Last week marked a significant moment in the life of our College as our Year 12 students concluded their formal classes and gathered for their Valedictory Mass and Dinner on Thursday evening.

These events were moments filled with pride, gratitude, reflection, and prayer as we celebrated the journey of our Senior students and the contributions they have made to our College throughout their time with us.

As they now turn their focus to their final external exams, we encourage every Year 12 student to approach this final chapter with determination and discipline.

These exams are not just a culmination of their academic efforts; they are an opportunity to finish strongly and honour the commitment they’ve shown throughout their time at Iona.

We wish them every success and remind them that their teachers, families, and College community are behind them every step of the way. They are certainly in our prayers.

While our Year 12s prepare to take their final steps, we also look ahead to the end of the year for all other year levels.

While there is still some time to go, the final weeks of Term 4 will be upon us sooner than we realise and these next few weeks are crucial for consolidating learning, completing assessments, and preparing for transitions.

We ask parents and caregivers to continue encouraging the students to stay focused, study hard, and finish the year with purpose. A strong finish sets the tone for future success and reinforces the values we hold dear at Iona.

Last week also saw us gather for our Foundation Day Assembly. This is a day to celebrate our College’s history, mission, and sense of community.

It was a joy to welcome back past students and staff who joined us for the occasion. Their presence reminded us of the legacy we all share and the community that continues to grow around us.

Fr Bill Ousley OMI, the first student enrolled at Iona and now an Oblate priest, joined us in person and through video to remind us of the commitment and dedication of the early Oblates, families and students.

During the assembly, we also witnessed the symbolic handing over of leadership responsibilities from our 2025 Year 12 leaders to the newly appointed student leaders for 2026.

This moment was more than a mere ceremony. It was a powerful reminder that leadership at Iona is about service, example, and continuity.

Holding it on the same day that we celebrate our College’s foundation was intentional. It reminded us of what we are a part of, and the need for all of us to leave a legacy for future Ionians.

We congratulate our new leaders and look forward to the energy and vision they will bring to the College and their contribution to our continuing story and growth as an educational and faith community.

As we move through the final weeks of the school year, we hope everybody can continue to embrace the call to make a contribution to Iona and finish well - whether it’s preparing for exams, supporting one another, or celebrating milestones, every effort matters.

As we reflect on these milestones and look ahead, we are reminded of the deeper truth that guides our community: We are Ionian. This phrase will become more readily identified through our new Strategic Plan for 2026–2029, which will be formally launched at the start of 2026.

It speaks to the strength we find in one another and the shared responsibility we carry.

Whether it’s our Year 12s preparing for their final exams, our younger students approaching the end of term, or our new leaders stepping into their roles, each moment is an opportunity to finish strong and not just as individuals but united as Ionians.

We encourage every student to give their best, and every family to offer support and encouragement, knowing that together, we shape a community that is hopeful, purposeful, proud and successful.

We are Ionian. And together, we finish strongly.

God bless,

Trevor Goodwin
Principal

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector