Dear Primary families,

I hope you were able to enjoy some quality time together over the Easter break. This time of year offers the opportunity to pause, reconnect and share special moments with loved ones.

Every term at Iona buzzes with energy, and Term 2 is no exception. Below is a snapshot of key events taking place across Iona Primary in the opening weeks of the term.

Mr Ben Black – 5B
We extend our warm congratulations to Mr Ben Black on his marriage during the Easter break. We hope he is enjoying a well-deserved honeymoon and wish him all the best during this special time.

While Mr Black is on leave for the first two weeks of Term 2, 5B is in the capable hands of Miss Abby Greenacre. We look forward to welcoming Mr Black back in time for the upcoming Student Progress Meetings.

Student Progress Meetings
These meetings are a significant part of the school year for both students and teachers. They provide families with a valuable opportunity to better understand their son’s academic progress and how he has settled into his new year level.

A few important reminders:

• All meetings will be held in The Provence Centre — not in classrooms.
• Students must attend alongside their parents.
• Students are to wear their full grey uniform, including their College tie.

ANZAC Day Services
Earlier this week, families were invited to attend one of the community ANZAC Day services taking place tomorrow.

Mr Condon and I will be attending the Manly-Lota service, while Mr Russell will represent Iona at the Wynnum RSL service.

Students who wish to participate must register their attendance via the link emailed to them by Mr Brayden Teece.

Interhouse Cross Country
Yesterday’s Cross Country event was a fantastic showcase of House spirit and community. A huge congratulations to all students who gave their best on the challenging 2km course weaving through the school grounds.

Special congratulations to our top runners from Years 5 and 6:

Year 5

1. Charles Gillan
2. Finn Vidler
3. Liam Waldock

Year 6

1. William Stevenson
2. Ethan Sonnekus
3. Arlo Pickford

There were some outstanding performances and very promising signs as we prepare for the AIC Cross Country Championships later this term.

Uniform Reminders
As we move through Term 2, a reminder that the full grey uniform, including the College tie, is required. This week, I’ve challenged all students to learn how to tie their own tie. While some have cleverly kept a perfect knot all year, it's important that every student is confident in tying it themselves — just in case!

During cooler mornings, only the grey knit College jumper is to be worn with the grey uniform.

Tuesday Sport Uniform
On Tuesdays, students are to wear the College polo shirt with Iona PE shorts to and from school. On chilly days, students may also wear the Iona tracksuit top — no other jumpers, please.

Class Photos – Monday
A final reminder that class photos will be taken this Monday 28 April for all Year 5 and 6 classes. Of all days, this is the time to ensure uniforms are clean and well-presented. Please help your son arrive with polished shoes, tidy hair, and a neat, complete uniform.

Term 2 Primary Date Claimers

Here are our date claimers for Years 5 and 6 for the first half of Term 2:

Week 2

• Class Photos – Monday 28 April, IPAC
  Year 6 – Period 1
  Year 5 – Period 2
• Open Day Tour Guide Training (session 1) – Thursday 1 May, Period 2 in Zinelli 3
  For Year 6 students who have volunteered to be Open Day Tour Guides
• Student Progress Meetings (Student Free Day) – Friday 2 May, The Provence Centre

Week 3

• Labour Day Public Holiday – Monday 5 May
• Student Progress Meetings - Tuesday 6 May, 3.30pm – 6pm, The Provence Centre
• Sacramental Program (Penance) – Wednesday 7 May, Period 2, POD
  For students who have registered for the Sacramental Program
• Open Day Tour Guide Training (session 2) – Thursday 8 May, Period 5, Lecture Theatre
  For Year 6 students who have volunteered to be Open Day Tour Guides
• Year 5 Kaboom Music Incursion – Friday 9 May
  5B – Period 1
  5C – Period 2
  5V – Period 3

Week 4

• Sacramental Program (Penance) – Wednesday 14 May, Period 1, POD
  For students who have registered for the Sacramental Program
• Open Day – Friday 16 May, 1.30pm – 4pm

Week 5

• Year 6 Parliament House Excursions – 8.30am – 1.15pm
  6E, 6R and 6W – Monday 19 May
  6B, 6M and 6S – Tuesday 20 May
  Further information will be communicated to Year 6 families

Week 6

• Year 6 Guest Speaker, Cr Alex Givney – Monday 26 May, Period 4, Lecture Theatre
• Sacramental Program (Confirmation) – Wednesday 28 May, Period 1, POD
  For students who have registered for the Sacramental Program
• Year 6 Mother’s Day Liturgy – Friday 30 May, 9.30am – 11am, IPAC
  Invitations will be distributed to Year 6 families in the near future

Mr Brendan Allen
Acting Dean of Primary Years