Villa View – Issue 5, 27 March 2025

It has been another wonderfully busy period at the College with Year 5 Camp, Year 12 retreat, the Debut Concert series, AIC Swimming Championships and the launch of the Year 9 Rite Journey Program. This all on top of both Trimester 1 sport concluding and Trimester 2 sport establishing. As always I marvel at the dedication and commitment of our staff, parents and Old boys as they deliver so much to the boys as they grow and develop here at Villanova.

As is expected each of these events and activities are carefully curated to ensure that they are aligned with both our educational purpose and values. There is always a surface level impact or intent but also a deeper and more transcendent purpose in terms of growth and development. In our sporting pursuits it is delivering the tangible lessons for learning that can be applied to the broader context of boys life. Our 1sts XI cricketers had a heartbreaking loss on the weekend, which also cost them a share of the premiership. They played in great spirit, and competed with eagerness, but disappointment of this loss is wasted if there is not time taken for interiority and consideration of the reasons behind what was perhaps consider a fait accompli going into the Saturday game. An internal examination by both students, coaches, and the team of what elements of preparation and performance contributed to the loss that can then be applied to the broader spectrum of their life and educational experiences. It is this stage of ‘sporting life’ that is the most important an the most courageous. There is no question that times like these can in fact be the most valuable experiences we have and are the mark of great moments that shaped future success in all areas of one’s life story.

Contrastingly, on assembly this week the Percussion ensemble delivered an outstanding performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. This was from the other side of the ledger in terms of wins and losses. The performance both at the debut concert and on assembly was absolutely A grade. However, just as the 1st XI cricket side needs to analyse in loss, the percussion ensemble needs the same analysis in ‘victory’. What were those elements in preparation and performance that were the precursors to excellence? How did the group of 7 boys and their teacher combine and work together toward high level outcomes. What were the keys that unlocked their success and how are they subsequently accessed and applied to other realms of life and thought. Each of these questions were shared with our gathered community on Tuesday and each boy then challenged to find those keys in their life. As parents I would encourage a discussion of same, and perhaps sharing of your own reflections of success and victory in life’s little battles and pathways.

Finally, I would like to share specific congratulations to all those boys in our swim team. Prior to their departure on Friday, I did give them a little motivational address and asked them to give it their all. My challenge was simple in content but perhaps difficult in action. To apply all the moments of training, the tips and guidance from their coaches and the depth of their dreams into each performance that evening, ‘to leave nothing in the tank’! This brief message is what I hope for all of boys when they come to points of test or key performance moments. In their examinations of this week and the next, to leave nothing in the tank. What we want to guide our boys toward is moments of excellence when they respond to the call to be their best and deliver their best. A time when we remove the narratives of excuse or exception and give our full self to an activity or challenge. Our Villa boys are asked to do this now, as young growing men, so as to be fully prepared for when they need that strength, courage and resilience in the future.

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.

Villanova College – Senior School Update (Years 10 to 12)
The Senior School Assessment Period is well underway, and our students are managing the demands of this busy time. For Year 12, their exams have now concluded, and they are focused on finalizing assignment work and refining drafts. It’s a time of focus and perseverance as they prepare to finalise assessments and commence learning new topics and areas of study in the journey towards the end of Year 12.

Year 11 students have begun their first Senior School Exam Block, and the results will significantly contribute to their QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) profile, marking an important milestone in their academic progress. Meanwhile, Year 10 students are in full swing with their assessment period, juggling exams, assignments, and classes—an essential learning experience that is preparing them for what lies ahead.

One of the standout events of the past fortnight was the Year 12 Retreat. The boys were privileged to hear life stories, lessons, and insights from various staff members, including Mr. McLauchlan, Ms. Mellor, Mr. Begg, and Mrs. Greenaway. The retreat provided a space for deep reflection, where the boys worked in small groups to envision where their lives might lead and how they could navigate life’s challenges. A particularly special moment was when each student read a heartfelt letter from his parents. The room was filled with joy, emotion, and an overwhelming sense of love and belonging. As always, prayer and reflection were central to the retreat, providing time for the boys to reflect on their journey so far and to deepen their connection to their faith/spirituality. The retreat culminated in a powerful session on Monday, where the boys wrote letters to themselves for the end of the year, outlining their personal commitments and goals. Each young man left with an envelope of affirmations from his peers and a token to guide him on his journey through 2025, reinforcing the senior motto “Many Hearts, One Spirit”.

In addition to academic and personal growth, sporting achievements have been a highlight during this past fortnight. The boys have shown incredible dedication to their teams, and although not every result was as hoped, the growth and resilience demonstrated have been truly remarkable. Whether it was Volleyball, AFL, Cricket, or Swimming, the boys have shown unwavering commitment to their teams, always offering encouragement and support, especially in moments of challenge. As I’ve stood on the sidelines, I’ve been consistently proud of the young men who demonstrate true strength, perseverance, and camaraderie—building each other up, no matter the outcome.

This time of the term reminds us of the importance of resilience, teamwork, and personal growth—values that continue to define our students as they move through their Senior School journey.

Mrs Kate Mellor, Head of Senior School

Dear Middle School Parents and Students,

As we begin to conclude our first term of the academic year, I want to address an important issue affecting our school community and schools across Australia: the increasing rates of absenteeism and lateness among students.

Recent trends indicate that students nationwide are missing more school days than ever before. The State Government has a benchmark of 90% attendance for all students. To put this into perspective, missing 10% of school days equates to approximately 20 days over the academic year, which can significantly impact a student’s learning and engagement. In fact, studies have shown that higher levels of school non-attendance are associated with lower levels of literacy and numeracy, academic results and student connection.

To promote transparency and awareness, starting this week, parents will receive a courtesy notification—a “nudge card”—if their son has been absent or late more than five times since the beginning of the year. Please understand that this is not a formal sanction but a means to keep you informed about your child’s attendance and to work together to support their educational journey.​

Being absent or late to school is concerning as it interrupts their own learning but those teachers and students who are already into their first phase of content. Even missing things like House Mentor Group of a morning can damage a student’s sense of belonging towards their school, impact student-teacher relationships and with other students.

The ’nudge cards’ will also provide an opportunity for our House Mentor’s and Heads of House to have conversations with your sons on how we can support them in raising their attendance and punctuality to school.

On a celebratory note, I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to our swimmers who represented the College at the AIC Swimming Carnival last Friday night. Despite a smaller crowd than usual, they showcased immense pride and performed exceptionally well. Their dedication to such a challenging and rigorous training program is truly commendable.​

Additionally, I applaud all students who participated in Trimester 1 Saturday sports, including AFL, Cricket, and Volleyball. Through these activities, you have not only honed your skills but also built connections and relationships that enrich your school experience. Most importantly, I hope you had fun!

As we approach the upcoming exam block, I encourage all students to establish effective study routines and remain engaged in their classes. Your hard work and commitment to your studies are the foundations of achieving your academic goals. Remember, your teachers and the school staff are here to support you—don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance or assistance as needed.

Have a great week,

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

There was a buzz of excitement and a few nerves as the Year 5 parents and students gathered in a light drizzle of rain at the front of the school Monday this week. It was time for us to depart for the Apex Mudjimba Camp, carefully organised to the finest of details by Chloe Adams, Callum Hackett & Maria Mascadri. After weeks of filling in paperwork, collecting and processing forms, preparing the students through discussions and previous photos from other years, it was time to say goodbye to Mums and Dads for an adventure.

Camp, in week nine term one, is undertaken in the hopes that we can focus on the young boys and consolidate some relationships and memories to bring back to classroom learning. It’s about being together, whether comfortable in air-conditioned dorms, or a little uncomfortable whilst running through the mud pit. On camp we can rely on each other. Helping others and being able to receive a helping hand gets us around the mid-ropes, riding the boards over the waves, casting a hand line into the river (crabs a popular catch) and finding our balance on paddle boards. Teachers and students braved the wet weather & humidity, slapped on sunscreen and insect repellent, and did their very best to laugh a little, whilst showcasing their strengths and challenges in front of peers.

It’s not easy to be away from family – and it’s not always that easy to wave your son goodbye either. Yet, we show trust in each other, by trying to do this with a smile and all the hope that our Villanovan family can be there for one another. Over hamburgers, pasta, sausage and scrambled eggs, biscuits and fruit, sausage rolls and pies, chicken drumsticks and rice, ham and egg mcmuffins, and finally chicken burgers, our appetites were satisfied as we excitedly shared the highs and lows of our recent activities. Dorm rooms were adorned with hanging towels, odd socks and excited chatter between bunk beds. Outside the kangaroos watched us play football, cricket and were very fascinated with our attempts at archery. We found more crabs with our yabbie pump than we did bait, but luckily there was squid for our lines pre-purchased! We stayed busy and always looked forward to returning home with tales that might be a little exaggerated but we absolutely got the message across that for most, this experience was positive and insightful to who we are.

I would very much like to thank our team of staff who did their very best to care for your sons and support them through every part of being away from home. I send heartfelt thanks home to all the parents who may have decided to bin those mud pit clothes, or simply had to block their noses to wash what clothing did make it home – wet or dry. Above all, I high five every single Year 5 student – those who couldn’t make it due to illness and those who attended. You should be very proud of all you could manage – we are very, very happy to have been given the chance to be a part of your first Villanovan Camp.

As a Junior School, our Focus of the Week is “Challenge Yourself”. We turn to our classwork – being organised, using visual cues such as class timetables, packing our PE/sports gear on the right days, and of course, managing our schoolwork. Laptops become a part of this too – charging them each night and learning how to navigate tools such as Teams, OneNote and Outlook for emails – there is etiquette and standards about how we communicate at Villanova College. It takes a village – help from home, the boys need to step up and be a part of planning their days, and of course, we will provide as many answers as humanly possible here at school. The boys will soon be able to help each other – teaching what they learn (for example where to find IT) to their mates which is invaluable. Remember to be patient and expect a few hiccups – there is a lot going on – for all of us. Problem solving is key – there is always a solution so just keep on looking, asking and trying your best.

Mr Stephen Rouliadeff, Head of Junior School

The Rite Journey
The Year 9 Rite Journey program is part of our commitment to ensuring that we are equipping our students with more than just an education, but a transformative journey. This program sits within the Year 9 Religious Education curriculum and offers a truly Augustinian relational pedagogy where learning is infused with the joy of the Gospel and serving the community as part of our Christian faith.

On Wednesday morning our Year 9 families gathered at the College for a moving ‘Departure’ and ‘Calling’ ritual. The ‘Calling’ asked our young people to accept the call to begin the move towards adulthood and this ‘Departure’ focussed on the move away from reliance on their parents towards taking responsibility in their journey from “good men” to “good adults.”

Year 12 Kairos Retreat
Last week our Year 12 cohort attended their Kairos Retreat – a powerful experience of reflection, connection, and personal growth. Over three days, they stepped away from the demands of school life to deepen their relationships with themselves, their peers, and their faith. Our young men heard from inspirational speakers, participated in prayer and small group activities. Students also embraced the opportunity to enjoy downtime together, whether through touch football, volleyball, or a run along the boardwalk.

Upon our return to the College a ‘Day 4’ session saw students return for a special final reflection.  Here they received their Senior memento, affirmations from their peers and teachers, and wrote letters to their future selves – a reminder of their aspirations for Year 12 and beyond.

Harmony Week and Diversity
This week, we celebrated Harmony Week at the College, embracing diversity and the many cultures that enrich our community. On Monday, there was a display of flags erected in front of the chapel, representing the 21 different countries of birth of students who were born outside Australia. Today our Ministry Captains led students in cultural games and activities, with special highlights including traditional Filipino games and dancing during lunchtime. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate our unity in diversity!

On Friday we will be hosting a Krispy Kreme fundraiser to raise money for Emmanuel City Mission, a place of inclusion that celebrates and supports the diversity of patrons who walk through their door in need of assistance. All are welcome and accepted in the space so we are happy to support them by raising funds for the breakfast program there.

This week, we are also especially celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the rich diversity within our student community. The celebrations will begin with a shared morning tea and a yarn, providing an opportunity to learn more about each other’s stories, and traditions – a time to connect, listen, and celebrate the strength of our shared history.

International Women’s Day and the Solemnity of the Annunciation
Although ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred had other plans we still managed to celebrate International Women’s Day later this March. Several of our students interviewed young women from other colleges including San Sisto College, All Hallows’ School and Lourdes Hill College to hear their perspectives on why International Women’s Day was important to them. To celebrate the achievements of women our students also asked the question “Who is a significant female role model in your life?” You may wish to watch some of this footage here.

Our prayer at our last assembly focussed on the significance of women in the Church. We heard that Pope Francis called on people to acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by women worldwide, including violence, inequality and injustice and emphasised the necessity of the advancement of women’s rights and dignity. Similarly, Pope John Paul II in his 1995 letter addressed to women said, “When it comes to setting women free from every kind of exploitation and domination, the Gospel contains an ever-relevant message which goes back to the attitude of Jesus Christ himself.”

I wish to share with you an image below designed by one of our talented students Reuben specifically for International Women’s Day. This image was used at a special event for Senior Leaders of Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Brisbane. I would also like to thank the Thomas family for their kind contribution of cookies for this event.

On March 25 we also celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation. This marks the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, announcing that she would conceive Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary’s faithful “yes”—her fiat—brought God’s plan of salvation into motion, making this a pivotal moment in Christian history.

We Pray:

Loving God, who has created every person with equal worth
Help us to celebrate women,
their strength, their grace, their wisdom,
and their faithful presence in our lives.

May we learn from the example of Mary, Jesus’ mother,
St Monica, St Rita and all women saints,
whose patient love and persistent prayer
brought forth transformation and cooperation of your grace.

Grant us the same perseverance and gentleness,
that we may honour the dignity of every woman,
and encourage one another to grow in faith and compassion.

Give us wisdom to see where there is bias, give us hope when we
see imperfections, and teach us the humility to listen and learn
from one another.

Give us the voice to speak kindly and truthfully,
and the courage to act with justice and mercy towards everyone.

AMEN

You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until it rests you.

Lent and Project Compassion
As we prepare to embrace the blessings of Easter, Lent offers a time to reflect, reset, and recommit to a life of simplicity and hope. To support this journey, the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane has created Clear the Clutter, a series of short video reflections. A new episode will be released each week leading up to Easter Sunday. You can access these reflections, and more, from the Archdiocesan Website: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/gods-people/clear-the-clutter/

This Lent we are Uniting Against Poverty and supporting Project Compassion on this fight. Our Junior School classes are donating via their classroom Project Compassion boxes, meanwhile Middle and Senior school families are invited to contribute using the electronic QR code below.

Mrs Eleni Greenaway, Director of Mission and Identity

As we race towards the end of Term 1, it is important that we are already looking towards the events of Term 2 (and beyond). Term 2 is a shortened term of nine weeks with many disruptions due to public holidays and other events, so it will be another busy term for the entire College.

Please see below a number of important messages as they relate to Teaching and Learning as we finish off Term 1.

Mid-Semester 1 Reports
The College provides four reports per year for students in Years 5 to 11 (and three reports for Year 12 students). The first of these reports to be provided to parents/carers, for all students, is the Mid-Semester 1 report. It is very much a report based on a student’s application to their studies across Term 1. Teachers provide feedback on the following elements of a student’s application:

• Diligence towards learning
• Behaviour
• Participation
• Progress
• Study habits

Mid-Semester 1 reports will be published and made available to parents/carers at the end of this term.

Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
At the same time as Mid-Semester 1 reports are released, bookings for the Term 2 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences will also be released. An email will be sent to all parents/carers late next week with specific information and details.

Following a number of years of conducting conferences online, two years ago the College surveyed parents/carers to determine what mode – online or face-to-face – was preferred. The feedback was very much split between the two modes and as result, the College last year moved to an event held across two afternoon/evenings where a mix of online and face-to-face conferences were held.

Next term’s Year 5 to 11 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences will occur as follows:

• In Week 2 of the term, conferences will be conducted online on Tuesday, 29 April from 1.30 to 7.00pm.
• In Week 3 of the term, conferences will be face-to-face on Wednesday 7 May 1.30 to 7.00pm.

There will be an early finish to school on both of these days to facilitate the conferences. Students will have the opportunity to go home at approximately 1.00pm or remain on campus (with supervision) if they cannot get home or won’t have care before 3.00pm.

The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools
The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are online academic competitions and assessments designed for primary and secondary students, recognising and rewarding academic excellence in subjects like English and Mathematics. We know our students are amazing, so the College is giving them the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents in this world-renowned competition.

Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year is made available. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.

To learn more about this year’s exciting ICAS competition, visit: icasassessments.com/products-icas/

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please go to the ICAS Portal to sign up to your son’s chosen subject areas using the link and code below. The cost of participating is shown below for each test. Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 28 July.

• Link: icasassessments.com/pages/pps
• Code: TUY477

This year, our students can elect to sit the following assessments:

• Writing                 $24.95 (Will be held from 4 – 8 August)
• English                 $20.95 (Will be held from 11 – 15 August)
• Mathematics $20.95 (Will be held from 25 – 29 August)

Wishing all families a great break and a Holy Easter. After a very busy Term 1, the break has been well earned.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Debut Concert Series
Over the past fortnight, we managed to hold our postponed Debut Concerts.  Whilst TC Alfred put a pause on The Arts for a little while, I must share that we are all proud of the standard shared by our ensembles so early in the year.  Thanks must go to all students and staff involved, and to the parents and friends who came and supported our young musicians. 

We are all looking forward to the opportunities that are coming up in Term 2 for us to share our music with our community once again.

Lessons for Remainder of Term
Lessons will continue through to the end of Week 10.  Please ensure you communicate with your tutor regarding any clashes with assessment prior to the day of your lesson.  The earlier you do this, the more likely we can reschedule your lesson during this term. 

 Changes to Enrolment
Over the coming fortnight, timetables for Term 2 will be drafted.  If you wish to change your son’s enrolment for Term 2, please communicate this to the Music Office before the end of March.  Thank you all for your assistance with this important matter. 

ANZAC Day Preparations
As we move toward the end of term, preparations for our annual involvement in the Coorparoo ANZAC Day March will commence in earnest.  An email was distributed sharing our marching practice times over the end of term and beginning of next.  Please ensure your son is across these dates – we will require students to be at as many sessions as possible as we move to prepare for this important event. 

Jump Start Day
Next Tuesday we will be hosting all Year 5 students in Hanrahan Theatre for our annual Jump Start Day.  Jump Start Day is where our new musicians will be learning about the experience of playing in an ensemble.  We will be working with the team across the afternoon, with the boys putting on a concert for parents in Hanrahan Theatre, commencing at 4:15pm.  The entire afternoon will conclude by 4:45pm. 

More information will be emailed directly to all Year 5 families. 

 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 

DIRECTOR OF SPORT ADDRESS
Trimester 1 – A Season to Be Proud Of
Trimester 1 reminded us that at Villanova, sport is something we live – a tradition built on pride, effort and connection. 

Wearing the green and gold means stepping into a tradition built on pride, effort and connection. This term, our motto We Can Win and We Will Learn came to life – from early mornings at Chandler to competitive clashes at Villa Park and pressure moments on court. Our students demonstrated resilience, growth and strong commitment across the board. 

We celebrate not just results, but the growth and connection forged across our programs. Here are just a few highlights from a memorable start to 2025: 

Swimming
Our Senior team placed 3rd overall – sharing the podium with St Peters and Ashgrove. The Junior team placed 4th, reflecting sustained effort and commitment throughout the term.
AFL
With 14 teams and over 280 players, AFL continued to grow at every level. The 7A, 6A and 5A Green teams went undefeated, while the First XVIII finished a commendable 4th overall.
Cricket
With 25 teams and 284 players, cricket was a major part of the term. We celebrated four premierships – the Fourth XI, 5A, 5C and 8C teams – and several undefeated seasons. The First XI narrowly missed a joint premiership, falling just four runs short in the final round.
Volleyball
With 197 players across 21 teams, volleyball maintained high energy and competitive spirit. The 8A team finished as joint premiers, while the 9C team secured a well-earned premiership. 

 In total, 879 students represented Villanova across Term 1, supported by more than 100 coaches and staff.
A special thank you to our Sport Captains – Zac, Finn, Liam, Oliver and Alex – and our Coordinators – Mr Conlan, Mr Dufty, Mr Kennedy, Ms Jacobs, Ms Waterson and Mr Kropp – for their dedication and leadership. 

Trimester 2 Begins – Let’s Get Going
What will define Trimester 2?  Not only results – but standards.  Not only winning – but how we support one another. 

To help drive that culture forward, over 90 coaches – including teachers, Old Boys, parents and educators from the wider community – were inducted into Trimester 2 sport through a purpose-driven, values-aligned orientation. Their involvement reflects the shared commitment across our community to build young men of character, effort and pride. 

A friendly reminder that strapping will be available for all Firsts players in AFL, Rugby Union, Football and Rugby League at a cost of $5 per joint, charged to school fee accounts. This will take effect for Rugby Union Trials this week; with Bridie to arrive from 8:30am at Villa Park. 

As we begin Rugby Union, Football, Cross Country and Chess, the message is simple:
Keep showing up. Keep backing each other. Keep raising the standard. 

Whether it is running hills at Langlands, playing at Villa Park, or focusing across the chessboard – this term is an opportunity to grow, contribute and compete with pride. 

Week 9 – Key Information 

AFL & Volleyball Uniform Returns 

• Hire shirts must be returned by Friday 28 March
• Late returns will incur a $100 fee

Cross Country 

• Training continues on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until the end of term
• Your effort and attendance remain important

Football Training – Years 7–12 

• Monday & Wednesday afternoons @ Villa Park (concludes at 5:15pm)
• Bus provided to the venue – parent pick-up required

Rugby Union Training – Years 7–12 

• Tuesday & Thursday afternoons @ Villa Park (concludes at 5:15pm)
• Bus provided – parent pick-up required

Speed and Agility – Years 5–8 

• Training will occur on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week (Week 10 only)
• This Thursday’s session (Week 9) has been postponed due to forecasted rain.
• So far, 56 students have taken part in the Speed & Agility Program on the new Whinstanes Oval artificial turf – a fantastic opportunity to develop movement technique and enhance athletic performance.

 Year 5 & 6 Sport 

• Morning training sessions: 6:45–8:00am | Afternoon sessions: 3:20–5:00pm @ Little Langlands
• Over the next two Fridays, students signed on for Rugby Union or Football will participate in skill sessions during timetabled sport (Periods 4 or 5) – these are not part of trials
• Other students will take part in a general sports rotation
• Boots, mouthguards or shin pads are not required – standard sports uniform only
• Saturday 29 March: All Football and Rugby Union teams (Year 5 to Opens) will trial @ Villa Park – weather permitting
• Firsts and Seconds Football has been relocated to Souths United Football Club, opposite St Laurence’s playing fields

Chess 

• Training continues
• Internal trial match – Friday 28 March @ Villanova College
• Students to be collected from the front of the College at 5:30pm

All training changes and cancellations will be communicated via the Villanova App and student notices. Unless officially cancelled, training is expected to proceed – rain or shine. Commitment means showing up. 

Bus Travel – Expectations 
Bus travel to Villa Park is part of the experience. Let’s approach it with pride and respect:
Before Departure: 

• Line up promptly and listen to supervising staff
• Wait for roll call before boarding
• No food or drink on buses
• Seatbelts must be worn

On Arrival: 

• Unload all bags quickly and place them to the side of the road
• Get changed promptly and report to your coach

 As Buses Arrive – Clean-Up Time: 

• Check under seats for rubbish and belongings
• Captains – lead by example
• Leave the bus clean and tidy.

Easter Holiday Clinics – Rugby Union & Football 
Rugby Union and Football clinics will be held at Villa Park on 10 & 11 April, providing students with an opportunity to continue their development over the break. Registrations close Wednesday 2 April via Parent Lounge.
Additional details are available in the Rugby Union and Football reports below. 

Lost Property at Villanova Park
Any items left behind at Villa Park will be placed in the First Aid Room. Students can collect their belongings during their next session at the venue. 

Final Word
Trimester 1 was a fantastic start to the year – but our journey continues. This term, let us focus on building not only results, but also reputation. Every session, every trial and every match is an opportunity to represent Villanova with pride.  Travel well. Train hard. Play for each other. Carry our culture forward. We Can Win and We Will Learn. 

Congratulations to our Trimester 1 Sports Captains: 

AIC Results for Trimester 1 

Congratulations to our AIC Premiership-Winning Trimester 1 Teams  

*Refers to an undefeated team 

AIC AFL 

AIC Cricket 

 AIC Volleyball  

 A heartfelt thank you to our Sports Coordinators – Mrs Juanita Jacobs (Swimming), Mr Matt Conlan (AFL), Mr Nathan Dufty (Cricket) and Mr Todd Kropp (Volleyball) – for your exceptional organisation, unwavering commitment to our students and tireless support of coaches. Your behind-the-scenes efforts are the backbone of everything achieved. A shout out to Mr Brian Pascoe for coaching Firsts AFL, with Mr Todd Kropp supporting Firsts Volleyball and to Mr Chris Everding and Mr Andrew Lund for being outstanding venue managers throughout Trimester 1 sport. Thank you also to our staff coaches for your passion, professionalism and teamwork in supporting our boys; namely: 

 Mr Matthew Hannan, Director of Sport  

Key updates and Announcements
Communications
Families should access sports information via the Villanova College website and App. With the 2025 Sports Bulletin halted, the Locker Room and Villanova College phone application will be relied on to provide key updates between Villa View issues. 

No Dog Policy
A reminder to Villanova parents that there is a NO DOG policy at all AIC sporting fixtures. There has been a concern from some of the venue coordinators, including Villanova Park that pet owners are ignoring the signs placed on the gates at each venue. All pet owners who ignore the signs will be asked to remove their pets from the venue immediately.  

Fixtures, Results and Training Information
Schedule – Internal & SLC Trials for AIC Sport: Friday 28th March and Saturday 29th March, 2025
The schedule for this week – is now available via the “Weekly Fixture/Draw Information” on the Locker Room page link. The draw will be posted to Locker Room on the Wednesday, prior to the round ahead. This is the earliest possible time we can post this information.
Trimester 1 Season Results: 

2025 AFL Round 7  

2025 Cricket Round 7  

2025 Volleyball Round 7  

AIC Draw 2025
Please find linked the AIC Draw for 2025.  

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. 

Training Schedules
For all updated information regarding training and selection trials schedules, please visit the Locker Room page of the Villanova College website. Sport specific training schedules for AFL, Cricket and Volleyball can also be found on the Locker Room page – there were minor modifications to this training schedule, published last year. Please ensure you review the latest version, each week (note the version date, will feature in the title inside the document. The most recent version includes “…version current March 26” in the title). 

Term 1 Sport Uniforms 
Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Villanova College Uniform Look Book. This information is available on the College website under the 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
Sport Contact List
For information about a specific sport, please first visit the Locker Room page on our website. If you require further clarification, please contact the relevant Sport Coordinator, listed below. Note: Report training or game absences directly to the Sport Coordinator.
Director of Sport – Matthew Hannan, matthew.hannan@vnc.qld.edu.au 
AIC AFL Coordinator – Matt Conlan, mconlan@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 – Stuart Rowland, srowland@vnc.qld.edu.au 
AIC Rugby Union League Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@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 – Contact sportsoffice@vnc.qld.edu.au 
Composite District Sport – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au 
Lytton District Sport – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au  

TRIMESTER 1 ACTIVITIES
AFL: Celebrating a Successful Season
As the AFL season ends, it is time to reflect on another satisfying year for Villa AFL. I would like to acknowledge and express my gratitude to the coaches, parents and players who have contributed to the success of the season. Undefeated premierships were achieved by the 5A, 5B (promoted to the 5A division for two games), 6A and 7A teams and the 9A and 5C finished 2nd on their respective ladders. These teams in particular deserve special recognition for their outstanding achievements this season. Their accomplishments reflect the hard work, teamwork and talent that they consistently demonstrated throughout the season. Congratulations to all the players, coaches and supporters who contributed to these victories.  

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all the coaches who dedicated their time, energy and expertise in guiding our teams throughout the season. The boys appreciated your efforts during the training sessions and your leadership on matchdays. It was through your direction that our teams achieved success this season. 

Special recognition goes to the players who put on the Villa AFL jersey for the first time. From our Year 5 students to the many others across the older grades who stepped up to help out when several of our teams’ suffered injuries and/or illnesses, your sense of College Spirit and willingness to be contribute to our program was admirable.  

Our accomplishments this season have created a strong foundation for future years. We were excited to witness the involvement of students new to the game and the growth and skill development of all players across the various year levels. With the support of our dedicated coaches, parents and players, we are confident that the next season will be bring even greater success. 

Mr Matt Conlan, AFL Coordinator 

Cricket
Looking back over the season and having watched many games each Saturday and sorted through early round team lists, it was once again clear that as a sport, that we took another hit as our numbers were lower than usual and we were not as dominant as we have been over the years. With AFL once again increasing their number of teams in the AIC competition, a few of our regular aggregate level cricketers, jumped ship and headed over. This has had a considerable impact on our depth and put more pressure on some of the other boys to perform above expectation.   

There was a great deal of preparation and planning that goes into the selections, coaching and management of the players since last October and a huge thank you goes out to everyone involved, as our coaches are the backbone of our program. Having enthusiastic and motivated coaches, allows the program to be effective and our younger age groups benefit from the cricket knowledge being passed on to them from the coaching they are receiving. Hopefully more players will continue to come back to cricket to play and we can build on the twenty-six sides that represented the College this year. 

Congratulations to our 4th XI premiership team and to coach Mr Mike Donovan, our 8C premiership team and coaches Mr. Paul Innes and Mr. Harry Inness, our 5A premiership team and coaches Mr. Ned Godwin. Mr. Roman Dunne and Mr. Joey Watson and the 5C premiership team and coaches Mr. Henrik Frederiksen and Mr. Thomas Anderson.  

Well, done also to the 2nd XI, 10A, 9B and 7A sides for finishing second in their respective competitions. 

Overall, in the aggregate shield, Villanova finished third. Congratulations to Ashgrove College, who have won it again and who have won it more time than any other colleges since the inception of AIC in 1999. The aggregate shield is something that Villanova aspires to win each season, and planning is already in place to give us every possible chance of winning the shield in 2026. 

Final Aggregate Points
Ashgrove 64                SPC 58            Villanova 54                Iona 53.5
St. Laurence’s 43.5                  St. Peter’s 35.5                        Padua 33.5                 St. Edmund’s 5 

Cricket Coaches
Thanks to the following people who coached a team this year, your efforts have enabled the boys to get out and play some cricket and develop their skills.
External: Nathan Reardon, Michael Dann, Warren Dillon, and Michael Webster.
Staff: Ben Lynam, Steve Miller, Tim Joseph, Chris Everding, Alex Russell, Liam Murphy, and Ms. Clare Bass.
Parents: Mike Donovan, Lee Carseldine, Paul Innes, Damien Lewis, Dave Capra, Steen Carlson. 

I would like to make special mention to following group of Old Boys, who have returned to the College and helped with the program. Fourteen of the twenty-six teams were coached by Old Boys and without them, we would really find it difficult to cover these sides and have them play. Some of these gentlemen are only in their first year out but they have made the effort to get involved and the impact they have had on the boys, particularly the Junior School boys has been invaluable, and they all thoroughly enjoyed having these men as coaches: 

Joshua Schaumburg, Jamie Mullins, Jack Challinor, Oliver Timms, Harry Innes, Cameron Bukowski, Connor Moloney, Ronan Flaherty, Harry Weule, Harry Poole, Luka Micheletti, Ben Thallon, Jimmy Collins, Dean Basilli, Tristan Bailey, Ned Godwin, Roman Dunne, Joey Watson, Max Carson, Sam Rigby, Henrik Frederiksen, Thomas Anderson, Brodie Young and Liam Hathaway.  

A big shout out to the Groundsmen at Villa Park, Clyde, Jenesse, and Jesse, for preparing the fields each round and having Villa Park looking exceptional week in and week out. It is a facility the whole College can be proud of and is the envy of other Colleges. Thank you for your hard work, so we can get the boys out playing and experience high class grounds. 

Finally, to Mr Chris Everding. Chris had previously been the Cricket coordinator at the College since 2013, He has put in an enormous amount of time to Villa cricket and has left the overall program in a much better place. Five Cricket aggregates highlights the overall impact that Chris has had on the Villanova cricket program. It is exceedingly difficult to win the aggregate and it has been Chris’s commitment and dedication to the program in all year levels, which has seen Villanova Cricket sit proudly at the top of the AIC cricket tree. Chris has helped me a lot this year in my first year as Villanova cricket coordinator, which has given me the confidence to implement new ideas and to back myself. Although Chris has stepped back from the cricket coordinator role, he will remain in the program as a ‘venue manger’ and also in coaching roles, so it is great that Chris will not be lost to the Villanova cricket program. 

Zone Cricket Term 4 2024 
We have once again been building up the profile of Villanova in the local club scene and I was able to coordinate a fantastic band of coaches, along with himself, who worked with all the teams over the last six years coaching the term four boys weekly. It is our aim, with the assistance of a ‘keen group’ of parents to continue to run the term four program, and to get more players involved. Villanova is hoping to put many of our AIC teams into the BEARS comp for years seven to Open and the EDJCA for our year 5 and 6 teams. A massive thank you to Mr Matthew Borger (Villanova Parent) who was instrumental in making sure that our Term 4 club season ran smoothly, Matt spent countless hours each week and without his dedication and support, the club would not have operated as smoothly as it did. 

Letters and registrations will come out in August asking for registrations and if we can keep a lot of our AIC teams together for term four and play a high standard of cricket, it should have a positive outcome for next year’s AIC cricket season. Please have a chat to other parents of boys in your team/year cohort and see if we can keep them together at Villanova, rather than another local cricket club, as it will allow us to be much better prepared for our next cricket season. 

Mr Nathan Dufty, Cricket Coordinator 

Swimming
After the long delay due to TC Alfred, the AIC swimming championships finally went ahead last Friday. The modified program to the day, saw the team swim at the end of the week in a Twilight event, without the supporters, but this didn’t stop them from achieving their goals and for most of the boys their personal best times for the season.  

In fast and furious racing, the swim squad made it to a podium finish for the third year running. This result came down to the final race of the evening, where the Open swim squad finished third ahead of Iona. The final leg, swum by our squad captain Oliver J took the team from 5th place at the changeover to 3rd place over all to secure the points and secure third place overall for the Villa squad.  

The 15 years age group finished second, only 11 points behind St Peter’s, while the Open and 13 years age group were third. There was only 5 points difference between 1st and 3rd in the 13 years age group. The Junior team finished fourth but were only 8 points behind third position. These results clearly show how tight the competition was on the day and the quality of the Villanova swimmers in the pool. 

In fact preliminary analysis of the results show that Villa placed first to third in 48% of the events on the evening and top four in 64%. There were 10 first place including the 

• 13years Medley relay (Isaac H, Lachie R, Will G and Nate E) 

• Ben L in 50m Breaststroke (Div 2), 50m Freestyle (Div 1) 

• Hayden R in the 50m Freestyle (Div 7), 

• Eddie G in 50m Freestyle (Div 3), 

• Harry P in the 50m Breaststroke (Div 1), 50m Freestyle (Div 3) 

• Hugh M 50m Backstroke (Div 1) 

• Isaac H 50m Backstroke (Div 1) 

• Oliver J Open 50m Butterfly (Div 1) 

The strength of the 15 years age group was also clearly seen by the strong performances of Caleb J in the open 200m IM and Ethan H in the Open 400m event against the older swimmers from the other schools. Caleb and Ethan took on the challenge of swimming against the much older boys and did Villa proud.  

Thank you to each of the swimmers, reserves or supporters from the squad. Our results reflect the hard work of every swimmer, pushing and challenging for positions in the team. None of these results would be possible without the support and encouragement of the coaches and managers. A final thanks to Alberto, Nick, Troy and Dan for their work with the squad for the past six months. As always it is a pleasure working with you to build on the success of the Villa squad each year. Thanks also go to Ms Colbert, Ms Dillon, Ms Elder, Ms Liddy and Ms Robinson for working with the team at training and preparation meets.  

Finally, as this concludes my time as swimming coordinator for the Villanova squad, I wish everyone the best going forward. There is so much talent in the squad and I trust that the development of our younger swimmers through the swim program continues to flourish and we continue to push for excellence in the pool.  

Mrs Juanita Jacobs, Swimming Coordinator 

Volleyball 
It is a sombre feeling wrapping up the 2025 AIC Volleyball season, it is with sadness that our program comes to an end but there is certainly much to celebrate and remember. The 2025 season saw an almost full round of AIC matches (with TC Alfred causing a cancellation in Round 5) and was a season filled of ups and downs, wins and losses and a mix of long-term development and short-term success. Only time will tell how our targets will fare on the court in the future but I am optimistic our approach and long-term plan will continue to make Villanova a fierce competitor in AIC Volleyball for many years to come. 

The positive results we have had throughout the season was due to the tireless efforts of coaches and players exemplifying what our program Is striving for, playing an aggressive style of volleyball, not being intimidated by our opponent or surroundings and being humble winners and gracious in defeat. I would like to thank each of our coaches for the season and a special mention to our Junior Coordinator, Mr Andrew Lund. 

As a coach, it was an honour to have worked with each of our teams throughout the season. It was truly a great experience to get the opportunity to work with the First VI team as they competed. In 2025, the First VI team were truly thrilling to watch and the coaching team and I are proud of the achievements of this year’s team. I would like to acknowledge and thank First VI captain Alex K and First VI leadership team Alex R and Cooper P for their efforts above and beyond training and games. I thank the First VI Coaching team in Shania Hewitt and Nathan Wilkins for many hours of contribution and finally, a special thank you and acknowledgement for all of our departing Year 12 students for their contribution over many years to AIC Volleyball. 

Our teams will return to the Volleyball court to participate in the annual Volleyball Schools Cup series later this Year. 

In closing, once again, it is with the deepest gratitude that I thank all our coaches, families, referees and support staff for their contribution to Volleyball in 2025. 

Mr Todd Kropp, Volleyball Coordinator 

TRIMESTER 2 ACTIVITIES
Cross Country: 
The ‘Running Wildcats’ Training Schedule:
Term 1 – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.
Term 2 – Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. 

Middle and Senior School Students 

• Meet in front of Goold Hall and have name marked off roll. 

• Leave Goold Hall at 6.45am. 

Junior School Students 

• Meet at the Agora, store bags, have name marked on roll.  

• Leave the Agora at 6.45am. 

During the Easter holidays cross-country training will be conducted at Coorparoo AFC, meeting on the back (school) oval 7.00 – 8.00 am each Monday and Wednesday. The cross-country season will once again include a few warm-up meets. This will allow students race practice and to familiarise themselves with AIC Championship course at St Patricks College playing fields, Curlew Park Sandgate. 

The Cross Country meets include: 

• Wednesday May 14 (Sherwood) – Week 4 

• Wednesday May 21 (Curlew Park, Sandgate) – Week 5 

• Wednesday May 28 (SLC Playing Fields, Runcorn) – Week 6 

• Cross Country Championships: WEDNESDAY JUNE 4 – Week 7: St Patrick’s College Playing Fields, Curlew Park, Sandgate. 

All Cross-Country training will be conducted on and around the precincts of the College and Little Langlands. The training is completed by 7.45 am with shower facilities available in the pool area and the tuckshop open from 8 am for breakfast if required. The 2025 Cross-Country Championship is scheduled for Week 7 of Term 2 at Curlew Park, Shorncliffe. We encourage all boys intending to join the ‘Running Wildcats’ to attend training starting week 6 and see how great you can be. 

Better with them, 

Mr Brian Pascoe, Cross Country Coordinator

Rugby Union and Football:
In preparation for the up-coming Rugby Union and football season, I ask all parents to assist the College by reiterating the points listed below with your son regarding the College’s approach to both Rugby Union and football training. It will make a difference if you do.
‘The Villanova Way – How We Approach Training’ 

• Make sure you turn up to training on time and be ready to start and make sure you arrive at games at least 30 mins prior to kick off. 

• Eat the correct foods before training. 

• Bring and wear all safety equipment including mouthguards (compulsory for Rugby Union), shin guards, head gear and boots. This allows all players to participate in all activities planned.  

• Bring a water bottle, have it filled with water and place it nearby when training for quick and easy access. Having boys run off to join a lengthy line at a tap for water, breaks the momentum of training and wastes valuable time. 

• Be attentive to coaches – listen, learn and try to improve. Do not kick balls or throw passes while coaches are speaking. 

• Be respectful to coaches and do your part to ensure the team does likewise. If you have an issue. Speak to the coach about it. 

• Be a team player and think what is best for the team. You may be a good second rower but if it is better for the team to play you at flanker – then play there. 

• Regardless of whether boys are involved in club Rugby Union or football, coaches will assess boys on what they see in front of them. Cream rises to the top. Be patient, your time will come. 

• Always thank the coach after training with a handshake. 

• Enjoy playing for Villa and always have pride in the jersey!! 

As we begin our trials phase, it is important to reiterate messages around the College Selection Policy. Selection into AIC teams is based on a number of factors including attendance at training and games, skill level, experience, knowledge, ability, attitude, team combinations, position awareness, communication and performance.  

Throughout the trial process and AIC competition, selections by coaches may vary week to week, meaning player movement up and down in teams is encouraged and teams are not locked in for the entire season. Coaches of all teams, excluding the Open Firsts, will attempt to ensure students receive equal game time (or as close to as possible) in all pre-season and AIC games. Genuine requests for feedback on individual performance are welcomed through your coach in the first instance, then your Sport Coordinator or Director of Sport.  

For parents, we ask that you be patient and not react to selections you feel are not warranted. Allow coaches to put the boys in teams where they feel they best fit. Do not approach coaches during training or straight after games. This is schoolboy footy and many of the coaches are volunteers or young old boys starting out. Let’s support them!  

I encourage all boys who have registered for a Term 2 sport to be resilient when faced with adversity this season. Often, the easy option when things do not go our way is to give up. My hope is that we see adversity as a challenge to overcome with motivation, effort and commitment. An opportunity to build character as we strive for excellence both on and off the field of play. 

AIC Rugby Union/Football Referees – Needed!!!
If you can assist with refereeing Rugby Union or football matches, please contact the staff below. We are still in need of referees for the season.
Rugby Union Year5-12 – ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au 
Football Year5-12 – ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au 

AIC Rugby Union and Football Training/Trial Season Schedule
The complete Year5-12 Rugby Union and Football training schedule has been published and can be found on the College’s website under the AIC Rugby Union and the AIC Football sections. 

For teams training at Villa Park please be aware that the buses will leave straight after school outside the front of the school in 6th Ave. Players are asked to get changed into their training gear at Villa Park. A teacher will escort groups onto the buses. Students are asked not to wear boots on the bus. Parents are asked to collect players between 5:00pm and 5:20pm from Villa Park. – No later please. 

Parents are required to collect their son from Villa Park after training. There will be no return bus service from Villa Park.
Rugby Union Training 

• Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Opens @ Villa Park 3.45-5.00pm, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. 

• Year 5 @ Little Langlands, Tuesday afternoon 3.20pm-5.00pm and Thursday mornings 6.30am-8.00am. 

• Year 6 @ Little Langlands, Tuesday mornings 6.30am-8.00am and Thursday afternoons 3.20pm-5.00pm 

Football Training 

• Year7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, 3rds, 4ths & 5ths @ Villa Park 3.45-5.00pm, Monday and Wednesday afternoons. 

• 1st & 2nds @ Villa Pk 3.45-5.15pm Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 

• Year 5 @ Little Langlands, Monday afternoon 3.20pm-5.00pm and Wednesday mornings 6.30am-8.00am  

• Year 6 @ Little Langlands, Monday mornings 6.30am-8.00am and Wednesday afternoons 3.20pm-5.00pm. 

Villanova Rugby Union & Football Uniforms
ALL students from Years 5-12 in both Rugby Union and football must purchase the Villanova Rugby Union and football uniform in readiness for the up-coming season. This includes shorts, jersey and socks. The Uniform Shop will have all Rugby Union and football gear available for purchase.  

Players will be given a warning if they do not have the correct uniform and then asked to sit out if they do not have the correct playing attire the following week.  

IMPORTANT – all boys who sign up for Rugby Union and football WILL make a team, therefore, parents can purchase these items of clothing now. We are expecting players to have their uniforms ready to wear on the Sat 29 March trial day. (Please bring a spare jersey to wear as the boys will be playing against each other and it will make it easier for coaches to identify players). 

What to wear at training?
It is acceptable for both the Rugby Union and football players to wear any coloured/club or other old clothes to training. Boys are not encouraged to wear their Villanova playing uniform to training but may do so if they wish. We certainly would not recommend Rugby Union players to wear their PE uniform or any shirt that will get ripped and torn.  

AIC Rugby Union & Football Trial Games – Date Claimers  

• Mon 31st March – 3rd April (Rugby Union and Football training/trials continue at Villa Park for all Year 7-12 teams, Year 5&6 teams will trial at Little Langlands) 

• Sat 29th March Internal AIC Rugby Union & Football Trials at Villa Park (1st, 2nds and 10A Rugby Union and football v SLC only, all other teams will trial internally at Villa Park) 

• Sat 26th April AIC Rugby Union & Football trial v Ashgrove (full school trial- Year 5-12) 

• Sat 3rd May Round 1 – Sat 14th June Round 7 as per College Calendar 

ANZAC and Labour Day – Long Weekends and Term 2 Sport
Please note that there are 2 long weekends scheduled early in Term 2. We ask parents to ensure their son is available to honour their commitment to the team by attending the matches scheduled before heading off to enjoy a well-deserved break.
It is imperative that players are not missing during these weekends. We ask parents to take this into consideration when planning any trips away. 

Rugby Union and Football Holiday clinics- Registrations closing soon! Skills Clinics Thursday 10 and Friday 11 April – Football & Rugby Union
The Sports Office invites all interested students from Year 5-10 to participate in the Easter skills clinics for Rugby Union & Football (Soccer). 
These clinics are open to all ability levels, with a range of coaches in both disciplines. Players from our A/B teams through to our lower teams and students beginning in each sport are invited to attend. The details for this event are listed below.
Date: Thursday 10 & Friday 11 April, 2025
Times: Arrive 8.45am for 9am start – 12pm (each day)
Venue: Villanova Park, Manly Road
Cost: Single day – $70 (either Thursday or Friday), both days – $130 (made payable via Parent Lounge)
Uniform: Sport specific clothing including boots or playing shoes, sunscreen, hat, water bottle etc. Students participating in the Rugby Union Camp will not be permitted to participate without a mouthguard. Students are welcome to wear Villa sports uniform or casual sports clothes. 

Online payment and registrations (via Parent Lounge) must be received by Wednesday 2 April. 

 Mr Nathan Dufty and Chris Everding, Football and Rugby Union Coordinators 

Community Engagement and Parent Involvement
Parent Volunteers
Join the Villanova College Sports Club in supporting our sporting community. Volunteers are needed at Goold Hall on Saturdays throughout Term 1. Please click the registration link on The Locker Room and Villanova College phone application in the Notices section, in order to register as a volunteer for events. Your contribution makes a real difference to our sporting community. Thank you for your anticipated support! 

Villa Sports Club Meeting
Get involved in Villa Sport by joining our next Sports Club Meeting – connecting with other parents and helping to shape the future of sport at Villanova. We encourage all parents to attend – your involvement makes a real difference! The first meeting of the week occurred earlier this week; with outstanding parental involvement; stay tuned for a future release of the next meeting date! 

Specialised Services
Physiotherapy reminder
Strapping will be available for all Firsts players in AFL, Rugby Union, Football and Rugby Union League. The cost is $5 per joint (e.g. two ankles will cost $10). A record of players receiving strapping will be maintained on game day and parents will be charged to students’ school fee accounts by the school. Additionally, Bridie will provide comprehensive sports physiotherapy services to AFL, Rugby Union, Football and Rugby Union League Firsts players on game days and at scheduled times during the week, as required. 

Speed and Agility
In 2025, Villanova College’s Speed & Agility Programme for students in Years 5 to 8 continues under the expert guidance of Matty Scott, Director of Future Athletics. With support from an Olympian and elite Australian-level coaches, this programme offers a rare opportunity for students to boost their athletic performance in a dynamic and supportive environment. 

Open to all ability levels, the Term 2 programme runs for 8 weeks, with sessions held every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 to 8:00am at Whinstanes Oval, commencing Tuesday, 29 April and Thursday, 1 May. 

Whether your son plays Rugby, Football, Basketball, or any other sport, this programme will provide valuable speed, movement and coordination development. The cost for Term 2 is $180. 

To register, simply make payment via the Parent Lounge and attend the first session. 

Matty Scott, Director Future Athletics 

Strength and Conditioning
As Term 1 wraps up, a massive shoutout to everyone involved in the Strength & Conditioning program! It’s been a strong start to the year, laying solid foundations for the months ahead. A special mention goes to our LTAD groups for their commitment and progress. Also, credit to the boys who showed up for catch-up sessions during their pre-season and in-season prep — your work ethic and dedication have been outstanding! With two weeks left before Easter break, let’s keep the momentum going and finish strong. 

Holiday Gym Sessions
To help you stay on track, the gym will be open during the holidays for all students (Grades 7 to 12) on:

• Monday, 7^th April – 7:00am to 8:15am
• Friday, 11^th April – 7:00am to 8:15am
• Monday, 14^th April – 7:00am to 8:15am
• Wednesday, 16^th April – 7:00am to 8:15am

These sessions are a great opportunity to maintain your strength and fitness — consistency matters! 

Soccer and Rugby Union Season
With the soccer and rugby union seasons about to kick off, we’re excited to see the hard work pay off. While we’ve worked closely with the First Squads, we wish the very best to all teams across the age groups. We’re confident you’ll represent Villanova with pride and give it your all — win or lose. 

Let’s finish Term 1 strong and head into the new season prepared and confident. See you in the gym!

Mr Marco Mastrorocco, S&C Coordinator Athletix Team

Regional and External Sports
Lytton District Cross Country selection trial
The Lytton District cross country selection trial will be held at Villanova Park on the 8th May. Four Students will be selected in each of the following age groups; U10, U11 and U12. Only students currently training for the cross-country team can be selected and will run a trial straight after the holidays to finalise selections. Currently numbers are not as high as in previous years, meaning there are opportunities for more boys to join and to be nominated. 

The boys will run at Lytton in age groups with U10 running 2kms and the U11 and U12 running 3kms.  

Lytton District Football and Rugby Union trials- Nomination process
The Lytton district football trials will be held on the 1st May and the Rugby Union trials on 7th May next term. Villanova will be allowed to nominate 4-5 boys to attend the trials in each sport and coaches from last year’s 6A and 5A teams will be consulted in the nomination process. Students in Year 7 (born 2013) are looked at first followed by Year 6 students. Year 5 students will need to wait until next year to be considered due to the strength of our players and the low numbers that can be nominated. Nominated students will be notified early in week one of Term 2. 

Mr Chris Everding, Lytton Sport Coordinator 

 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 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 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

Final Reflection
Final Word – Every Role, One Goal
“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.” — John Wooden (a highly recognised American basketball coach and player)
That is the essence of We Can Win and We Will Learn – striving for growth, valuing effort and learning through every moment.
Trimester 1 showed what happens when pride, connection and commitment come together. Whether it was early mornings at Chandler, big moments at Villa Park or pressure points on court – our boys stood up.
Now, a new challenge begins. 

Trimester 2 is not just about results – it is about raising standards, showing up for each other and doing the little things right. Whether you are scoring tries, setting up plays or leading from the sideline – your role matters.
The season is ahead – lean in, back each other and make it count. We Can Win and We Will Learn. 

Let’s go Villa! 💚💛 

Collection notice for parents/guardians
2025 Student residential address and other information
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 Student residential address and other information collection (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.
GPO Box 9880, Canberra ACT 2601 | Phone 1300 488 064| www.education.gov.au | ABN 12 862 898 150
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 website. 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 SchoolsHUB address collection help and support page.