Fenton Village: A Decade of Heart, Home and Heritage From the seeds of vision to a thriving hub of community, John Paul College’s Fenton Village celebrates ten remarkable years. Humble Beginnings: A Vision Realised Ten years ago, in 2014, the John Paul College community gathered in anticipation at the Headmaster’s Assembly and Foundation Day Ceremony, where newly appointed Director of Boarding, Mr Jaye Beutel, shared a heartfelt vision of what Fenton Village would soon become. With passion drawn from nearly a decade of boarding and pastoral care experience, Mr Beutel spoke not only of buildings and pathways, but of a living, breathing community – a home. The name ‘Fenton Village’, named in honour of the Board Chair in 2014, Mr Mark Fenton, promised something unique – a break from traditional dormitories and hallways. Nestled in the native bushland of the Cec Munns Sports Centre, the village was designed as an open and nurturing space, combining comfort, sustainability and a sense of family. 2015: A Home Comes to Life At 8.00am on 22 January 2015, Fenton Village opened its gates to its first cohort of boarders – students from diverse backgrounds – marking the beginning of a new chapter. Led by Boarding Captain Mickey Saibuddee, students embraced a unique, village-style model of boarding. With communal dining, vegetable gardens and live-in residential tutors, the experience was unlike any other in Queensland. Events like the Lunar New Year Dinner and Fenton Cup Race quickly became traditions. Supported by a dedicated team of staff, Fenton Village offered a vibrant and nurturing environment, truly a home away from home from day one. A Decade of Growth and Legacy As Fenton Village marks its tenth anniversary, it stands as a testament to vision, resilience and community. What began as a bold idea has grown into one of Queensland’s most distinctive boarding experiences. More than 220 boarders have called the village home, young people who have grown into compassionate leaders, lifelong friends and active contributors to their communities. This milestone also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the enduring support of our Indigenous partners, Yalari, who celebrate their own 20th anniversary this year, and the Doug Hall Foundation, whose generosity and belief in the power of education have been instrumental in shaping the Fenton Village story. Fenton Village has become a cornerstone of the John Paul College experience, aligned with the College’s commitment to holistic education and global citizenship. The village continues to embody values of diversity, care, service and excellence. Through every shared meal, heartfelt conversation, late-night study session, or quiet moment under the stars, the essence of Fenton remains unchanged: a place where every student is known, valued and at home. 12 THE EAGLE 2025
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