Dear members of the Iona community

Over the past week, Iona College has hosted our first term Student Progress Meetings—an important opportunity that reinforces the partnership between home and school in support of every student’s learning journey. These meetings are a key moment in the year for reflection, dialogue, and direction-setting. They offer a valuable opportunity for parents and students to sit down with teachers, hear honest feedback, and consider what steps can be taken next to support both academic growth and personal development. They provide a true opportunity for student reflection and growth guided by the adults who can support them in that process.

We thank all families who took the time to be part of these conversations. Whether the feedback was affirming or challenging, it is the response that matters most. There is little point in attending these meetings without identifying positive steps to continue growth. Students are encouraged to act on the insights shared to identify clear goals and to carry a spirit of responsibility and optimism into the remainder of this term and beyond. Growth requires identifying what can be done better and then actioning those things identified. In this way, these meetings can be beneficial to students and parents by sparking meaningful conversations at home, individual action by our students and hopefully further progress in the weeks ahead.

My thanks go to the teaching staff for their thoughtful preparation and care of each student and their family and helping to set progress goals for the terms ahead. The insight provided in these meetings are the product of deep professional insight and the genuine desire of our staff to see our students thrive. We also acknowledge the efforts of our office staff for managing bookings and communications, and our grounds and maintenance team for setting up and packing down the venue with care and efficiency. These opportunities could not have been provided without these ‘angels’ who work in the background to ensure the success of the event.

Running alongside the Student Progress Meetings on Monday night was our Careers Expo—an increasingly significant event in the College calendar. The Expo provided a vibrant and informative space where students and families could explore potential career pathways, speak directly with university representatives, and engage with professionals from a diverse range of fields. These conversations can help ignite ideas, clarify interests, and broaden a student’s understanding of what their future might hold. For students in Years 10–12 in particular, the opportunity to discuss study options, career directions, and pathways beyond school is a vital part of forming a sense of vocation and direction at a time when a little more focus on a specific goal may be just what is needed. Again, the event was facilitated by teachings staff, office staff and our grounds and maintenance team. Thank you again to these people for your support of our students.

Together, the Student Progress Meetings and the Careers Expo represent key ways in which we support our students in becoming reflective, informed, and purposeful young people. These events are a practical expression of our commitment to helping each Ionian grow into their potential and strive for personal excellence—both in the classroom and for life beyond school.

I hope that we can continue to proactively walk this journey together, encouraging every student to be engaged in their learning, to set goals grounded in purpose, and to take confident steps toward the future they are shaping.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal