Villa View – Issue 18, 7 November 2025

“Celebrating Excellence” – College Awards Evening Tuesday November 11  2025
Next Tuesday evening, we gather as a community to celebrate the many achievements of our students at the annual Villanova College Celebration of Achievement. This special occasion recognises those who have excelled through dedication, perseverance, and commitment across all areas of school life — academics, sport, the arts, faith, and service. We come together as one community to celebrate these young men and their commitment to our College values.

We warmly congratulate all award recipients for the outstanding effort and example they provide to their peers. Their accomplishments reflect the spirit of the Villanova man — striving for excellence while living with humility, integrity, and a genuine care for others.

All families are encouraged to join us at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre Concert Hall to support and acknowledge the young men who embody our College values. Our wish is for this evening to inspire every student to set high goals, work diligently, and continue the journey toward becoming the best version of themselves.

A New Era of Online Safety: What the Australian Government’s “Under-16 Social Media Delay” Means for Families
The Federal Government of Australia has introduced landmark reforms designed to protect younger teens from the pervasive influences of social media. From 10 December 2025, children under 16 years of age in Australia will no longer be permitted to have accounts on certain major social-media platforms.

Key Facts of the Reform
The legislation, known as the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, amends the existing Online Safety Act 2021. \
Its objective is to require “age-restricted social media platforms” to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 years from holding accounts.
Platforms that fail to comply may face civil penalties of up to AUD $49.5 million (approximately) for corporations — currently equating to the very large fine unit ceiling.
Importantly, the regulatory obligation is placed on the platforms, not on children or parents: the law will not impose penalties on a child under 16 who has accessed a service.
The move is described by the government as a “delay” rather than a full ban — reflecting that children can still access non-account based services (for example to view content) but cannot hold interactive accounts.

Platforms Affected
The law covers “age-restricted social media platforms” as determined by regulation. Among those that have been explicitly identified are:

• TikTok

• Instagram

• Snapchat

• X (formerly Twitter)

• Facebook / Meta platforms

• Reddit

• Kick
• YouTube — initially exempted, but later included.

So from 10 December, children aged under 16 will not be allowed to hold accounts on these services.

Why Has the Government Taken this Step?
The government states that young adolescents face increasing online risks including cyber-bullying, harmful content, distorted body image norms, algorithmic persuasion and a growing dependency on digital social platforms at a sensitive developmental stage.
By delaying account access until age 16, the policy aims to allow young people “three more years to build real-world connections and online resilience” before full participation in social media.

The regulation shifts responsibility directly to the platforms to act: to use their established ability to identify and prevent under-16 users from accounts, rather than relying solely on parents or schools.

What This Means for Families in the Villanova College Community
As an educational community we are in support of this initiative. While social media is not inherently evil it does unfortunately allow students ‘in the playground without supervision’.

All too often we have been involved with kids not thinking with clarity and precision, not showing empathy and understanding for others and not being able to process complex social situations and relationships in an effective and critical manner. And of course they can’t …… they’re kids! They are learning, they are not fully formed as people, not complete in their values or understanding of themselves, their identity, and the impact of their words and actions on others.

Given our context as an Augustinian-inspired boys’ school, where wellbeing, relational pedagogy and formation of the whole person are priorities, this reform provides a vital prompt for reflection and practical action.

As a College we will not be able to monitor your sons engagement on these platforms. We will however stop all College platforms that are designed to encourage student engagement with social media. As such the student driven “Novanation” page will be deleted. We will look to other ways for students to engage with one another in healthy and productive ways and share the activities of Villanova College with one another. Additionally, you can expect some significant changes to enforce our mobile phone policy in the weeks to come and next year.

The key players though in this space are parents. As such below are some key ideas for parents and carers to consider:

Practical Tips for Monitoring & Supporting Your Son
Have a frank conversation use the legislation’s coming into effect as a conversation starter. Ask: What does social media bring to your life? What are the good things? What can be tough?
Set clear family agreements now even prior to the December 2025 date, consider family rules around screen-time, device usage (phones, tablets), and account-creation.
Be proactive in supervision
-Check what apps your son has installed.
-Review privacy settings and age-limits on those in use.
-Encourage use of phones/devices in common family areas rather than bedrooms.
Promote alternative forms of connection encourage boys to engage in face-to-face relationships, sport, music, creative tasks, service, and opportunities where digital social media is not the default.
Support digital literacy and resilience teach them to think critically about what they see online — for example: “Why was I shown this video? What are the motives of the app? What happens if I scroll for 30 minutes then another 30?”
Use help-tools & monitoring software where appropriate consider device-parental-controls, screen-time limits, scheduled “phone-free” periods (e.g., during family dinners).
Model healthy behaviour As adults, our screen time, mobile use in social/family time, and digital habits send a powerful message.
Stay informed about the platforms just because your child is under 16 does not mean they won’t access or try to create accounts. The law creates stronger disincentives for platforms, but families still need to maintain vigilance.
Revisit and renew your family contract when the law commences (December 10, 2025) at that point your son may turn 16 and eligibility will change; a review is opportune.

In the Spirit of Augustinian Formation
At Villanova, we emphasise Relational Pedagogy, student-wellness, community-connectedness, and the human flourishing of our young men. We spend a great deal of effort on a student wellbeing program and focus with great energy on mental health and wellbeing of students. Your support of this policy and our College initiatives only reinforces that these are shared values and commitments.
This reform gives us a timely opportunity to emphasise that social media is one tool in a rich landscape of life-experience, not the default or the master. Helping our students to ask:
“How am I using technology?”  “Does it serve me or am I serving it?”

This questioning and challenging for truth aligns with our broader aim of nurturing wise, compassionate, reflective young men.
We encourage you to engage in conversations at home, model healthy digital habits, and partner with us in the school’s programs of wellbeing and digital citizenship. Together we can help our boys navigate the digital world with courage, integrity and purpose.

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.

Commissioning of the Class of 2026
Today, we celebrated the Mass of All Saints, our final eucharistic celebration as a whole College community for this academic year. As part of our service, we commissioned our Year 11 students as the Senior Class of 2026 and formally invested our Student Leadership Team. Year 11 student William D led the incoming Seniors in the taking of their pledge where they promised to enact their motto: ‘Discipline today forges the men of tomorrow’. This motto is an apt articulation of the College value of Interiority which our 2026 College Captain, Reid G articulated so eloquently in his Commissioning Address:

‘Leadership begins within – by drawing upon that self-discipline to not hit the snooze button in the morning, to get up, to put the uniform on with pride.
To have a personal conviction to become the best version of ourselves each and every day. If we cannot lead ourselves, then how can we lead others?’

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

Year 10 Day of Reflection
Last Monday, our Year 10 cohort engaged in our Day of Reflection program facilitated by Mr Michael Fitzpatrick who has worked with our students for many years. The program had an intentional focus on exploring the readiness of the group for the challenges of leadership within the Senior School across the next two years. Michael also conducted a reconciliation ritual that provided opportunities for healing and forgiveness within the group.

I was particularly moved by the students who bravely shared their thoughts and feelings with the whole group. Many stepped beyond their comfort zones, demonstrating remarkable courage. Experiences like these are vital for our students’ personal growth and character development.

The following is a reflection of the day from Year 10 student Rudi A:

The day gave students a juncture to reflect on their actions of the past and build an optimistic mindset regarding the group’s overall future. Through icebreakers, games, activities and opportunities for self-expression, Fitzpatrick ensured all felt heard and valued. The experience was a doorway in which the group could see, and begin to comprehend, the class’ full potential come 2027. It not only set the groundwork for individual leaders to emerge, but instead demonstrated how everyone could be a leader by, showing up, being respectful, and maintaining an open mind in adverse situations. Tying to the gospel values of our Augustinian community and the values of Villanova College, Micheal conveyed the simple nature of his words in action. The day not only exceeded expectations but united the cohort in a way that didn’t seem possible. The event was a standout in the calendar year and should be a model for how students will conduct themselves from here on out.

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, it’s important that we continue to uphold the standards that define us as Villanovans. At Villanova, we often speak about pride – pride in our learning, pride in our relationships and pride in our College. One of the best ways we can show that pride is through the small things we do each day. These small things are exemplified by the choices that need to be made everyday by the young men as they face the various things that life throws their way – from the ordinary to the challenging.

This includes arriving to school and class on time, wearing our uniform correctly, carrying our bags with care, shaving facial hair and keeping hair meeting our College guidelines. These may seem like minor details but together they reflect the attitude and character of our young men. When we finish the year as strongly as we began it, we demonstrate growth, accountability and respect – values that lie at the heart of our Augustinian community though our GREATS.

An essential step in maintaining these standards comes from partnership. When parents reinforce these expectations at home, it sends the powerful message – ‘we are all in this together.’ Consistency between home and school helps our boys understand that these expectations are not about rules for the sake of rules but about developing good habits and pride in themselves.

November marks a crucial time for academic focus. With only a few weeks remaining, now is the time for students to consolidate their learning and study with purpose. Real, sustained, effort is what makes all the difference when it comes to ending the year well – not just in grades but in confidence and readiness for what lies ahead.

Let’s continue to encourage our young men to finish strongly — to do the little things right, to give their best in every class and to uphold the Villanova standards that make our community proud.

For St. Augustine, a person’s character is forged not in grand gestures, but in the daily practice of faithfulness, love, and diligence, especially in the small, often-overlooked “little things” that make up the majority of our lives.

In his own words:

“ …. what is a little thing, is just a little thing, but to be faithful in a little thing, is a great thing”.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

In a world where information is but a click of a button, there is something for the right facts being presented in a safe environment, at the right time.  For our Year 5 students, this would be the case this past Monday with the team from Let’s Chat, led by Mandy Stephens, visiting our dynamic learning spaces.  All students had a 90-minute session focusing on an “Introduction to Changing Bodies”.  It provided the opportunity to use correct language about our bodies and the changes that are experienced by all human beings during puberty.  Most importantly, students are supported to focus on strategies to help keep them safe and practical measures to respond to unsafe situations.  As always, the focus also includes which adults are always available to help – primarily parents, trusted teachers, and the Villanova College Student Protection Team members.

Everyone’s story of changing bodies happens at different times – but it does always happen – so as a community, with the support of the Respect Curriculum, Religious Education Curriculum (Relationships and Sexuality Education) and Health and Physical Education Curriculum documents, we try to give the boys a learning platform.  The sessions involve physical, mental, and social emotional changes as the body naturally matures in readiness for the teenage years, ultimately toward reproduction as adults.  It’s a myriad of exciting times ahead for our youngest Villanovans and to visit the spaces as the sessions took place was a privileged experience.

Mandy and her team of professionals have a range of nursing, education, and health professional backgrounds.  They are also mothers themselves, but above all their passion for first class education about puberty is very clear.  Walking into the spaces, I found our students glued to the details that were being provided about hormones, hair growth, oil/sweat glands, voice boxes, body odours and the likelihood of growing interest in personal grooming and an acute awareness of the people around them being seen in a different light.  For some boys, they immediately recognised their own changes that have taken place, whilst others were filled with curiosity about the changes that might still be on their way.  No matter their stage of development, they had the chance to hear, see and consolidate information that will definitely apply to them!

Questions were encouraged and it might be a very brave adult who would open the floor for this type of topic amongst 29 young men.  To their credit, their “I was wondering” statements were insightful and respectful.  The audience was attentive – it was clear that each person was not the only one with the same question.  Often, this question would then bounce to another, and then another, as Mother Nature simply has a unique way of making our bodies process changes, and some practical elements of “how does that work” is simply fascinating through the eyes of young boys.  They have had some key components of male and female body changes covered in these sessions and I am convinced that it was done with a great deal of trust and composure.

For our Year 6 students, their Let’s Chat Sessions covered the topics of “Managing Changing Bodies” & “Where Babies Begin”, following on from their 2024 Let’s Chat experiences.

This might mean that our students have further ideas to ponder, questions to ask you at home or a little more background knowledge behind them in the near future.  The Let’s Chat website Let’s Chat Education | Puberty, Relationships & Growing Up With Mandy Stephens (letschat.com.au) is a place of further information, and I encourage you to seek Mandy’s team for any advice should you need it via mandys@letschat.com.au – they are only too happy to help families.

Every family will have their own comfort levels around the topic of puberty and each boy’s journey will be his very own to navigate.  I do hope that these sessions help our young men to feel a sense of belonging within a safe and important part of their learning about themselves.

Mr Stephen Rouliadeff, Head of Junior School

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier, American author and motivational writer, who reminded us that true achievement is rarely about grand gestures, but about the quiet persistence to keep showing up and giving our best effort each day. This sentiment reflects the Villanova spirit—where our young men are encouraged to strive for excellence, act with integrity, and continually seek improvement in all that they do.

As we move toward the end of Term 4, our students are called to demonstrate the virtues of perseverance, humility, and focus. It is through these qualities that genuine growth occurs—whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in their service to others.

Research into effective learning habits, including insights from Professor John Hattie’s work on Visible Learning, emphasises that the most successful learners are those who take ownership of their learning, set clear goals, and apply deliberate practice. Establishing strong study routines can make a significant difference, particularly in the lead-up to examinations. Students are encouraged to plan ahead with structured study blocks, review actively through retrieval practice and self-quizzing, and maintain balance through regular rest and reflection. Perhaps most importantly, students should seek feedback early and often—learning is a partnership between teacher and student, and progress comes from collaboration and reflection.

At Villanova College, we are fortunate to have a committed staff who continue to provide a range of tutorials and learning support opportunities to help our students thrive. These sessions offer valuable time for review, clarification, and enrichment. Students are also reminded that teachers are more than willing to assist beyond these scheduled sessions—whether before school, during breaks, or after classes. We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities and seek support whenever they need it.

The Term 4 Examination Timetables have now been published. Students in Years 10 and 11 will have Exam Block privileges, meaning they are only required to attend school when they have an examination scheduled. Students in Years 7 – 9 will attend normal academic classes when not required for an examination. As previously communicated to parents and carers, students must continue to meet all College expectations regarding grooming and uniform standards during this period. It is also vital that students are organised, know the timing and location of each examination, and bring the necessary materials.

For our Year 11 students, this examination period represents a significant milestone—their first summative assessments for a number of subjects. This marks the beginning of their final phase of senior schooling, where diligence, focus, and a commitment to learning will set the foundation for success in 2026.

As St Augustine reminds us, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” Now is the time for our young men to embody this spirit—combining faith, effort, and purpose as they strive for their best.\

The 2026 Stationery Lists have also been published, with information shared via email and available through Parent Lounge. Families are reminded that orders through Box of Books should be placed by Sunday, 7 December, to ensure timely delivery and supply for the start of the new school year.

Finally, we look forward to celebrating the many achievements of our students at the upcoming Celebration of Excellence next week at QPAC. This annual event is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, persistence, and excellence demonstrated across the College. Those receiving awards should be immensely proud of their efforts and contributions to Villanova’s learning community.

As we draw near to the end of another year, we thank our students, staff, and families for their continued commitment to learning. May the final weeks of term be marked by focus, gratitude, and a shared celebration of all that has been achieved together.

Mr Kirk Astill, Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning

AFAS Leadership 2026: A Legacy in the Making
This week, the Mission Team had the privilege of interviewing several passionate young men for the 2026 AFAS Captain roles. Each candidate spoke with conviction and heart, sharing how their AFAS immersion experience has shaped them. It was truly heartening to witness the depth of their reflection and the renewed sense of purpose they now carry. Their desire to continue building the AFAS legacy is a testament to the transformative power of this program.

We are delighted to announce our 2026 AFAS Student Leadership Team:

• AFAS Captain: Sam P

• AFAS Vice-Captains: Dean A and Finn R

Congratulations to these outstanding students. We look forward to the energy, compassion, and leadership they will bring to the AFAS journey ahead.

Expressions of Interest are now open for the AFAS 2026 Immersion. All Year 10 students and their families have received an email with details. If you believe this would be a meaningful opportunity for your son, we encourage you to discuss it with him and support his application.

Green Team and YCS Ministry are in the process of finalising Captains. If you would like to be considered for one of these important leadership roles in our community, please email missionandidentity@vnc.qld.edu.au

AFAS Elders Touch Down in Cebu
The AFAS journey continues! While our most recent AFAS team has only just returned, the spirit of AFAS continues to soar. On Monday, our AFAS Elders team comprised of Mrs Kerry Bayfield and Villa Old Boys, Wilson and Pat embarked on their own immersion journey. Their mission, to explore, plan, and prepare for a unique AFAS Elders experience.

The team touched down in Cebu at 11am Monday morning, greeted not just by warm Filipino hospitality, but also by an unexpected guest, a typhoon.

Thankfully, they are safe and sound, currently staying at the Augustinian Basilica.  After a warm welcome and a quick tour from their gracious host, the team settled in for a well-earned rest. With the typhoon expected to pass through Cebu the group is using this time to begin planning development projects and mapping out their movements for the next nine days.

We are excited to see what this new chapter of AFAS Elders will bring and look forward to sharing more updates from their journey as they continue to build bridges of solidarity and service.

If you know any Villa Old Boys who may be interested in joining future AFAS Elders immersions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The AFAS story is one of connection, compassion, and community and there’s always room for more to be part of it. Please email missionandidentity@vnc.qld.edu.au for more information.

Celebrating Our New Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
This morning, we gathered in the Chapel for a beautiful celebration to commission the first group of our newly installed Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. It was a reverent and joyful occasion, marking an important step in the faith journey of these young men.

We are deeply impressed by their willingness to serve our Augustinian Villanova faith community in this special way. Their commitment to deepening their spiritual lives and supporting the liturgical life of the College is both inspiring and humbling. As they take on this sacred responsibility, we pray that they continue to grow in faith, compassion, and leadership.

This is the first of two commissioning celebrations, with another to follow soon to include more students and staff who have also stepped forward to serve. We look forward to honouring their commitment in the coming weeks and continuing to build a vibrant, faith-filled community together.

Mrs Eleni Greenaway, Dean of Mission and Identity

The incoming 2026 Wellbeing Team has already been busy coming up with creative ways to support the wellbeing of Villa boys. Their enthusiasm and drive to make a difference are inspiring and I can’t wait to see how they contribute to the growth and spirit of the Villa community next year. Their first initiative – Friday Fun Run – kicks off this Friday at 3:15 pm at Whinstanes. It’s all about bringing boys together to have a chat, kick the footy and connect with others from across the College. Founder and Vice Captain-elect Christian M wanted to create an opportunity for boys to come together and talk – about anything or everything, while strengthening relationships across year levels.

A big shout out to incoming Wellbeing Captain Hayden E, who’s been instrumental in getting this up and running. The whole team would love the support of the College community as they launch this new initiative… a simple idea that we hope can make a real impact.

Recently, Old Boys Cameron Bukowski, Connor Maloney, Jackson Maloney and Larry Clark returned to speak with the Year 12 cohort during their final Wellbeing lesson. They offered valuable advice, shared personal experiences and answered questions about life after school. Their responses were honest, refreshing and something I feel the Year 12s appreciated.

One of the things that makes Villa so special is the strong connection our Old Boys maintain with the College. Whether it’s through the Wellbeing program, coaching sport, or simply staying involved in different ways, their continued presence enriches Villanova and reflects our Augustinian value of Community. We hope all our graduates know that while their time at school has ended, their connection to the Villa community continues well beyond the gates.

With assessment just around the corner, it’s important that the boys find a good balance between study and downtime. While putting in the effort is essential, taking time out to relax and recharge is just as important. Research shows that even a short break (anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes) can help clear the mind, boost energy and make study time more effective and focused.

It can also help to keep phones and other distractions out of the room while studying. Staying focused for shorter, uninterrupted periods often means the work gets done faster and the downtime afterwards feels even better.

Good luck to all the boys as they head into their upcoming assessments.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Programming

Villanova Esports Update: AIC Esports Round 2025
This year marked the fourth annual AIC Esports Round, proudly hosted in the Hanrahan Theatre. Since its inception in 2022, this event has set the standard for organised interschool esports across Australia, showcasing the rapid growth and interest of competitive gaming.

Esports is far more than playing video games – it is a focused, competitive, and team-oriented environment where planning, strategy, and precision are just as important as skill. At Villanova, esports also promotes inclusivity, offering students who may not have had the chance to represent the College before the opportunity to compete, collaborate, and show their skills in a very public arena.

This year’s main event was the Minecraft Capture the Flag competition, complemented by the introduction of Super Smash Bros Ultimate, a student-run event that was also a resounding success.

I would like to acknowledge the following staff and students for their significant contributions:

• Mr Caain Miller for leading the design and AV setup of the theatre.
• Zac H. and Rex A. for AV, networking, and technical support.
• Toby P. and Taylor P. for event setup, student coordination/leadership, and coaching the Year 7 Junior Cadets.
• The FUSE Cup for their continued support and sponsorship of the Super Smash Bros competition.
• Damian E. for his invaluable role in managing the round robins, and elimination fixtures for both Minecraft and Super Smash Bros Ultimate!
• Our Hosts and MCs (Cameron D., Joseph Y., Coen W., and Alex T.) for their patience and support of all players and teams competing on the day.

Competition Results
Villanova entered two teams into the Minecraft Capture the Flag competition: a Senior Year 8 team and a Junior Year 7 Cadets team. Both teams were undefeated during the group stage and advanced to the semi-finals. In a hard-fought battle, the Year 8 team was narrowly defeated by St Peters.

Our Junior Year 7 Cadets team continued their unbeaten record into the Grand Final, to claim the AIC Minecraft Esports trophy for the third consecutive year. Congratulations to our Year 7 Cadets – George D., Miguel G., Nate N., Tomas R., Luke S., and team captain Nathan E.

In the Super Smash Bros Ultimate tournament, Villanova was also successful with Cooper C. claiming victory after an unbeaten record across 25 matches. Cooper was well supported with other peers from Villa achieving similar success in their round robin matches against other AIC competitors.

Congratulations to all!

Mr Jason Lane, Esports Coordinator

Rehearsals and Lessons
A quick reminder that all rehearsals will continue through until Week 7 on our new rotation.  We distributed this to families last week, along with publishing in our last newsletter contribution.  The document is included again for your information.

We do have a handful of students who were attending JS Band on Wednesday, that we have seconded as leaders for Year 5 Band on Tuesday.  We apologise for any confusion; however, the emails received with your son’s rehearsal times are correct.  We look forward to seeing all those students next Tuesday morning!

All instrumental music lessons will continue through to at least the end of Week 6.  Students may have some make-up lessons scheduled during Week 7; however, there will be no teaching during Week 8 due to assessment.

Music Camp
A big thank you to the students, parents, and staff that made our recent music camp a success.  We were excited to be able to deliver our first residential music camp post-COVID, and from the feedback received, so were the students!  It was a great time away at QCCC Tamborine where we had the opportunity for students from across the program to commune, rehearse, and create some great music together.

We look forward to next year’s camp – stay tuned for the venue and date!

Year 5 Christmas Concert
Our Year 5 musicians and Aural Musicianship students will be presenting their Term 4 music at our annual Year 5 Christmas Concert.  This event will be taking place in Hanrahan Theatre on Tuesday 18 November, commencing at 2:15pm.  Tickets will be required (these will be free) to assist with managing seating.  A link will be distributed to all Year 5 student families by the end of this week.

We are really looking forward to this final, fun performance opportunity for the boys.

2025 Christmas Extravaganza
Our final concert for 2025 will be convened in Goold Hall on Tuesday 18 November, commencing at 6pm.  This event is a great celebration for another wonderful year and is a relaxed opportunity for us to gather in community and welcome the upcoming Advent Season.

Tickets are required and will be for sale through TryBooking.  A link will be distributed to the community over the end of this week.  Admission is for two and provides access to a piece of carpet – remember to bring your camp chairs (we’ve sold all of ours!).  The Music Support Group will be running a BBQ and drinks stand; however, we recommend you preorder your burger when you purchase your tickets.

This is always a great night – looking forward to sharing this with you again!

Celebration of Excellence
Our department will be providing musical interludes for this year’s Celebration of Excellence, on Tuesday 11 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.

A reminder that all vocalists, Symphonic Band, Sinfonia String Orchestra, Drumline, and Big Band students are to meet at the Stage Door of QPAC at 7:30am on Tuesday 11 November.  The Stage Door is located in the tunnel under QPAC – entering from Grey St it is almost directly opposite South Brisbane Station; entering from the river side, it is almost directly opposite the ‘BRISBANE’ sculpture on the Cultural Forecourt (riverbank).

Looking forward to another great performance / showcase opportunity for our students and department.

Music Support Group AGM
Our fantastic Music Support Group will be holding their Annual General Meeting at 6:30pm on Monday 10 November, in the Chapter Room, located at the front of the Augustine Centre.  Our current President, Rebecca Keighran, will be ‘retiring’ as her son is a Graduand of the class of 2025.  We look forward to welcoming members of our community who would like to take an active role in supporting the activities of our music program, students, and staff.  Come along – all are welcome

Key Dates Term 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 Term 4 continues, our sporting community remains active and purposeful. While students prepare for end-of-year assessments and celebrations, our boys and coaches continue to train, trial and plan with great spirit as we build toward a strong 2026 season. 

Trimester 1 2026 Preparation – AFL, Cricket, Swimming and Volleyball
Trials and early training sessions are well underway across all four programs. Thank you to families for your support with attendance and communication. Please continue to check The Locker Room and the Villanova College App for weekly schedules and any weather updates. 

Sophomore Basketball – CBSQ Success
Congratulations to our Sophomore Basketball squad who placed fifth in Queensland at the CBSQ Major Tournament – an impressive result against strong competition. Well done to the players and to coaches Mr Dom Hayes and Ms Sharon Casey for their energy, guidance and leadership. 

Football Development and First XI – Begins Week 6
Weather permitting, our 2026 First XI and Development Squads will commence training next week in partnership with Pro Player Football, focusing on advanced technical and tactical development across Term 4 and Term 1. 

AFL and Cricket Trials
AFL selection trials for Years 6 to 12 conclude by next Tuesday at Coorparoo AFL Club ahead of trial matches against Iona College in Week 6. Cricket internal trials were completed earlier this week. Thank you to all boys for their effort and to coaches for clear communication and support. 

Swimming
Gold Squad training continues at Langlands Park Pool on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, with Green Squad sessions at the Villa Pool on Wednesdays. Our swimmers have made a very positive and focused start. Parents are kindly reminded that payment is due by Friday, 14 November (Week 6). Further details are available in the Swimming report below. 

Volleyball
Volleyball trials and training continue across the fortnight with temporary venue adjustments due to Goold Hall upgrades. These trials will continue until Week 7. Thank you for your patience and flexibility. 

Thank You
We appreciate the commitment of our families, coaches and students during this busy phase of preparation. Every session contributes to a confident and connected start to 2026. 

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
Training Schedules
The Term 4, Week 5 Training Schedule has been published to Student Café, Parent Lounge and the Locker Room pages. Updated schedules will be released by Friday afternoon 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. 

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. 

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) 

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

AFL
Years 6 – 12 (2026) AFL Trial Update
Teams will be finalised on Student Café and Parent Lounge by Tuesday afternoon of Week 6 (11 November), ahead of external trials in Week 6 vs Iona College. In Week 6, Years 9 and 10 will play at Coorparoo on Saturday, while Open teams will play at Iona on Friday and all other teams will also play at Iona on Saturday.
For training and games, players must bring boots, mouthguard and water bottle. Footballs and guernseys will be provided.
|Students not selected are encouraged to join Cricket. Please see Mr Nathan Dufty in the Sports Office during Weeks 6 to 7 to be included in 2026 Cricket. 

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

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. Year 5 students will train once, on Wednesday 12th November.  

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, with the draw released by the Tuesday of Week 6. 

• 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, with the draw released by the Tuesday of Week 7.   

Timetable and Expectations for Bus Travel  

• Morning sessions: private transport to Coorparoo AFL at Birubi St Coorparoo, with a bus return to Villanova. 

• Afternoon sessions: bus from Villanova to Coorparoo AFL at Birubi St Coorparoo with private transport home. Please collect students at 5:00pm. 

As our teams continue training and travelling across venues this term, we ask all families and students to please support the following expectations when travelling on College buses. These routines help ensure everyone arrives safely, represents Villanova proudly and maintains a respectful environment for all. 

Student Expectations

• Arrive on time and board promptly
  • Wear seatbelts for the duration of the journey
  • Remain seated throughout the trip
  • Use respectful language and behaviour at all times
  • Phones may be used for music with headphones only
  • No food or drink on the bus
  • Collect all items at the end of the trip and leave the bus clean 

Leadership and Responsibility
Older students are encouraged to lead by example and support younger players in upholding these standards. 

Safety and Courtesy
Students must follow directions from bus supervisors and drivers. Any concerns or unsafe behaviour are to be addressed promptly with families. Thank you for your support in helping our boys travel safely and uphold the values of Villanova College in every environment. 

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. 

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

Basketball
Over four exciting days on the Gold Coast, Villanova College’s CBSQ Sophomore Basketball team (Years 7 & 8) competed proudly in one of Queensland’s most prestigious school basketball tournaments — the Champion Basketball School of Queensland (CBSQ). 

Each year, schools from across the state trial for a place in the competition, with only 90 schools accepted. These schools are then divided into divisions, with just 16 schools competing in each. Impressively, all three Villanova teams — Opens, Junior Secondary and Sophomore — qualified for Division 1, marking an outstanding achievement for the College’s basketball program. 

The Opens team set the tone early, finishing 9th in Queensland, followed by the Junior Secondary team who placed 7th. Rounding out the campaign, the Sophomore team capped off the season with an incredible 5th place finish in the state — the highest of the three Villanova teams. 

The boys are to be commended for their valiant effort throughout the tournament. Facing a particularly tough draw, they showed great resilience and teamwork, earning recognition as one of the most defensively strong teams in the competition. Offensively, their balance and unselfish play stood out — with four Villanova players ranking in the top ten for average points scored across the entire tournament, an impressive reflection of how well they worked together as a team. 

Coaching team of Mr Dom Hayes, Ms Sharon Casey and Chan Sok, who combined their strengths to guide the boys through the competition. Dom’s quick offensive play-calling, Sharon’s relentless defensive focus and Chan’s sharp statistical analysis made for a dynamic and effective coaching group. 

Behind the scenes, Team Manager James Dent was an invaluable support — coordinating logistics, managing long 14-hour days and ensuring everything ran smoothly. And of course, a big thank you to the parents whose energy and encouragement from the sidelines made all the difference. 

Congratulations to the Villanova CBSQ Sophomore team on an exceptional performance — a true display of teamwork, discipline and pride in the green and gold. 

Mrs Sharon Casey and Mr Liam Johnston, Y5-8 Jnr Basketball Coordinator and Basketball Coordinator 

Cricket
Thank you to all students and parents for your patience across the last fortnight, the weather certainly threw up some challenges to us, but we were able to reschedule all sessions and complete phase 1 of the selection trials. A big shoutout to the team coaches who gave up their time and assisted in the selection process. The years 6 to 10 (2026) ‘A/B cricket squads’ have now been finalised and posted in the Parent Lounge. 

Please see below some important dates for some upcoming trials and training sessions for selected teams.  
Internal Trials (Sunday the 9th of Nov) for Years 7-10 (2026) A/B squads only

Due to much lower numbers once again due to the introduction of additional AFL teams, we will have no C/D squad internal trial matches. For this reason, all matches will now be played in the morning, with all matches finishing by 12.30pm to free up the Sunday afternoon for everyone. All players are asked to arrive by no later than 8am for an 8.15am start. 

Skills sessions for the following Squads (2026) only: 6A/B, 7A/B, 8A/B and 9A/B
These sessions will run across the next three weeks starting in week 6. These sessions will be skills-based training with a batting + bowling drills component, but a strong focus will also be placed on ‘fielding skills’ and ‘fielding technique’ improvement. 

These skills sessions will be run by the team coaches. 

• 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. 

Cricket Trials Vs Iona College – Saturday the 15th of November (selected 2026 teams only). We have scheduled the matches to start at 1.30pm (excluding 1st XI) to allow students to play their club matches that morning.
1st XI – (50 over match) at Davine Oval, Iona College from 9.30am-5.15pm.
2nd XI – (30-35 over match) at Harron Oval, Iona College from 1.30pm-5.30pm.
10A – (30-35 over match) at McCarthy Oval, Iona College from 1.30pm-5.30pm.
9A – (30-35 over match) at Villa Park (Slack Oval) from 1.30pm-5.30pm.
8A – (30-35 over match) at Villa Park (Seary Oval) from 1.30pm-5.30pm.
7A – (30-35 over match) at Villa Park (VP3 Back Turf Oval) from 1.30pm-5.30pm.
6A – (30-35 over match) at Villa Park (VP4 Synthetic Oval) from 1.30pm-5.30pm. 

Cricket trials vs Gregory Terrace at Villa Park on Monday the 1st of December, both matches will start at 9.30am. 
1st XI (50 over match) on Slack Oval.
2nd XI (40 over match) on Seary Oval. 

The 2026 team lists for ‘all cricket teams’ including the new Year 5 teams will be finalised and posted in the Parent Lounge by 3pm next Thursday. 

Mr Nathan Dufty, Cricket Coordinator 

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

Please Note

• Compulsory Swimming Training has commenced: 

- Gold Squad (Selection Categories 1 and 2): 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) 

Payment Information 
Payments for the 2025/2026 Villanova College AIC Swimming Program are 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 via the link: vnc.school/AICSwimming2526. 

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. 
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 

Volleyball
Thank you to those families who have attended the Volleyball trials in Term 4 so far, trials will continue over the next two weeks with the trial process concluding with the full School trial game v Iona College on Saturday 15 November. Further, all students who have registered for trials will be included in a team for the Iona match where coaches will make final selections. Final selections will then be posted via Parent Lounge and students who are selected in a team for the 2026 season will then continue for the match v St Laurence’s College on Saturday 22 November. 

Recently members of the Year 7 & 8 volleyball teams from the 2025 season headed to the Gold Coast to compete in Volleyball QLD’s Junior Schools Cup event. During the 3 days of competition, both teams displayed some great volleyball skills and determination as they took on teams from all over Queensland. Whilst both teams did very well throughout the tournament, a special mention goes to our Year 7 team who took the Bronze medal home! This is a fantastic achievement for our Year 7 team and we know it puts both teams in good stead for the upcoming AIC season. A thank you to our coaches and staff who attended the event – Mr Rolls, Ms Waterson and coaches Ewan, Luca, Lachie and Luke.  

A couple action of action shots are included below: 

Mr Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator 

Met East & Composite Sport (representative) 2026
For Sport families who participate in the School Sport Pathway (Composite/Lytton district, Met East or QLD Schoolboys) I wish to provide an update around the changes for 2026.  

Earlier this year, the State and Regional School Sport offices have conducted a review of current format of regional sport. Following this, Schools/Colleges have been reassigned to a new District for 2026 and beyond. Villanova College now belongs to the Central Sharks district which will replace Composite/Lytton. A full update of changes will be published in the coming weeks but a few things to note –  

Central Sharks will be the district for all 10-19 Years sport events
The list of schools included in this district has been changed
With age group and changes to the schools included, we anticipate changes to the process for nominating for Swimming, Cross-Country and Track & Field 

Further changes will be communicated in the coming weeks. 

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
Term 4 Speed & Agility Program
Registrations are now open via Parent Lounge.
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! Sessions kick off on Thursday of Week 2 (16 October), as Week 1 clashes with the AIC Track and Field Championships. 

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 

This is a great opportunity to build speed, coordination and confidence in a dynamic and supportive setting.  
Please note: Extreme heat or lightning may require short-notice changes to training or matches, including reduced session time, venue changes or cancellation. Updates will be communicated via the Villanova College App. 

Student Notices
Met East Cricket: Nomination information for the Met East (representative) 15 – 19 Years Cricket Team for 2026 is now available from the Sports Office. Interested students are to see Mr Dufty to register your interest.  

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
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden 

As we move through trials, new skills and selection decisions, I want to acknowledge the character our boys continue to show. This time of year can bring excitement, nerves and sometimes disappointment, especially when learning new skills, stepping out of comfort zones and managing the feeling of missing a squad. 

Dayne Zorko is a Brisbane Lions champion who was overlooked in multiple AFL drafts as a teenager yet refused to give up. Through hard work and persistence he rose from local football to become club captain, a multiple Best and Fairest winner and two-time premiership player, a reminder that resilience and consistency often outlast early selections. 

Sport teaches us that progress is rarely a straight line. What matters most is turning up with a positive attitude, supporting teammates, trying your best and bouncing back when things do not go your way. Every session, conversation and effort builds resilience and confidence for the season ahead. 

Whether you made a squad, are still training hard or are shifting into another program, your commitment and spirit strengthen Villanova Sport and the community we are proud to be part of. 

Keep learning, keep growing and keep showing up for one another. The best teams are built not just on talent but on humility, care for teammates and the courage to keep going. Go Villa! 💚💛