Library
Reminder: Return Overdue Library Books
As Semester 1 draws to a close, the St Eugene de Mazenod Library will be following up on overdue books. To help ensure your son’s library account is up-to-date, here are a few ways to check for overdue items:
- Encourage your son to log into his Library Account and view “Checked Out Items.” Any overdue books will be highlighted in red.
- Email assistance: Contact the library directly at library@iona.qld.edu.au for a detailed update.
- Classroom notifications: Lists of overdue books will also be shared during Homeroom and Library lessons.
Thank you for helping us maintain a well-stocked and organised library for all students!
Year 9 & 10 Students Inspired by Author Josh Donellan
Last week, our Year 9 and 10 students were captivated by a visit from the multi-talented Josh Donellan—an author, musician, poet, and teacher renowned for his vibrant storytelling and adventurous spirit.
Josh shared engaging anecdotes and practical advice, sparking curiosity and creativity among the students. His insights into the art of writing, storytelling, and navigating the creative process left a lasting impression, with many students actively participating and eager to learn more.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Josh for sharing his expertise and passion. We’re confident his words will inspire our budding writers for years to come.
Exciting New Additions to the Library!
The library is thrilled to unveil the latest arrivals, handpicked during our visit to the Mad Hatter Bookshop. Thanks to our students’ enthusiastic recommendations, we’ve added a fantastic selection of titles to our collection.
These eagerly awaited books are now displayed on our New Releases table and are ready to be borrowed. Don’t miss the chance to explore these fresh reads—selected by students, for students!
Workshop with Dannika Patterson
On Monday, Iona College welcomed author Dannika Patterson for a special workshop presented by the Queensland Family & Child Commission. The session centred on children’s rights, inspired by Dannika’s latest book, The Big Book of Rights.
Students engaged in meaningful discussions about the book’s themes and created individual artworks reflecting the powerful message: “Every Queensland child is loved, respected, and has their rights upheld.”
We extend our thanks to Dannika and the Commission for facilitating this enriching and thought-provoking experience for our students.
Art Competition Opportunity
Students are invited to showcase their creativity by entering an art competition hosted by Children’s Rights Queensland (CRQ) and the Queensland Family & Child Commission (QFCC).
With $2,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, this is a fantastic chance to express your artistic talent while supporting the theme of children’s rights.
For more details and submission guidelines, visit: childrensrightsqld.org.au/art-competition-2025
Author Dave Lowe Inspires Year 5 Students
On Tuesday, Iona College had the pleasure of welcoming Dave Lowe, a celebrated author of children’s books and co-writer of the Bluey episode Café.
Dave captivated our Year 5 students with stories from his childhood and shared invaluable writing tips to spark their creativity:- Grab attention: Start with a compelling opening sentence.
- Think "What If?": Craft unique and unusual scenarios.
- Build strong characters: Create a grid detailing your characters’ likes, dislikes, fears, and talents.
- Plot with purpose: Introduce “pebble, rock, and boulder” problems to drive the story.
- Edit relentlessly: Rewrite, rewrite, and always read your work aloud.
We thank Dave for his engaging session, which has left our budding writers inspired and eager to put pen to paper!
Holiday Reading Made Easy with Sora
The school holidays are fast approaching - why not make reading part of the adventure?
If you’re heading out on a road trip, audiobooks on the Sora platform are a great way to keep your son entertained during the drive. For those traveling by plane, eBooks are a convenient choice to save luggage space while providing endless reading options. If you’re staying home, Sora offers hundreds of magazines on topics like cooking, music, nature, sports, and more - perfect for relaxing and exploring new interests.
Encourage your son to log into Sora and discover the perfect holiday read, no matter where the break takes you!
Ms Donna Stephens
Head of Library