Dear Iona community,

It was with great enthusiasm at assembly yesterday that we extended a warm welcome to both new and returning students as we embark on the 2025 school year.

I have enjoyed meeting new students and families over the past few days and am eager to connect with those I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet.

We welcomed our Year 5 students to the assembly with a round of applause as they arrived in The Provence Centre. This was a special experience that starts an exciting journey towards their personal and academic growth.

At Iona, we strive to be more than just a place of learning. We strive to be a community dedicated to nurturing each other’s God-given potential to help everyone achieve personal excellence.

Personal excellence is about doing our very best, and that varies uniquely from one person to another. Whether it means achieving all 'A' results or making significant strides from previous performances, our goal is to support each student in growing into their potential.

Our commitment as a school towards this goal extends beyond academic achievements. We strive to create an environment where every student feels safe and empowered to explore their talents, whether in academics, sports or the arts. As a Christian, Catholic College, our mission has its foundations in the teachings of Jesus, which call us to foster a compassionate and just world.

A foundational aspect of our ethos, which I discussed with all students at assembly yesterday, is the guiding principles of the Golden and Silver Rules. These ‘rules’ are vital in shaping our interactions within our community:

• The Golden Rule: "Treat others the way you want to be treated."
  This principle encourages proactive kindness and empathy. It's about making positive choices that uplift others — whether through a welcoming smile, a kind word, or a helping hand when someone is in need. An example I gave was that, if you appreciate when others include you, make an effort to include those who might be feeling left out.
• The Silver Rule: "Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you."
  Also simplified to "Do no harm", this rule serves as a reminder to avoid actions that could harm or exclude others. It teaches us to consider our actions carefully, ensuring that we avoid causing distress or discomfort to others. The example I shared was that this could mean stepping back from making a hurtful comment or choosing not to participate in gossip.

Our students heard that these principles help us cultivate a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and part of a caring community.

By embracing these ‘rules’, they contribute to making Iona a place where everyone looks forward to being each day — a place that feels safe for everyone to work towards the goal of recognising and growing into their God-given potential and achieve personal excellence.

I am excited to see what we will achieve together in 2025 by continuing to build on the positive contributions that have shaped the outstanding facilities and community we cherish at Iona.

Of course, community is built on relationships. One person who establishes strong relationships with both students and parents is Ms Lisa Mugridge.

After unfortunately receiving some health news after Christmas, Ms Mugridge will be taking leave during Term 1 to focus on her health.

Ms. Mugridge has been a pillar of kindness and care at Iona, and while we will all miss her presence daily, she knows that every prayer and thought is being sent from all Ionians towards her and her recovery.

While we will miss Ms Mugridge during Term 1, we are very fortunate to have Mrs Rebecca Hayes stepping in to fill in at student reception. Mrs. Hayes brings her own warmth and professionalism, and we look forward to working with her this term.

Once again, welcome to a new school year filled with opportunities. I look forward to celebrating our collective achievements and witnessing the growth of our students in 2025.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal