Dear members of our Iona community,

As we continue to recover from the recent impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, we can be  proud of the resilience and unity that define us as an Iona community.

The weather over the past week certainly left a trail of disruption. Yet, in these challenging times, the spirit of cooperation managed to shine brightly, showing the strength of our community and human bonds.

In writing this week’s newsletter, I extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated grounds and maintenance staff, who worked tirelessly before the cyclone to secure our grounds and facilities, and equally as hard in its aftermath to clear debris and return spaces to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Their foresight in preparing for the storm and their commitment in the subsequent clean-up efforts have been invaluable in helping us return to normality as quickly as possible.

Amid these efforts, our Year 11 students have shown commendable initiative and care for their school community.

As part of their Catholic Studies Program (10:10), these young men took to the campus grounds, assisting in the cleanup efforts.

Their participation is certainly an example of how our teachings on service and community are put into action, embodying the spirit of cooperation that we want to encourage in every Ionian.

The broader community's response to the crisis has also been heartening.

Neighbours reached out to help neighbours and, as was the case in past flooding in 2022 and 2011, volunteers emerged en masse. This collective action highlights the profound sense of humanity that thrives amongst us.

In reflecting upon these events through the lens of our faith, we find guidance and inspiration in scripture and the teachings of St Eugene de Mazenod.

St. Eugene, a man deeply committed to the service of those in need, famously urged his followers to “leave nothing undared for the Kingdom of God”.

The Kingdom of God in this context implies a call to live out the Gospel values in our daily lives. This includes caring for those who face challenges.

This call to action therefore resonates deeply in our current circumstances, urging us to come together in support of one another.

Scripturally, we are reminded of the words in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one because together they can work more effectively. For if one of them falls down the other can help him up.”

These verses not only reinforce the importance of cooperation but also celebrate the mutual support that has been evident in the response to TC Alfred.

The challenge of course is to ensure that this does not only occur in the most difficult of times but rather at every opportunity. It is only then that we are truly working toward seeing that the Kingdom of God is realised in our everyday reality.

As we move forward, let us continue to embody these principles, supporting one another with compassion and dedication.

But as I have previously mentioned, let’s do our best to ensure that it is not just in the most difficult of times that we reach out to support one another.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal

My fellow Ionians,

Chapel Renovation – 50^th Anniversary Celebration

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Our Lady Help of Christians Chapel, we are pleased to announce the commencement of a two-stage renovation project designed to enhance and preserve this significant space.

Stage 1 will begin with the installation of a new door at the entrance of the Chapel, with construction starting this week.

Due to this essential work, we respectfully request that all members of the school community use the side doors of the Chapel as the designated entry point until 3 April.

We acknowledge that this may cause some temporary inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this period.

Stage 2 will begin later this year. We will keep you informed with further details as the project progresses, and we assure you that this work will significantly enhance both the functionality and beauty of the Iona Chapel for the benefit of all.

We apologise for any disruption this change may cause and are deeply grateful for your patience and support as we work to improve this cherished space.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred

In light of the recent events surrounding Cyclone Alfred, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone for your unwavering support. It has been a challenging time, but the collective effort shown by all Ionians has been truly inspiring.

A special thanks goes out to the staff and groundskeepers who worked tirelessly to ensure that our campus was ready for everyone to return. Their dedication and hard work made all the difference in getting things back to normal.

I would also like to extend a special mention to all our Year 11 students, who showed tremendous initiative during their 3:16 Catholic Studies class by clearing up the campus.

I greatly appreciate their teamwork and positive attitude that made a difference in the restoration of our campus.

I am incredibly proud of how everyone has come together, demonstrating resilience, care, and cooperation.

It is moments like these that remind us of the strength we have as a community.

Holy Father Francis

I am pleased to share the wonderful news that Pope Francis has made significant improvements in his health.

After recent health concerns, his recovery has been encouraging, and he is now in better spirits.

We continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers, hoping for his continued strength and well-being.

God bless,

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector

UNIFORM AND HAIRCUT EXPECTATIONS

The consistency of students wearing their uniform correctly is a continued focus and area for improvement for both Senior and Middle Years students.

As we have now entered the second half of the term, it is time for some students to schedule an appointment with the barber to ensure they comply with the College’s expectations for the duration of the term.

Reminder: Any hairstyle which may be described as a mullet, including burst fades, and any faded styles shorter than a ‘No.2-blade’ are not permitted.

I would like to commend the Senior Years students for the noticeable improvement in wearing the grey felt hat to and from school. Well done gents, and continue to lead by example in demonstrating this self-discipline and respect.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT ETIQUETTE

All Ionians are reminded of the expectation to represent the College with humility and distinction whilst travelling on public transport. The following are examples of expected positive behaviour on public transport:

• Being mindful of other passengers by limiting the volume of conversations and ensuring you use appropriate language.
• Allowing other passengers to disembark or board the train / bus first. Senior students can lead younger students by ensuring members of the public have a clear pathway on and off the train or bus.
• Keeping aisles and seats clear of your belongings so that others can freely move by and use seats.
• Iona students should always offer their seats to standing adults as a matter of courtesy.

STUDENT DRIVERS

All students who drive to school must complete the Student Driver Application Form which can be collected from the PROSPER Centre.

Student drivers must use the designated student carpark and should not be parking in the streets surrounding the Bulgin Avenue entrance, or in Eustace Street.

Students must also continue to cross the road only at the Graham’s Crossing traffic lights. Thank you to those students who continue to comply with these expectations.

UPCOMING ASSESSMENT PERIOD

Exam and assessment periods begin in Week 8, with the commencement of the Year 11 Exam Block and the annual NAPLAN testing.

The Year 12 Exam block also commences in Week 8, followed by the Years 7-10 exam period in Week 9.

Year 11 and 12 students are reminded to use block exam time to prime their body and mind for optimal performance.

A healthy and balanced diet, maintaining exercise routines, and ensuring you get the appropriate amount of sleep are essential for success.

These periods are certainly not the time to take on extra casual work, or for increased social activity.

I wish all students the very best in their preparation and completion of term one assessment. 

VISIBLE WELLBEING PARTNERSHIP AND THE ‘SEARCH’ FRAMEWORK

Students have now completed three lessons of the PROSPER wellbeing curriculum this term. These lessons serve as key moments for students to further develop their understanding of the SEARCH framework and their own wellbeing literacy.

Each of the six pathways of the framework comes with its own set of outcomes, including ways to reduce ill-being, ways to foster wellbeing, and ways to use the pathways to enhance learning outcomes.

For a more detailed understanding of the SEARCH framework and an explanation of how these elements may be used in the classroom, please see the article The Need for Positive Wellbeing Frameworks in Schools written by Prof. Lea Waters.

The Heads of Student Wellbeing plan the scope and sequence of PROSPER lessons, and these lessons are taught by the student’s Head of House, and other experienced staff with a passion for student wellbeing.

These lessons form an important part of the College’s wellbeing program.

As an example, this fortnight, the Senior Years students have completed, or will complete, lessons on the following topics:

Best regards,

Mr Ben Devlin
Dean of Senior Years

CHANGE OF DATES - NAPLAN ONLINE TESTING

Our modified NAPLAN TESTING schedule is detailed below:

Please note that while every effort will be made to catch up tests where students have been absent, there may be difficulties in rescheduling multiple tests where students have been absent for more than one test session.

NAPLAN requires that students complete tests in a specific order, and testing durations vary depending on year level and test type.

In some cases, there may be a test that cannot be caught up, resulting in its omission from that student’s NAPLAN results data.

For all tests, students will need the following equipment:

• A FULLY charged laptop
• Wired headphones or earphones
• Pencil / pen and eraser
• Water bottle (optional) 

It is recommended that your child is well-rested and prepared for the tests by having an early night before the tests, eating a nourishing breakfast and coming to school with all the required equipment on the testing days.

It is also important for students to arrive at school on time during the testing period.

If your child is absent for any of the testing days, please inform the school in the usual way, via the absentee line. If possible, a catch-up test will be organised during the testing period.

If you would like to see an example of the online platform, you can visit https://nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site  

There is also information for parents and carers via this link https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers

If you have any general queries regarding NAPLAN you can contact:

Year 5 – Brendan Allen allenb@iona.qld.edu.au  
Year 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  

Yours sincerely,

Ms Wendy Perera, Head of Academic Wellbeing - Middle Years
Mr Brendan Allen, Head of Academic Wellbeing - Primary Years
Mrs Donna Elkington, Dean of Learning and Teaching

NEXT STEP SURVEY FOR 2024 YEAR 12 STUDENTS

All former students who completed Year 12 last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey.

This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the Seniors of 2024 and to improve our programs to support for future students.

The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As a thank you for participating, 2024 Seniors who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey.

If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep

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