Villa View – Issue 19, 15 Nov 2024

Year 12 graduation week
This week has been one of great celebration for our Senior Students and their families. On Wednesday night we held our graduation dinner followed by graduation Mass and presentation on Thursday Night. At times such as these there is wonderful opportunity to reflect and consider the actions, achievements and contribution of the Senior cohort.

I certainly thank and congratulate our College Captain of 2024, Tiernan O’Neill, on an outstanding year of leadership and community formation. He was in everything and led in a manner of honesty and commitment. His friendship and challenge to all to make each day count was both refreshing and inspiring. Equally, I acknowledge our Vice Captains and student council president. Ewan McCarthy, Joe Grigson, Charlie Kerr and Diego Wieczorek whom each gave freely of their time and talents to steward out community toward respect, accountability and growth. They have worked wonderfully as a team and served our community with humility and spirit. They have led the Senior cohort well.

Of course, that does in fact then leave the senior cohort. What a wonderful group of boys to lead the first year in a new House system. The House captains and portfolio captains worked collaboratively and positively with staff to continue to build and grow Villanova’s fine traditions and reinforce our gateway values. They represented us in sport, music, culture and the arts in a way that was energetic and humble. They have certainly continued to uphold our values and our intent to graduate young men of Christian faith and action who can use the example of Augustine and the Augustinians to shape their journeys. We wish them all the very best.

Parent Survey
This week we released the 2024 parent survey. The survey is an instrument to allow us to create a link between parents and the school and receive feedback so that we can ensure we have the best quality practices that support community needs and can plan both your son and our staff education. In anticipation of your involvement I thank you for taking the time to complete the survey and help improve our community. It is stated in the email and the survey that while it is confidential it is not anonymous. I believe that through confidentiality and quality follow up conversations where necessary, we can build a better understanding than being unable to garner the deeper details required from quality responses when they are anonymous.

Online Safety
In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in the lives of young people, offering ways to connect, learn, and share experiences. However, it also presents challenges and potential risks that can impact their wellbeing. As we work together to support our children, we want to encourage open and ongoing conversations at home about social media, online interactions, and digital boundaries.

At Villanova, we are committed to helping students navigate these challenges responsibly. We recently invited respected author and journalist Madonna King to speak to students about social media use, online pressures, and the impact of digital interactions on mental health. Additionally, our wellbeing program includes dedicated units focused on social media awareness, helping students understand both the benefits and potential risks involved. These programs aim to equip students with tools and strategies to make safer, more informed choices online.

At home, though is perhaps the area of greatest importance. Whatever we do at school needs support, discussion, and monitoring at home. As parents, while it is difficult, taking ownership of your child’s digital behaviours and engagement is of the highest priority. As schools we can only do so much, we don’t own their phones, or pay for their plans. We do need parents to take the lead because these are your devices, and we will provide as much support as we can.

I often look at young people’s internet access and social media use a little like when you were teaching your child to swim.

While pools, rivers and the ocean can be places of great fun and enjoyment they are also dangerous if you don’t know how to swim. As parents we acknowledge this and teach them how to swim. In the early stages of learning we first get into the water with them and support them and teach them some basic safety. As they get confidence, we remove some of the scaffolds of support and replace our presence in the water with ‘floaties’ on and often take time to have others teach them. But they are still always supervised! In fact, at what age or level of confidence, do we allow them to be truly alone in the pool or ocean? Even at the family BBQ, when the kids are all playing in the pool there is still a casual eye just making sure they are safe.

As parents do we treat the Internet and Social media the same? The psychological, behavioural and physical impact of a child’s unfettered and unmonitored reign in cyberspace has devastating consequences! Much the same as unsupervised behaviours in pools or at the beach. So why do we allow this to occur? There is too much evidence that children do not have the maturity to freely use a large number of cyber platforms without guidance and monitoring. Any platform where there is perceived anonymity, or that images and messages can ‘disappear’ are dangerous.

I would implore you to do regular check-ins on your child’s devices, the apps they are using and the content on their phone. Talk with them about their social media experiences can help you stay aware of any challenges they may face. Seek advice from friends, colleagues and the school if you don’t feel you have the necessary knowledge. Independence on social media and the internet comes with knowledge and maturity and the development of skills and character. Even as they do get older maintaining a balance between respecting their independence and ensuring their safety is a delicate walk, but it is essential in helping them navigate social media safely. We encourage you to have open discussions about privacy, online interactions, and how to respond if they encounter troubling content.

Please remind your son that they can always reach out for support—whether to you, trusted adults, or school staff. If you have any questions or would like guidance on discussing these topics, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Staff Movement
It is with some sadness I share that we have two Senior staff members moving on at the end of this year. Our Dean of Mission and Identity Ms Kate Garrone is taking up the Dean of Mission role at Ambrose Treacy College from January 2025. Kate has been such a positive influence in our College and a true ‘change maker’ in her approach to the role and the way that she works with and encourages staff, students, and parents. Kate leaves behind a significant social justice legacy having re-energised the AFAS program and reshaped significantly the Mission Week celebration. We wish her all the very best in her new role.

We also farewell at years end our Head of Sport Mr Shaun McLean. Shaun will take on the role of Director of Sport at St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace in 2025. While Shaun has only been at Villanova for the past two years he has transformed and modernised the sport department and its practices and brought renewed accountabilities to roles. The introduction of Clipboard, Coaches induction program and the biannual feedback surveys have been significant improvements that will remain as his legacy.

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.

Farewell to the 2024 Year 12 Cohort

As we approach the end of the academic year, I would like to take a moment to celebrate and bid farewell to our 2024 Year 12 cohort. With the three week external examination block being completed at the beginning of the week, and graduation events occurring over the last two days, it’s important to acknowledge the impact and effect the group had in their time at the College. I have been fortunate to know some of these young men since before they commenced school, so to be able watch them mature into young adults has been quite remarkable. Whilst I have had the privilege of watching them on sportsfields, courts and track, in concerts and musicals, it has been the classroom where they have excelled. I am looking forward to the second week of December where each student’s final results are released and the reward for their hard work is realised. Discussions with the students across the examination block were very positive and there was a quiet confidence by many in their performances. In finishing up this week, all were very clear with their comments about the teachers that have guided them across the school journey; they could not have done it without them. We keep our Year 12’s in our thoughts now that they move to Old Boys of the College and into the next period of their lives.

Celebration of Academic Achievement

Last Tuesday night, the College community had the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students throughout the year. I want to especially congratulate those students the community celebrated for their academic achievements. On Assembly this week, we invited our Dux and Proxime Accessits for each year level on stage so that the entire student body could acknowledge their achievements. The hard work and resilience of these young men is something that should be celebrated.

I meet regularly with the College’s Academic Captain. In 2025, we are fortunate to have Sam Mar Fan lead the academic portfolio across the School. In meeting with Sam last week, I asked him to address the student body for the first time. His only guidelines in putting together his speech was to acknowledge the theme of accountability and that this week we would be acknowledging academic excellence. This is a transcript of Sam’s speech:

“It gives me great pleasure today to address the College community for the first time as the 2025 Academic Portfolio captain. Every leadership position is a privilege and I hope to be able to lead by example by inspiring and encouraging each student throughout the next 12 months to do their very best in the academics. I thank my peers for entrusting me with this role.

In a moment we will have the opportunity to congratulate a number of students for their achievements across the last 10 months. These are the students who were awarded Dux and Proxime Accessits last Tuesday night at the Celebration of Excellence. I would like to extend my congratulations to you all. Your hard work, your dedication to your studies, and in keeping with today’s theme, your ability to hold yourself accountable to your studies is commendable. 

We do know, however, that by their very nature, only 1 or 2 students can receive these awards. As a result, a large number of you here will not receive these awards; many of you here today will not be acknowledged for your studies. But in all of this, many of you continue to give of your best and achieve excellent results in the subjects that you study. Yes, there may be some disappointment at times when you give of your best and you don’t quite hit the mark, However, I have always admired Villanova students in recognising that you have your own gifts and talents, and that you all bring a different perspective to Villanova, that you all have your own version of being your best self, regardless of whether you are top of a subject or not.

But what drives achievement knowing that there may not be recognition at the end? For most, it lies with that desire to search for the truth, that ongoing desire to continually improve one’s knowledge. It also lies with looking within ourselves and recognising the real reasons we want to do our best. Wherever you find enjoyment and purpose in life, whether that be in the classroom, or even on the sporting field, or anywhere else, it is important to recognise that accountability lays the foundation of success and allows this search for truth and contributes to that sense of interiority. Succeeding is not a matter of being perfect, but a matter of being willing and motivated to take responsibility for your actions and their consequences. 

Coming back to our award winners, I want you all to realise that the boys we will acknowledge on stage are not perfect, they were not up here because they have never made mistakes. Their individual success in their journeys stems from making mistakes and learning from them. That is accountability. That is the attitude that fuelled their journey from Term 1 day 1, to today. In the wise words of renowned entrepreneur and speaker, Jim Rohn, “You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.”  

The seasons and the winds are the uncontrollables, the circumstances we’re forced to live with, and are often the excuses we fall back on when we fail. Although it may be tempting to reach for something outside of your control to blame for a tough loss or a disappointing mark, real growth lies in focusing on what we can control; our actions, our behaviours, and our habits. Once we learn to embrace these, our attitudes and our actions will change for the better, and the simple mistakes we make along the way will become nothing more than an opportunity for growth.

I am no stranger to being imperfect, to not holding myself accountable. I can’t count the number of times I blamed a bad loss or mark on someone or something else. Which is why I stand before you today, not as a foolproof example of being perfect, but as a fellow Villanova brother who has made many mistakes. 

To my Year 11 cohort, with the Years 12s finishing their final exams today, and with graduation around the corner, we now take on greater leadership. And with that comes a responsibility, with our first internal assessments approaching rapidly we must strive to be better, to learn from our mistakes and not disregard them. As I mentioned earlier, accountability is the foundation of success, as a cohort we must hold each other and most importantly ourselves accountable for our actions in order to succeed collectively. If you haven’t already, now is the time to make the change and be accountable.

To end I want to quote renowned author, Whitney Goodman, “You’re going to mess up. So instead of trying to be perfect, learn how to be accountable.” 

As we all approach the final weeks and assessment of the year, own your progress so far and if required make changes to your routine, your study plans, whatever it is that will help you succeed in your own way. Accountability means owning our actions and embracing mistakes as chances to grow. When we’re unafraid to make mistakes, we open ourselves to learning, improvement, and becoming our best selves.”

With thoughts and words like the ones above, I look forward to working with Sam across the next 12 months.

Subject Confirmation and Stationery Lists

Subject confirmation for 2025 for Years 8 to 11 will be sent out on Monday. Stationery lists are available on Parent Lounge so once subject confirmation has been sent, parents/carers of students in Year 7 to 10 can order. Parents/carers of students currently in Year 5 and 6, and Year 11 can place orders now as all subjects are compulsory or have been studied this year. Please contact Mrs Kerryn Graham (Teaching and Learning Office) if you have any questions with regards to stationery packs or ordering.

Examination Preparation

It’s never too early or too late! With examination time approaching, it is time for students to seriously think about making study notes, especially if they haven’t been doing them regularly throughout the year. Please encourage your son(s) to find out what topics will be tested, make a quick mind map of each topic so they can see an overview of what they need to learn, then start making point form notes about what they need to learn and remember for the examination. You want to make your study notes as soon as possible so you have ample time to learn them and to do lots of practise questions.

Top 5 tips to improving notes:

1. POINTS: Avoid long sentences and condense content into key points.
2. TABLES: Use tables wherever you can to create structure and make the content easier to learn.
3. KEY WORDS: Pull out key words and capitalise them (as shown in this list).
4. HIGHLIGHT: Make sure the main content stands out (but don’t go crazy with colour).
5. FEEDBACK: Show your notes to teachers, parents and friends so they can suggest ways to improve them.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Year 12 Graduation
Last night, the Senior Class of 2024 concluded their Villanova journey following the conclusion of the Graduation Mass and Ceremony. As a Catholic school in the Augustinian Tradition, it is important to recognise the centrality of the Eucharist in our concluding rites of passage for our young men and now graduates as they move beyond the College gates and into the world formed with the Gospel message and our values.

The Class of 2024 has walked an eclectic Villanova journey and will be remembered for their pioneering work in the foundational year of our renewed House System. I would like to thank College Captain Tiernan O’Neill for his humble service and affirm the Student Leadership Group for leading the Senior class and College well throughout 2024. In reflecting upon the Senior School journey for the Year 12s, I remarked about their commitment to growth over the last three years.

Towards the conclusion of the evening ceremony, the Year 12 Major Awards were announced. I would like to extend my congratulations on the following recipients for sharing their gifts and talents with the College community across their Senior year:

Villanovan of the Year              Joseph Grigson
Sportsman of the Year              Ned Godwin
Musician of the Year                Ronan Flaherty

May God bless and keep this group of young men safe next week at their Schoolies celebrations.

Celebration of Excellence
Last Tuesday evening, we conducted a significant event on the College’s calendar- celebrating the holistic talents of our students at the Celebration of Excellence Awards Night at the Concert Hall, QPAC. The evening had an intentional focus on reflecting on the richness of our renewed House system which enlivened our community this year. 2025 College Captain, Matthew Linnell in his address emphasised the intrinsic value of the holistic education that underpins Villanova College’s vision.

“Tonight, we celebrate the excellence of Villanovans in the many aspects of College endeavours- not just in the classroom with academics, but on the sporting field, the musical stage, in the debating halls and in the service of our community. These vast aspects and opportunities to show excellence in many fields are a part of the holistic education Villanova provides. A holistic education that inspires everyone to find their gifts and share them. Share with the community so that we may all prosper. From personal experience, I can say that the many aspects of the college are fundamental in shaping who I am, and who we all are.

The classroom is not the only place where you grow, learn, and develop as a person. Through ministry, music, sport, we also have an unwavering thirst for learning and improving upon ourselves. Saint Augustine explained this thirst as the restless search for truth. This search is amplified in the senior motto for next year: “Many voices. One spirit.” This aspirational motto is not just for the seniors. It’s for the College. For everyone to be involved, share their gifts and talents and prosper in a great community.”

The evening was further enriched by exceptional performances from our Irish Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Sinfonia String Orchestra, and Big Band, which served as a powerful reminder of the importance of the Arts in the formation of young men.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the Senior School students who received awards this evening. In particular, I would like to highlight the outstanding achievements of our Year 10 and 11 recipients of Dux and Proxime Accessit:

Year 11 Dux: Lucas Fleming
Year 11 Proxime Accessit: Dylan Fryga
Year 10 Dux: Christian Snell
Year 10 Proxime Accessit: Akshay Karthikeyan

These students have demonstrated exceptional commitment, diligence, and an enduring search for truth—values that echo the Augustinian vision of education.

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”- Vince Lombardi

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Dear Villanovan Village,

Together we’ve raised our boys, and now, as we enter the final two weeks of the school year, our Middle Schoolers are on the last stretch of what has been a fulfilling and, at times, challenging journey. It’s only natural for our young men [and us!] to feel a little weary as the finish line approaches. Still, these last weeks shouldn’t be seen in terms of a struggle to the end where we will collapse and finally rest. No, it’s really an opportunity — an opportunity to finish the year well, an opportunity to feel that satisfaction of a job well done, an opportunity to celebrate the victories and achievements we’ve experienced along the way.

With exams and final assessments ahead, the focus in class is on reviewing and solidifying all that we’ve learned this term. We encourage our students to dive into their studies and make the most of their time in class. As St. Augustine says, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” Supporting each other academically, whether through study groups or simple words of encouragement, can make a real difference as does the efforts of our teachers who remain ready and eager to help. Students should remember to ask questions, seek clarification, and take advantage of the guidance their teachers provide.

These final days are also a time to reflect on the value of positive relationships—with both peers and teachers. Acting as a role model, especially when energy is low, can uplift those around you. As they interact with their teachers and classmates, we encourage our students to remain courteous, kind, and focused. Finishing the year with mutual respect and appreciation for each other sets a lasting tone of positivity and maturity.

One small but powerful gesture to consider is saying “thank you.” Whether it’s through a handwritten card or a genuine one-on-one moment after class, expressing gratitude to teachers for their dedication and support this year can mean a great deal. Acknowledging what has been taught and the care that has gone into that teaching is a wonderful way to finish – leaving both the student and the teacher feeling valued.

Finally, to all Middle School students on behalf of both myself, and the other staff: good luck on your exams and final assignments. Your hard work and perseverance throughout the year have prepared you well, and I hope that these last efforts bring out your very best.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

It’s the minutes before a movie ends, or an amusement park ride comes to a stop, that the people involved start to think about the entirety of the story.  What joy was there for me in this experience – what do I remember as the highlights?  Your personal recount of characters, plot, music and scenery or special effects might be different to the person who was beside you in the movie theatre.  Your preference for speed, thrills and spills might also be varied to the person next to you on the rollercoaster.  None the less, everyone is making it to the end, safe and sound.

Looking back at 2024 we have a lot to be grateful for – the experiences of gathering together and having that face-to-face time with our parents and community is so precious.  Special events such as Mother/Son Evening, Father/Son Breakfast, Junior School Disco and whole College Assemblies to celebrate achievements with our big brothers to name a few.  We were able to compete in sporting seasons (with the exception of some rain clouds) and celebrate the victory of a win or resilience with a loss as a team.

In the classrooms we continue to be very busy with assessment tasks, marking and moderating.  It can be a fine line for some boys to find the energy to keep their best efforts going to this point of the year and I’m grateful to staff who find the energy to bring fun elements into the day such as treat walls, Secret Santa swaps, Circle Time games and even the chance for students to write up report cards about their teachers.  Keeping spirits high, balancing the work/play life of every Junior School student, and supporting relationships is always our priority.

I would like to congratulate every student who was able to cross the stage at QPAC last week – for achieving above and beyond over 2024.  It is not just talent, it’s often an extraordinary commitment to using their teaching and learning time effectively, completing set homework tasks (and extra), as well as preparing carefully for assessment by paying close attention to the marking criteria.  It is about the hours of extra skills, drills and competitive sporting games that mean success at a very high level.  It is the dedication to practising an instrument and playing as part of many ensembles early before school to be exceptional in a performance.  Our Year 5 and 6 students have a great deal to be proud of – those nominated as well.

There are many students currently striving to achieve their own goals in certain areas, of which I also am mindful.  Playing by rules on the playground, working towards improving grades in a subject area or perhaps having the courage to stand up and speak for a class oral – all very valid mountains for boys to climb.  I applaud your resilience, time and effort at home and at school, as you step closer towards making it happen.  These small steps towards what is very challenging for some people, are so very important for their growth and development.  Stay strong gentlemen!

Looking towards the holidays, may the Advent Season of anticipation and waiting for relatives and friends to come together be just as exciting as 25 December itself.  There are many local families receiving the St Vincent de Paul Xmas hampers, generously filled with donations from you all and we are most grateful for your kindness and action towards being charitable. Thank You!

Mr Stephen Rouliadeff, Head of Junior School

We are in the final weeks.  This week our Seniors of 2024 graduate, our Vinnies hampers have been being delivered, and the majority of the school move into exams and assessments.  For all of us there is a common theme of drawing together our learnings from the year.
In the last week I have made the enormous decision to move on from Villanova College.  It is a letting go that comes with lots of emotion for me as I have loved the work and loved the community here at Villa very deeply.

There is a story I tell on our AFAS immersions.  It belongs to an Aboriginal man who wandered into a campfire circle in the Northern Territory who shared the story with a lecturer of mine, Tony Kelly.  He was gone in the morning, but the story was passed to me.  I share it with you as it echoes my lived experience at Villa.

If you stand in a place that you love,
the wind will come and knock you down.
If you stand in a place that you love,
with people that you love,
you can walk, but you will not know in which direction to go.
If you stand in a place that you love,
with people that you love,
doing work that is good for you and good for them,
you will be strong like the kangaroo,
and the kangaroo cannot jump backwards!

Here at Villa I have stood in a place that I have loved.

We have the big view here.  Our community is perched on the hill, we are positioned to hold the bigger picture, to take in not only what is happening for us personally but to hold a larger view, to see across all that is happening in our city.  It is a gift and a responsibility.  The young men at Villa do get a fantastic education and this comes with an opportunity to build a better world, to ensure we use what we learn for the good of all.  Many of our students end up in places where they can influence change and make decisions that will improve the lives of others.  We want all students to use their gifts and talents for the good of all.

Here at Villa I have been with people that I have loved.

From my first to last day at Villa there has been a clear priority on connection and relating.  It is what works in educating the whole of young people, because we first and foremost meet each other.  It is not only what we learn, but how we learn together.

Here at Villa I have engaged in work that I have loved.

The Augustinian tradition is so deep and rich.  My work in the formation of identity and in mission is so energising.  I am so grateful for the extraordinary team of staff I have worked with at Villa – for their professionalism, for their passion, for their sense of justice and fun.  To our students too – I have delighted in you – in your generosity, in your can-do ability, in your laughter, in your effort.  I have found great joy in my work here at Villa.  We have been strong like the kangaroo and we have taken jumps forward.  I know this will continue.

A million thanks for the time shared in the last four years.  I’ll be not too far away at Ambrose Treacy College, and I’ll be cheering you on from there.  I’d like to leave you with an invitation to grab a cuppa and sit with a reflection from Br Damien Price about this time when our Year 12s graduate, it has been echoing deeply for me this week.  There are also a couple more stories from the Philippines to share.

The carpet of purple petals has now begun to fade – it is time.
It is time to leave the nest, to seek adventure, embrace life – truly live your one beautiful and precious life.
It is time to put away textbooks and blazers – the bleating of the herd and the pimples of adolescence.
Reach for the stars – YOUR stars and enjoy that journey.
It is time to dream your dreams and in your dreams they and them will become your brother and your sister on life’s sacred journey.
It is time – time to swim in mountain streams, plant seeds of hope, learn from pain and mistakes and embrace all that makes you YOU.
It is time – time to embrace your vulnerability – the pathway to meaning and purpose.
It is time – time to leave behind excuses, ‘what ifs’ and ‘why me’s’
It is time – time to embrace responsibility – YOUR world, your whisper, your voice – your adventure
It is time – time to ask ‘Why Ukraine?’ and be part of the ‘never again’!
It is time – time to walk ever more gently upon Mother Earth: listen to her seasons, learn from her generosity, know that she, like you, is fragile but holy.
It is time – time to dance until your feet hurt, write that poetry, sing YOUR song and do what is deeply in YOUR heart to do.
It is time – time to name the shallow and the plastic – the vaping, the binge, the powder or pill that is a road to nowhere but despair and compromise – your noble birthright sold to some dealer in pain.
It is time – time to look into the mirror and love what you see – warts and all.
It is time – time to be all that YOU can be – and more.
It is time – time to trust the journey within that has brought you to this place and to this time.
It is time – time to trust your heart’s longings.
It is time – your time of small steps of courage, small seeds of hope, small moments of beauty.
It is time – time to choose – the road less travelled by – your noble road.
It is time – time to be nothing less and nothing more that YOUR best self.
It is time – one small step at a time – one small choice at a time – each getting up again, each reaching out again, each embracing again – making you the courage, the hope and the gift that this beautiful world so desperately needs!
It is time – YOUR time and your time becomes OUR time – in the family of humanity, the village of planet Earth and a Universe wrapped in love.
It is time – time to KNOW intimate within you – that the mystery that is love, the mystery we call God – wraps your time, tickles that dream and that adventure – and will smile at every one of your small but precious steps.

Go with that God!

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can and
Wisdom to know the difference!”

“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

Robert Frost

More stories from our AFAS immersion Program
Good Samaritan house
On Monday 16 we went to the Good Samaritan house to participate in a feeding program that provides meals and a safe space to young children and adults that are struggling in Cebu. The Good Samaritan house also has a school system which provides children with an education.

One of the first things I noticed was how small the classrooms are. Four kids were sitting at benches that are designed to fit two. They also had students varying in age from 3-18 years old in one room even though they learn different things based on their age.  Hygiene didn’t seem to be a priority evident through the dirt seen on the students’ feet and the tears in their clothes. Some students had clothes that stretched over their body like a day was while others had shirts that barely fit them.

Another thing was the place seemed to resemble a prison. Barbed wire surrounded the outside wall preventing anyone from getting in or out except through the main gate.

The food didn’t look appetizing, but the patrons ate it. One thing I saw was that some kids saved their food in cardboard boxes to save for later. This came as a shock as I didn’t realize that some kids saved their lunch to feed their family or keep for later.

The most confronting part was how young girls were in the classroom with their children. Fifteen-year-old girls were there with their children and still attending school.

The worst part is that the sister told us that more and more women are becoming young mothers despite everything the government is doing to promote sex education.

This experience completely changed what I thought about homelessness in both the Philippines and Australia.  I now realize the injustices that people face due to lack of education and lack of opportunities.  When this does not change the poor continue to become poorer and won’t have any way to escape poverty.

Jonah Nicolaou

Reflection on the House of the Samaritan
During my immersion in the Philippines with AFAS, I spent time at a street kid shelter called the House of the Samaritan. It’s a place that helps kids who have grown up on the streets, giving them food, a safe place to stay, and, more importantly, hope for the future. One young man, TJ, shared his story with me, and it’s something I won’t forget.

TJ is 22 now and in his third year at university, studying to become an English teacher. But his life wasn’t always like this. He grew up on the streets, with his three younger siblings with no idea of what the future held.

Because of the shelter and the nuns work, TJ was able to go to school and dream of something more. He told me that he wants to become a teacher so he can help kids like the ones at the shelter, just like the shelter helped him. He believes in giving back and wants to make a difference in the lives of kids who come from difficult situations like he did.

Hearing TJ’s story made me realize how much a place like the House of the Samaritan can change someone’s life. It gave TJ the hope and he needed to pursue an education and a satisfying life.

Forbes Hardy

Living alongside a volcano!
The Volcanic eruption that was occurring during the time period of the trip of the immersion had led us to see devastating consequences to homes that are already facing difficult situations. When we had arrived at the school Murcia, located in Bacolod, we met a teacher named Rosalinda, whom Ms Garrone and I interviewed to learn more about what was happening. The information that she had expressed allowed us to see what they were experiencing as we don’t really get to experience that ourselves in Queensland.

During the Interview, we learnt how immediate evacuations were forced onto people and forced many people to say goodbye to their house and most likely permanently to leave their home.  In my view, I didn’t really realise that people could stay up that close to the volcano until I met the school’s teacher, Rosalinda. Her family was already placed in an evacuation centre but it could be seen that if a lot of people could not financially or be helped through friends or relatives then people would have to face the situation of homelessness especially if the centre is completely full. It seemed even worse for the children and elderly as the ash can effectively make a huge impact towards their health.

Another section that was talked about was the agriculture and this was where the teacher had mentioned about how crops all over would die. There are many banana trees that are wasted.  Ash also contaminates the water supplies, food, everything which is a very important aspect as people who often live close by are often farmers and that just completely ruins their source of income.  Recovery is to be seen as near more impossible even with all the help that the government supplies.

In the midst of all the struggles, Ms Rosalinda, shared too about the positives.  The soils are enriched with ashes.  The Government does what it can in preparing evacuation plans and providing some financial assistance to those people affected.

It was confronting to realise how vulnerable these farming communities in rural areas are.  Even with the Government’s help, a lot of people are facing situations like homelessness after a disaster like this. I know for sure that nobody would ever want to experience this, and nobody would ever want their kids to worry but it’s a situation that they are forced to be in.

Visiting one of our LCC scholars
Our visit to one of the scholars’ homes will remain with me for a long time.  We made our way to their home on a tricycle up a road and through a muddy and potholed filled path. When we got to the humble home it was a small wooden house with two homemade bamboo beds. The small home was like a sauna with it being ten degrees hotter inside than out. It had me and all the boys drenched in sweat with five minutes. However, they were so proud of what they had.

The boys’ parents had been unable to look after them and had left them with their aging grandparents.  The Grandfather is 71, and rather than enjoying retirement is still working every day in the sugar cane field and making charcoal for a basic income to pay for transportation and schooling. After seeing the house we went to the neighbour who is starting a new business raising and selling pigs. This family of four, including a toddler were building their home and their pig pens themselves.  As we left we saw the land being ploughed by a buffalo.  It was great to see rural life.  People were so determined to do everything they could to allow the boys to gain an education.

Turlough O’Neill

As we draw closer to the end of the school year, there is a sense of both accomplishment and reflection. It’s been a year filled with growth, challenges, and achievements, and for our Year 12 cohort, this marks the end of their journey with us. Graduation is a time of celebration and transition, and as they prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives, we feel a mix of pride and bittersweet sentiment. The Year 12s have left a lasting impact on the Villanova community, and they will be truly missed. We send them off with confidence that they are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions beyond the College walls.

For all students, these final weeks can bring added pressures, with assessments, exams, and last-minute commitments. It’s a demanding period, and it’s essential for students to prioritize their wellbeing as they work through these challenges. Maintaining a balance between study and self-care, getting enough rest, and carving out time for breaks will help them manage stress and perform at their best.

As part of our commitment to the Be Your Best Self Wellbeing Program, we have once again gathered feedback from approximately 1,500 students on their thoughts and experiences in the program’s second year. This data, combined with student input from our SWAT program, directly shapes the development and refinement of next year’s lessons and units. Focus is now on securing guest speakers and enriching experiences for the boys in 2025, ensuring we support the development of a well-rounded, holistic student that embodies the values of an Augustinian man.

As the holiday break approaches, we encourage all students to take this valuable time to disconnect, recharge, and truly unwind. Time spent outdoors, away from screens, and with family and friends will allow for a deeper reset so that they can return energised for all that 2025 has in store.

To our parents, and wider College community—thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our wellbeing program. It’s been a privilege to walk this journey with our students, celebrate their achievements along the way, and help them stive to be their best selves. We look forward to building on the work done this year and welcoming everyone back for an exciting 2025.

Wishing all of you a safe and restful holiday season.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing

Lessons and Rehearsals
Next week will see the conclusion of all performances with our Christmas Extravaganza on Tuesday 19 November.  As such, all rehearsals will conclude from this Tuesday unless otherwise advised by your conductor.

To ensure all students receive their quota of lessons, some students may be receiving a lesson in Week 8.  Please clarify this with your tutor if you are unsure – you will have received a timetable for your lesson next week.  We require early communication regarding clashes with assessment as these lessons may be rescheduled but NOT credited.

Celebration of Excellence
I would like to take a moment to thank the staff and students who worked diligently to provide music both prior to and during our recent Celebration of Excellence.  All performances were extremely well received – we continue to receive positive feedback on the music shared.  Congratulations to all members of our music community – it was a great opportunity for your area of the College to be showcased to the broader community.  Well done and thank you.

Christmas Extravaganza and Junior School Christmas Concert
Information regarding our Christmas Extravaganza Concerts next week have been distributed.  If you are expecting information via email but did not receive it, please contact the music office urgently – music@vnc.qld.edu.au.

Year 5 Musicians will be performing during Junior School Assembly in Hanrahan Theatre on Tuesday 19 November.  The event commences at 9:50 am and will conclude by 10:50am.  Parents will need to access a ticket to attend; information regarding this and the streaming link has been sent home via email earlier this week.  Please contact the Music Office if you did not receive this – music@vnc.qld.edu.au.

All other musicians are involved in our Christmas Extravaganza Concert in Goold Hall from 6pm on Tuesday 19 November.  This will be a great event and a wonderful way to end the year.  Ticketing is required for this concert; these are accessible via Trybooking – https://www.trybooking.com/CXBEN

Please note – you will need your camp chair for this event!  We will have some bargain Villanova branded camp chairs – $10 each – for sale on the evening.  First in, first served!

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
Finish hard, or finish well, has always been a central message in schools. Although the end is near, it is important to finish with integrity and honour. I encourage all students involved in sporting teams and squads in Term 4 to heed this message; ensure you finish the term and year well, right through until your last training session.

On the horizon is a well-deserved break for our families, which everyone is looking forward to after a very busy and rewarding 2024. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff and coaches who will continue through the holidays, providing our boys with wonderful experiences through Sport.

Villanova College will be attending the Oblate Cricket Tournament in Perth in December, as well as the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup competition on the Gold Coast. Best of luck to the students involved and thank you to our Cricket Coordinator Mr Dufty, our Volleyball Coordinator Mr Kropp and all our coaches for giving up their time during the break.

Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport

Draws & Team Lists
The draw for this Friday 15/Saturday 16 November is available on the Locker Room Overview page.
Only the following teams are playing fixtures this weekend:

• AFL Years 8-Open 2025 only.
• No Cricket Fixtures
• All Volleyball teams Years 7-Open 2025

Team lists are available on Parent Lounge.

Generally, during normal AIC weeks, draws are available by Wednesday and team lists by Thursday prior to that weekend. This is the earliest we are able to provide accurate draws and lists for the community.

Sports Club – Volunteers
Sports Club will have a canteen operating at Goold Hall this Saturday 16 November from 9am-12pm. Please register here to offer your assistance. Volleyball Years 7-9 (2025) teams are playing at home this Saturday.

Communications
Families are reminded to access all Sport information via the Villanova College website and the Villanova College App. The Locker Room Overview page provides updated information regarding training schedules and current AIC/trial draws.

Training Schedules
The Term 4 Training Schedule, for Weeks 4-9, is now available on The Locker Room Overview page of the Villanova College website. This does not include Term 1 Sports – AFL, Cricket and Volleyball.
The AFL Training Schedule for Weeks 6-9, the Cricket training schedule for Weeks 5-9 and the Volleyball training schedule for Week 7 only are now available on the Locker Room.

Save the dates – Sporting Tours, Camps and Clinics

• Christmas holidays 2024/2025 – Cricket Oblate Tour to Perth & Volleyball AVSC Tournament Gold Coast.
• ** International Tour ** – Football & Rugby Tour to Japan – Easter 2025. Approved.

Sport Uniforms
Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Villanova College Uniform Look Book. This information is found on the College website Uniform Shop page. Opening hours for the Uniform Shop can also be found here. All students selected in AIC teams are expected to wear the correct uniform for AIC fixtures each week.

Term 4 Pre-Season Games – expectations for uniforms, understanding that hire jerseys are not available until Term 1 and many new students will not have Villa sports uniforms yet:

• AFL Term 4 games –
  • Current students – Villanova green HPE shorts and HPE/House shirt OR hire jersey.
  • New students – (where possible) green shorts and a dark green shirt.
• Volleyball Term 4 games –
  • Current students – Villanova Green HPE shorts and HPE/House shirt.
  • New students – (where possible) green shorts and a dark green shirt.

Example Villanova Green HPE Shorts and HPE/House Shirt.

Sport Contact List
If you are requiring information about a specific Sport, in the first instance, visit the website Locker Room page. If you need further clarification, please contact the relevant Coordinator below. For any training or game absences, please contact your Sport Coordinator.

Director of Sport – Shaun McLean, smclean@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC AFL Coordinator – Matt Conlan, mconlan@vnc.qld.edu.au on leave Term 4, contact bpascoe@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Cricket Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Swimming Coordinator – Juanita Jacobs, jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Volleyball Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Cross-Country Coordinator – Brian Pascoe – bpascoe@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Chess Coordinator – Kath Underhill, kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Football Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Rugby Union Coordinator – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Golf Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Basketball Coordinator – Contact, sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Rugby League Coordinator – Contact, sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Tennis Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Track & Field Coordinator – Anthony Kemp, akemp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Water Polo Coordinator – Juanita Jacobs, jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au
Composite District Sport – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
Lytton District Sport – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au

Wet weather cancellations
If there is any reason to cancel training sessions or weekend games, this information will be posted to the Villa App in the Notices section or emailed to the specific students and their parents. Please ensure you have downloaded the Villa App and updated your preferences and settings.

The Villa Sports Department will endeavour to cancel morning training sessions by 6am and afternoon training sessions by 1pm. If a training session is cancelled, boys are not able to be dropped off to the training venue as there will not be supervision present. Please check the Villa App and your emails 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.

AFL
Selected students will continue training in Term 4. The Term 4 Weeks 6-9 Training Schedule is now available on the Locker Room pages. Training will continue until Wednesday 27 November.
There are final pre-season games for our Years 8-Open (2025) teams this Friday 15/Saturday 16 November. The draw is available on the Locker Room.

Mr Brian Pascoe, AFL Coordinator for Term 4

Cricket
AIC – Villanova Cricket – save the dates:

• Weeks 5-9 of Term 4. Aggregate A/B Cricket squads weekly training at Little Langlands nets.
• Wednesday 4 December. 7A (2025 team), 10A, 2^nd XI and 1^st XI trials Vs Gregory Terrace at Tennyson commencing from 9am.
• Sunday 8 December – Friday 13 December. Oblate cricket tour to Perth, WA.
• 1^st XI Cricket trial Vs SLC – Friday 10 January at SLC playing fields.
• AIC (1^st XI T20 Tournament) at Banyo (Padua), January 20 and January 21.
• AIC (10A T20 Tournament) at Ashgrove, January 22^, and January 23.
• January Villanova Cricket Camp – January 20, 21 and 22 at Villa Park (8:00am-12:00) daily. This camp is open for all students in Years 5-10 and it will be a user pay camp.
• Cricket trials for all A/B teams on Friday 24 January, some teams will play against opposition Colleges, while other teams will do internal trials.
• AIC Cricket trial round for all teams, Saturday 1 February.
• AIC Cricket round 1 for all teams, Saturday 8 February.

All Villanova cricket teams have now been selected and are available for viewing in the parent lounge. Please note – if your son would still like to play cricket in term 1 (2025), please get in touch via email. We are looking for six students in Years 7 and 9 to complete our Cricket teams, if your son is in any of those years and would like to play cricket and represent Villanova in Term 1 and have some fun whilst meeting some new mates, please get your son to see Mr Dufty in the Sports Office.

We hope to publish our AIC Cricket season schedule and confirmed Term 1 training schedule soon, so that our cricket community has time to consider any potential further clashes that may occur.

Please email Mr Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au, if you have any questions regarding Villanova cricket.

Mr Nathan Dufty, Cricket Coordinator

Swimming
All Swimming families are reminded there is now a payment pending for your participation in our AIC Swim Squads. The costs cover pool hire and coaching. Please visit Parent Lounge to make payment for the 2024/2025 season. Note the three different payment categories. RSVP for payments is November.

A friendly reminder that all swimmers and parents are reminded that it is a responsibility of each swimmer to have their own kit bag containing kick board, flippers and pull buoy.  They are not to be borrowing from other students or the lost property bins at the pool.  You are also asked to arrive about 15 minutes early, dressed and ready to be in the water at the start time of the session.

Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Swimming Coordinator

Volleyball
A massive weekend of volleyball for the Villanova program this past weekend. A big thank you to all the students and coaches for their effort during the Iona matches.
The final Volleyball commitment for the year is our final trial v St Laurence’s College. Fixture and team list information can be found via Parent Lounge. AIC volleyball will finish for the year after Saturday’s matches for all teams except our First VI squad.

A few friendly reminders ahead of this weekend’s game:

• Year 7-9 teams are playing at home this weekend and will also be responsible for court duty either before or after their game, schedule is included with the fixture.
• Year 10-12 teams are playing away at SLC.
• The expected uniform for the trial is the Villanova squad or house shirt, green HPE shorts and Villanova socks.

Wishing all our teams the best of luck for the remaining trials.

Mr Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator

Strength & Conditioning
The S&C training schedule for Weeks 4-9 can be viewed on the Locker Room page.
Please note, the following sessions will be available in the Christmas holidays:

• December 2024 – final session on Friday 20 December
  • Mon/Wed/Fri Villa gym -7:45-9am (Andrew Slack Rugby only)
  • Tues/Thurs Villa gym – 7:45-9am (any student Years 7-11)
  • Tuesday’s Speed Development Session at Little Langlands – 8-9am (any students Years 7-11)

• January 2025 – from Monday 6 to Friday 24 January
  • Mon/Wed/Fri Villa gym -7:45-9am (Andrew Slack Rugby only)
  • Tues/Thurs Villa gym – 7:45-9am (any student Years 7-11)
  • Tuesday’s Speed Development Session at Little Langlands – 8-9am (any students Years 7-11)

Boys need to bring a towel and water bottle to gym sessions. For the Speed sessions a towel, water bottle, hat and sunscreen.

The Term 1, 2025 schedule will then commence from Tuesday afternoon 28 January (first day of school for some year levels). The Term 1 training schedule will be available on the Locker Room soon.

Speed & Agility Training – Years 5-8 students
The Term 4 programme is being held on Friday mornings from 11/10 to 29/11. Registrations are now closed. The Speed & Agility Programme for Years 5-8 students will be back again in 2025.

Composite Sport
Nomination paperwork is now available from the Sports Office for the following Sport/s –

Villa Sport – humble in victory, gracious in defeat.

Below are links to all the 2024 professional photo galleries. Please note that all photos are completely complimentary to download. To access the galleries, simply enter your email address and the password: VILLA24
Enjoy!

• Year 12  Assembly & Guard of Honour – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/25772875
• Mass of All Saints and Year 12 commissioning – Villanova College 2024 Mass of All Saints & Year 12 Commissioning Photos
• Villa Verve – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/25783437
• Winter on the Terrace – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/24806675
• Year 12 Senior Formal 2024 – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/24839394
• Staff & Senior Banquet – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/25160752
• QCMF – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/25256243
• Mission Day, including House Choir Competition – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/24648584
• Mass of St Rita and St Thomas – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/24613357
• Year 6 Mother & Son Dinner –  https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/24556624
• Lenten Liturgy – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/24225760
• House War Cry – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/24090967
• Year 9 The Rite of Passage –  https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/24649840
• Interhouse Swimming Carnival – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/23906709
• Graduate Assembly – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/23880198
• Scholars Assembly – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/23834244
• Rite of Beginning – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/240124VILLAROB
• First Day Year 5 Welcome BBQ – https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/240123VILLABBQ

If you are after different photos, feel free to email marketing@vnc.qld.edu.au