1 June 2018

On a chilly Wednesday morning when Archbishop Hart, joined by students and principals from the Geelong region, named of Catholic education’s newest secondary school, Iona College Geelong.

The name is an inspiring choice for the new Catholic secondary college. The Isle of Iona, an island off the west coast of Scotland, is the renowned place where St Columba arrived from Ireland in 563 AD. With 12 followers, he built his first church and established a monastic community that grew into a vibrant centre of Christianity across the Celtic world and the westernmost parts of Europe.

‘The Monastery of Iona was a centre of learning by the sea,’ Archbishop Hart said. ‘Just as Iona College will serve and underpin a growing community.’

Located in Charlemont, Iona College Geelong will serve the growing number of families moving into the Armstrong Creek area. Executive Director of Catholic Education, Stephen Elder paid tribute to Archbishop Hart for his support for the development of the new school.

‘It was very important for all of us involved in Catholic education to have His Grace attend the naming ceremony,’ he said. ‘Archbishop Hart’s commitment to education has ensured that schools like this one have been able to grow from being ideas to vibrant learning communities,’. ‘Iona College Geelong will be built because of Archbishop Hart’s dedication to the project.’
 

First classes are expected to commence in 2020, with building scheduled to commence shortly.

Geelong Advertiser – New Catholic school in Charlemont to be called Iona College.