Strong Futures – 2021 Student Success

Message From The Principal

At The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) our goal is to prepare our students for the future, to be capable and confident in taking their place in a complex and changing world. To achieve this, we believe students need a holistic and personalised education, one that delivers more than just the curriculum, where character, values and effort are also supported and nurtured.

Students at TIGS receive a strong academic foundation which is enhanced with exceptional pastoral care, proactive wellbeing programmes and responsive learning support. Students are individually known and understood, with learning opportunities designed at a level appropriate to their ability, as well as extensive co-curricular options that allow students to explore their interests and develop their passions.

I look forward to partnering with you on your child’s educational journey.

Mrs Judi Nealy

2021 HSC Outstanding Achievements

97.85 Top ATAR for the Year 12 Class of 2021.

84% of applicants gained entry to University

14 students with 90+ ATAR

20 Distinguished Achievers – For achieving the highest band in a course.

Congratulations to Sarah Collins and Xia Lian Wilson

Congratulations to Samuel Scott and Poppy Townsend

Congratulations to Nicholas Seal who has been awarded a Scholarship to The University of Wollongong

Top ATAR 97.85

Cameron Davidson | Dux Class of 2021

Band 6 – Physics

E4 – Mathematics Extension 1

A gentleman and a scholar, Cameron excelled in the fields of Science and Mathematics achieving the Jefferson Family Perpetual Memorial Award for Mathematics Extension 1, the Barbara Broadley Mathematics Extension 2 Prize, the Science Extension Prize and the D.B. Thompson Prize for Chemistry in recognition of his abilities. An all-rounder, he was also involved in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Gold) and competed at NASSA Swimming. Cameron’s academic abilities saw him awarded the school’s highest ATAR and receive the Acorn Lawyers’ Prize for Dux of the School.

Distinguished Achievers - ATAR Excellence

Sally Lefoe

ATAR 95.65
Band 6 - English Advanced, Legal Studies, Modern History, Society and Culture
E4 - English Extension 1

Sally demonstrated outstanding leadership skills as School Captain aptly receiving The Peter and Elizabeth Smart School Captain’s Award. She involved herself enthusiastically in school life, always genuinely supporting and caring for others. She represented the School at NASSA Swimming and demonstrated outstanding academic success receiving a plethora of prizes including an Overall HSC Academic Achievement Award, the English Advanced Prize, The Edgar Beale Prize for Modern History and the Society and Culture Prize. Sally plans to take up a place at Monash University upon her return from an extended trip around Europe.

Daniel Michelmore

ATAR 95.40
Band 6 - Business Studies, Legal Studies, Modern History
E4 - English Extension 2

As a School Captain, and with aspirations to be a future Prime Minister, Daniel was a practised HICES Debater and Public Speaker and always stepped forward confidently to present on stage. He received a wide range of awards including a Principal’s Award, The University of Wollongong’s Faculty of Business Prize, The Don Lewis Prize for Economics, and The Christopher Adams Lawyers Prize for Legal Studies. Daniel plans to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the Australian National University.

Tsz Lun Yip

ATAR 95.25
Band 6 - Biology, Mathematics Advanced, Physics, Chinese and Literature

Tsz Lun excelled in very difficult circumstances, separated from his family during his HSC years by Covid restrictions, and yet he remained diligently focused on his studies during Year 11 and 12. He received the Physics Prize, Chinese and Literature Prize and the English as an Additional Language Prize in recognition of his abilities. His role as Science Prefect complemented his special passion for STEM subjects.

Isobel Kinnear

ATAR 95.20
Band 6 - Biology, Dance

Hard work and immense talent paid off for Isobel who received the First in Course Award for the Higher School Certificate Dance course. She also received acknowledgement for her abilities with a Principal’s Award, an Overall HSC Academic Award and The Andrew and Sandra Newhouse Prize for Business Studies. Isobel managed this while balancing her HSC studies with demanding professional dance training and will pursue a career in Performing Arts.

Jayson Cooper

ATAR 94.85

Jayson was a leading academic and scholar throughout his time at TIGS. He participated in a wide range of co-curricular activities including Mathematics Olympiad, RACI Crystal Growing and the ASX Game which reflected his particular interests in Mathematics, Science, and Economics. He received an Overall HSC Academic Achievement Award and also participated enthusiastically in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Gold).

Aria Bacic-Johnston

ATAR Not for publication

Band 6 - Biology

In Year 12, Aria was appointed Wolgal House Captain and undertook this important position with energy and efficiency. She showed tremendous support for the Sports programmes, representing NASSA in Athletics and AICES at CIS Swimming, consequently receiving an AICES Colour Award. She involved herself enthusiastically in co-curricular activities such as HICES Debating, Community Problem Solving and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Gold). She balanced this with her academic pursuits receiving a Principal’s Award, the Biology Prize and an Overall HSC Academic Achievement Award in recognition of her abilities.

Xavier Do

ATAR 91.85
Band 6 - Mathematics Advanced, Entertainment Industry
E4 - Mathematics Extension 1

As Vice-School Captain, a role which he tackled with alacrity, energy and enthusiasm, Xavier coordinated the Student Representative Council with strength and authenticity. Xavier excelled in Performing Arts, where he took lead roles in School productions; in Sports programmes, where he represented the School at NASSA Athletics and AICES Cross Country; and in the academic forum, where he received a Principal’s Award and the Mathematics Advanced Prize.

Mikayla Kotsofski

ATAR 91.50

Throughout her schooling, Mikayla earned a surfeit of academic awards including Dean’s Awards and Head of Senior School Awards which bore testimony to her wide-ranging abilities. She was instrumental in winning the HICES Debating Championship and was also a talented sportsperson, particularly excelling at Netball where she competed at the NASSA level. In her constant striving for academic excellence, Mikayla always found time to help and support others.

Olivia Barber

ATAR 91.15

Olivia attended TIGS from Kindergarten and attained strong academic results across all subjects during her time here. Her willingness to give her best effort in every instance set an example for others. Her many and varied awards, including a Principal’s Award and The ADF Future Innovators Award, bear testimony to her wide-ranging abilities and her work ethic. She was a dedicated Aranda House Vice-Captain showing alacrity and initiative, and whilst maintaining high academic standards, she worked towards The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Gold).

Chloe van Ommen

ATAR 90.85

Band 6 - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, German Beginners

Chloe worked hard throughout her school career and was rewarded with a Principal’s Award, the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Prize and Mathematics Standard Prize as testament to her commitment to studies. As Chapel Prefect, Chloe fittingly received The Beth Delbridge Memorial Prize for Christian Citizenship. She was also the recipient of the ISEF Science and Engineering Challenge and competed successfully in NASSA Volleyball and Athletics.

Sarah Collins

ATAR 90.70
Band 6 - Music
E4 - English Extension 2

Since joining TIGS, Sarah involved herself enthusiastically in School life and attained strong academic results across all subjects. Her commitment to Senior Choir paralleled her Music 1 Prize and she also deservedly received the English Extension 2 Prize and an Application to Studies Award. Sarah achieved first place in HICES Debating and her contribution to the Arts programmes and her community-minded commitments were equally as impressive.

Nicholas Seal

ATAR 90.60
Band 6 - Society and Culture

Nicholas was an exceptional sportsperson who excelled in Cross Country and Athletics, representing AICES at the CIS Championships, while remaining modest and unassuming despite his outstanding talent. He was also an intellectual, achieving great academic success as revealed through his plethora of awards including The Grammarians Prize for Excellence. He was particularly suited to his role of Community Service Prefect as he always put others’ needs ahead of his own. Nicholas has received the prestigious Ramsay Scholarship in Western Civilization and will be using this with a double degree in Law at University of Wollongong.

Ella Vartazarian

ATAR 90.20
Band 6 - Dance, Society and Culture

Ella was at TIGS from Kindergarten and her contribution to the school community during that time enriched her personal development. She exhibited excellent creativity and commitment to the Performing Arts programmes including being a longstanding member of the Senior Dance Company. She received many academic awards including Head of Senior School and The Carter Ferguson Solicitors Award. In Year 12, she was a dedicated Coligan House Vice-Captain who worked tirelessly towards House initiatives.

Distinguished Achievers - Subject Excellence

George Barbas

Band 6 - Design and Technology

Dean Borbilas

Band 6 - Modern Greek Beginners

Sally Gyngell

Band 6 - Society and Culture, Entertainment Industry

Annabel Hickling-Smith