Junior School News
Head of Junior School
Thank you to all families who attended our recent Information Evenings. We value the partnership between home and school, and it was lovely to connect with so many of you. All information shared during these sessions can be found on your child’s OLLE page.
As you receive this, we will be enjoying our Junior School Swimming Carnival. I congratulate all competitors for their involvement, and acknowledge our House Captains for leading their very first carnival. A full write-up will appear on social media and the next newsletter.
This week we proudly inducted our Year 6 Captains into their official leadership roles. It was wonderful to gather as a community and witness all Year 6 students make their pledge of commitment to our school. Their enthusiasm, confidence and sense of responsibility set a positive tone for the year ahead.
List of Students:
Junior School Captains:
- Zavier Beck
- Nissi Adu-Amponsah
Junior School Vice Captains:
- James Smit
- Eva Heritage
Junior School House Captains:
- Aranda: Lucas Bailey and Mikayla Zhou
- Coligan: Mitchell Bargmann and Jada Ryles
- Kogara: Jonty Greenhalgh and Isabella Adams
- Wolgal: Kealen Bessell and Leena Kermali
Junior School Student Identified Captains:
- Charlie Deng
- Annie Latis
- Isaac Deacon
- Cara Serfontein
- Noah Fineberg
- Annabel Carroll
- Leo Jones
- Alice Liang
Mrs Jessica Allard – Director of Teaching and Learning (Junior School)
Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is undertaken by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students participate in assessments for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
In 2026, NAPLAN tests at The Illawarra Grammar School will take place from Wednesday 11 March to Tuesday 17 March.
NAPLAN is just one part of our School’s learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills that your child is already learning in class. In the Junior School, students will participate in NAPLAN online on the following dates:
Week 7
- Wednesday 11 March: Writing 9.00am
- Thursday 12 March: Reading 9.00am
Week 8
- Monday 16 March: Conventions of Language 9.00am
- Tuesday 17 March: Numeracy 9.00am
Catch‑up sessions will be available for students who are absent, up until Monday 23 March.
All students in Years 3 and 5 will be provided with a device for testing. Please ensure your child brings corded headphones with either a USB or AUX connection.
Junior School parents and carers of Years 3 and 5 students are invited to attend a NAPLAN Information Session on Thursday 26 February from 4.00pm-4.30pm in the 3C classroom. This session will outline the adaptive nature of NAPLAN and how results are interpreted and used.
Families may also explore the public demonstration site to view sample questions and tools used in the online tests. Students have already begun preparing in class to ensure they are confident and familiar with the platform.
Further information is available on the NESA website.
Support is available for students with existing classroom adjustments. Mrs Avery, Academic Support Coordinator, will contact families where relevant.
Mrs Kylie Dribbus – Junior School Sports Coordinator
Netball
Each year, The Illawarra Grammar School enters a team in the Illawarra District Netball Association (IDNA) competition in partnership with Corrimal Netball Club. Learn more here.
Swimming
Our Thursday morning Swim Squad at McKeon’s for students in Years 3-6 still has places available. Learn more and register here.
Mountain Biking
If your child is a Mountain Biker, families are invited to enter their child to compete at the 2026 Australian Interschools MTB Championships at Thredbo on Monday 2 – Friday 6 March. Please note that events for Years 3-8 will be held from Monday 2 March to Wednesday 4 March, and events for Years 9-12 will be held from Wednesday 4 March to Friday 6 March. Please note that parents are required to complete all entries for their children here. Once you have completed the entry, please complete this form , so that the School is aware of your entry.
To help maintain a safe and efficient carline for our community, we would like to remind all parents and carers to follow the guidelines below:
- Please remain in your vehicle while in the carline. Do not exit your car to collect your child, as this disrupts traffic flow and compromises safety of students and staff
- Parents of students in Years 3 and above must not enter the carpark before 3.10pm. Arriving early causes congestion and affects the safety and movement of younger students
- On-site parking is extremely limited. There is no parking available on campus for events, so please plan ahead and make use of surrounding street parking
- Lanes must remain clear at all times. Vehicles should never be parked in areas that block access or impede the movement of other cars.
Thank you for your cooperation and for supporting a safe and respectful environment for all members of our school community.
School photographs will take place on Monday 23 February. All students are required to wear full school uniform on this day. Information regarding photo orders was mailed home in January. If you have not yet placed an order, you may do so by visiting www.advancedlife.com.au and entering the school code GJL T18 HJ8.
Senior School News
Head of Senior School
This week’s Swimming Carnival was far more than a day of races, ribbons and house chants. It offered a clear view of our school culture, marked by support, encouragement and a strong sense of belonging. I was struck by the positive culture of students cheering for every swimmer and the environment where participation felt safe, valued and shared.
The day also highlighted the grit students show when facing challenges. Many pushed through nerves, aimed for personal bests or simply committed to completing their lap. Their determination, strengthened by the encouragement around them was impressive.
If this event is a litmus test for our culture, the result is unmistakable. We are a community that celebrates effort, fosters belonging and takes pride in lifting one another up.
General School News
TIGS Foundation is raising money for the new Hoskins Building with a ‘Take a Seat’ campaign, offering parents or grandparents the chance to purchase the naming rights of a chair in the Lecture Theatre.
Learn more here.
Thank you to the families who have already contributed in this way. For generations to come, students will appreciate the legacy of those who contributed, seeing their names proudly displayed on the Lecture Theatre chairs.
From Term II, students participating in a water-based sport or activities must wear the TIGS swimwear. This includes events such as swim squad and swimming lessons.
Swimming caps, if worn, must be a TIGS cap.
Items are available for purchase via the Perm-A-Pleat Uniform shop.
Elite swimmers may seek approval from Mr Deck to wear an approved race suit.
Save the Date: Friday 20 March – more details will be available in future newsletters
Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend an evening of canapes and drinks on the Goodhew Court (previously known as the Library Lawn). The evening provides a welcoming setting to meet members of staff and connect with other families across the school community.
Date and Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm, Friday 27 February 2026
Venue: The Illawarra Grammar School, Goodhew Court
Dress Code: Smart casual
Contact: events@tigs.nsw.edu.au or phone (02) 4220 0288
Students are reminded that it is a requirement to tap on with their Opal cards when using the relevant school transport services. Accurate tap-on data is vital for maintaining eligibility, planning routes and ensuring funding compliance.
Student Voice