Dear members of the Iona community

Over the past week, Iona College has hosted our first term Student Progress Meetings—an important opportunity that reinforces the partnership between home and school in support of every student’s learning journey. These meetings are a key moment in the year for reflection, dialogue, and direction-setting. They offer a valuable opportunity for parents and students to sit down with teachers, hear honest feedback, and consider what steps can be taken next to support both academic growth and personal development. They provide a true opportunity for student reflection and growth guided by the adults who can support them in that process.

We thank all families who took the time to be part of these conversations. Whether the feedback was affirming or challenging, it is the response that matters most. There is little point in attending these meetings without identifying positive steps to continue growth. Students are encouraged to act on the insights shared to identify clear goals and to carry a spirit of responsibility and optimism into the remainder of this term and beyond. Growth requires identifying what can be done better and then actioning those things identified. In this way, these meetings can be beneficial to students and parents by sparking meaningful conversations at home, individual action by our students and hopefully further progress in the weeks ahead.

My thanks go to the teaching staff for their thoughtful preparation and care of each student and their family and helping to set progress goals for the terms ahead. The insight provided in these meetings are the product of deep professional insight and the genuine desire of our staff to see our students thrive. We also acknowledge the efforts of our office staff for managing bookings and communications, and our grounds and maintenance team for setting up and packing down the venue with care and efficiency. These opportunities could not have been provided without these ‘angels’ who work in the background to ensure the success of the event.

Running alongside the Student Progress Meetings on Monday night was our Careers Expo—an increasingly significant event in the College calendar. The Expo provided a vibrant and informative space where students and families could explore potential career pathways, speak directly with university representatives, and engage with professionals from a diverse range of fields. These conversations can help ignite ideas, clarify interests, and broaden a student’s understanding of what their future might hold. For students in Years 10–12 in particular, the opportunity to discuss study options, career directions, and pathways beyond school is a vital part of forming a sense of vocation and direction at a time when a little more focus on a specific goal may be just what is needed. Again, the event was facilitated by teachings staff, office staff and our grounds and maintenance team. Thank you again to these people for your support of our students.

Together, the Student Progress Meetings and the Careers Expo represent key ways in which we support our students in becoming reflective, informed, and purposeful young people. These events are a practical expression of our commitment to helping each Ionian grow into their potential and strive for personal excellence—both in the classroom and for life beyond school.

I hope that we can continue to proactively walk this journey together, encouraging every student to be engaged in their learning, to set goals grounded in purpose, and to take confident steps toward the future they are shaping.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal

Dear Iona Community,

As we journey through this important moment in the life of the Church, I invite you to pause and join with the Church in prayer for the Conclave that has just begun.

The election of a new Pope is not just a global Church event, but a deeply spiritual time that calls for our collective prayers for wisdom, unity and guidance. As we hold the Cardinals gathered in Rome for the Conclave close to our hearts, we are reminded of the importance of community and connection in our faith journey.

This sense of connection was powerfully evident at our recent Father & Son and Mother & Son Engagement Evenings. These gatherings highlighted the beauty of shared moments between parents and their sons, showing us all how meaningful even simple acts of presence can be. Thank you to all who attended—your participation not only enriched the lives of your sons but also strengthened our broader community.

This spirit of connection and unity also extended beyond our immediate community through the De Mazenod Family Education Network (DMFEN). Representatives from the three Oblate schools came together recently for the annual Oblate Charism Retreat at St Eugene’s College in Burpengary, fostering shared faith and collaboration among our Oblate family.

From Iona, we were proud to be represented by Mr Adam McPhee, Mr Benjamin Coote, Mrs Lucinda MacDonald, and Mrs Kate Carmichael.

I want to offer a heartfelt thanks to each of them for carrying the Iona spirit with their openness and willingness to step into this shared space of faith, culture and reflection.

And finally, I like to thank our Heads of House and Homeroom Mentors for the tireless way you walk alongside our young people on their journey of faith and formation. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.

At the same time, I want to encourage all students and families to come along to your House Family Mass. These Masses are more than a school event, they’re moments where we come together, as one family, to celebrate, to reflect, and to remember who we are and what we stand for.

God bless,

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector

Phase Assemblies

On Tuesday, the College began its trial of fortnightly Phase Assemblies, enabling students and staff to meet in their Primary, Middle and Senior cohorts for the first time. The purpose of these assemblies is to establish the identity of these phases of learning, deliver key messages which are relevant to age groups or year levels, and to recognise positive contributions being made by students at the College, in the wider community, and their own academic or co-curricular pursuits. The hope is that these regular Phase Assemblies inspire students to continue to strive for personal excellence.

The Middle Years Assembly celebrated the students with the top-grade point average in term one results. These boys were commended for their disciplined approach to their studies, and it was clear that each of them demonstrated both a love of learning and curiosity. Mr Steven Hohn delivered some poignant messaging regarding peer relationships, challenging students to ‘not put others in a box’, rather to accept them for who they are.

Positive behaviour entries on Compass were the focus of the Senior Years Assembly. During term one, students in the senior years were commended by staff on 409 occasions. Each of these entries were examples of students creating moments of positivity and strengthening staff and student relationships. I thank these students for the positive impact they had on our community last term. During the assembly we recognised the ‘ripple effect’ of kindness and gratitude that this behaviour creates. Some key messages around being consistent with application to studies and persisting through challenging moments in time were discussed, and students were challenged to continue to be ‘one-percent better each day’, by developing and building upon good habits.

Parent Engagement Evenings

Over the past fortnight the Mother and Son (Year 7) and Father and Son (Year 8) Engagement Evenings have been facilitated by College staff and Time and Space. These evenings are another opportunity to strengthen the relationships within our College community. The evenings allow students to engage in significant conversations with their parents and staff members, which can be life altering. The College thanks the Time and Space organisation for their continued relationship with the Iona community, as well as the students and parents who engaged with this activity. This night would not be possible without the organisation and input from our passionate staff. In particular, we thank Mr Steven Hohn and Mrs Karen Rose for facilitating these evenings.

Year 10 – Pathways Program

On Tuesday this week the Year 10 cohort participated in the ‘Free to Become’ workshop with Pete McAuliffe from The Character Project. Pete is an Iona Old Boy (2012) and former College Captain, so as well as being a wonderful presenter, he brought a wealth of Iona experience and stories, which he shared with the boys. The students were engaged in several activities which challenged them to step outside of their comfort zone and into a zone of personal growth. The boys also explored the concept of Ubuntu and engaged in a discussion about the analogy of the Redwood trees—among the tallest in the world—which rely on each other for support and stability due to their weak root systems. The students will continue to reflect on these concepts throughout PROSPER lessons this term.

It is hoped that these moments of self-reflection provide time and space for the boys to think about the person whom they want to become. This personal insight will be invaluable as they embark upon the SET-plan process, and subject selections later in the year.

Mr Ben Devlin
Dean of Senior Years

Social Justice

Rosies Fundraisers

Excitement is growing for the upcoming Black & White Dinner, which will be held Saturday 26 July at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.  All the Iona College families are welcome to attend, which means there will be plenty of interest in grabbing a ticket.  Tickets are strictly limited and will go on sale 7pm Friday 6 June.

Prior to this, the College is offering one lucky person the chance to win a table of 10 to attend this very special Black & White celebration.  All profits from the raffle will be donated to Rosies-friends on the streets.

Valued at $1,650 this fabulous prize will be drawn 3pm Thursday 5 June.

Raffle tickets cost $30. Don't miss your chance to share a table of 10 with your Iona friends and support a wonderful cause.

Purchase your raffle tickets here https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=ptp58

Disruptions and Routine

The beginning of Term 2 has brought a number of disruptions to our usual routines, with public holidays and Student Progress Meetings affecting classroom consistency. Understandably, many students and staff are now eager for a return to steady, structured learning. The good news is that the remainder of the term provides the opportunity for students to settle into regular classroom routines and build on the strong foundations established in Term 1.

Student Progress Meetings

Thank you to all families who made the time to meet with teachers to discuss your child’s progress. These conversations are a valuable part of our home–school partnership. A key message I’ll be sharing with students is this: it’s one thing to reflect and say the right things in a meeting—but it’s another to turn those reflections into action. I look forward to hearing how students are stepping up in response to their feedback and hope to see this positively reflected in their outcomes by the end of the term.

Please note that a second opportunity for Student Progress Meetings will take place in Term 3. These will be shorter in duration—eight minutes compared to this term’s sixteen-minute format.

Morning Training Sessions

Congratulations to the many students who are showing commitment by attending morning training sessions. As the mornings grow darker and colder, this dedication is even more impressive.

However, these early starts can add an extra challenge to getting organised for the school day. We strongly encourage boys with morning training to pack their bags the night before to avoid forgetting items such as uniforms. While we understand that occasional reminders are part of growing up, we aim to minimise the need for students to call home, as it places extra pressure on families and detracts from the

Lunchtime Play

With the football season in full swing, we’ve seen an increase in students playing soccer and touch football during break times. While we do provide a number of footballs, they are limited in supply—particularly when some don’t find their way back.

To help with this, we encourage students who wish to play at lunch to bring their own ball where possible. We’ve also reminded students that if a game becomes too large and disorganised, it’s a great opportunity to start a smaller, more inclusive game with friends. This helps ensure everyone is actively involved and enjoying their playtime.

Year 6 Mothers Day Liturgy

On Friday 30 May, we warmly invite all Year 6 mothers or guardians to our Year 6 Mother’s Day Liturgy. Please note that numbers are restricted to mothers / guardians, however in the event of a mother being unable to attend, another significant female is most welcome.

Please refer to the invitation emailed on 7 May for further information.

Primary Years Disco

The wait is over! Our Primary Years Disco returns for students in Years 5 and 6 from Iona College and invited schools on Friday 13 June from 6.30-8.30pm in Oblate Hall.

Tickets:  $10 per student and must be pre-purchased via Trybooking.
Students must show identification to gain entry to the Disco.Ticket numbers are limited and each school has a predetermined allocation of tickets for this event. Parents/guardians are welcome to contact Iona College directly for further advice if this allocation is exhausted.

For further information and to purchase tickets, visit the Trybooking link below:

Parent/guardian volunteers for the Disco

We will require plenty of help from our parent body on the night. Please note that all volunteers must be registered Iona College volunteers. Duties will include door and ticketing/registrations, canteen, parking attendants, cloak area supervision, security/roaming and first aid.

If you are interested in volunteering, but haven’t completed the Volunteer Expression of Interest form, please do so via the link below by Friday 16 May (don’t forget to select ‘Primary School’ as your area of interest).

Further information will be emailed to registered ‘Primary School’ volunteers regarding how they can sign up to assist in the coming weeks.

Welcome Back Mr Holmes

Next week, we warmly welcome back Mr Holmes. While he may miss exploring the stunning landscapes of Queensland, we are certainly looking forward to his return to Iona.

During Weeks 4 and 5, I will be taking two weeks of parental leave to spend precious time with my newborn. I’m grateful for the support of the community during this special time and look forward to returning in Week 6.

 Mr Brendan Allen
Acting Dean of Primary Years

With just two weeks until opening night, tickets for We Will Rock You are flying out the door—don’t wait to secure your seats for this must-see musical event!

Join us as Iona College’s talented students, staff, and volunteers bring the legendary music of Queen to life. Featuring over 20 unforgettable hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Somebody to Love, and We Are the Champions, this high-energy production will leave you spellbound.

Set in a futuristic world where music is banned, We Will Rock You is a thrilling adventure to rediscover the power and spirit of rock 'n' roll. Months of passion and dedication have gone into crafting this spectacular show, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

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

We have received information from the Queensland Health Department about the prevention and management of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) within schools. These infections, which include influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can significantly impact the health of our students, staff, and their families.

This fact sheet provides practical guidance on recognizing symptoms, preventing the spread of ARIs, and taking timely action if an infection occurs.

Scholastic Book Club: Issue 3 Now Open for Orders!

Issue 3 of the Scholastic Book Club is here! Browse the exciting range of books in the online catalogue at Scholastic Book Club or pick up a paper copy from the library.

Orders close at 5pm on Monday 12 May, so don’t miss out!

Join the 2025 Readers Cup – Calling All Year 7-8 Book Lovers!

The 2025 Readers Cup is in full swing, and the library is seeking enthusiastic participants for our Year 7-8 team! This statewide interschool challenge involves reading five selected books and competing in a quiz about their content on competition day. Regional winners will advance to the state championships.

The Readers Cup is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Read widely and explore new genres.
• Collaborate as part of a team.
• Connect with fellow book enthusiasts.

If you’re passionate about reading and up for the challenge, visit the library to join our team. Let’s make this year’s Readers Cup unforgettable!

Afternoon Tutoring at the Library

Tutoring sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in the library from 3pm - 4pm.

The Academic Portfolio students are ready to support you with tasks and help you succeed. Don’t miss out—make the most of this valuable resource!

Ms Donna Stephens
Head of Library

Uniform Shop Term 2 Opening Hours

Monday, Wednesday and 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

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/

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? The Uniform Shop has a range of last-minute gift ideas that are sure to make Mum smile. Drop in and find something special.