Dear Ionians,

This week, Oblates from across Australia are gathered in Melbourne for their annual retreat - a time of prayer, reflection, and renewal.

For the Oblates, this is not just a pause from their daily ministry, but a deeply important opportunity to be nourished in faith, reconnect with their vocation, and strengthen the bonds of community that sustain their mission.

The retreat serves as a powerful reminder to us at Iona of the central place that faith holds in our community. Just as the Oblates take time away to ground themselves in prayer and spiritual reflection, so too are we invited to remember that faith is not an “extra” in our lives, but the very foundation of who we are.

Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, in service activities, or at the altar, our life together at Iona is animated by the belief that God is with us, guiding us to live with purpose, generosity and compassion.

As we hold the Oblates in prayer during this week of retreat, may their witness inspire us to pause, reflect and find strength in our own journeys of faith.

In a world that often moves too quickly, our Iona community is blessed to be shaped by a rhythm of faith which calls us to grow, not only in knowledge and achievement, but in spirit, character, and love.

Love in our Catholic tradition is not merely a feeling or sentiment - it is action. It is the daily choice to see the dignity in others, especially those who may be different to us, and to extend kindness where it may not always be easy.

In our world today, where division, conflict, and misunderstanding so readily dominate headlines, the call of the Gospel is clear: to respond with a love that builds bridges rather than walls or silos.

Days like ‘R U OK? Day’ today highlight just how important it is to live this faith-filled love through care and compassion for one another.

The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) captures this message with great clarity. Jesus’ parable challenges us to see beyond boundaries of race, religion and background, and to recognise every person as our neighbour.

The Samaritan did not ask who was responsible for the suffering of the man on the roadside, nor did he blame him; he simply acted with compassion.

That same call is placed before us as Catholics – to embrace those who may seem different, to listen deeply and to walk alongside those who are hurting or marginalised.

At Iona, we look to this Gospel call of love to shape our identity and growth. It is present when we reach out in service through Rosies, MAMI and other initiatives.

It is visible when we look out for one another in the classroom, on the bus or on the sporting field. And it is alive when we, as a community, choose to be guided not by fear or prejudice, but by the example of the love of Christ.

So, as we reflect on the Good Samaritan and the call to love, let us take a simple but powerful step today: check in on someone – especially on this R U OK? Day -offering a listening ear, a kind word, or a moment of care, and in doing so, live out the Gospel love that we wish to define us as Ionians.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal

Dear Ionians,

As we come to the close of Term 3, I would like to extend my best wishes to each of you for a restful and refreshing holiday.

This is a time to step back from the busyness of school life, to enjoy time with family and friends, and to return renewed for the final term of the year.

I write this message while the Oblates and I have the privilege of being on retreat in the Dandenong Ranges.

Surrounded by the quiet beauty of spring blossoms and the freshness of creation, it has been a time of solitude, prayer, and renewal.

We carried each of you in our prayers during these days, and we are deeply grateful for the prayers you offered for us in return.

As we look ahead, I invite our community to keep in your prayers the 21 young men and four staff who will soon travel to Vietnam on a cultural immersion. This new initiative offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the wider Oblate family.

The immersion will begin with time spent alongside the Oblate Fathers and their mission: participating in an Oblate Youth Sports Day and offering a day of service in one of their communities.

Our students worked with great dedication to raise $3000 towards a project identified by the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI). While the project cost is $9000, MAMI has generously agreed to contribute the remaining amount, allowing our boys to be part of the project’s initial stage.

This is a very exciting and tangible way for our young men to both learn from and support the Oblate mission in Vietnam.

Another new beginning was celebrated earlier today in Brisbane, with the Solemn Installation Mass of the Most Reverend Shane Mackinlay as the eighth Archbishop of Brisbane.

Our new Archbishop has a long and wonderful relationship with the Oblates, and we look forward to nurturing this even further in his position as the Head of the Catholic Church in Brisbane.

On behalf of the Oblates and the whole Iona community, I offer our congratulations, support and prayers as His Grace begins the next stage of his life of service.

Just as the spring flowers remind us of new beginnings and hope, may these holidays be a season of rest and gentle renewal for all in our community. May you return in Term 4 with energy, joy, and a heart open to the opportunities that lie ahead.

With every blessing,

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector

Get Ready for Footy Jersey Day!

The Faith and Mission team is excited to host a ‘Footy Jersey Day’ on Thursday 18 September (Week 10), to raise funds for the Oblate Missions.

Students should wear their striped College polo to school and then change into a footy jersey (any code) in homeroom.

Important reminders:
• Jerseys must have sleeves, so please wear a t-shirt underneath AFL guernseys.
• Iona sports shorts or tracksuit pants and sneakers are also to be worn (no jewellery).

A $2 donation will be collected in homeroom to support MAMI. Eftpos will also be available outside PROSPER for convenience.

Families wishing to donate online can do so via the link below. Online donations are eligible for a tax-deductible receipt from MAMI.

Thank you for supporting this great cause!

Mrs Sam Ryan
Social Justice Coordinator

Growing Together in the Middle Years

It’s hard to believe we’re already three-quarters of the way through the year!

As we take stock of all that has happened, it’s encouraging to see the growth our Middle Years students have made, not only in their learning but also in the way they are developing as young people.

This year, we’ve been talking a lot with students about respect: Respect for others – whether that’s in the classroom, in the playground, online, or in day-to-day conversations – respect for our school and its property, and, importantly, respect for themselves by taking responsibility for their actions.

When things go wrong, we encourage students to step up and say: “I did that, and this is how I am going to fix it,” instead of pointing fingers. These moments of honesty and accountability are where real growth happens.

We’ve also been giving students some simple but powerful tools for managing social situations. If someone crosses a line, we encourage them to use calm, respectful language: “Please stop, I don’t like what you are doing/saying.”

And just as importantly, if they hear that message from someone else, the right response is to stop and offer a genuine apology. These small interactions help our young people practise consent, kindness, and respect in everyday life.

Another focus area this year has been understanding relationships, specifically the difference between an acquaintance and a friend.

Adolescents are at a stage where social connections are incredibly influential. By recognising what makes a genuine friendship, mutual trust, respect, and care, students are better equipped to form healthy and supportive relationships.

Of course, adolescence is also a time when mistakes are inevitable. As educators, we remind students that mistakes are opportunities for growth. By reflecting on their actions and learning from missteps, young people can limit future mistakes and continue to develop stronger decision-making skills.

As parents and carers, you play a vital role in these conversations. The discussions you have at home about respect, boundaries, communication, and kindness are just as important as the ones happening at school.

When young people see these values modelled both at home and at school, they are more likely to carry them into all areas of their lives.

Together, as a school and parent community, we can continue to guide our students towards becoming respectful, resilient, and responsible individuals.

Our young people will not only succeed in their education but also grow into adults capable of building healthy, respectful relationships in all areas of their lives.

Mr Steve Hohn
Dean of Middle Years

P&F Lads and Dads Breakfast

This is your last chance to get tickets! Bookings close at 9am Friday 12 September.

What a great way to end the term – join us for the annual Iona P&F Lads and Dads Breakfast on Friday 19 September.

This year’s guest is adventurer and Iona Old Boy Oliver Foran (Class of 2016), who will share his inspiring story of resilience, overcoming tragedy, and summiting nearly 7000m of Ama Dablam in the Himalayas.

The big raffle prize on the day is a legendary Iona ‘Gorilla Griller’ Weber Family Q+ Premium barbecue (valued at $900). The only way you can get a ticket to be in the draw, is by being at the Lads and Dads Breakfast.

Please note that seating will be unallocated, and numbers are limited, so we encourage families to secure their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Continuing Enrolment 2026

Each year, the College requests confirmation of your son's continuing enrolment for the following school year.

This provides the College with the certainty we need to assist our planning for the next 12 months.

For nearly 70 years, the families of our local community have entrusted their sons to an Oblate education at Iona. It is a responsibility we are privileged and proud to accept.

By ensuring our enrolments are accurate, we are able to maintain affordable fees to support our families.

Of course, we hope all families will continue their educational journey with us next year, as we strive to deliver a quality education and create quality men of character to serve our community.

Your completion of this short form will help us confirm your son’s continuing enrolment into 2026.

If, however, your circumstances are changing and there is a need for you to advise the College that your son will not be continuing at Iona next year, we respectfully request that you inform the College via this short form.

Please be advised that the College requests one (1) term's notice in writing should your son not be continuing at the College.

Failure to provide one (1) term's notice may result in one term's fees in lieu of sufficient notice being charged as the College commits resources based on our understanding of enrolment numbers.

Therefore, an end-of-year departure needs to be communicated by the last day of Term 3 - Friday 19 September 2025.

Year 12 Parents Celebration

After 13 years of lunchboxes, lost socks, and last-minute assignments, the boys are finally reaching the finish line!

To celebrate this incredible milestone, you're warmly invited to an evening of laughter, dancing, reminiscing, and possibly a few happy tears.

We’re throwing a farewell celebration in honour of our Year 12 legends.

Event Details
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
Saturday 11 October, 5pm – 10pm
Tickets: $59 per person
(All parents and caregivers are welcome – the more, the merrier!)

The night kicks off with live entertainment from the amazing Iona Band, and then Ian Calvert (local entertainer) well, let’s just say the dance floor will be calling your name.

You'll be welcomed with a complimentary drink on arrival, with a bar open for the rest of the night. Tasty food platters will keep you fuelled for the serious dance moves ahead!

Tickets available now until 5pm, 19 September via the link below.

Click here to book your tickets https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1459072

Bonus Fun Stuff!

• Lucky door prize – who doesn’t love a surprise?
• Nostalgic photo slideshow.

To make the slideshow extra special, please send us your favourite photos of your son from:

• His first year at Iona.
• His final year (they grow up so fast).
• Any unforgettable, hilarious, or heartwarming moments in between.

Send your photos to events@iona.qld.edu.au by COB Wednesday 1 October.

Let’s raise a glass to the remarkable journey your sons have had - and the incredible role you’ve played in getting them here.

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Mr Wayne Wilden
Acting Dean of Oblate Identity and Community

Thank You

It has been a massive, event-filled term for Instrumental Music, and we are proud of the way our students and families have embraced every opportunity.

As we reach the end of the term, congratulations are in order for the commitment, enthusiasm, and resilience shown by both students and parents.

A reminder that there is still one week to go – students are expected to attend all remaining lessons before the holidays.

Last week’s Intermediate Concert

Since our last newsletter, we have held our second-last major concert of the term – the Intermediate Concert. This event featured:

• Concert Band
• Symphonic Winds
• Brass Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble 2
• Guitar Ensembles 2 and 3
• Ionian Chorus

A big thank you to all the students and families who contributed to such a successful night. The standard of performance was excellent, and it was inspiring to see just how strong our younger ensembles have become.

Small Groups Concert at Lindum-mere

Next week we will hold our very first Small Groups Concert at Lindum-mere.

• When: Tuesday 16 September, 6.30pm start (students to arrive by 6pm)
• Ensembles Performing: Saxophone Ensemble, Senior Vocal Ensemble, Chamber Strings 2, Chamber Strings 3, and Clarinet Ensemble
• Tickets: Seating is limited, and the event has already sold out.

We are excited to see these smaller ensembles shine on stage in an intimate concert setting.

Instrumental Reports

Instrumental Music reports will be available next week in Compass. These reports provide feedback on your son’s progress across the term and use a five-point scale:

• Excellent
• Very Good
• Good
• Satisfactory
• Needs Improvement

We encourage families to take the time to read these reports together, as they highlight achievements as well as areas for future growth.

New Ensembles for 2025/26

Our new ensembles for the 2025/26 season have been announced, and ensemble lists are now posted on the noticeboards outside the Music Office. Students are to check these lists to ensure they know:

• Which ensemble they have been placed in
• The rehearsal day and time for that ensemble

Important: All ensembles will begin rehearsals in the first week of Term 4.

Instruments Must Go Home

As the Term 3 concludes, please ensure your son takes his instrument home over the holiday break.

• Our storerooms undergo cleaning and maintenance during this time.
• Any instruments left behind will need to be collected during the holidays, which is inconvenient for families and staff.

Taking instruments home also means students can continue to enjoy music-making and keep up their practice routines over the break.

Individual Lessons – A Pathway to Success

For students in our top-tier ensembles, we strongly encourage taking up the opportunity for individual lessons on their instrument or voice. These lessons provide:

• One-on-one tuition tailored to your son’s needs
• Faster progress and stronger technical development, provided there is consistent practice
• A solid foundation for those considering future study in the arts

In group lessons, teacher attention is naturally divided among students, whereas individual lessons allow for targeted guidance and accelerated growth.

If you think your son may be interested in pursuing music beyond school – or if you simply want to see him flourish – this is an important step.

To arrange lessons, please contact the Music Office via ionamusic@iona.qld.edu.au

Looking Ahead – Term 4

Term 4 is always a special time, with end-of-year performances and celebrations on the horizon. Our musicians will be heavily involved in some of the College’s most significant events, including:

• Year 12 Valedictory: Featuring the Iona Singers and the Staff Band
• Presentation Night: Performances by Percussion Ensemble, piano players, and the Musical Band
• Year 5 Concert: A showcase evening with two streams of performances:
• Instrumental & Vocal Stream – highlighting the progress of our Year 5 musicians
• Performing Arts Stream – the debut performance of ‘Dragon Days the Musical’

Please enjoy your time off and we look forward to seeing you back at school for Term 4.

Mr Brian L'Huillier
Head of Instrumental Music

Overdue Books

As we near the end  of Term 3, it’s time to check your school bag, lockers, and bedroom shelves for any library books that need to come home to the library.

Please return all overdue books by the end of this week. You can sign into your library catalogue to see what is overdue.

If you still need a book, come and renew it before the holidays.

Returning your books on time means others get a chance to enjoy them too.

Let’s finish Term 3 strongly and start Term 4 with the library shelves ready and waiting for new adventures!

Thank you for helping keep our library resources available for everyone.

Sora

Holidays are the perfect time to relax with a good read – and with Sora, you don’t even need to carry heavy books around!

Read anywhere, anytime – on your phone, tablet, or laptop.

Listen to audiobooks while travelling, relaxing, or chilling out. There are magazines too! Catch up on sports, fashion, gaming, or science – there’s something for everyone.

No closing hours – the library is always open on Sora.

So many choices – from popular novels to comics, from classics to new releases.

Whether you’re at the beach, on a road trip, or at home, Sora makes it easy to keep reading fun these holidays.

The Great Book Swap

During Weeks 7 and 8 of this term, the library participated in the Great Book Swap of 2025 to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, in bringing literacy to remote communities across Australia.

Hundreds of books were donated and exchanged for a gold coin donation over the past fortnight, making the book swap a huge success. 

So many Ionians participated in this initiative, with many pre-loved books getting a new lease on life and many new books sold for a bargain price. 

Because of this, a great charity gets to continue to do their amazing work.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to all involved.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Students who participated in the Queensland Premier’s Reading Challenge will receive certificates signed by the Premier and enjoy a pizza party on Tuesday 16 September during second break.

Daily notices will be sent to the boys who returned their forms. Well done for the great reading accomplished.

Photo Competition

We had so many fabulous photos for the ‘Book an Adventure’ Book Week competitions that the library staff could not decide a winner. So the names were put in a hat and the winner was….. Lachlan Teece. Congratulations!

Happy holidays from the Library

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3.30pm

Tuesday CLOSED

Wednesday 8am – 3.30pm

Thursday CLOSED

Friday 8am – 3.30pm

2026 Book Lists 

Ordering from the Uniform Shop

Orders can be sent home with your sons.

• Email orders to: uniformshop@iona.qld.edu.au
• Phone orders with credit card details: 07 3893 8863
• Online shop

All stock is available for purchase now at the uniform shop or through the online store.