Villa View – Issue 6, 24 April 2025

It is a humbling welcome to Term 2 with the events of this past Easter weekend and the passing of two great church figures. I share below some reflections on the lives of two important figures of our faith and trust that their example is one that will live in our hearts and actions well into the future.

Following Christ in Simplicity and Courage — The Legacy of Pope Francis and Fr Brian Gore
“The world tells us to seek success, power and money; God tells us to seek humility, service and love.” – Pope Francis

This past Easter weekend we were met with news that saddened our Catholic church and the broader Christian community with the passing of not one but two wonderful men who had modelled their life’s work on Christ and the Christian journey of hope and love. On Easter Sunday it was shared that Fr Brian Gore, a friend of Villanova’s from our time in the Philippines with AFAS, had passed following illness. Then, as we sat down to watch the 6pm news on Easter Monday the great shock of Pope Francis’ passing was declared. In these two men we had outstanding examples of our College values in tangible, evidenced lives.

At Villanova College, a Catholic school in the Augustinian tradition, we are committed to nurturing young men who live with humility, compassion, and a deep yearning for truth. In this spirit, we pause to reflect on the profound impact of two men whose lives have embodied the Gospel message with conviction and simplicity: Pope Francis, whose enduring influence continues to shape our Church and world, and Fr Brian Gore, the humble Australian missionary priest.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history as the first Jesuit and the first Latin American Pope. Since 2013, his papacy has been marked by a radical call to mercy, justice, and simplicity.
“Let us not forget that real power is service,” he famously said — a message that aligns deeply with the College’s vision for leadership rooted in humility and love.

Pope Francis has continually challenged the Church and the world to listen to the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth. In Laudato Si’, he reminds us that “everything is connected”, calling us to care not only for our planet but also for the most vulnerable members of our global family. He leads not by command but by example — embracing the sick, welcoming the displaced, and choosing to live simply among others. Pope Francis was centred on the global community and encouraging partnership, care, understanding and solidarity for the earth and one another.

This same spirit was lived out, in quieter but equally powerful ways, by Fr Brian Gore. A Columban missionary priest from Australia, Fr Gore dedicated his life to walking alongside the poor and oppressed in the Philippines, particularly the sugar workers of Negros Island. He famously stood in solidarity with the marginalised during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a voice for justice during a time of great political unrest.

(Our AFAS students 2024 with Fr Brian)

Fr Gore was one of the “Negros Nine” — a group of priests and a lay worker falsely imprisoned for their activism against the tyranny of the Marcos regime. His crime was his unwavering commitment to the dignity of the poor. He once said, “We could not preach the Gospel without being involved in the lives of the people.” Like Pope Francis, Fr Gore understood that the Christian life demands action, courage, and solidarity. In life after his time incarcerated Fr Brian established a sustainability training farm on Negros that taught local farmers and workers sustainable practices, including aquaculture, looming, hillside cropping techniques and the like that ensured high yield, low impact agricultural practice. Our AFAS students and elders had the opportunity over the years to witness and experience his impact through visitation at his farm complex.

Though their contexts were vastly different, the lives of Pope Francis and Fr Brian Gore converged on a shared truth; that following Christ is not about prestige or comfort but about embracing those on the margins. Their actions mirror the spirit of Matthew’s gospel “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt25)

For the young men of Villanova College, their examples are more than inspiration — they are a call to action. In our studies, friendships, service, and leadership, we are called to embody the same values of justice, humility, and Gospel-centred love.

These men lived what Pope Francis so often preached:

“Do not bury your talents, the gifts that God has given you! Do not be afraid to dream of great things.”

These stories – one lived from the Vatican balcony, the other from a dusty village road — speak the same truth: that to follow Christ is to be with and for others. It is a message our young men can carry with them: that greatness is found not in status, but in service; not in power, but in compassion.

At our College, the Augustinian values of interiority, community, humility, and the restless search for truth find renewed meaning in the lives of Pope Francis and Fr Gore. In their honour we are challenged to ask of ourselves:

· How do I use my voice for others?

· How do I lead with humility?

· How can I walk more closely with those in need?

For our College community, the lives of Pope Francis and Fr Brian Gore are luminous examples of what it means to live the Augustinian values of humility, interiority, community, and the restless search for truth. They remind us that faith without action is hollow — and that the most powerful witness we can offer is a life lived generously, justly, and humbly.

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.

Welcome to Term Two and Easter Blessings
As we begin Term Two, I warmly welcome all students and families back to Villanova College. I trust the Easter break offered time for reflection, rest, and renewal. The spirit of Easter reminds us of hope and new beginnings—fitting as we return to campus ready for the term ahead.

This term, we reinforce our high standards in both learning and presentation. A few important reminders:

• Winter Academic Uniform is now required. This includes ties, top buttons fastened, Villanova College belt and long pants for Senior School students.
• The sports jacket is to be worn only with the sports uniform—not with the academic uniform.
• The grey Akubra is part of the formal uniform and should be worn to and from school, and during both breaks.
• Only official Villanova school bags (backpack, laptop satchel, sports bag, and lunchbox if needed) are permitted.
• Students are expected to be cleanshaven and with haircuts that meet College grooming standards.
• ANZAC Day March – Friday 25 April: We strongly encourage all Senior School students to represent the College and community at this important event. The march commences from Old Cleveland Road at the corner of Baragoola Street, Coorparoo at 8am and travels along Old Cleveland Road, turning left into Harries Road and left in Holdsworth Street. If your son would like to participate, we would ask that he arrive at 7.45am in full academic winter uniform (long pants, tie, and blazer), including hat. The service will be conducted in Holdsworth Street, directly outside the Coorparoo RSL and Community Club at 45 Holdsworth Street commencing at the conclusion of the march at approximately 8.30am.

Let’s continue to uphold the values of humility, wisdom, and integrity. I look forward to a term filled with growth, opportunity, and community spirit.
Blessings for a successful Term Two.

Ms Kate Mellor, Acting Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I hope you and your family enjoyed a holy, joyful, and relaxing Easter. Amongst the religious celebrations, Easter egg hunts and family gatherings, I trust there was also time to pause and recharge. I, myself, was fortunate to spend the break along the beaches of northern New South Wales with my own family — in the midst of conflict around the globe it was good to be reminded of the incredible beauty we are blessed with in our Australian landscape.

As we return to the rhythm of school life, it’s important to note that the coming weeks are filled with short weeks due to public holidays. These irregularities in the calendar will require a strong sense of discipline from our students. We encourage them to stay on top of their learning and be mindful that upcoming assessments can quickly creep up if they are not organised and proactive.

A special good luck to all our Chess, Football, and Rugby Union players as they begin their seasons this term. As always, our GREATS Expected Behaviours should be on display each and every week. Whether it’s the Effort shown at training, the Respect offered to officials, the Service given when cleaning up the sheds, or the Accountability of showing up consistently — these are the qualities that define us at Villanova. It is good to remember that our goal is not just to win matches, but to ensure our best selves are on display in everything we do. When we live out our values, the results will take care of themselves.

St Augustine said: “Easter is a foretaste and promise of the joy that will be ours in the future.”

Let us move towards that future with confidence, knowing that Christ walks with us.
Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.

Mr Sean O’Neill, Head of Middle School

Online Parent Teacher Conferences are being held on Tuesday 29 April, with face-to-face interviews being conducted on Wednesday 7 May.  All Junior School class teachers will be  meeting in their classrooms, in the St Thomas of Villanova Learning Centre.  To facilitate the conferences, the school day will finish at 1.00pm. We understand that there are some students who are not able to get home or won’t have supervision until 3.00pm. If your son requires supervision until 3.00pm on the days of the conference, please complete the form sent via email from the Teaching & Learning Office or alternatively contact them directly. If you would still like to make a time, please email your son’s teacher directly as online appointments are now closed. The conferences will be running from 1.30pm until 7pm, these opportunities are important for several reasons.

Your son needs to know that school and home goals align.  Everyone needs to be on the same page or else the students are going to find expectations are confusing or overwhelming.  Our young men need simple, clear pathways forward into Term 2 – academically, behaviourally, and emotionally.  These meetings can help clarify the goal/s, suggest some reasonable strategies to get to the target, and plan the times each week that confirm the commitment to improving.  Most importantly, our boys need to know “who” is going to be checking in and making sure it’s happening according to plan.  Someone they trust – someone who can be firm but fair.  High support and motivation (also a reward here and there) matter greatly to making sure that changes are helpful and have an impact.

Your son will see that you value the relationship with the teacher.  If this is about positive experiences, then this time reinforces what works for him as a learner and how he can continue to grow in a manner that is meaningful.  Boys who love coming to school and think their teacher is great fun still need to know their parent understands one of the most influential people firsthand.  You might have insightful stories to share that the teacher is not aware of – perhaps very helpful in reinforcing what makes a significant difference with his day-to-day school life.  If your son is in a transition phase of being challenged somehow – grades disappointing, behaviours being challenged or expectations needing reinforcement – then this is the time to find the “bridge” that can bring College expectations and your son’s participation in school together.  Common ground.  A starting place for how to take small steps in the right direction.  Everyone needs hope and a chance to do better.  This meeting is the chance to “reset” and start fresh.

You will have the opportunity to see your son’s assessment tasks.  Read the responses, be proud of work that you and I know we never could have put together at this age.  Being able to share these observations will mean a great deal to him – even if he’s long forgotten – your one recollection of what you loved in Term 1 will make him feel like a million dollars.  It may also be the chance to see what decisions or attempts fell short of expectations.  It’s always interesting to see some of the errors – and remembering our own flaws – acknowledge that there is room for improvement.  Was it learning the content more thoroughly?  The right terms for a subject?  Was it reading the question correctly?  Was it just small errors that clouded the answer?  Understanding these challenges mean you can be of more help when it comes to assessment towards the end of Term 2.

Remember that we also have other Junior School staff available.  Chloe Adams (Year 5) and Melissa Liddy (Year 6) are our Heads of Curriculum and Pedagogy – the teachers responsible for the leadership of subject units and assessment tasks – including moderation of grades.  Callum Hackett is our Junior School Pastoral Leader – attitude, behaviour, sense of belonging, adherence to College expectations and social interactions.  These three individuals are also available for meetings should you think that more support could be helpful to your son’s experience.  Email them for ideas about your questions for making Term 2 the best it can be.

Villanova College makes these Parent Teacher Conferences a priority during school hours.  Students can attend if you feel it would be of benefit, and they should wear their academic uniform with College tie if they do come along.  With ten minutes allocated, spend some time at home thinking about what matters the most to you, to your son, and be ready to listen, or ask the questions you have, to make the very most of the time you have.  We look forward to seeing you all – thank you for showing your commitment to supporting your son in his journey.

Mr Stephan Rouhliadeff, Head of Junior School

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25)

Happy Easter! During this time of the year, I am always reminded of the popular Easter hymn “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song” and the wonderful joyous message that the resurrection of Christ is being spoken to us today.

St. Augustine, in one of his sermons, says “The resurrection of our Lord is our hope.” As we continue on our journey of hope and honouring the Jubilee theme for 2025 as Pilgrims of Hope, we have hope for those we have lost.

In particular we pray for Pope Francis as we reflect on the sorrow of his passing. Even as we grieve, we hold fast to this hope and joy of Easter—the promise of new life through the Resurrection of Christ.

Pope Francis was a remarkable leader who challenged the world in many ways, favouring the poorest and most marginalised. Most notable was his groundbreaking encyclical,  LAUDATO SI’,  on the environment. In it, the Pope criticised consumerism and irresponsible economic development, lamented environmental degradation and global warming, and calls all people of the world to take “swift and unified global action”.  Pope Francis reminded us that faith isn’t just lived but it is preached.

We also pray for Fr Brian Gore who passed on Easter Sunday – a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Church. He walked with the poor and cared deeply for the oppressed. Many of our current and past Villanova staff members were blessed to have met Fr Brian through our AFAS Immersion. May he rest in peace.

Mrs Eleni Greenaway, Dean of Mission and Identity

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing Easter with family and friends.

This nine-week term will be filled with a variety of guest speakers who will share real-life experiences with the boys that have challenged their wellbeing but ultimately led to personal growth.

First up, the Year 12 cohort will be hearing from Emmanuel “Lucky” Peterson – former cricketer and now full-time cricket coach and academy director who played for Brisbane Premier Cricket and was once the first-grade captain. Peterson talks candidly with the boys about his past struggles with gambling addiction, which began with casual bets and escalated to losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. I’m confident his talk will resonate with the boys, and I encourage parents and caregivers to discuss it with your sons afterward.

Students will also engage in activities designed to teach skills proven to enhance wellbeing, alongside experiences that are fun, hands on and practical.

Wellbeing Units Term 2

The Year 10 and 11 units aim to unpack society’s messages about masculinity, equip boys with the tools to build a healthy identity, educate them about consent, focusing on boundaries, respect, and communication in relationships, and empower them to make informed decisions. Year 11 students will be divided into small groups for deep and honest discussions, facilitated by Heads of House, School Counsellors, and members of the Senior Leadership Team, including our Principal, Paul Begg. It is crucial for teenagers to understand consent as part of their life decisions and our staff are fully committed to this program and eager to support the boys on this journey.

This important topic is now being woven into our Wellbeing program in an age-appropriate manner for all students at Villanova. I am confident that these units will make a meaningful impact, empowering our young men to understand who they are and enabling them to make respectful choices during adolescence and beyond.

To compliment these workshops, renowned youth advocate and educator Daniel Principe is returning to Villa to conduct workshops with boys in Years 8-12. Daniel’s presentations to senior students last year were highly successful and left a significant impact on the boys. He has presented to tens of thousands of young people in every Australian state and territory, encouraging them to recognise and resist harmful attitudes towards bodies, relationships, and sex, His key successes include being a 2025 NSW Australian of the Year nominee, advocating for young men’s well-being, and he has also been the face of the Australian Government’s 2024 ‘Consent Can’t Wait’ campaign.

Daniel will be presenting at our upcoming Empowering Parenting Workshop on May 15, so be sure to mark it in your calendars! He will cover the challenges young people face in today’s distracted digital environment, which is filled with hyper-sexualised content and toxic influences that can contribute to harmful behaviours. In his presentations for parents and community leaders, Daniel provides reflective tools and insights from the latest research, empowering young people to understand and challenge cultural messages about consent, relationships, and their developing identities while promoting empathy and respect. More information on this will be coming out shortly.

I am looking forward to what is going to be a busy but exciting term ahead.

Mrs Sheridan Carey, Director of Student Wellbeing

Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
A reminder that Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences are being held over the next two weeks.

• Parents can book conferences for next Tuesday 29 April, with meetings held online via Microsoft Teams
• A face-to-face opportunity is available the following Wednesday (7 May). Year 5 and 6 conferences will be held in a student’s respective classroom. Year 7 to 11 conferences will be held in Goold Hall.

Booking instructions have been re-sent to parents/carers along with the instructions to participate in the online conferences. Bookings close on Thursday 24 April at 3.00pm.

It is important to note that classes next Tuesday and the following Wednesday will finish at 1.00pm. More information has been included in emails to parents/carers regarding supervision of students who are not able to go home after classes finish.

NCCD
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory, or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial, or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage, and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the College.

Mr John Christie, Dean of Teaching and Learning

Lessons and Rehearsals
All lesson timetables have been distributed to students and families at the end of our Easter break.  Please ensure both you and your son have received this email containing all lesson times for the term.  We ask that you print and place this on the fridge, and that your son places these times in his diary (digital or physical) to assist with personal organisation across the term. 

Teachers may be forwarding timetable adjustments across the term.  I have asked staff to ensure they email parents each time an adjustment is made so that families are made explicitly aware of any time changes.  We are working with IT to develop capacity for these lesson times to appear in your son’s My Villa app and will advise you regarding progress on this across the term. 

All rehearsals will run at our times from Term 1 across this term with the addition of our Year 5 beginning Band and String Orchestra on a Tuesday morning.  Year 5 students who have not been to a rehearsal in term 1 will attend this session.  All Year 5 students who have been attending rehearsals in Term 1 will continue with these same groups in Term 2. 

ANZAC Day Preparations
Our final ANZAC Day Marching Practice will be occurring this afternoon.  Wet weather contingencies will be made should this be required.
An email communication regarding preparation for Friday morning has been sent home.  Students are to arrive in Hanrahan Theatre from 7am on ANZAC Day with their instrument, lyre, and music only.  Cases are to remain with parents for retrieval at the end of the march.
Students are to wear full academic uniform including hat.  If it is wet, we may need to wear our College spray jacket or rain poncho – we will keep an eye on the weather!   

Thank you to those who are participating in this important event supporting our community.  I am looking forward to seeing you all bright and early on Friday morning. 

Jump Start Day
During the final week of term, our Year 5 musicians combined for an afternoon of rehearsal and a concert for parents in Hanrahan Theatre.  It was a momentous occasion with this being the first performance for some of our young musicians, and the unveiling of our Aural Musicianship Program (AMP) – a great new addition to support experienced musicians in our immersion program. 

I would like to congratulate our musicians and teachers for their work on the day.  Thanks must also go to our parents who came and celebrated this important milestone with our community.  We are looking forward to the commencement of our beginning Band and Orchestra rehearsals this term, and the opportunity to share our music again at Grandparents Day later this term. 

Music Support Group
Our next Music Support Group will be on Monday 12th May, commencing at 6:30pm in the Chapter Room (front of the Augustine Centre).  Come along and learn about developments in the music program and support this proactive group of parents in our community.  We look forward to seeing you there! 

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
Holiday Period Highlights – Culture, Commitment and Character
Welcome to Term 2! I hope you all enjoyed a refreshing Easter break. For many of our students and staff, the holidays were far from quiet – filled instead with inspiring tours, clinics and competitions that showcased the very best of Villanova Sport. Each experience offered meaningful moments of growth, connection and preparation as we launch into another exciting term together.

Japan Football and Rugby Union Tour (7–17 April)
A sincere thank you to the 60 students who represented Villanova College with pride across Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. From elite sporting fixtures to cultural immersion and team bonding, the experience was unforgettable. Special thanks to the 8 staff who supported the group – your leadership, generosity and care made this life-changing tour possible. 

Football and Rugby Union Holiday Clinics (10–11 April) 
Over 100 boys from Years 5–10 took part in the Football and Rugby Union Clinics at Villa Park. From core skills to advanced drills, students brought passion, positivity and perseverance. The clinics were not just about performance – they were about confidence, connection and character. 

Cross Country – Park Runs and Holiday Sessions 
Under the leadership of Mr Brian Pascoe, our runners maintained a strong training load, participating in tailored sessions. With the first pre-season meet fast approaching, the squad is tracking well. 

State and National Representatives 
Congratulations to our elite swimmers who competed at the Australian Age Championships and to students representing their Club Water Polo teams at the Queensland State Championships. 

Let us carry the energy and excellence from these holidays into Term 2 – focused, grateful and ready to grow. 

Referee Accreditation – Leading the Way
On Wednesday, 9 April, students from across the AIC network participated in the Football and Rugby Union Referee Courses at St Laurence’s College – gaining valuable accreditation to officiate school fixtures. Villanova College had the highest number of students attend the Rugby Union course and the second highest for Football – a strong reflection of our students’ leadership, initiative and willingness to give back to the sporting community.   

We extend our sincere thanks to AIC Executive Officer Mr Eddie Wallace for his initiative and support in making these opportunities possible, along with Football Queensland and Queensland Rugby for delivering the training. We look forward to seeing our student referees step confidently into these new roles. 

Term 2 – Recommencing Our Programs
All Chess, Cross Country, Football and Rugby Union sessions have resumed with great energy and high attendance. Our boys are showing they are ready to learn, compete and back each other – demonstrating the Villa Way. 

Draws and Team Lists – Important Updates for Trials this week 
Due to the shortened school week, draws will be published by midday on Thursday and team lists will be published by Friday this week. 

Please note: 

• Some students may appear in multiple teams as final selections are confirmed. This is designed to maximise opportunities for students.  

• These listings are not final and will continue to be refined based on attendance, effort and performance in the lead-up to Round 1. 

• Selections are earned, not assumed – every session counts. 

We appreciate your patience, understanding and ongoing support as coaches use every available session to make considered, fair decisions. Thank you for trusting the process and backing your boys to give their best. 

Sport is not just something we do – it is who we are at Villa
Thank you for your continued support as we launch into another exciting term of sport.  

Good luck to all teams as we complete our final trials this week in preparation for Round 1 against St Laurence’s College, next week. Let us play with heart, rise to the challenge and stand shoulder to shoulder – backing each other every step of the way. 

Go Villa! 💚🏆💛 

Mr Matthew Hannan, Director of Sport

KEY UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sports Canteen Update – Transition to Cashless Payments
Please note that the Sports Canteen will transition to cashless payments only from Saturday 3 May (Round 1) onwards. 

Cash will still be accepted this Saturday 26 April, however from Week 2 onwards, only card or contactless payment will be available.
We appreciate your support as we streamline our operations. 

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

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.  

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
Schedule – MCA Trials for AIC Sport: Thursday 24th April and Saturday 26th April, 2025
This week’s schedule is now available via the “Weekly Fixture/Draw Information” link on the Locker Room page.

Draws are typically posted each Wednesday ahead of the upcoming round. Due to this week’s shortened school week, the draw was released on Thursday, by midday. This is the earliest possible time the information can be made available. 

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

Team Lists
Team lists will appear in the Parent Lounge and Student Cafe sections of the portal.
Due to the shortened week, team lists for this round will be published by midday Friday. In a regular week, team lists are posted by Thursday prior to each round.
We appreciate your understanding – following several cancellations at the end of Term 1, coaches are using all available sessions this week to fairly finalise teams. Thank you for your patience and support. 

Training Schedules
For all updated information regarding training and selection trials schedules, please visit the Locker Room page of the Villanova College website. Please ensure you review the latest version, each week (note the version date, will feature in the title inside the document). The most recent versions include “…version current April 24” in their respective training schedule. 

ANZAC and Labour Day – Long Weekends and Term 2 Sport
Please note that there are two long weekends early in Term 2. We ask all families to ensure their son is available to honour his commitment to the team by attending the scheduled matches.
Please avoid scheduling travel during these weekends to ensure all players can meet their team commitments. 

Chess Training Schedule Change for Junior Teams – Effective Week 2, Term 2
The updated Term 2 Chess Training Schedule is outlined below. Please note that Junior Team training times have changed from Week 2 onwards. 

Disruptions to Training Schedule – Weeks 2–4 of Term 2
Please note the following disruptions to training across upcoming weeks due to College events: 

Week 2: 📅 Tuesday (29 April) – Online Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences 

• Training will continue as scheduled. Some minor adjustments may be made to training structures to accommodate teaching staff. 

Week 3:
📅 Monday (5 May) – Public Holiday: 

• No training. 

📅 Wednesday (7 May) – Face-to-Face Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences (Years 5–11): 

• Training will continue as scheduled. Some minor adjustments may be made to training structures to accommodate teaching staff. 

Week 4: 📅 Wednesday (14 May) – College Open Day: 

• Training will continue as scheduled. Some minor adjustments may be made to training structures to accommodate teaching and sporting staff. 

Thank you for your understanding as we support both academic and sporting commitments during this busy period. 

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  

Football and Rugby Union
AIC Football/Rugby Union 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: Years 5-12 – ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au 
Football: Years 5-12 – ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au 

Football and Rugby Union Training – Transport and Venue Details:
For teams’ training at Villa Park, please note the following: 

• Buses will depart immediately after school from Sixth Avenue, outside the front of the College.
• A teacher will escort players onto the buses.
• Players are to change into their training gear at Villa Park.
• Students must not wear boots on the bus.

Parents are required to collect their son from Villa Park after training. There will be no return bus service from Villa Park.
Parents are asked to collect players between 5:15pm and 5:25pm from Villa Park – no later, please. Our aim is to avoid requiring Villanova staff to remain on-site beyond 5:25pm to 5:30pm. We appreciate your support and consideration.

Football Training 

• Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, 3rds, 4ths & 5ths @ Villa Park 3.45-5.15pm, Monday and Wednesday afternoons. 

• 1st & 2nds @ Villa Park 3.45-5.15pm Monday and Thursday afternoons 

• Year 5 @ Little Langlands, Monday afternoon 3.20pm-5.00pm and Wednesday mornings 6.45am-8.00am. 

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

Rugby Union Training

• Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Opens @ Villa Park 3.45-5.15pm, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. 

• Year 5 @ Little Langlands, Tuesday afternoon 3.20pm-5.00pm and Thursday mornings 6.45am-8.00am. 

• Year 6 @ Little Langlands, Tuesday mornings 6.45am-8.00am and Thursday afternoons 3.20pm-5.00pm. 

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

Players not in the correct uniform are to receive a warning and may be asked to sit out the following week, if the issue is not resolved. Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Villanova College Uniform Look Book. This information is found on the College website Uniform Shop web page. Opening hours for the Uniform Shop can also be found below. All students selected in AIC teams are expected to wear the correct uniform for AIC fixtures each week.  

2025 Uniform Shop Hours (School Term Only)
Monday: 7:30am – 9.30am
Tuesday: 7:30am – 9.30am
Wednesday: 7:30am – 9.30am
Thursday: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Friday: CLOSED 

For those students preparing for Trimester 2 Sports – please see correct uniforms below: 

What to wear at training?
It is acceptable for both the Football and Rugby Union and 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.  

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! 

Sports Club – Villa Park Canteen Volunteers
The Villa Sports Club will be looking for volunteers to assist on the Villa Park canteen in Term 2. There will be a registration link sent out to the community each week for parents to sign up. Proceeds from the Villa Park canteen go directly to the development of all our AIC sporting programmes. 

The next opportunity to assist at Football and Rugby Union games is this Saturday 20 April. Please click on the link below to register your assistance. We really do appreciate it. 

Villa Park Canteen – Register here – Sat 26 April 

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! Stay tuned for a release of the next meeting date in person!  

Specialised Services
Physiotherapy
A friendly reminder that strapping is 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 service will continue each Saturday. 

Speed & Agility 
Sign up for Term 2 Speed & Agility, starting next week!
Registrations are now open via Parent Lounge – the program begins in Week 2.
Open to all students in Years 5 to 8, the cost is $160 for 8 sessions delivered by Matty Scott and elite-level coaches. 

Details:
• Days: Monday or Thursday mornings (choose one)
• Time: 7:00am to 8:00am
• Venue: Whinstanes Oval
• Start Date: Week 2 – Monday 28 April or Thursday 1 May 

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. 

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
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” James Clear in Atomic Habits
At Villanova, we aim higher – not just through our goals, but through our habits, our culture and the standards we set every day.
Trimester 1 reminded us what happens when discipline meets connection. From early sessions at Goold Hall to hotly contested finishes on the oval or in the pool, our boys showed that success is built one effort at a time.
Now, Trimester 2 begins. It is about turning preparation into performance – backing our teammates, holding our standards and embracing every opportunity to grow. Whether you are starting, subbing, scoring or supporting – your role matters.
Sport at Villanova is not about being the best. It is about becoming your best – for yourself, for your team, for your College.
So let us lean in, lift each other and make every round count. 

We Can Win and We Will Learn. 

Go Villa! 💚💛 

The Villanova Parents and Friends Association has a big calendar of events lined up for Term Two – and we would love YOUR involvement to help make these events a success!

P&F Association Term 2 Meeting – Monday 28^th April 2025
Join us next Monday night in the Senior Library from 6.00pm for our next meeting.

The P&F only meets four times a year – so now is an excellent opportunity to be involved in the Parent Community without investing too much time! We are looking for volunteers to assist in organising the forthcoming Mothers Night and College Open Day. We are also looking for members to join the new Sub-Committee for our newest P&F event for 2025 – Villanova Ignites Riverfire. We would love to see you there!

P&F Mothers Night –  Friday 9^th May 2025
One of the biggest social nights on the calendar – The Villanova Mothers Night is just around the corner – and tickets are now on sale. This year features a quality selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options, a brand new menu of gourmet grazing platters and the return of the ever popular DJ “Dick” Diggler – providing the tunes to dance the night away! Tickets are strictly  limited and available from link below.

Mother’s Night 2025

Volunteers for Mothers Night – Friday 9^th May 2025
The success of the Mothers Night is solely dependent upon the Dad’s / Old Boys who work the bar and food service! Please use the link below to volunteer just a few hours of your evening to assist with this great night out for the ladies. Cold ones will be available to ease the night away! A fun night with a great cause.

Mothers Night Volunteer

Villanova Open Day – 14^th May 2025 4.00 – 6.30pm
The P&F will be providing a BBQ Sausage Sizzle for over 1000 attendees at this year’s College Open Day – and we need YOU – to help for just an hour or two on the BBQ and Drinks stand. Please use link below to volunteer and be a proud part of the Villa Community on this significant day for the College.

Open Day Volunteer

Fathers Night
Thanks to all the Dad’s who attended this years Fathers Night at the Camp Hill Hotel – the night organised by the P&F raised around $2000 for the College’s Time and Space Program – a great result! Special thanks go out to Matt Hickey and Andrew McCarthy for putting together the evening! Also thanks to our sponsors who donated prizes for the raffle!

Should you have any questions or would like further information –  please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0408 001 480 or david@tilescope.com.au

Thanks to all – and looking forward to seeing you at one or all of the abovementioned events.