Launching 2025

Launching 2025

Launching 2025

Launching 2025

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Empowering young people through a Presentation education.

Continue the story Light the way Carry the lantern

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From the very beginning, the work of the Presentation Sisters has been rooted in the belief that a quality Catholic education for one young person, can empower a community, now and into the future.

It’s why the Presentation Sisters’ founder, Honora ‘Nano’ Nagle, devoted her life to the service of the poor and needy, shining Christ’s light on pain and suffering and highlighting the need for Catholic education, support and social justice.

Our Story

The Iona Presentation Foundation has been established to preserve the legacy of the Presentation Sisters, Nano Nagle and their service, inspired by the love of Jesus.

Help us continue the story and ‘carry the lantern’ for young people so they can benefit from a Presentation education, now and into the future.

A Clear Vision
Our Story
Meet the Board
Why Give?
Ways to Give
Giving Programs

A Clear Vision

The Foundation operates with a clear vision: to continue the Western Australian Presentation Sisters’ mission of empowering young people through Catholic education, building projects that enhance dynamic learning experiences and social justice.

The Iona Presentation Foundation is overseen by an established and well-regarded Board of Directors who are guided in their stewardship by four key pillars:

  1. Scholarships and bursaries to empower deserving students to pursue a quality Catholic education within the Presentation tradition in WA.
  2. Building projects to enhance dynamic learning experiences.
  3. Fostering a culture of annual giving.
  4. Bequests to maintain the mission of the Presentation Sisters and Schools.

Our Story

From the very beginning, the work of the Presentation Sisters has been rooted in the belief that a quality Catholic education for one young person, can empower a community, now and into the future. It’s why the Presentation Sisters’ founder, Honora ‘Nano’ Nagle, devoted her life to the service of the poor and needy, shining Christ’s light on pain and suffering, highlighting the need for Catholic education.

The Iona Presentation Foundation is entrusted to preserve the legacy of the Presentation Sisters, Nano Nagle and their service, inspired by the love of Jesus. The Foundation operates with a clear vision: to continue the Western Australian Presentation Sisters’ mission of empowering young people through Catholic education, building projects to enhance dynamic learning experiences and social justice.

During her lifetime, Nano Nagle established and operated seven schools for girls and boys. By day she visited her schools and by night she called on the poor and needy. Dark and treacherous work, Nano travelled by the light of a lantern, and became known as ‘the Lady of the Lantern’. Today, the lantern is a symbol of light and hope, and the Foundation’s work lights the way for young people through quality education.

Our work is deeply rooted in the belief that the service of the Presentation Sisters has lasting value and relevance. The drive to be people for others and make a difference together calls Presentation people to act, just as Nano Nagle did:

“In the face of fear, she chose to be daring,

In the face of anxiety, she chose to trust,

In the face of impossibility, she chose to begin

What will you choose to do?”

Woman of Hope – Sr Raphael Consedine (2001)

Help continue the story and ‘carry the lantern’ for young people so they can benefit from a Presentation education, now and into the future.

Meet the Board

Joe O’Dea, Chairperson

Joe is the Executive Chairman of family company Bowra & O'Dea. He has 48 years’ experience in the Funeral industry, including membership in both State and National associations. Joe is currently Chair of the Western Australian Metropolitan Cemeteries Board and a Member of the Board’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
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Sister Marion Beard

Sister Marion is a Presentation Sister from Perth. She was educated at Iona Presentation College and entered the convent in 1962. Her main ministry has been in primary and secondary education.
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Debra Brown

For over 30 years, Debra has run her own boutique architectural practice. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) and has received several industry design awards.
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Fred Chaney

Fred is the Director of one of Western Australia’s leading architectural practices, TRCB. Specialising in secondary educational buildings and master planning as well as sporting, civic and cultural infrastructure.
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Justin Flavel

Justin (B Bus. FCPA, FTIA) is a tax and accounting professional whose experience spans over 30 years. Justin’s passion is in facilitating business growth and helping businesses to evolve.
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Christine Panetta

Christine is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in finance and management. She holds a Bachelor of Law and Commerce from The University of Western Australia.
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Michael Prendiville

Michael graduated from Aquinas College and later The University of Western Australia, where he completed his Bachelor of Economics. Michael has built a successful career in the Finance industry, having founded TAF Capital, a trustee business and JellyC, an investment management firm with global operations.
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Executive Officer

Kelli Evans

Kelli is a dedicated executive with over 20 years of experience in Local and State Government and the Not-for-Profit sectors. Kelli brings a unique blend of people skills and operational expertise. In her most recent role as Chief Executive Officer of Dress for Success Western Australia, Kelli passionately worked to empower women to achieve economic independence.
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Why Give?

Generations of West Australians have benefited from a Presentation education. A deep sense of responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others calls Presentation people to action.

A tax-deductible gift to the Foundation will help to support Presentation students today and into the future. Dynamic learning experiences are a feature of a Presentation education. Tax-deductible contributions to the Building Fund will enrich the educational experience for students through buildings and facilities that create dynamic learning environments and inspire creativity and belonging. All gifts over $2.00 are tax-deductible.

Donate Now

Giving Programs

Scholarship Fund

Building Fund

Bursary Fund

Iona
Presentation
College

Other
Presentation
Schools

How to Give

There are several ways that you can support the Iona Presentation Foundation:

  1. Scholarships and bursaries to empower deserving students to pursue a quality Catholic education within the Presentation tradition in WA. 
  2. Building projects to enhance dynamic learning experiences.
  3. Fostering a culture of annual giving.
  4. Bequests to maintain the mission of the Presentation Sisters and Schools.

Every gift will have a lasting impact. Help us to continue the story and ‘carry the lantern’ for young people so they too can benefit from a Presentation education, now and into the future.

Donate Now
“As Principal of Iona Presentation College, I get to see firsthand the transformative power a quality education makes in the lives of young people. The work of the Foundation will provide scholarships to deserving students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access a quality Catholic education at Iona or other Presentation Schools; and building projects that will create environments to inspire creativity, belonging and enhance dynamic learning experiences.”
Robyn Miller, Principal Iona Presentation College
“A Presentation education is different to other schools … you don’t just learn, you learn how to live life.”
Susannah Carr, Iona Past Pupil
“You are giving to the values that you hold dear, and the preservation of them, rather than just giving to a school.”
Jodie Hebb, Iona Past Pupil
“The Presentation Sisters profoundly shaped my academic and personal growth. Their legacy runs deep in my family, all benefiting from the Sisters’ guidance at Iona and St Thomas’ Primary School. Their influence has taught us to strive for both academic excellence and kindness. I am deeply grateful for their wisdom, patience, and dedication to education. Their legacy continues to inspire generations, and I thank them for the countless lives they have touched and will continue to influence.”
Danielle Sullivan, Iona Past Pupil
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Contact Us

Telephone 0451 835 018
Email foundation@iona.wa.edu.au
ACN 677 084 856

Privacy policy

Acknowledgement of Country

Iona Presentation Foundation respectfully acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand and pay respect to elders past, present and future. Together, as Presentation people, we acknowledge the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Aboriginal Australians to the education of all children and people in this country we all live in and share together.

Thank you for expressing your interest in supporting the Iona Presentation Foundation, launching in 2025. Please complete the form below and Foundation Executive Officer, Kelli Evans will contact you from foundation@iona.wa.edu.au.

Name
I am interested in supporting

Joe O’Dea, Chair

Joe is the Executive Chairman of family company Bowra & O’Dea. He has 48 years’ experience in the Funeral industry, including membership in both State and National associations. Joe is currently Chair of the Western Australian Metropolitan Cemeteries Board and a Member of the Board’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

Joe’s family has enjoyed a wonderful association with the Presentation Sisters, both professionally and personally. His daughters, sisters and nieces all attended Iona Presentation College between 1980 and 2022.

Sister Marion Beard

Sister Marion is a Presentation Sister from Perth. She was educated at Iona Presentation College and entered the convent in 1962. Her main ministry has been in primary and secondary education.

Sister Marion is enthusiastic about the work the Iona Presentation Foundation can do to continue the Presentation charism and is appreciative of being part of the journey going forward. 

Debra Brown

For over 30 years, Debra has run her own boutique architectural practice. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) and has received several industry design awards. She was an examiner and past member of the Architects’ Board of Western Australia,  a past member of the WA Chapter Council and a current Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

Debra has been involved with the Iona Presentation College Advisory Council and Property and Planning Committee since 2001, most recently as the Chair of both.

She is a Past Pupil of Iona Presentation College (1971-1982) and her daughter recently graduated from Iona in 2023. Debra is a passionate advocate for ensuring the vision and work of the Presentation Sisters lights the way for future generations.

Fred Chaney

Fred is the Director of one of Western Australia’s leading architectural practices, TRCB. Specialising in secondary educational buildings and master planning as well as sporting, civic and cultural infrastructure.

Fred holds a Bachelor of Architecture from The University of Western Australia and has also completed his Masters in the History and Philosophy of Architecture from the University of Cambridge. In addition to his work in architectural practice, Fred has served as a member of the Western Australian Planning Commission and Director of the Green Building Council of Australia. He has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector and was Governor of the Foundation of the WA Museum from 2013-2020.

Fred’s two daughters attended St Thomas’ Primary School and Iona Presentation College, and he is passionate about supporting the ongoing success of Presentation Schools. He is currently a member of the Iona Presentation College Advisory Council and Property and Planning Committee.

Justin Flavel

Justin (B Bus. FCPA, FTIA) is a tax and accounting professional whose experience spans over 30 years. Justin’s passion is in facilitating business growth and helping businesses to evolve. Acting as a business mentor to his team and numerous clients, Justin has assisted in unlocking the potential for numerous family businesses.

Justin’s aim for his clients parallels with his own philosophy and personal journey, which is focused on growth and success while maintaining a balanced outlook on life. Justin’s daughters are third generation Iona Presentation College students following in the footsteps of their Nonna and Mother, Donna Italiano.

Christine Panetta

Christine is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in finance and management. She holds a Bachelor of Law and Commerce from The University of Western Australia. Since 2020, Christine has worked alongside the Presentation Sisters as their Business Manager, a position she feels is an honour and a privilege. Christine is also a Past Pupil of Iona Presentation College (Class of 1991). 

Christine is excited by the opportunity the Foundation presents and is committed to continuing the work of the Presentation Sisters and their Presentation spirit in providing quality Catholic education for many generations to come.

Michael Prendiville

Michael graduated from Aquinas College and later The University of Western Australia, where he completed his Bachelor of Economics. Michael has built a successful career in the Finance industry, having founded TAF Capital, a trustee business and JellyC, an investment management firm with global operations. Michael also has expertise in asset allocation, portfolio optimisation and risk management, where he is a Responsible Manager under AFSL 425925 and Strategic Advisor to The University of Western Australia’s Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Research Centre.

He has been a member of the Iona Presentation Foundation since June 2022 and also serves on Iona Presentation College’s Risk and Finance Committee.

Michael’s family has strong ties to Catholic education in Western Australia, with his wife and children attending Stella Maris Presentation College and Iona Presentation College.

Kelli Evans

Kelli is a dedicated executive with over 20 years of experience in Local and State Government and the Not-for-Profit sectors. Kelli brings a unique blend of people skills and operational expertise. In her most recent role as Chief Executive Officer of Dress for Success Western Australia, Kelli passionately worked to empower women to achieve economic independence. 

Kelli is thrilled to join the Iona Presentation Foundation, where she sees a wonderful opportunity to contribute to an organisation deeply rooted in the values of the Presentation Sisters, offering enriching educational opportunities to young West Australians.