Prospectus
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.
WE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND GIVE THANKS TO EVERYONE IN THE ARMED AND EMERGENCY SERVICES WHOSE GENEROSITY AND DEDICATION CONTINUE TO HELP US GROW AS A NATION OF PEACE, HARMONY, AND FREEDOM.
Principal’s welcome
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 of quality who make a positive difference to the lives of others.
As a Catholic school in the Oblate religious 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.
As an Ionian, your son is presented with a lifetime of opportunities and community. From humble beginnings, Iona has grown into a modern, world-class campus built to serve the needs of our students, and the families who entrust us with their care.
By learning how to serve their community, Iona students learn how to become better men. It is at the heart of the Oblate mission, and what it means to be an Ionian.
Thank you for your interest in Iona College.
MR TREVOR GOODWIN PRINCIPAL & CEO
Iona College
Our Mission
IONA COLLEGE WAS BUILT BY OUR COMMUNITY, FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
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 repurposed 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”.
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 run 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 what 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 and 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
ANTHONY
Named in honour of: Br Anthony Kowalczyk OMI
Colour: Mauve
CHARLEBOIS
Named in honour of: Fr Ovide
Charlebois OMI
Colour: Orange
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
GRANDIN
Named in honour of: Bishop Vital Grandin OMI
Colour: Red
LONG
Named in honour of: Fr Tim Long OMI
Colour: Tartan
MACKILLOP
Named in honour of: St Mary MacKillop RSJ
Colour: Maroon
MAZENOD
Named in honour of: St Eugene de Mazenod
Colour: Light Blue
MCAULEY
Named in honour of: Sr Catherine McAuley
Colour: Silver
Learning and teaching
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, just as in Primary, teachers at Iona College foster strong relationships between students and families.
Hands on, problem-based learning is encouraged and technology is used as a tool to enhance creativity across a range of learning areas including robotics, visual art, science, music and industrial design and technology.
Year 7 is a critical period in the academic career of our students.
It marks the transition to high school and, as one of the major intake years for new enrolments, is the first year at Iona for many students moving to Secondary from local Primary schools.
Iona makes this transition as smooth as possible for all Year 7 students, with dedicated wellbeing and transition staff focused on delivering a seamless experience for our newest high schoolers.
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.
Outside of the core subjects of Religious Education, Mathematics, English, History, Science, Health & Physical Education, students choose three elective subjects from the following list:
• Aerospace
• Commerce
• Marine Studies
• Music
• Design
• Drama
• Digital Technologies
• Industrial Technology
• Art and Film
• Japanese
• Physical Education
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) RELIGIOUS
Year 9 students also choose three elective subjects:
Senior school
YEAR 10
Year 10 is considered a transition year to the senior phase of schooling, where 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 the broad variety of options and electives going forward.
This ensures Year 10 families select pathways appropriate for their individual skills and abilities and to ensure that they are ready to advance to the next stage of their schooling.
Core subjects in Year 10 are Religious Education, Mathematics, English, History, and Health & Physical Education. They then choose three elective subjects from:
• Aerospace
• Commerce
• Physical Science
• Life Science
• Music
• Drama
• Digital Technologies
• Industrial Technology
• Design
• Art and Film
• Japanese
• Physical Education
YEARS 11 AND 12
In Years 11 and 12, all students complete an English and Mathematics program of study. In addition, Iona College offers Catholic Studies, a faith in action model that supports students in life 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 through the process.
It is our inclusivity and diversity that allows our College to remain the vibrant and positive atmosphere 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 cocurricular activities of the College.
The incredible range of subject offerings, backed by the expert support of the Iona College Pathways team, ensures that the interests of every student are catered for, and they leave Iona Hill fully equipped to pursue the career of their choice.
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 maximises 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 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 their classroom as well as through participation 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:
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.
CAREER PATHWAYS
Iona College is dedicated to helping every student discover a future that inspires them. Our Pathways Services offer career guidance and support to students and families navigating life beyond school.
From subject selection and career exploration to university applications, apprenticeships, and work experience, our experienced team works closely with students to identify their strengths, interests, and goals.
Our aim is to ensure every Iona student is informed, empowered, and equipped to confidently decide their next steps—whether university, TAFE, employment, or trade. At Iona, your son’s future starts now—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
POSITIVITY
RESILIENCE
OUTCOMES
STRENGTHS
PURPOSE AND MEANING
ENGAGEMENT
RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPECT
COUNSELLING
Iona College provides a high-quality professional counselling service to assist students, parents and families with a variety of emotional, social and cognitive issues.
Our counsellors are all registered psychologists, and possess extensive experience working with young people and their parents in an educational context. They are also trained to assist people experiencing both acute and chronic life stresses.
The counsellors liaise closely with the College Leadership Team, Year Level Coordinators, Heads of House, Wellbeing staff and teachers in the overall pastoral care of students and families.
They also work collaboratively with the Diverse Learning staff to assist in supporting the social and emotional needs of students.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
On the doorstep of Lake Weyba on the Sunshine Coast lies Glendalough – Iona’s Outdoor Education Centre in the College’s own 20-acre slice of paradise at Peregian Beach.
Purchased in 1993, Glendalough can accommodate 100 students and staff, and is used for school camps and retreats where students build their social, physical and intellectual skills, while learning about team building and interacting with others in a different environment – surrounded by natural bushland and patrolled surf beaches.
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.
Your son will have the opportunity to choose from the following instrumental and vocal options:
BASS CLARINET
SAXOPHONE
VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
DOUBLE BASS
TRUMPET
FRENCH HORN
TROMBONE
BASS GUITAR
PERCUSSION
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.
It is an area of learning which encourages intellectual exchange and allows students to develop confidence and creativity. Boys across Years 8-12 participate in debating at Iona and are coached on a weekly basis.
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 soldout 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, is 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.
Sports on offer at Iona College:
AFL
BASKETBALL
CHESS
CRICKET
CROSS COUNTRY
E-SPORTS
FOOTBALL / SOCCER
GOLF
MOUNTAIN BIKING
RUGBY LEAGUE
RUGBY UNION
SAILING
SWIMMING
TENNIS
TOUCH FOOTBALL
TRACK AND FIELD
VOLLEYBALL
WATER POLO
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 new, 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 boy 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.
Iona College
Community
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.
As Ionians, you and your son will join, be embraced by and connected to a nurturing fraternity united by the black and white, with more than 60 years of history and pride to support you on your Iona journey and beyond.
The Iona Old Boys Association is a very active part of College life, with regular events – including the annual Old Boys Day – to celebrate their contribution to the Iona story.
Our I-Legends series invites Old Boys back to the College to talk to current students about their own Iona journeys, their path since leaving school and the story about their professional careers.
The Iona Parents & Friends Association is also 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.
TRAIN
Lindum Station runs on the Cleveland Line.
Iona College is serviced by a new, state-of-the-art and fully accessible railway station at Lindum, with a dedicated path leading from the station to the College grounds, increasing the safety of students who do not have to access public footpaths on the journey to and from school.
BUS
Iona is serviced by a number of local bus routes, with a dedicated bus stop area inside the school ground.
CAR
Iona is just minutes away from the M1 and Gateway Bridges, 25 minutes from the Brisbane CBD and just 15 minutes from Brisbane Airport.
Enrolment
Iona College is committed to building a community that provides an Oblate-inspired, Catholic-centred education for boys. We seek to enrol boys 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 Manion
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
BOOK A TOUR
ENROL NOW VISIT THE WEBSITE
