COLLEGE AIMS FOR WHOLLY NEW OUTLOOK

DAMIAN McKew has been announced as the inaugural principal of Iona College, which is set to open in Charlemont in 2020.

Mr McKew is currently principal of Clonard College and will take up his new role next year after leading the college for nine years.

“I am passionate about helping young people to not only reach their academic capabilities but also to help develop them to believe in service and making a difference to the world,” Mr McKew said.

“This is what I want our new college to embody and stand for. I want everyone associated with our new school to be aspirational, I want all of our students to learn to change the world.”

Mr McKew has more than 20 years in leadership positions in Catholic colleges across Victoria.

“Our students will participate in a learning environment that will be relational and collaborative,” Mr McKew said.

“We have the opportunity to learn from other schools worldwide and adopt a curriculum that is multidisciplinary and purposeful in allowing students to reach their potential.

“It is my intention to develop relationships with tertiary institutions that uses the latest research to promote a holistic educational experience.”

Iona College will be located at the corner of Horseshoe Bend Rd and Boundary Rd in Charlemont.

Construction will begin next month, and it will have a capacity of 1200 students.

“Parents are showing a strong demand for an affordable, high quality education that shapes happy, resilient, students who are filled with a love of learning and life,” Catholic Education Melbourne director Stephen Elder said.