to overseas recipients.
You can find the department’s privacy policy on the Department of Education website or request a copy from the department at privacy@education.gov.au. The privacy policy includes information about how to access or correct personal information held about you or your child, how to make a complaint about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how the department will deal with such a complaint.

What do you need to do?
You are not required to do anything. The approved authority of the school is responsible for providing the information to the department.

Contacts for further information
Your school can provide information about data provided for you or your child for the purposes of the census. To find out more about the census collection and reporting, visit EducationHUB