Welcome Back to Term 2!

A warm welcome back to all students, staff, and families for the start of Term 2. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the incredibly warm welcome I’ve received since joining the Iona College community. It has been a privilege to witness firsthand the spirit, pride and character that make our College such a unique and vibrant place.

Over the break, I came across a humorous yet deeply insightful piece titled The Secret Language of Teenage Boys. It resonated strongly with me — and, I suspect, with many of our families.

It captured the curious and often confusing communication style of adolescent boys: a mix of grunts, nods, and one-word answers that somehow convey whole universes of meaning.

One moment they’re monosyllabic and glued to their phone. The next, they’re engaging passionately with their mates or quietly helping a younger sibling with their homework.

These teenage years are complex and formative. Our boys are navigating the challenging bridge between childhood and adulthood, and our job is to walk beside them, not in front.

Sometimes that means listening without pushing, offering guidance without judgment —and, occasionally, just bringing snacks and giving them space.

At Iona, we remain committed to supporting our young men on this journey with both compassion and high expectations.

Creating Lifelong Memories: Parent-Son Evenings at Iona

Iona College warmly invites Year 7 and Year 8 families to share in a meaningful and memorable evening designed to strengthen the special bond between parents and sons.

Year 8 Father-Son Night
Tuesday 29 April 2025
Oblate Hall
6.15pm for a 6.30pm start (concludes by 8.45pm)

A unique opportunity for Year 8 boys and their fathers (or male mentors) to connect, reflect and grow together through an engaging and heartfelt evening program. You can register via this link. 

Year 7 Mother-Son Night
Wednesday 7 May 2025
Oblate Hall
6.15pm for a 6.30pm start (concludes by 8.45pm)

An inspiring night for Year 7 boys and their mothers (or female mentors) to come together and create lasting memories at this important time in their journey. You can register via this link. 

Don’t miss this chance to share a powerful experience that celebrates the relationships that matter most.

Below are a few important reminders for the term ahead. It is essential that we continue to work together as a team — supporting one another and the young men in our care to ensure a positive and respectful environment for all.

Haircuts: Please ensure that hairstyles remain within the College guidelines — no faux mullets, hair blended on the sides, and hair kept off the collar and out of the eyes.

Students arriving with inappropriate styles may be sent home or have break-time privileges revoked. See page 117 of the College Diary for full details.

Train etiquette: Iona students are representatives of our College beyond the gates. Please remind your son/s of the following expectations whilst on public transport:

• Always tap on and off — pay for your travel.
• Offer your seat to adults, and no bags on seats.
• Respect ‘quiet carriage’ rules.
• Behave respectfully and responsibly.
• Be an upstander, not a bystander. Speak up when you see inappropriate behaviour.

Assembly changes: This term, we are trialling a new structure for House assemblies and introducing ‘Phase assemblies’ to enhance communication and foster a deeper connection with students.

Let’s work together to make Term 2 a time of growth, learning, and positive relationships.

Mr Steven Hohn
Dean of Middle Years