Damian McKew is the Foundation Principal of Iona College College.
This will be Damian’s third Principalship, after four and a half years as head at Trinity College Colac, nine years at Clonard College Geelong, and more than 25 years in leadership positions in Catholic colleges across Victoria.
Damian originally hails from a wheat and sheep farm in the Wimmera (St Arnaud) where his parents soon realised, he would make a poor farmer and encouraged him to pursue tertiary studies in Commerce and Education. He has gained two master’s degrees, one in Educational Leadership and the other, an Executive Master of Business Administration. But more than these accolades, he loves his job.
Damian spent the 2019 school year overseeing the building, recruiting students, families and staff, as well as developing the educational program for the College. This important work continues with the current establishment of Year 7-11 in 2024.
The Iona College build continues to evolve. Construction of the three-storey multi-disciplinary learning spaces was completed for the commencement of the 2020 school year. This building can hold 600 students and has facilities where each part of the College learning program takes place.
An AFL-accredited oval (and associated facilities) was completed at the end of 2020 and students are currently enjoying this space for physical education classes, sport and inter-school sport and recreational opportunities at break times. At the start of 2022, the College took possession of our Specialist Facilities that include contemporary spaces for- The Arts, Technology (Wood, Plastics and Metal) Information Technology, STEM, Science, Media, and Performing Arts. Additionally, the College Stadium, Food Technology and Music Centre have now been opened for student use.
At the conclusion of 2022, the Student Services, Library, Canteen and Administration building was completed in readiness for the 2023 school year. This development is being closely followed by the current construction of a fourteen-room classroom block and associated office spaces, the duplication of the College gymnasium and food technology room along with the significant development of the College car parking facilities in 2024. It is our intention to commence the build of the Library, Student Services and Administration block at the start of 2025.
These developments have given our students brand new state-of-the-art facilities that will enhance their learning opportunities. The total build cost of Iona College is expected to be in the vicinity of $65 million dollars which is an investment in the current and future generations of young people who enrol at the College.
Damian McKew – Foundation Principal
“It is a delight to work with and make a difference to the lives of our young people.
We are developing an amazing culture at Iona that is being supported by our teaching and support staff, who are ensuring that student learning and well-being are our core purpose. The establishment of Iona College is a chance not to be constrained by some of the educational barriers that exist in other schools, rather, we forge a unique identity and ensure that our student’s capabilities are maximised academically, socially, physically, and spiritually.
In my spare time I proudly follow the pursuits of my son and daughter who, in recent years finished their secondary school education and are now pursuing tertiary studies along with supporting my lifelong passion for the Hawthorn Football Club.”