Annual
Report 2024
WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE QUANDAMOOKA PEOPLES, UPON WHOSE LANDS IONA COLLEGE STANDS. WE RESPECT AND HONOUR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ELDERS, PAST, PRESENT AND EMERGING.
IONIANS PRAY THAT GOD’S GRACE INSPIRES AND EMPOWERS US TO BE PEOPLE OF RECONCILIATION AND JUSTICE.
About Iona College
Iona College is a Catholic school for boys conducted by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, within the Archdiocese of Brisbane in Quandamooka country. We welcome all members of our community as Ionians.
Since 1957, Iona has served our region in partnership with families and the wider community to form young men who make a positive difference to the lives of others.
As a Catholic school in the Oblate tradition, Iona College focuses on educating and empowering young men to make a positive, spiritual and practical difference throughout their lives and the lives of others.
Our curriculum provides a wide range of subject opportunities to cultivate the individual talents of each student, including marine science and aerospace programs.
Our students experience a positive school culture and environment, and are taught how to enhance their personal wellbeing, live a life of meaning and purpose, and strengthen their relationships with others and with God.
PRINCIPAL: Mr Trevor Goodwin
RECTOR: Fr Joe Antony OMI
ADDRESS: 85 North Road, Lindum, Qld 4178
SECTOR: Catholic College for boys
YEAR LEVELS: Years 5-12
ENROLMENTS: 1852 (Census August 2024)
TEACHING STAFF: 165 (throughout 2024)
INCOME
Australian Government recurrent funding: $17,668,425
State government recurrent funding: $5,674,610
Fees, charges and parent contributions: $19,970,138
Other private sources: $3,690,488
TOTAL: $47,003,661
Our Mission
Since our first students arrived in 1958, Iona College has provided a Catholic education for boys in the Oblate tradition of boldness and daring, while being centred on faith and following the example set by Jesus and our patron, Saint Eugene de Mazenod.
In 1957, Iona’s campus consisted of donated land, a re-purposed farmhouse, and the vision of our Founders for what Iona could become. On 1 October, 1957, two Oblate priests arrived on Iona Hill in a beat-up, second-hand Vauxhall with precisely 119 days to turn a run-down 32-acre farm and its dilapidated farmhouse into a place of learning and faith for the community.
Fr Tim Long OMI and Fr Denis McCarthy OMI had no money. But they had a vision of what this new school called Iona could become, an unshakeable belief they could make it happen, and the faith of a community willing to roll up their sleeves to make it happen.
Local mums and dads dug trenches, cleared fields and repaired buildings knowing they were contributing to something great. They not only built a school, but built a culture of hard work, faith, loyalty and community that remains at the core of who we are to this day.
Iona remains focused on our pastoral and wellbeing programs that support our students and families, and our Catholic foundations that teach the importance of faith, belief and Christian values.
Each day, guided by the Oblate Charism and the teachings of Jesus, every Ionian is challenged to reach their potential to serve their community and, in the words of St Eugene, “Learn who you are in the eyes of God”.
IONA COLLEGE WAS BUILT BY OUR COMMUNITY, FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
History and tradition
OUR COLLEGE CREST
The College Crest represents the foundations of faith, strength and community that Iona is built on, and the Catholic values and standards Ionians are expected to uphold. “In Hoc Signo Vinces” were the words that changed Christianity forever.
In 312AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great was leading his troops into the famous Battle of Milvian Bridge in the great civil war for control of Rome. When he looked at the afternoon sun, he saw above it a lighted cross, and the words “In Hoc Signo Vinces”.
That night he was visited in a dream by Jesus, who told Constantine to put the cross on the shields of his solders before battle so “in this sign you will conquer”.
Constantine woke the next morning as a true believer. He put the cross on the shields as Jesus had told him, won the battle, and took his position as Master of Rome.
Under his reign, Christianity spread throughout the empire, eventually becoming the official religion of the Roman Empire.
The Iona Crest is based on the family crest of Fr Patrick O’Donnell, who was Archbishop of Brisbane in the early years of the College’s life - both as a tribute to him, and to ensure the Archdiocese would look favourably on the new school, and give it the time it needed to establish itself, survive and thrive.
It is a symbol of spirit, as much as spirituality.
THE IONA GORILLA
The gorilla was first adopted as an unofficial mascot for Iona College in 1992, and in recent times has been officially adopted as an Iona College logo and key part of our identity.
The Iona gorilla is now used across all areas of College life and is an immediately recognisable symbol of Iona across the wider community, with strong messaging in its deliberate design: Strength, resilience, confidence, humility – and always moving forward with eyes focused on what is ahead.
In 2023, on the 60th anniversary of Iona’s first graduating class of 1963, the College introduced ‘The Iona Silverbacks’ – a membership group created to honour our Old Boys who have reached 50 years since graduation.
In nature, the silverback is the mature male that is the leader of a gorilla troop, responsible for protecting and nurturing the younger members, and teaching the next generation of their responsibilities so they may one day lead.
It is a fitting analogy for our most senior Old Boys, and reflective of the role they play in Iona’s culture and tradition.
Faith
People may believe what you say, but they will always believe what you do – and Iona’s education programs ensure that students not only learn about the teachings of Jesus, but put them into practice.
To truly understand the teachings of Jesus and our patron, Saint Eugene de Mazenod, students in Iona’s 3:16 and 10:10 religion programs must also follow in their footsteps by initiating positive action.
Every week, students in these programs attend Hemmant Cemetery to tidy the grounds and clean headstones, visit primary schools in the community to help young students with their reading, assist the students from Darling Point Special School with their activities, care for our local environment and provide peer support and mentorship to younger Ionians.
These programs – and many other excursions and workshops throughout the year – are true Catholic education, and following the Oblate mission to serve others.
By learning to help others in the community, students learn how to be better men.
It is at the heart of the Oblate mission, and what it means to be an Ionian.
Iona was founded and remains a ministry of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a Catholic religious congregation founded by St Eugene in Aix-en-Provence in France in 1816 that was dedicated to serving the people and helping the poor and those in need.
Today, the Oblates serve God in 67 countries around the world. In Australia, the Oblates are involved in four Colleges – of which Iona is the oldest – including St Eugene’s at Burpengary, Mazenod College Victoria and Mazenod College Western Australia.
Mass is celebrated before school every day in the College Chapel, which is the geographical and spiritual centre of the Iona campus. Each house takes it in turn to host the celebration for the community, with wholeschool Masses held in The Provence Centre.
Every Ionian is challenged to meet their potential and grow into exceptional men of faith and service to, in the words of St Eugene, “learn who you are in the eyes of God”.
Houses
IONA COLLEGE HAS 10 HOUSE GROUPS, EACH NAMED TO HONOUR AN OBLATE MISSIONARY OR AN ICONIC WOMAN OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Every Iona student is welcomed into a house.
Every house has its own ‘logo’ to encourage pride and ownership among their student members.
In 2022, Indigenous artist and Iona Old Boy Mur-raay Djeripi was commissioned to create 10 original artworks, using Indigenous art to tell the story of the person each house was named in honour of and the characteristics of each house.
Classes are grouped in year levels in Primary, but in Secondary, the house forms the nucleus of pastoral care.
Homeroom groups meet each morning and houses meet as a whole on a regular basis. Group community and social justice initiatives are commonplace and a program of weekly masses, sporting, cultural and academic activities are a significant part of the College wellbeing and co-curricular programs.
This vertical house structure encourages a trusting and open relationship with boys across various year levels. Leadership opportunities are encouraged for the senior grade students through guidance and mentoring to the younger students.
Interhouse competition in arts, academic and sporting arenas nurtures students’ affinity with their house, and their interaction with older boys and staff gives them a support network and sense of security.
The Head of House is responsible for the monitoring of each student’s academic, spiritual, emotional, physical and social wellbeing and through the assistance of teacher and student mentors, invaluable partnerships and close communication are fostered.
ALBINI
Named in honour of: Fr Charles Albini OMI Colour: Gold
CHARLEBOIS
Named in honour of: Fr Ovide Charlebois OMI Colour: Orange
ANTHONY
Named in honour of: Br Anthony Kowalczyk OMI Colour: Mauve
CHISHOLM CEBULA
Named in honour of: Caroline Chisholm / Fr Jozef Cebula OMI Colour: Royal Blue
GERARD
Named in honour of: Fr Joseph
Gerard OMI
Colour: Green
Named in honour of: Bishop Vital Grandin OMI
Colour: Red
LONG
Named in honour of: Fr Tim Long OMI
Colour: Tartan
Named in honour of: St Eugene de Mazenod
Colour: Light Blue
Named in honour of: St Mary MacKillop RSJ
Colour: Maroon
Named in honour of: Sr Catherine McAuley
Colour: Silver
MAZENOD
MACKILLOP
GRANDIN
MCAULEY
Curriculum
Primary school
In Years 5 and 6, Iona fosters a safe and stimulating learning environment that is exciting, engaging and meaningful. Underpinning our learning and teaching is a belief that students are individuals who develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.
Our Primary students demonstrate their unique talents by expanding on the core curriculum to include activities, opportunities and programs not available within the national curriculum.
The program is characterised by handson learning activities that inspire creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.
And of course, Iona’s world-class facilities and resources are all on campus to ensure every student has what he needs to reach his full potential – wherever his passion lies.
By beginning their Iona journey at the first step, our Primary students are immediately immersed in a wonderful, nurturing environment where they can add their chapter to a continuing story stretching back to 1958.
They become a member of a passionate community of Iona Old Boys that will be a support network for the rest of their lives.
Middle school
YEARS 7 AND 8
Students in Years 7 and 8 study a broad curriculum and teachers at Iona College foster strong relationships with students and families.
Hands on, problem-based learning is encouraged and technology is used to enhance creativity across a range of learning areas including robotics, visual art, science, music and industrial design and technology.
YEAR 9
In Year 9, students experience their first elective model. This is a turning point for students as they move towards the end of compulsory years of education.
Core subjects in Year 9 include: Religious Education, Mathematics. English, Science and Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS).
Students can select three electives from a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Marine Science, Commerce, the Arts, Japanese, Aerospace, Industrial Technology, Design and many more.
YEAR 10
Year 10 is considered a transition year prior to the Senior phase of schooling. It is at this point that students start to specialise in their curriculum offering.
Throughout this process, they are supported by the Pathways Team to ensure that decisions are informed and accurate.
At Iona, we have a particular focus and passion for the pathway of the individual and we cater for a broad variety of options and electives going forward.
This work ensures Year 10 families select pathways appropriate for their individual skills and abilities and ensures that they are ready to advance to the next stage of their schooling.
Senior school
In Years 11 and 12, all students complete an English and Mathematics program of study. In addition, Iona College students complete a Catholic Studies program that puts faith into action. Our students participate in events such as cleaning graves at Hemmant Cemetery and reading to students at local primary schools to shape a life of service beyond Year 12.
We support students who wish to pursue and achieve an ATAR for tertiary study, and annually enjoy a wonderful success rate of students accessing their first-choice preferences.
Similarly, students wishing to pursue SchoolBased Apprenticeships or vocational pathways receive guidance and support throughout the process.
It is our inclusivity and diversity that allows our College to remain the vibrant and positive environment of which we are proud.
Academic success and intellectual and human development are linked with involvement and therefore, in addition to focusing on their studies, we encourage our students to participate in and make a contribution to the religious life and co-curricular activities of the College.
Inclusive education
Iona provides a nurturing environment for students who require a higher level of support for learning assistance.
Dedicated staff work closely with students and their parents to identify strengths, specific needs and areas of concern and develop a program that encourages learning and helps to maximise ability.
This is achieved through collaboration with classroom teachers, differentiated activities, scaffolding for assessment and support with social and emotional needs.
Each of these empowers students on their journey to become independent learners.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Identified students are invited to be part of Iona’s dynamic extension programs. Students are challenged and extended within classroom as well as in a range of activities and external competitions.
Our enrichment program in Years 5 and 6 expands upon the core curriculum to include activities, opportunities and programs not available within the national curriculum units. Based on units in the arts, robotics, science and technology, the timetabled program is characterised by hands-on learning activities that inspire critical and creative thinking, opportunities for students to investigate problems and modes of participation that foster originality and imagination.
Students in Years 9 and 10 with an interest and ability in the sciences can participate in a range of programs, including Iona’s Robotics Program, with teams participating in the Robocup Junior Australia competition at state and national level. Aspiring mathematicians are given opportunities to compete with the best in Australia, participate in courses, and study in advance of their age groups.
Iona’s Creative and Visual Arts Program develops creative and critical thought processes by providing students with a vehicle to explore and develop their creativity.
WELLBEING
Wellbeing at Iona College is based on the Positive Education model to encourage and support students and staff to flourish.
The program delivered to students focuses on specific skills that will assist them to strengthen their relationships, build positive emotions, enhance personal resilience, promote mindfulness, and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
The Positive Education model developed for Iona outlines seven specific areas - PROSPER
VISIBLE WELLBEING
Developed by Professor Lea Waters from the University of Melbourne, a worldleading researcher and practitioner in the field of positive psychology, Visible Wellbeing combines the science of wellbeing with the science of learning.
Visible Wellbeing is not a set curriculum, it is a flexible approach which can be applied across any subject matter, and in all contexts – Primary, Secondary, and in the staff room.
Visible Wellbeing is our approach to creating resilient, happy and successful young men by being intentionally aware of their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
BULLYING / HARASSMENT
Bullying / harassment is any behaviour which hurts, threatens or frightens a person.
It can be expressed physically, verbally, or through social behaviour. Some harassment is unlawful. ALL harassment is undesirable.
Everyone has rights. Students at Iona have the right to feel safe and comfortable, and for their property to be safe.
Students have the right to travel to and from the College feeling safe, to be treated with courtesy and respect, and to learn.
At Iona, we expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity. We do not tolerate bullying or harassment in any form.
Students
Attendance rates
Academic results
IONA COLLEGE’S 2024 NAPLAN BENCHMARK DATA
PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ACHIEVING A STRONG OR EXCEEDING PROFICIENCY FOR IONA COLLEGE 2024 NAPLAN
AVERAGE STUDENT ATTENDANCE RATE: 89.94%
Average student attendance rates are calculated by identifying the number of full school days attended by all enrolled students, divided by the number of school days able to be attended by all enrolled students.
Non-attendance is managed in accordance with the College’s Student Attendance Policy
There is an expectation that parents / caregivers will notify the College via email or phone if their child is absent on a particular day. This is recorded electronically.
Parents have access to this information via our student management system.
The NAPLAN Measurement Scale reports student achievement in NAPLAN against four (4) levels of proficiency:
• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs Additional Support
This replaced the previous numerical NAPLAN bands and National Minimum Standards.
Student retention rates
There are a number of considerations required when providing any analysis of apparent retention rate trends, particularly at the school level.
Apparent retention rates take no account of a range of factors that may be important characteristics of a particular school, such as:
• Part-time students completing Year 12 with full-time equivalent of less than 1.0 at the school (such as students engaging in alternative pathways) are excluded from the calculation. For schools, this leads to potentially low apparent retention rates, which may be misleading.
• Repeating students and mature age students are included in the calculation. For schools with significant numbers of these students, the apparent retention rates are potentially misleadingly high.
• Intrastate and interstate student transfers also impact on apparent school retention rates, and need to be considered when providing comments on school rates.
• Support the school offers students to pursue their pathways via means other than full-time schooling.
School Performance Reporting 2021-2024
Staff
College staff
As educators, all staff at Iona believe in, and embrace, lifelong learning as a personal and professional responsibility.
The main goal of this practice is to increase student learning by facilitating and promoting improved teaching and learning practices through the identification of staff and student needs, and the provision of appropriate learning / training experiences.
Iona has a structured program of Professional Development in place to ensure that teaching staff are best able to maintain and implement desired curriculum, co-curricular and pastoral care programs, and ancillary staff provide a skilled, safe and helpful support service to enhance the learning and physical environment for students.
In addition, significant amounts of time and money are committed to other important aspects of the teaching and learning process:
• Australian Curriculum development and writing of units, Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority-specific training for teachers involved in monitoring and reviewing Years 11 and 12 results, and the new Queensland Certificate of Education courses.
• Small professional development teams to implement different teaching approaches and improve on classroom practice through collaboration, discussion and feedback. Staff have been able to choose internal areas of growth for professional development and work on an area personally identified.
• Feedback is a focus of Iona’s professional development. Teachers attend workshops, and then provided a summary of the skills they have learned. Iona has then developed seminars based on this aspect of our teaching. Feedback from students on teaching has also been developed throughout the year.
• Religious Education accreditation is an important aspect of teaching in a Catholic school, and all teaching staff receive annual training to ensure they understand and support the Catholic ethos and practise the tenets of the Christian faith in all their interactions with staff and with the boys.
• Ongoing professional development on the use of technology has been identified as a priority throughout the College. Some of this professional development has occurred during scheduled time and there has been an increase in staff volunteering to work outside of class time.
• Other professional development examples also include first aid and sporting qualifications, workplace health and safety requirements, annual fire safety and training regarding student welfare and protection.
NON-TEACHING & OTHER PROFESSIONAL STAFF HEADCOUNT (AS AT AUGUST 2024 CENSUS)
ADMINISTRATIVE & CLERICAL: 66 BUILDING / OPERATIONS: 16 SPECIALIST SUPPORT: 16
TEACHING STAFF HEADCOUNT (THROUGHOUT 2024): 165
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS
CERTIFICATE: 35
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE: 20
DIPLOMA: 23
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA: 43
BACHELOR DEGREE: 196
MASTER DEGREE: 33
DOCTORATE: 3
STAFF ATTENDANCE
Average time lost to illness represents an attendance rate of approximately 92.30% per teacher for the school year.
STAFF RETENTION
In 2024, 128 of 165 teaching staff continued at Iona - a retention rate of 77.58% - including short-term contracts to cover staff absences.
INDIGENOUS STAFF
The College employed one Indigenous staff member in 2024.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
In 2024, Iona College spent $211,847.52 on staff participation in professional development.
Co-curricular
Music
Music is a significant part of Iona life not just for the students who participate in the music program but for the entire school. All boys are encouraged to sing and participate fully at our College Masses and music often features during our College assemblies.
We also have a very strong academic music program with many boys electing to study music in their senior years.
Giving your son the opportunity to learn an instrument or singing here at the College is a great way of helping him develop important lifelong skills which he will use every day for the rest of his life.
Students have a range of opportunities depending on the musical discipline they learn. In some cases, a new student may need a few focused lessons before attending their first ensemble rehearsal however, this is always at the discretion of the Head of Instrumental Music.
It is our aim to have all new students in an ensemble as soon as possible following their enrolment in the music program.
Your son will have the opportunity to choose from the following instrumental and vocal options:
Speech and performance
Public Speaking is aimed at helping students develop skills such as communication, leadership and confidence through participating in a range of local, state, national and international competitions.
Debating is a structured method of presenting a point of view developing lifelong skills which include effective teamwork, focused research, critical analysis, case structuring, purposeful rebutting and general public speaking ability.
Boys across Years 8-12 participate in debating at Iona and are coached on a weekly basis. It is an area of activity which encourages intellectual exchange and allows students to develop confidence and creativity.
Drama and theatre production continue to flourish at Iona, with the annual College Production held at our world-class, 500-seat Iona Performing Arts Centre in front of sold-out seasons a major point of celebration in College life.
Iona encourages participation from boys in all year levels and of all levels of ability, including areas of visual design, front-of-house, promotional and technical production.
Sound guidance in these areas is given by experienced and knowledgeable staff and Old Boys.
Sport
Iona is fortunate to be able to offer so many sporting opportunities for our students, with world-class facilities all located on our campus at Lindum.
Iona currently offers nearly 20 different sports so that every student can further develop their passion, or explore a new one. Aside from the traditional sports like swimming, athletics, cricket, the four football codes, basketball and volleyball, Iona also provides students with the opportunity to compete in golf, sailing, mountain biking, cross country, chess and E-sports to cater to all sporting appetites.
Iona College is one of eight member schools of the Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) sports association. The AIC association provides an excellent level of sports competition across a variety of sports for students from Years 5-12.
Iona’s expansive campus gives us the luxury of having all of our facilities onsite, meaning less commuting time and greater safety for students.
At full capacity, Iona is capable of hosting seven football / rugby games, six games of tennis, six basketball games (three indoors), a swimming carnival and a cricket nets session for eight batters – all at the same time.
St Eugene’s Park, in its AFL configuration, has the same dimensions as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while our main indoor arena, The Provence Centre has seating for 2500 spectators that can retract to reveal a running track for indoor training.
Iona has hosted many professional sports teams for training at our facilities, which include our commercial-standard gymnasium, and has hosted Hostplus Cup premiership matches in the Queensland Rugby League competition.
Our venues are home to professional sports organisations, including the Queensland Pirates volleyball team, and the Queensland AFL Wheelchair League.
Facilities
The local mums and dads who dug trenches, cleared fields and repaired buildings in the College’s foundation years not only built a school, but built a culture of hard work, faith, loyalty and community that remains at the core of who we are to this day.
Simultaneously, they were laying the foundations for the world-class campus Iona is privileged to share with our community today.
Our aeronautics facility, marine biology laboratories, world-class music, drama and creative arts precincts, and modern and tech-focused classrooms serve current students with the opportunity to follow their dreams – wherever their passion lies.
Iona’s new Zinelli Primary Building, with ultra-modern classrooms and facilities, will serve our youngest Ionians and equip them for the future.
Our 2500-seat indoor stadium, The Provence Centre, our seven rugby and football ovals, our MCG-sized AFL oval, gymnasium, swimming pool and our many other facilities are all world-class and all on campus at Lindum.
Iona’s outstanding facilities ensure every student is given the opportunity to meet their full potential – and serve as a tribute to those who converted our original farmhouse into two basic classrooms 65 years ago, the men and women who literally rolled up their sleeves to create a better future for their sons.
Parental involvement
Built by our community, for our community. All Ionians share the sense of belonging and support that comes with being a part of a genuine College community. This support network is a key pillar of College life.
The educational journey of all Iona students is a collaboration between the student, his family, the College and our staff.
All families are expected to be dynamic participants in their son’s education, and there are many direct methods where parents and caregivers can be actively involved in a student’s Iona journey.
Through term reports, student progress meetings, subject selection meetings (Years 9-12) and open communication channels with teachers, Heads of House and Heads of Faculty, families are able to contribute greatly to their son’s academic career.
Additionally, families are encouraged to participate in the Iona Parents & Friends Association, which is a major contributor to College life.
As well as being a support network for our families, especially new Ionians, through events like the annual Welcome BBQ, the Iona P&F work hard on fundraising to sponsor important programs and activities like our therapy dog program to benefit every Ionian.
Enrolment
Iona College is committed to building a community that provides an Oblate-inspired, Catholic-centred education for boys. We seek to enrol students and their families who wish to help build such a community. We are proud of our tradition of welcoming families from diverse educational, cultural and religious backgrounds.
At Iona, our formal intake years are Year 5 and Year 7. Entry into other year levels is subject to availability at the time of enquiry.
Enrolment application forms are invited two years prior to preferred entry.
Each year, after the closing date for enrolments, the relevant applications will be assessed and enrolment meetings organised with families.
All families who submit enrolment applications by the closing date will be invited to attend an enrolment interview appointment.
ENROLMENT ENQUIRIES
Julia Christensen
Enrolments and Relationships Manager
E: christensenj@iona.qld.edu.au
P: 07 3893 8888 (general)
Georgia Rose
Enrolments and Relationships Officer
E: maniong@iona.qld.edu.au
P: 07 3893 8888 (general)
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Iona College
E: admin@iona.qld.edu.au
P: (07) 3893 8888
85 North Road, Lindum QLD 4178
PO Box 351, Wynnum Central QLD 4178
