Dear Iona Community

As we begin Term 3, Frs Lewy Keelty, John Sherman, Joshua Nash and I warmly welcome back all members of our school family: students, staff, and parents.

We hope the recent break offered time to rest, to reconnect with loved ones, and to return renewed in heart and spirit.

This new term presents us with fresh opportunities to grow not only in knowledge but in our relationships with one another and with Christ, as we continue our shared journey shaped by faith and the charism of the Oblates.

On 5 July, we joyfully acknowledged a remarkable milestone in the life of Fr John Sherman OMI, who celebrated the 60th anniversary of his Ordination to the priesthood. On behalf of our entire school community, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Fr John for his lifetime of faithful service, humility, and devotion to the Oblate mission.

As a community, we will honour and celebrate this significant occasion during our Assumption Day Mass on 15 August. It will be a fitting time to give thanks for Fr John’s witness to Christ and for the many ways he continues to enrich our lives.

In the tradition of St Eugene de Mazenod, we are reminded to “leave nothing undared”. Let us be courageous in our learning, generous in our service, and present to one another with the loving attentiveness that defines us as a community of Ionians.

We pray for God’s continued blessing upon our school. May His Spirit animate all that we do, guiding us, strengthening our bonds, and keeping us united in love and purpose.

As we settle into the rhythm of the term, our hearts are deeply moved by the tragic loss of a young life in our wider community. On Wednesday morning, a Year 9 student from Wynnum State High School was taken suddenly and tragically in an accident.

In the Oblate tradition of standing close to the broken and the suffering, we hold this young person, the family, and the Wynnum High community in our heartfelt prayers. We extend our solidarity and compassion, honouring their grief and offering our support through the quiet strength of prayer and presence.

In this moment of sorrow, may we be reminded of our calling to be people of hope. As St Eugene urged his first missionaries, so too are we invited to be beacons of Christ’s love in a wounded world carrying one another through darkness with faith, tenderness, and unwavering care.

Together, may we live this term as a community of compassion, courage, and peace.

God bless,

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector