Religious Education Program

2020 marks the first time that both Years 11 and 12 are undertaking a new form of Senior Religious Education. Along with Padua and St Laurence’s Colleges, we are trialling a new Catholic Studies Program that is internally assessed and outside the ATAR qualifications.

The course aims to invite and move the students beyond content into a meaningful expression and reflection of faith. The boys will be combining knowledge, experiences and reflection and the focus will be both on their current lives as well as preparation for future faith expression.

Our Year 11 Program is entitled 3:16 after the Gospel of John 3:16 which states “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that all who believe in him, may not die but have eternal life”. It is a summary of the entire Gospel and Jesus message.

Our Year 12 Program is entitled 10:10 after the Gospel of John 10:10 which states “I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full”. This is a real hope and joy for each Ionian graduate.

Both of these programs are a genuine way to try and live the College Vision which states: “Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the life of St Eugene de Mazenod, the Iona College community focusses on educating and empowering young men to dare to make a positive difference throughout their lives and the lives of others.”

This Year 11 Outreach Program includes:

• Visiting Aged Care Facilities  (Bus with staff)
• Reading programmes at Manly State School, Wynnum State School and Guardian Angels’ Wynnum (Train with Staff)
• Activities programme at Darling Point Special School (Bus with staff)
• Growth Coaching
• Year 6 Iona Literature Programme
• Positive Psychology

The Year 12 Outreach Program includes:

• Hemmant Cemetery cleaning and liturgy (Bus with Staff)
• Dementia Awareness and Friendly Community
• Respectful Relationships
• Resilience (Grief and Loss) Awareness
• Social Justice Entrepreneurship
• Indigenous Reconciliation Action Programme
• Iona Year 5 Buddy Support
• Post Schooling Transition of Community
• Environmental Action (planting 1750 trees)

Traditional Catholic practices such as giving thanks, forgiveness and care for our neighbours promote human happiness and wellbeing.  These activities help to build on these Christian approaches with links to the College’s Visible Wellbeing focus.

We would love for you to be a part of this program by communicating with your sons about his experiences and reflections.

This course is a compulsory component of the Senior College curriculum.