Dear members of the Iona community,

It is remarkable that in just one week’s time, Term 1 will draw to a close. The past nine weeks have been filled with energy, commitment and growth across many aspects of College life — spiritual, academic, cultural, and sporting.

From the very beginning of the school year, the activities around the College have been ongoing and we are incredibly grateful for the efforts of all who have contributed so generously to the life of our College including staff, volunteers and students.

It has been wonderful to see the school spirit and dedication to classwork evident in so many students this term. Despite the challenge of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, it has certainly been a term of achievements and growing into our potential as individuals and as a community.

As we enter the Easter break, following the busyness of the term, I invite you to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning that this season offers.

Easter is at the heart of our Christian faith — a time of hope, renewal, and transformation. It reminds us that light follows darkness, that life conquers death, and that love ultimately triumphs.

Pope Francis once said: “Do not let yourselves be robbed of hope.” These words feel particularly fitting at this time of year.

The Easter story is one of profound hope — hope that renews us, not only spiritually but also in the way we face life’s challenges and uncertainties. No matter what burdens we carry, Easter offers a moment of grace and the promise of new life.

In the spirit of that hope, I pray that the holiday period will be a time of renewal for all in our community. For many, this will be a time to step away from routine. It should rightly be a time to rest and recharge in one form or another.

For some students, family and staff it will be a two-week period of rest or taking on other challenges in life. For others, especially some of our dedicated staff who continue preparations for Term 2, it will only be a brief break over the Easter long weekend to perhaps rest and reflect. 

Whatever the case for our staff, I offer my heartfelt thanks for their mostly quiet and perhaps at times unnoticed but ongoing contributions.

I hope all get the opportunity to return from the Easter break feeling a sense of hope, peace and calm that Christ’s resurrection can bring to us as Christians.

May we return after the break renewed by the message of Easter ready to share kindness, patience and joy with others, and inspired and energised by a shared commitment to the growth of every member of our Iona community.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Easter.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal