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