2 October 2025
Dear Parents, Council Members, and Friends of St Leo’s,
We’ve reached the halfway point of Semester 2. The jacarandas are beginning to bloom around the UQ precinct. A familiar sign that the mid-semester break is drawing to a close and our Leonians are returning to College.
At the same time, there’s a growing sense that the year is flying by. The end of semester is on the horizon, and we’ve begun preparing to farewell residents who won’t be returning in 2026. I’m excited to see what’s next for our young men as they move on, though they will be missed.
In addition to our surrounding landscape turning purple, Semester 2 is known for moving at lightning speed, so there’s quite a bit to cover from the past 10 weeks…
UQ Open Day – Sunday, 3 August
UQ Open Day: L-R Darcy Bouwman talking about St Leo’s to visitors at UQ’s Great Court
UQ Open Day: Lucien Thonon taking a visiting family on a tour of the College
We were thrilled to welcome 50 families to the College during UQ Open Day. This event is always a wonderful opportunity to showcase the life and spirit of St Leo’s to prospective residents and their families. The Admin Team were very pleased with how the day unfolded. A heartfelt thank you to our Students’ Club Executive, Residential Assistants, and the many volunteers who helped make the day such a success.
Duhig Lecture – Tuesday, 19 August
Duhig Lecture & Dinner: Father Frank Brennan delivering his speech on Aboriginal land-rights
Duhig Lecture & Dinner: L-R Kibbim Titasey, Bob Katter MP, Tom Molloy and Zayne Gauhar
We were honoured to welcome one of Australia’s most respected Catholic public figures, Fr Frank Brennan SJ, to deliver the 2025 Duhig Lecture. This annual event honours our founder, Archbishop Sir James Duhig, and has featured some of the nation’s most prominent voices over the decades. Fr Brennan’s address was both insightful and deeply moving. If you missed it, you can read it by clicking here. Distinguished guests included former Queensland Governor Leneen Forde AC, former Brisbane Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson AO, ACU Chancellor Martin Daubney KC, and many notable alumni, including Bob Katter MP.
World’s Greatest Shave – Sunday, 31 August
World’s Greatest Shave: L-R Samuel Young, Jack Mundey, Jackson Waldon, Will Jackson, Joe Strachan and Nayth Andrejic
World’s Greatest Shave: Mackenzie Watt and Lincoln Fisher
Over 40 Leonians participated in the World’s Greatest Shave, courageously shaving their heads and raising an incredible $14,769, far surpassing their original $4,000 goal. Their efforts support vital cancer research and patient care. We’re immensely proud of their generosity and spirit.
Father’s Day BBQ – Saturday, 6 September
Father’s Day BBQ: Daley and Nathan Ejindu
Father’s Day BBQ: L-R Jazz Boshammer, Brett Thomas and Queen of Preserves, Kylie Boshammer
Father’s Day BBQ: The Phantom awarding prizes to our Dads
There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of Leo’s filled with dads, mentors, and families enjoying good food and great company. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and especially to those who travelled significant distances to be there. Your presence made the day truly special.
FUTURE STATE: Careers & Connections – Tuesday, 16 September
Networking Event: Stephen Keller, Jay Gaunekar and Seb Lee
Networking Event: Residents and Alumni
Our annual networking evening continues to be one of the most impactful events on the calendar. Old Leonians from a wide range of professions returned to share their insights and real-world experience with our current residents. These opportunities help our young men build professional networks and visualise life beyond university.
Inter-College Competitions (ICC)
F&K Cup: Thomas Lambo
Semester 2 saw fierce competition and outstanding participation in all ICC events. A highlight was the historic Francis and Kassulke (F&K) Rugby Match against King’s College and a rivalry dating back to 1920. Our team played with heart and consistency, though King’s claimed the win 29–12. Congratulations to Mitch Dowling, for being named St Leo’s Best & Fairest, and to Hugh Chapman, recipient of the prestigious Michael Gillman Memorial Trophy.
ICC Touch Football: St Leo’s Team
I’m pleased to share that St Leo’s won the ICC Touch Football premiership last weekend. The energy and excitement from that win lasted well into the week!
College Idol: Darcy Bouwman after wowing the judges
We’re also proud to have taken First Place in the ICC College Idol competition. Darcy Bouwman delivered a phenomenal performance of “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor. I encourage you all to click here and watch Darcy’s performance. The win was very well deserved.
ICC Oratory: Ethan Payne
ICC Basketball: Thomas Foley
One-Act Play: St Leo’s residents performing Garry Potter and the Goblet of XXXX
Overall ICC Results:
- College Idol – 1st Place
- Touch Football – 1st Place
- Soccer – 3rd Place
- Rugby Union – 3rd Place
- Basketball – 5th Place
- Art Show – 5th Place
- One Act Play – 7th Place
- Oratory – 7th Place
- Dancefest – 10th Place
Reds Rugby Match: L-R Will Pascoe, Mitchel Waldon and Thomas Lambo
Some additional sporting news, we extend a HUGE congratulations to Will Pascoe, Mitchel Waldon, and Thomas Lambo for being selected for the U19 Queensland Reds squad. A tremendous achievement and the beginning of something extraordinary for each of them.
In Memoriam
We sadly farewelled two cherished members of the St Leo’s community:
Br Bob Wallace cfc, who passed away on 22 September. Br Bob resided at St Leo’s in 2008 and contributed greatly through many years of rugby coaching. His legacy lives on, and his Life Membership in the Australian Schools Rugby Union reflects his dedication.
Dr John Casey, alumnus and benefactor, passed away on 16 September. A resident from 1951–1956 at our original Wickham Terrace site, Dr Casey remained deeply connected to the College throughout his life. We are grateful for his enduring support and friendship.
Welcoming Our Next Head of College & CEO
We’re pleased to announce that Mr Dan McMahon will commence as Head of College and CEO in January 2026. Dan is currently principal of Shalom Catholic College; a 1560-student co-educational school in Bundaberg. He has served 17 years as principal there, after leading other Queensland schools, including St Brendan’s College in Yeppoon, St Patrick’s at Shorncliffe and St Joseph’s in Toowoomba.
Dan shared:
“While the College can never replicate a resident’s family, I will work with staff to encourage an atmosphere and culture where young men grow to the best of their abilities. I look forward to connecting with families who will be, undoubtedly, a little bit nervous about this step away from home for their sons.”
Council Chair Madonna King welcomed his appointment:
“Dan’s had phenomenal experience and brings with him an ambition for the St Leo’s residents, across academics and personal growth. He was a stand-out, and I feel blessed that he has agreed to lead St Leo’s from January next year.”
UQ Giving Day – Tuesday, 15 October
St Leo’s is proudly taking part in UQ Giving Day—a powerful opportunity to support the St Leo’s College Residential Scholarship Fund, which provides access to College life for students who might otherwise miss out.
Thanks to UQ’s Matching Fund, every donation will be doubled (while matching funds last). You can donate today or on Giving Day by clicking here. Every gift, no matter the size, will have a lasting impact.
Final Word
Before I sign off, as usual I encourage you to reach out anytime and share your thoughts with us. What can we do better? Do you know something we don’t that is impacting your son’s experience here? The St Leo’s Staff are keen to hear your thoughts. Good or bad, we are here for it all.
Best,
Peter Arena
Marketing, Communications & Advancement Manager
