In Hoc Signo, Volume 21, No 2 - June 2023

ARTS & SOUL CELEBRATING IONA’S MOMENTS OF JOY

OLD BOYS, PAST PARENTS, STAFF AND FRIENDS

We invite you to stay in touch with Iona College and let us know where you are and what you are doing in your family and working lives.

If you are aware of any births, deaths or marriages in the Iona community, please inform us by emailing communications@ iona.qld.edu.au, or phoning 07 3893 8888.

If you are an Old Boy and would like to update your contact details, please submit the ‘Old Boys Connect Form’ available via the Old Boys page on the Iona website www.iona.qld.edu.au

In Hoc Signo is a publication of Iona College.

Editor: Michael Westlake

Layout: Alexandra Lowson

Front Cover: Peter Wallis, wallismedia.com

Photography: Alexandra Lowson, Pat Hoelscher Photography, students and friends of Iona.

If you have feedback or an enquiry about this edition, please contact Alexandra Lowson on 07 3893 8888 or email communications@iona.qld.edu.au

85 North Road, Lindum Q 4178 PO Box 351, Wynnum Central Q 4178

ARCHIVES

NEW LEADERSHIP, SAME VISION FOR IONA COLLEGE

On April 26, the Provincial of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Fr Christian Fini OMI informed the Iona community of an important change of direction in the College’s leadership, with the news that Fr Michael Twigg OMI will conclude his ministry as Rector of Iona College at the end of 2023.

Fr Michael will mark nine years as Rector at the end of the year. It is the general custom of Oblates in the Australian Province to receive a new appointment every six to nine years.

Starting next term, Iona Principal Mr Trevor Goodwin will assume many of the administrative and governance responsibilities and take on the role and responsibility of CEO of Iona College.

The role of Iona Rector will continue in a new form, ensuring that the Oblate presence in the College remains significant, influencing all aspects of the College community but with particular attention on pastoral care, Oblate charism and Mission, values and community initiatives. This redefined role will bring Iona’s leadership structure into a similar vein as that of our brother school, Mazenod College Victoria, and other similar colleges.

Fr Michael concludes his administrative aspect of the role at the end of Term 2 and will continue to work in the new model of Rector in a pastoral capacity before accompanying Iona’s Rugby Heritage Cup team to France in September.

He will then remain in Europe for a pilgrimage walk to Santiago de Compostela, and personal leave in recognition of his 25 years of priestly service, all plans that were postponed due to COVID.

Fr Michael will return in time for Iona’s end-of-year celebrations before departing for a sabbatical in early 2024, after which he will take up a new appointment.

Fr Christian said also acknowledged and thanked Fr Michael for his dedication to Iona and the Oblates.

“Apart from being Rector of Iona, he currently serves on the Provincial Council, Archdiocesan Advisory Committees, as Rosies Board Director, and as the Bishop’s nominee on the Catholic Schools Parents Australia Board.

“I give thanks for the Oblate ministry of Fr Michael at Iona. As is our practice, after consultation, I intend to name the new Rector of Iona following our August Provincial Council Meeting. Fr Michael will also receive his new appointment at our August Council Meeting.”

“Fr Michael has been tireless in his dedication to the College and broader community through moments of great joy and challenge and for this we are very grateful”

- Fr Christian Fini, OMI, Provincial

A NEW ERA OF MINISTRY AT IONA

From the Rector

FR MICHAEL TWIGG OMI

After nine years of ministry here at Iona, in April I received word from the Oblate Provincial and Council that I would be receiving a new appointment in 2024 after a period of sabbatical leave.

This is an entirely normal aspect of Oblate life and ministry, and one that was fully anticipated after these years of service. I feel incredibly grateful to God, the Oblates and the entire community for the opportunity to be of service.

This change also brings about a new era of ministry for the Oblate Rectors of the future, with a renewed focus on pastoral care rather than administrative responsibility.

Under the new leadership model for Iona, our Principal, Mr Trevor Goodwin, will become the Chief Executive Officer of Iona College Ltd, while the role of Rector is retained in an enhanced pastoral and community way.

A seamless and smooth transition of responsibility has been achieved through goodwill, love of Iona and a desire for the best future possible.

For Terms 3 and 4, I will remain the Rector of Iona College as we enter a new chapter of Oblate leadership. The Oblate Province values this ministry, and will discern carefully who will next arrive at the College. This should be known sometime during Term 3.

Our Oblate community will continue to offer our very best care for any Ionian in need, and we will be happy to work alongside Mr Goodwin for the benefit of our entire community.

The College is incredibly blessed that this process has come about so smoothly, and it is our hope that continuity of care is the hallmark of this era of change.

Term 2 has seen a wonderful array of events and happenings, and it definitely laid its claim to be the busiest term. I will leave that debate to others, but it sure was full of wonderful Moments of Grace.

This term, more than 20 boys received Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Communion) and this was a real sign of the work of God in their lives.

It was a spiritual joy to work with them and their families. I believe St Eugene would have been proud of our efforts.

Culturally, the term was full of highlights, with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory dominating alongside, music performances, liturgy choirs and musicians, sports bands and thousands of individual and group lessons.

Debating, chess, rugby union, sailing and football had serious impact during the term, and some outstanding successes.

There are so many ways to represent the Black and White, and I give thanks to everyone who provided these opportunities for our boys.

Iona is a community that looks to make a positive, faith-filled difference to our local community. I feel very confident that Term 2 demonstrated that very well.

For the months of September and October, I will be on sabbatical leave in Europe. If you could spare a prayer for me during that time, it would be greatly appreciated.

Take care and God bless.

ROLES MAY CHANGE, BUT IONA’S MISSION REMAINS THE SAME

From the Principal

MR TREVOR GOODWIN

Dear members of the Iona community,

On the previous pages of this edition of In Hoc SIgno, Fr Michael Twigg OMI wrote of his sense of gratitude to have been of service to the Iona community over the past nine years.

It is with a similar sense of gratitude that I look forward to assuming the administrative responsibilities of Chief Executive as part of the Iona College Principal portfolio.

I am deeply honoured and humbled by the trust that the Oblate Provincial, Fr Christian Fini OMI, and the Oblate Council have placed in me to carry forward the leadership and legacy of Iona College.

After spending 15 years of my professional career at Iona over two different engagements, and having now served with three Oblate Rectors of the College in Fr Michael Twigg OMI, Fr Peter Daly OMI and Fr Kevin Davine OMI (and countless other Oblates who served Iona along the way), I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of the Oblate Charism in shaping the lives of our students and community.

This long-standing association has fostered a deep-seated love and dedication to Iona College, and it is this connection that drives my desire to preserve the core values of the Oblate Charism and ensure that their fundamentals remain at the heart of who we are as Ionians.

The Oblate Charism is the foundation upon which our College was built.

It is a guiding force that inspires us to educate the whole person, to cultivate intellectual curiosity, and to foster an environment where students can grow and thrive holistically so

that they can make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of others.

Under the leadership of Fr Michael, Iona has flourished and achieved remarkable milestones. His dedication to the Oblate Charism, his desire to be with the community and his vision have helped Iona to grow, and strengthened our sense of community connection.

Our community and I are extremely grateful for his contributions and, in accepting some of the responsibilities which he has exercised over the past nine years, I pledge my commitment to build upon the work he and previous Oblate Rectors have accomplished.

As Principal and CEO, I am eager to embark on this new chapter in our journey together.

I am dedicated to continuing to nurture a culture of mission, formation, innovation, sustainability, quality, relationships, inclusivity, safety, and collaboration – ensuring that we continue to provide our students with a transformative education that prepares them for meaningful lives and careers.

I recognise the responsibility that comes as CEO, and am fully committed to upholding the principles and values that define us as Iona College.

Iona College is not just a place of learning; it is a community, a family Together, we will embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, guided by our shared commitment to the Oblate Charism.

Our mission remains unchanged — to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make a positive impact on society.

I look forward to working with all members of our community, and continuing the working relationship with Fr Michael throughout Semester 2 in helping to lead our community.

Under the leadership of Fr Michael, Iona has flourished and achieved remarkable milestones

THANK YOU, LADIES OF IONA

Ladies’ Lunch

IONA P&F

The annual Iona College Ladies Lunch, hosted by the Iona Parents and Friends Association, was another tremendous success, with a full house of Iona’s women of significance jamming into Wynnum Manly Leagues Club in June for an afternoon of fun and celebration.

As Fr Michael and Mr Goodwin wrote in their Ladies Lunch address, the event is the College’s way of acknowledging the outstanding contribution the women of Iona have made to our community. People sometimes mistake the word ‘Ionian’ as being exclusive to current students and our ‘Old Boys’ who have previously worn the black and white,” they wrote. “Nothing could be further from the truth.

“Our founding fathers arrived on Iona Hill in 1957 with little more than an old farmhouse and a vision of what Iona College could become.

“But it was the trust of the mothers of local families, who had faith Iona and the Oblates could turn their sons into men of quality and character, that laid the foundations for the community we celebrate today.”

This year’s Iona Ladies Lunch was sponsored by Iona Old Boy and current Iona parent Travis Gill and his team at RE/MAX Advantage, as well as Scott and Justine Challen from QHI National Home Improvements.

Both are local businesses who, like Iona, share a commitment to building a better community, and the College thanks them for their generous support.

Thanks are also due to P&F Secretary Bronwyn Housego, Iona College Events Officer Renae Northcott and all of the P&F committee volunteers, Iona staff, sponsors and raffle donors who made the day such a success.

Just over $18,000 was raised from the event which, along with other fundraising efforts throughout the year, will ensure the Iona P&F can continue to support important projects such as the College’s therapy dog program, and the proposed installation of chilled, multi-tap water stations for the sports fields.

The P&F’s next major events will be the Black & White Dinner at the Gabba in July, and the Lads and Dads Breakfast in early September.

HONOURING TRADITIONS AND THE PAST

Moments of History

MRS SUSAN BOBAN, MANAGER CORPORATE SERVICES

Through previous articles, we have been following the story of the Wynnum Baptist Church and its relocation from Bay Terrace in Wynnum to the grounds of Iona College in Lindum.

The journey from Wynnum to Lindum was a slow and intricate one, with BMD engaging David Wright House Removers for this important task. The link to a video of the move can be found here

The former Wynnum Baptist Church at Iona College will now be known as LindumMere – a new name bringing us a link to the origins of settlement here in Lindum, as well as honouring the treasured links to Aboriginal culture.

The suburb of Lindum takes its name from the Lindum railway station, which was named in 1899 after the residence of ironmonger Edward Kelk (1850-1921). Alongside this property was Bomparin Wetlands, which was used as an Aboriginal fishing reserve for the local population.

Edward Kelk had named his property ‘Lindum-Mere’ with Lindum being the Roman name for Lincoln in England, and ‘Mere’ being a term used for a body of water. LindumMere translates as ‘Lindum by the Water’, and connecting

it to Bomparin helps keep the stories, history and future of the local Aboriginal and Lindum pioneer families alive.

The former church also had a significant number of services for local indigenous people, and this sensitivity will be reflected during the reopening of the new facility.

The former Wynnum Baptist Church has been a part of the faith and cultural landscape of our community for over a century, and their worshipping congregation used to hold community picnics here in Lindum and alongside Bomparin Lagoon / Wetlands. So the Church has come to the home of its community gatherings.

Each of the windows of the church will be dedicated to significant areas of the former church and Lindum life, including the original worshipping community, Lindum families and also the Kanaka workers who worked in this district.

The College has consulted with the Kelk and Sibley families, and is in current conversations with local Quandamooka elders. Together with BMD, we will soon begin renovations to Lindum-Mere to prepare it for use in early 2024.

We hope our community will join us in celebrating the new name for this important part of our local history, as it begins a new life here at Iona College.

PRIMARY CONTINUES TO GROW

Moments of Growth

MR PETER HOLMES DEAN OF PRIMARY YEARS

Term

2 in Iona College Primary Years is one of great busyness, change, growth and finally, for many, tiredness!

The students (including our newest Ionians) have well and truly settled into routines, generally know where they are heading for all lessons, have become ‘seasoned’ users of public transport and nearly all have represented the ‘Black and White’ in some capacity.

The first academic reports have been received, reflected upon and discussed at Student Progress Meetings in what must have been quite a daunting experience for our Year 5s, within the vast ‘sea of desks and teachers’ in the Provence Centre.

Having just hosted the 2023 College Open Day, it makes me proud to reflect upon the changes

and growth in our Year 6 cohort as they effectively reach the three-quarter mark of their Iona Primary journey. There were 44 lads from Year 6 involved in leading College tour groups on this day, and to witness the confidence, maturity and pride they had in the role and their College was gratifying to say the least.

We also had a very enthusiastic group of Year 5 ‘Meet and Greet’ students within the Primary and they amazed visitors with their knowledge of the College as a whole, given they are such new members of our community. Another obvious sign of growth in Primary this Term was the beginning of the construction of the new Primary building.

Preparations began with an official ‘turning of the sod’ ceremony, with invited guests, representatives from Tomkins Commercial, Conrad Gargett Architects, the Iona Leadership team, staff and

students, our Rector Fr Michael Twigg OMI and Principal Mr Trevor Goodwin all on hand to begin this new era for Iona Primary.

Fr Lewy Keelty OMI performed a blessing of the soil, before our Year 6 Primary Leaders put the ceremonial shovels to work by breaking ground where the new building will stand from the start of the 2024 academic year.

Since then, Primary has enjoyed a front-row seat as the heavy machinery has set to work clearing the site.

When the students return from holidays, they will see a very large footprint cut into the slope above the handball courts that will give them a great visual representation of just how big this building will be. One other highlight for this term was the return of the Primary Years Disco after an absence of some years. We welcomed nearly 600 students back to Oblate Hall for a great evening and wonderful community-building experience.

Moments of Pride

MRS DONNA ELKINGTON DEAN OF LEARNING AND TEACHING

EXPO HELPS TO SHAPE FUTURES

One of the major events in the College’s academic calendar for Term 2 was the Iona Career and Futures Expo, hosted by our Pathways team and held in The Provence Centre promenade in the first week of May.

After such a long absence during the COVID period, it was terrific to see this important event return to Iona and for it to be supported so well by so many organisations across so many different industries.

Holding the event at the College gave students and families opportunities to explore possible career pathways.

The Expo allowed students to be exposed to experts in their field, tertiary institutions, and training organisations.

We were proud to have such a wide range of exhibitors which

encompassed a variety of career opportunities, and this gave students the chance to talk to industry representatives.

We hope that it also ignites a spark in our students to explore their pathways with informed decisions.

We had over 20 exhibitors from a range of career pathways including a number of Queensland universities, TAFE, Queensland Ambulance Service, Australian Defence Force, Queensland School of Film / TV, Study and Play USA, EDB Training, Aviation Australia, Airbus, East Coast Apprenticeships and many more.

The timing of our Careers and Futures Expo was intentionally held prior to the major Brisbane career expos. This way, students can identify potential areas of interest and build their

confidence to ask questions and gather more information at the larger Brisbane expos. The stalls were busy with students and families all afternoon. The exhibitors were very impressed with the attendance and there was an exciting buzz around the event.

We gained some very positive feedback, and this will help the Pathways team grow the event in future years.

After the Expo, additional industries heard of the event and have already enquired about being included next year.

Many thanks to the Pathways team of Mrs Tania Cooper (Head of Faculty – Pathways), Mrs Bianca Doyle (Careers Mentor), and Mrs Hannah Barker (Pathways Liaison Officer) for their planning and organisation of such a successful event.

CONNECTION IN FAITH

Moments of Gratitude

MRS LIZ MADDEN DEAN OF CATHOLIC FAITH AND MISSION

On 24 May, we welcomed invited guests, our Oblate community, staff, and students to our annual Founder’s Day Mass.

This annual gathering celebrates the life and inspiration of St Eugene de Mazenod – the founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

It was fitting that we joined as a community in this way, as the Eucharist was St Eugene’s source of inspiration and renewal.

He celebrated Mass daily, sometimes at great inconvenience.

The Eucharist was also the space for gathering friends and members of his religious family in their common unity.

As he himself said, the Eucharist was in fact “their living centre of communication” and connection.

It was at the foot of the cross that Eugene felt united with his missionary brothers, particularly those far away. One of the key themes that is associated with the Eucharist is ‘gratitude’. In fact, the word ‘Eucharist’ comes from a Greek word which means ‘thanksgiving’ or ‘gratitude’.

When Christians join in communion, they are reminded of the immense love that

God has for them, and they are called to respond with gratitude and humility. This gratitude is not just a passing feeling, but rather a way of life that involves recognising the gifts and grace that we have received and responding with generosity and service to others.

During 3:16 and 10:10 classes, the ‘white shirts’ reflected on the gifts and grace they have received during their time at Iona.

They took time to express their gratitude for all that the College and the Oblates have given them. Each Year 11 and 12 student was given a Lego block, on which they wrote a single word to express what they are most grateful for in the Iona community.

These were combined to form the cross that was presented at the Founder's Day Mass.

Words such as ‘mateship’, ‘community’, ‘family’, ‘brotherhood’ and ‘spirit’ can be found on the cross which is now located in the foyer of The Provence Centre. Such words express all that our students love about Iona and the Oblates, and are qualities reflected by the 3:16 and 10:10 students during the cleaning of the graves at Hemmant Cemetery. This regular activity is a wonderful public service, as the boys work together to restore headstones in need of some TLC.

But it is also a wonderful example of spiritual connection, as our students are taken to the graves of some of our deceased Ionians, to learn more about them and the bonds they share through the black-and-white brotherhood. This work only enhances the reputation of our Ionians as men of service for the community.

PRIDE, PASSION, RESPECT

Moments of Tradition

MR MARK HARVEY DEAN OF STUDENT SERVICES

On Saturday 20 May, we welcomed back to Iona many Old Boys to engage in what has become a wonderful annual tradition, Old Boys Day.

Generations of Old Boys enjoyed supporting the First XI Football and First XV Rugby matches against Padua, experienced tours of the College, marvelled at how the College has grown, attended the traditional Old Boys Mass, and reminisced over the many stories told on the day.

This year, we were also blessed by the presence of the College’s most senior Old Boys – with Iona’s first graduating class of 1963 celebrating their 60th anniversary, and the Foundation Ionians of 1958 celebrating their 65th anniversary with a special reunion lunch.

This was an incredible and significant acknowledgment of our College’s history, and it speaks to who we are as a community that Iona honours and pays respect to these men and families who helped lay the foundations of this great school.

We thank this special group of men – Peter Kinsella, Tony Quinn, Neil Carroll, Doug Ray, Bill Westlake, Mick Horgan, John Casey, Simon Turner, John Walmsley and our first College Captain Bill Hase – for making the effort to join us and celebrate their part in our history.

Personally, it was wonderful to reconnect with many former students from my 30 years of teaching at the College, and former classmates from my time as a student.

An important part of my role as Dean of Students is to make a connection for our current students to the students of past years and eras. I am consistently reminded that our history, stories and traditions resonate deeply with our current Ionians. Our current student leaders identified early this year that they wanted the 2023 Old Boys Day to be one that was special and remembered by past students.

To do this, they planned and presented the first whole-of-College Spirit Assembly on the eve of Old Boys Day.

In doing this, they ignited the flame of Iona spirit that could be witnessed through the actions, behaviours, pride and level of presentation that they displayed the following day.

It was very important to our current student leaders that the Old Boys knew that the College’s current students are as proud of Iona as they were and still are.

I would like to recognise the strong leadership that outgoing Iona Old Boys President Darren Barber has given in the role. His support has been felt in many ways across the College during his time at the helm. The great Iona leader, mentor, co-coach and friend Graeme Fuller once said to me in my first year on staff: “Harvey, you’ve got to be able to turn to the person on the left and right of you in the trenches and know that they will back you up and get the job done. Will you do that for others”?

I feel that’s exactly what Darren has done as IOBA President, and on behalf of the entire Iona College community, I thank him for his wonderful contribution to the Old Boys and College over so many years.

I would also like to acknowledge that this year’s magnificent Old Boys Day was made possible by the work of many people and superbly led by Old Boys and current staff Mr Teece and Mr Westlake, with enthusiastic support and guidance from Fr Michael Twigg, OMI. Apart from being former classmates, Fr Michael and I are both the sons of working-class parents who made considerable sacrifices to give us an Iona education. We both remember where we came from, and will never forget what Iona gave to us.

The continued engagement of Old Boys in any way possible serves as considerable mentorship to our current students.

Kia Kaha.

IPAC CELBRATES 25TH BIRTHDAY WITH CHOCOLATE DELIGHT

Moments of Celebration

MR BRAYDEN TEECE DEAN OF OBLATE IDENTITY AND COMMUNITY

In what was an incredible celebration of talent and commitment, the Iona College Production team delivered four sensational, sold-out shows of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at IPAC in June. More than 2300 audience members shared in the God-given talents of a cast and crew that brought a genuine sense of joy to all who were in attendance.

In celebrating the 25th anniversary of IPAC, students, staff, Old Boys and professional musicians worked together to deliver an experience that transported the audience into a world of pure imagination.

Over a nine-month period, the talented cast and crew of over 100 people worked tirelessly, whilst at the same time juggling the many commitments and opportunities that are connected to College life at Iona.

Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, the musical has been described as the most ambitious and daring production the College has ever taken on. The result was truly breathtaking, and a true reflection of the value that Iona College places on the arts, as well as a fitting celebration of IPAC’s 25th birthday. It was a great privilege to witness the tremendous growth of our student performers.

Jordan Gulisano’s portrayal of Willy Wonka was simply magnificent.

Andrew Pook and Nathan Yates-Purvey shared in the role of Charlie Bucket, and both used their own personalities and skills to add different dimensions to the character.

Benjamin Cole stole the show as Grandpa Joe. The Primary students who played the role of Oompa Loompas were welcomed with an excited applause on each occasion. Their energy on stage was palpable.

Each year, our cast is strengthened through the inclusion of students from our local partnering schools. These talented girls are proudly adopted as Ionians and make a positive contribution to our community and culture.

Iona sincerely thanks the contribution of these girls, their families and schools for being part of the Iona community.

We are blessed to be a part of a community where our staff continue to demonstrate an inspiring passion and commitment to education. The work of these volunteer staff within this musical is a demonstration of this commitment.

For me personally, a Moment of Grace presented itself in the joyous expressions on the face of my own young children as they experienced the gift that was the 2023 Iona College production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

My sincere thanks to all involved in this production for creating such a special memory for so many Ionians.

“If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it”

CREATIVE MINDS ARE BORN TO THRIVE

Moments of Skill

MR JOHN FRARE, DEAN OF COLLEGE

At Iona College, we are blessed with an excellent Performing Arts Faculty, which has been on public display this term with the production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory While there is a most-important academic component to the Performing Arts Faculty (through the subject areas of Music, Art and Drama), there is also a significant co-curricular dimension to this area. This is represented through the various music ensembles, bands, choirs and orchestras, as well as the range of music and dramatic

productions, such as the College Musical, Theatre Sports and the various plays put on annually by the Performing Arts Faculty.

Performing Arts staff have used this space previously to postulate the range of opportunities that are afforded to our students through the co-curricular program at the school.

Performing Arts is an important part of this program in terms of providing genuine opportunities for growth. We strongly encourage the boys to make the most of all the opportunities on offer as part of their overall education, and a key element of this is their involvement in the area of Performing Arts.

While not all boys will play an instrument while at school, there remains ample opportunity for them to be involved in the variety of productions each year, in a range of capacities. Certainly, the benefits of doing so are perspicuous and include an increase in confidence and self-esteem, and the opportunity to develop teamwork skills.

Furthermore, to thrive emotionally, young people need their own time and space that is not explicitly directed at particular outcomes. This should be an arena in which diverse groups of young people can form their identities and agendas – perhaps with the non-coercive oversight of sympathetic adults.

The arts provide some of the key forums for this.

I witnessed this in the leadup to the Musical as I popped in with eagerness to check on the progress of the boys and girls during rehearsals. Recent research in the realm of developmental psychology highlights the significance of the ‘creative mind’, and the various productions in the area of Performing Arts provide a natural arena for creativity and expression. Finally, it requires great courage to perform on stage or in public, and this is a skill that all of our students will invariably require throughout adulthood.

I have been delighted to witness first-hand the opportunities that the area of Performing Arts provides in this regard.

Similarly, the recent innovations in the debating and chess cocurricular program have provided further opportunities for our boys to be placed under the spotlight and speak and perform in public. This skill, when mastered, will be a valuable component in this ever-changing, disruptive and unpredictable world we all now live in.

I have previously made reference about the misconception that co-curricular refers singularly to sport, and significant steps have been taken in recent times to dispel this myth.

Of course, sport is a very significant part of the cocurricular program here at Iona. However, the opportunities for growth through the various other co-curricular activities, such as debating and public speaking,

Theatre Sports, photography, media and musical production – either onstage or backstage –are equally important and are fundamental to the complexion of the whole co-curricular program. The co-curricular dimension of the Performing Arts at the School is another key component of the co-curricular program. It provides a valuable opportunity for the boys to immerse themselves in their education and to be active agents in their formation as a ‘whole person’.

As always, this involvement in the co-curricular realm must always be tempered with the balance of their academic pursuits. With the opportunities so vast and expansive in this area, a clear strategy must be developed between the student, academic and co-curricular staff.

IONA’S MUSICIANS CONTINUE TO HIT THE RIGHT NOTE

Moments of Joy

MR BRIAN L’HUILLIER HEAD OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Congratulations musicians, we have managed to fit an impressive amount in the first half of 2023! Here are some highlights. Even before students had officially returned to the College after the summer break, we held our first on-campus music camp for our senior students.

Our top-level ensembles gathered for three days to rehearse, attend workshops and participate in team-building activities.

Commitment like this ensures our music program starts the year off strongly, and makes it possible to explore difficult and challenging repertoire together. It supercharges our learning and the quality of our program.

Scheduling changes meant we were able to take our middle school ensembles away with us for the first time. It was a nice change to our yearly routine, and our middle school musicians were so much better for it!

Our instrumental program welcomed more than 100 Year 5 students in Term 1.

We love seeing new students sign up to learn an instrument,

including voice, as part of the Music Immersion Program.

The Year 5 cohort have been so enthusiastic in learning an instrument and being part of an ensemble, band or choir. They are a welcome addition to the 400+ students learning an instrument at Iona each week.

Two students, Oscar Colbert and Nash Barnes-Jones, contributed to Anzac Day ceremonies as bugle players for the Last Post.

Oscar delivered a moving rendition for us here at Iona, while Nash delivered superbly at the ceremony before the Wynnum Manly Seagulls rugby league game.

In Term 2, students from Lourdes Hill joined us for a combined string workshop. Over 60 violin, viola, cello and double bass students from both colleges worked together learning new skills and techniques and combined to form one of the largest string orchestras we have seen here at Iona. Hearing them perform together on stage was amazing.

We can be so proud of the flexibility, collaboration and cooperation demonstrated by our strings students.

The Sports Band were lucky enough to play at the first student-led assembly this year. They worked hard in preparation for Old Boys Day, and each

year we get more students wanting to be involved.

It was great to see Old Boys starting to get involved too, and join that band as part of Old Boys Day.

More students than we have seen in a long time participated in the State Honours Ensemble Program at the Queensland Conservatorium this year.

SHEP provides students across different age levels an opportunity to work with university-level teachers and conductors.

As more of our students have improved as players themselves, more opportunities have become available at SHEP for our students. Finally, our musicians did a stellar job participating in this year’s musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Many of them appeared as main characters or in the wider ensemble. Some worked backstage or front of house.

Considering it was the Broadway version of the musical, we had to hire in professional musicians alongside our teachers.

However, this gave our students a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a difficult, complex yet highly rewarding experience.

IONA SHINES ON SPORTING FIELDS

Moments of Triumph

MR CRAIG STARIHA, HEAD OF SPORT

Across any measurement, sport at Iona has enjoyed a fantastically successful start to the year in Semester 1.

The Term 2 sporting program at Iona is the largest by far in terms of student participation, with AIC competition in chess, rugby union, football and cross country offering opportunities for all students to sink their teeth into.

In Term 2, registrations across these sports amounted to well over 1300 students – quite an amazing figure given Iona’s entire student population is around 1860. As has always been the case at Iona, no student is turned away from footy as the College fields as many teams as we can populate.

Altogether we had 32 football teams, 29 rugby teams, 10 chess teams and a cross country squad involving approximately 150 students across the College. On top of this, we had a further 50 boys involved in the mountain biking program, as well as golf and our pre-season development programs for the upcoming AIC tennis and basketball seasons in Term 3.

These amazing participation figures are a terrific result for Iona, and a great reflection on the sporting program offered to students – and a key driver in the successful results achieved so far this year.

Towards the end of Term 1, our No.1 sailing team took out the South Queensland Teams Racing Championship.

These boys have now qualified to compete in the Australian Secondary School Teams Racing Championship, which is held at the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club in South Australia in July. Our eight sailors and coaches go with our best wishes.

Our cross country team did us proud this term by winning the 2023 AIC Cross Country Championships in sensational fashion.

This team trained hard and competed with the oldfashioned Iona grit and determination to ward off Marist College Ashgrove by a five-point margin.

The team managed to win four out of the possible six age divisions – 13 years, 14 years, 16 years and Opens – as well as gaining podium finishes in the 12 years (third) and 15 years (third) divisions.

Our Primary cross country team managed sixth place overall, which they will build upon for the 2024 season.

The Iona First XI football team dominated the competition in 2023 to take out a coveted undefeated AIC premiership. This team scored a total of 40 goals over the seven rounds of competition, and only conceded four in return. Incredibly, our team did not trail on the scoreboard at any time this season.

The quality of our attacking players up front drew many positive comments across the schools in AIC, who had never seen such a dominant, consistent performance from any team across the 25-year history of AIC competition.

In another incredible success story, Iona also took out this year’s AIC rugby aggregate –pipping Marist College Ashgrove by half of one point to claim this coveted title.

An overall aggregate is awarded for every AIC sport each year. The calculation of the aggregate is taken from the overall performances and standings of certain teams from Years 7-12. Therefore, schools that win aggregates are considered to have the best overall program for that sport.

In the 25 years of AIC competition, Marist College Ashgrove has won all of the contested AIC rugby aggregates – excluding 2018 and now 2023, when Iona has taken the title.

The fact the aggregate has been won by only two schools in a quarter of a century of competition shows what a difficult task it is to win this title, and the massive significance of this success.

This result is an incredible reward for the hard work put in, and a fitting reflection of the continued strength of rugby union at Iona.

Congratulations to all rugby players, coaches and managers of all year levels as we all push each other in order for our College to produce its best.

During the term, Iona finished a very credible third in the football aggregate, and fourth in the chess aggregate – Iona’s best-ever result in chess.

Our premiership / undefeated teams in football were the Firsts, 10B, 9B, 8C and 8D teams, while in rugby we celebrate the 10B, 10C, 10D, 9A, 9C and 8C teams. As always, the sport program never stops at Iona. There is always something happening.

Many students are currently trialling for the up-coming tennis, basketball and rugby league seasons – including our Firsts Rugby League team, who are preparing for the Confraternity Carnival, hosted this year by St Laurence’s College.

While there is still a lot of sport to come over the duration of this year, it is fitting now in semester break that we take the opportunity to congratulate and celebrate these success stories for Iona College.

IONIANS STEP UP TO HELP ROSIES

Moments of Charity

The focus of the Social Justice Program for Iona College during Term 2 was Rosies, and the 2023 Faith and Mission Portfolio has been exceptional in their commitment to this Oblate charity.

Students in each house were asked to donate grocery items and more than 100 bags of donations were collected to help those in need. Many of our students participated in the Rosies Van Wash, Sleepout Experience, Old Boys Day Stall, the Run for Rosies (where we were joined by the San Sisto College community), and the “Milo mornings” that proved a hit among students as the mornings turned colder late in the term.

It is Rosies’ mission to ensure that no Queenslander feels left out or disconnected from their community. Rosies aims to provide friendship and unconditional acceptance to those doing it tough with a warm smile and a hot drink.

Iona College has had a long association with Rosies, stretching back decades, and is a vital connection between our students and the wider community through the support of the homeless and other people in need.

We started Term 2 by selling Anzac biscuits – kindly donated by Iona families – and then held the annual Yatala Pie Drive, which was another huge success and raised over $1000.

There were also some highly visible displays of support, with the red shoelaces sold through the Uniform Shop popular with students. The annual “Wear Red For Rosies Day”, where students can wear free-dress to school in exchange for a donation to Rosies, raised an incredible $5500 for the cause.

These events would not be possible without the generous support of the Iona community, whether through the donation of money, groceries or time. All of these valuable contributions have helped to make a difference to a very worthy cause in Rosies, and most importantly, also made a difference to the lives of people in our community in need of our support.

To learn more about Rosies and their volunteer program, please visit rosies.org.au

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others – Mahatma Gandhi

MRS SAMANTHA RYAN SOCIAL JUSTICE COORDINATOR

OPENING DOORS, HEARTS & MINDS Open

Connection and engagement with our local community are at the heart of everything we do at Iona, and there is no better example of this than at the College’s annual Open Day – held this year on Monday 29 May. Open Day gives all members of our community – but particularly students, families and staff who may be considering joining Iona – a look at a day in the life of the school, and discover all of the possibilities open to them should they choose to become part of the College.

Day

This year, with the construction of the new Primary building commencing soon, there was a strong presence of families with younger boys looking to join the College in Year 5 for 2025. There were also curious students from all year levels represented, including some senior-level students from other schools keen to explore what Iona has to offer.

Certainly, The Provence Centre drew its share of attention from visitors, while the St Joseph’s IDT Centre, marine biology labs, aeronautics lab and St Eugene de Mazenod Library were other popular destinations on the day.

This year, well over 1000 people registered online to be a part of Open Day, and there was a genuine buzz of excitement among the visitors as they waited to get signed in before joining Fr Michael Twigg OMI and Mr Trevor Goodwin in the Chapel for an official welcome to start their tours.

Groups of visitors were assigned one or two student tour guides, who did an outstanding job of presenting Iona in the best light, and highlighting the different aspects of school life that make Iona special to them.

The College sincerely thanks our Enrolments and Relationships team of Julia MacDonald and Georgia Manion for their months of hard work in making Open Day happen, and their endless enthusiasm on the day in welcoming so many potential Ionians and ensuring their visit was a happy one.

Thanks also to the many staff, the Iona Leadership Team, ground staff, student tour guides and other volunteers and performers who once again went above and beyond in their efforts to celebrate all that is great about life at Iona College.

ENROLMENT TEAM

MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME

Moments of Culture

MR BRENDAN MERROTSY HEAD OF LANGUAGES

After a four-year hiatus, it was a pleasure to finally head back to the beautiful country of Japan in the Term 1 holidays to escort 44 Senior Japanese students from Years 11 and 12 on a discovery tour of the personal and academic benefits of studying languages.

For many, this was their first overseas experience. But armed with strong language skills, relentless enthusiasm and respectful appreciation for the unique aspects of the culture, these young men couldn’t wait to touch down in Tokyo after seven years of studying Japanese. Our students were not simply tourists, they were engaged travellers, with a passion for the places we visited.

Their proactive approach to interacting with locals, the respect for tradition, and their willingness to consistently step outside their comfort zone was truly impressive to watch.

This mature and entertaining group of young men made this educational trip an absolute success, leaving Japan with many unforgettable memories that I know they will look back on and cherish for years to come.

Here are some of the reflections from the students:

Toby Reardon on adaptability

The thought of Homestay prior to leaving for Japan was an uneasy feeling. But Japanese families are extremely welcoming and will try their best to make you feel comfortable.

Alistair Mylne on cross cultural communication

Using Japanese came more naturally than I expected. By the end of the trip, I had inquired about and bought a baseball jersey (don’t ask the price), threw shade on Mr Devlin’s beloved Hiroshima Carp, figured out the instructions to escape from a ninja house and much more!

Jonty Roberts on cultural education

Try to experience as much of Japan as you can, as you will look back fondly on the times you walked around the quiet alleyways with your mates.

Hudson Berrill on living each moment

Nagashima Spa Land was one of my favourite places we went to. It was great to experience the Steel Dragon, the longest rollercoaster in the world, and hear my friends screaming!

Jasper Vinen on global perspective

The food throughout the entire tour was spectacular, and I’m so glad that I got the opportunity to try lots of food I had never eaten before (including raw octopus!).

Alex Wheddon

on experiential learning

For me, my favorite parts of the Japan tour were the things I was most nervous about, such as trying new foods, going to the onsens (natural hot springs) and the homestay.

James Cumming on active engagement

Going around each city was perfect for putting our skills to use, as every turn was a chance to speak and grow that little more in confidence. We asked passers-by for directions, we asked how they were and gave them compliments in Japanese.

Finn O’Malley-Jones on cultural exposure

The opportunity to run every morning in Japan was awesome, as was climbing to the top of Miyajima Island where the views were spectacular. It was the most exhilarating feeling ever!

HONOURING OUR GREATEST Moments of Respect

ANZAC DAY SERVICE 2023

On Anzac Day, above all days, we proudly remember all those who served our nation in times of war with courage, compassion and comradeship. Soon, Iona will have permanent tributes to honour those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

The first will be the planting of the Lone Pine.

Lone Pine was the scene of a major battle launched by the First Australian Infantry Division on 6 August 1915.

Turkish troops cut down all of the trees on the battlefield to cover their trenches – except one. That single remaining tree became known as Lonesome Pine.

In the three days of fighting that followed, more than 2000 Australians and an estimated 7000 Turks were killed.

Seven Australians were awarded Victoria Crosses –our highest and most prestigious award for bravery, valour and self-sacrifice. The site at Lone Pine is now a war memorial and cemetery and the site of the annual Anzac Day dawn service at Gallipoli.

After the battle, three Australian soldiers souvenired pinecones from that ridge and brought them back to Australia.

Seeds from those pinecones were cultivated, and have been used to create living war memorials.

Iona is very proud to have been presented with a sapling, descended from those original seeds, which will be planted on College grounds.

The second memorial will be the restoration of a damaged statue that formerly stood at the Manly War Memorial.

In 1992, the statue was largely destroyed by vandals, and was thought to have been lost for many years until it was discovered in a Council shed in 2013, where it has sat ever since.

In partnership with the Manly-Lota RSL, Brisbane City Council and the Queensland

Government, Iona is preparing to repair and restore the damaged statue, which will join the Lone Pine in a new Iona War Memorial.

On April 25, the entire Iona community gathered in the Provence Centre for our annual Anzac Day service.

While this day is always a great source of national pride, and personal pride for the families of those who served or continue to serve, it is also a tremendous source of pride for Ionians because of the incredible reverence and respect shown by the nearly 1900 Iona boys during this moving service. But these are not mere boys. These are Iona men. And the fact that you could have heard a pin drop during the Last Post and minute’s silence in Provence was emotionally gripping as the ceremony itself.

As we paid tribute to those who gave their lives in defence of our country, our young Ionians responded by proving themselves as men of true character and worthy of the Anzac spirit.

THE COLLEGE CHAPEL: OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS, CENTRE OF OUR COMMUNITY

From the Archives

MRS ROSEMARY MAMMINO COLLEGE ARCHIVIST

The Iona College Chapel is the spiritual home of the College and has a special place for those who pass through its doors.

It was built in a central location in the College grounds facing east to the bayside.

A temporary Chapel was established in a room in Long Block after this building opened in May 1959 to care for the Sacramental and devotional needs of staff and students, and as a Centre for Mass for people living close to the College.

The temporary Chapel, pictured below, served the College community for more than a decade.

THE NEW CHAPEL: OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS

The construction of a purpose-built Chapel had been a long-time goal of the College. The chosen site was blessed originally by the Superior General, Fr Richard Hanley OMI on 16 November 1973.

Unfortunately, preliminary architectural plans were not proceeded with due to their cost. The College then drew up a detailed plan which the architect took over, completing structural drawings and acting as the supervisor once construction started.

In 1973, the family of Fr John Cranley OMI, who was then a teaching priest on staff, wanted to contribute to their son and brother’s mission and donated $37,500 towards the construction of the Chapel. These funds were used to complete the structure of the building, including the foundations, floor, external walls and roof – but not the internal layout.

According to the diary kept by the Rector and other Oblates – the Codex Historicus –the foundations for the new Chapel were poured over the 1973-1974 Christmas holidays, and by February 1974, the walls were rising rapidly.

The Chapel went on to be built largely by volunteer parents and community members working together, knowing their efforts would ensure the Chapel would form the heart of the College. Donated materials were used which resulted in a wonderful building of liturgical design.

Once the outside of the Chapel was completed, some parents donated their time to complete the electrical installation after hours, hanging and plastering the octagonal suspended ceiling, making the massive wooden front doors and handles, long-drop curtains, stairs to the loft and many of the furnishings.

The groundsman welded a cross on the Chapel over seven metres tall, while the woodwork teacher completed the sacristy furniture.

The Chapel was an octagonal building with sides made of filled concrete block, double plaster rendered and sprayed with a Tyrolean finish.

FIRST MASS IN THE CHAPEL

The first Mass was held in the new Chapel on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians in June 1974, while the first public Mass was held on Sunday, 22 September in that year.

FORMAL OPENING OF THE CHAPEL

On 4 April 1975, His Grace Archbishop Francis Rush D.D. officially blessed the College Chapel, dedicated to Our Lady Help of Christians. He was the principal celebrant at a concelebrated Mass.

The official opening was performed by a former Rector of the College and Oblate Provincial, Rev. Fr John Hannah OMI, and was celebrated by other College Oblates and several local priests.

The guest speaker was our own Rev. Fr Lewy Keelty OMI. The Library was officially blessed and opened at the same time.

The then-Rector, Rev Fr Vincent Lourey OMI, paid tribute to all persons involved in the construction of the Chapel and Library.

Archbishop Rush urged all present to use the buildings well and frequently, noting the gifts of “the Chapel to raise their souls to God and the Library to feed their minds on the wisdom of ages”.

NAME OF THE CHAPEL

The name of the College Chapel, Our Lady Help of Christians, was a name chosen in keeping with the name of the patron for the Mother Church in Australia, Mary the Immaculate Mother of God under the special invocation of Help of Christians. In recognition of the College’s strong connection to Mary, our Chapel is named, Our Lady Help of Christians.

The College Chapel has been used by the Iona community virtually on a daily basis since it opened, and will celebrate its golden jubilee in 2024.

The Chapel is the centrepiece of life at Iona and the broader community.

2023 BLACK & WHITE DINNER

Saturday 29 July, 7pm - 11pm

Legends Room, The Gabba

$150 per person (tables of 10)

Includes two-course, alternate drop menu and four-hour drinks package

Entertainment by SAVVY

Dress code: Cocktail (any colour)

trybooking.com/CHOGG

Built by our community, for our community. Since 1957