We are excited to welcome our newest Junior School families to the Kindergarten Readiness Program. This program is designed to help children and families become familiar with our school environment, easing the transition into school life and ensuring every child feels supported and confident.

During the Junior School Readiness Program, new students in Years 1-6 will spend a full day exploring classrooms, learning spaces and specialist areas. They will have the opportunity to meet new friends, engage with our teachers and begin to develop the routines and independence that will support their learning journey.

Our current students will act as buddies, helping to guide and care for our newcomers. This warm and welcoming experience allows children to build confidence, form connections and feel ready for a smooth start to school in 2027. We look forward to seeing our Kindergarten students thrive as they begin this exciting new chapter.

As referred to by Dr Greenhalgh, from 10 December, Australia’s new social media regulations will include YouTube in the ban for users under 16. While children will still be able to view content, they will no longer be able to hold an account, comment, or upload videos. YouTube Kids will remain available for younger viewers.

In the lead-up to this change, experts suggest several ways families can help children reduce YouTube use and prepare for healthier digital habits:

• Transition to YouTube Kids – Ensure children are using age-appropriate platforms and understand why
• Set clear boundaries – Establish limits around screen time and use parental controls where possible
• Monitor and supervise – Keep devices in shared spaces, screens visible and avoid use in bedrooms or bathrooms
• Have open conversations – Use the explain, explore and empower approach to discuss the changes and children’s feelings about them
• Model balance – Set family-wide expectations, such as device-free times (e.g. at dinner) or no-go zones, showing that boundaries apply to everyone.

We sincerely thank you for your support in minimising phone and internet access whilst at School. This is having a significant impact on student focus and has contributed to a noticeable decrease in concerns raised by students and families. At School, we continue to build awareness and guide students in the appropriate use of technology, helping them develop safe and responsible digital habits.

More information and helpful guidance can be found here. 

Our Stage 2 and Stage 3 Camps are fast approaching, and we are looking forward to these exciting experiences with our students. Camps form an important and compulsory component of our Outdoor Education Program, providing valuable opportunities for students to grow in confidence, independence and teamwork while strengthening friendships and connections beyond the classroom.

Students are strongly encouraged to stay overnight and fully participate in all aspects of the program. These shared experiences play a vital role in helping students develop resilience, problem-solving skills and leadership qualities in a supportive and engaging environment.

Safety and wellbeing remain our highest priority, with all activities carefully planned and supervised by experienced staff and qualified instructors.

We thank you for your ongoing support in preparing your child for camp and ensuring that all permissions, medical information and requirements are submitted promptly. We look forward to sharing these memorable learning experiences with your children.

On Wednesday 10 December, the Senior School will conclude their day following the Senior School Presentation Day, which finishes at 10.30am.

Junior School students who have siblings in the Senior School may be signed out by parents from Junior School Reception at 10.30am. Please note, Junior School students will not be released directly to Senior School siblings.

For all other Junior School students, the school day will continue as normal, concluding at the usual time, with regular carline and bus transport options in place.

NSW PSSA Athletics Championships

Our Illawarra Grammar Junior School athletes achieved outstanding results at the 2025 NSW PSSA Athletics Championships held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. Competing against the State’s best, they demonstrated skill, determination and exceptional team spirit.

The highlight of the meet came from our Senior Girls’ 4x100m Relay Team, Rayna Chieng, Ava Leung, Kirra Oxman and Nissi Adu-Amponsah, who combined lightning speed with precise baton exchanges to set a new State Record of 53.13 seconds in their heat, before securing a well-deserved silver medal in the final.

There were also impressive personal best individual performances across the team:

• Nissi Adu-Amponsah – 9th in the 11 years 100m (13.38) & 11th in 200m (27.86)
• Ava Leung – 11th in the 12 years 100m (12.99) & 12th in 200m (27.46)
• Hudson Rayner – 4th in the 11years High Jump (1.45m)

Congratulations to all our athletes on their incredible achievements and to the Senior Girls’ Relay Team for their record-breaking success. Your commitment, teamwork and positivity were inspiring, a true reflection of Illawarra Grammar’s excellence. A special thank you to Mrs Dribbus for her guidance and constant support.

Todd Woodbridge Cup Regional Champions

Following their success at the Illawarra Zone Championships, our Stage 2 and Stage 3 teams advanced to the Regional Championships held at the Ulladulla Tennis Centre – a fantastic opportunity to test their skills against strong competition from across the region.

Both teams rose to the challenge with confidence and composure. The Stage 2 team finished as runners-up, winning four of their five matches, while the Stage 3 team took out the Regional title, remaining undefeated and even beating last year’s State Champions along the way.

Throughout the tournament, our players demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, strategic play and seamless doubles partnerships. Their teamwork, determination and ability to handle each challenge calmly earned them well-deserved progression to the State Championships in November.

Stage 2 Team: Marchelle Avramoski, Beau Beattie, Mila Douna, Grace Lesui, Pippa Mason, Ethan Miller, Yuxuan Ren, Nixon Rodgers, Ming Wang, Emily Warburton.

Stage 3 Team: Nissi Adu-Amponsah, Ethan Bottele, Rayna Chieng, Jonty Greenhalgh, Charles Hughes, Michelle Li, Hector Pan, Xavier Pupovac-Hopper, Aurora McEvedy, Shiqi Wang.

Lucy Bernie – Year 11 

The beginning of Term IV marks a new beginning of leadership at The Illawarra Grammar School, and this week I had the opportunity to interview some of the newly-appointed House Captains for Wolgal and Coligan. Talking to Leon Do and Georgia Agnew provided insight into their inspiration for applying for the role and also how they plan to carry on their House’s legacy toward (hopefully) winning the Shell Shield at the end of the year for their respective Houses. 

I first wanted to understand why they chose to put themselves forward for such an important role. Both Georgia and Leon’s answers embodied the values of true leadership and House spirit. Georgia spoke on “seeing past leaders and House captains throughout the years lead, support [and] encourage whilst maintaining House spirit inspiring” her to pursue leadership, whilst Leon commented on how “the House spirit at this School is really incredible,” and how it would be a great achievement to “hopefully bringing success to Wolgal.” Both spoke with such enthusiasm and excitement, it was contagious.

My next question delved into what the two were most looking forward to in their new roles; Georgia spoke about seeing “everyone having a go and having fun at House events” and Leon joked he was most excited about “winning the Shell Shield!” but he also mentioned how “ArtsFest is my most anticipated event” because “everyone can get involved in one way or another.” ArtsFest definitely pulls out all the stops with a combination of hard work and excitement, and the dedication of the House Captains shines through with every event of the day. 

But, it is important to maintain House spirit and energy throughout the year, so I asked how they planned to keep morale high within their Houses, and both answered with wisdom and insight. Georgia talked of teamwork and “working with my fellow House captains to just get involved and learn to have fun along the way.” Leon spoke honestly when he said “leading by example is one of the things I will try to do and showing up and bringing energy, even when I don’t feel like it.” 

With our first House event just weeks away, I closed the interview by asking Georgia and Leon what their message to their Houses was, to mark the beginning of their leadership journey. Georgia, to Coligan, said “be competitive, have good House spirit, be good sportsmen, but most of all have fun.” And addressing Wolgal, Leon said, “Work together, have fun, bring all your energy and give 100% so we can get the win for Wolgal.”

Sienna Bohm – Year 10

After weeks spent curating the most aesthetic Pinterest boards, voting on a theme, showing half the grade your outfit via a grainy screenshot, and meticulously planning a boys’ golf meet-up before the formal (rumour had it some planned to change into their suits at the course), the long-awaited Year 10 Formal finally arrived.

Late last term, Year 10 had the privilege of being able to celebrate this significant milestone in their schooling career with their peers, teachers, Senior School executive, and of course, our Dean and Mentors. With the theme ‘Golden Age Hollywood’, Year 10 put on their most elegant suits (apparently there are different types of suits, which I learnt all about from Mr Dunne and Morgan Allen throughout the night) and dresses, to arrive in style at The Grange. After photos with friends and family, the red carpet was literally rolled out for us and the real fun began.

Many of us spent much of the evening in line for the photo booth, gathering a group of friends and deciding on which poses to do, as well as dancing our hearts out to Mr Brightside and Livin’ on a Prayer.  Throughout the evening, we had a variety of speeches and games, all hosted by the formal committee. We learnt some interesting facts about each other in trivia as well as recognising the many talents we have in our year group (such as ‘most likely to survive a zombie apocalypse’- Lulu Ding). 

A real highlight from the evening was the heartfelt messages from our Dean and the executives about our year. Although bittersweet, Ms Crombie’s speech left us all feeling extremely proud and grateful for the opportunities and achievements we have been able to experience at The Illawarra Grammar School with the help and guidance of our fantastic Dean (Ms Crombie), our teachers and of course our Mentors. 

With such a large event to plan and cater for,  on behalf of Year 10, I would like to thank Ms Crombie and the formal committee for their tireless efforts in running and planning the formal, The Grange Staff, teachers and the executive team for taking time out of their busy schedules to celebrate this milestone with us and, of course, all of Year 10, whose laughter, enthusiasm and energy made the night so special for us all.

Rena Hamut – Year 11

This term, the Social Science Department welcomed a new Head of Department, Mr Langley. I had the opportunity to sit down and interview him to learn more about his journey and vision for the department.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Before coming to Illawarra Grammar, Mr Langley spent four years as a teacher and three years as Head of Department at Inaburra School, in Sydney. Outside of his work, he enjoys running competitively through ultra marathons and marathons and is an active member of Bulli Anglican Church.

What led you to become a teacher?

Mr Langley always wanted to work with young people which led to teaching. He emphasised that helping people and making a difference in his workplace has been a motivation for him. 

What interested you about social sciences?

Social Sciences encompasses Geography, Commerce, Economics, Business and Legal Studies. Mr Langley said that all those subjects have an easy application to the real world on a day-to-day basis which helps with concepts and issues that impact people either now or in the future. This subject area prepares students to be active and informed citizens so they can contribute to the world around them positively. 

What vision or goals do you have as the new Head of Social Science?

As the new Head of Department, Mr Langley strives to inspire students to dig deeper into these issues, understand the complexities and the need to have a deep knowledge in order to navigate the world around us. 

What’s a tip you have for students?

Mr Langley offered this advice: “A general tip for students is to be engaged in the world around you, read newspapers, discuss world and local events and participate in activities like Model United Nations. When engaging with the world in these ways and perceiving the differences and similarities around the world, this helps us to build a more well-rounded engagement in civics, politics and current affairs”.

Anything you are looking forward to?

“I am looking forward to meeting students and seeing them grow in their academic lives, supporting one another towards improvement and growth”.

Pearl Bramble – Year 10

Exploring a whole new culture and experiencing a wide array of customs, forming new friendships, and immersing ourselves in the French culture, Year 9 and 10 students have come back from France with exceptional new language skills and much cherished memories. 

Spending 10 days on exchange in Lyon, we made unforgettable friendships and formed bonds through barriers broken by our already partially developed language skills. Making the treacherous, 30-hour trek to the other side of the globe, the experiences we had at our French school– including eating at the canteen (in which we were served an entree, main plate, dessert and bread), experiencing the older, historically rich part of Lyon (and exploring the Roman amphitheatre) with a French History class, and participating in volleyball games (half of us discovered our inexplicable volleyball skills, and the other that we weren’t made for being volleyball stars) and everyday classes– have no doubt left memorable marks on us. 

After discovering everyday French traditions in our host families, and undoubtedly being fully immersed in French culture, we ventured to Tours, where we had the absolute privilege of exploring Renaissance history through the vibrant, lively, culture-rich masterpieces of century-old chateaux. The Château de Chenonceau, dating back to 11th century writing, seemed to tell its own stories through the mixture of architecture and continuous contributions of many loving owners to its brilliantly furnished interior. We were no less impressed by the extraordinary Château de Chambord, with its impressively high towers and architecture so detailed you could see each individual carving from miles away – despite originally being built as King Francis I’s hunting lodge, it without doubt serves an impressive aesthetic purpose.

After Tours, and after having marvelled at the sights of the Palace of Versailles (having been built as a symbol of the French monarchy’s power and luxury), we travelled to Paris, excited to delve right into the city with minds open to every opportunity. Further exploring France’s rich history of art, architecture and design through museums like the Musee d’Orsay (full of genuine masterpieces from the greatest, such as Monet and da Vinci) and the Louvre, where we encountered the famous Mona Lisa and other great works, before strolling down the Champs-Elysees, visiting the Arc de Triomphe, and watching Paris light up as the Eiffel Tower sparkled. Having been engulfed in French culture and enjoying a once in a lifetime opportunity, Year 9 and 10 students have come back full of new facts and memories that will last a lifetime.