Nick Earls Author Visit Brings Year 6 Novel to Life

Our Year 6 students have been immersed in the powerful novel New Boy, and earlier this week, they had the unique opportunity to meet the author, Nick Earls, right here at the College.

In a captivating presentation, Nick shared stories from his own life, including his journey from the turbulent streets of Northern Ireland to a new beginning in Brisbane. These personal experiences inspired the storyline of New Boy, where the main character navigates a similar transition from South Africa to Australia.

The students were deeply engaged and asked insightful questions, wondering whether Nick had missed his grandparents, if he had ever returned to Ireland, and whether he was good at writing in primary school.

Encounters like this help bring literature to life and inspire our young readers and writers. We are fortunate at Iona to welcome such accomplished authors and storytellers into our learning community.

Inspiration and Imagination: Author Tristan Bancks Visits Iona

Last week, students in Years 7 and 8 were fortunate to welcome acclaimed author Tristan Bancks to the College for an inspiring and engaging presentation.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a writer, Tristan shared valuable insights into the creative process, from planning and storytelling to the unexpected role music can play in sparking ideas. His visit also included a dedicated writers’ workshop, where aspiring young authors had the opportunity to develop their craft and gain practical tips, techniques, and inspiration to elevate their writing.

It was a memorable and motivating experience, and we’re confident the students walked away with a renewed passion for storytelling and a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a successful writer.

CBCA Book Week “Book an Adventure” Photo Competition

Whether you’ve been surfing, hiking, hang gliding, camping under the stars, exploring hidden places, or trying something totally out of the ordinary - we’d love to see it.

How to enter:

• Bring a printed photo of your adventure to the library
• or email it to: library@iona.qld.edu.au

Entries close Thursday 22 August - so don’t wait!  Prizes awarded for the most unique, daring, or original adventures.

Show us just how bold, brave, and adventurous you can be, and inspire others to “Book an Adventure” of their own!

Tutoring is Back – All Students Welcome

Whether you're aiming to boost your grades or strengthen your understanding of key subjects, come along and take advantage of this great opportunity. Everyone is welcome.

QBD Book Week Competition

We’re taking part in the 2025 QBD Book Week Competition, and you can help us score a massive $2,500 book voucher for our library!

Here’s how to get involved:

- Students grab an official flyer from the Library.
- Visit any QBD Books store (there's one at Carindale) - no need to buy anything.
- Hand the flyer to the counter staff.
- Each flyer = one point for Iona.

The competition is now open and runs through 23 August, with winners announced on 16 September.

Let’s pack QBD with Iona spirit and fill our shelves with epic new reads!

Flyers are waiting in the Library - grab one today and head to your local QBD!

QBD Book Selection at the Library

Last week, the St Eugene de Mazenod Library welcomed a special visit from QBD Books, who brought with them a diverse range of titles to support our patron-driven collection initiative. Over two lunchbreaks, students were invited to browse the selection and nominate books they’d like to see added to the College’s library collection.

This engaging initiative empowers students to have a say in shaping the library’s offerings, ensuring the shelves reflect their interests and reading preferences. Keep an eye out as these new titles start to appear in the collection and make their way into the hands of Iona’s keen readers.

Ms Donna Stephens
Head of Library