5 March 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Rector

Dear Iona Families,

With much of the world’s and local attention being focused on the coronavirus, we have been keen to remain alert and not alarmed. We aim to be an avenue of clear, accurate and timely information that keeps us in the best possible framework to make the best decisions possible. Our core values of community, loyalty, daring, passion and service call on us to connect with God and keep all people affected in our prayers.

Yura Sport

This week sees the emergence of a new tradition in the College where each of our representative first’s teams will make a commitment to First Nations reconciliation (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), through a recognition round. Adaptions of each of our sports uniforms will form part of this new tradition for each sport of the College. The rituals will occur during 2020 for one dedicated round and we hope that it will also be embraced within the Arts and culture of the College.

Our swimmers led this new tradition with their new swimming caps at the AIC carnival, while Cricket, Volleyball and AFL will continue the tradition over the following days. Our attempt is to integrate the Quandamooka culture into the fabric of the College and see reconciliation as an accepted, natural and treasured aspect of our community. As with all change, many people will have their own perspective, and we sincerely hope that this provides a new chapter in our growing awareness of reconciliation and respect with First Nation Australians. I thank Shara Delaney, Ambrose Killian and Matt Serrurier for their inspirational artwork that helps fuel this idea.

You can read more about Ambrose and Matt’s “Unity” swim cap design in the Sport section of this newsletter.

Lent 2020 – Always Learning

Lent is a season which provides us with tremendous learning opportunities as we prepare for Easter. It asks us to reflect on our own goodness, as well as our need for God’s forgiveness. It encourages the taking on of extra responsibilities in order to offer compassion and joy to others. It’s a season which reminds us that God’s love is stronger than our sin. I wish you all a wonderful Lent for 2020.

Take Care and God Bless

Fr Michael Twigg OMI
Rector

From the Principal

Dear Members of the Iona Community,

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Many of you would have read the regular communications from the College updating our community regarding the current situation with Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to schools, colleges and, more particularly, Iona. We are closely monitoring the situation so as to better communicate any changes to the community.

The Australian Government considers the following countries to be at higher risk for COVID-19:

• Mainland China
• Iran
• Italy
• South Korea

The most recent update from the College conveyed the information that the travel restrictions the Federal Government had, last month, placed upon travel from China has now been extended to Iran.

These important preventative measures have been instituted in the interests of public health and mean that anyone who has:

• left or transited through mainland China in the last 14 days must isolate themselves for 14 days after leaving China
• left or transited through Iran on or after 1 March must isolate themselves until 14 days after leaving Iran
• been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus in the last 14 days must isolate themselves for 14 days after the last contact with the confirmed case.

It is also recommended that if you have the following symptoms, you call ahead to book an appointment with a doctor and stay away from crowded, public places:

• fever
• a cough
• sore throat
• fatigue
• shortness of breath.

Iona will continue to monitor and pass on official information relevant to schools as and when it becomes available. We will adhere to, as a bare minimum, the advice of the appropriate Federal and State Government departments and officials. We may, based upon this advice, an analysis of the reasons behind the advice, statistical information, and data from recognised and reputable sources as well as the College’s own risk assessment, decide to enact further measures beyond those determined by governments. We will do this in the best interest of the Iona and wider community.

We have also taken internal steps to ensure that good hygiene practices have been reinforced at the College and provided more opportunities for boys and staff to ensure that their hands are cleaned regularly through the provision of more hand sanitisers throughout the College. At today’s assembly students were addressed by two of our College nurses who spoke about good hygiene practices and the importance of hand washing in combating the spread of germs.

We encourage you to please have similar conversations at home with your children. Even in the absence of Coronavirus these practices are indicative of good hygiene, help prevent the spread of a variety of illnesses, and demonstrate our respect for those with whom we share our spaces.

If you have travelled recently and are unsure about your obligations as a result of government or Iona College requirements, please contact the College for any assistance we may be able to offer.

Of course, as a Catholic school in the Oblate tradition, we will ensure that the pastoral and wellbeing needs of any students and families who are required to self-isolate are at the forefront of our thinking, practices and prayers. In addition, we pray for all those individuals and families who are impacted by the virus or any other disease or illness at this time. We pray for a speedy recovery and a rapid discovery of treatments and vaccinations.

God Bless

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal

What’s Coming Up

Date Claimers

Faith and Mission

International Women’s Day

This Sunday 8 March is International Women’s Day. At this time, we celebrate the many advances for girls and women, and at the same time commit ourselves to renewed awareness and action for the future. In 1995 the United Nations held the first ever Conference for Women in Beijing and this year marks its 25th anniversary. While many societal improvements have been made, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, reminds us that there “is still unfinished business.”

The Office for Women, which is in the Prime Minister’s Department, recently handed down a report which highlighted the particular areas of concern for Australia. Sadly, violence against women and girls continues to be a problem despite increased government expenditure – on average one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner; one in three Australian women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15; and one in five sexual violence. There has also been an alarming increase in the number of homeless women which NGOs, such as Rosies, work hard to address. Finally, while the gender pay gap has narrowed from 18% to 14%, there is still more work to be done.

At assembly this week the entire College joined in prayer for International Women’s Day. We remembered Jesus’s respectful interaction with women which challenged the cultural norms of the time. We also celebrated the leadership of women throughout the ages, especially Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop.

The College is committed to a holistic approach to education and in an all-boys environment we have a special responsibility to make our students aware of issues facing women in the community. In our new Catholic Studies Senior Religious Education Program, students explore such topics as gender inequality, harassment, women’s health and consent.

As Ionians it’s important that we follow in the tradition of Jesus and our founder St Eugene de Mazenod OMI, who both treated women with justice and compassion. It is in that spirit that we celebrate International Women’s Day this Sunday and remember all the important females in our lives.

Mrs Helen Tani
Acting Dean of Faith and Mission

Learning and Teaching

Classroom Visit

Catholic Studies – 10:10

This year, I have joined the Catholic Studies teaching team. My two week rotation focuses on the Iona College environment. When I completed my character strength survey at the start of the year, appreciation of beauty and excellence was in my top 10. This one caught me off guard a little. I think my initial reaction was based on the beauty, looking at things essentially pretty. The excellence component was all but lost on me. This is potentially an example of a person who has read part one of something and then been unable to look past the jarring factor to see the rest. A good reminder to all boys in the midst of assessment, read the task in its entirety and be sure what it is that you are looking at.

In regards to my 10:10 rotation, I have been accompanying Year 12 students around the College where we have attempted to make a difference. We have had Cameron, one of the gardeners and site team, alongside us providing direction and insight. Cameron is the individual who transformed a hedge into the Beast near the Administration building. His creativity and appreciation for beauty and excellence are clearly high-level strengths. His insight has proved to be crucial. The boys have arrived with positive intentions, particularly the young men of Charlebois, and they have launched into work. The before and after picture, below, shows a garden that was overrun with weed and scrub.

Cameron set the task of clearing it so that fresh plants could be placed. I think I heard ‘is this a plant or a weed?’ near to 100 times in that twenty minute clean out. I still would be unable to answer that question. Luckily Cameron can.

This reliance on Cameron allowed us to have a little reflection on our daily experience. I asked Year 12 to consider people at the College who they cannot name, yet they are grateful for the work that they do. It was interesting to see who came up. They clearly ‘know’ the teachers, but there were some people that they couldn’t name, but were only able to identify them through description or the work that they did. Dragan Glucina and Maurizio Piccardi were identified early on. These are two individuals that work on site and maintain the amazing place that we have. They considered the whole team and volunteers in the tuckshop and the uniform shop. After a little prompting they realised a whole system and structure that is around them without even acknowledging how they got there. There was no criticism in the discussion, more a realisation.

Having worked in multiple schools in different countries, I confess to being frustrated by a lack of understanding or appreciation that some people have at Iona. You cannot buy perspective, it is something that can only be gained overtime. Activities, such as this one in the 10:10 program, are an attempt to move students beyond the comfort zone and to develop an awareness of what is around them and everything that has to occur to make it what it is.

A number of people have asked for an update on my Uno debut. Sadly, the examination block has been a slight hinderance on that process. Who would have thought assessment was more important than Uno, however, Year 12 have assured me so. I look forward to spending time with some of our middle students in the coming weeks as they pick up two or four or miss a turn.

Mr Richard Cornish
Dean of Learning and Teaching

Community News

iLEGEND

Following the success of last year’s iLEGENDS program, we will again be welcoming Old Boys back to the College this year to speak to the students. This week we welcome back Ambrose Killian (2011) who is currently Transport Manager for Lago Coldstores and is co-founder of MA Deadly Art which designs and creates indigenous artwork. We look forward to listening to Ambrose’s story.

Iona Passion Play

With shows now less than four weeks away, the Iona Passion Play is looking for volunteers to assist or cast members for minor roles. The 2020 season begins with two performances for school students on Monday 30 March, two shows for the general public on Saturday 4 April and a final performance on Good Friday evening (10 April). All shows will be held in the Iona Performing Arts Centre.

Please email info@ipp.org.au for further details or contact me at the College. The Iona Passion Play commenced in 1958 and has performed nationally ever since.

P & F Colour Run followed by the Welcome BBQ

Register now for the P & F Colour Run – Sunday 15 March

The Colour Run will take place on Sunday morning, 15 March between 9 and 10.30am around the College ovals. The event is open to Iona students, brothers and sisters, parents and family friends. Funds raised will support Visible Wellbeing at the College – Children $10 and Adults $15. Participants are asked to register, and bookings should be made on the Trybooking link below.

Visit the College website for more information or contact the P & F E: parentsandfriends@iona.qld.edu.au

Welcome BBQ – Sunday 15 March 10.15am – 12.30pm

Following the Colour Run, family members from Years 5, 7 and others who are new to the school are invited to join us for the Welcome BBQ, also hosted by our P & F Association. Class and year level tents will be set up on the slope between the cricket nets and the uniform shop for parents to gather.

A free sausage sizzle will be provided and parents are encouraged to bring along seats, blankets and picnic snacks. Games of basketball, cricket and touch will be organised by some senior students to entertain the kids and the handball courts are close by.

To assist with catering, please register your family’s attendance through the Trybooking link before Friday 13 March.

Volunteer Assistance for Sunday 15 March

Assistance will be needed during the Colour Run and Welcome BBQ. If you can assist, please use the sign up link below to register. This commitment will be included in your family’s volunteering contribution for 2020. Your support is greatly appreciated by the Parents and Friends Association and our Iona community. Assistance is still required on the BBQ from 9.45am till 10.45am and to help with pack down from 12.30pm till 1.30pm

Family Commitment Forms

A reminder that parents/carers are requested to complete their Family Commitment Form for 2020 by this Friday 6 March. The form can be accessed via the link below and also by logging into your Compass account.

As is the case in most schools, and in alignment with Government expectations, ALL volunteers are required to complete an induction process and, where activities involve interactions with students, a Volunteer Status Blue Card application will be required to be completed. Please refer to the email which was sent to all parents/carers last week for more information.

Condolences

Your thoughts and prayers are requested for the Brits family on the recent passing of Gabriel (Year 11) and Samuel (Year 6) Brits’ Grandmother.

May she rest in everlasting peace.

Mr Damian Courtney
Dean of Community

Confraternity Carnival 2020

Thank you to the many Community Sponsors who have committed to ensuring a wonderful event for the 50 participating Colleges as they venture to our beautiful Bayside!

Mr Peter Holmes
Confraternity Convenor

Social Justice

On Sunday 1 March we celebrated the First Sunday in Lent. During Lent, Iona College students participate in Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. Each morning in homeroom students are asked to give their spare change.

Mrs Samantha Ryan
Social Justice Coordinator

English and Languages

The Shukutoku University students embraced the opportunity working as assistant teachers in the classroom, which will no doubt be an invaluable experience in their quest to become primary teachers back in Japan.

A big thank you to our Iona host families who have so generously opened their homes to our visitors once again.

The students thoroughly enjoyed their brief time being members of the Iona community and have vowed to return once they have graduated.

Mr Brendan Merrotsy
Head of Languages

The Arts

Week 5 Theatre Experiences

Year 8 Drama – The Apology Incursion

The Year 8 cohort experienced a Theatre for Young People performance of The Apology by Shock Therapy Productions in IPAC. Inspired by a true story, The Apology highlighted the repercussions of taking revenge and the long-term effects that bullying can have. Two actors played 18 different characters, skilfully changing between each one, without ever leaving the stage or changing costume. Fuelled with intensity, The Apology fused physical theatre techniques, multiple role-sharing and live music into a visceral and dynamic piece of theatre. This incursion links closely to the Year 8 Drama curriculum which examines stories about bullying in a variety of theatrical contexts.

Year 11 Drama – Emerald City Excursion

Year 11 Drama students travelled to QPAC’s Playhouse Theatre to experience Realism from the pen of one of Australia’s most loved playwrights, David Williamson. Queensland Theatre produced Emerald City with Sam Strong directing in his final show as Artistic Director. Set in Sydney in the 1980s, the play positioned the city as a character that seemed to lure unsuspecting idealists with the promise of fulfilled fantasies and left them with their dreams shattered on the pavement. This excursion supports the students’ current unit of study entitled “Share”, which celebrates the power of Drama to tell stories and share understandings of the human experience within Australia, including our Indigenous cultures.

Ms Emilia Keene
Head of The Arts

Primary Matters

Primary House Leaders Liturgy

Last Thursday, our Primary community acknowledged a group of Year 6 students who have been selected as House Leaders for 2020. The celebration liturgy was led by Fr Lewy and Fr Michael and was attended by all students in Primary, invited parents and staff.

Our Year 6 House Leaders include:

• Albini - Eamon Harvey
• Anthony - Joshua Maguire
• Cebula - Luke Coffey
• Charlebois - Joseph Mantini
• Gerard - William Schiller
• Grandin - James Turner
• MacKillop - Sam Grigor
• Mazenod - Samuel Brits

Congratulations to our House Leaders and we wish them every success in demonstrating student leadership within our Primary community.

Mr Brayden Teece
Head of Primary Years

Instrumental Music

Concert Band 4 at Assembly

Thanks to Mrs Corkeron and the students in Concert Band 4 for their performance at assembly today. The boys played really well and they have definitely made a huge improvement from when they were in our Year 5 band.

Music Concert – Week 8

The following ensembles will be performing at the first concert of the year – Iona Wind Ensemble, Chamber Strings 1, Iona Singers, Guitar Ensemble 1, Percussion Ensemble 1, Big Band 1 and the Year 11 Vocal Ensemble. It will be a fantastic night of music and we will also officially present our Music Captains with their badges. Students are to arrive at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.

MSG Meeting – Monday 9 March, 7.00pm

Our next Music Supporters Group meeting is this Monday! Thank you all for your donations so far. If you are interested in helping out throughout the year at a BBQ or concert then please let us know or come along on Monday.

Mr Brian L’Huillier
Head of Instrumental Music

From the Library

Library Volunteers

On Wednesday 25 March from 9.00am – 10.00am, a welcome morning tea will be held for everyone who has nominated to volunteer in the Library in 2020. The venue will be the Rita Daly area of the Library. This morning will serve as a general information session, as well as a “get to know you” opportunity for volunteers. If you would like to attend, please let us know via the sign up link below.

We're using SignUp.com (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organise our volunteering. Please see the Volunteering information at the end of this newsletter and use the links provided to sign up.

Mrs Catherine Shaw
Head of Library

2020 College Production

Addams Family the Musical – 28 to 31 May

A big weekend of rehearsals

Once again, we had an amazing weekend of rehearsals on Friday 28 February and Sunday 1 March. The band was pumping, the cast where focused and the staff were exhausted!

Thank you to old boys Patrick Elkington (2018), Nick Hurford (2016), Harry Leis (2018) and Earl Tonogbanua (2019) for giving up their time to help us out.

Thanks also to the staff and supporters who provided their expertise: Ms Elizabeth Adey, Mr David Cooke, Mrs Shirley Gray, Mrs Julie Jeffries, Mr Philip Jeffries, Ms Brittany Kelleher, Mrs Megen Kelleher, Mr Brian L’Huillier, Mrs Aimee McDonald, Mrs Bernadette O’Leary, Ms Danni-Elle Reading, Ms Rebecca Stevens, Mrs Anne Stone, Mrs Megan Vardanega, Mrs Leanne Van Genderen and Mrs Jenna Woodforth.

Addams Rehearsals

Mrs Emilia Keene
Director

From the Iona College Archives

Did you know?

That the Iona College Sports Complex was officially opened on 27 October 1974? The Complex included a swimming pool, two squash courts, a Reception Room upstairs and a sauna. On Opening Day, two world class swimmers put on a swim display while four people put on a squash exhibition. Three of Australia’s top-seeded squash players participated in this exhibition.

For four years previously, about thirty students travelled to Balmoral and Wynnum courts to learn the game of squash. In 1975, to alleviate crowding on the new College courts, further courts were hired at both Balmoral and Wynnum to provide each player with a fair time every day on the courts. In this way, more players could be introduced to the game. Inter-school matches were played that year in the Association of Catholic Colleges (A.C.C.) competition. Iona College’s Under 15 squash team won the premiership after narrowly defeating St James’ College in the final.

College Archives has limited information and photographs related to playing squash at Iona. If you have any relevant material, you may like to consider donating it to Archives where it will be kept for the past, current and future Iona community. My contact details are: T 3906 8941 or E mamminor@iona.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Rosemary Mammino
College Archivist

Pathways – Careers

This week’s careers information includes the topics listed below.

• Date Claimers
• STEM Futures Day (Year 12)
• The UQ Ventures Discovery program – for entrepreneurs
• Work Experience with the CSIRO
• Work Experience: Queensland Government
• SCIPS post school options session – for recent school-leavers
• Options Newsletter 3 is now available

Ms Helen Murdoch
Careers Counsellor

Sport

AIC Swimming Championships

Congratulations to Villanova College who took out the Primary aggregate and to St Peters who won the Secondary competition. Iona won the AIC Year 5 division, came third in Senior aggregate and fourth in Primary aggregate. Congratulations to all swimmers and coaching staff. Thank you to our supporters who cheered and supported with great pride and spirit.

Each of our swimmers proudly wore swimming caps designed and created by Iona Old Boys Matt Serrurier (2011) and Ambrose Killian (2011) who have explained the artwork below.

“Unity” by MA Deadly Art

This piece was completed by MA Deadly Art in early 2020 for Iona College and their swim team. Although swimming is seen as an individual sport this piece represents the unity and support from the swim team and school surrounding.

The centre circle of dots in Aboriginal culture represents a group or meeting place, in this instance it is the swim team and the Iona community. The U shapes surrounding this are each member of the swim team with the symbolism meaning hunter or man, to show that these young men are strong and hunting for a winning result. On the outside of the painting is a waterway to represent the pool in which each member of the team will compete in.

This week’s sport photos

Thank you to those who supplied photos for this week’s gallery, which includes sailing and AIC AFL, cricket and volleyball.

If you would like to share your photos with the College, for possible use in our newsletters and other College publications, please email them to otwayk@iona.qld.edu.au.

Mr Keith Harron
Head of Sport

Uniform Shop

Year 11 Blazers

Pre ordered Blazers are now ready for collection from the Uniform Shop.

Trousers are a compulsory part of the Years 11 and 12 uniform to be worn with blazers in Terms 2 and 3. These are now in stock and ready for purchase.

New Gorilla swimwear and hooded towels

• Gorilla speedos - $50
• Gorilla swim shorts - $60
• Hooded towels - $50

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 to: 07 3893 8863

Trading Hours

Mrs Madonna Codd
Uniform Shop Manager

Volunteering

It is only through the voluntary efforts of our parents and carers, that the College can continue to offer services to our students. These efforts continue a most generous tradition which began sixty-three years ago.

Listed below are the avenues for volunteering which are available now. Please use the links below to select suitable dates and times through SignUp.com and don’t forget to sign the attendance register at each commitment event.

Signing up is quick and easy!

• Click on the SignUp.com link provided.
• Scroll through the available dates and make your selection.
• SignUp.com will email you a reminder 48 hours before your selected date.

• You can also swap dates with other people if you are unable to attend on your selected date.
• If you cannot make a shift which you have signed up for, please remove yourself from SignUp for the day in question. This will ensure that spot is left open for someone else to add their name.

Please note that all volunteers are required to complete the online Volunteer Induction Program.

Tuckshop

If you require assistance with your sign up, or if you are unable to attend your selected day and are unable to swap via SignUp, please email tuckshop@iona.qld.edu.au.

To provide a safe working environment, a minimum dress standard is required when volunteering in the Tuckshop as it is a food production area. Closed in shoes, no singlet tops and hair longer than shoulder length must be worn up. All volunteers must also wear a hat. If you don't have a hat, one will be supplied to you along with an apron on arrival.

Library

If you require assistance with your sign up, or if you are unable to attend your selected day and are unable to swap via SignUp, please email library@iona.qld.edu.au.

Sport Supporters

Click on the link below to select dates and times to assist in the Volleyball canteen on Saturday mornings.

P & F Colour Run and Welcome BBQ

The P & F would greatly appreciate assistance with set up, registration, cooking/serving and supervision on Sunday 15 March.

College Production

Assistance is required with dress rehearsals in May and over the performance nights, 28 to 31 May. Volunteers are also needed to help with dinners. Please note that all College Production volunteers are required to have a Volunteer Status Blue Card.