Dear Ionians,

This week, Oblates from across Australia are gathered in Melbourne for their annual retreat - a time of prayer, reflection, and renewal.

For the Oblates, this is not just a pause from their daily ministry, but a deeply important opportunity to be nourished in faith, reconnect with their vocation, and strengthen the bonds of community that sustain their mission.

The retreat serves as a powerful reminder to us at Iona of the central place that faith holds in our community. Just as the Oblates take time away to ground themselves in prayer and spiritual reflection, so too are we invited to remember that faith is not an “extra” in our lives, but the very foundation of who we are.

Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, in service activities, or at the altar, our life together at Iona is animated by the belief that God is with us, guiding us to live with purpose, generosity and compassion.

As we hold the Oblates in prayer during this week of retreat, may their witness inspire us to pause, reflect and find strength in our own journeys of faith.

In a world that often moves too quickly, our Iona community is blessed to be shaped by a rhythm of faith which calls us to grow, not only in knowledge and achievement, but in spirit, character, and love.

Love in our Catholic tradition is not merely a feeling or sentiment - it is action. It is the daily choice to see the dignity in others, especially those who may be different to us, and to extend kindness where it may not always be easy.

In our world today, where division, conflict, and misunderstanding so readily dominate headlines, the call of the Gospel is clear: to respond with a love that builds bridges rather than walls or silos.

Days like ‘R U OK? Day’ today highlight just how important it is to live this faith-filled love through care and compassion for one another.

The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) captures this message with great clarity. Jesus’ parable challenges us to see beyond boundaries of race, religion and background, and to recognise every person as our neighbour.

The Samaritan did not ask who was responsible for the suffering of the man on the roadside, nor did he blame him; he simply acted with compassion.

That same call is placed before us as Catholics – to embrace those who may seem different, to listen deeply and to walk alongside those who are hurting or marginalised.

At Iona, we look to this Gospel call of love to shape our identity and growth. It is present when we reach out in service through Rosies, MAMI and other initiatives.

It is visible when we look out for one another in the classroom, on the bus or on the sporting field. And it is alive when we, as a community, choose to be guided not by fear or prejudice, but by the example of the love of Christ.

So, as we reflect on the Good Samaritan and the call to love, let us take a simple but powerful step today: check in on someone – especially on this R U OK? Day -offering a listening ear, a kind word, or a moment of care, and in doing so, live out the Gospel love that we wish to define us as Ionians.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal