Villa View – Issue 17, 24 October 2025

This week our Senior cohort of 2025 completed their final classes and they are now gearing up for the final external exams. This period of time each year is always one of mixed emotions for parents, students and the school community. There is always joy at the closing of the school chapter, something for the families is very much their life. If you have lived 18 years, and spent 13 in school your world is very much playgrounds, classrooms, sports fields and a routine that continues to recycle. The idea of a next step, and what that may bring is for the most part exciting but has its fears. From the school perspective it is our hope that the work done in guiding and forming our students ensures that they can embrace the uncertainty with a level of confidence and that each boy is equipped with the skills he needs for a productive and meaningful life. 

As the sun sets on their final day of College life it is remiss of us to not reflect on our own performance, our methods of guidance and our support of students in both their academic learning and spiritual development. In discussions with my colleagues in leadership in schools, and my teaching colleagues we all agree that the true impact of our efforts probably lie deeper in the character of the children we teach than in the immediate outcomes of their academic grades. The true test of our impact is found in the men they become in the years ahead. That being the case, what is my hope in these graduates of 2025? Because, in all honesty it is not a ‘hope’ we do in fact have real clarity from when the boys enter our Villanova community of who we want them to become. 

The Villanova graduate is a man of love. Someone who can appreciate himself and those around him. He has a sense of both purpose and justice whose greatest asset is who he is for others. He has a knowledge of the value in community and that through togetherness we can create both meaning and accomplishment. He knows not the meaning of respect, but what it looks like, feels like and the liberating power that it holds. Respect, expressed in tangible action, should be the hallmark in which they behave. The Villanova graduate is a man who takes time and has developed his ‘inner teacher’ he listens to his heart and the voices of others and through this listening is always developing, learning and growing. The Augustinian philosophy should be deeply embedded in their actions and relationships. In a world where institutional church seems to have lost its lustre, the mind of a Villanova graduate is still shaped and encouraged by the gospel values, to be led by Caritas, Unitas and Veritas, toward God and an ongoing conversion of the heart. 

I would like to make mention of our College Captain, Matthew Linnell, who has been such an inspirational student and leader in our College across the year. While his words have always been strong it has been his ability to turn the vocabulary of the College values into purposeful actions that have been a beacon to others in Year 12. His actions in leadership have been truly marked by our values and he has proven himself a worthy and valuable school captain. He is the embodiment of St Augustine’s quote which dominates the senior commons at the College – “God gives the wind, but you must raise the sail.” His has been the embodiment of out GREATS framework and a great example to all in our community. 

The graduates of 2025 will live in a different world to those 77 years ago when we began but the dreams of Louis Hanrahan and Ben O’Donnell when establishing the school are still very much alive in our call to our students, ‘to become what you are not yet’. This call will remain with them for the many years of life ahead. 

I commend to all our families this prayer for our seniors as they enter this final period of examinations and graduation. 

Loving God,
As our Year 12 students begin their final examinations and prepare to graduate,
we pause to give thanks for their journey through Villanova —
for the friendships formed, the challenges overcome,
and the many moments of growth, faith, and discovery that have shaped who they are. 

Bless them with calm hearts and clear minds in these final weeks.
May they approach each exam with confidence,
trusting in the preparation they have done and the gifts You have given them. 

Lord, in the spirit of St Augustine,
teach them to search restlessly for truth and wisdom,
to listen deeply with both heart and mind,
and to walk humbly in community with others. 

May they graduate as true Augustinian men —
grounded in community, guided by interiority,
strengthened by humility,
committed to a restless search for truth,
and open to ongoing conversion in all they do. 

We pray that the lessons of Villanova —
faith in action, compassion in service, and courage in leadership —
will continue to shape their choices and their journey beyond these gates. 

Lord, be with them now and always,
as they step forward into new paths with hope,
gratitude, and love in their hearts. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen. 

Mr Paul Begg, Principal

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

Year 12 Farewell Assembly
With ‘Many Voices’ but with ‘One Spirit’, the Senior Class of 2025 will forever be remembered for their friendliness and unbridled enthusiasm for their College.

Today we conducted the Year 12 Farewell Assembly and Guard of Honour, one of the significant rites of passage in the journey of our young men at Villanova College. Students and staff congratulated the Class of 2025 for their contribution to the life of the College before the torch of leadership of the student body was passed onto our Year 11 students as our 2026 Student Leadership Executive were entrusted with our symbols of leadership as part of the Student Leadership Handover.

College Captain Elect for 2026 Reid Gapes reflected upon the Senior class and their ‘unwavering dedication across the music, sporting and academics (which) created a lively atmosphere across the school campus, an atmosphere to be remembered.’

Year 5 student Henry Thompson, spoke with confidence beyond his years about the impact of the Year 12 Big Brothers and the fruits of their peer mentorship as Big Brothers.

In affirming the contribution of the 2025 Student Leadership Team, we announced the Champion House for this year. Congratulations to Adeodatus House, captained by Darcy Woodger for winning the House Cup.

In his final address to the student body as College Captain, Matthew Linnell finished with a poignant message about the intrinsic value of our community:

“I want to remind you all of the wonderful message of Tom Price, ‘You Are Not Alone’. Standing here on my last day, I have become so appreciative of how amazing this community is. It has helped me get through my time at Villa, and I want to make sure everyone knows they are loved, wanted and never alone. It is never weak to speak, so make sure to check up on your mates.

So, as I conclude, I leave you with one final message.
Hate has four letters but so does love.
Lying has five letters but so does truth.
Cry has three letters but so does joy.
Anger has five letters but so does peace.
Enemies has seven letters but so does friends.
And negativity has ten letters but so does positivity.

So, in everything you do, spread love, joy, positivity, peace and truth, seeking to make friends with everyone. There is no need to spread hate, negativity, anger or make enemies. You always have a choice in your actions. Make sure you make the right choice.’

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

Relationships in a Digital World
In our increasingly digitally dominated world, the rise of the power and potential of artificial intelligence continues to be one of the most significant issues in educational and social dynamic circles. For our young men, communicating in the digital and online space is perhaps more comfortable than face to face engagement with their peers, teachers and indeed family members. According to Common Sense Media in their 2025 report ‘Talk, Trust and Trade Offs- How and Why Teens use AI Companions’ nearly 72 percent of teenagers have used AI companions—and nearly a third find them as satisfying or more satisfying than human interaction.

According to one of my favourite thought-leaders, Adam Grant however, the biggest problem with AI companions is not that they’re sycophants. It’s that the interactions they manufacture are one-sided. I would like to share with you his thoughts in this space:
“As human beings, one of our fundamental motives is to matter. Mattering is not just about feeling valued by others—it’s also about feeling that we add value to others. We need to know that our actions make a difference.

In healthy relationships, we give as much as we receive. In AI exchanges, we can receive endless streams of information and affirmation, but we have nothing to give back. No matter how good large language models become at simulating care, they’ll never substitute for real relationships, because they have no needs to care for.”

‘In order to discover the character of people we have only to observe what they love.’ – Saint Augustine

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

At Villanova, the Year 9 Rite Journey stands as one of the defining experiences of a student’s Middle School journey. This unique program challenges our young men to explore what it means to move from boyhood to manhood. Rooted in a Catholic worldview and guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the Rite Journey invites our students to reflect deeply on their values, character, relationships and the type of men they aspire to become.

As a part of that program, last week our Year 9 students embarked on The Abyss experience out at Villa Park. The day provided an opportunity for the boys to work with an external team, engaging in activities that required teamwork, motivation, physical effort and emotional maturity. The challenges faced throughout the day mirror the journey of personal growth that has been central to their learning this year.

Following a much anticipated [and delicious] burger dinner, the boys gathered to hear from Villanova Old Boy Tim Franklin, who generously gave his time over four evenings to speak with our students. Tim recently completed the extraordinary feat of running around the world in pursuit of a world record. His message of resilience, goal-setting, and personal responsibility resonated deeply with the cohort — powerful themes that align perfectly with the spirit of The Rite Journey and the lessons we strive to instil in our young men. The students, late in the night then found personal space and engaged in quiet reflection. The hour of alone time was a challenge to ensure they connected deeply with themselves, a real moment of interiority.

This experience also reflects the wonderful partnership between school and home. Parents remain the greatest shapers of the values that guide our boys and together we aim to nurture them into fine young men of character, faith and compassion.

I also wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our Heads of House, who deliver The Rite Journey program with such dedication and care. Through thoughtful discussion and challenge, they encourage the boys to wrestle with the big moral and ethical questions of our time, to consider who they look up to, and to understand why. Their influence is profound and lasting and their commitment to the holistic development of our students is something we value deeply.

As we look towards the final Rite Journey ceremony in the last week of term, I foresee a time of celebration, not only of the growth that this year has brought forth, but the entire three-year journey our young men have taken through the Middle School. They are well prepared for the rigour, responsibility and opportunities that await them in the Senior School — and we could not be prouder.

For us, as for St. Augustine, journey is a lifelong process of moving toward God, a spiritual pilgrimage punctuated by restlessness until the heart finds its final home.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page,”

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Last Friday evening, the Junior School hosted a Disco, welcoming students from our local parish schools for an evening of fun and connection. Being a gracious host is an important skill for our young men to develop. While I reached out to neighbouring principals with a formal invitation, it was Mr Hackett’s impressive dance moves during Friday’s lunchtime preview that truly sparked excitement across the campus! Throughout the week, we reminded our boys of the importance of making guests feel welcome and ensuring everyone had an evening to remember.

Excitement built steadily in the days leading up to the event. Tickets sold quickly, along with an impressive range of glow glasses, wigs and other accessories that added to the festive atmosphere. In class, we practised simple but meaningful social skills — how to introduce ourselves, offer a compliment, ask friendly questions, and conclude a conversation politely with a “thank you” or “goodbye.” Manners and respect were expected, and I am proud to say our Year 5 and 6 students rose to the occasion, conducting themselves as true gentlemen throughout the evening.

It was a perfect Brisbane autumn evening — warm, not too humid, but with that familiar hint that summer isn’t far away. The atmosphere was electric as the boys welcomed guests and embraced the opportunity to socialise beyond the classroom.

Now, while some people are born to dance — moving naturally to rhythm and beat — I belong firmly in the other camp. My repertoire consists of a few reliable moves: some loud clapping, elbows out, and feet shifting left and right (when the timing works in my favour). If I’m really enjoying the song, there might even be a head wiggle involved! Lyrics are another challenge altogether — much to my family’s amusement when they hear my “creative” versions in the car.

Fortunately, the boys’ dance moves far outshone mine. Thanks to a few impromptu lessons in some classes, there were some impressive displays of rhythm and confidence on the dance floor. I was amazed by how many of them knew the classic hits from the ’70s and ’80s — credit to the parents for that one! The music was in expert hands with DJ Dangerfield, who’s been around long enough that some of our mums and dads might remember him from their own school discos. His mix of student requests (and perhaps a few teacher favourites) kept everyone moving all night.

It was wonderful to see the boys dancing in groups, chatting with friends, sharing a drink outside, and — in some brave cases — asking a guest to dance. The evening showcased the many social skills we’ve focused on this year: eye contact, smiling, introducing ourselves, asking questions, listening, and expressing gratitude. Positivity, resilience and fun were on full display all night.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Mascadri and her team of parent volunteers, whose help with door checks, the cloakroom, canteen, and supervision ensured everything ran smoothly. Their preparation, support and post-event cleanup truly made a world of difference to the success of the evening.

Mr Stephen Rouliadeff, Head of Junior School

A Church on a Mission
What do you think is the mission of the Church?
How do you live your faith or ‘the mission of the Church’?

These were just two of the powerful questions explored by students, staff, and Religious at the recent Walking Together: As a Church on Mission – Religious Orders SYNOD24 Symposium, held at Villanova College on Friday, October 17.

As the global Church continues its journey of synodality, walking together in communion, mission, and participation, the Archdiocese of Brisbane is also discerning how we can become a more co-responsible and inclusive Church. Religious Orders, with their deep traditions of communal discernment, shared mission, and charism, offer rich wisdom and lived experience that can guide this journey.

This unique symposium brought together Year 9 and 10 students, school staff, and members of Religious Orders for a day of dialogue, reflection, and spiritual connection. Participants were seated at intergenerational round tables, fostering rich conversations across diverse charisms and perspectives. We thank Fr Saldie who opened the session and shared about our Augustinian Charism and our students for their thoughtful contributions, who engaged so meaningfully in dialogue with students from other schools, staff, and Religious.

The feedback and ideas from the students have been sent to Rome as part of the global synodal process – an extraordinary opportunity for young voices to be heard in shaping the future of the Global Catholic Church.

Supporting Our Community with St Vincent de Paul
St Vincent de Paul continues to be a lifeline for many in our local community, providing food, clothing, emergency relief, and compassionate support to individuals and families facing hardship. Especially in times of need, their presence brings hope and dignity to those doing it tough.

Our Vinnies Ministry group is now launching our Villanova annual Christmas Hamper Appeal. Each House Mentor group has been assigned a family to support, donations have now started and collections will finish on the 15^th of November. If you are able to contribute,  your donation can make a real difference. Useful items include canned goods, pastas, toiletries, toys, Christmas foods or any gift vouchers. Every small donation helps St Vincent de Paul continue their mission of love and service in our local community.

Celebrating Ministry Leadership and Community Outreach
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Monday as we celebrated our Ministry Leaders at our inaugural celebratory dinner. A special thanks to Leon, our Ministry Captain for his inspiring leadership, and to the staff who have walked alongside him throughout this journey.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wider community who continue to help make the mission of Christ a lived reality. Thank you to the Jansen’s and their support, and to our valued service organisations, Rosies, Vinnies, and Fight 4 Balance.

It was wonderful to reflect on the year that has been and hear from our service partners about future opportunities for our students as they prepare to leave school. A heartfelt thank you to our YAYM students for their generous service throughout the evening, and to our Directors of Service Learning and Project Mission and Identity Officer for bringing it to life. We also extend our thanks to Mr Miller, who cooked and prepared with great care, adding warmth and hospitality to a meaningful night.

Mrs Eleni Greenaway, Dean of Mission and Identity

There’s been a lot of chat lately among both students and parents, about the upcoming social media ban for under-16s. While more information will come out closer to the date, below are some tips and ideas that might be helpful to assist our students (and families) prepare for the change.

From 10 December 2025, the federal government will introduce a ban on social media access for anyone under 16. This includes platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and more. It’s aimed at protecting young people’s mental health and encouraging healthier tech habits during these important developmental years.

We know this will be a big shift – especially for students who’ve grown up with social media as a normal part of daily life. It might feel like a big change at first, but it also opens the door to new (and old) ways of staying connected and balanced.

A few simple tips to support your son through the transition:

• Save what matters: Encourage your son to download any photos or videos he wants to keep before accounts are paused or deleted.
• Keep in touch: Help him exchange phone numbers or email addresses with close friends so they can still stay connected.
• Build new habits: This could be a great chance to dive back into hobbies, sport, face-to-face friendships or time outdoors.
• Keep the conversation open: Check in regularly and let them know it’s okay to find the change tricky – lots of their friends will be feeling the same.
• Consider phone options: A basic phone (or using parental controls on a smartphone) can still allow calls and texts without the distractions of social media.

For more information and useful resources, click on the link below which directs you to the eSafety website;

Social Media Age Restrictions Hub

Blue Tree Project
Blue Tree Project is a mental health charity that began in 2019 after the tragic loss of Jayden Whyte, a much-loved son, brother and friend to suicide in 2018. Blue Tree Project began as a grassroots initiative in regional Western Australia which has grown into a widely recognised and impactful global charity.

As a legacy gift, the 2025 Wellbeing Team has brought the Blue Tree Project to Villanova. Team member Max Green saw one at Whites Hill, discovered what it was about and decided we needed our very own at Villa. You’ll find their tree – a once-dead tree, now painted bright blue – standing outside the Chapel as a symbol of hope, inviting honest dialogue and reminding us all of the importance of looking out for one another.

The Wellbeing team made it happen. And I’m really proud of them. They have been such a great group of boys to work with this year in the mental health space. Led by Captain Xavier W – Darcy W, Max G, Josh R, Jack B and Matt L have come up with initiatives that have brought the Villa community closer, connected students across year levels and have improved our collective wellbeing, all whilst having fun along the way.

Thanks for a great year boys.

This Friday marks the last official school day for our 12s. This cohort is a special bunch, who I have no doubt will go on to achieve so many incredible things. I hope we see many of them return in the years ahead – whether it’s coaching a team, lending a hand or simply dropping in to say hi. Good luck class of 2025 – you’ve been unreal.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Programming

“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”
— St Augustine

As we move through the middle weeks of Term 4, this reflection from St Augustine feels particularly fitting. It reminds us that genuine success in learning is both a gift and a responsibility — one that comes through faith, focus, and perseverance. The term is already filled with energy and purpose, and it has been pleasing to see students across all year levels demonstrating commitment to their studies and pride in their learning.

Next week, our Year 12 students commence their external examinations, and we extend to them our very best wishes for this important final stage of their schooling journey. Information shared earlier in the week outlined the requirements and expectations for these examinations, reinforcing previous communication to students and families. We remind students to remain healthy and balanced during this period—maintaining their study routines while making time for exercise, rest, and reflection. Should unforeseen circumstances or illness occur, parents/carers are encouraged to contact the Teaching and Learning Office as soon as possible so that appropriate support and guidance can be provided.

Across Years 5 to 9, students have this week completed Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Reading and Mathematics. These adaptive online assessments provide valuable insights into student growth and learning progress across the year. The data gathered will help teachers to refine programs and target support where it is most needed. We thank students for their focused approach and genuine effort throughout this process.

Looking ahead, stationery lists for 2026 will be distributed by the end of Week 4. This year, the College has partnered with a new supplier, Box of Books, part of the Officeworks Group. Further details, including timelines and instructions for ordering, will be shared when these lists are released to families.

In Term 3, subject selection events were held for students and parents/carers from Years 7 to 10, and we again thank families for their engagement in this important process. The College is currently finalising the 2026 timetable, and communication will soon be sent to confirm student subject choices. Families will receive an initial email prior to the official confirmation being distributed. While every effort is made to meet student preferences, at times, subject availability or timetable constraints may prevent all preferences from being accommodated. We appreciate your understanding and support in these matters.

As the term progresses, I encourage all students to remain committed to their goals, organised in their approach, and confident in their capacity to grow through challenge. Term 4 is always a busy one, but it is also a time of great opportunity—a time to consolidate learning, demonstrate perseverance, and finish the year well.

Mr Kirk Astill, Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning

Excitement is building as Villanova prepares to host the third annual AIC Esports round at the Hanrahan Theatre, Villanova College. As mentioned previously, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a host of new additions to the event program.

We are proud to announce that our representative teams have been finalised! Representing Villanova will be our Senior “Apex” team, fresh off their victory as the FUSE Cup Minecraft PVP champions, and our Junior Year 7 Cadets team, coached by seasoned Year 10 students Alex T and Taylor P.  A special thank you goes to our Year 7 students for their enthusiastic participation in the selection process for the Cadets team. Their sportsmanship and impressive skills have demonstrated the strength of this cohort, and we are confident they will represent Villanova with pride.

In addition to Minecraft, this year’s event features an invitational Super Smash Brothers Ultimate competition. This exciting tri-schools showdown will see players from Villanova, St Edmund’s College, and St Laurence’s Colleges face off in intense 1 vs 1 matches, as they battle it out to be crowned the ultimate champion.

The action kicks off at 8:45am, with all spectators warmly invited to join us at the Hanrahan Theatre. Whether you’re a seasoned player, fan or new to the world of competitive gaming, this is a rare, local opportunity to experience live esports firsthand. Games will run until approximately 1:00 PM, when our champions will be crowned.

A big thank you to the students who have gone above and beyond in designing, staging, and coordinating the tournament brackets. Your dedication and commitment has been instrumental in making this event possible.

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

Mr Jason Lane, Esports Coordinator

Gala Concert Series
Thank you to all students and staff involved in our recent Gala Concert Series.  Both evenings were extremely well attended, and our musicians did a wonderful job sharing their term’s work with the gathered audiences.  
We would like to thank our Music Support Group, AV Team, and all students and staff involved in these great events.  I would also like to extend my thanks to the parents and families of our musicians who continue to support our activities.
We are looking forward to sharing information regarding our upcoming Christmas Concerts – stay tuned! 

Rehearsals and Lessons
We trust everyone enjoyed their ‘week off’ from rehearsal this week.  We are now returning to rehearsal with our new and improved ‘Term 4’ schedule.  This has been included with this week’s edition of the newsletter – click here.  Please note, this will require your son to attend his ‘new ensemble’ for 2026; this is with the exception of those students in our Tuesday morning Year 5 groups – they remain on Tuesday for the rest of Term. 

Music Camp
We are looking forward to taking 90 musicians to Tamborine Mountain QCCC for the first residential music camp we have held since COVID.  There are a number of very excited musicians ready to take on this adventure – we look forward to sharing more of this event when we return! 

Senior Musician’s Dinner
Last night we shared a little time with our 16 Senior musicians and their families in Hanrahan Theatre.  It was an evening of fellowship and reflection where we celebrated the year, presented our Year 12 music awards, and enjoyed a final performance from our graduating class.  We wish these gentlemen all the best with their next adventure and look forward to seeing them at our music events over the coming years. 

Celebration of Excellence
Our department will be providing musical interludes for this year’s Celebration of Excellence, on Tuesday 11th November.  Symphonic Band, Sinfonia String Orchestra, Big Band, and Drumline will be appearing during the event, with Chamber Brass, Chamber Winds, and Guitar Ensemble 1 providing music in the foyer prior. 

Information will be distributed to participating students early next week via email.  We are looking forward to having our students perform in the premier performance space in our State. 

Key Dates Term 3 and 4
As we look ahead across the term, please ensure we pencil the following dates into your diary: 

Entertainment Publications Memberships
Entertainment memberships are one of the Music Support Groups main fund-raisers.  Just click on the link to purchase a membership and obtain ongoing special deals throughout the year.   

Thank you all for your ongoing support of Music at Villanova College. 

Mr Michael Jones, Director of Music 

Director of Sport Address
As we move deeper into Term 4, there is no slowing down in Villa Sport. While many students are turning their focus toward final assessments and celebrations, our sporting community continues to train, trial and compete with outstanding energy and pride. 

All Trimester 1 sports – AFL, Cricket, Swimming and Volleyball – move into full swing from Week 4. Thank you to our coordinators Mr Tim Joseph (AFL), Mr Nathan Dufty (Cricket), Ms Julie Colbert and Ms Lauren Robinson (Swimming) and Mr Todd Kropp (Volleyball) for their leadership, organisation and professionalism in guiding programs through this busy phase of preparation for 2026. 

A special mention to our Primary AFLQ Schools Cup team, who competed at Maroochydore on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18. It was a fantastic weekend for Mr Hershelle Classen, Mr Tim Joseph and the boys, who recorded outstanding results and represented Villanova with great spirit, teamwork and pride. 

Last week, our Junior Secondary Basketball Team proudly represented Villanova at CBSQ, finishing 7th overall in Queensland at the 2025 Molten CBSQ Junior Secondary Major Tournament – a terrific achievement against the top basketball schools in Queensland. The boys displayed outstanding teamwork, composure and competitiveness across the tournament, reflecting the true spirit of Villanova Basketball. A sincere thank you to Mr Liam Johnston and Ms Sharon Casey for their leadership, coordination and commitment throughout the campaign. 

Best of luck to all students competing this weekend in the Touch Invitational – Primary Teams competing on Friday, October 24 and Years 7 to 11 on Saturday, October 25 – coordinated by Mr Alexander Russell, as well as the Water Polo Invitational (Sunday, October 26) coordinated by Ms Lauren Robinson and the Junior Schools Cup featuring our Years 7 and 8 Volleyball students at Coomera Indoor Sports Centre from Friday to Sunday. We thank Mr Todd Kropp for coordinating and preparing the team for this major event. 

Villanova will also host the AIC Esports Invitational this Saturday from 8:30am–1:00pm, featuring Minecraft Education Capture the Flag (Years 7–10) in the Hanrahan Theatre and Super Smash Bros Ultimate in the St Thomas Building, Level 3, proudly supported by The FUSE Cup. A huge thank you to Mr Jason Lane for overseeing all Esports operations for Villanova and AIC. Students and families are encouraged to attend and support this exciting new initiative. 

Preparation for the 2026 Rugby Union season is also underway, with the Andrew Slack and Ben Mowen squads training under the guidance of Mr Chris Everding, Mr Mannie Navarro, Mr Pat O’Halloran and Mr Bart Ritchie. The squads are focused on skill development, leadership and team culture as we continue to strengthen our Rugby pathways. 

Our 2026 First XI and Development Football Squads begin training next Tuesday in partnership with Pro Player Football. This exciting collaboration brings professional coaching expertise into our program, with a focus on technical development, tactical awareness and teamwork across both Term 4 and Term 1. Thank you to Mr Anthony Kemp and Mr Nathan Dufty for leading this new phase for Villa Football. 

As we edge closer to the finish line of 2025, I encourage all boys to keep showing up with purpose and pride – whether at morning training, afternoon trials or weekend competition. Every effort counts toward the foundation we are building for a strong and successful 2026 season across all sports, both on and off the field. 

Go Villa! 💚💛 

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 phone application will be relied on to provide key updates between Villa View issues. All training and match changes or cancellations will be communicated via the Villanova College phone application.  

No Dog Policy
A reminder that there is a NO DOG policy at all AIC sporting fixtures. Venue coordinators at and adjacent to Villanova 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. 

Lost Property – Villanova Park
Any items left behind at Villa Park will be stored in the First Aid Room. Students are encouraged to collect these during their next visit to the venue.

Fixtures, Results and Training Information
AIC Draw 2025
Please find linked the AIC Draw for 2025.  

Training Schedules
The Term 4, Week 4 Training Schedule has now been published to Student Café, Parent Lounge and the Locker Room pages. Updated schedules will be released each Friday in preparation for the following week. Families are encouraged to check these updates regularly to ensure they have the latest information. 

If any changes or cancellations occur, the Villanova College App will be updated accordingly.
Please note: In the event of cancelled sessions or extremely poor weather, sessions may be adjusted or rescheduled where possible. Thank you for your understanding. 

Key Links 

AIC Sport Results – Associated Independent Colleges 

Sport Specific Updates
AIC Sport Contact List
For information about a specific sport, please first visit the Locker Room page on our website. If you require further clarification, please contact the relevant Sport Coordinator, listed below. Note: Report training or game absences directly to the Sport Coordinator and relevant coach; available on Parent Lounge and Student Café. 

Term 4
Touch Football Coordinator – Alexander Russell (arussell@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Water Polo Coordinator – Lauren Robinson (lauren.robinson@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Trimester 1 Sports Coordinators
AFL Coordinator – Tim Joseph (tim.joseph@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Cricket Coordinator – Nathan Dufty (ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Swimming Coordinators – Julie Colbert (jcolbert@vnc.qld.edu.au) & Lauren Robinson (lauren.robinson@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Volleyball Coordinator – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Sport Office Administration
Sports Administrator – Nathan Dufty (ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au)
AIC Sports Leader – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au) 
Assistant Director of Sport – Anthony Kemp (AKemp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Director of Sport – Matthew Hannan (matthew.hannan@vnc.qld.edu.au) 
Composite District Sport – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Lytton District Sport – Anthony Kemp (AKemp@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 – Nathan Dufty (ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Rugby Union Coordinator – Chris Everding (ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Trimester 3 Sports Coordinators
Basketball Coordinator – Liam Johnston (liam.johnston@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Years 5-8 Basketball Coordinator – Sharon Casey (sharon.casey@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Golf Coordinator – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Rugby League Coordinator – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Tennis Coordinator – Nathan Dufty (ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Track & Field Coordinator – Andrew Lund (andrew.lund@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

AFL
On Friday and Saturday, the 17th and 18th of October, seventeen Year 5 and 6 students travelled to Maroochydore for the AFL 2025 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup (Primary/Gala) event on the Sunshine Coast.
The boys played a total of eight games, coming away with six wins and an exciting draw. While there was no overall prize on offer this year, the boys gained valuable experience and now know what to expect when they compete for the cup in 2026. 

The team was thrilled to play in front of a crowd and even a TV audience, with a few special shoutouts during the commentary. The boys represented Villanova with pride and a special mention goes to Captain Zach G and Archie M, who were standout players across the two days. 

Thank you to coaches Mr Hershelle Classen and Hugo Crawford for preparing the team and to Hershelle and Mr Tim Joseph for attending and supporting the boys over the weekend. 

Years 6 – 12 (2026) AFL Internal Trial Schedule: Weeks 4 and 5 of Term 4, 2025
There are no weekend AFL fixtures, across this fortnight.
Internal AFL trials for 2026 Year 6–12 students will be held across Weeks 4 and 5 at Coorparoo AFC for those wishing to represent Villanova College next season. Attendance at scheduled sessions is required.
Teams will be finalised at the end of Week 5, ahead of external trials in Week 6 vs Iona College. Years 8–10 will play at Coorparoo on Saturday, while Open teams will play at Iona (Friday) and Coorparoo (Saturday).
After perusing this communication, if you still have any queries, please feel free to contact AFL Coordinator Mr Tim Joseph or Years 5–8 Coordinator Mr Hershelle Classen.
Students not selected are encouraged to join Cricket. Please see Mr Dufty in the Sports Office during Weeks 6–7 to be included in 2026 Cricket.
For training and games, players must bring boots, mouthguard and water bottle. Footballs and guernseys will be provided. 

Morning sessions: private transport to Coorparoo, bus return to Villanova.
Afternoon sessions: bus from Villanova to Coorparoo, private transport home. 

** Please note – all year levels below are 2026-year levels. For example, if your son is current in Year 6 (2025), he will attend the Year 7 (2026) trials on Tuesday afternoon the 28th of October. 

Years 6 – 12 (2026) AFL Training and Game Schedule: Weeks 6 and 7 of Term 4, 2025
Internal training will be conducted from Monday to Thursday at Coorparoo AFL Club. Each group will have only one training session per week, except for Year 10 and Opens, who will train twice. 

Weekend trials – game details to be published on The Locker Room by the Tuesday of Trial week.
Note: Guernseys will be provided for weekend trials.
Week 6: All Villanova AFL Teams: Friday, November 14 (Opens Teams) and Saturday, November 15 (Years 5 to 10) against Iona College. 
Week 7: Villanova Years 8A, 9A, 10A and Firsts AFL Squads only: Friday, November 21 (Opens Teams) and Saturday, November 22 (8A, 9A, 10A teams only) against St Laurence’s College.  

Mr Hershelle Classen and Mr Tim Joseph, Y5-8 Jnr AFL Coordinator and AFL Coordinator 

Basketball 
Villanova College’s Junior Secondary Basketball Team has wrapped up an incredible week at the 2025 Molten CBSQ Junior Secondary Major Tournament, finishing 7th overall in the state, a fantastic result against the best basketball schools in Queensland. The boys showed grit and determination across the four-day tournament, highlighted by a massive crossover win that guaranteed Villanova a Top 8 finish. Sam M-W was unstoppable in that game, pouring in 36 points in one of the standout performances of the competition. Although the team eventually fell in the Quarter Final to the eventual champions, King’s Christian College, their composure, teamwork and competitiveness across the week reflected the true spirit of Villanova Basketball. 

Congratulations to all players, coaches and families involved in a memorable tournament campaign. The team represented the College with pride both on and off the court, continuing to build on the strength and tradition of Villanova Basketball. 

Cricket
AIC Cricket 2026 – Selection Trial Important Dates
Cricket trials will be conducted next week at Langlands Park for all students wishing to represent Villanova College in Cricket in 2026. Attendance at the scheduled trial sessions below is required.
Players are encouraged to bring their own equipment; however, College kits will be available for those who require them. This is the first stage of trials, where players will be assessed on batting and bowling by team coaches and independent selectors.
The next phase of trials will be conducted on Sunday, 9 November, at Villanova Park, where selected students in Years 7 to 10 in 2026 will trial in match conditions. From these sessions, players will be placed into trial teams for games scheduled in the new year. 

** Please note – all year levels below are 2026-year levels. For example, if your son is current in Year 6 (2025), he will attend the Year 7 (2026) trials on Tuesday afternoon the 28th of October. 

Years 6 – 12 (2026) Cricket Trial Schedule – Trials will be conducted Week 4, Term 4 – 2025 

Skill Development Training Sessions – A + B Squads Only (Weeks 5, 6, 7 + 8 of Term 4 – 2025)
Skill development sessions will be offered for the following squads listed below; these squads will be selected after the initial ‘net grading sessions’ in week 4. Selected players will be notified directly and all selected players are encouraged to attend. These skills sessions will provide a fantastic opportunity to work on individual and team success for the upcoming AIC Cricket season.  

Both 8A/B and 9A/B Cricket Squads – Tuesday afternoons 3.30-5.00pm at LL Nets.
Both 6A/B and 7A/B Cricket Squads – Thursday afternoons 3.30-5.00pm at LL Nets.
Internal Cricket Trials – Selected players only from Years 7 – 10 (2026), Sunday 9th November 2025 at Villanova Park 

• Please note the trial games for cricket will be played on Sunday 9th November at Villanova Park. These trials are for selected teams/students only from Year 7-10. Depending on whether player numbers increase or decrease during the trials next week, some matches may be added or cancelled due to lower numbers and unavailability (if cancellations do occur to the below trial schedule, parents will be notified via the college app)  

• Date:                  Sunday 9th November 2025 

• Venue:               Villanova Park, Manly Road, Tingalpa 

• Uniform:           Villa cricket whites or any suitable cricket sports clothing 

• * All players need to be at their respective venues 30mins prior to the commencement of their game. 

• Venue:  Villanova Park, Manly Road, Tingalpa 

Cricket Trials Vs IONA College – Saturday the 15th of November (Selected Teams Only). 

• We have scheduled the matches to start at 1.00pm (excluding 1st XI) to allow students to play their club matches that morning. 

• 1st XI – (50 over match) at Iona College from 9.30am-5.15pm. 

• 2nd XI – (35 over match) at Iona College from 1.00pm-6.00pm. 

• 10A – (35 over match) at Iona College from 1.00pm-6.00pm. 

• 9A – (30 over match) at Villa Park (Slack Oval) from 1.00pm-5.30pm. 

• 8A – (30 over match) at Villa Park (Seary Oval) from 1.00pm-5.30pm. 

• 7A – (30 over match) at Villa Park (VP3 Back Turf Oval) from 1.00pm-5.30pm. 

• 6A – (30 over match) at Villa Park (VP4 Synthetic Oval) from 1.00pm-6.00pm. 

Mr Nathan Dufty, Cricket Coordinator 

Swimming
The updated training schedule is now live on Student Café and Parent Lounge. 

Please Note:  Compulsory Swimming Training has commenced:
– Gold Squad (Selection Categories 1 and 2): From Monday morning, October 20, at Langlands Park Memorial Pool – 6:30am arrival for a 6:45am start. Training also continues Tuesday and Thursday mornings, from 6:45–7:45am.
– Green Squad (Selection Category 3): Wednesday mornings at Villanova College Pool, from 7:00–8:00am.
– For further information, please contact Swimming Coordinators Ms Julie Colbert (Communication and Administration) & Ms Lauren Robinson (Training and Performance) 

Behaviour Expectations
All swimmers are reminded that representing Villanova College is both a privilege and a responsibility. Students are expected to:
– Arrive on time, prepared and ready to train.
– Show respect to coaches, teammates and facilities at all times.
– Demonstrate commitment through focus, effort and positive attitude.
– Uphold Villanova’s values of Humility, Community and Restless Search for Truth. 

Poor behaviour or a lack of effort may impact participation in the program. Let us continue to set the standard for effort, discipline and teamwork in the pool.  

Payment Information
Payments for the 2025/2026 Villanova College AIC Swimming Program are now open on Parent Lounge:
Category 1 – Gold Squad: $275 for the season (3 sessions per week, 19 weeks total)
Category 2 – Gold Squad (Club Swimmer): $160 for the season (1 compulsory session per week, 20 sessions total)
Category 3 – Green Squad: $135 for the season (1 session per week, 15 sessions total) 

Families are asked to finalise payments by Friday, 14 November to confirm participation.
All sessions are led by accredited swim coaches and supported by Villanova staff. Thank you for your commitment and cooperation as we prepare for another successful AIC Swimming season.  

Ms Julie Colbert (Communication and Administration) & Ms Lauren Robinson (Training and Performance), Swimming Coordinators 

Touch Football
Villanova College will compete in the annual AIC Touch Football Carnival this Friday and Saturday at Iona College. Over two big days, our Years 5–11 teams will proudly represent Villanova, showing great teamwork, spirit and determination. 

Players are to wear their Villanova green HPE playing shorts and College hat or cap. Singlets for the carnival will be supplied by the College and given out by coaches at the venue. Villanova will also provide tents for shade, sunscreen, a few tables and chairs and water, but students are encouraged to bring their own full water bottles, food and extra sun protection to ensure they’re ready for a full day of games. 

A big thank you to all coaches, referees and staff for their help and support throughout the past few weeks. Best of luck to all teams for what’s shaping up to be an exciting two days of Touch Football. 

Mr Alexander Russell, Touch Football Coordinator 

Track and Field 
The 2025 Track and Field season was a powerful display of commitment, athleticism and school spirit. Our athletes represented the College with pride at the AIC Championships, delivering standout performances across both days of competition. From Years 5 to 12, students demonstrated grit, sportsmanship and a drive for excellence. 

Despite finishing eighth overall, our squad held third place for much of the championship—an encouraging sign of our growing strength and depth. The following athletes achieved first place in their respective events: 

• Austin H – Div 1, 100m, 200m, 400m 

• Bailey H – Div 2, 800m 

• Ben A – Div 1 Long Jump, Div 2 60m Hurdles & 200m 

• Denzel N – Div 2, 200m 

• Eli D – Div 2, 200m 

• Dylan F – Div 1, Open 800m 

• Fraser N – Div 2, 1500m 

• James C – Div 1, 100m Hurdles 

• Joshua N – Div 1, Discus 

• Lewis P – Div 2 Long Jump, Div 3 200m 

• Lindsay D – Div 1, 200m 

• Manaia M – Div 1, High Jump 

• Nathan B – Div 3 100m, Div 2 200m 

• Oscar D – Div 4, 100m 

• Roman R – Div 3, 60m Hurdles 

• Tom D – Div 1, 60m Hurdles 

These results reflect the strength of our training program and the dedication of our athletes and staff.
A sincere thank you to our coaching staff for their expertise and encouragement and to our Directors of Sport for their leadership and vision. We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our support staff and volunteers, whose efforts ensured a smooth and successful season. With the momentum of 2025 behind us, we are already building towards a stronger 2026. Our focus will be on: 

• Increasing participation across all year levels 

• Introducing innovative training strategies 

• Strengthening leadership and team culture 

The future is bright for Track and Field at the College. With continued commitment and support, 2026 promises to be our most exciting season yet. 

AIC Track and Field 2025 – Events and Results 

Mr Andrew Lund, Track and Field Coordinator 

Volleyball
Volleyball trials have commenced this week to accommodate upcoming Goold Hall unavailability. The full trial schedule has now been posted on The Locker Room page. Thank you to families for your patience as this was finalised around a busy College events calendar in Term 4.  All Year levels listed refer to a student’s 2026 Year level (e.g. current Year 8 students attend Year 9 Trials). All students trialling will be invited to attend training sessions and the College trial game v Iona College on Saturday, 15 November. Teams will then be finalised, with successful students continuing training in Week 7. 

Mr Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator 

Water Polo
Villanova College is pleased to announce they will be entering three Water Polo teams selected to compete in the upcoming AIC Water Polo Invitational Competition, hosted at Marist College Ashgrove (entry via Glenlyon Drive). Teams have been finalised across Year 7, Years 8 and 9 combined and Opens (Years 10 and 11 altogether). Players are reminded to check the emailed draw and venue map and to arrive 30 minutes before their first game. Students are responsible for their own transport to and from the venue and may leave once their final game concludes. All players must bring their Villanova sports uniform, black swim speedos, a water bottle, towel, sunscreen and food/snacks for the day. We wish all teams the very best as they represent Villanova College with pride and sportsmanship this weekend. For any questions, please contact the Water Polo Coordinator Lauren Robinson at lauren.robinson@vnc.qld.edu.au.  

Mrs Lauren Robinson, Water Polo Coordinator 

Community Engagement and Parent Involvement
Villa Sports Club
The Sports Club is a great opportunity to connect with fellow parents, support our sporting community and contribute to the ongoing success of Villa Sport. We encourage all parents to attend – your involvement truly makes a difference. 

We look forward to connecting with you there! 

Specialised Services
Strength and Conditioning
The Rugby Union long pre-season is officially underway, now into its second week, with over 45 eager and committed boys on deck. The group has hit the ground running, literally, with plenty of lifting and conditioning as we focus on building a strong foundation for the season ahead. Our Rugby Pathways (Years 8–9) and Year 10 Rugby squads are also putting in the work in the gym, sharpening their fundamentals and showing noticeable improvements in effort and consistency each session. 

Meanwhile, Cricket and AFL have begun their pre-season blocks in preparation for Term 1 competitions, with the focus on developing strength and power to complement skill work on the field. Volleyball athletes are training robustness and resilience in the gym to handle the demands of play and Soccer has kicked off both gym and field work. 

Lead Coach and S&C Coordinator Marco Mastrorocco and the Athletix S&C team are impressed with the energy shown so far and look forward to supporting the boys’ development week in and week out. 

On a final note, welcome back to our staff session, now a consistent crew of enthusiastic teachers who lead by example, coming in at the crack of dawn each week to stay fit. 

Marco Mastrorocco, Coordinator of Strength & Conditioning 

Term 4 Speed & Agility Program
Registrations are now open via Parent Lounge – the program begins in Week 2 of Term 4.
Registrations are now live in Parent Lounge for the Term 4 Speed and Agility Program – a fantastic chance for students to sharpen their skills and build confidence! 

Details:
• Open to all students in Years 5–8
• Cost: $160 for 8 sessions delivered by Matty Scott and elite-level coaches ($20 will be refunded by Week 3, if an 8th session cannot be secured)
• Day: THURSDAY mornings ONLY
• Time: 7:00am to 8:00am
• Venue: Whinstanes Oval
• Start Date: Week 2 – Thursday 16 October. 

This is a great opportunity to build speed, coordination and confidence in a dynamic and supportive setting.  
Please note: In the event of cancelled sessions or extremely poor weather, sessions may be adjusted or rescheduled where possible. Thank you for your understanding. 

Student Notices
Uniform Hire Fees and Returns 
Thank you to all families who returned hire singlets and jerseys last week. The return period is now closed. A $22 hire fee will be applied for all Basketball singlets and Rugby League jerseys. A $100 late fee will automatically be added to any unreturned items to cover replacement costs. 

Sport 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 phone application in the Notices section. Please ensure you have downloaded the Villanova College Application and updated your preferences and settings. The Villa Sports Department will endeavour to cancel morning training sessions by 6am and afternoon training sessions by 2pm. If a training session is cancelled, students must not be dropped at training venues, as supervision cannot be guaranteed. Please check the Villanova College phone application regularly for these notifications. 

If any AIC fixtures are cancelled, we will follow the same procedure above. Timing will be dependent on when that information becomes available. 

Final Reflection
“Excellence is not a single act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.” – Aristotle 

As we near the end of another busy sporting year, I want to acknowledge the quiet consistency that defines Villanova Sport. Success is not found in a single result or moment, but in the daily habits of effort, teamwork and humility shown by our boys, staff and families. Each session, trial and training this term has strengthened the foundation for an even greater 2026. The example set by our coordinators, coaches and students reminds us that true progress is built one choice, one action and one day at a time. 

Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute to the Villa Sport story – your energy, pride and support make all the difference. Keep striving, keep showing up and keep believing in what we can achieve together. 

Go Villa! 💚💛 

Mr Matt Hannan, Director of Sport

Year 7 and 10 Student Immunisation Program
In conjunction with Queensland Health’s annual School Immunisation Program (Ozcare) all year 7 and 10 students will be offered free vaccinations to protect against vaccine preventable diseases.

Year 10 students will be offered vaccines against meningococcal (ACWY – 2 doses and B – 1 dose) disease on Monday 3 November.

Only students whose parents have registered consent for the vaccine will receive the vaccine.   Ozcare has changed to a simple and secured digital system for the 2025 School Immunisation program.   If you wish for your son to participate in this program and did not complete this process earlier in the year when the information was first disseminated, it is not too late to indicate your consent.  Please use the link or the QR code below to register your consent.

https://OzcareMetroSouth.book.vitavo.com.au/school/VillanovaCollege-jLRAUW

• Ozcare will also be offering students in Year 8 and Year 11 the opportunity to receive their missed vaccinations from 2024.  Please use the link/QR Code above.

Please email SIP.Brisbane@ozcare.org.au if you have any questions regarding the digital system or the Immunisation Program.

Host an International Student at Villanova College! 

Non-government schools census collection notice 2025
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).

How and what information is collected for the census?
Census information is provided to the department by your school legal entity (the approved authority) via the SchoolsHUB website.
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 2025)
•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
Census special circumstance applications may also be made by schools to include a student/s who did not attend during the census reference period but otherwise meets census eligibility. Schools will provide the department with information and documents about the student demonstrating their eligibility. The department does not require personal information about a student and asks schools to de-identify any documents before providing them.
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 SchoolsHUB.

Are you ready for Brisbane’s New Bus Network?
The new network, including the introduction of Brisbane Metro M1 services, launched on Monday 30 June. Brisbane’s New Bus Network is inspired by world-class transport systems like those in London, Hong Kong, Auckland and San Francisco, and tailored to meet Brisbane’s growing needs. The new network links local buses with turn-up-and-go services on dedicated busways to deliver more bus services, to more places, more often.

With changes to more than 70% of bus routes, we encourage your students to use Translink’s journey planner to find out what these changes may mean for them. Students can plan their new journey by:

• Step 1: Visiting Translink’s journey planner
• Step 2: Entering their start and end location
• Step 3: Finding their new journey.

For district (school) services, please use Translink’s school service finder and/or Journey Planner on school travel dates.

We’re here to help
We recognise this is a big shift which is why our team and Translink will be at key bus stops and stations to support your students to navigating the new network.
It may take some time for your students and our bus drivers to become familiar with the new network, and we thank you for your patience while these changes are introduced.

You can visit the Brisbane Metro website to learn more about how Council is enhancing our city’s public transport network to keep you moving.

Other network impacts
Logan and Redlands bus changes
On Monday 30 June, Translink also made some changes to Logan and Redlands bus services, including updated stops, new timetables, renamed routes, and route changes. Additional information on these service changes can be found on Translink’s website.

Get in touch about the new network
If you have any additional questions about the new bus network, please contact Translink by calling 13 12 30 or visiting Translink’s website.