From the Principal
Dear members of the Iona community,
A warm welcome back to Term 3. I hope the recent break provided your family with a chance to rest, reconnect, and prepare for the busy and rewarding term that lies ahead.
Term 3 is always a very eventful period in our school calendar, offering a wide range of opportunities for learning, growth, and community connection. Over the coming weeks, our students will engage in a rich and varied program that reflects the spirit and diversity of life at Iona and there are community opportunities for parents and staff.
Among some of the key events this term are our Student Progress Meetings. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to reflect on each student’s academic achievements and challenges so far this year, and to set meaningful goals for the remainder of 2025. Information about how to book these interviews will be sent to families shortly, and we encourage parents and caregivers to take part in these important conversations to support their son's learning journey.
Yesterday our Year 9 students and staff headed off on their annual camp – an experience designed to build resilience, leadership, and a sense of camaraderie amongst the cohort as they continue their growth and development.
Senior students will also take important steps toward their own growth and post-school pathways through events such as the Year 12 University Expo while students in Years 8, 9 and 10 will, during this term, engage in Subject Selection and SET Planning processes to consider their future courses of study.
Meanwhile, the energy and talent of our performing arts program will be on display with three Music Concerts scheduled throughout the term, while students in Theatresports teams will compete in inter-school competitions that showcase their quick thinking, humour, and collaborative spirit. Our public speaker students will also engage in opportunities to demonstrate their eloquence and skill.
A major highlight of this term is our Oblate Mission Action Day (OMAD) – a special time for our community to come together in support of the Oblate missions around the world. Further communication about OMAD will be shared with families shortly. This important day, along with the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, provides us with powerful reminders of our Catholic identity and shared mission.
For parents, the Black and White Dinner will be held on Saturday 26 July providing a wonderful opportunity for parents to socialise while raising some funds to support their children’s Iona education.
Finally, a significant development this term is the College’s transition from Compass to a new Student Management System (TASS). As you may be aware from previous communications last term, this change is aimed at improving access and usability for both families and staff. Earlier this week, families received additional information outlining how to navigate the new system. This communication included contact information should you require further assistance. On the first day our students were taken through a tour of the new system so that they can understand what the changes will mean for them. We thank you for your patience and support as we continue this important transition.
And these are just a snapshot of what is occurring across the term. As you can see, Term 3 promises to be full of energy, learning, and memorable moments. As always, I encourage students and parents to do their best to make the most of the opportunities and to continue to support one another to grow in joy, wisdom, character, and faith.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. We look forward to sharing the many moments of enjoyment, rigour and grace that this term will no doubt bring.
God bless,
Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal