The Passing of Pope Francis: A Shepherd of Compassion, Courage, and Faith

Dear Ionians,

The Iona College community this week joined Catholics around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday after his recent battle with illness.

During this week, we offered our morning Mass in the College Chapel for the repose of his soul and all those deceased. It was a fitting way to honour a man who gave his life to prayer, service and the Gospel.

Pope Francis will be remembered as a truly inspirational figure — one who modelled Christian life through humility, courage and a deep sense of justice.

As the first Pope from the southern hemisphere, he brought to the papacy his profound awareness of the struggles of the poor and the excluded. He reminded the Church that the Gospel begins at the margins, and that love without action is incomplete.

He truly lived out St Eugene de Mazenod’s saying of ‘never see a need without doing something about it’.

From his earliest days as pontiff, Pope Francis embodied what we at Iona aspire to each time we pray the College Prayer.

For community members not familiar with our College Prayer, it says:

Lord Jesus,

Fill my soul with your compassion for others;

fire my heart your courage and infinite love;

enlighten my mind with your wisdom;

teach me to reach out to you in my need

and help me lead others to you by my example.

Most loving heart of Jesus,

bring me health in body and spirit

that I may serve you with all my strength

Touch gently this life,

Which you have created,

now and forever

Amen.

“Lord Jesus, fill my soul with your compassion for others…”
Pope Francis was known globally for his boundless compassion. Whether washing the feet of prisoners on Holy Thursday, embracing the sick or calling for a “revolution of tenderness,” he reminded us all that love must be visible, tangible and fearless.

In his care for refugees, the homeless and the forgotten, Pope Francis lived out a compassion founded in shared humanity.

“…fire my heart with your courage and infinite love…”
Courage marked his papacy — from addressing climate change in Laudato si’, to calling for reform and accountability within the Church, to extending unprecedented pastoral outreach to those who may have felt alienated. He showed the kind of leadership that does not cling to comfort but steps boldly into the complexities of our time, always guided by the boundless love of Christ and his fellow human beings.

“…enlighten my mind with your wisdom…”
Pope Francis' wisdom was the practical wisdom of discernment, listening and accompaniment. Through the Synodal process, he invited the global Church to journey together, to listen deeply, and to be open to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He showed us that wisdom is not merely about answers but about being present in the questions of others.

“…help me lead others to you by my example…”
Pope Francis led powerfully by example. His simple lifestyle, his refusal of extravagance, and his preference for personal encounters over being separate from the people of the Church were all signs of a person immersed in the Gospel. He preached with his actions as much as his words, always seeking to draw people closer to Christ.

“…Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve you with all my strength…”
Even as his health declined, Pope Francis continued his mission with gentle perseverance and presence – right up until the day before his death. His physical frailty only made his spiritual strength more visible. He showed us what it means to serve God “with all of my strength” – even when that strength was not what it once was.

Pope Francis genuinely walked with the people of God, listened deeply and challenged us to be a Church of mercy, justice, and peace.

As we said the Iona College Prayer at the beginning of this week, staff and students were invited to remember the way Pope Francis provided an example of compassion, courage and infinite love — thus leading others to God through his own example of humanity and unwavering faith.

May God welcome His servant, Pope Francis, into Heaven and grant him the gift of peace and everlasting life.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

Finally, I extend a warm welcome back to all Iona families as we begin Term 2. I trust the Easter break was a time of rest, reflection and renewal for your family.

As we continue through the Easter season in the Church’s liturgical calendar, we are reminded that this is a time of hope and new beginnings — a fitting backdrop as we return to learning and growth at the College.

This week also marks the release of Term 1 student reports. These reports provide a valuable snapshot of academic progress, work habits and engagement with learning during the first part of the year.

I encourage you to take time to sit down and read through the reports together and have an honest conversation about the term just gone — what went well, and where improvement can be achieved.

These reflective conversations are crucial in helping our young people become more self-aware and goal-oriented in their learning journey.

To support these conversations, our Student Progress Meetings will take place on Friday 2 May and Monday 5 May.

These meetings are an important opportunity to partner with your son’s teachers, gain deeper insight into his learning progress, and discuss strategies for continued improvement.

I encourage all families to attend these meetings where possible. A strong partnership between home and school is one of the most significant factors in student success.

We look forward to a productive and fulfilling term ahead, filled with academic growth, co-curricular commitment and continued formation in faith and character.

May the spirit of Easter continue to guide us in all that we do.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal

Dear Ionians,

This week has been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone in our community.

We experienced moments of joy with the celebration of Easter on Sunday, and welcoming our students and staff back for Term 2 on Tuesday.

Today, we gathered in the solemn spirit of respect and remembrance with our annual Anzac Day service in The Provence Centre.

And on Easter Monday, our Iona family was united in sadness with Catholics around the world when news came that His Holiness, Pope Francis, had passed away.

Below, I share part of a message shared by the Archbishop of Brisbane Mark Coleridge. His words provide us with an insight into the life and impact of a true man of God.

Please enjoy, with my prayers and best wishes.

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector

REMEMBERING POPE FRANCIS

In his final days Jorge Bergoglio must have looked back amazed at how his life had turned out: the boy from Buenos Aires becoming the Bishop of Rome who broke the mould of the papal ministry, though only to recast it in new and liberating ways.

When the cardinals entered the conclave to elect a new pope in 2012, I was asked to help with media commentary. To prepare, I looked through the list of cardinal electors, eliminating those I thought couldn’t be elected.

One of those I crossed out was Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires. At 76 he was too old, I thought, and they wouldn’t elect a Jesuit.

The election was quick, and I thought it had to be the Archbishop of Milan who had been much mentioned. So I prepared to comment on him as pope. Then the announcement came that it was Cardinal Bergoglio who would be known as Pope Francis. Both he and the name were surprises.

The surprises continued when he appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s. First, he was wearing just the simple white soutane, not the more elaborate dress a new pope normally wears.

Secondly, he stood in silence for some moments as if struck dumb, with me thinking, “For goodness sake, say something”.

Thirdly, when he did speak he said only Buona sera, Good evening: from a new pope you expected something more stirring and resonant.

Fourthly, before he gave the blessing he asked the people to pray for him as he bowed low, the crowd in the Square falling silent in a way I’ll never forget.

This papacy, it seemed, wouldn’t be business as usual; and from then on it wasn’t. He decided not to live in the Apostolic Palace and chose to be driven around in a small sedan. Audiences with him had a very different feel than they did with his predecessors, much less formal and more relaxed. As one who had worked for a time in the papal court, I was amazed at how he could break free of its age-old protocols. He was very much his own man.

When Pope Francis was elected, the Brazilian cardinal next to him in the Sistine Chapel said to him, “Don’t forget the poor”; and he didn’t – offering them lunch and even tickets to the circus, visiting prisons to wash feet, taking the part of migrants and refugees.

For him, those on the margin were at the centre and any society, he insisted, would be judged on how it treats the poorest and most vulnerable. That sounds like Jesus; and it gave Francis a voice that was heard around the world.

At synods in Rome, he would walk to the synod hall like the rest of us, bag in hand, chatting to other bishops. Then he would enter the lobby of the Paul VI Hall, chat to a few others before taking the lift to the synod hall where he greeted bishops as they entered.

This was very different from past protocols; it said that he was not some kind of monarch but one of us, a bishop among bishops. That was a surprise; and it led me to address him in correspondence as both Holy Father and dear brother.

We pray for him now as he so often asked us to do.

With the burdens of office now behind him, may he find ultimate liberation as he comes face to face with the Risen Christ and that when he wakens into eternity he will be not just surprised but deeply astonished by the vision of God in which the joy of the Gospel comes to its fulness.

Eternal rest give to Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.

+Mark Coleridge

Welcome Back to Term 2!

A warm welcome back to all students, staff, and families for the start of Term 2. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the incredibly warm welcome I’ve received since joining the Iona College community. It has been a privilege to witness firsthand the spirit, pride and character that make our College such a unique and vibrant place.

Over the break, I came across a humorous yet deeply insightful piece titled The Secret Language of Teenage Boys. It resonated strongly with me — and, I suspect, with many of our families.

It captured the curious and often confusing communication style of adolescent boys: a mix of grunts, nods, and one-word answers that somehow convey whole universes of meaning.

One moment they’re monosyllabic and glued to their phone. The next, they’re engaging passionately with their mates or quietly helping a younger sibling with their homework.

These teenage years are complex and formative. Our boys are navigating the challenging bridge between childhood and adulthood, and our job is to walk beside them, not in front.

Sometimes that means listening without pushing, offering guidance without judgment —and, occasionally, just bringing snacks and giving them space.

At Iona, we remain committed to supporting our young men on this journey with both compassion and high expectations.

Creating Lifelong Memories: Parent-Son Evenings at Iona

Iona College warmly invites Year 7 and Year 8 families to share in a meaningful and memorable evening designed to strengthen the special bond between parents and sons.

Year 8 Father-Son Night
Tuesday 29 April 2025
Oblate Hall
6.15pm for a 6.30pm start (concludes by 8.45pm)

A unique opportunity for Year 8 boys and their fathers (or male mentors) to connect, reflect and grow together through an engaging and heartfelt evening program. You can register via this link. 

Year 7 Mother-Son Night
Wednesday 7 May 2025
Oblate Hall
6.15pm for a 6.30pm start (concludes by 8.45pm)

An inspiring night for Year 7 boys and their mothers (or female mentors) to come together and create lasting memories at this important time in their journey. You can register via this link. 

Don’t miss this chance to share a powerful experience that celebrates the relationships that matter most.

Below are a few important reminders for the term ahead. It is essential that we continue to work together as a team — supporting one another and the young men in our care to ensure a positive and respectful environment for all.

Haircuts: Please ensure that hairstyles remain within the College guidelines — no faux mullets, hair blended on the sides, and hair kept off the collar and out of the eyes.

Students arriving with inappropriate styles may be sent home or have break-time privileges revoked. See page 117 of the College Diary for full details.

Train etiquette: Iona students are representatives of our College beyond the gates. Please remind your son/s of the following expectations whilst on public transport:

• Always tap on and off — pay for your travel.
• Offer your seat to adults, and no bags on seats.
• Respect ‘quiet carriage’ rules.
• Behave respectfully and responsibly.
• Be an upstander, not a bystander. Speak up when you see inappropriate behaviour.

Assembly changes: This term, we are trialling a new structure for House assemblies and introducing ‘Phase assemblies’ to enhance communication and foster a deeper connection with students.

Let’s work together to make Term 2 a time of growth, learning, and positive relationships.

Mr Steven Hohn
Dean of Middle Years

Social Justice

Rosies Fundraiser

Dear Primary families,

I hope you were able to enjoy some quality time together over the Easter break. This time of year offers the opportunity to pause, reconnect and share special moments with loved ones.

Every term at Iona buzzes with energy, and Term 2 is no exception. Below is a snapshot of key events taking place across Iona Primary in the opening weeks of the term.

Mr Ben Black – 5B
We extend our warm congratulations to Mr Ben Black on his marriage during the Easter break. We hope he is enjoying a well-deserved honeymoon and wish him all the best during this special time.

While Mr Black is on leave for the first two weeks of Term 2, 5B is in the capable hands of Miss Abby Greenacre. We look forward to welcoming Mr Black back in time for the upcoming Student Progress Meetings.

Student Progress Meetings
These meetings are a significant part of the school year for both students and teachers. They provide families with a valuable opportunity to better understand their son’s academic progress and how he has settled into his new year level.

A few important reminders:

• All meetings will be held in The Provence Centre — not in classrooms.
• Students must attend alongside their parents.
• Students are to wear their full grey uniform, including their College tie.

ANZAC Day Services
Earlier this week, families were invited to attend one of the community ANZAC Day services taking place tomorrow.

Mr Condon and I will be attending the Manly-Lota service, while Mr Russell will represent Iona at the Wynnum RSL service.

Students who wish to participate must register their attendance via the link emailed to them by Mr Brayden Teece.

Interhouse Cross Country
Yesterday’s Cross Country event was a fantastic showcase of House spirit and community. A huge congratulations to all students who gave their best on the challenging 2km course weaving through the school grounds.

Special congratulations to our top runners from Years 5 and 6:

Year 5

1. Charles Gillan
2. Finn Vidler
3. Liam Waldock

Year 6

1. William Stevenson
2. Ethan Sonnekus
3. Arlo Pickford

There were some outstanding performances and very promising signs as we prepare for the AIC Cross Country Championships later this term.

Uniform Reminders
As we move through Term 2, a reminder that the full grey uniform, including the College tie, is required. This week, I’ve challenged all students to learn how to tie their own tie. While some have cleverly kept a perfect knot all year, it's important that every student is confident in tying it themselves — just in case!

During cooler mornings, only the grey knit College jumper is to be worn with the grey uniform.

Tuesday Sport Uniform
On Tuesdays, students are to wear the College polo shirt with Iona PE shorts to and from school. On chilly days, students may also wear the Iona tracksuit top — no other jumpers, please.

Class Photos – Monday
A final reminder that class photos will be taken this Monday 28 April for all Year 5 and 6 classes. Of all days, this is the time to ensure uniforms are clean and well-presented. Please help your son arrive with polished shoes, tidy hair, and a neat, complete uniform.

Term 2 Primary Date Claimers

Here are our date claimers for Years 5 and 6 for the first half of Term 2:

Week 2

• Class Photos – Monday 28 April, IPAC
  Year 6 – Period 1
  Year 5 – Period 2
• Open Day Tour Guide Training (session 1) – Thursday 1 May, Period 2 in Zinelli 3
  For Year 6 students who have volunteered to be Open Day Tour Guides
• Student Progress Meetings (Student Free Day) – Friday 2 May, The Provence Centre

Week 3

• Labour Day Public Holiday – Monday 5 May
• Student Progress Meetings - Tuesday 6 May, 3.30pm – 6pm, The Provence Centre
• Sacramental Program (Penance) – Wednesday 7 May, Period 2, POD
  For students who have registered for the Sacramental Program
• Open Day Tour Guide Training (session 2) – Thursday 8 May, Period 5, Lecture Theatre
  For Year 6 students who have volunteered to be Open Day Tour Guides
• Year 5 Kaboom Music Incursion – Friday 9 May
  5B – Period 1
  5C – Period 2
  5V – Period 3

Week 4

• Sacramental Program (Penance) – Wednesday 14 May, Period 1, POD
  For students who have registered for the Sacramental Program
• Open Day – Friday 16 May, 1.30pm – 4pm

Week 5

• Year 6 Parliament House Excursions – 8.30am – 1.15pm
  6E, 6R and 6W – Monday 19 May
  6B, 6M and 6S – Tuesday 20 May
  Further information will be communicated to Year 6 families

Week 6

• Year 6 Guest Speaker, Cr Alex Givney – Monday 26 May, Period 4, Lecture Theatre
• Sacramental Program (Confirmation) – Wednesday 28 May, Period 1, POD
  For students who have registered for the Sacramental Program
• Year 6 Mother’s Day Liturgy – Friday 30 May, 9.30am – 11am, IPAC
  Invitations will be distributed to Year 6 families in the near future

Mr Brendan Allen
Acting Dean of Primary Years

Back at the start of the year, we communicated information about Iona’s subscription to Justin Coulson’s Happy Families website which allowed our families to access free, the latest parenting information and advice on a range of topics, 24 hours a day for the entire year.

Over the Easter break, Happy Families moved to a new website and so your previous logins will no longer work.

We apologise for the inconvenience and ask our Iona families to please resign up – it’s fairly straightforward.

All you need to do is click on the orange "Create Your Account" button below and follow the prompts.

1. Create your account by clicking on the above link. 

If you already have an account with Happy Families, you will be asked to log in with those details:

If you do not already have a Happy Families account, go ahead and create your new personal account. Our school code will automatically show here:

2. Click 'Submit'.

Once you have logged in (or created your new account), you will see the following welcome message with your unique school code. Click 'submit' and you're done!

3. Success! 

Now click into your Bloom School Membership and take a look around. 

Here's what you'll find:

• Unlimited access to 70+ webinars in the Video Library
• Live events with Dr Justin Coulson

All previous Insights Articles available to download in the Insights Library.

4. To log back in to your account:

To log in to your account at any time, head to the School Membership tab.

https://happyfamilies.com.au/my-school-membership

We recommend that you bookmark this link for easy access to all your resources.

Welcome back to Term 2. We have an exciting time ahead in Term 2

Learning

For Year 5 students, the focus of this unit will consider fiction versus non-fiction texts and their placement within the library; the different categorisation of books in the library (alphabetical and Dewey) and how to read fiction versus non-fiction texts using the contents page, index, scanning and notetaking.

For Year 6 students, the focus is using terms to search the library catalogue and filter searches. Students will also learn how to use databases such as Brittanica Online, and evaluate websites. Students will practise scanning and notetaking and consider academic honesty.

In Year 7, the objective is to equip students with the skills to use the library databases for research. This includes the use of Britannica, ClickView, useful websites and EBSCO.

Year 8 students will be investigating research techniques. The primary objective of research mastery is to equip students with the skills and strategies necessary to conduct thorough and effective research. This includes the ability to gather, evaluate, and synthesise information from various sources in order to deepen understanding.

Kids Lit

On Wednesday 2 April, five students represented our College in the Kids Lit Quiz — an international competition that challenges a wide range of general reading skills. The boys did a fantastic job, with Team 1 winning some books! Thank you to all the students for their enthusiastic participation.

Overdue Books

At the end of Term 1, emails were sent to students and parents regrading overdue books. If you received an email, please return the book. If you have lost or damaged the books, please inform the library team as soon as possible.

Ms Donna Stephens
Head of Library

Uniform Shop Term 2 Opening Hours

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am – 3.30pm.

Closed Monday 5 May - Labour Day public holiday.

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

Compulsory items for Term 2 and Term 3 include:

• Ties for Years 5-12
• Long grey trousers for all Seniors (Years 10-12)
• Blazers for Years 11 and 12 (optional for Year 10)
• College tracksuit jackets to be worn over the College striped polo shirt on sports days - no other jackets are permitted. Tracksuit pants are optional.
• Rain jackets are also in stock and available for purchase at the Uniform Shop.

All stock is available for purchase now at the uniform shop or through the online store: https://iona-college.mybigcommerce.com/.../winter-uniform/