On Tuesday 21 October, 5.30pm, we will be holding a ‘Navigating the HSC’ Parent Information Evening in the Library. This event is aimed at our new Year 12 students, parents and carers and will be an opportunity to hear from a number of Illawarra Grammar senior staff, each with a significant role to play during the year ahead. Our presentations will touch on important information relating to academic mentoring, HSC assessment procedures and policy, transition to university, key dates and where to find important information.

Parents and carers of Year 10 and new Year 12 students are warmly invited to join the Senior School for the induction ceremony for our 2026 student leaders on Thursday 23 October. Parking will be available via Powell Street, on the Oval, and the event will commence at 11.15am prompt.

Mr Chris Breheny – Head of Academics

This week marks the commencement of the Higher School Certificate Examinations, the culmination of thirteen years of study and the final stage in our Year 12 students’ schooling journey.

These examinations represent more than a series of assessments; they are the product of sustained effort, perseverance, and a shared commitment to excellence. Each student enters the examination room having engaged deeply with their studies, supported by the dedication of their teachers and the encouragement of their families and peers.

As they begin this important chapter, we encourage our students to approach each paper with composure and confidence – confidence grounded in the hard work, discipline, and grit that have brought them to this point. They should trust in their preparation and sustained commitment to the process.

On behalf of the School community, we extend our best wishes to the Class of 2025 as they undertake their examinations and bring their formal schooling to a close.

A final reminder to our new Year 12 families, that if you have not already purchased Year 12 texts, you can do so by using the link below which will take you directly to the Campion website.
Campion Online Ordering

The School Code is: BB4K.

Should you have any questions or encounter any issues please contact the Senior School’s Curriculum Administrator Ms Sheldon (ksheldon@tigs.nsw.edu.au).

There are some new and returning activities on the Cocurricular Calendar in Term IV including the Football Development Program, water polo, swimming training, surfing, cricket skills and mountain biking sporting activities. The Library will also be hosting Dungeons and Dragons on Fridays.

Some of the Years 7 and 8 students attending Drama Club will have the opportunity to attend a Theatre Sports competition later in the term. These are funny, fast-paced competitions for students able to work in a team and think on their feet. 

Parents, students and staff are able to find out more about our cocurricular program by visiting the Cocurricular Activities page on OLLE which provides a term calendar and links to information, contact details and sign on options for individual activities.

Hot on the heels of the Year 9 Camp taking place next week, current Year 9 parents/carers and students are invited to attend an information evening outlining the available options for Year 10 2026 Camps. The three camps on offer will run from 22 – 28 June with the overseas trip extending beyond this for an additional four days. Full information about the options available will be presented during the evening.

Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 completed Bronze and Silver Adventurous Journeys over the recent holiday period, enjoying the great outdoors and some wonderful spring sunshine. A reminder that Duke of Edinburgh participants are responsible for logging their hours for each of the components via the Online Record Book.

At their final chapel in Week 9 of Term III, two Year 12 students shared glimpses of their faith journey at The Illawarra Grammar School. With honesty and depth, they reflected on what it has meant to grow in faith amid the turbulence of school life and the challenges of adolescence. Their insights were both encouraging and thought-provoking. Here are a few highlights from their reflections:

Romisa Nekoozad – Year 12

“There are times in life when you question if God is really with you. Times when you ask, Why me? Why is this happening to me? I’ve had those moments too. But all my life, I’ve believed that everything happens for a reason, and God has a plan, even when I can’t see it. Those questions don’t mean your faith is weak — they mean it’s alive and growing… 

What has stayed with me most from chapel isn’t the songs or the talks — it’s the reflective questions that make you stop and think, the ones that challenge what you thought you knew about yourself, your life, and your faith. Sometimes I found answers, sometimes I didn’t. And that’s okay. That’s how I grew. Faith isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about trusting God through the doubts, the questions, and the messy, ordinary moments…

If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say: It’s okay not to understand everything. Keep showing up. Keep asking questions. Keep trusting. Your faith is growing, even when you don’t notice it.” 

Victoria Di Martino – Year 12

“My perspective on God and Christianity started to change as I moved into my senior years, particularly in Year 11 and 12. As the workload of the HSC grew and life became more stressful, I found myself becoming more open to the idea of Christianity. I started listening more closely during chapel services and being more willing to hear the Lord’s word. Even if I didn’t have all the answers, I realised that faith could provide a sense of stability and reassurance in a time when everything else felt overwhelming.

If I could go back and speak to myself in Year 7 or 8, I would probably tell myself that it’s okay not to “get it” straight away. Faith doesn’t have to be something you fully understand at a young age. It’s a journey that unfolds over time, and often it’s in the hardest moments that you begin to appreciate the role God can play in your life. In fact, those moments often lead to a deeper understanding of who God is and how He works in our lives. I’d also tell myself to slow down and notice the ways God is working through the people around me, because often He speaks through encouragement, kindness, or even challenges.

My high school years have taught me that faith can be a source of quiet strength, even if you’re not the most religious person. For me, it’s been about moving from indifference to openness, and I know that’s something I’ll carry forward beyond school.”

Yearly examinations for students in Years 7-10 will take place during Weeks 3-5 this term. 

Students in Years 9 and 10 will sit their examinations between Friday 31 October and Friday 7 November. Courses to be examined include English, Mathematics, Science and HSIE (Geography and History), in addition to some electives. 

Year 7 and 8 students will sit their examinations between Monday 10 November and Thursday 13 November. Courses to be examined include English, Mathematics, Science, Geography (Year 7) and History (Year 8). 

During the examination weeks normal timetabled classes will not take place. During their respective examination weeks, Years 7-9 students will undertake supervised study on campus in between their examinations; they should come to School each day with the necessary materials for study. As senior students, Year 10 students are only expected on campus for their examinations; otherwise they may study at home or in the Senior School Library. Year 10 students are urged to use the Library on Saturdays, between 10am and 2pm to study. Tutors are onsite from 11am to assist students. 

Students will receive their examination timetable in the coming week. They will also receive an assessment task notification from each of their teachers that outlines the content of the examination. Teachers will also provide students with explicit direction on how to study for their course.

This scholarship, funded by TIGS Foundation, is available each year to a student entering Year 10, either from within or outside the School. The Scholarship is a reduction of $500 off the tuition fees each term in Years 10-12 inclusive.

Applications are now open for Year 10 2027 and will close on 4 February 2026. Learn more about eligibility and apply here.