We are only three weeks into Term 4, and it has already been an exciting and eventful time in the Iona College calendar.

We have already celebrated several key milestones this term — the induction of our 2026 College Leaders during the Foundation Day Assembly, the Valedictory farewell marking the graduating class of 2025 as they completed their final day of classes, and our Year 10 students’ current adventure on Wilderness Camp.

Still to come is the presentation of white shirts and felt hats to our Year 9 students, another important milestone in their Iona journey.

We take this opportunity to wish our Year 12 students, who are currently on SWOTVAC, all the very best for their external exams, which commence on Monday 27 October.

Achieving Personal Excellence: The PEA Approach

At Iona College, we believe personal excellence starts with everyday choices. This term, we have updated our PEA acronym to emphasise Persistence, Engagement, and Attitude.

Students are encouraged to persist through challenges, engage actively in their learning, and maintain a positive attitude. These qualities help our young men take ownership of their education and strive for success in all areas — classroom, field, and stage.

Uniform Expectations

We ask for your continued support in upholding our high standards for student presentation. Key reminders include:

• Black leather school shoes and belt
• Iona long grey socks (or dark socks with trousers)
• Shirt tucked in, clean shaven
• Senior Years: Iona felt hat and College tie
• Hair: No faux mullets. Blended sides, above the collar, clear of eyes and face

Students arriving with inappropriate haircuts will be sent home or lose break privileges until rectified (up to three days). For full details, refer to page 117 of the Iona College Diary.

Phones & Social Media Ban

Mobile phones must be off and away upon arrival at the College.

As we approach the National Social Media Ban for children under 16 (effective December 10), we encourage families to review the CTRL SHIFT guide, which was shared by Mr Adam McPhee with all families via email in Week 1.

This transition may be challenging for some students, and we are committed to working together to support them as they move away from platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Public Transport Etiquette

We commend students for their improvements in public transport behaviour. Please continue to:

• Pay for travel
• Offer seats to the elderly and pregnant women
• Respect quiet-carriage protocols
• Regulate behaviour for a pleasant journey
• Be an upstander – intervene or report poor behaviour to your Head of House

Seniors: Starting Strongly

Year 11 students have begun Unit 3 this term, marking the start of summative assessment for the 2026 graduates. Every mark counts towards ATAR and QCE qualifications.

Set clear goals, plan your strategies, and seek support from Mrs Connors (academic goals) or Mrs Cooper (pathways in the PROSPER building) as needed.

As we discussed at the Senior Years phase assembly earlier this term– don’t be a passenger in the classroom, take control and drive your learning.

Attendance Matters

The school improvement target is 91.4% attendance. There is a strong link between attendance, academic outcomes, and belonging.

Homeroom teachers and the Wellbeing Team will monitor attendance and contact families if concerns arise.

For absences, please use Parent Lounge or the Absentee Line (3893 8889). Early departures must be registered at PROSPER before collection.

2026 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

Year 12 students, please check that your contact details are correct in your learning account with the QCAA student portal, https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/.

In March 2026, you will receive a letter from the Minister for Education and the Arts inviting you to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers survey, following up on your activities after graduating.

You may also receive an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office.

Your feedback helps our school improve services for future students, and you can win a laptop for participating. For more information visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

I look forward to seeing Iona students achieve success this term through their persistence, engagement, and attitude.

Mr Ben Devlin 
Dean of Senior Years