Dear Iona community,

Each year, staff from Australia’s four colleges operating according to the Oblate Charism (St Eugene’s College, Burpengary; Mazenod College, Western Australia; Mazenod College, Victoria; and Iona College) accompany Rectors and Principals to learn more about St Eugene and the history of the Oblates in Australia.

The experience provides a wonderful opportunity to share programs and resources developed in the respective communities that build formation and understanding of the Charism we share.

This year’s conference was hosted by Mazenod College in Western Australia – a perfect setting to experience the Charism introduced to Australia in 1894 when the Oblates arrived in Fremantle.

Spending two days in the St Patrick’s Basilica Parish Hall provided the historical context of Oblate Ministry, and see in action the ongoing outreach that exists there today.

We heard of the amazing work of Br Hannick OMI, and saw the work of the St Patrick’s Community Centre in action today, bringing to life the stories and presentations we heard from our keynote speakers.

Thank you to Fr Joe Antony OMI, Fr Michael Twigg OMI and Fr Harry Dyer OMI for leading us throughout the conference with information, prayer and witness.

Thank you also to Fr Meno Basti OMI and Angela Emanuele from St Patrick’s Parish, who generously provided us the space and facilities for our conference.

On the final day of the conference, we visited Mazenod College in Lesmurdie. The students showcased their college with comprehensive tours, enabling staff to meet colleagues in similar roles and expand their network.

Mass was celebrated in the College Chapel, and an insight into boarding life was experienced with a tour.

The purpose of the staff conferences, student leadership conferences, retreats and pilgrimages is for all of us connected to Oblate Ministry, to be able to learn about St Eugene de Mazenod, the mission of the Oblates and what are we challenged to do in our schools and communities today.

Many thanks to Simon Harvey, Damian Wallis and Angela Orchard for their hospitality and organisation. The combination of information, reflection, prayer, discussion and social interaction provided a busy but enjoyable experience.

Finally thank you to our Iona staff – Mr Connor Russell, Mrs Angela McPherson, Mr Steven Hohn and Mrs Rennaye Klein – for accepting the invitation to attend, and their willingness to immerse themselves in all the activities.

As an Oblate community we will come together tomorrow for OMAD to live out the values of what it means to belong to the De Mazenod Family as we raise awareness and support for the Oblate ministries throughout the world. 

Given St Eugene’s devotion to Mary, it is appropriate that this year we do that on the Feast of the Assumption, the day we commemorate God assuming Mary into Heaven, body and soul.

On the Feast of the Assumption, we give thanks for the gift of Mary. 

Through her life of faith, humility and courage, Mary is an example of how we can bring God’s love into the world.

Tomorrow on Oblate Mission Action Day, we do this through gathering as a community for a fun day of awareness and fundraising.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal

Dear students, staff, families and friends,

As we come together this Friday to celebrate OMAD – Oblate Mission Action Day – beginning with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, we are reminded of the deep call to compassion, justice, and solidarity that lies at the heart of our faith.

This day is not only a celebration; it is a mission. A mission to stand with our brothers and sisters around the world especially those who are suffering, forgotten, and marginalised.

Through MAMI (Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate), every dollar we raise goes directly to support Oblate missions that serve the poor and the abandoned in places where hope is scarce.

Let me share with you a real story from my own experience as an Oblate in India:

In the first year of my priestly life, I once came across a woman who was laying under a tree in a distance away from her village.

I asked her why she was laying there. She narrated her life story with bitter tears.

She was Poli Biswas, and her parents were farm labourers. She could not go to school because her parents could not afford her education.

The parents took Poli to work to meet their daily needs. This was a family whose tiny shelter was located quite a distance from the village, because the family were from a lower class.

Poli was given in marriage when she was 19 and at 21, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. This caused the husband, who did not want children, to throw her out of the house. She then went back to her father’s house. Soon afterwards, he married her off to a 70-year-old man.

The marriage was arranged because the father was in debt to the rich man. Poli was literally sold off to repay the debt.

A few months later, Poli’s daughter fell sick and died. Soon afterwards, her elderly husband died as well. This time, her father refused to accept her back as he was too poor to care for her.

Poli had no place to live. After being on the streets for a few months, she found a job in a landlord’s farm where she looked after the farm animals and cleaned the cow shed. But she had to sleep in the cow shed because she was a lower class.

She only ate the leftovers, and her life was degrading. To add to her misery, she developed leprosy.

The landlord immediately threw her out, and neither the villagers nor the family wanted anything to do with her at all. She said to me: “That is why I am here under the tree, cared for by none”.

It reminded me of what St Teresa of Calcutta said: “There is so much suffering in the world – very much. Of many sufferings, the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, just having no one. It is being unwanted that is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience”.

As we reflect on the Assumption of Mary - a woman of deep faith, chosen by God, lifted up in Grace – we are called to lift others up, just as Mary was.

We are called to notice those who, like Poli, are under the tree unseen and uncared for. And we are called to act.

Your generosity on OMAD will help reach people like Poli around the world through food, education, medical care, and, most of all, the love of Christ shared by the Oblates in their missions.

During Term 3, and most especially on OMAD, as you donate, as you pray, and as you come together as a community, remember: Your kindness goes beyond our school walls. It travels across borders. It brings light where there is darkness.

It tells someone “You are not alone”.

Thank you for being part of this mission.

Thank you for helping us love those who feel forgotten.

And thank you for walking together as a family of faith.

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector

Dear Iona families,

As we approach the mid-point in Term 3, we are called to celebrate all that is good about being Ionian with OMAD this Friday.

I am looking forward to celebrating Mass with the community and enjoying the festivities that have been planned for the students and staff.

It is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be an Ionian and to contribute to the works that are at the heart of the Oblate mission.

Academics

Thank you to the parents who joined us in Week 4 to celebrate the academic achievements of those young men who achieved 70% ‘A’ results across their subjects in Semester 1.

It was wonderful that so many of you could join in celebrating their achievement.

We also took time to celebrate academic growth and acknowledge the Senior students who have completed Certificate qualifications and secured apprenticeships. I look forward to seeing more students being celebrated in this way into the future!

As we move into the second half of the year, students need to continue to eat their PEAS – through persistence with their studies, putting in the effort and having a positive attitude.

High Expectations

When we talk of being Ionian, we need to remember that this means we are courageous, kind and act with integrity.

Over the past week, I have had the opportunity to unpack what it means to have integrity – making the right decision even when no one is watching.

The right decision will be the one that respects the dignity of all, and reveals that you are the type of person who does what they say they are going to do.

I encourage all students to embody what it means to be Ionian, to be an upstander, and act with integrity. Through Homeroom, Prosper and messages delivered at each of our assemblies, our young men are encouraged and reminded of this on a regular basis. 

Train Travel

This is a reminder in the interests of all passengers:

• Avoid standing in larger groups and blocking the priority seating
• Show consideration for fellow passengers – especially the elderly, pregnant women and young children

Language is Powerful 

Language is more than communication, it’s connection. When we speak with warmth, kindness and respect we create a culture where every student and family feels seen, valued and safe.

Our ability to say hello, engage in conversation or even acknowledging with a smile are simple ways we express our welcome to those in our community.

For our students, the words we use and the way we use them to speak to one another builds the culture of our school.

Encouraging words, and respectful conversations contribute to Iona being a sage and welcoming place for all.

We must encourage our students to use words in a way that respects the dignity of all, remembering language is powerful. If you can’t say something kind or respectful, don’t say it.

TASS: Vision for the future

The implementation of TASS is the beginning of some significant improvements that all members of our community will benefit from in the years to come.

We are in the middle of exploring analytics platforms that will capture your son’s academic and wellbeing data, Learning Management Systems that will streamline teaching and learning resources and reduce the administrative burden on teachers, and simplifying marking and reporting processes so that teachers have a single point of data entry.

These improvements will continue to be rolled out over the next year and you, as parents, will be informed of these updates along the way.

As we move into the second half of the term, I look forward to working in partnership with all of our Iona families in realising the vision of the College and supporting every young man to know and grow into their potential.

God bless,

Mr Adam McPhee
Deputy Principal

CO-CURRICULAR PHOTOS

The time has come for co-curricular photos.

Day: Monday 18 August
Location: The Provence Centre

Day: Tuesday 19 August
Location: Lecture Theatre

Please pay close attention to the following information:

• The allocated photo time for each group will be communicated by the relevant coordinators of each co-curricular activity
• Please note the different meeting locations across Monday and Tuesday.
• Students must arrive 10 minutes prior to their scheduled photo time.

Dress: All students are to wear formal uniform. You will not be in the photo if you are in the incorrect uniform.

Students will change into sport uniform prior to sport lessons if applicable.

OMAD 2025

What is OMAD?

Oblate Mission Action Day is the most important fundraising event the College hosts to support the Oblate Missions. This day represents what it means to be an Ionian. Events like OMAD are one way we, as a community, learn to be of service and help others. As Ionians, we are called to action to raise awareness of the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI) and contribute funds that will support the missionary work of the Oblate priests working to bring hope to those in need.

What do I wear?

This Friday you can wear your school excursion polo (black and white stripe) and College HPE shorts. If it is cold, the College tracksuit may be worn. Students are permitted to change into their house shirt or appropriate costumes following the Assumption Mass. Enclosed shoes are essential.

How do I pay?

The preferred method of payment on Friday is eftpos or Mission Money, cash will also be accepted. No phones can be used for payment. If you have pre-ordered Mission Money, you can collect this on Friday morning from Long 4.

What is there to do?

Thanks to the help of many student volunteers, we have an exciting lineup of activities to raise money this year! Highlights include the Golf Ball Challenge, Putting Game, Lob a Choc, Arcade Room, Chill Out Zone, Lolly Wheel, Cebula Raffle, rock-climbing wall and bungee trampoline, face painting, paper plane and water rocket competitions, cricket, ski erg, basketball, Hot Shots, Splat the Rat, Nerf Room, cornhole, the new Green Bin Superspot Raffle, and the ever-popular Dunk Tank.

Food lovers are also covered, with stalls serving Japanese snow cones, Domino’s pizzas, and more.

Friday is packed with additional excitement, including Staff vs Students Touch, Football, and Basketball matches. Don’t miss the Provence Centre Friday afternoon, where you can watch staff, including a brave female teacher, shave their heads — plus plenty more fun activities to enjoy!

Raffle

The OMAD raffle has many amazing prizes, with first prize being a fridge and an Apple Watch. Tickets are $5 each, and this will be drawn on OMAD so buy your tickets ASAP.  Buy a ticket here today: https://www.raffletix.com.au?ref=8fsug

OMAD Envelope

Also, if you haven’t returned your OMAD envelope yet, it’s not too late- please hand it into PROSPER this week or make a tax deductable online donation here: www.trybooking.com/DDALP

See you on Friday for what is sure to be an amazing day.

Click here to view the price list

Click here to view the price list 176.80 KB

Mrs Sam Ryan 
Social Justice Coordinator

P&F Lads and Dads Breakfast

Tickets to the annual Iona College Lads and Dads Breakfast go on sale next Friday night (22 August) at 7pm. Like in previous years, they are expected to sell out fast.

The guest speaker for this year’s breakfast is adventurer Oliver Foran, an Iona Old Boy from the Class of 2016.

Oliver will be sharing his experience of life at Iona, and how being a part of this community inspired him to go from the lowest time of his life to literally standing on top of the world.

While Oliver was in Year 11, his mother Natalie – also a beloved member of the Iona staff – was tragically diagnosed with brain cancer and sadly passed away only nine months later.

But out of that tragedy, Oliver used the support of the Iona community to aspire to new heights and, earlier this year, he made the almost 7000m climb to the summit of Ama Dablam in the Himalayas.

On one of the world’s highest peaks, he unfurled an Iona flag in gratitude for the support he and his family received after Natalie’s passing.

Oliver will share with our Lads and Dads his story of resilience, overcoming adversity, and the strength of will required to climb to the top of the world.

He will also share details of his next adventure. It is a story you don’t want to miss.

Tickets to this event are $30 each and will go on sale 7pm, Friday 22 August – click here to access the booking portal https://www.trybooking.com/CXMIK

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

We look forward celebrating this special P&F annual event with the Iona community on Friday 19 September!

Iona Golf Day a Swinging Success

The Iona College community came together for a fantastic day at the annual Iona Golf Day, held on Wednesday 13 August at Wynnum Golf Club.

With a strong turnout of Old Boys, parents, staff and friends of the College, the event combined friendly competition with great company and ideal weather, making it a highlight of the College calendar.

The day was a two-ball Ambrose tournament featuring more than 30 teams, alongside longest-drive and nearest-the-pin contests.

Congratulations to our winning team, Lisa and Rory Maclean, a mother-and-son duo, and to all participants for their fantastic spirit and sportsmanship.

Heartfelt thanks and much love to Russell and Ann Field for joining us again to present the MKM Shield to our victors on the day.

The event raised valuable funds to support Iona initiatives, helping enhance opportunities for current and future students.

A special thank you to our generous event sponsors, including our naming rights partner General Painting and Decorating as well as hole sponsors Velocity Fitness & Health Wynnum, MTA Tax, BMD, Waterloo Bay Hotel, Signright Australia and the Sydney Roosters.

This event was also wonderfully supported by our prize donors which includes Mates Restaurant and Bar, Golfa and Pressed Dry Cleaning.

The support from these businesses ensures the ongoing success of this much-loved event. We look forward to seeing you all on the green in 2026!

Halfway Through Term 3 – So Much to Celebrate

It is hard to believe we have already passed the halfway point of Term 3!

Life at Iona is always busy, but it’s the good kind of busy — filled with opportunities, experiences, and moments that shape our boys in and out of the classroom.

Year 6 Immigration Excursion

Our Year 6 boys recently visited the Lytton Quarantine Station as part of their HASS studies on Australia’s immigration history.

Through interactive theatre, they stepped into the shoes of immigrants from the mid-1800s, post–World War I, and post–World War II.

It was a chance to experience first-hand the challenges, hopes, and contributions of those who came to make Australia their home.

The boys did us proud — showing respect, enthusiasm, and a real curiosity for learning.

Assumption Mass & Oblate Mission Action Day

Tomorrow, we will gather as a community to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.

For us as an Oblate school, this day holds special meaning. Mary’s “yes” to God wasn’t just about faith in words — it was about faith in action, lived out in service and love.

That’s why it’s so fitting that our Oblate Mission Action Day happens on the same day. Just as Mary took God’s love into the world, we’ll be doing our bit — raising funds for Oblate missionary work that directly helps those most in need.

While there will be plenty of fun and community spirit, the heart of the day is about putting our faith into action and making a difference.

Queensland Colleges Music Festival

This week and across the weekend, our Primary musicians will proudly represent Iona at the Queensland Colleges Music Festival — a highlight on our co-curricular calendar where the spotlight shifts from the sports field to the concert stage.

Our boys have been preparing for months, and their hard work is already paying off — with our Year 5 Band receiving a Gold Medal, the highest possible commendation and a rare achievement. Congratulations, boys!

As we look ahead to the rest of the term, let’s take a moment to appreciate the many ways our students are learning, growing, and shining.

Whether it’s in the classroom, on an excursion, on stage, or in service to others — these moments shape them into the young Ionians we’re so proud to walk alongside.

Mr Brayden Teece
Acting Dean of Primary 

Griffith's Year 12 Academic Bootcamps

Griffith University is once again offering Academic Bootcamps for senior secondary students in Mathematics and Science during the September school holidays.

On-Campus (Face-to-face) Bootcamp Information

Price $200.00 per subject

Each subject enrolment offers 24 hours of contact time on campus over four days plus a specifically designed hard copy resource provided on Day One.

Week 1 (Monday 22September – Thursday 25 September)

• Maths Methods (Gold Coast or Brisbane South (Nathan))
• General Maths (Gold Coast or Logan)

Week 2 (Monday 29 September – Thursday 2 October)

• Chemistry (Gold Coast or Brisbane South (Nathan))
• Biology (Gold Coast or Logan)
• Physics (Gold Coast only)
• Psychology (Gold Coast only)

Online Bootcamp Information

Price $90.00 per subject

Each subject enrolment offers 24 hours of online contact time across four days + a specifically designed downloadable resource + recordings of session presentations

Week 1 (Monday 22 September – Thursday 25 September)

• Maths Methods (Online)
• General Maths (Online)

Week 2 (Monday 29 September – Thursday 2 October)

• Chemistry (Online)
• Biology (Online)
• Physics (Online)

Please note that this is not a school-run activity and there will be no Iona College staff supervising or attending. Participation is completely optional and must be managed independently by the student and their family.

If your child is interested in attending, they will need to register directly with the organiser and pay any associated fees.

Mrs Sam Ryan
Head of Enrichment

21^st Annual Interhouse Theatresports Competition

All Iona families are invited to attend the revival of the annual Interhouse Theatresports Competition next Thursday 21 August, at its rightful home in IPAC, beginning at 5pm.

Interhouse Theatresports returns with a new format, including elements both new and traditional.

This includes the student leaders taking more control than before, the addition of a ‘People’s Choice’ award alongside the Theatresports Trophy and, most excitingly, live voting.

Audience members, for the first time, will get the chance to vote live throughout the night for their favourite teams and performances to decide the People’s Choice Award.

Doors open at IPAC at 4.30pm, with food and activities to enjoy beforehand.

Admission is free, but please register your attendance below. 

Join us for a fun evening filled with laughter, entertainment and wit.

Mr David Cooke
Head of Co-Curricular Arts, Public Speaking & Debating

Chickenpox

Please be aware that there has been several cases of chickenpox within our school community.

Please see the following link for information regarding chickenpox, it’s symptoms and treatment. If you have any further questions regarding chickenpox, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.

If you child is unwell or displaying any signs/symptoms, please keep them at home and consult your doctor. Please also note that QLD Health ‘Time Out’ guidelines require an individual with chickenpox to be excluded from school until all blisters have dried up. This may take up to 5 days for a non-immunised person but may be less for those vaccinated.  

Please contact the Health & Wellness Centre if your son has chickenpox on 3893 8865 or allnurses@iona.qld.edu.au

Celebrating Iona College First Nations Year 12 QATSIF Graduates

Iona College is incredibly proud of three outstanding Year 12 Banji Brothers – Nate Hughes, Tyler Pereira, and Riley Muir – who, on Tuesday 12 August 2025, attended the QATSIF Graduation Ceremony at Griffith University.

The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) was established to provide scholarships and support to First Nations secondary school students, helping them complete their senior studies and embrace opportunities for further education, training, and employment. QATSIF also encourages cultural pride, leadership, and connection to community, values that deeply resonate with the Banji Brothers program here at Iona College.

This special graduation event brought together First Nations Year 12 students from across Queensland to celebrate their achievements and journeys. Nate, Riley, and Tyler proudly represented Iona College with dignity, respect, and pride. They expressed gratitude to the Elders who paved the way for the “Next Generation,” acknowledging the hardships and challenges that were overcome so future generations could stand tall today. Their genuine appreciation for the significance of the occasion was evident.

QATSIF empowers young First Nations people to step into the next stage of their lives with confidence, pride, and opportunity.

It was a privilege for Father Joe Antony OMI, Elder Uncle Earl Morgan, and Aunty Tamekin Pearce, as representatives of Iona College, to walk alongside these young men during such an important milestone. The values of respect, and unity that we strive to foster in our Banji Brotherhood were present.

Nate, Riley, and Tyler have contributed in laying a strong foundation of trust, guidance, and cultural pride for emerging the Banji Brothers who will follow in their footsteps.

Ms Tamekin Pearce
Cultural and Engagement Support Officer

Book Week Competitions

‘Book an Adventure’ Competition

Whether you’ve been surfing, hiking, hang gliding, camping under the stars, exploring hidden places, or trying something totally out of the ordinary - we’d love to see it.

How to enter:

• Bring a printed photo of your adventure to the library
• or email it to: library@iona.qld.edu.au

Entries close Thursday 22 August - so don’t wait!  Prizes awarded for the most unique, daring, or original adventures.

Show us just how bold, brave, and adventurous you can be, and inspire others to “Book an Adventure” of their own!

QBD Competition

We’re taking part in the 2025 QBD Book Week Competition, and you can help us score a massive $2,500 book voucher for our library!

Here’s how to get involved:

- Students grab an official flyer from the Library.
- Visit any QBD Books store (there's one at Carindale) - no need to buy anything.
- Hand the flyer to the counter staff.
- Each flyer = one point for Iona.

The competition is now open and runs through 23 August, with winners announced on 16 September.

Let’s pack QBD with Iona spirit and fill our shelves with epic new reads!

Flyers are waiting in the Library - grab one today and head to your local QBD!

My First Speech: Your chance to go to Parliament House

The My First Speech competition is a great way for you to speak about issues you are passionate about.

Australian students enrolled in Years 10-12 are invited to enter the Department of the House of Representatives ‘My First Speech’ competition. 

Imagine yourself as a newly elected Member of the House of Representatives. Your task is to write a 90-second speech about issues you are passionate about.

A winner from each year group (10, 11 and 12) will be invited to Canberra to deliver their speeches live and undertake a program of meetings and tours at Parliament House.

https://mfs.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au/

Ms Donna Stephens
Head of Library

Uniform Shop Term 3

Opening Hours

Monday 8am – 3.30pm

Tuesday CLOSED

Wednesday 8am – 3.30pm

Thursday CLOSED

Friday 8am – 3.30pm

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: https://iona-college.mybigcommerce.com/.../winter-uniform/