Sacramental Program congratulations

Congratulations to the Iona students who recently completed their Sacramental Program. On Saturday, the boys joined with their families in the College Chapel to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation, which includes Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

Sincere thanks to Mrs Kate Carmichael, Fr Josh Nash OMI and Mr Mark Dimento for leading the boys with care and faith. The Sacramental Program invites our students to grow in understanding, deepen their relationship with God, and live out their faith in service and community.

Primary students

Elijah M, Kylan M, Vincenzo K, Jude A, Marcel B, Samuel W, Patrick H, Alfie Q.

Secondary students

Manith F, Casper G, Callum J, Sonny W.

Year 5 Camps

We are looking forward to introducing our youngest Ionians to the College’s campsite, Glendalough, next week. Please see some important reminders below.

• Camp #1 – 5B, 5C, 5J - Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 October
• Camp #2 – 5A, 5O, 5V - Wednesday 29 to Friday 31 October

Departure

Students are to arrive at the Primary Handball Courts no later than 7.35am on their day of departure - Monday 27 October for Camp #1 and Wednesday 29 October for Camp #2. Buses will leave at 8am sharp. 

Arrival

Buses should return to the College on Wednesday 29 October (Camp #1) and Friday 31 October (Camp #2) at approximately 2.30pm. Students will return to the Primary Handball Courts upon arrival for a 3pm dismissal. Please ensure your sons are aware of travel arrangements home after camp.

Year 6 Wellbeing Day

Last Thursday, our Year 6 boys took part in their Wellbeing Day — a program designed to help them explore how to care for their wellbeing and navigate the changes ahead as they prepare for high school.

Guided by Lea Waters’ Visible Wellbeing SEARCH Framework, the boys spent the day moving, reflecting, laughing (a lot), and learning through hands-on sessions that brought wellbeing to life.

• Dance Curriculum had the boys discovering how movement supports emotional expression and confidence — and revealed some dance moves we didn’t know existed.
• Sound Off for Schools encouraged mindfulness and calm as the boys traded chatter for chimes, realising that sometimes silence really is golden.
• Rhythm Culture got everyone drumming, laughing, and connecting through rhythm and teamwork.
• Mrs Vardanega led open and honest conversations about change, and what makes high school something to look forward to.
• Guest speaker Joshua Ditchmen inspired everyone with his remarkable story of recovery and resilience and how having a positive mindset can help students embrace their “new normal”.

The day concluded beautifully with Mass in the College Chapel — a fitting reflection on gratitude, growth, and community.

LEX Primary Leaders Day

On Monday, Mr Condon took our Primary Leaders and House Leaders to St Laurence’s College to share in a formation opportunity alongside students from St Laurence’s, Padua, All Hallows, Lourdes Hill, and Loreto College, as well as St Anthony’s Primary School Kedron.

The objective of the day was to focus on servant leadership and carrying student leadership experiences into Year 7 with an understanding that you can continue to lead without the badge, regardless of the situation. The success of the day revolved heavily around student and staff participation in all activities.

Throughout the day, leaders were provided opportunities to become well-versed in when to ‘Step Up’, when to ‘Step Back’ and when to encourage others. They were challenged to see the strengths in themselves and others. They were asked to stand on their own two feet and offer positive words of affirmation to peers they admired throughout the experience to highlight the importance of encouraging others.

We thank St Laurence’s for hosting the day and the collegial nature of staff and students from the other schools that participated. The future of those school communities certainly look bright. Iona looks forward to hosting the LEX Leadership Day in 2026!

Year 6 End of Primary Years Celebration

In just over four weeks’ time, our Year 6 cohort will cease being Primary school students and will become members of our Secondary school community.

In recognition of this milestone, the College will host an End of Primary Years Celebration on Tuesday 25 November at 8.45am (for 9am start) until 11.15am.

Please find below the invitation to this event, to which families and extended families are welcome to attend. Year 6 students will be seated separately, so do not include them when booking your seats.

Uniforms for this event

• This is a formal event, so students are required to wear their grey school uniform, including ties to school.
• As this is also their year-level sport day, students will need to bring their sport uniform with House shirt for their sport lesson later that day.
• If students are travelling home in their sport uniform, they will also need to bring their black and white polo shirt to travel home in.

I am pleased to advise that this event will be live streamed for those who are unable to join us in person.

Further information will be emailed to Year 6 families this week.

Mr Brayden Teece
Acting Dean of Primary