Dear Iona families,

As we approach the mid-point in Term 3, we are called to celebrate all that is good about being Ionian with OMAD this Friday.

I am looking forward to celebrating Mass with the community and enjoying the festivities that have been planned for the students and staff.

It is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be an Ionian and to contribute to the works that are at the heart of the Oblate mission.

Academics

Thank you to the parents who joined us in Week 4 to celebrate the academic achievements of those young men who achieved 70% ‘A’ results across their subjects in Semester 1.

It was wonderful that so many of you could join in celebrating their achievement.

We also took time to celebrate academic growth and acknowledge the Senior students who have completed Certificate qualifications and secured apprenticeships. I look forward to seeing more students being celebrated in this way into the future!

As we move into the second half of the year, students need to continue to eat their PEAS – through persistence with their studies, putting in the effort and having a positive attitude.

High Expectations

When we talk of being Ionian, we need to remember that this means we are courageous, kind and act with integrity.

Over the past week, I have had the opportunity to unpack what it means to have integrity – making the right decision even when no one is watching.

The right decision will be the one that respects the dignity of all, and reveals that you are the type of person who does what they say they are going to do.

I encourage all students to embody what it means to be Ionian, to be an upstander, and act with integrity. Through Homeroom, Prosper and messages delivered at each of our assemblies, our young men are encouraged and reminded of this on a regular basis. 

Train Travel

This is a reminder in the interests of all passengers:

• Avoid standing in larger groups and blocking the priority seating
• Show consideration for fellow passengers – especially the elderly, pregnant women and young children

Language is Powerful 

Language is more than communication, it’s connection. When we speak with warmth, kindness and respect we create a culture where every student and family feels seen, valued and safe.

Our ability to say hello, engage in conversation or even acknowledging with a smile are simple ways we express our welcome to those in our community.

For our students, the words we use and the way we use them to speak to one another builds the culture of our school.

Encouraging words, and respectful conversations contribute to Iona being a sage and welcoming place for all.

We must encourage our students to use words in a way that respects the dignity of all, remembering language is powerful. If you can’t say something kind or respectful, don’t say it.

TASS: Vision for the future

The implementation of TASS is the beginning of some significant improvements that all members of our community will benefit from in the years to come.

We are in the middle of exploring analytics platforms that will capture your son’s academic and wellbeing data, Learning Management Systems that will streamline teaching and learning resources and reduce the administrative burden on teachers, and simplifying marking and reporting processes so that teachers have a single point of data entry.

These improvements will continue to be rolled out over the next year and you, as parents, will be informed of these updates along the way.

As we move into the second half of the term, I look forward to working in partnership with all of our Iona families in realising the vision of the College and supporting every young man to know and grow into their potential.

God bless,

Mr Adam McPhee
Deputy Principal