Dear Iona community,

Welcome to the 2025 school year.

I hope that you enjoyed a relaxing Christmas and New Year period and able to celebrate the birth of Jesus with family and friends.

Over the past few days, we have enjoyed welcoming staff back to the College for professional learning opportunities, including sessions from our diverse learning team, external consultants, senior leaders, Heads of Faculty, and Heads of House and Wellbeing.

Next week, we look forward to welcoming back students, in particular those who will formally wear the Iona College uniform for the first time.

Much has happened over the break, and I would like to acknowledge the work of the College grounds and maintenance team, as well as our IT department, who have worked so hard to have the College and our infrastructure ready for 2025.

New Senior Leadership Structure

This year, we introduce a new Senior Leadership Structure – a significant change to better support students and staff, enhance strategic and operational decision making, and improve management.

Introduction of a Deputy Principal

A key change is the appointment of a Deputy Principal, who will be instrumental in managing both pastoral and organisational aspects of the College.

Mr Adam McPhee has been appointed to this role, which will involve overseeing the newly structured Deans of Primary, Middle, and Senior Years, as well as the Dean of Academic Staff and Administration.

Adam will serve as the second-in-charge, aiding myself as Principal in strategic planning and implementation, and ensuring that all educational activities align with regulatory and accreditation standards.

Key Responsibilities of the Deputy Principal Include:

• Direct oversight of the pastoral and care of students and staff.
• Leadership in strategic planning alongside the Iona Leadership Team, promoting a faith-filled culture.
• Operational management, including the development and implementation of policies and procedures to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Leading initiatives for staff professional development and mentoring, ensuring a culture of continuous learning.
• Engaging with the community to strengthen relationships and meet community needs.

Restructuring to Deans of Primary, Middle and Senior Years

The new leadership structure includes the appointment of Deans of our Primary, Middle and Senior Years to provide targeted leadership, meet specific needs and enhance support, management and oversight of students in these different phases of learning.

Mr Peter Holmes remains as Dean of Primary Years, Mr Steven Hohn has been appointed as Dean of Middle Years, and Mr Ben Devlin is the new Dean of Senior Years.

• Dean of Primary Years: Manages the overall strategic and operational aspects of the Primary Years, focusing on educational aims, objectives, and policies. This role includes active involvement in teaching, curriculum development, and ensuring a supportive and challenging learning environment. The role is responsible for student academic care within the Primary Years and the behaviour management of Primary Years students.
• Dean of Middle Years: Provides leadership for Middle Years student support, wellbeing and behavioural programs, ensuring an environment that facilitates the smooth transition of students from Primary to Middle Years, and then to Senior Years. The role is responsible for student academic care within the Middle Years and the management of escalated behavioural issues within the Middle Years.
• Dean of Senior Years: Focuses on preparing students for life beyond school, overseeing pastoral and behavioural support as well as academic care initiatives that support student needs and challenges them to know and grow into their potential. The role is responsible for student academic care within the Senior Years and the management of escalated behavioural issues within the Senior Years.

These roles replace the now-redundant Dean of Students position.

Expected Benefits

The new leadership structure is designed to bring clarity and efficiency to leadership roles, provide robust support for managing the students’ growing needs in the different phases of learning, and enhance the overall educational experience for all students.

Our goal is for all Ionians – students, staff and community members – to know and grow into their potential, and achieve personal excellence, whether that be in academic pursuits, co-curricular interests, or their personal or spiritual development.

We look forward to these benefits throughout 2025 and beyond.

Best wishes for the 2025 school year to every member of the Iona community.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal

Dear Ionians,

On behalf of the Oblate community, I wish you all a grace-filled and happy New Year for 2025, and extend a heartfelt and warm welcome to staff, students, parents and friends as we begin a new academic year.

As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to reflect on the words of St Eugene de Mazenod: “We are all called to spread the love of God and make it known to all people.”

This quote resonates deeply with all Ionians, reminding us that each day presents an opportunity to foster a spirit of community, compassion and service, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.

Let us continue to build a community where each individual is supported and valued. As St Eugene reminds us: “The heart that loves is a heart that serves.”

May this academic year be one of deep learning, strong community, and lasting service.

Welcome back, and may we continue to be inspired by the example of St Eugene de Mazenod as we move forward together.

God bless you all!

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector

Return to school dates

Students in the following year levels are to attend on Tuesday 28 January:

• Year 5
• Year 7
• Year 11 (Buddies only)
• Year 12
• All new students across Years 8-11

All other students commence on Wednesday 29 January

Meeting places for Houses and Year levels were detailed in the Day 1 Letter emailed to all Iona families on Tuesday 14 January.

Information for all students

Please remember Iona College’s expectations in relation to personal presentation as we begin 2025. All students are expected to have an Iona College school bag and bring all their school equipment on the first day. 

College Primary and Middle Uniform (Year 5 – Year 9)

• Black leather shoes 

• Iona grey socks that are pulled up three-quarters of the way up the shin 

• Iona grey shorts 

• Black leather belt 

• Iona grey shirt 

• Iona cap or floppy hat 

College Senior Uniform (Year 10 – Year 12) 

• Black leather shoes 

• Iona grey socks that are pulled up three-quarters of the way up the shin 

• Iona grey shorts 

• Black leather belt 

• Iona white shirt 

• Iona tie 

• Year 11 and Year 12: Iona felt hat 

• Year 10: To receive Iona felt hat at a special House presentation 

• Optional: Long trousers with black, ankle-height socks or the standard Iona grey sock 

Haircuts 

From Day 1, haircuts are to be in accordance with College expectations:

• Hair must be above the collar at the back, no longer than half-ear at the sides, with sideburns also no longer than half-ear 

• The fringe must remain clear of the eyes and face 

• It is to be a graded, even cut no shorter than a No.2 blade. An ‘even cut’ means that shorter hair at the back and sides must be blended gradually into longer hair on top. Hair cannot be two distinct lengths (e.g. undercut styles are not permitted) 

• Layered cuts, use of hair ties, and tinting, colouring, streaking, etc., are not permitted 

• Gels or styling creams are not to be used. Radical shaping or styling of hair is not permitted 

• If a fringe is long enough to be tucked behind the ears, it is too long and must be cut 

• Mullet-style haircuts are not permitted. This includes faux or short-mullet styles where the fringe and back of the cut is shorter, with the side above and near the ears shaved or clipped 

Facial hair 

Students are to be clean-shaven at all times, including exam block. If this standard is not maintained, a student will be required to shave at school under the direction of their Mentor, Head of House or Year Level Coordinator. 

Tattoos 

Families and students are also reminded that regardless of age and cultural background, tattoos must not be visible at any time while a student is in uniform, attending College events or representing Iona in any capacity. This includes training for or playing sports.

Further information on Iona College’s expectations for uniform, behaviour and procedures can be found in the Parent Handbook. 

Mr Adam McPhee – Deputy Principal

Mr Ben Devlin – Dean of Senior Years

Mr Steven Hohn – Dean of Middle Years

Mr Peter Holmes – Dean of Primary Years

Mr Brayden Teece – Dean of Oblate Identity and Community

Rail Travel
Iona is adjacent to Lindum Railway Station, which is on the Cleveland Rail line. Access from the station to Iona is via a path through the College grounds. Please visit Translink for train times.

Bus Travel
Daily bus services to and from the College are provided by Translink. Please visit the website for more information.

Student Drivers
All students in Years 11 and 12 who wish to drive to school must complete the green “permission to drive to school” form before they commence driving to school. This can be collected from student reception.

There are strict conditions on driving to school. Apart from siblings, the only other students who are permitted to be passengers are those where there is a long-standing car-pooling arrangement between families. This will need to be verified by a letter from both the driver and the passenger’s parents. All student drivers must park in the student carpark adjacent to the ovals opposite the main entry. Student parking in the staff car park, Bulgin Avenue or other neighbouring streets is not permitted.

Bicyles
Bicycle racks are available for students who ride to and from the College. Bicycles may not be ridden in the College grounds. Your son is advised to secure his bicycle with a chain and lock. Helmets are to be worn.

Please use the designated drop-off and pick-up zone between Davine and McCarthy ovals, accessed via Bulgin Ave.  For safety reasons, children are only to enter and exit the vehicle from the left, and only when you are in the drop-off zone marked in yellow on the road.  Please do not allow students to enter or exit the vehicle at the top of the hill.

Other options available for drop-off / pick-up: 

We understand that the designated drop-off and pick-up zone does get busy at peak times. Delaying your pick-up time until 3.25pm, after the peak-time traffic has cleared, is an alternative that will see reduced congestion at the pick-up zone.

Other options that are available for you to safely drop off or pick up your son are:

• Drop off / pick your child up on the school side only of Sandy Camp Road and North Road, north of the main entrance (alongside the ovals)
• If other drop-off / pick-up areas are congested, the grassed overflow area beside Main Drive on North Road will be made available to increase capacity at peak times
  
  

Please do not use the following areas for pick up or drop off: 

• The opposite side of North Road from the College – with the new bus zone and bus stop, this area is now no stopping
• There is to be no access to the main entrance of the College on North Road for pick up and drop off purposes, unless under exceptional circumstances. Pick up and drop off of students in any of the following areas presents a significant safety risk to students:
  • under IPAC
  • the grassed area beside the North Road driveway
  • outside the main office
  • Chapel car park
  • any designated staff car parks

STUDENT ACCESS TO THE COLLEGE

Please note that students are only able to enter and exit the College via the designated pathways as outlined on the map below.

In welcome news, Queensland Rail has confirmed that Lindum Train Station and the College’s dedicated train pathway will be accessible for Iona students from the start of the new school year.

Iona students will once again be able to access Lindum Station following Queensland Rail’s multi-million dollar accessibility upgrade in 2024.

Importantly, students will also again be able to safely commute between the station and the College using Iona’s dedicated walkway, removing the need to use public footpaths along busy roads.

With final upgrades to Lindum Station still being completed, some minor adjustments to the path will be in place for the short term. Access to the station via the public footpath will not be permitted.

Iona staff will provide supervision at the station platform and along the walkway to ensure the safety of our students.

The College would like to thank all families, staff and students for your patience over the past 12 months as we negotiated the significant disruption caused by the closure of Lindum Station.

The Iona community and the wider community will now have access to a safer, more modern and fully accessible Lindum Station to use into the future.

Final trading day before school resumes

Saturday 25 January:  9am – 12pm

Week 1 trading days

Monday 27 January:  CLOSED (public holiday)

Tuesday 28 January:  8am–3.30pm

Wednesday 29 January:  8am–3.30pm

Thursday 30 January:  8am–3.30pm

Friday 31 January:   8am–3.30pm

Normal trading days resume Week 2

Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 8am–3.30pm

Media / Communication Consent 

Recording the life of the College and our community is an important part of documenting our history.

College-produced photographs, video, audio and other media play an important role by increasing parent engagement and enabling us to celebrate the College’s achievements with our community.

Iona College however always remains vigilant about the rights of our families for privacy and potential child protection issues.

Any media, including works produced by other students, which enable an individual to be identified are considered personal information. The collection, use and disclosure of this is governed under the Privacy Act (1988).

Iona College regularly reproduces media involving our students for commercial and non-commercial purposes, such as publicity and advertising, marketing collateral, College publications, social media, and signage.

Current Iona families have previously been asked for parents / guardians to complete a Consent and Release Form allowing the College to collect and use these types of media during the period of enrolment for the student under their care.

If your circumstances have changed regarding this consent, contact the College in writing via an email to Enrolments and Relationships Manager, Ms Julia Christensen christensenj@iona.qld.edu.au will suffice.

Volunteering Expression of Interest Form and Volunteer Handbook

Thanks to those who have completed the Volunteer Expression of Interest Form for 2025.

Volunteers are a vital part of the Iona community, and we are grateful to the families who are able to contribute the gift of their time and talent to support the young men in our care.

Each year, Iona families are requested to consider the many volunteering opportunities available.

Please view our new Volunteer Handbook to learn more about the different volunteering opportunities available for you at the College.

We understand that some families are not in a position to commit to volunteering across the year. The College has the option of a Commitment Levy of $150 per family that can be paid in lieu of volunteering.

This Commitment Levy will be applied to the tuition fee account in Term 4.

If you would like to volunteer during 2025, please complete this Expression of Interest Form as soon as possible.

If you do not complete this Volunteering Expression of Interest Form, it will be assumed that you are opting to pay the Commitment Levy.

Welcome to New Families BBQ

The Iona College Parents and Friends Association invites families of Year 5, Year 7 and all students new to Iona to a “Welcome BBQ” – an opportunity to meet new families and reconnect with others.

See the event invitation for details and booking link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/CXMGV

Mr Brayden Teece
Dean of Oblate Identity and Community

Iona College is the only school that offers mass six days per week, with a celebration of Jesus held every school morning in the Chapel from 8am.

Wednesday morning Mass for Years 5-6 begins at 9am.

Each House takes turns being responsible for the running of the morning Mass, operating on a roster system.

Daily Masses will commence in Week 2.

We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Parent Information Evenings at Iona College.

These evenings are designed to provide valuable insights into the academic year ahead, and to offer a platform for you to engage with our dedicated staff and ask any questions you might have.

We believe that your involvement is crucial for the success of our students, and we look forward to sharing important information about the curriculum, school policies, and support services available to your children.

Year 12 Parent Information Evening

Date: Wednesday 12 February
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: IPAC

Parents can expect to hear from the Iona Leadership Team and senior staff, who will present important information about their son’s final year at school. This will include details on academic expectations, key milestones, and the support systems in place to help students succeed. It is a crucial event for ensuring that both parents and students are well-prepared for this significant year.

Year 11 Parent Information Evening

Date: Thursday 6 February
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: IPAC

This session will focus on the transition to senior secondary education and the expectations and opportunities that come with it. We will provide an overview of the Year 11 curriculum and the importance of setting academic and personal goals. Our staff will also discuss the various support structures in place to assist students, including tutoring services, wellbeing programs, and career guidance.

Year 7 Parent Information Evening

Date: Wednesday 5 February
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: IPAC 

This will focus on the transition to secondary school and the opportunities and expectations that come with it. We will provide an overview of the Year 7 curriculum and emphasise the importance of developing positive habits for academic and personal growth. Our staff will also outline the support structures available to assist students, including mentoring programs, wellbeing initiatives, and academic support services.

We are excited to welcome you to these important events and to work together to support your child's educational journey.

Your participation and engagement are highly valued, and we believe that strong collaboration between parents and educators is key to student success.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mr Ben Devlin – Dean of Senior Years
Mr Steven Hohn – Dean of Middle Years



Years 5 and 6 Parent Information Evening

Date: Tuesday 4 February
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: IPAC and the Homeroom Classes

This evening commences with a combined information session for both year levels initially and will include important details that are most important for all families to be familiar with at the commencement of the 2025 School year.

Year 6 families will be invited to move to their son’s classroom, with his class teacher, for more in depth discussions around academic, wellbeing and individual class details.

Year 5 families will remain in IPAC a little longer, for some particularly relevant details to assist in your sons (and your) fist days/weeks at Iona College. Areas to be discussed will include Faith, Academic, Sporting, Co-Curricula, Wellbeing and Pastoral opportunities for students within Year 5.

At the conclusion of this session, Year 5 families will accompany their son’s teacher to their son’s classroom as per the Year 6 plan.

Both our College Leadership Team and our Primary Years Staff very much look forward to welcoming you on this most important evening.

Mr Peter Holmes
Dean of Primary Years

The deadline for seeking changes to your child’s academic program electives is Wednesday 5 February (Week 2). Changes require written parental permission, and are subject to timetable constraints.

For changes, please contact the following people:

Year 9

Mrs Wendy Perera, Head of Academic Wellbeing, Middle Years
pereraw@iona.qld.edu.au

Year 10
Mrs Michelle Connors, Head of Academic Wellbeing, Senior Years connorsm@iona.qld.edu.au 

Year 11
Mrs Tania Cooper, Head of Pathways
coopert@iona.qld.edu.au 

Paul Dillon from DARTA

Join us for an insightful Parent Engagement Evening at Iona College, where we are honoured to host Paul Dillon from the Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA).

Paul Dillon will be presenting on the crucial topic: “Teens, parties, alcohol and vapes: What do parents need to know?”

Date: Monday 3 February
Time: 7pm
Location: IPAC

About the Presentation

Paul Dillon, a renowned expert from DARTA, will provide valuable insights and practical advice on how to navigate the challenges that teens face today regarding parties, alcohol, and vapes.

This session is designed to equip parents with the knowledge and tools they need to support their children through these critical years.

Why Attend?

Gain a deeper understanding of the risks associated with teen parties, alcohol, and vaping.

Learn effective strategies to communicate with your teens about these issues.

Connect with other parents and share experiences and solutions.

Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself with the latest information and support your teen more effectively. We look forward to seeing you there.

RSVP

There is no cost to attend this presentation, but bookings are essential. 
For more information, go to https://darta.net.au/

Parent Engagement Evening with Internet Safe Education

This event will feature an insightful and informative presentation by Brett Lee from Internet Safe Education, an expert in online safety and security.

Date: Tuesday 25 February 
Time: 6pm
Location: IPAC

About the Presententation 

Brett Lee is a renowned speaker and consultant from Internet Safe, dedicated to educating parents and children about the importance of internet safety.

With years of experience in law enforcement and cyber security, Brett provides invaluable insights into the online world and offers practical strategies to help keep our children safe.

This evening will provide you with:

• An understanding of the current online landscape and the risks our children face.
• Effective strategies to protect your children from online dangers.
• Tools and resources to foster safe and responsible internet use.
• Opportunities to ask questions and get expert advice from Brett Lee.

RSVP

There is no cost to attend this presentation, but bookings are essential.
For more information, go to https://internetsafeeducation.com  

Annual fees for 2025 will be distributed in the coming weeks, along with a current Statement of Account.

Preferred Method of Payment:

• Direct debit instalment plans for the year. Please look out for an email from our provider, FACTS.
• If you do not receive an email from FACTS by 7 February, please contact the College Finance department by email at fees@iona.qld.edu.au
• FACTS payment plans are to be in place no later than 14 February 2025.

For Families Paying Fees on a Per-Term Basis via Compass:

• Please note that the term fees are the annual fee divided by four.
• Due dates:
• Term 1 due by 14 February 2025
• Term 2 due by 9 May 2025
• Term 3 due by 1 August 2025
• Term 4 due by 24 October 2025
• Balances brought forward due by 31 December 2024 unless otherwise agreed

If you have any concerns or require assistance regarding fee payments, please do not hesitate to email the finance department at fees@iona.qld.edu.au

Is 2025 the year your son would like to start instrumental or vocal lessons? If so, we would love to have them in the program! Contact us at ionamusic@iona.qld.edu.au to secure your spot ASAP.

All Instrumental and Vocal lessons and Ensemble rehearsals begin in Week 2. Please check Compass towards the end of this week for lesson times. There will be some ensembles starting in Week 3. Those families will be notified.

Cancellations

If you plan to cancel your son’s enrollment in the program, you must notify us before Week 2 or you will be automatically enrolled in the term.

We normally require three weeks’ notice in the term prior. However, we understand this is sometimes not possible during the summer break. Please contact ionamusic@iona.qld.edu.au ASAP for cancellations.

Students new to Iona College in Years 5 and 7 who would like to be part of the 2025 musical We Will Rock You are invited to attend the first rehearsal of the year on Sunday 2 February in IPAC from 8.30am.

You will be cast into one of the ensembles.

Featuring more than 20 hit songs from Queen We Will Rock You follows two revolutionaries as they try to save rock ‘n’ roll in a post-apocalyptic world.

We Will Rock You promises to be one of our biggest and most exciting musicals yet. See you at the rehearsal!

Students in Years 5, 7, 9 and 11 will receive a new library card this year.

Students in Years 6, 8, and 10 should keep their library card from the previous year.

The library card is needed to borrow and return books, charge your laptop and do photocopies and scans quickly and easily.

If you have lost your library card, please see ICT for a replacement.

We look forward to seeing all the students next week.

Ms Donna Stephens
Head of Library

The first Sport Newsletter for 2025 will be published on Wednesday with the most up-to-date information regarding Term 1 sports, training, trials and contact details.