Villanova College

Today at Villa Park, our Year 12 students, led by School Captain Reid G, officially inaugurated the Old Boys Grandstand; a lasting legacy project of the Class of 2026.

The grandstand is a wonderful addition to Villa Park and a tangible reminder of the contribution and leadership of our graduating students.

A huge congratulations to our Student Leadership Team for the hard work, vision and commitment that brought this project to life.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the generous sponsors, supporters and members of our community whose contributions helped make the Old Boys Grandstand possible.

A legacy built together, and one that will be enjoyed by generations of Villa students and Villanova Old Boys to come.

Some of our Year 10 and 11 students recently attended a Sing Sing Sing Dementia Choir rehearsal, joining a community where music, friendship and connection come together each week for people living with dementia and their families and carers.

Directed by past Villanova teacher Melissa Gill and assisted by past parent Trudy McCaul, Sing Sing Sing creates a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy the joy of making music together.

Villanova was privileged to host a Sing Sing Sing High Tea in Term 2, with some of our students helping to set up and serve on the day. The event was a wonderful success and helped secure full funding for the Bulimba and Redlands choirs.

We look forward to continuing this special relationship and providing our students with opportunities to learn, serve and connect with our wider community through music.🎶💚💛

Congratulations to Riley K, who has been selected in the Met East Under 14 Baseball team to compete from Thursday 27 August 27 to Sunday 30 August.

This selection follows several outstanding achievements at national and international level. Riley represented Brisbane Metro at the Intermediate League National Titles in Lismore before travelling to Cooperstown in the United States with the Queensland Dolphins.

The Dolphins were the only Australian team among 80 competing teams and produced the program’s best result at the tournament to date, narrowly missing the final. Riley’s highlights included a two-run home run, three scoreless pitching innings against a highly ranked American team and two game MVP awards.

Congratulations Riley on this excellent recognition of your dedication and continued development. 👏

Congratulations to Zac G and Cash C, who represented Queensland at the recent 10–12 Years Boys AFL National Carnival in Canberra!

The boys performed strongly throughout the tournament, helping Queensland secure third place nationally.

This is an outstanding achievement and a wonderful reward for their commitment, hard work and development. Well done, Zac and Cash! 👏

A fantastic turnout from our Football boys for the first Villanova Run Club session yesterday!

Led by First XI Football coach Sam, the group completed an impressive 6.5km while demonstrating plenty of energy, determination and team spirit.

Run Club provides our footballers with a valuable opportunity to maintain their fitness during the AIC off-season, build their running capacity, support injury prevention and strengthen relationships across the program.

The first 6.5km is in the legs - and the standard has officially been set! 💚💛 Students interested in joining Run Club are encouraged to contact Ms Bailey.

The countdown is on! 🎸VNC Battle of the Bands is happening this Friday 21 August, and six Villa student bands are ready to take the stage at the Hanrahan Theatre.

Following a songwriting masterclass with Paul and Dean from Ball Park Music, our bands will go head-to-head, performing a mix of original songs and covers, with the winning band taking home an incredible recording session at Brisbane Recording Studio.

On the night, you will hear performances from D9sh, Knights at the Round Table, Blank, Kevin, Reuben’s Band and Overdrive, with Paul and Dean judging the competition.

There’s also plenty happening off stage, including a chance to meet Paul and Dean, raffle prizes featuring a signed Ball Park Music merchandise pack, and food and drinks available for purchase.

Friday 21 August | 5.30pm for a 6pm start | Hanrahan Theatre, Villanova College

Get your Tickets now: https://vnc-battle-of-the-bands-2026.raiselysite.com/

Come along, support our young musicians and find out who will be crowned VNC Battle of the Bands champions!

IGNITE 2026 – Villanova’s Riverfire Celebration is back!🔥 Get ready for a spectacular night under the Brisbane skyline! IGNITE 2026 returns to Villanova College on Saturday 5 September, from 4pm to 10pm, bringing together current and past Villa families, Villanova Old Boys and their guests for an unforgettable Riverfire celebration.

Forget the packed riverbanks, parking chaos and fighting for the perfect view. Gather your friends, settle in and enjoy front-row views of the Riverfire fireworks from the College grounds.

Your ticket includes a two-hour beverage package, delicious canapés by In a Pickle, live DJ and dancing, front-row Riverfire views, and the chance to purchase and win raffle prizes. A cash bar will be available after the beverage package, and champagne bottles can also be pre-ordered for your table.

Bring your Villa friends, reconnect with old mates and enjoy a relaxed evening of great food, entertainment and community – all with an unbeatable view of Riverfire.

Saturday 5 September | 4pm–10pm | Strictly 18+

Tickets are available now: https://ignite-2026.raiselysite.com/

Thank you to our Sponsor from the Hicks Team at Place!

No riverbank crowds. No parking headaches. No fighting for a view. Just great company, music, food and fireworks.

The final notes of QCMF 2026 were played yesterday evening, bringing four incredible days of music, connection and celebration to a close. What an extraordinary four days it has been!🎶

This year, QCMF brought together:
106 schools and colleges
649 ensembles
15,500+ student performances
90+ hours of live music
20,000+ visitors

But the real heart of QCMF lies beyond the numbers. It was found in the excitement of students taking to the stage, the encouragement of teachers and conductors, the friendships formed between schools, and the incredible team of volunteers and staff working behind the scenes to make every performance possible.

A heartfelt thank you to all the talented students who shared their music with us, and to their teachers, conductors, parents and support staff who supported them throughout the festival.

To our volunteers and staff, thank you for your generosity, energy and countless hours behind the scenes. From welcoming schools and guiding performers to managing venues and keeping everything moving, your contribution is at the heart of QCMF.

Thank you also to our sponsors and supporters, including Brisbane Catholic Education, whose support helps make this celebration of music possible.

We are incredibly grateful to St James Catholic Primary School Coorparoo and St James Catholic Church Coorparoo for once again opening its doors and helping us create a festival across two wonderful campuses.

And, of course, a huge thank you to our Director of Music and QCMF Artistic Director, Mr Michael Jones, and his outstanding team. Their vision and dedication continue to shape QCMF into the extraordinary festival it is today.

We also extend our thanks to representatives from Brisbane Catholic Education, and the many school principals and leaders who joined us and supported the festival.

QCMF is about so much more than music. It is about young people coming together, sharing their gifts, encouraging one another and discovering the joy of being part of something much bigger than themselves.

Thank you to everyone who made QCMF 2026 such a special celebration. Until next year – may the music continue! 🎶

Last Thursday, Villa Park came alive! More than 900 students from Years 5–12 came together for the 2026 Interhouse Track and Field Carnival, filling Villa Park with colour, energy and plenty of House spirit.

From thrilling track races and outstanding field-event performances to House chants echoing across the hill, student participation was exceptional throughout the day.

Congratulations to every student who competed, supported their House and demonstrated teamwork, determination and a wonderful commitment to their team.

With the final House placings to be announced at Assembly tomorrow morning, there’s still one question to be answered… which House will take the title? Stay tuned!

As Day Two of QCMF draws to a close, our campus is still buzzing with music, performances and the energy of hundreds of talented young musicians.🎶It has been another wonderful day of bringing schools and music communities together, with plenty more still to come before the weekend is over.

A huge thank you to all the students, volunteers, staff, families, and supporters who are helping make QCMF such a special celebration of music and community. We look forward to welcoming performers, families and audiences back to Villa tomorrow for another big day of QCMF!