SPOTLIGHTING IONIANS

MR LANCE COASSIN TEACHER - ENGLISH & HUMANITIES MR MAURIZIO PICCARDI GROUND STAFF

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. 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.

DARCY STILL YEAR 5

How have you been feeling about your first weeks at Iona? I have felt proud to be an Ionian and I feel like I have settled in well. My teachers, fellow students and everyone who works at Iona have all been incredibly welcoming and supportive. How is Iona different to your previous school? Iona is different in many ways to my old school. SJV has less students and a much smaller campus with just two play areas. Iona has so many fields and so many sports that I get to try with my friends. What is something you are really proud of? I am proud of how much I have learnt since starting at Iona and was so excited when we all got our very own laptop. Competing in the AIC Swimming Championships was exciting and a little scary. What is something that challenges you? Something that challenges me is how little break time we have. The work is also very challenging. What are your goals for 2022? I am working hard to be the best student I can be. Learning Japanese is interesting and fun and I hope to be able to speak it one day. Is there someone special who has influenced you in your life? I was mainly influenced because my Mum and Dad heard great things about the school. We heard Iona had lots of opportunities, including sport, and I also live very close which is super handy. What is something that makes you laugh? I mainly laugh at my Dad’s jokes. They are just so bad I can’t help but giggle. My Mum’s aren’t much better, but they think they’re hilarious. How would your friends and family describe you? My family describes me as their baby boy or “Sporto”, because I love sports. They tell me how proud they are and if I’m trying my hardest, they are happy. They also tell me to clean my room all the time and that is probably something I should work on. Do you have a favourite family tradition? On my birthday, my Mum makes a mud cake with Peppermint Crisp and sparklers on the top and we all sing happy birthday as a family.

JOSHUA ROSEWARNE YEAR 5

How you have been feeling about your first weeks at Iona? I feel like I have really started to fit in well at Iona. The teachers are helpful and the school work is challenging. There are lots of play areas and space to run around and spend time with my friends. How is Iona different to your previous school? Iona is definitely a lot bigger than my previous school. Iona is teaching me to be more independent and getting me to try new sports and it also pushes me academically. What is something you are really proud of? I am proud that I have set my goals high to finish my schoolwork ahead of time and I’m determined to do my best at this school. What is something that challenges you? I find the level of sport quite a challenge. We have so many boys who are excellent at sport and I think it challenges me to do better. What are your goals for 2022? My goal for 2022 is to get straight A’s on my report card. I try my hardest each week to achieve this goal and I hope I make it. Is there someone special who has influenced you in your life? My Dad was an absolute genius in math and spelling and he inspires me to be more like him every day. He always wanted me to attend Iona and he would be very proud of how I’m going. What is something that makes you laugh? My friends make me laugh when they goof around and I love telling jokes and awkward stories to make my friends laugh too. How would your friends and family describe you? My family would say I am very focused on the things that interest me. Specially things like LEGO! I love creating motorised cars and other creations I imagine up. My family would say I am very creative. Do you have a favourite family tradition? My favourite family tradition is pizza and movie night on Fridays. It was even better on the days my Dad would do a BBQ or roast for us.