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Huge response to teacher advertisements

I hope that families and friends have had a chance to have a break over the recent school holiday period. As I have quickly come to appreciate, there will be no such thing as a ‘quiet time’ as we go about the realisation of the wonderful project that is Iona College Geelong.

Towards the end of last term, I advertised for our inaugural 2019 teaching staff. I am pleased to report that I have received hundreds of applications for what will be an initial teaching staff of around 10. As you will appreciate, I am carefully working through the process of interviews and ultimately appointments. It was difficult to make a shortlist of candidates to interview given that each applicant had many qualities and skills that they could offer. I have mentioned to families over the course of the presentations made in first semester that my goal is to recruit inspiring practitioners who genuinely care about their profession and the young people entrusted to them. I am excited about the team that we will assemble for 2020.

I am also pleased that I now have some administrative assistance (part time). So now, instead of just hearing from me on the phone, answering the emails and welcoming visitors, you may well be greeted by Mrs Cassie Healy, who will endeavour to assist with any queries that you may have. Welcome Cassie!

In the last e-news update, I mentioned that I would introduce the members of the inaugural Iona College Board. I am extremely grateful to these individuals for volunteering their time and expertise in the formative years of our establishment. They will bring with them many skills and much wisdom that will be crucial to our development. Our intension is to gradually add other members to the Board once we get to know the families in our community.

  • Mr Paul Tobias (Chair) – Paul was the former long-time Principal of St Joseph’s College Geelong.
  • Mr Stephen Elder- Stephen is the former Executive Director of Catholic Education Melbourne.
  • Ms Jo Hart- Jo is a Professional Officer (Identity and Liberating Education) at Edmund Rice Education Australia.
  • Mr Gerard McKenzie- Gerard was the former long-time Business Manager at Trinity College in Colac
  • Ms Sarah Morgante- Sarah is an Education Officer (Student Wellbeing) at the Catholic Education Office Melbourne (based at the Western Regional Office).
  • Mrs Julie Whelan- Julie was a long time staff member and Assistant Principal (Wellbeing) at Clonard College Geelong.

Acceptance of positions in Year 7(2020) have now been confirmed and we have established a wait list for families seeking a place in Year 7 next year. Whilst we would like to cater for each application that we have received, we have been unable to do so. I will look towards having a Year 7 (2020) welcome evening in October with further details to follow in due course.

As I have noted previously, we have been fortunate to receive a State Government grant for the construction of our oval, gymnasium, food technology and associated facilities. It is our intention to commence work on the oval in September with the view of having this as close to ready as possible for student use at the start of 2020. I am also very pleased that we are able to proceed with the plans for the building of our specialist facilities. The aim is to commence this build around September/October (2020) with the view to the students using the facility in the later part of 2021. It is wonderful to think that these facilities are becoming a reality even earlier than expected.

Work is progressing as planned on our first stage. If driving past, you will now see the roof is close to completion. The building is the process of being ‘wrapped’ so that internal works can continue uninterrupted. It will really be like Christmas when we unwrap the building at the end of the year!

Best Wishes

Damian

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