This week has been one of those rare moments in the life of a school where multiple threads of our Iona spirit have come together in such a powerful and visible way - through sport, service, and community.

On Monday evening, I had the privilege of attending part of the Cross Country Presentation Dinner. It was a celebration not only of athletic achievement, but of the camaraderie, character, and commitment that define our runners. There was joy in the room - genuine joy - in honouring one another, sharing stories of the season, and recognising the quiet and consistent efforts that have led to success. That same spirit carried into Wednesday’s AIC Championship event, where our Primary team achieved equal first place with Marist College Ashgrove and our Year 7–12 team secured a proud second, behind Marist. These results speak volumes of the culture within the team: a culture of pushing hard for one another, celebrating the journey as much as the outcome, and giving their all in the black and white.

That same energy and pride will no doubt carry into this weekend’s highly anticipated Old Boys Day of sport, as we face much respected opposition, St Laurence’s College. Old Boys Day is always a special time. This Saturday, we will welcome back men from all eras of Iona’s history - from the early founding years right through to the recent past. Their presence reminds us of the strong and enduring legacy they have built, and the responsibility we now carry to live up to and build upon that tradition. It’s a moment of generational connection, where past and present come together in a shared connection and identity as Ionians.

This week has also seen our community turn red for Rosies Week, a time to focus on the heart of what it means to serve. Across the week, students have participated in Milo Mornings, service activities, and tomorrow a free dress day designed to raise both funds and awareness for Rosies’ work with those who are homeless or socially isolated. The Rosies Sleep Out will take place this weekend, offering our young people a first-hand encounter with the discomfort and dignity involved in understanding the experience of others. Importantly, Rosies will also be present on Old Boys Day - a timely reminder to all in our community that the Iona spirit is not just about strength in competition, but also about compassion in action.

As I reflect on this remarkable week, I’m reminded that being an Ionian is about so much more than any one achievement or event. It’s about relationships - those we forge in the tough training sessions, the early morning or late night service efforts, the classroom, and the stands. It’s about striving for excellence, but never at the cost of our values. And it’s about remembering, always, that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and carry the torch for those yet to come.

Let us carry this spirit with us through the weekend and beyond.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal