Villa View Issue 2, 5 February 2026

We are at the conclusion of our second week and the first full week of classes. I am happy to say that the boys have settled into routines well, and my classroom visitations, along with those of the College Leadership Team, have indicated a strong start to academic classes. This is certainly something we will look to maintain across the year to ensure strong academic and behavioural outcomes for our boys, and learning environments that encourage and support student achievement and growth.

Parent Nights and MyVilla

Thank you to all of our parents who attended parent evenings this week. It is always a challenge to get the balance right on these nights, but I do hope that you enjoyed the hospitality, the opportunity to connect, and the information provided.

Any feedback on the evening, its content or structure is welcome and can be sent to principal@vnc.qld.edu.au.

For those who were unable to attend, the most important information related to the next phase of our MyVilla rollout.

The MyVilla platform will transform this year to become the one-stop shop for information about your son and his journey and progress at the College.

Available to you will be:

• His real-time results

• His calendar

• His assessment schedule

• His sporting commitments

• His music commitments

• His pastoral awards and other behaviour information

This transition and innovation will hopefully improve your experience and certainly respond to parents’ needs regarding information and communication relating to their sons. It will also improve transparency and understanding of what is being taught, the assessment tasks, and your sons’ actual submissions. In time, it will provide the most valuable information required to support subject selection and future pathways, and will replace the traditional—and somewhat detail-lacking—College reports.

In saying that, there will be hiccups, and our teaching staff are working very hard to ensure that this experience is both positive and valuable to you and your sons. However, we will experience challenges and, at times, will ask for your patience.

Additionally, to assist you in your own understanding and capability, we will conduct on-site parent tutorials in Term 2 to help parents navigate, understand and build confidence in the platform.

AIC Sports – First Round

This weekend, your sons will play their first round of competition in AIC sport. It is important that I remind parents that there is a spectator code of conduct outlining how we expect parents and other spectators to behave.

The simple outline is:

• Show courtesy and respect in language and action toward players, referees, and opposition parents and players.

• Report concerning behaviour of our own or other teams to the College via the Villa Mail address (villamail@vnc.qld.edu.au) or via phone call to the College.

• Follow instructions from authorised persons at both Villanova home venues and away venues, unless those instructions put your safety at risk.

• Refrain from any direct contact or conversation with players or parents from opposition teams, unless it is to ensure safety and wellbeing.

While this is rarely an issue at Villanova, there have been instances in the past, and at other AIC schools, that have required intervention and consequence. This has included invoking provisions in the Education Act that can result in parents and others being barred from attendance at school events, both here and at other venues.

Have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to seeing parents at the various events at the College over the coming weeks.

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.

I am delighted to share my first editorial of the new school year, buoyed by the positive spirit and enthusiasm evident as our young men have returned to commence 2026. The energy across the College has been unmistakable and has set a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Our Senior students have stepped confidently into their leadership roles, embracing the responsibilities entrusted to them from the very first days of term. In doing so, they have helped create a welcoming and supportive environment for those joining our community for the first time. The Year 12 students have been outstanding in their leadership of their House Mentor Groups, and I am confident they will continue to lead with purpose as they help shape and strengthen a culture of brotherhood within the student body.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to parents and caregivers for their ongoing partnership with the College, particularly in ensuring that our Senior School students returned well-presented and ready for the year ahead.

Last Thursday, we came together as a College community for the first time this year to celebrate our traditional Rite of Beginning, during which we unveiled our 2026 College Theme of Interiority. For our older students, interiority is a cornerstone of our Augustinian identity. In the midst of busy schedules and competing demands, it is a practice we continue to encourage our young men to prioritise. The habits of reflection, thoughtful consideration, and discernment are essential in nurturing responsible, grounded, and open-minded individuals.

Holiday Reading
One of the great pleasures of a long holiday break is having the time to immerse myself in a stack of excellent books. As an avid follower of Stoic philosophy, I was excited to read the final instalment of Ryan Holiday’s stoic virtues series, Wisdom Takes Work. This culminating virtue of wisdom follows the other three cardinal virtues of courage, justice and self-discipline (which will be an intentional focus for the Seniors this year with their motto of Discipline today forges the men of tomorrow).

Holiday reminds us that wisdom is not a trait we inherit, it is a discipline we practice. Drawing on the Stoic tradition, Holiday argues that clarity of thought, moral judgment, and self-knowledge are earned through sustained effort: reading deeply, reflecting honestly, and resisting the lure of easy answers. This vision resonates powerfully with the Augustinian insight that the human heart is restless in its search for truth. For Augustine, restlessness is not a flaw but a signal—an inner summons that drives us beyond complacency toward deeper understanding. Wisdom, Holiday suggests, is forged through work. Augustine would add: it is guided by longing.

“The most important decision a person makes in their life is to become a student and to remain one… for life.”- Ryan Holiday

Mr Matt Levander, Head of Senior School

Welcome back to 2026! As I mentioned in my opening letter to all families, I hope the holiday break was a fantastic and refreshing time for you and your family.

This week I am currently away with our Year 7 students on camp and what a wonderful introduction it has been to Middle School life. Camp has provided an excellent opportunity for students across these four Houses to build new friendships, strengthen relationships with staff and begin forming a strong sense of belonging. The cooperation and enthusiasm shown by the boys has been outstanding. I am looking forward to doing it all again next week with the other four Houses.

It has truly been a great start to the year across the Middle School. The energy on campus has been evident in classrooms, House Mentor groups and daily interactions. As St Augustine reminds us, “Where there is love, there is no labour.” This sense of connection and positivity has been a joy to witness as our students settle into the year ahead.

As we move forward, our priority now is the establishment of strong routines. Developing good habits around organisation, homework completion and effective study routines early in the year is essential for long-term success. These foundations will support students not only academically but also in building independence and responsibility.

At the same time, it is important that students maintain a healthy balance. Participation in extra-curricular activities plays a vital role in student wellbeing, confidence and character development. Finding the right balance between academic commitments and broader opportunities will help our boys flourish.

St Thomas of Villanova wisely noted, “A school is a workshop in which the future of society is shaped.” Together, through partnership between home and school, we look forward to shaping a positive, purposeful and rewarding year for our Middle School students.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

A Joyful Start to the 2026 College Year
The first days of the College year are my absolute favourite, and 2026 has been no exception. I was genuinely excited for the energy and joy of our new Year 5 cohort and equally grateful for the calm wisdom and leadership of our Year 6 students.

After wishing the Junior School team “good luck” and congratulating them on their spectacular learning spaces — thoughtfully prepared and ready for learning — I wasted no time heading down to the Agora area to join our Senior School Students in welcoming the newest Villanovans. One of the great blessings this year was the opportunity for our Year 5 families to unpack boxes and settle into learning spaces ahead of time. Knowing exactly where they belonged meant that walking through the College gates felt far more thrilling than confusing for our newest boys. Our parents were wonderfully supportive walking the journey with their sons’ and capturing those special first-day moments.

We gathered in the Agora — our meeting place — and marvelled at how quickly the Year 6 students embraced their role as leaders, naturally taking their place along the top rows. Our Year 5s were the perfect mix of confidence and curiosity: choosing seats enthusiastically and later discovering they were sitting amongst an entirely different class! Learning new routines and navigating the St Thomas Learning Centre certainly takes practice, and the boys are already rising to the challenge.

We are loving seeing our Year 5 boys in new uniforms and new bags that have names clearly visible in their side pockets, this is very practical when having to learn 165 new names. Mobile phones are being handed in each morning to the Junior School Office from 8:00am, where Anastasia Bailey, who has joined us this year, has settled into her role as Junior School Student Services, seamlessly. Signing phones in remains compulsory for Year 5 and 6 students, with safe keeping a priority. During the day, staff are always available to support students, and phone calls home are reserved for special circumstances with staff permission.

The College Tuckshop has quickly become a popular destination once again. With Student ID cards still being finalised, cash is ideal for the first couple of weeks. The 2026 menu is available on the College website, with daily specials and breakfast options proving particularly popular — especially the bacon and egg burger with a hash brown! The Tuckshop continues to offer breakfast reservations for boys attending before-school training, ensuring no one misses out.

We continue to encourage our Year 5 students to visit the Tuckshop with a buddy, and it has been heartening to see Year 6 students take this responsibility seriously. Buddy connections are already forming beautifully. A recent House meeting and lunchtime catch-up brought those names from letters sent home last year to life, as boys sat together, shared stories, and began building friendships. For the next few weeks, House meetings will include structured buddy rotations to strengthen relationships and ensure strong support for our newest Junior School members.

The Junior School staff and Anastasia Bailey have received a great deal of valuable information from families over the past week, and we are sincerely grateful for parents sharing insights, concerns, and helpful context. Understanding each boy as a whole person takes time, trust, and partnership, and your openness plays a vital role in helping us support our students during these important formative years.

Last week’s Parent Information Evening was a wonderful success. It was fantastic to see so many familiar and new faces, and the vibrant sense of community was unmistakable. These evenings are a powerful reminder that when families and staff come together with a shared purpose, our boys benefit enormously. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to such a positive and welcoming atmosphere.

As we begin the year, we are reminded that every new school year offers a clean slate. The College theme for 2026 centres on ‘interiority’ — a reminder that improvement is ongoing and shaped through reflection and daily choices. In Junior School terms, this is about nurturing strong roots, creating the right conditions, and ensuring our foundations are secure so that each boy can flourish throughout the year ahead.

Mr Stephen Rouliadeff, Head of Junior School

Welcome to another year of Wellbeing at Villanova!

We are now heading into our fourth year of the Be Your Best Self wellbeing program, and I’m delighted to share some very encouraging news. Over the holidays, I reviewed your sons’ responses to the ACER Social and Emotional Wellbeing Survey completed at the beginning of Term 4 last year. Comparing data across the past three years, it is genuinely heartening to see that the collective wellbeing of Villa boys continues to improve.

At a time when rates of anxiety and depression among young people are increasing, it is wonderful to see that Villa boys are, overall, happy, well-adjusted and supported. The school’s ongoing focus on wellbeing is clearly making a positive difference. I have shared some of this data at the parent nights, and it was great to see so many of you there. Of course, there are also areas where we can continue to grow, and those were spoken about also.

Wellbeing Wednesdays
In 2026, students will continue to participate in a dedicated wellbeing lesson every Wednesday. These sessions explicitly teach social and emotional skills and provide students with a safe space to talk, reflect and feel heard.
A full unit overview is available on MyVilla, along with other important information, including links to external mental health agencies and contact details and I encourage you to take some time to explore this page.
The wellbeing program covers a wide range of topics that impact boys at different stages of their development. Some units are informed by research, others have been shaped directly by student voice through our Student Wellbeing Action Team (SWAT) meetings, and some respond to current issues in young people’s lives such as social media use, vaping and bullying. This program plays a vital role in ensuring our boys are confident, capable and well-supported during their time at Villa.

Guest Speakers
Our guest speaker program has grown significantly and continues to be an important part of wellbeing at Villa. We are committed to securing presenters who connect genuinely with students and deliver age-appropriate, relevant messages.
The boys have been very clear: they want to hear from people with real-world experience who can speak honestly and credibly about the issues they face. That feedback continues to guide our choices.

This year’s guest speaker topics include:

• Drugs, Alcohol, and Party Safety

• Relationships, Consent, Sexuality, and Respect

• Online Safety and Digital Wellbeing

• Road Safety and Driver Awareness

• Men’s Health

• Trauma, Decision-Making, and Consequences

• Bullying, Banter, and Respect

• Mental Health

• Inclusivity and Disability Awareness

• Mindfulness and Meditation

• Life Skills and Financial Literacy

Further details about individual speakers and year levels can be found on the MyVilla wellbeing page.

VillaConnect
Another important initiative is VillaConnect, our online portal that allows students to make direct contact with the counselling team. Boys can submit a short message about what they are struggling with – no lengthy explanations required.
VillaConnect is available on the student MyVilla page, with a link also accessible from the parent wellbeing page. It provides a gentle, non-intimidating way for students of all ages to seek support when they need it.

Empowering Parenting Series
As part of our parent wellbeing series, we continue to offer one workshop per term, where experts speak directly to parents about topical issues.

In Term 1, we welcome Paul Dillon, a leading drug and alcohol expert who consistently delivers engaging and highly informative presentations. Paul is a non-negotiable on our program each year. This year, the session will be held at Loreto as we alternate venues due to our many shared families.

Wellbeing Tip Sheets for Parents
A new initiative this year is the introduction of Wellbeing Tip Sheets for Parents. These short, practical resources – researched and prepared by our school psychologists – cover common issues such as:

• Managing a Sensitive Disclosure

• School Refusal Strategies

• Increasing Motivation

• How to Help a Friend

These resources are designed to support conversations at home and complement counselling services and school-based support. Over time, we aim to build a comprehensive library available for download on MyVilla.
You may notice that more information than ever is now housed on the MyVilla platform, so I encourage you to become familiar with navigating the page.

Support Services
If you have any concerns about your son’s wellbeing, there are a number of support pathways available. Your first point of contact may be:

• Your son’s classroom teacher (Junior School)

• House Mentor Teacher

• Head of House
  You are also very welcome to contact me directly.

Our pastoral and counselling teams work closely together, and we are always here to listen, support and assist where needed.

At Villanova, your son’s wellbeing is always our highest priority. We know that students thrive when they feel safe, supported, and known, and we are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure this remains the case.
If at any time you have concerns – whether small or significant – please don’t hesitate to reach out. Early communication allows us to provide the most appropriate support, and no concern is ever too minor to raise. By working together, we can ensure your son feels supported both at school and at home.

Hope you all have a lovely week

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Programming

What a wonderful beginning to the 2026 school year. Our Augustinian value and theme for this year is Interiority. This is the personal process by which the truth of what is taught is tested by the ‘inner teacher within’ – the presence of God within each person.

As we begin this new year together, our students are invited and challenged to make space for moments of interiority in their daily lives, to pause, to listen deeply, and to reflect on who they are becoming.

There is already so much energy in the Mission and Identity space, and we are excited for the year ahead. At our first assembly, we acknowledged our Ministry Captains and leaders, recognising the important and heartfelt service they offer to our community and beyond.

We also took the opportunity to acknowledge our 2026 Vice-Captain for Ministry and Mission, Harvey whose leadership plays a vital role in promoting and supporting the work of Mission across the College. The position is a significant expression of the importance of ministry in the life of Villanova, a Catholic school in the Augustinian tradition.

We are proud to have Harvey championing Mission within our community and can’t wait to see him flourish and lead by fine example as he steps into this important role of service and witness.

We congratulate all our Ministry leaders and captains listed below:

AFAS Ministry Captains:  Samuel P, Finn R and Dean A
St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) Captains: Rudi A and Romano M
YCS Captains: Christian S and Riley G
Green Ministry Team Captains: Riley G, Sam L and Dean A
Year 10 Lord Mayor’s Young Environmental Leaders: Thomas T, James C & Sage A
Year 9 Eco Marines Ambassadors: Lachy D, Henry D, Charlie B, Sammy T
Year 9 YAYM Leaders: Charlie B, Oscar H and Josh S

We hope that you and your family feel truly welcomed into the Villa community this year known, valued, and invited to share your gifts, just as we strive to do the same for one another. As we begin this new school year, I invite you to join me in praying for our Villanova community:

Loving God,
Grant us the grace to love one another
as you love us.
Strengthen the bonds of community that bind us together and bring us closer to each other in heart and mind.
Help us to forgive one another,
as you have forgiven us.
Fill us with your compassion,
that we may be moved to help and serve those in need among us.
Grant us the wisdom to settle disputes with justice and the courage to speak truth with love.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.

Mrs Eleni Greenaway, Dean of Mission and Identity

MyVilla is Live!

We are delighted to formally launch myVilla, also known as “Schoolbox”, as our central platform for staying connected to all aspects of your son’s experience at Villanova College. From academics to co-curricular activities, myVilla is designed to give you easy access to the information and tools you need to support your son’s journey with us.

To help you get the most out of myVilla, we’ve put together some helpful tips below:

How to Log In

• Parents need to sign in to myVilla using the email address linked to their TASS Parent Lounge account.
• If you are having trouble logging in, simply use the “Reset Password” option. A verification code will be sent to your email, which you can use to reset your password.

What You Can Access in myVilla

• myVilla provides a wealth of resources to help you stay informed and connected.
• Newsletter, College updates and College events are visible from the Dashboard, or the menu icon buttons at the top.
• Tiles at the top direct you to important information hubs: Daily Notices, Student Protection, basic Co-curricular information, Teaching and Learning, Library, BYOD & ICT and Wellbeing.

Student Profile

• Your son’s profile contains key details, such as his College email address, House, House Mentor Group, and any medical alerts.
• To access his profile, simply click on his name or profile picture in the MY STUDENTS section on the Dashboard or via the left side menu.

Due Work

• Keep up to date with your son’s assessments, projects, and other important tasks.
• Access task details, assessment rubrics, and additional resources shared by your son’s teachers.

Grades

• Track your son’s academic progress, including teacher feedback, grades, and standards.
• View details for digital submissions and assessment results.

Pastoral Care

• Review pastoral records, including achievements, awards, behaviour, and other notes regarding your son’s progress.
• To access these records, click on the Pastoral Care button in the MY STUDENTS section or via your son’s profile page.

Calendar

• Stay on top of your son’s schedule, including practice/training times, fixtures, performance dates, and assessment deadlines.
• To view your son’s Calendar, click on the Calendar button in the MY STUDENTS section or via your son’s profile page.
• You can use the “Filter” options to see just Events, Submissions (Assessment), Clipboard Sports Integration (most co-curricular) and Optimo Music Integration (all co-curricular music) information.

Timetable

• Access live, up-to-date information about your son’s classes and timetabled lessons.
• To view your son’s Timetable (lessons and classes), click on the Timetable button in the MY STUDENTS section or via your son’s profile page.

Classes

• View your son’s current subjects and teachers. Please note that only students and teachers can access online class spaces.
• To view your son’s Classes, go to your son’s profile page and click on the Classes tab.

Groups

• Discover your son’s involvement in co-curricular groups such as ministry and other activities. Please note that only students and teachers can access online group spaces.
• To view your son’s Groups, go to your son’s profile page and click on the Groups tab.

Need Help?

If you experience any issues accessing myVilla or have feedback about its features, please feel free to use the “Support and Feedback” link located at the bottom of every page in myVilla. Alternatively, you can share feedback directly via this link: https://schoolbox.vnc.qld.edu.au/feedback

Feedback and Support

We are always looking for ways to improve the myVilla experience. If you have any suggestions, please use the “Support and Feedback” link available at the bottom of every page in myVilla, or visit https://schoolbox.vnc.qld.edu.au/feedback.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to roll out and engage with this new platform.

Mr Jason Lane, Director of E-Learning

A Positive Start to the Academic Year
I warmly welcome our College community back to Villanova for the new academic year. The year has commenced in a very positive manner, and it has been pleasing to see the boys return with purpose and enthusiasm. Across the College, there is clear evidence of students engaging positively in their lessons, establishing routines, and approaching their learning with focus and intent. These early weeks are critical, as the habits formed now often set the tone for sustained academic success throughout the year.

I extend a special welcome to the families joining us in Year 5 and Year 7, as well as those commencing their Villanova journey across other year levels. We are delighted to partner with you and hope that your time at Villanova is enjoyable, rewarding, and successful. We look forward to supporting your sons as they grow as learners and develop the skills required for success both at school and beyond.

Preparing for the Year Ahead: Staff Professional Learning and Interiority
During the Student Free Weeks, staff engaged in a wide range of professional learning opportunities designed to support their development and preparation for the year ahead. A key focus of this work has been aligning our practice with the College’s 2026 College Value of Interiority—encouraging reflection, intentionality, and depth in both teaching and learning.

Through this lens, staff explored ways to support students not only in what they learn, but in how they learn—developing self-awareness, independence, and a reflective approach to academic growth. This work has been central to ensuring our classrooms are places where high expectations are balanced with care, clarity, and purpose.

In parallel, the College continues to renew and strengthen its pedagogical approach, with a deliberate focus on ensuring a clear and consistent approach to classroom expectations and routines. We know that consistency and routine are critical elements in boys’ learning, providing the structure and predictability that enable students to engage deeply and confidently with their studies.

Through the leadership of our Director of Pedagogy, Mrs Kristina Moffett, staff are being supported to implement shared practices that promote clarity, reduce cognitive load, and create calm, purposeful learning environments. This consistency across classrooms is a key priority and an important foundation for academic success.

Establishing Positive Academic Habits Early
This week, at the Middle and Senior School Parent Information Evenings, we emphasised the importance of starting the year positively. Establishing effective routines early—around organisation, study, homework, attendance, and engagement—plays a significant role in long-term academic success.

Research consistently shows that quality matters more than quantity when it comes to study. Planning study across the week, using feedback effectively, and developing independence are key predictors of strong academic outcomes. As a guide, the table below outlines minimum recommended study expectations for students at different year levels. These expectations should be adapted to individual subjects and assessment demands.

Families play an important role in supporting these habits by reinforcing routines at home, encouraging proactive help-seeking, and promoting purposeful use of technology for learning.

Celebrating Academic Achievement
Over the holiday break, the academic results were released for the 2025 Senior Cohort, and we were proud of the efforts. Their results reflect not only academic ability, but sustained effort, resilience, and a willingness to engage with their learning over their senior years.

Next week, we will celebrate the academic achievements of our students from Semester 2, 2025. We will also recognise those students who demonstrated sustained academic excellence across both Semester 1 and Semester 2, who will be awarded a special academic badge. In addition, we are pleased to welcome back our Year 12 graduates from 2025 who achieved outstanding academic results. As these young men embark on their next pathway, it is a privilege to acknowledge their achievements and celebrate them within the College community.

myVilla (Schoolbox): Supporting Learning Through Consistency and Communication
This year marks the continued rollout of myVilla (Schoolbox) in supporting teaching and learning across the College. From an academic perspective, myVilla plays an important role in promoting consistency, clarity, and communication for students and families.

Through myVilla, students will be able to access learning materials, assessment information, feedback, and key academic resources in a structured and predictable way. For families, the platform provides greater visibility of learning expectations and supports timely conversations at home about progress, organisation, and upcoming assessment. Over time, this shared platform will further strengthen the partnership between home and the College in supporting student learning.

At this week’s Parent Information Evenings, our Director of e-Learning, Mr Jason Lane, provided a brief tutorial for parents on navigating myVilla and accessing key information. Mr Lane has also contributed a detailed article in this newsletter outlining practical instructions and guidance to support parents in using the platform effectively. We encourage families to engage with these resources, as myVilla will be an increasingly valuable tool in supporting your son’s learning journey.

Academic Support and Key Dates
An updated Tutor List for 2026 will be shared shortly via myVilla. I appreciate that many families are keen to engage with Villanova Graduate tutors to support their son’s academic studies, and I encourage families to review this information once available.

Finally, please note that the Year 12 Parent–Teacher Conference will be held on Wednesday 18 February, conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Further information regarding the booking process will be shared shortly. This is a valuable opportunity to meet early with your son’s teachers, discuss assessment completed in Term 4, 2025, and clarify expectations for the year ahead.

We thank you for your continued partnership and support and look forward to working closely with you throughout the year in pursuit of strong academic outcomes for all students.

Mr Kirk Astill, Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning

Welcome back to VNC Music 2026
On behalf of the entire music team, I would like to welcome all new and continuing members of our Villanova community.  We are looking forward to working with our musicians across the year and preparing some great music to share with you all.

If you are yet to enrol, or would like more information on participating in this element of College life, please don’t hesitate to contact the Music Office – music@vnc.qld.edu.au – or visit the college website at Music Lessons | Villanova College.  We welcome all students of all abilities – we will find you a place within our community.

Lessons and Rehearsals
Communication regarding our rehearsal schedule and IM lessons have been distributed to all participant families and musicians.  If you were expecting to receive this information but have not, please contact us as a matter of urgency.  The rehearsal schedule for Term 1 has been included with this week’s Villa View.

Students who are currently enrolled in the music program will have been allocated a lesson time and ensemble rehearsal time.  This information will have come to student and parents via email.  It is also visible in your son’s MyVilla Calendar.  The Calendar element of MyVilla will contain all lessons and rehearsals scheduled for the term in advance of the current date (inclusive of that day).  All historic dates ‘disappear’ from the calendar due to the nature if it’s operation.  If you are unsure of your son’s time, please use the MyVilla Calendar as your source of truth.

Please remember that rolls are marked at the beginning of each rehearsal.  If you receive an alert regarding your son’s attendance, its purpose is to open a dialogue around the situation.  We take our duty of care of your son very seriously and want to ensure all students are safe and where everyone expects them to be.

As always, if you have any queries regarding your son’s schedule, please don’t hesitate to contact the music office.

Year 5 Instrumental Music
Our Year 5 cohort met the music team on Tuesday this week.  Over this week and next, our IM team is in the process of finalising the physical testing of students to ensure we place them on the instrument they will have best success on.  Once this process is complete, we will be communicating with home regarding allocations.

When I had the opportunity to meet each class, I spoke with them briefly regarding how we would like them to approach this new opportunity.  I shared that music was a skill, not a talent; if they were able to walk, or tie their shoelaces, brush their teeth, or use cutlery, they were able to play a musical instrument.  Our task was to place them on an instrument where we feel they would have success (making a good tone), the rest was up to them in terms of engaging with the support we provide and approaching this opportunity with a growth mindset.

We will be in touch regarding how we can best support our musicians both here and at home.  It is a great experience and a wonderful opportunity to support the social, emotional, and cognitive development of our students.

I am really looking forward to working with you all and our team across 2026 – it’s going to be an exciting year!

Music Support Group
Our next Music Support Group meeting will be convened on Monday 9 February in the Chapter Room at the front of the Augustine Centre, commencing at 6:30pm.  All parents are most welcome to attend.  We encourage you all to come along and learn a little more about what happens behind the scenes in music here at the College.

Key Dates Term 1
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

2026 Weekly Rehearsal Schedule
Term 1

Director of Sport Address

Welcome to 2026 AIC sport! I hope families enjoyed a refreshing holiday period, with time to recharge and prepare for the year ahead. For many of our students, the break was also marked by commitment and growth through training blocks, camps, tours and representative opportunities, and this has shown clearly in the positive start to the year. 

The opening weeks of Term 1 have been extremely encouraging. Our trial fixtures against Marist College Ashgrove set a strong tone, with outstanding participation numbers across all sports and a clear demonstration of effort, discipline and team first attitudes. Across courts, fields and pools, students have embraced high standards, competed with intent and supported one another superbly. It is a promising foundation for the season ahead. 

A consistent message has been reinforced across our Trimester 1 Firsts programs by staff and student leaders alike: standards matter. Our Firsts players understand that growth is earned through effort, preparation and accountability, and that leadership is shown in how they train, respond to challenges and represent Villanova College each week. Captains across AFL, Cricket and Volleyball have spoken strongly about ownership, resilience and leading by example, reminding us that success is built not only on results, but on habits, character and the way we support one another. 

A particular highlight of the holiday period was the Villa Swim Camp held earlier this month. Students from the Villanova Swim Squad benefited from two high quality pool sessions under the guidance of Head Coach Alberto and coaches Troy and Lachie, with a strong focus on technique and race preparation. Beyond the pool, the camp provided valuable holistic learning. Sports Dietitian Peta Carige worked with students on fuelling for health and performance, drawing on her experience with Queensland Rugby League, the Jillaroos and the Broncos. Sports Psychologist Shane Senituli from Maximize Performance Psychology led teamwork activities and explored the importance of mindset, drawing on his work with the Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Logan City Council. Strength and conditioning were delivered by Marco Mastrorocco from Athletix, trusted by the Brisbane Lions, Cricket Australia and the Queensland Bulls, with a focus on developing the core strength essential for swimming performance. The outstanding organisation and support of the Swim Camp by Coordinators Ms Julie Colbert and Ms Lauren Robinson is sincerely appreciated. 

Our cricketers also enjoyed an outstanding holiday period. Villanova College concluded the 2025 Oblate Cricket Tour in style, defeating Mazenod College from Western Australia to secure the Oblate Invitational Trophy. Chasing 197, Villanova posted an impressive 324, highlighted by a commanding 103 retired not out from Christian F. and a powerful 89 from Fraser S., supported by valuable contributions across the order. With the ball, steady pressure and sharp fielding ensured a strong team performance. This was a deserved tournament victory and a credit to the leadership of Cricket Coordinator Mr Nathan Dufty, alongside Mr Joel Cosgrove, Mr Joshua Schaumburg and Mr Nathan Reardon. 

Cricket also provided a wonderful moment of connection when Villanova Old Boys returned to take on the First XI in a T20 fixture. While the Old Boys claimed the win, the real success lay in the conversations that followed, with graduates spanning the 1980s through to the Class of 2024 sharing insights with current students about school, work and life beyond the classroom. It was a powerful reminder of the enduring Villanova brotherhood and the values that unite our community. 

Holiday camps across cricket and volleyball were similarly well attended and highly productive. I extend sincere thanks to Volleyball Coordinator Mr Todd Kropp and all coaches and support staff who gave their time and expertise to provide these opportunities. Their commitment is reflected in the confidence, cohesion and readiness shown by our teams as the season begins. 

In AFL, we are pleased to welcome Mr Brendon Brauer as Coordinator from Monday to Friday, alongside Mr Chris Paterson who leads our AFL program on Saturdays. Their early work with students has already reinforced strong standards, clarity and connection across the program. 

I would also like to acknowledge on a personal note. I have returned this week from Paternity Leave and am very grateful for the initiative, leadership and care shown by our Sports Office staff, Sports Coordinators and the wider Villanova College community in my absence. Thank you for your patience and support in the weeks ahead as I continue to balance my role with important family time. 

As competition commences, I remind all members of our community that how we play matters. We ask players to compete fiercely while showing humility and respect, parents and supporters to model positive and welcoming behaviour, and all involved to uphold the standards that define Villa Sport. In the summer conditions, please also prioritise hydration, sun safety and recovery. 

Thank you to our students for representing Villanova College with pride, to our coaches and staff for their leadership and care, and to our families and Villanova Sports Club for their ongoing support. I look forward to a positive and rewarding season ahead and to seeing our community out in force across the courts, fields and pools. 

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 Newsletter issues. All training and match changes or cancellations will be communicated via the Villanova College phone application.  

AIC Code of Conduct  

As we move through the AIC season, families, students and supporters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the AIC Code of Conduct. The Code clearly outlines the expectations for students, parents, coaches, officials and spectators and reflects our shared commitment to high standards of behaviour, respect and sportsmanship across all AIC member schools. 

Some expectations from the Code of Behaviour for Parents and Spectators include: 

• Be welcoming of other competitors and spectators and always model respectful interactions. 

• Respect referees and officials’ decisions and teach your son to do likewise. 

• Show appreciation for the coaches and teachers – including the opposing team. Without them, your son could not participate. 

Key expectations from the Code of Behaviour for Players include: 

• Respect your opponents by displaying humility in victory and graciousness in defeat. 

• Exhibit a high standard of conduct and sportsmanship on and off the field including appropriate language, social media posts, and interaction with officials and opposition players. 

• Acknowledge the opposition before and after the game with a handshake and thanks. 

• Play hard and competitively, but always fairly and accept the officials’ decisions. 

By upholding these expectations together, we ensure Villa Sport remains a positive, inclusive and respectful environment, where strong competition goes hand in hand with character, growth and pride in representing Villanova College. 

No Dog Policy 

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

Lost Property – Villanova Park 

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

FIXTURES, RESULTS and TRAINING INFORMATION 

AIC Draw 2026 

Please find linked the AIC Draw for 2026.  

Training Schedules 

The Term 1, Week 2 Training Schedule has now been published to Student Café, Parent Lounge and the Locker Room pages. Any updated schedules are to be released by Friday in preparation for the following week. Families are encouraged to check these updates regularly to ensure they have the latest information. 

If any changes or cancellations occur, the Villanova College App will be updated accordingly. 

Please note: In the event of cancelled sessions or extremely poor weather, sessions may be adjusted or rescheduled where possible. Thank you for your understanding. 

Key Links 

AIC Sport Results – Associated Independent Colleges 

Team Lists 

Team lists appear in the Parent Lounge and Student Cafe sections of the portal. Team lists will be posted by Thursday prior to the round ahead. This is the earliest possible time we can post this information. 

Term 1 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 

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. Until coach contacts become available online, please 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 (Monday to Friday) – Brendon Brauer (brendon.brauer@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

AFL Coordinator (Saturday) – Chris Paterson (cpaterson@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 Administrators – Nathan Dufty (ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au) and Maria Mascadri (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) only: mmascadri@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

AIC Sports Leader – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)  

Central Sharks District Sport – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au) and Anthony Kemp (AKemp@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)  

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 – 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 – Sports Office staff – (SportsOffice@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Water Polo Coordinator – Lauren Robinson (lauren.robinson@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

AFL – Start of the 2026 Season 

The AFL season has officially commenced. Over the weekend, all teams participated in trial matches against Marist College. These games provided valuable opportunities for players to refine their skills, strategies, and teamwork in preparation for the season ahead. The dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated by all teams reflect their hard work and commitment during the preseason, as well as the support of our coaching staff. 

Upcoming Fixtures: 

This week, our AFL teams will compete against St Laurence’s College in what promises to be an exciting round of matches: 

• Years 5 and 6 will play at Yeronga AFL, Cansdale St on Saturday morning, with games starting at 7:30am. 

• Years 7–10 will compete at Coorparoo AFL Club, Birubi St on Saturday morning, also beginning at 7:30am. 

• The Firsts and Seconds teams will play at Coorparoo AFL Club on Friday afternoon, with matches scheduled for 4:45pm. 

Game Day Guidelines: 

• Players should arrive at their designated venues wearing their Villa Sports or Villa AFL uniform (jersey, shorts, socks), fully prepared to participate; with mouthguard.  

• Please bring a water bottle and sunscreen to ensure hydration and sun protection. 

• Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your game to allow for appropriate warm-up. 

Parental Support: 

We encourage parents to continue supporting our players by fostering positive attitudes and encouraging sportsmanship. Let’s aim to create a respectful and enjoyable environment for everyone involved. Students are reminded to demonstrate respect towards teammates, coaches, and opponents at all times. 

Team Updates: 

Please be aware that team rosters may be subject to minor adjustments following last week’s trial matches, based on performance, attitude, and effort during training and games throughout the season. 

We are confident that our players will represent Villanova College with pride and good sportsmanship in the upcoming fixtures. Best of luck to all teams this weekend! 

Primary AFL – Spectator Reminders 

A reminder to families attending Primary AFL fixtures that all parents and spectators are required to remain behind the designated fences, ropes or bunting at each venue. 

At venues such as Yeronga and Iona, playing areas will be clearly marked. Parents and spectators are not permitted to stand on the sidelines or enter the playing area. Only players and coaches are permitted inside the fenced or roped zones. 

Coaches, team assistants and managers should be clearly identifiable by wearing official school coaching attire. 

Thank you for your support in helping maintain safe, organised and respectful match day environments for all students. 

Mr Brendon Brauer, Mr Chris Paterson and Mr Hershelle Classen, AFL Coordinators (Monday to Friday and Saturday, respectively) and Y5-8 Jnr AFL Coordinator 

Cricket 

As we enter Round 1 against St Laurence’s College, our Villanova cricketers do so with strong momentum built through a committed preseason and positive trial performances. Across trainings, nets and match simulations, students have embraced high standards, competed with intent and supported one another superbly. 

This weekend will be a valuable first test of our preparation. We encourage all players to focus on effort, discipline and composure, taking pride in the small moments that win games: warm up standards, communication between overs, backing up throws, calling loudly, running hard between wickets and staying connected as a team. 

Families are reminded to check the weekly draw and team lists carefully, then arrive on time with full cricket uniform, adequate water, sunscreen and a hat. We also ask all supporters to model positive and welcoming behaviour, respecting officials and encouraging all players with the same energy, regardless of the score. 

Good luck to all Villanova teams as the 2026 AIC Cricket season begins. Represent Villanova College with pride, humility and respect. 

Mr Nathan Dufty, Cricket Coordinator 

Swimming 

The 2026 dedicated and enthusiastic Villanova swimmers have been in the pool for the last three weeks, with training well underway. Thank you to all the boys and their parents for supporting the squad and continuing their training. Now that we are back to school, there is the expectation that boys will be training and participating in the Friday afternoon meets leading up to AIC Championships on the 10 March.  These meets are an opportunity for our swimmers to experience race conditions and track their progress. 

Boys are reminded to get to the pool early for each session to check in with the teacher on duty before the training session.  We have the Gold squad training at Langlands Pool and the Green squad at the Villanova pool. 

• Monday 6:30am – 7:45am Gold Squad – Langlands Pool (compulsory session) 

• Tuesday 6:45am – 7:45am Gold Squad – Langlands Pool 

• Wednesday 7:00am – 8:00am – Green Squad – Villa Pool 

• Thursday 6:45am – 7:45am Gold squad – Langlands Pool 

Our first meet will be at Marist Ashgrove on Friday 6 February.  Buses will take the boys to the meet and will be returning to Villanova at the completion of the carnival.  Parents are welcome to attend and collect the boys from the pool.  This meet is open to all members of the Villa Gold squad only.  If you cannot attend the meets, please email me in advance so that we can confirm numbers for the bus. More details about the preparation meets will be published during the coming week as venues, times and bus transport information is confirmed. 

Thank you to the swimming staff – Coaches Alberto, Troy, Lachie, Old Boy Hugo Patterson and Villa staff Terri Dillon, Mel Liddy, Hannah Elder, Dana Watson and Emma Read for their ongoing support of the season. 

I also wish to offer our congratulations to all our Villanova swimmers who competed at the Queensland State Championships and the Regional Relay Championships in December! Qualifying for the State Championships is an incredible achievement, and we are so proud of the hard work, determination, and sportsmanship shown by all competitors. Villanova medal recipients from the Championships feature in the “External achievements” section of this Newsletter.  

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

Volleyball  

Round 1 of the 2026 AIC Volleyball season arrives this weekend against St Laurence’s College and our teams are looking forward to the opportunity to compete. Preseason training has been well attended, and it has been pleasing to see players grow in confidence, cohesion and court discipline over the past few weeks. 

As we enter the opening round, our focus is simple: prepare well, play with intent and stay connected. Volleyball is a sport that rewards communication, composure and effort in every rally. Players are encouraged to bring strong energy, support their teammates, accept decisions calmly and respond positively to momentum shifts. 

Families are reminded to check the weekly draw and team lists, then ensure students arrive early for warm ups in full AIC Volleyball uniform. We also thank parents and supporters in advance for helping create a respectful match day environment, welcoming visiting teams and modelling the high standards expected at Villanova College. 

Mr Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT 

Villa Sports Club 

You are warmly invited to attend the next Villa Sports Club meeting on Tuesday, 10 February, from 6:00–7:00pm. The meeting will be held in the Level 3 Foyer of the St Thomas of Villanova Building, overlooking Whinstanes Oval. 

This 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! 

Parent Volunteers 

The Villanova College Sports Club warmly invites you to assist us this Saturday, 7 February, at Goold Hall. Your support at the Sports Canteen during the AIC Volleyball Season is greatly appreciated. Please click the link below to register as a volunteer for this event. Your contribution makes a real difference to our sporting community. Thank you for your anticipated support via Volleyball Round 1 – Goold Hall – Saturday February 7 – Sports Canteen Volunteers! 

SPECIALISED SERVICES  

Physiotherapy and Concussion Management 

Students recovering from suspected concussion must be cleared by the assigned paramedic at the venue. College Physiotherapist Bridie Nicholson also manages concussion of students after game days. She can facilitate return-to-play plans and provide final clearance for participation in AIC Sport. The Villanova College Concussion Management Plan is available here:
Villanova College Concussion Management Plan – May 2025 (PDF) 

Concussion triage sessions are available at the following times in Term 1:
• Monday – 7:30 to 8:00am in the College Gym 

Please notify the relevant Sports Coordinator and Director of Sport Mr Matthew Hannan if your child is likely to attend one of these sessions. 

Strength and Conditioning 

Welcome to 2026 and the Start of a New Sporting Year 

The beginning of a new year always brings fresh energy, renewed focus, and big opportunities. As Term 1 gets underway, it has been great to see the enthusiasm and commitment from our students back in the gym and out on the field. The work completed during the pre-season has laid a strong foundation for what we hope will be a successful year of sport across the College. 

We would like to wish the very best of luck to our boys as the AFL, Volleyball, and Cricket seasons begin. Now it is time for that preparation to translate into confident performances and consistent effort as competition gets underway. 

At the same time, our Soccer and Swimming athletes are continuing their preparation alongside the Rugby Union program, all making a strong final push before Term 2 competitions commence. This phase of training is critical for consolidating fitness, refining movement quality, and ensuring athletes are physically prepared for the demands of the upcoming season. 

This term has started with strong numbers across most Strength and Conditioning classes, and we are excited to continue delivering high quality S&C support over the next few weeks. 

Finally, a reminder that Injury Triage with School Physiotherapist Bridie runs every Monday from 7:30am to 8:00am in the gym. This is a valuable opportunity to address minor issues early, stay healthy, and maintain training continuity. 

Let’s make 2026 a great year of preparation, performance, and pride in Villanova sport. 

Marco Mastrorocco
Coordinator of Strength & Conditioning 

Term 1 Speed & Agility Program 

Registrations are now open via Parent Lounge – the program begins in Week 2 of Term 1. 

Registrations are now live in Parent Lounge for the Term 1 Speed and Agility Program – a fantastic chance for students to sharpen their skills and build confidence! Sessions kick off on Thursday of Week 2 (5 February). 

Details:
• Open to all students in Years 5–8
• Cost: $175 for 8 sessions delivered by Matty Scott and elite-level coaches
• Day: THURSDAY mornings ONLY
• Time: 7:00am to 8:00am
• Venue: Whinstanes Oval
• Start Date: Week 2 – Thursday 5 February. 

This is a great opportunity to build speed, coordination and confidence in a dynamic and supportive setting.   

Please note: In the event of cancelled sessions or extremely poor weather, sessions may be adjusted or rescheduled where possible. Thank you for your understanding.  

STUDENT NOTICES 

Rugby Refereeing: Any students (Year 7 to 12) who are keen on rugby union refereeing next term are to register their interest with the Sports Office. There are courses available to attend in March, which will have you ready to referee the trial games at the end of term. All student referees are only allowed to referee two or more years below their current year level. 

AIC Volleyball hire jerseys: AIC Volleyball jerseys can be collected from the Uniform Shop at the following times: 

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. 

Guidelines regarding communication of External Achievements 

The Villanova College Sports Department celebrates individual student achievements through both our social media platforms and newsletter. To maintain clarity and consistency, the recognition criteria are outlined below: 

Social Media Recognition: 

• Achievements at the national level (e.g., selection in an Australian team or being crowned a national or state champion). 

• Outstanding results in state level events may also qualify. 

Newsletter Recognition: 

• Achievements at the state level (e.g. selection in Queensland teams or significant individual achievements at recognised State Championships, such as medal winners). 

Exclusions: 

• Representation at club, district, or composite levels (e.g. Met East or Lytton District) does not meet the criteria for inclusion in social media or newsletter posts. 

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

• A summary of the event or competition (100–150 words or an equivalent in dot point form) 

• A photo of the student (ideally in their representative uniform) 

Selection process 

The goal of this selection process is to address and resolve players’ concerns in a structured and collaborative way. It begins with direct communication with the coach and escalates to higher-level review (if necessary), ensuring fairness and the effective resolution of both minor and serious issues. 

Step 1: Direct Communication: 

The player discusses their concern directly with the coach, who also provides feedback. 

Step 2: Further Action: 

If the student’s concern is not resolved, the player consults the relevant Sport Coordinator, who will look to involve the coach. 

Step 3: Serious or Unresolved Issues: 

For significant concerns or unresolved matters, the player and their parents will meet with the relevant Sport Coordinator and the Director of Sport. 

Minor Disputes (handled by coach or Sport Coordinator): 

• Issues with playing time or positions. 

• Communication breakdowns. 

• Concerns about skill development or behaviour at training. 

Serious Misconduct (escalates to Sport Coordinator & Director of Sport): 

• Bullying or harassment. 

• Discrimination. 

• Severe unsportsmanlike conduct. 

• Violence or threats. 

• Substance abuse.  

REGIONAL & EXTERNAL SPORTS 

Regional Sport 

In 2026, there have been some updates made to the School Sport Representative pathway. Villanova College now joins the Central Sharks district (former Composite & Lytton) for 10-19 Years Sport. 

Further information can be found on the Locker Room page including a current list of eligible sports. At the end of week 2, eligible sports will be communicated via the College Newsletter and Morning Notices only. 

Central Sharks trial information (former Met East/Composite): Paperwork for the following sports is now available from the Sports Office (located in Goold Hall). Nominations returned after the due date will not be submitted. 

Mr Todd Kropp, Regional Sport Coordinator 

PARTNERSHIPS 

Athletix  

Athletix Human & Sports Performance is Brisbane’s premier high-performance facility, dedicated to bridging elite training principles to athletes and the general public alike. Led by Marco Mastrorocco (ASCA Level 2 Pro), our team of expert strength & conditioning coaches and sports physiologists deliver evidence-based training, injury prevention, and long-term athletic development (LTAD) programs. Marco is a trusted consultant for elite teams such as the Brisbane Bullets, Queensland Bulls, Brisbane Lions AFLW, and recently Gold Coast Suns. Whether aspiring to the elite level or seeking personal growth, Athletix provides world-class coaching in a high-performance environment. Train like an athlete. 

Bridie Nicholson 

Bridie Nicholson (APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist) will continue to provide physiotherapy services for all Villanova athletes in 2026. This will be Bridie’s fourth year supporting Villanova students involved in sport. 

Bridie brings extensive experience in both professional and sub-elite sports. She previously served as head physiotherapist for the Brisbane Roar Women’s A-League team for three years and has worked with professional men’s basketball and ice hockey teams in Toronto. Before joining Villanova, she was the game day physiotherapist for GPS Rugby Union and QAFL 1st Division. 

Bridie is passionate about injury prevention and creating a safe, supportive environment for our students. She will provide services at all Firsts rugby union, rugby league, AFL, and football games throughout 2025. 

Bridie also offers private physiotherapy services at the Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy Clinic, located at 42 Baxter Street, Fortitude Valley (within Athletix Gym). Discounted rates are available for Villanova students and staff. 

• Booking Link: Click here to book an appointment 

Contact Details: 

• Phone: 0452 224 981 

• Email: bridie@sportsandexercise.physio  

• Website: www.sportsandexercise.physio 

Future Athletics 

This external training program covers a broad range of track and field events. With expert coaching from Olympians specialising in sprints, hurdles, jumps, and middle distance, participants will receive training tailored to their level—from beginner to professional—designed to help them excel in their chosen events. 

This program is designed to equip students with fundamental skills across various sports. Guided by Olympian and Australian coaches, students will develop key techniques such as running form, change of direction, and power generation to enhance performance in their chosen disciplines. 

FINAL REFLECTION 

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” 

As we begin the year, this is a powerful reminder that progress does not come from one big moment, but from the consistent choices we make every day. Turning up prepared, giving your best effort, supporting your teammates and responding positively to challenges all add up over time. 

The way our students have embraced the start of the year has been genuinely encouraging. There is strong energy, a willingness to learn and a clear sense of pride in representing Villanova College. These early habits matter. They lay the groundwork not only for success this season, but for growth in confidence, character and resilience. 

Thank you to our coaches, coordinators and families for the support, care and encouragement you provide behind the scenes. Together, we are building something meaningful, one session at a time. 

Keep believing, keep working and keep backing one another. 

Go Villa! 💚💛 

DATE CLAIMER
Catch-Up Student ID – Tuesday 10 February
If your son requires an ID Photo, please refer to the schedule
published in Morning Notices.

P&F MEETING
P & F Meeting this Monday night
Join our only meeting for Term One Monday 9 February 2026 @ 6.00pm in the Senior Library (Tolle Legge).
Interested in having a say on this years Mothers Night??? Join the Mothers’ Night Organising Committee!! A small input for a great outcome! Term One meeting Special guest – Mr Paul Begg.

TUCKSHOP
The 2026 menu and price list for Tuckshop is now available by clicking here https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Tuckshop-menu.pdf
We ask for students to use CASH ONLY for the first 2 weeks of school. All students new to the school are asked to bring cash for tuckshop purchases until student ID cards have been received and a Flexischool account has been created and linked. Existing students with student ID cards and Flexischools accounts are reminded to bring cash as a backup for purchases until new ID cards have been received.

Volunteering at Tuckshop
The Tuckshop is a modern, commercial area of your school that provides an affordable and nourishing breakfast, morning tea and lunch service for the boys. Breakfast preparations begin from 7.00am and Morning Tea and Lunch preparations beginning at 8.30am with the day concluding at 2pm. We run a self-service system, with a diverse menu consisting of both freshly prepared and pre-packaged items.

It’s managed by a paid convenor but could not exist without its dedicated volunteer helpers. We welcome help from Mums, Dads, grandparents, other caregivers, friends, etc.

If you are interested in volunteering at Tuckshop you would be rostered on one day every four weeks generally from 8.30am to 2pm but for those of you who can accommodate or prefer an earlier start and/or finish, you can be rostered on the breakfast shift from 7.00am. Even if you can only give just an hour or two, this is still very welcome – we can make use of any time you are able to give us. Our helpers are provided with a cuppa & cake for morning tea, a delicious lunch, lots of laughs and an opportunity to see their sons in their school environment.
If you’re a little nervous about volunteering alone, why not join with a friend!
Current volunteers have mentioned the following reasons as to why they enjoy working at the Tuckshop:

• it helps our boys and the school community
• it is great opportunity to meet other parents & chat to others with similar interests
• boys enjoy seeing their parents at school (even though they won’t always admit it)
• it’s a chance to get to meet your son’s friends and their teachers
• it’s a great way to seek advice from parents who have “been there, done that”
• it’s a lot of fun!

If you are interested in volunteering you can register you interest at: Volunteering at Villanova » Villanova College (vnc.qld.edu.au) .
Thank you.

Mrs Dot Blair, Villanova Tuckshop Convenor
Ph: 3394 5592 Email: tuckshop@vnc.qld.edu.au

SECOND-HAND UNIFORM SHOP

Do you know you can purchase quality, pre-loved Villanova College Uniforms through the P&F Second-hand Uniform Shop?

2026 Second Hand Uniform Shop Opening Times will be fortnightly on Tuesdays Week B, 730-9am.

The second-hand uniform shop is now located under Lecceto building (behind Goold Hall), best access is via Gate 3, Goold Hall Gate, on Eighth Avenue.

Drop off tub locations for pre-loved uniforms for sale or donation. Don’t forget to include your form!

• New Alinta Uniform Shop
• Outside Tuckshop
• Directly to the second-hand shop during opening hours

Click on link for all Second Hand Uniform shop info (scroll down the page for the 2^nd Hand shop section).

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST MUSICAL – TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Loreto College and Villanova College are thrilled to present the 2026 musical spectacular Beauty and the Beast, and tickets are now on sale!

Step into an enchanted world where a curious young woman, a mysterious castle and a misunderstood Beast collide in a story that celebrates compassion, bravery and seeing the good in others. With iconic songs, striking sets and moments of humour and heart, this production is set to delight audiences young and old.

Brought to life by a gifted cast of students, Beauty and the Beast features dynamic choreography, show-stopping costumes and the energy of live theatre at its best.

Hanrahan Theatre, Villanova College, 25–28 February 2026

Join us for an evening of music, magic and memorable performances! Get Your Tickets Now: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1509491

SAFER SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Brisbane City Council, Safer Schools Program
Villanova College (Coorparoo) is confirmed to be included in
the Brisbane City Council (Council) Safer Schools Program for Term 1 2026. This program
aims to promote safe parking practices and ensure compliance with local traffic regulations
around schools.

Child safety is paramount, and illegal parking within school zones remains a significant
concern for parents, residents, and schools. Limited parking spaces around peak drop-off and
pick-up times often leads to competitive and potentially dangerous parking behaviours.

While we understand the challenges parents face in navigating school zone drop-off and pickup,
it’s crucial to prioritise safety. Over the coming term, Council officers will be conducting
regular patrols around your school to monitor parking compliance. Our enforcement approach
will use a combination of foot patrols as well as our highly visible Community Safety and
Regulation vehicles that can identify alleged offences using Automatic Number Plate
Recognition and GPS software. Compliance action will be taken on any observed breaches.
We kindly request that you encourage parents, guardians, and visitors to adhere to all parking
regulations in the vicinity of the school. The following may be useful to include in your school
newsletter and/or other communication forums utilised by your school.

School Zone Parking
Parking in accordance with all road rules and signage is important to keep our
children and other road users safe. Unfortunately, Brisbane City Council has
received an increase in the number of reports of illegal parking around our school. As
a result, our school has been added to Council’s Safer Schools Program this term.

What does this mean?
Brisbane City Council’s Parking Compliance Officers will be actively patrolling the
streets surrounding our school over the coming term to encourage safer parking
behaviours. These patrols will be conducted on foot and in highly visible Community
Safety and Regulation vehicles that can identify alleged offences using Automatic
Number Plate Recognition and GPS software. Please be kind – they have a job to
do.

What are the common parking signs around schools?
A guide to common parking signs around school zones can be found on Council’s
website by searching the term ‘School Parking’.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students and other
road users. If you wish to discuss the matter further, please contact Parking Supervisor Curtis
Boyle, Parking Supervisor on 3027 4337.
City Safety | Compliance and Regulatory Services

Brisbane City Council
2026 School Bus Tip Sheet & Contact Update – refer link below

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:ap:d2aea4c6-314b-4e06-ba4f-b8f29dd95ca2

ARMY CADETS

Beginning on Monday 2nd February, Bulimba Barracks are opening up recruiting for the Bulimba Army Cadet Unit. Students from Villanova College have the opportunity to participate in the youth development program cadets offers such as Leadership, STEM, Mateship as well as taking part in Anzac Day and Reserve Forces Day. Please find here the 2026 flyer. For more information please go to https://www.armycadets.gov.au/ 

COLLECTION NOTICE

Collection notice for parents/guardians
2026 Student residential address and other information collection (address collection)
The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to notify you that we have requested for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information.
Under the Australian Education Regulations 2023, the school is required to provide the department with the following information about each student at the school:
• names and residential addresses of the student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
• student residential address (excluding student names)
• whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
• whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status).
The school collects the above information by generating a unique and unidentifiable student reference number (SRN) for each student record. The school only uses the SRN for this collection. The SRN cannot be used for any other purpose. The number only indicates to the department that each record provided is for one student.
Purpose of the collection
The address collection informs Australian Government school education policy and helps ensure funding for non-government schools is based on need.
The information collected is used to inform school funding calculations. It is combined with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data to calculate a non-government school community’s anticipated capacity to contribute to schooling costs, known as the capacity to contribute (CTC) score. More information is available on the CTC page.
Use and disclosure of personal information
Your personal information is protected by law under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act). Personal information is information or an opinion about an identifiable individual. Personal information includes an individual’s name and contact details.
Any use or disclosure of your personal information must occur in accordance with the Privacy Act, the Australian Education Act 2013 and Australian Education Regulations 2023.
Your personal information provided to the department through the collection may be:
• disclosed to the ABS for the purposes of the ABS linking names and address(es) with their personal income taxation data using the capacity to contribute calculations and analysis as a part of the Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA – previously known as MADIP). Find more information about PLIDA on the ABS website PLIDA page
• disclosed to an authorised person (for example, contracted auditor or identified departmental official) where the department may audit a school’s collection submission. The authorised person compares the school’s submission with the student enrolment information. The authorised person will not use the information for any other purpose
• disclosed to our service providers for the purpose of providing the department with information and communications technology support
• used or disclosed where it is otherwise required or authorised by law.
The department does not intend to disclose your personal information to any overseas recipients.
Aggregated information will be provided to your school in the form of school level median income for the last 3 years, rounded to the nearest $5,000. This information is provided to help your school understand their level of government funding. Your personal income information will not be provided to your school.
Find the department’s privacy policy on the Department of Education web site. This includes information on:
• how individuals can access and modify personal information held by the department
• how complaints about potential breaches or breaches of the Privacy Act can be made
• how the department will deal with these complaints.
In association with this, the department commissioned an independent Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA). The PIA assessed the flows of information under the address collection, compliance with the Privacy Act and measures in place to safeguard the personal information being collected. The current version is available on the Department of Education web site.
What do you need to do?
You are not required to do anything. Your school is responsible for providing the department with the requested details; however, you can contact the school to update your family’s details.
Contacts for further information
Your school can provide additional information about the address collection process.
Alternatively, please visit the EducationHUB address collection page.