Home < Pastoral Care < Other Staff

Specialist staff involved in the Pastoral Care of students include:
Head of Boarding and Housemothers
Iona has boarding facilities for over 100 girls. The Head of Boarding and the Housemothers play a pivotal role in the Pastoral Care of boarders. This is always done in consultation with parents and staff. A great deal of sensitivity, planning and pro-active work ensures the Boarding community is a harmonious and industrious unit. The Head of Boarding and Housemothers assist the girls in adjusting to life in the Boarding House, in developing skills to be independent, and to make the Boarding House a home away from home. The Boarding House also has a Recreation Officer and a Life Skills coach.
College Psychologist
The College has two Psychologists. Mrs Elise Dillon and Mrs Alida Warman promote the mental health and well-being of students. This may involve counselling on a social, emotional, behavioural and/or mental health level. The psychologists can also assist with the learning needs of students, which may involve psychometric assessment and recommendations to improve learning skills. Students may self-refer or be referred by their parents or teachers. In 2009, Mrs Alida Warman is looking after students in Years 7, 8 and 12 and Mrs Elise Dillon is looking after students in Years 9, 10 and 11.
College Nurse
The College Nurse is Ms Amanda Heath. Nurse Heath will help students who develop an illness or incur an injury at school. The student may be treated and sent back to class, otherwise her parents may be called. In extreme cases, an ambulance may be called and the student transported to hospital. Nurse Heath also educates staff about the different aspects of health care for students.
Learning Support Teacher
The College’s Learning Support Teacher, Ms Pamela Hughes, can provide expert help in bringing students' literacy and/or numeracy skills up to standard.
Mission Leader
Sr Mary Mackin has been at Iona for many years. Sr Mary is concerned about the welfare of every student, past and present, and every staff member. Sr Mary's concern extends to the families of all in the Iona community as well. She will talk to people, pray for them, visit them, find clothing for them and generally do whatever is in her power to alleviate the problems people bring to her.
Head of Religious Education
The Head of Religious Education, Mrs Briege Arkins, takes a keen interest in the pastoral care of students. Mrs Arkins is interested in the students’ spiritual well-being, and in their social and emotional care. Mrs Arkins has a strong intellectual grasp of what is essential in contemporary religious programs and evangelization.
Classroom Teachers
Classroom teachers are primarily involved with the academic progress of students in their particular subject. They spend a lot of time with their students and are intrinsically involved in their everyday pastoral care. Classroom teachers will often be the first to notice a student who is having problems. The teacher will then correspond with other staff members who can assist the student. This may include a form teacher, Head of Learning Area, and/or Head of Year.
College Receptionists
Our College Receptionists are also a first port of call for students and parents. They are a source of information on school life at Iona and are able to answer many queries from parents and students.
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