Spotlighting
IONIANS
MR LANCE COASSIN TEACHER - ENGLISH & HUMANITIES What motivates you to work hard and give your best? The knowledge that what I do matters. Whether it’s the small things or actions yielding big returns for myself or others. Life is hard if we don’t work together and if what I do helps at least one other person then what I have done and what I do is justified – it matters. What is your proudest accomplishment? Becoming a teacher. I’ve done a lot in my life, working in hot, sweaty kitchens in the middle of heatwaves, travelling the world playing music and learning the hard way that life isn’t fair as I pushed through hard times which I couldn’t see ending. When I became a teacher, it was the culmination of all the stories and experiences I have lived through. Now I am blessed to share those experiences with my students, helping them to grow and prosper at Iona College. I hope that I can show them that perseverance is worth it, even if they can’t see that end goal yet. As you reflect on your time at Iona, is there one person or action that has particularly influenced you? In my short time here at Iona, I’ve had the privilege of being welcomed by a loving community that looks out for everyone. In particular, I am blown away at the generosity and humility of students and teachers who support the Oblate missions and the work of Rosies so selflessly. The culture of looking out for each other and for those in need bleeds into everyday life. At Iona, I see how everyone looks out for each other and it is contagious, as I find myself falling head first into this mindset as well. How would your friends describe you? That guy who talks a lot. I always seem to have something to say and it takes all of my objective willpower to close my mouth lest I say something without thinking. I love to have a chat, so if you’re in that mood, come find me and say hello! What makes you laugh? Authentic silliness. Not the type to get attention but the type that is unintentional - good natured. The type that makes you realise that we are all human and shouldn’t be taking ourselves so seriously. The type of silliness that makes sure everyone in the room has a smile, because we all must grow old, but growing up should be optional.
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IN HOC SIGNO | VOLUME 20 | NO 2 | JUNE 2022
MR MAURIZIO PICCARDI GROUND STAFF I arrived in Australia on holiday 40 years ago, having left my job in a bank in Chile, and ended up staying four years. When I arrived, I had to learn how to speak English and cook, clean and iron - it was not easy. I had many different jobs, including milkman, car wash attendant and salesman, concrete works and fibreglass pools. I also had the opportunity twice to work in PNG, as a BHP contractor. When I married my wife, we moved to Switzerland for more than a decade and my son was born there. While in Switzerland I worked in five star hotels and in UBS Private Banking. What motivates you to work hard and give your best? It is a pleasure to work here, simple or difficult tasks are easy because I enjoy everything about this place. I am always happy to learn new things and to try different foods, sports and jobs. My heart is full, I work with some very nice people. Who inspires you in tough situations? Who do you inspire? The people I work with inspire me, we have a good team on the grounds. I hope to inspire my son to make the most of his opportunities in life. What is your proudest accomplishment? I love tennis and have had the chance in Australia to coach a small group of young boys. At the Queensland Tennis Centre we practiced alongside Ash Barty. She had a photo with the boys I coached and it was a very proud moment. As you reflect on your time at Iona, is there one person or action that has particularly influenced you? Mark Robba, the Maintenance Manager, inspires me to work hard. He has lots of energy and keeps us motivated. He takes an interest in my family and team and helps when someone is having a tough time. How would your friends describe you? Passionate and honest. Someone who appreciates the simple things in life and values family. What’s your favourite family tradition? Every Sunday we have a meal together, lunch or dinner, it doesn’t matter as long as we make that family time. We catch up on all that is happening and stay close over a home cooked meal - delicious.
