Primary Matters
Thank You
As I reflect on my retirement, I am filled with deep gratitude for the incredible support, encouragement and warm affection I have received throughout my journey, over the 34 years!
A heartfelt thank you to the Oblate Priests for their unwavering guidance and compassion and to all colleagues whom I have worked with and have been a constant source of strength.
I am equally thankful to the entire Iona community, whose warmth, camaraderie, and shared purpose have enriched my experience here in countless ways.
Whilst I will undoubtedly miss the daily interactions and the work we’ve done together, I also look forward with anticipation to the next chapter of my life, knowing that the memories and friendships forged here will remain with me for all time!
Thank you, Ionians!
Kia Kaha
Mr Peter Holmes
Dean of Primary Years
Year 6 Camps
A reminder to Year 6 families that our rescheduled camp will be held in Week 2 of Term 3 – 21 to 25 July.
- Camp 1 – 6B 6M 6W – Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 July
- Camp 2 – 6E 6R 6S – Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 July
Further information and a packing guide will be emailed to families. Don’t forget to pack for the cooler weather.
I-Can Army Semester Summary
During the last semester, the I-Can Army was involved in several initiatives to support sustainability and stewardship of our land. A dedicated bunch of young men have given up lunch times and after school hours to help make a difference in our community.
Listed below are the initiatives they have been involved in:
- Caring for the environment by removing rubbish, particularly around the Primary Zinelli and Sherman buildings, handball courts and Davine Oval.
- Protecting wetlands adjoining St Eugene’s Park in partnership with other interested senior students and teachers.
- Created posters to promote care for the environment and how we should use the green bins correctly to recycle and earn money for the school.
- Organised weekly recycling of paper and drink cans and bottles.
- Tidying the Sherman garden beds in preparation for Open Day.
- Planting two garden beds with a variety of herbs, tomatoes, lettuce, capsicum - all intended to reduce food miles and donate fresh produce to the canteen.
- Planted another garden bed with flowers to bring some colour and happiness to the Primary area.
- Completed an environmental survey to identify areas of improvement for our community.
Next semester, the I-Can Army will continue the good work they have been doing and also look to promote further environmental initiatives such as:
- Hosting a ‘nude food day’ which encourages people to pack their lunches without any packaging or wrapping, promoting a waste-free and environmentally friendly approach to food consumption.
- Adding compost bins and a worm farm to compliment the food gardens and assist in reducing landfill waste, improving soil health, and producing nutrient-rich fertilizer.
The I-Can Army is always looking for volunteers to assist in future projects. They meet with me every Wednesday at second break.
‘Who can? I-Can!’
Be well.
Mr Troy Condon
Primary Years Student Wellbeing
Interhouse Track & Field
Yesterday our youngest Ionians participated in the 2025 Interhouse Track and Field Carnival. Sportsmanship, endeavour and competitiveness were on full display as houses competed against each other to claim success.
These community days are a special part of the College calendar, and it was fantastic to see boys of all abilities participating, having fun, and helping to strengthen the Iona spirit.
This year, we proudly introduced a new award the “Mr Holmes Spirit of the Carnival”, in recognition of Mr Holmes’ outstanding dedication and service to Primary Track and Field. This award celebrates a student who embodies the Ionian values of teamwork, leadership, encouragement, and house spirit. Congratulations to our inaugural recipient, Xavier Doohan.
Congratulations to our other winners:
- Year 5 Age Champion: Charles Gillan
- Year 6 Age Champion: Henry Astill
- Year 5 Champion House: Chisolm Cebula
- Year 6 Champion House: Chisolm Cebula
- Overall Primary Champion House: Chisolm Cebula
Special thanks to all primary staff, grounds staff, visiting support staff, families and most importantly the primary Ionians. Well done all on a fantastic day!
Mr Connor Russell
Assistant Head of Sport – Primary
Farewell Mr Holmes
Today, our student community farewells Mr Peter Holmes after 34 years of remarkable dedication to Iona College. Mr Holmes leaves behind a legacy of unwavering support, compassion, and commitment to every student, family, and staff member. Over the past week, the College community has had multiple opportunities to celebrate and honour his incredible service.
At a moving whole College assembly last week, Mr Holmes was met with a standing ovation, a testament to the profound impact he has had on our Primary and Secondary students alike.
The Primary community gathered in IPAC for a special Liturgy on Tuesday, reflecting on how Mr Holmes has shared his light in countless ways over the years. As a symbol of this, he was presented with a hand-made mosaic cross, crafted with care by Year 5 and 6 students, who placed their own piece of glass into the design.
Yesterday, a new award was proudly introduced to the Primary Interhouse Track and Field Carnival in recognition of Mr Holmes’ outstanding dedication and service to Primary Track and Field. The ‘Mr Holmes Spirit of the Carnival’ award celebrates a student who embodies the Ionian values of teamwork, leadership, encouragement, and house spirit. Congratulations to our inaugural recipient, Xavier Doohan.
Today, he was honoured with a guard of honour, followed by a Primary assembly where every Year 5 and 6 class presented him with hand-signed cards, expressing their gratitude and well-wishes.
Mr Holmes leaves Iona with deep respect and heartfelt thanks from a community forever shaped by his presence.
