Dear members of the Iona community,

This morning we welcomed back students from our 2024 graduating class who joined us to celebrate their academic achievements from last year at the Strive to Achieve Assembly.

We were also fortunate to welcome back former Iona Rector, Fr Michael Twigg OMI, along with students from Mazenod WA and parents of past and present students.

At last week’s assembly, we came together to celebrate students who excelled in co-curricular activities by making it to the First teams in volleyball, AFL, and cricket, and applauded our musicians who participated in the State Honours Ensemble Program.

The annual Strive to Achieve Assembly is not just about recognising those who have attained excellent academic results. It is equally a celebration of the virtues of perseverance, dedication, and personal growth.

Beyond the outstanding results, we acknowledge the students who have demonstrated significant improvement over time and those who have consistently applied extraordinary effort in their studies. This is what education is intended for.

Central to our school's mission is the belief that the purpose of education encompasses growth — personal, spiritual, academic, and social. Each challenge faced and success achieved at school moulds our students into the individuals they are capable of becoming.

Our ‘Strive to Achieve’ Assembly represents this philosophy, focusing not only on current achievements but also on the journey and effort our students have invested.

These efforts in perseverance, dedication, and personal growth transcend academic achievement; they are essential life skills that lay the groundwork for future success. Life, much like schooling, is filled with challenges, and it is the ability to persevere, stay dedicated to goals, and continuously seek growth that will steer students toward success in whatever paths they choose.

A special note of appreciation was passed on to the parents who joined us today as representatives of all parents. Your involvement and support are crucial to your children's successes, providing not only encouragement but also important life lessons that reinforce their commitment to hard work.

Congratulations to all of the students recognised today for their remarkable efforts and achievements. We hope that they continue to support one another, strive for excellence, and in that way inspire every member of our community to grow into their full potential.

This week, we also celebrated some of our students’ journey to excellence through the 2025 De Mazenod Family Education Network (DMFEN) Student Leaders Conference.

Hosted by St. Eugene’s College at Burpengary, this gathering was a special moment for our Year 12 leaders from Iona, Mazenod College Victoria, Mazenod College Perth and St Eugene’s to connect, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of what it means to lead guided by the teachings of Jesus and inspired by the legacy of St Eugene De Mazenod.

The conference emphasised that leadership is not about superiority but about empowering others, a message that resonates deeply with Iona’s vision of “forming men who are authentic, grounded, respectful and connected to a community that, like Jesus, serves and inspires others”.

Last weekend we also welcomed many new families to the P&F Welcome BBQ. With over 450 people in attendance, it was a great opportunity for friendship and connection. We would like to thank members of the P&F and volunteers who contributed to the organisation of this event.

Iona has embraced a significant piece of Wynnum’s history through the acquisition and restoration of the former Wynnum Baptist Church, now renamed Lindum-mere.

This historic building’s journey to Iona and today’s official opening and blessing was a long and complex exercise, completed by the care and dedication of many. But I would particularly like to mention the Power family and their firm BMD Group, whose generosity, connection to Iona and commitment to our community made the project possible.

Along with Iona’s stewardship of other historical properties like Hannah Hall and the heritage-listed mango trees. Lindum-mere aligns with the College’s ongoing commitment to cultural enrichment and educational excellence.

It is fitting then that Lindum-mere’s first engagement after the opening and blessing will be Iona’s Indigenous Banji group to celebrate past achievements and welcome in 2025.

It may have a new name and new location, but 113 years after it was constructed on Edith Street at Wynnum, Lindum-mere continues its legacy of bringing community together.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal

On 17 February, the Oblates celebrate a special moment in our history with the 199th papal approval of our Constitutions and Rules.

This approval marks nearly two centuries of guidance for our family, affirming the values that define our mission. The Constitutions and Rules are a key part of our Oblate life, helping us strengthen our faith and providing a foundation for our religious and apostolic work.

Fr Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso OMI, our Superior General, reminds us “Jesus Christ must be at the centre of our lives”.

He says that only with Jesus at the centre can our missionary work and community life be meaningful. Jesus at the centre helps us serve the poor, be open to learning from those we serve, and ensures our love for the Church is pure: “Everything we do, including our struggles and sins, takes on a deeper meaning when we put Jesus first”.

This message highlights the core of our Oblate mission: Christ-centred service to others. It also shows the importance of living out our faith in all areas of life.

This week, we have seen the Oblate spirit alive in various activities. From the joyful gathering of parents and families at the Welcome BBQ on Sunday, to today’s Strive to Achieve assembly, we see our mission unfolding in meaningful ways.

The student leadership conference held in Coolum Beach this week brought together young leaders from our four Oblate schools, also reflects how we live out our values of faith, community, and service.

For nearly 200 years, the Constitutions and Rules have guided the Oblates in serving the poor and those in need. We therefore believe that our apostolic commitment at Iona is not just about teaching knowledge, but about forming hearts and minds in faith, compassion, responsibility and service.

As Oblates, we strive to be guides, mentors, and role models helping those around us to live out their faith and serve others. This milestone encourages us to continue our work, shaping future leaders who will make the world a better place.

May the 199th papal approval inspire us to live with dedication and help us stay true to our mission in the service of Christ and His Church.

God bless,

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector

It has been an absolute privilege getting to know the staff and students over the past few weeks, and meeting some parents at the various information evenings and the P&F New Families Welcome BBQ on Sunday.

I have been impressed by the kindness and generosity of the staff and the welcome I have received from the students. I get the very real sense that Iona is a welcoming and inclusive community!

Over Weeks 1 and 2, we have been working hard to ensure students are aware of the vision we have for all Ionians. It is a message of knowing and growing into your potential and striving for personal excellence.

This concept of personal excellence is relevant to all aspects of your son’s College life. From the classroom to co-curricular activities; we set high standards for every student and provide them with the platform and support they need to reach their goals.

These high expectations include:

• The way we wear our uniform
• Our conduct on public transport
• Care for the environment (pick up your rubbish)
• The welcome we offer strangers
• Persisting when it is difficult
• Putting in the effort required to reach your goals
• Having a positive attitude and outlook

These are expectations that will not only set your son up for success at Iona, but are the traits, values and attitudes that will lay the foundations for living a full and good life.

Brett Lee: Internet Safe Education

Make some space in your calendar for an evening with Brett Lee on Tuesday 25 February.

In this digital age, we need to equip ourselves with tools and insights to help us support our young people to be safe in the online world.

Mr Adam McPhee
Deputy Principal

Commitment Mass

You are invited to attend the 2025 Year 12 Commitment Mass that will be held in The Provence Centre on Wednesday 19 February.

We kindly ask for guests to arrive from 8.30am for the commencement of Mass at 9am.

This is a special event for our Year 12 Ionians, who will be presented with their Year 12 student badges and Year 12 College tie. Parents will be asked to participate in the ceremony by tying their son’s tie.

Following the Commitment Mass, refreshments will be served for family members on the terraces adjacent to The Provence Centre.

Guest numbers are limited to two (2) tickets per family. If additional tickets are required, please reach out to events@iona.qld.edu.au to submit a request and your circumstances will be considered.

This event will be live streamed for those family members unable to attend, and a link will be circulated prior to the event.

Bookings for this event close at 9am Monday 17 February. 

Mrs Liz Madden
Dean of Catholic Faith and Mission

‘Strive to Achieve’ Assembly

Today, we celebrated the achievements of our Class of 2024 at the ‘Strive to Achieve’ Assembly.

It was wonderful to see so many of our students in attendance for this special occasion. Some were unable to join us as they were working or traveling, already embracing the next chapter of their lives.

This cohort demonstrated great determination, worked diligently, and should take immense pride in their academic accomplishments.

We are pleased to share that 99.5% of our 2024 graduates successfully attained their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), while approximately 33% of ATAR-eligible students achieved an ATAR of 90 or higher.

Since finishing school, our 2024 Seniors have embarked on diverse post-school pathways, with 97% of students who applied through QTAC already receiving tertiary offers. Management and Commerce, Engineering, and Health proved the most popular fields of study.

Others have taken up employment opportunities, commenced apprenticeships and trade pathways, or joined the Australian Defence Force. We take great pride in the variety of paths our graduates have chosen as they move forward.

During the assembly, we recognised outstanding academic achievements through various awards, including ‘Academic Distinction,’ ‘Principal’s and Rector’s Awards for Excellence in Studies,’ and ‘Top of Subject’ awards across all Senior subject areas.

The College’s two most prestigious academic awards were also presented:

• The ‘Award for Distinction in Studies’ was awarded to Clarence (Clancy) Muniandy, who maintained a consistently high academic standard throughout Year 12 and achieved the second-highest ATAR in the cohort.
• The ‘College Dux,’ awarded to the student with the highest academic results, was presented to Jasper Vinen.

Additionally, we recognised current students who qualified for an ‘Academic Distinction’ or ‘Principal’s and Rector’s Awards for Excellence in Studies’ based on their cumulative results at the conclusion of 2024.

We also acknowledged those invited to the upcoming Academic Morning Teas in recognition of their Semester 2, 2024 academic performance, engagement, or improvement.

Congratulations to all students who received awards at the assembly and to the entire Class of 2024 on their achievements!

Mrs Donna Elkington
Dean of Learning and Teaching

Tutoring

Each week, a team of Ionians from Years 10, 11, and 12 generously devote their time to visit Primary and provide valuable assistance to our students. The Junior-to-Senior Link Tutoring initiative is spearheaded by our Academic Portfolio leaders to support our youngest Ionians on their academic journey. These sessions are open to all Year 5 and 6 students, and provide a supportive environment for receiving help with class work, homework or assessments.

Day: Wednesday

Time: 7.45am – 8.15am

Where: 5J Classroom (upstairs of Sherman building)

What to bring: Any homework and classwork students would like assistance with or complete independently.

Year 5 Wellbeing Day

Our inaugural Year 5 Wellbeing Day will be held next Thursday (20 February) during school hours. This event is designed to celebrate and nurture the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of each of our wonderful students. The purpose of the day is about learning, exploring, and embracing the tools that can help students feel their best and thrive inside and outside the classroom.

We are proud to be using Lea Waters Visible Wellbeing Framework to guide our activities. By focusing on each aspect of the framework, we can work together to create a positive school environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and supported.

Please refer to your email sent earlier today for further information.

Sacramental Program

Sacramental preparation and initiation are a deeply meaningful journey, and at Iona College, we are committed to supporting families in this process.

As part of the Cannon Hill parish community, Iona offers programs to prepare students for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion, and Penance.

Through our Religious Education program, students also deepen their understanding of the sacraments and participate in liturgical celebrations as part of the faith life of our College.

The family is the heart of faith formation. As the first educators of their children, parents and carers play a vital role in sharing the Catholic faith and fostering a sense of belonging to the Church.

You are best placed to discern your child’s readiness for the sacraments and to formally request their preparation and celebration.

Our Sacramental Program includes regular sessions with Mrs Kate Carmichael, supported by Fr Lewy Keelty OMI, held on campus.

In addition, families engage in home-based preparation, including guided prayer, reflection, and activities. This journey is recorded in a preparation booklet developed by Liturgy Brisbane, which supports and encourages parental leadership in faith formation.

Upon completion of the booklet, parents and carers formally declare their child’s readiness to receive the sacrament.

If you are interested in your child being involved in the Iona College Primary School Sacramental Program or would like more information, please complete the Expression of Interest form via the link below by Monday 17 February.

There will be an information and students and parents / carers who are enrolling in the program on Tuesday 18 February at 5.30pm in the Iona Chapel. Please note that attendance at this session is a requirement for enrolment.

We look forward to walking this journey with you and your child. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Term 1 Primary Date Claimers

Sacramental Program Information Session: Tuesday 18 February, 5.30pm, Iona Chapel

Year 5 Wellbeing Day: Thursday 20 February, during school hours. Further information has been communicated to Year 5 families.

Year 5 NAPLAN Practice: Friday 21 February. Further information has been communicated to families. See NAPLAN 2025 information in this newsletter for further information.

National Young Leaders Conference: Monday 24 February. Further information will be provided to the families of our Primary Leaders.

Primary Cricket / AFL Team Photos: Friday 28 February, during school hours. Students will wear their formal grey uniform for these photos.

Year 6 Camps: 3-7 March. Further information has been communicated to Year 6 parents.

Year 6 Rhythm Culture Incursion: Monday 10 March, during school hours. For classes 6B, 6M and 6S only.

Year 5 NAPLAN Testing: 12-14 March. Further information has been communicated to families. See NAPLAN 2025 information in this newsletter for further information.

Primary Dream and Lead Conference: Monday 17 March. Further information will be provided to the families of our Primary House Leaders.

Mr Peter Holmes
Dean of Primary Years

Important Information for Years 5, 7 & 9

NAPLAN testing for students in Years 5, 7, and 9 will take place this term, with assessments in Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language, and Numeracy. Testing will be conducted online during school hours.

What Students Need for ALL Tests:

• Fully charged laptop
• Wired headphones
• Pencil / pen, eraser
• Water bottle (optional)

Parents can explore the test platform here and find additional NAPLAN information here.

For queries, please contact:

• Year 5: Brendan Allen (allenb@iona.qld.edu.au)
• Years 7 & 9: Wendy Perera (pereraw@iona.qld.edu.au)

If you have questions regarding reasonable adjustments, you can contact:

• Year 5: Charlie Street streetc@iona.qld.edu.au
• Year 7: Carolyne Kelly kellyc@iona.qld.edu.au
• Year 9: Lisa Logue loguel@iona.qld.edu.au

Live Webinar

The Queensland Joint Parent Committee is hosting a free, live webinar Unpacking NAPLAN: A Webinar for Parents on Wednesday 19 February 7pm-8.30pm.

See details in the flyer below.

Mr Brian L'Huillier
Head of Instrumental Music

New Family Survey

Parents and guardians of new students are invited to complete a short survey about their transition to Iona in 2025.

Your time and feedback is appreciated.

Iona College Tours

Iona College invites families and friends considering our College to explore everything we have to offer. These small group tours provide a unique opportunity to visit our state-of-the-art facilities, learn about our programs, and experience the vibrant Iona spirit.

We encourage you to share this invitation with anyone interested in joining our community. Register below to secure your place—we look forward to welcoming you!

Mr Brayden Teece
Dean of Oblate Identity and Community

From the Library

A warm welcome to the new year from the St Eugene de Mazenod Library.

We would like to introduce your library teaching staff for 2025:

Ms Smith
Teacher Librarian

 

Ms Stack
Library Teacher

Library Lessons

Years 5 and 6 will attend the library once each week – one week for a library lesson, the second for reading promotion and borrowing.

Students will undertake a comprehensive view of library essentials. This includes understanding key aspects such as library information, locations, and effective catalogue use.

Students will learn the layout of the library, how to use the library catalogue, how to use the Sora eBook system and how to navigate Brittanica Schools for research and projects.

Years 7 and 8 attend the library once a fortnight for a scheduled lesson.  Students will select and use appropriate digital tools to effectively to plan, create, locate and share content, and to collaborate, applying agreed conventions and behaviours.

Students will learn to filter a data base search, using keywords, academic honesty, plagiarism and how to use authorities’ sources for their research.

Library’s New Look

The library has expanded its shelving this year to enhance accessibility and organisation.

All senior books are now housed in the designated senior section. The growing manga collection has been relocated to the bottom floor for easier access.

Additionally, shelving has been modified to include more front-facing displays, improving the browsing experience, and making it easier for students to discover new books.

Volunteers

The library is excited to announce its Volunteer Morning Tea and Library Orientation on Tuesday 11 February. If you have registered your interest, you will receive an email this week with further details.

If you haven't registered but would like to volunteer, please email library@iona.qld.edu.au for more information. Thank you so much for our wonderful volunteers.

Iona Summer Reading Bingo

Many students caught up on their reading during the holidays, including Lucas Abbott, the winner of the Iona Summer Reading Bingo competition.

Many students caught up on their reading during the holidays, including Lucas Abbott, the winner of the Iona Summer Reading Bingo competition.

Lucas read 12 books in total to complete two lines on his bingo card. For his efforts, he received a book prize to start the new school year.

Window to the World

Queensland School Library Week (QSLW) highlights the important work of school libraries. QSLW is celebrated in February each year, and this year goes from 10-14 February. This year’s theme is ‘Window to the World’.

At Iona, we are promoting QSLW and encourage students to participate in the Primary and Secondary competitions. Iona will give a prize for Primary, Middle and Senior Years.

The school’s winners will go to into the QSLA draw. State winners will each receive a $50 book voucher and their school will receive a $100 book voucher.

Years 5-6: Produce an artwork to reflect the theme Window to the World.

Years 7-12: Produce an artwork or take a photograph to reflect the theme Window to the World.

Closing date: 17 February.

Scholastic Issue 1 is now available

The first Scholastic Book Club for the 2025 has been released. Browse the catalogue here or collect a paper copy from the Library or Primary Office. Sign into Loop and choose for delivery to your Primary class, or the library for students in Years 7-12. Orders close 21 February. 

The Library Team

Term 1 Uniform Shop 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