In Hoc Signo, Volume 20, No 4, November 2022

Friday 4 November, the College celebrated our Valedictory Mass with the Year 12 students and their families in The Provence Centre. With over 600 family members, staff and close friends in attendance, it was indeed a fitting celebration of, and farewell to, these extraordinary young men. During this mass, we have instituted a ritual called The Ceremony of Light. During this simple and heartfelt ritual, the congregation reflected on the Easter candle as a symbol of endings and beginnings. On behalf of the graduates, the College captains received a lit candle from a representative from the staff, families and Oblate congregation. We prayed that the light of wisdom, love and faith passed on to them during their time at Iona will always burn brightly in their hearts.

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.

Editorial Team Alexandra Lowson and Brayden Teece

Design Alexandra Lowson

Front Cover 2022 Captains at the Valedictory Mass

Photography Alexandra Lowson, Georgia Manion, Laura Benitez, Pat Hoelscher Photography, students and friends of Iona.

If you have feedback or an enquiry about this issue 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

from the RECTOR

FR MICHAEL TWIGG OMI

On behalf of the Oblate community at Iona, Fr Lewy, Fr Basti, Fr Joe Antony and I would like to sincerely thank every Ionian who has supported the mission of the College and the wider community in 2022. I have particularly appreciated working alongside Mr Goodwin, the Leadership Team, the entire staff and all our families.

Since 1957, we have aspired to not only be one of the best schools in the world, but also to be one of the best schools for the world. This extra aspiration brings with it tremendous joys and challenges and it is at the very heart of our Catholic Oblate education.

St Eugene de Mazenod OMI called us to see the word through the eyes of Christ and that challenge compels us to see those who have been left out and find a way for them to be included and respected.

This year has been a rewarding and challenging year as we continue to navigate the pandemic and its associated issues alongside varying climate concerns.

As a large, diverse and complex school, we have continued to look for ways to celebrate the little moments and ensure that every member felt valued, known and cared for. There are so many ways that this occurs in and outside the classroom and in and outside of family life.

I give thanks to the retiring or concluding staff members from this year, particularly Brian Townsend, David Cockburn, Joanne Dunn, Greg Denman and Cathy Shaw for their tremendous service to many generations of Ionians. The Oblates value greatly the collaboration that we have in ministry with fine staff. The Junior production of Peter Pan saw David Cooke and his incredible team bring great talent to the stage of IPAC. Under the care of Sam Ould and his team, IPAC continues to be a beautiful and welcoming venue that expresses our values and mission. IPAC welcomes schools and community groups, and is a treasure of the College. Next year is the 25th birthday of IPAC and there are some major ways we intend to celebrate it. A hint for next year’s musical production — it has a chocolate theme to it.

I sincerely wish every prayer and blessing for our graduating students and assure them of our support and care for the rest of their lives and beyond.

As we head towards the Christmas season, my prayer for you all is that you are able to find room in the “inn of your heart” to welcome the baby Jesus. The love of God expressed through Christmas invites a response of care. Please also remember in your prayers those for whom the celebration of Christmas is almost impossible because of grief.

from the PRINCIPAL

MR TREVOR GOODWIN

A quote often attributed to Pope Francis reads: At our recent Valedictory Dinner for our 2022 Year 12 cohort I referenced this quote, urging our newest ‘Old Boys’ to ensure that wherever they go that they live up to the lessons they have learned at Iona and ensure that they make another person’s day better because of their interaction with them. If they do this they will be living up to the College aspiration that they “Live, Learn, Lead and Serve”.

The rivers do not drink their own water; the trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and the flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is, life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.

The message about the importance of living for others is further emphasised by two things I was recently reminded of at my daughter’s speech night. The first was a quote by psychologist and author David Biscott who wrote, “The purpose of life is to discover your gift, the meaning of life is to give your gift away”. In short this means that we are not meant to keep our God given gifts and talents to ourselves but rather to share these gifts and talents with those around us so that we all may benefit.

The second was a simple message contained in Elton John’s single ‘Your Song’ contained in his 1970 self-titled album. There’s a single line in the song which is “My gift is my song and this one’s for you.” At the Valedictory Dinner, our graduands were challenged to consider that, if Elton John’s gift is song, what will be their gift to the world?

To put it in a sporting context James Kerr wrote a book entitled ‘Legacy: What The All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life’. In his book, Kerr alludes to ‘legacy’ as having responsibility to have changed something for the better as a consequence of someone’s actions or behaviours.

Since 1958, Iona students, parents and staff have left a legacy for future students and the wider community. The 2022 Year 12 class has been no different. They have accepted the challenge to honour and build upon the legacy of those who went before them. They have made positive contributions to the legacy and mission of the school, whether it has been through the 3:16 or 10:10 Catholic Studies Program, Rosies outreach, their co curricular participation in the sporting, cultural or spiritual life of the College. They and their parents certainly have reason to be proud of their achievements.

They have shown agility, resilience and great example in the face of tragedy. They have navigated a global pandemic and done their best to get on with life as normal. These things, amongst others, have been their ‘gift’; their legacy to the Iona community.

Now as they leave us as Year 12 students, the question remains: what will be their gift to the broader world as they move out into it in earnest at the conclusion of the academic year? How will they make a difference to the people they encounter?

St Teresa of Avila has a wonderful quote which reads:

The challenge our Year 12 cohort were left with on the night of their Valedictory Dinner was “Will your purpose in life (the gift you give away, the legacy you leave through the rest of your life) be to spread the love and compassion of Christ to the rest of the world?”

It is what we at Iona, and I’m sure their parents hope for them, as Ionians. We do hope that they accept that challenge. As we move toward the Christmas period, I hope all members of the Iona community are able to enjoy a holy and merry Christmas. We look forward to working with our new Year 12 cohort in 2023 in continuing to help them share their gift with our community and shape how they will move out and have a positive impact on the wider community when their time at Iona comes to an end at the same time next year.

Catholic Faith and MISSION

MRS LIZ MADDEN, DEAN OF CATHOLIC FAITH AND MISSION

ADVENT PEOPLE

Christians are a people living in advent — an in-between time, a time of waiting and preparing. We live during the “here but not yet” period; the time of promises yet to be completely fulfilled, the time of growing into our potential. The Church season of Advent is a particular time in which Catholics prepare their hearts and minds to recall the coming of the Christ-child at Christmas. It is a particularly special time for the Oblate congregation as they recall the words of Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the canonisation of their Founder: “Eugene de Mazenod … was a Man of Advent”. The Pope recognised that St Eugene devoted his life to preparing for the coming of Christ and was able to listen, which gave him the profound wisdom to respond to the signs of the times. Our First Nations peoples also have a great deal to teach us about the concepts of waiting and preparing. Over tens of thousands of years they have learnt what it means to be still and wait, trying to not hurry things along but allowing them to follow their natural pattern. This time of waiting and watching brings peace and understanding.

In our Catholic context, Advent is a time of deep listening as we reflect on the implication of our belief that Christ became human: he experienced human feelings, hunger, thirst, weariness, loneliness, grief, and joy. The baby grew to be a man who listened to and saw people first, then responded to the needs of those around him.

With Jesus as our model, the Iona community has strived to listen, see the need and respond. This term we’ve listened to the cry of the poor and responded with our annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal and MAMI Christmas card drive. We’ve listened to the wisdom of our First Nations Ionians as they shared their stories at our Foundation Assembly. We’ve responded by developing an Iona Reconciliation Action Plan (iRAP) Team in which deep listening and respectful dialogue take place. We’ve continued to see the need for students and staff to have a safe and quiet space to nurture their spirituality and community, and provided the daily sanctuary of Mass.

In helping students to recognise the significant place that spirituality has in their lives, we have seen more and more young men step up as leaders in the Faith and Mission space. This term, five of our exemplary Year 11 students graduated from the Ozanam Leadership Program, 33 new students have signed up to be Ministers of Communion, and six Year 10 students became the new mentors of the Primary Faith and Mission Group: Living Saints.

In response to the need for students to seek connectedness through spirituality, this term we instituted new positions of leadership, with the commissioning of our first ever Liturgy Captains, Zach Robinson and Connor Marsh. These young men will support the 2023 Faith and Mission student leaders, Nate Nugent (Vice Captain) and Gabe Sampaolesi (Lead Prefect).

L-R: Zach Robinson, Gabe Sampaolesi, Nate Nugent, Connor Marsh

We pray that these young men will also be ‘men of Advent’, open to listening to the needs of their fellow Ionians and responding like Jesus.

May we all be people of advent. May we all be people of hope. God bless.

Oblate Identity and COMMUNITY

MR BRAYDEN TEECE, DEAN OF OBLATE IDENTITY AND COMMUNITY

FIGHT TO SAVE ‘THE WOUNDED SOLDIER’

Earlier this year, we became aware that a significant piece of our community’s history was lying, broken, on the floor of a City Council shed.

The Manly War Memorial statue of a soldier and his bayonet was carved from Italian marble in 1920, and installed as a tribute to the local men who fought and died in the First World War.

Ultimately, these attempts ended in failure due to a lack of funding and resources.

Several months ago, with blessing of the Manly-Lota RSL, Iona Old Boy and RSL member Ted Barber applied to have the statue released, to enable Iona College to support the restoration and relocation of this iconic local memorial.

It is Iona’s intention for the restored statue to be the centrepiece of a memorial to be created at the College, to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the local men and women who have defended of our nation.

The memorial would specifically recognise the contribution of former Iona students, whilst paying tribute to the historical significance of the statue.

The installation of a plaque would ensure that these significant local stories are shared and honoured for generations to come.

we move closer to taking responsibility of this iconic statue, we recognise the power of community partnerships and

The statue was senselessly vandalised in 1990, when two men pulled it to the ground using a chain attached to a car and dragged it down the main street of Manly.

The damaged statue was replaced by a concrete replica, and the original was left lying in pieces in a Council depot shed at Lota.

Over the years, there have been multiple appeals for this statue to be repaired and restored, so this important piece of local history could be returned to public view.

In naming and referring to the statue as ‘the wounded soldier’, we would hope to create an awareness around the mental health challenges that are experienced by so many of our defence men and women resulting from their experiences.

The process of returning the statue to its former glory has not been simple or easy.

The ongoing negotiations with the relevant authorities have at times been challenging, but as

of people working together towards a common cause. It is with a genuine sense of excitement that I look forward to sharing further developments with the Iona community.

Statue in ruins in Lota Council depot

The original statue (1970)

Unveiling of the monument (March 1921)

Dean of COLLEGE

MR JOHN FRARE, DEAN OF COLLEGE

The term ‘culture’ seems to have been utilised with greater regularity and applied to a broader range of contexts over time. In terms of Iona College, this is relevant when we talk about our ‘school culture’. But what does ‘culture’ actually mean in this context and why is it important? Can it just be said that culture is “the way we do things around here”?

In a large organisation like a school environment, addressing areas of culture can be quite difficult. It has been proven that school culture is easier to manipulate or impose when there are smaller numbers. The New York Small Schools Project, as the name suggests, is an attempt to abbreviate the size of schools, in terms of population. In reality, this involves creating schools within schools. This assists when trying to ensure everyone is moving in the same direction, with the same understanding of what needs to happen in order to achieve goals. The contention is that through this process and the subsequent creation of a favourable school culture, there will be less behavioural problems, clearer understandings, stronger cohesion in the school, and hopefully, average grades across subjects will improve.

According to statistics, this has indeed occurred, and the desired outcomes have been attributable to the cultural shifts that have been made, facilitated apparently by the smaller number of students.

In examining the culture that exists amongst different areas of our school, challenging this may impose hurdles that would seem difficult to overcome, but in the long run may be worth the exercise. Some of these that come to mind include uniform, examination periods and sporting calendars, just to name a few. Interestingly, the COVID-19 compliance changes have forced us as a school community to re-organise the way we conduct many school operations. In many cases, these changes have brought very positive reflections, and highlight the point that that, without COVID, this adjustment may never have been made.

that characterises Iona is one of the most pervasive and salient elements of the College.

A real challenge exists for our current batch of students, staff and parents, in terms of the evolution of our school culture. Undoubtedly, this inherited culture is a manifestation of those who have passed through the school before them and is a cumulative deposit of these peoples’ knowledge, experience, beliefs, values and attitudes.

This challenge for our current students is often expressed publicly through the co-curricular, service and academic programs at the school. Indeed, an observation of a music ensemble, sporting team, debating team or academic class provides a direct lens into the culture of the school.

For example, coupled with the level of competence and expertise on display, is there an obvious humility, selflessness, industry and respect in these pursuits?

So, it is always important for us as a school community to examine the way that we run all aspects of the school environment, and indeed, apply the blowtorch to areas that we feel important and yes, this includes “the way we do things around here”.

So, based on the logic above and given that Iona is comprised of over 1,800 students, it would seem that the creation of a discernable and clearly identifiable school culture would be nigh on impossible. Yet, the culture of excellence

One thing is certain: ‘culture’ in a school context can have far-reaching effects as a determinant of the values and lessons that can be gleaned through the process of education.

For this reason alone, I strongly encourage our current students not to take their culture of excellence for granted but rather, through all of their pursuits and involvements, nurture it and contribute to it positively through their actions.

Primary YEARS

MR PETER HOLMES, ACTING HEAD OF PRIMARY YEARS

Everyone who has a connection with Iona College would be well aware of how busy a community it is at all times of the year. Term 4, whilst the shortest of the calendar year, is perhaps the busiest of them all this year in particular for our Primary community.

In the past few weeks, we have competed in the AIC Athletics Championships, had both the Year 5 and Year 6 (twice rescheduled) camps at Glendalough, the Primary Swimming Carnival (also twice rescheduled), the AIC Primary Touch Football Carnival, the Queensland All Schools Touch Football Carnival, orientation days for new students, Year 5 Music Concert, Primary boys in the Peter Pan production and commenced 2023 trials for swimming and cricket.

In the last few weeks of term, our students celebrated the Year 6 End of Primary Years Liturgy, Iona College Presentation Evening, completed numerous assessments, and our Year 6 students commenced formal transition to Year 7 activities.

We are a busy community and our boys were excited about, and had very much earned a break over the summer. As our Year 6 cohort prepares for their next stage of education and a move into the secondary school, we are well into the planning phase for the new students who will begin their Iona journey in 2023. As Fr Michael often says, “Every time a new student commences at the College, it creates a new community”. Well, with 180 new Year 5s (and some Year 6) students commencing in January, it is fair to say that Primary will be a very new community.

What will remain constant is the quality, care and support of the staff who walk with the Primary students. I genuinely thank every member of the primary teaching staff (and the many specialist teachers) who work tirelessly to assist each and every child to grow and become the best self they can be.

It is a tight-knit community and the students are the beneficiaries of that sense of Primary, within our wider College environment. Our students access the best of both worlds; a distinct Primary environment with the benefit of being a part of a much bigger but connected community, led by our Oblate Fathers.

It is my hope that each and every student that passes into the Secondary years, or indeed moves to a new secondary environment somewhere else, will remember their time within Iona College primary years with fondness and know that they are always welcome to come back and visit.

Many thanks to the families of our Primary boys. Your support, involvement and sense of partnership with staff is always appreciated. You are such an important piece of the ‘educational puzzle’.

As this is the final In Hoc Signo for 2022, may I wish you all a wonderful Christmas period with family and friends. May your new year bring endless possibilities and opportunities. We look forward to working with you again next year and of course to families who will have completed your primary journey, our very best wishes for the next stage of your son’s and your Iona journey.

For our final In Hoc Signo of 2022, we would like to introduce you to our Student Leaders for next year.

Name: Keanu Carew House: Charlebois 2023 Portfolios: Spirit and Events and Wellbeing

What are you grateful for? I am grateful for all the opportunities Iona has provided and continues to provide for me.

Which Iona staff member has been your greatest influence and why? Mr Pritchard has been my greatest influence and he continues to be my biggest support and guide.

What do you hope is achieved next year? For our year group to come together inclusively.

Name: Sam Cranny House: Long 2023 Portfolios: Community, Faith and Mission, Spirit and Events

What are you grateful for? I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have been provided with in both sporting and music departments but also the academic pathways and support which often goes unnoticed.

Which Iona staff member has been your greatest influence and why? Mr Cook was one of the best Heads of House I could have asked for. His support and encouragement to get me involved and enthusiasm to build a strong House culture was top tier. I am still incredibly grateful for his effort and influence.

What do you hope is achieved next year? Over the past year our sense of involvement may have dropped due to the effect of COVID. As a cohort and school, if we support each other we should have a great year. Personally, I would like to serve the College to the best of my abilities, while balancing academic and co-curricular involvements.

MR MARK HARVEY, DEAN OF STUDENTS

Name: Matthew Strauss House: Anthony 2023 Portfolios: Primary Connect, Wellbeing, Spirit and Events

What are you grateful for? I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have to create positive change. Having worked with Rosies this year, I’ve been given a new perspective on the importance of using my privilege to make positive impacts.

Which Iona staff member has been your greatest influence and why? The Iona staff member that has been my greatest influence has been Mrs Sadleir. She never fails to make classes enjoyable and engaging. She’s always been available and it’s something that I’m genuinely thankful for.

What do you hope is achieved next year? I hope to enjoy my last year of school doing the things I love with some of my best mates. As a 2023 cohort, we want to leave a lasting legacy at Iona. We know that getting involved is an amazing way to genuinely experience the Iona culture.

Name: Archer Andersen House: Albini 2023 Portfolio: Primary Connect

What are you grateful for? I am grateful to be a part of Iona College, we have a caring and supportive community.

Which Iona staff member has been your greatest influence and why? Mr Dimento has been my greatest influence at Iona College as he embodies the value of being an Ionian through his leadership. Every day he encourages the Albini boys to always give our best efforts in everything we do.

What do you hope is achieved next year? I wish to continue the success of the Primary Connect Portfolio. As well as this, I would love to be a part of another AIC Premiership-winning team with the First XI. As a Year 12 group, we are hoping to revive the College spirit after COVID-19.

Name: Thomas Hoelscher House: Albini

2023 Portfolio: Wellbeing

What are you grateful for? I am grateful for my opportunity to make a positive change in the lives of all Ionians. I am also grateful for my dog, as he reminds me that even if we don’t achieve our goals (in his case, trying to catch a ball but always failing), we should always remain positive and keep trying.

Which Iona staff member has been your greatest influence and why? Mr Vardanega has been an incredibly positive influence for me. His extraordinary kindness and honesty has inspired me to be a better version of myself.

What do you hope is achieved next year? I hope to grow in mindfulness and generosity. I believe that kindness is the best way to build strong relationships. In the Wellbeing portfolio, our vision for this year is to “Create an Iona culture that endorses personal wellbeing practices and inspires student led change.”

Name: Callum McShane House: Gerard

2023 Portfolio: Community

What are you grateful for? My family and friends as well as the opportunities the school has presented to me.

Which Iona staff member has been your greatest influence and why? Mr Condon — in my first year at Iona having an Old Boy teacher had a massive impact on me. He taught us about all of the traditions that were a part of Iona as well as teaching us about the expectations of an Ionian.

What do you hope is achieved next year? I hope that as a cohort we unify and support boys in all years and different areas. Additionally, I hope that as a year group we have a positive impact on the College and the Iona community.

Name: Alistair Mylne House: Grandin

2023 Portfolio: Academic

What are you grateful for? Stable government, universal healthcare and good friends.

Which Iona staff member has been your greatest influence and why? Mrs Pearce — always supportive, generous with her time and a vocal voice in your corner. What do you hope is achieved next year? To continue the work that is being done currently to the same degree of quality, with some additions. If this was always done, then there will never be a decrease in quality of leadership.

Name: Nate Nugent House: Gerard 2023 Portfolio: Faith and Mission

What are you grateful for? I am grateful for all the opportunities the school has given me throughout the years to grow and will continue to give me into the future.

Which Iona staff member has been your greatest influence and why? Mr Condon has been one of my greatest influences throughout my schooling career. He has done so much to help me throughout the years, teaching me about Iona and what it means to wear this uniform.

What do you hope is achieved next year? Personally, I hope to grow as a leader and develop a team that works well together to grow the Faith and Mission portfolio. As a Year 12 group I hope to create higher standards for the grades to follow, along with a strong ATAR to allow me to move into teaching.

Name: Caleb Ryan House: Anthony 2023 Portfolio: Spirit and Events

What are you grateful for? I am most grateful for the people who are constantly present around me, including my family, friends, and teachers. I am also appreciative for the College and the opportunities it has given me.

Which Iona staff member has been your greatest influence and why? Mr Doyle — he always looks out for the students and teachers within Anthony House, is always keen to have chat and most importantly, he is always keen to tell a yarn or story.

What do you hope is achieved next year? Personally, I hope to achieve the best I can academically and hope to lead the 1st volleyball team to a premiership in 2023. As a Year 12 group, I hope to build and strengthen the Iona spirit, culture and comradery to unify the College and for the younger years to continue this legacy.

Learning and TEACHING

MRS DONNA ELKINGTON, DEAN OF LEARNING AND TEACHING

Term 4 saw the conclusion of Secondary school for our Year 12 students. I described to the Seniors at a meeting earlier this term that while it has been a marathon to complete Units 1-4 during Years 11 and 12, the last few weeks were the sprint to the finish line!

To provide our Year 12s with strategies to help succeed, all Seniors participated in two targeted study skills workshops facilitated by Elevate Education prior to the external exam period.

The workshops, ‘Study Sensei’ and ‘Ace Your Exams’, covered topics such as: Utilising the syllabus to frame study; structuring and reviewing organised notes; conceptual learning to develop deep understanding; the importance of completing practice exam papers; time allocation during exam preparation; and techniques for managing stress and time pressure in exams.

This was a new initiative introduced this year and the feedback from students about these sessions was very positive. We hope to continue this program next year.

We started the external examination period with a special breakfast on 24 October for all Year 12 students. A Senior breakfast, cooked by Year 11 students on the first day of final exams, is an Iona tradition which started many years ago when Year 12s completed QCS testing in the previous OP system.

Many thanks to the group of Year 11 students who generously volunteered to cook and serve the breakfast for our Seniors. There was truly a great sense of community and support for each other at the breakfast.

Fr Michael also provided a blessing for the students just prior to the English exam.

The College community is very proud of our Senior cohort, and we wish them the very best as they complete their final exams.

Corporate SERVICES

MRS SUSAN BOBAN, MANAGER CORPORATE SERVICES

We have come to the part of the year where we are busy preparing for end-of-year close and planning for 2023. The school fees and budgets for 2023 have been finalised and we are continuing to focus on the financial and environmental sustainability of the College while also remaining accessible to, and for, our community.

Like the families we serve, the College has been facing significant, increasing financial pressures in providing an accessible and positive experience for the students in our care. While we are still a College with amongst the lowest boys’ school fees in Brisbane, we are certainly dedicated to providing the resources and facilities that every Ionian should be proud of.

Some plans for 2023 include the design and development for four new classroom spaces and play areas in the Primary precinct, and the submission of a grant application to help us improve traffic safety and accessibility to the College. We will shortly be going out to tender for a bus service to help cater for families in the Manly, Gumdale and Wakerley areas.

In driving Iona forward in the sustainability space, we have been working with our College Board to grow our understanding and our positive environmental impact by reducing our carbon emissions in a number of ways. One way to be both better stewards of our environment and manage rising electricity prices is to install solar panels across the College.

We are currently operating under a four-year fixed price agreement with very good electricity prices, but this expires in December 2023. In preparation for the increasing pricing, we will be joining the 40% of dwellings within our postcode and going to tender early in 2023 for a solar installation at the College.

Some interesting resources and facts regarding solar can be found on the following websites: Australian PV Institute website: https://pv-map.apvi.org.au

AEMO website https://aemo.com.au/en/energy-systems/

4178 - inc. Lindum

Est. dwellings: 10,231 Installations: 4,410 (approx. 40%)

PV potential on all roof types: 136,2076m2 (212,824 kW)

Potential annual energy from PV: 310.4 GWh

Total installed capacity: 23,249 kW

< 10kW: 16,364 kW (installations: 4,088)

10-100kW: 6687 kW (installations: 321)

Over 100kW: 198 kW (installations: 1)

Iona SPORT

MR KEITH HARRON, HEAD OF SPORT

MERE DE DIEU CUP RETURNS TO IONA

One of the significant trophies that Iona College contests is the Mere de Dieu Cup. It translates from French into “Mother of God Cup” and is played between all the 1st sporting teams of Marist College Ashgrove and Iona College. Honoring Mary as our shared Mother, considering both Colleges originated in France to care for youth, as well as the long association between the two Colleges, makes it a strong tradition.

With AFL, cricket and volleyball 1st games being washed out, Iona winning football, tennis and rugby league, the chess fixture being drawn and Marist winning basketball and rugby union, Iona College secured the Cup. It was a strong year for our 1st teams.

PREVIOUS RESULTS:

Iona wins: 2018, 2022

Marist wins: 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021 Magnifique!

1ST TENNIS AND 1ST RUGBY LEAGUE OUTSTANDING

The second half of the sporting year saw our College gain both the AIC 1st IV tennis premiership and the 1st XIII rugby league premiership. Guided by excellent coaching, both teams played with skill and determination. All involved deserve congratulations and subsequently celebrated with fellow team members, parents and coaching staff.

Our AIC premiership teams throughout Term 3 were:

Basketball: 11B, 10A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 6D.

Rugby League: 1st XIII, Year 8, Year 7.

Tennis: 1st IV, Year 6A.

TOURNAMENTS AGAIN POPULAR

TOUCH

Touch remains a popular sport within our large sports program. In 2022, it was played at All Schools and AIC Invitational levels. Our performances were again strong in elite competitions. We were the strongest aggregate AIC College.

GOLD COAST TITANS ALL SCHOOLS TOUCH

Primary: Top 8

13 years: Top 8, losing by one try to Miami SHS, who eventually won the tournament.

15 years: Top 16

Open: Top 8

AIC INVITATIONAL

Primary: First Year 7: Second Year 8/9: Second Year 10/11: First

VOLLEYBALL

Two Iona teams played at the Queensland Junior Schools Cup. Year 7: Fifth in the top Division1 competition. Year 8: Second in the top Honours division Our teams again performed strongly in this elite competition.

TRACK AND FIELD

At the annual AIC championships, the Iona Primary team achieved aggregate second in a close competition, while the Secondary team gained fifth. The Year 6 and 15-years teams won their age divisions. Thirty-six winning pennants were secured by individuals and relay competitors.

Jake Hambrook-Smith set a new AIC and College record in the Year 6 shot put. Bailey Burns won an incredible five individual events. Jake Hambrook-Smith, Sean Moroney, Sam Allen, Corey Tearle and Ethan Tearle went on to win individual medals at the Queensland Schools Championships. Track and field is not an overly easy sport to be involved in, requiring technical skill, speed, power, endurance and mental application. All involved deserve hearty congratulations.

Since I began teaching percussion at Iona in 2019, I have focused on giving my students opportunities to grow and the College has placed an emphasis on growth this year with its theme ‘Space to Grow’.

Purchasing drumline equipment has given our percussionists space to grow. In addition to maintaining their ensemble skills, they are developing new techniques for playing high-tension snares, quads and bass drums.

With equipment specially designed to be played while moving, they can perform in any terrain at College events like Old Boys Day and Oblate Mission Action Day. Transferable skills such as precision and discipline are essential in drumline performance.

Articulation in the snare drum section demands attention to detail and the bass drum players (playing drums of different sizes and pitches) work together to produce melodies. Marching drums are tuned for maximum projection outdoors and for large indoor spaces like The Provence Centre.

Iona MUSIC

MRS MADISON DEDINI, INSTRUMENTAL TEACHER (PERCUSSION) AND YEAR 5 CLASSROOM MUSIC

Percussion Ensemble 1 performed three drumline cadences at the Autumn Concert in The Provence Centre earlier this year and joined Sports Band on OMAD to create an exciting atmosphere at the Staff vs Students dodgeball game.

I am also part of the classroom music faculty which has experienced growth over the past couple of years. In 2021, Emily Sargent joined the team and Brian L’Huillier (Head of Instrumental Music) returned to the department, led by Aimee McDonald. This year, Alex Vardanega and I have taken on some junior music classes, increasing the connection between classroom music, vocal/instrumental music, and the wider College community.

Music is one of the few activities that engages the whole brain. It promotes growth in all 24 character strengths. Refining the craft takes patience and perseverance — such important life skills in today’s world of instant gratification. Making music helps young men develop into confident, social beings and gives them a skill they can cherish for life.

From the ARCHIVES

IONA

COLLEGE HOUSE SYSTEM

MRS ROSEMARY MAMMINO, COLLEGE ARCHIVIST

THE HOUSE SYSTEM — A HISTORY

Iona College had a system of four Houses from the early years, which later expanded to eight to better cater for the increase in student enrolment. From 2022, two further Houses have been added to the previous eight, bringing the total to 10. This change has enabled the College to extend pastoral care to cover the growth in student numbers within a vertical structure across year levels.

EARLY DAYS — FOUR HOUSES

By 1960, “Houses” had been introduced to Iona to give some colour, impetus and structure to the intra-school sporting competition. The Houses were named after famous Oblates whose causes had been put forward for consideration for sainthood. The original Houses included Mazenod, Gérard, Albini and Grandin.

Mazenod was foremost, after the Founder of the Congregation of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Bishop (later Saint) Eugene de Mazenod OMI. Gérard House was named after the heroic Oblate, Fr Joseph Gérard OMI, whom the Founder sent to Natal to be part of the mission in South Africa.

Albini House was named for Fr Charles Dominic Albini OMI, a contemporary of Fr Eugene de Mazenod OMI during the early, formative years of the Order, who later took the mission to Corsica. Grandin House was named for Bishop Vital Grandin OMI, whom the Founder sent as a young priest to help open the frozen wastes of Canada.

EIGHT HOUSES FROM 1987

The four House system remained in place until 1987, when the then Rector, Fr John Sherman OMI, introduced four new

sporting Houses to help cater for the growing student population. He chose to name the new Houses Anthony, Charlebois, MacKillop and Chisholm.

Anthony House was named after Brother Anthony Kowalczyk OMI, a Polish Oblate brother who worked tirelessly and humbly in the service of various Oblate Houses in Canada. On 28 March 2013, Pope Francis declared Brother Anthony as Venerable. Charlebois was named after Bishop Ovide Charlebois OMI, another heroic Oblate of the Canadian missions. MacKillop was named for Saint Mary MacKillop RSJ, the founder of the Sisters of St Joseph and the first Australian saint (canonised in 2010), Chisholm was named after Caroline Chisholm who cared for the needs of the women sent from England to the new colony.

In 2003, Chisholm House was renamed Cebula, after Fr Józef Cebula OMI, a Polish Oblate priest who was martyred in a prisoner of war camp during World War II. He was remembered for his scholarship and guidance of young students, but most especially for his humility, courage and kindness. He was thought to be a more appropriate role model for the boys. Like Joseph Gérard, he has been named Blessed, the next step after Venerable in the process of canonisation.

St Eugene de Mazenod OMI

Fr Joseph Gérard OMI

Bishop Vital Grandin OMI

Fr Charles Albini OMI

The House system remained almost exclusively a sporting vehicle until 2003 when then-Rector, Fr Peter Daly OMI (Rector 2002–2010), identified a need for the boys to feel a sense of connectedness with one another and to their teachers and pastoral care mentors.

While the horizontal system of pastoral care in year levels worked well with smaller numbers, the increasing population of up to 190 boys in some year levels required a different system.

Fr Daly asked the then-Dean of Students, Tom Mitchell, to take responsibility for the planning and introduction of a new vertical pastoral care system which would provide smaller numbers of students per House.

Consequently, in 2005, the Senior school was restructured such that a boy’s House, rather than his year level, became the most significant point of reference. Where possible, boys were allocated to the same House as their father, if he was an Old Boy of the College. Siblings were also placed in the same House as a general rule.

House competitions would then include the arts and academic areas, as well as in the sporting arena, so that a boy’s affinity with his House was nurtured through these activities and contact with older boys and staff resulted, ensuring a well-rounded and whole education.

TWO NEW HOUSES FROM 2022

In the College Newsletter of 25 March 2021, the Rector of the College, Fr Michael Twigg OMI, indicated that there had been approximately 26% student growth in the previous 10 years.

In response to the growing pastoral needs felt at House level within the College, a working party had been looking into the feasibility of increasing the House structure by two in order to provide a greater opportunity to continue to provide great pastoral care for the boys.

A consultative process was organised to supply students with comprehensive information to answer many of their questions.

In April 2021, a survey was sent to students, Old Boys, staff, parents, former parents and community members seeking feedback on five potential House names. Feedback was received from the broad Iona community and the new Houses were named Long — after Fr Tim Long OMI, the first Rector of Iona College and McAuley — after Sr Catherine McAuley rsm, the Founder of the Sisters of Mercy.

In June 2021, students were invited to nominate to join a new House. Those wanting to nominate as a candidate to pioneer a new House were invited to complete a survey. A ‘frequently asked questions’ document was prepared to assist students with a range of questions.

By early September 2021, the Heads of House for the two new Houses were appointed. Ten Houses formally came into being from the beginning of the 2022 school year.

The student’s House today forms the nucleus of pastoral care that pervades a Catholic community such as Iona. The College has always placed a great emphasis on care for those in its community and beyond.

The House structure assists by breaking down a large school into more manageable units that facilitate a greater continuity of care from staff and boys who get to know one another well over the time they are at Iona. One of the advantages of this system is that the boys usually have the same tutor and Head of House for the six years of their secondary schooling.

In partnership with the Oblate priests, caring staff — both teaching and non teaching — and supportive loving families, the College endeavours to provide the safety nets and connections necessary to assist boys to deal with the challenges of the adolescent years.

Information for this article was sourced from College Archives including information provided by Sandra Hazel, Fr Peter Daly OMI and Dorothy Watterson which was later edited by the then-College Archivist, Anne Roberts in 2013; a 2004 article by Tom Mitchell, then-Dean of Students, titled ‘The House System and Pastoral Care’; and College Newsletters from 2021 and 2022.

Br Anthony Kowalczyk OMI

Bishop Ovide Charlebois OMI

St Mary MacKillop RSJ

Caroline Chisholm

Fr Józef Cebula

OMI

Fr Tim Long OMI

Sr Catherine McAuley rsm

Spotlighting IONIANS

MR JAMES THOMPSON ART RESOURCE MANAGER

What motivates you to work hard and give your best?

I’m a firm believer of you get out what you put in. The ethos that if a job is worth doing then it’s worth doing well is something I try to live by. Another one is that failures are a great tool to learn by.

Who inspires you in tough situations? Who do you inspire?

My family and my partner. It’s a bit of a cliché but I have a pretty tight bond with my nearest and dearest.

Similarly, I think my interest in art has had an incisive effect on my nieces and nephews as they are all looking to be world famous artists.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment to date was graduating from the University of Sydney earlier this year with a Master of Visual Arts and getting engaged in the same month.

As you reflect on your time at Iona so far, is there one person or action that has particularly influenced you?

I’m lucky to work with such an exceptional crew that make up the Visual Art department.

It makes coming to work exciting and fun where no two days are the same and each day presents a whole new set of challenges.

How would your friends describe you?

I think my friends would describe me as a bit of a loose unit. I would also like to think that fair and funny might get a mention too.

What makes you laugh?

I love a good comedy movie especially the ones from the 80’s and 90’s. Caddy Shack, Flying High and The Naked Gun come to mind.

What’s your favourite family tradition?

Christmas holidays over at Straddie with the family.

Waking up Christmas morning and going for a dip, then peeling the prawns with a beer or two.

GEORGIA MANION ASSISTANT REGISTRAR

What motivates you to work hard and give your best?

My need to please people and make others happy.

Who inspires you in tough situations? Who do you inspire?

I am inspired by the people I work with. They have shown me great resilience and understanding when a situation gets tough. I don’t think I have gotten to the point in life where I have inspired anyone. Hopefully one day I can look back and say that I have.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment was moving to London by myself and being asked to photograph London Fashion Week for an Australian magazine.

As you reflect on your time at Iona so far, is there one person or action that has particularly influenced you?

I can’t pinpoint one person from Iona — it is more of a community of people I work with that influence me. There is a sense of comradery and willingness to help out amongst those I work with which inspires me to always help out where I can.

How would your friends describe you?

LOUD is probably the first word people use to describe me. This is usually followed by bubbly, kind, talkative, funny and just a bit weird. But who wants to be normal? It seems overrated and boring so I embrace my weirdness and quirks to keep life interesting.

What makes you laugh?

Many things make me laugh and it always feels better when I can laugh together with friends. Laughing is infectious and I love to spread joy through laughter.

What’s your favourite family tradition?

Singing happy birthday. As a family of about 40 people strong, whenever we sing happy birthday (no matter where we are or who’s around) we cannot sing it in time or in tune. The priceless look of confusion seen on those not in on the gag as they try to work out what is happening makes it all the more enjoyable. It is an odd tradition but it is one I cherish.

MISS

THOMAS GORMAN YEAR 12

What motivates you to work hard and give your best?

The process and results of hard work, knowing that the effort you put in affects the outcome. This motivates me, as the more effort and time you put into activities or goals, the more the result will be highly regarded and rewarded from a variety of people within your circle.

Who inspires you in tough situations? Who do you inspire?

I am inspired by those who persevere with challenging tasks, show determination and strive to complete what they are faced with, regardless of how long it will take. Those I inspire include younger and up and coming runners who I train with, by helping them to become better versions of themselves and find their true potential.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest recent accomplishment was representing Queensland in the Australian Cross Country Championships in Adelaide this year. This was my biggest running accomplishment since I began in Year 7 and made me understand that striving for a goal is always within reach if you put the work in and don’t give up, no matter the result.

As you reflect on your time at Iona so far, is there one person or action that has particularly influenced you?

Undoubtedly Mr Merrotsy. Since the beginning of my Cross Country days in Year 7, to being Open champion in Year 11, he has always said that the hard work I put in will produce results. I will reflect on these messages of encouragement for many years to come, and they will greatly assist in my training and racing into the future.

How would your friends describe you?

Someone who has a big addiction for running and the enjoyment it brings, passionate shoe lover, and one who enjoys his cars.

What makes you laugh?

Conversations with friends, at school and in friend groups, running with mates or banter about who’s car is faster at the school carpark.

What’s your favourite family tradition?

Family holidays at the Gold Coast each year over the Christmas holidays. This is always a fun and enjoyable holiday including the family friends, days out on the boat, and relaxing at the beach.

WILLIAM MAHONEY YEAR 12

What motivates you to work hard and give your best?

Knowing that the hard work will pay off. Seeing the grade on my report card, or the result on the sporting field, makes me happy to know that I worked for it — this motivates me to always try my hardest.

Who inspires you in tough situations? Who do you inspire?

My family inspire me. My Dad, who grew up in a challenging environment, has worked hard, written a PhD, and become a university professor. This inspires me because I know that in the supportive environment I live in, I can do whatever I put my mind to.

As you reflect on your time at Iona so far, is there one person or action that has particularly influenced you?

There have been many teachers who influenced me over the years: Mr Green, Mr Merrotsy, and Mr Vardanega to mention a few. But what resonated with me the most was the message they all conveyed, which was the brotherhood. That me, my mates, and our cohort, are all in it together.

How would your friends describe you?

I think my friends would describe me as caring, and loyal. While I’m not the most socially active when I’m bogged down with schoolwork, I think they value me as someone who would stick by their side no matter what. I’m always willing to listen to their perspective.

What makes you laugh?

Joking around with my mates. Hanging out with my mates and having a joke is something I really enjoy because it helps ease any stress I may be feeling. I’ve always found it hilarious when my mate Lachy says something absolutely outlandish and unexpected.

What’s your favourite family tradition?

My favourite family tradition is our Christmas celebrations. On Christmas day, we meetup with my Mum’s side at my grandparents’ place. We have lunch, play cricket in the backyard, and also go for a swim. Boxing Day is at our house with my Dad’s side of the family. We eat ham for lunch, open plenty of Christmas crackers and my cousins spend half the time playing with our two Jack Russells.

MR BRIAN TOWNSEND

I had no idea how challenging this article would be to write. I started at Iona at 21. Now, at 63, I am finishing.

At 21, being 63 was a foreign land. But here I am, and immensely proud of the time that I have spent on Iona Hill. I am deeply grateful to those who have supported and helped over my time.

Education is a purposeful, creative profession and Iona has given me opportunities that I would not have dreamed of when I started.

The ‘Brian’ who first started out at Iona was ‘as green as grass’, and my first year was challenging. I would like to thank those who helped me through it, particularly Fr Kevin Davine OMI, who gave me the chance to develop into the teacher I was capable of being.

Iona in the early 1980s was a tight community of fewer people and buildings. We all knew each other and were a close-knit group. Back in the day, the entire staff met each morning for coffee and tea, to chat and compare notes. In those days, I was one of the youngest people on staff. Now I am amongst the oldest.

I started out teaching Citizenship Education to Year 10 and,

My major original teaching subjects were English and History. I have taught both throughout the secondary school. Eventually, I focused on the Social Sciences, and was the Head of that department for about 25 years.

I have also taught religion across all the year groups. I had always wanted to teach Ancient History, and I still feel true, genuine excitement when I get to work with this subject.

It is amazing how things change. When I started, we used blackboards and chalk. Then came the revolution of white boards, and now we have laptops. Forty years ago, the idea of a personal computer only belonged in science fiction.

Throughout my time at the College, I have been with the Performing Arts, starting out as a debating coach — something I have enjoyed enormously. I used to get more nervous than the debaters. I remember one time I got lost in the fog driving home from a debate at Moreton Bay College, which was then on Bay Terrace in Wynnum. I would like to thank all of the boys who put up with my advice.

For about 40 years, I have worked with the co-curricular drama program. For that I would like to offer my thanks to Mr Sid Salisbury – the Head of Manual Arts at the College when I started. Sid had the sort of bellow that could freeze lead, but in reality, he was one of the most generous people around. Sid asked me to be a stagehand on one of the annual musicals, Oliver! He taught me how to run a stage, and I have worked on almost every production since as stage manager, occasional director, producer and sometime actor.

There are too many productions and too many actors to thank without risking leaving someone out. Iona has always been a theatrical force to be reckoned with, and the College has much to be proud of. Even so, I would like to thank Mr David Cockburn and Mrs Sandra Hazel, both of whom have done an enormous amount of work to foster the arts at the College and were a pleasure to work with.

Iona has been a key component of my life for a very long time. A while ago, I tried to calculate how many times I have made the drive to and from the College. I lost track and gave up. I decided the best answer was ‘a lot’.

over the years, I have taught a range of subjects. What I have always liked was that when I was looking for a challenge, Iona had something on offer that gave me more hurdles to meet.

Iona has been an integral part of my life and faith journey. I was married in the Iona Chapel, the Oblates baptised two of our children, and our two sons — Steve and Dan — attended the College. Our daughter Kathryn was also closely involved with the College productions during her secondary school years.

I thank all the Oblates, staff and students who supported me over the years, and have allowed me to practice my profession.

Iona College staff photo from 1984. Mr Brian Townsend is fifth from the right in the third row.

Lastly, I say thank you to Therese, Steve, Dan and Kathryn whose love, patience and true kindness have allowed me to make the most of my time as a teacher at Iona.

As I sign off my letters: All the best, Brian T.

MR DAVID COCKBURN

I grew up in a family of seven who never went to see places. Instead, we always went to see people, because people matter. The ‘place’ was just an added bonus. Likewise, it’s been the reality of my Iona journey. As I bid farewell, it’s the people I count as my greatest blessing.

The look of Iona has certainly changed since I started in 1988. Today’s classrooms are filled with Star Trek-ish gizmos. In the 80s, the teaching staff shared one manual typewriter, and Liquid Paper correction fluid was essential to camouflage our creative typing. However, more often, worksheets were typically handwritten. There was a cantankerous Gestetner machine for teachers to manually produce sets of class handouts, and the faintly sweet aroma of pages fresh off the spirit-duplicator would waft through the classrooms.

Overhead projectors, cassette tapes, hand-written assignments (in cursive style), blackboards, chalk, no aircon, emu parades, Sunday bingo in Oblate Hall, handwritten report cards which used carbon copy paper – and Heaven forbid if you made an error! You’d then have to entreat the other teachers, who’d already written on the student’s report, to re-do their work.

One phone in the staff house, and a white line painted across the width of the quadrangle that quarantined the sanctity of the staff house from the playground – a line that only a reckless student would dare ignore.

The day I started at Iona, I arrived promptly to celebrate the morning Staff Mass. I can still hear the organ’s beautiful music. I commend the Oblate Fathers for their devotion and dedication, and I thank these fine, stoic men for all they’ve done, and continue to tirelessly do, for those who’ve called Iona home –either for a little, or a long while.

Likewise, in my own quiet way, it’s always been my mission to assist, to encourage and to share opportunities.

In the 80s and 90s, the unflappable office ladies were the College’s gorgeous “Jills of All Trades” – capable of

everything from having a letter typed at supersonic speed, to simultaneously juggling the sorry souls in sick bay and the machinations of a weary printing machine.

In particular, I remain indebted to Trish Greensill, Pat Halloran, Shirley Macfarlane, Lindsey Vinen and Kay Voltz for always being there whenever “something” needed to be done.

It’s been a privilege to have worked with so many dedicated and creative colleagues.

Over the years, while staff have come and gone, at the core of the Drama Department has been Mrs Emilia Keene, Mrs Bernadette O’Leary and our Teacher’s Aide, Mrs Julie Jeffries. Beautiful people to work alongside.

Hannah Hall has a special place in my heart. It’s the drama studio where I’ve seen students discover their talents and, as they’ve entered into dramatic play, where they’ve also learnt how to look compassionately at our world through the eyes of others.

I’ve enjoyed two areas of college co-curricular life the most: productions and public speaking. It’s fun to stage a play. My first in 1989, and my last 30 years later.

Bumping-in for that first production, I remember watching a spritely Mr Brian Townsend, in a Superman-esque moment, valiantly climbing an extension ladder to the ceiling of Oblate Hall (it’s a long way up!) while clutching a luminaire, as I held the base of the wobbly ladder as it gently swayed against the lighting bar. Workplace health and safety had yet to be invented.

Thank you to all of the wonderful people who’ve worked so generously on these productions.

The staff play “You Can’t Take it With You” from 1989

With the public speaking program, I had the opportunity to nurture our young men so that they could speak confidently and with clarity and conviction – and a touch of the comic. It was quite extensive work, as I taught daily before and after school, on weekends and often throughout the holiday breaks. But those were hours well-spent. Iona’s gentlemanly orators inspired me.

Greg was born in Mackay and raised on a cattle property outside Moura. He studied in the Capricornia region including school at Rockhampton Grammar and a Bachelor of Business degree. He subsequently moved to Brisbane and completed a Diploma of Education in 1979. He worked at Richlands East Primary (3 years), St Edmunds (2 years) and Villanova College (10 years, including seven years as Head of Sport).

He accepted the Head of Sport position at Iona College in 1995, and then switched to Head of Physical Education for the next 20 years. He has been teaching both Sport and Physical Education in recent years.

His roles at our College have been large and demanding. His teaching has always been professional and respectful with a ‘no nonsense’ approach that was wonderfully effective. His pastoral work in Charlebois House produced young men of fortitude. He has co-ordinated swimming and volleyball as well as coached tennis, football and javelin. His volleyball coaching was very successful, with his 32 volleyball teams yielding 22 premierships, nine seconds and one third.

The names of fabulous speakers spring quickly to mind: Gavin Baumber, Mark Brennan, Michael Buck, Brenton Campbell, Jack Goener, Shane Goodwin, Allister Irmer, Jack Jensen, Daniel McCormack, Clint Musgrave, David Stuhmcke, Marcus Taylor, Andrew Turner, Joshua & Gideon Watson, David Wood, the Ziegenfusz brothers … indeed, far too many to mention here, but all remembered with immense admiration.

Similarly, I remember with such fondness and gratitude the names of so many, many staff, students and their families. I treasure them because of their kindness and their commitment. As their names gently drift in and out, these people bring a smile to my face. And for that enduring gift, I thank you.

God bless.

MR GREG DENMAN

Greg Denman has completed 28 years of dedicated service at Iona College. His contribution to the College has been immense across many areas, including curricular, co-curricular and pastoral domains. His rewarded path to retirement is well-deserved.

Greg has been a tower of strength to work alongside. Those under his direction and care were guided by expectations that developed strong character strengths. All his friends have fond memories of working and sharing time with GD. Iona College wishes him the very best in the future.

An extract from the 1995 staff photo — Mr Greg Denman is third from the left in the second last row

Public speaking featuring Mr David Cockburn as co-ordinator in 1995

MRS CATHERINE SHAW

The introduction to Iona College was a family matter for my husband Tony and myself. In June, 1996, our son Benjamin and I began our Iona journey, with younger son Daniel also making a start at Lindum State School, and in time, making his way up the hill. From the first day, the Oblate ethos was obvious and has always been something that resonated strongly with me, making it very easy for me to feel loyal to and a part of things at Iona.

In the hustle bustle of a busy school day, often the Library can be the only place where a minute of peace and reflection can be found. It is also a place where that last minute assignment can be quickly completed or dare I say it, where a bit of good natured fraternising can occur. If in my time we have achieved that welcome, then I consider an important component of my work done.

The promotion of reading is another overriding brief that has remained unchanged since my beginning at Iona. Much of my teaching career has been based on a love of literature and a strong belief in the transformative and developmental power of reading.

To that end, it has been of great importance to try to impart a love of reading to our boys and hope that they partake in their own ways and in their own time. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with our boys to bring this brief about and I have been blessed to have been associated with many wonderful inspiring students.

I would like to thank both the present and past library staff members who I have worked shoulder-to-shoulder with over the years – all very professional and dedicated team players. Often what makes a busy day easier is the good nature and camaraderie of one’s colleagues.

To one and all I say thank you and best wishes. Likewise, to all Iona staff that I have had the privilege to work with, may your professional and personal aspirations come to fruition.

I was employed by Fr Kevin Davine OMI. In my interview, Fr Davine outlined his criteria for the position, which included a love of teaching and books. I could easily identify with both and was lucky enough to be successful and begin my time at Iona. From that time I have worked with a number of Rectors, each who left their mark on the College so very successfully in different ways. My sincere thanks and gratitude go to the Oblate Fathers for placing their trust in me to carry out the very important work that sees our young men nurtured and growing in faith as well as academically.

On my first day, the brief I was given was to “open up” the library to ensure that all students could take advantage of it. From that time on, a student focused atmosphere of welcome has been a very important and overriding component of all library initiatives. Whether for academic or social purposes, libraries should be places where everyone and anyone can indulge their interests, feel safe and grow.

I hope that above all else, and notwithstanding curriculum and other changes, students and staff alike have always felt welcome in St Eugene de Mazenod Library.

As I begin to consider the next phase of life, I feel blessed to be able to look back on the wonderful students and staff of Iona, who have made my time there so memorable and worthwhile.

Cathy Shaw and Brendan Allen celebrating book week in 2021

Cathy Shaw with her family when her sons attended Iona College

MRS JOANNE DUNN

After 39 years in education, the highly respected Mrs Joanne Dunn is retiring from the teaching profession she loves. While teaching predominantly in the primary school, Mrs Dunn moved into secondary in 2015 when Year 7 was integrated into the high-school system.

Mrs Dunn taught locally at St John Vianney School at Manly for 12 years before joining Iona Primary as a classroom teacher.

A professional, thorough and dedicated teacher, Mrs Dunn was Curriculum Co-Ordinator in Primary for many years, leading and supporting staff in the introduction of a new Religious Education Program of the Brisbane Archdiocese.

Now completing her 19th year at Iona, Joanne and her husband Glenn have a long association with Iona. Their sons Matthew and Paul are both proud Old Boys, with Matthew starting Iona as a Year 5 student in the year 2000, and Paul following two years later.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time teaching at Iona and look back proudly at many educational initiatives which I helped develop,” Mrs Dunn said. “In particular, the creation of the Year 7 ‘World Expo’ display for a unit on world cultures was an activity which students and staff enjoyed.

“The World Expo engaged all students in researching and presenting different cultures of the world, and included food tasting as well as cultural displays.

“Parents were invited to visit the Expo, which was set up in Oblate Hall, and the younger primary year levels created passports which were stamped at different stalls. The whole primary community were engaged, and the students had so much fun in learning.”

Mrs Dunn also generously served Iona through the coaching of cricket, and in assisting in the College productions for many years.

She is now looking forward to spending more time with her family, particularly her four grandchildren.

“I sincerely wish to thank Fr Michael Twigg OMI, the Oblate Fathers and the Iona community for their faith and trust in me,” Mrs Dunn said. “It has been an honour and privilege to teach so many wonderful young men.”

The Iona and Oblate community thank Mrs Dunn for her generosity, care and dedication, and wish her and her family much happiness and good health in the years ahead.

Mrs Joanne Dunn with her family

iLEGENDS

PATRICK HOELSCHER

CLASS OF 2019

I graduated from Iona in 2019. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to stay well-connected to the College, predominantly as a photographer, where I have photographed a range of sports.

I have many fond memories of my time at Iona, whether it be walking through Oblate Hall as a Year 5 student at my first assembly, or our 9B cricket team winning the premiership in a nail-biting match. I am still very close to many of my mates from Iona, and we often reflect and have a laugh about our stories from school.

One aspect of Iona that I am grateful for is the extra-curricular opportunities that you have as a student. As well as playing sport and music, I joined the Photography Club led by Ms Pelecanos when I was in Year 8. This was the first time I had ever used a camera, and it sparked my passion for photography.

After graduating, I started studying a Bachelor of Photography/Business, however found that it wasn’t for me, and focused on my photography business (Pat Hoelscher Photography), and my full-time job at Camera House. Earlier this year, I moved on from Camera House, and I now do IT Recruitment at Exclaim IT, which provides me the weekend availability and flexibility to focus on sports photography.

I’ve been lucky to experience some incredible moments as a photographer in the past 12 months. I have covered matches in the NRL, international cricket, Big Bash, and A-League, through a couple of agencies — one based in Australia, and the other in the UK.

My most memorable moment in photography is the First Ashes Test at the Gabba, where Mitchell Starc bowled out Rory Burns in the opening ball of the match. I remember looking through the camera, capturing the emotion of Starc’s celebration, and feeling the roar of the crowd erupting around the Gabba. It was exhilarating, and I will never forget it.

Iona taught me to seize every available opportunity, which is a lesson that has opened many doors in my career so far.

iLEGENDS

IAN MACFARLANE

CLASS OF 1972

Hello, my name is Ian Macfarlane. I completed seven years education at Iona in 1972, almost 50 years ago, to the day. I matriculated (gained enough points to attend University), and went on to a Commerce Degree and other post-grad studies. I have worked with a variety of organisations and people in many cities and towns, life taking many unexpected turns. Reflecting on my time at, and connections to, Iona, there are three important relationships which stand out: My mum, Shirley Macfarlane, Fr Peter Daly OMI, and Iona students and women.

SHIRLEY MACFARLANE

My Mum was Iona College Secretary for 18 years, and had the pleasure of seeing the College grow from the early 1970s, when the school took great steps forward. There were increasing numbers of students completing secondary education, an expanded building program (we all were amazed at the science block, the Chapel and the plans for the new library) and greatly improving sports facilities (the swimming pool complex, the bottom ovals and refitted change rooms and gym).

At the heart of these improvements was a small team of driven people who, every day, sought to do it better (Mum might not have expressed it that way, but the determination was there). There was a spirit of service, a commitment to cause and a league of friends.

Mum often spoke proudly of being with Kay Voltz, Shirley Cann, Fr Kevin Davine OMI, Fr Henry McFall OMI, Fr John Sherman OMI, Danny Fitzpatrick and later Kirsten Voltz, to name but a few of the valued administration team. She never really referred to it as work, but just “going to Iona”. It was lovely to see so many friends attend her funeral recently.

FR PETER DALY OMI

Peter and I attended the Saints Peter and Paul School at Bulimba before going to Iona.

We were classmates in almost every subject, right up to Year 12, then we both entered St Mary’s Seminary at Mulgrave in Melbourne in 1973. With Rob Humphries, we were the initiates into the OMI order that year — again, a long time ago. We were guided in our journey by Fr John O’Doherty OMI, who was a real gentle giant. Together we undertook religious study at Monash University, went all over Melbourne collecting goods (in a very dodgy 1950s panel van) with the St Vincent de Paul volunteers, attended numerous community events, and settled into a religious way of life. Peter loved it. He excelled at the study, writing pages about St Paul’s gospels. I managed a few lines!

There was also the footy. In those days the AFL’s Waverley ground (more like the Roman colosseum with concrete steps, no cover, and no ‘hospitality’ facilities at all — we brought our own lunch), was literally over the road from the seminary. So we would head over and watch whatever game happened to be

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on. We quickly learned about the Victorian weather. It would be fine and sunny, then cold and windy, then rain, then be sunny — all before quarter time!

There were many other such experiences (holiday at Torquay, visits to Oblate facilities and churches, services at St Francis Church (in the choir!) and St Patrick’s Cathedral, where we met the Pope. Oh, and we had cows. Not a particularly fond memory trying to organise milking at 4am on freezing mornings.

I was sad to hear that Peter passed away three years ago. Mum would often update me with his latest endeavours, and it was always good to hear that he had achieved so much.

IONA STUDENTS AND WOMEN

In my last two years at Iona, our class had two extra students added to our number, being young ladies from Mt Carmel taking subjects not offered at that college. It introduced a new dynamic to our group, and not all of the boys knew how to interact. I was luckier than most, with half a dozen of us travelling the same journey home each day with either or both of them. It did seem to offer the opportunity for the Iona family to become more inclusive and diverse.

I know that when Mum was at the school, there was a real feeling of mateship between all staff members, comradery between students and teachers, and a sense of Christian values in action from the front gate. That sign, as you drove in, said so much.

Photo of Peter Daly and Rob Humphries with the helicopter used to bring champion AFL player Peter Hudson to the 1973 Grand Final, held across the road at Waverley Park — it wasn’t allowed to land on AFL property. It did land in the carpark at the front door of St Marys’ Seminary, and the boys were keen to get a quick pic while the players and crew enjoyed the game.

Shirley Macfarlane

Fr Michael, Mr Goodwin and the staff and students of Iona College wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and blessings of the season.

Fr Michael Twigg OMI Mr Trevor Goodwin