Junior School News
Head of Junior School
As I conclude my time at Illawarra Grammar, I do so with deep gratitude and a full heart.
Over the past seven years, I have been part of a community united by a deep commitment to its children, ensuring they are known, valued and supported to grow into thoughtful, capable young people who will contribute to the world with care and insight. At the heart of this has been a shared understanding of the importance of kindness, service and respect for one another.
To our students, you have been at the centre of every decision and every conversation. It has been a joy to know you as individuals to see your growth, your effort, your courage and your character develop over time. Each of you has left a lasting impression, a seed in my heart and I look forward to hearing how you continue to grow and learn in the years ahead.
I have loved the everyday moments, your smiles, your waves through my office window, your warm welcomes into classrooms and the playground and the many visits where we have shared ideas, solved problems and celebrated your learning. You are kind, thoughtful and generous and I am so proud of you. Please continue to give your best, take every opportunity to grow and care for one another.
To our families, thank you. Your trust, your partnership and your willingness to work together, particularly in moments requiring honesty, care and perseverance have been essential to the strength of this community. The support you provide your children and the school, allows us to work together with a shared purpose. Your messages of encouragement and thanks have meant a great deal to me. It has been a privilege to know your children and to lead this wonderful Junior School.
To our Junior and Prep staff, I hold enormous respect and admiration. Your professionalism, expertise and unwavering commitment to every child are what make this school exceptional. The consistency, care and high standards you bring each day are significant and it has been a privilege to work alongside you. Every member of staff contributes meaningfully whether in teaching and learning, supporting students, administration or through the many roles that support the life of the school. Thank you for your dedication and for the love you bring to your work each day.
To the Junior School Executive team Mrs Grneski, Mrs Allard, Mrs Dodge and Mrs Ford thank you for your leadership, care and deep commitment to our students. Alongside you, our Stage Coordinators, Subject Coordinators, Prep staff and the broader Junior School team contribute in countless ways to ensure a thoughtful, cohesive and high-quality experience for every child. It has been a genuine privilege to lead such a dedicated and capable team.
Thank you to the Senior Leadership team, Mr Breheny, Mrs Sullivan and Mr Vickers, for the opportunity to work together in shaping whole-school direction and planning.
My sincere thanks to Reverend Rogers for his friendship and leadership within our community.
A special thank you to Ms Oyston for her exceptional care and support, which has enabled me to focus on the work that matters most.
I am especially grateful to Dr Greenhalgh for her wisdom, guidance and encouragement. Her leadership and belief have supported me greatly and I will always value her mentorship.
Although I am looking ahead to a new challenge, it is not easy to leave a community that has meant so much to me. TIGS is a truly special place, one I have been proud to serve and one I will always hold in very high regard.
As I leave, my hope for this community is that it continues to be a place where each person feels known, valued and supported, and where care for one another remains at the centre of all that you do.
Thank you for your trust, your support and for the opportunity to contribute to the life of this school.
Senior School News
Head of Senior School
As I continue to reflect on my first term at Illawarra Grammar, I am appreciative of the breadth of opportunities available to our students and the intentionality with which our teachers design activities that support learning both inside and outside the classroom. It has been encouraging to enter a community that values and supports sport and physical activity for all students and fosters programs and a school culture that celebrate commitment, discipline and participation alongside impressive sporting success.
Regular physical activity strengthens both physical and mental wellbeing. It improves energy, supports better sleep and helps students manage stress. Many find sport a valuable outlet that clears the mind and lifts their mood. Sport also builds confidence and social connection. Training and competition teach students how to work with others, communicate clearly and respond well to success and challenge. These experiences enhance belonging and contribute to positive relationships across the school.
There are clear academic benefits as well. Active students often show sharper focus, stronger memory and better stamina during study, while routines learned through sport such as personal organisation and goal setting, translate directly into healthy learning habits. As we look ahead to the Cross Country Carnival in Week 1 next term, students have a timely opportunity to set goals, challenge themselves and enjoy a shared community experience that strengthens wellbeing. See more below about our upcoming cross country carnival.
I encourage families to support regular involvement in sport. Participation promotes health, builds social confidence and supports academic success. It remains an important part of helping young people flourish at Illawarra Grammar.
We were delighted to welcome students from our long-standing sister school, Sapporo Nichidai High School, to Illawarra Grammar last week. This partnership, which spans decades, continues to provide rich opportunities for cultural exchange, authentic language use and the strengthening of friendships between our two school communities.
This authentic exchange allowed students of both schools to practise their language skills in a supportive, real-world context – an invaluable experience. Sincerest thanks to all host families for making this possible.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is available to students at Illawarra Grammar from Year 9 onwards. The program encourages personal growth by engaging students in volunteering, physical activity, skills development, and adventurous journeys. Through these experiences, students build resilience, confidence, life skills, and strong community connections. Participants choose their own activities and work towards achieving Bronze, Silver or Gold Award levels.
Some important dates and information for students interested in commencing their Bronze Award or continuing with their Silver and Gold Awards.
- Bronze Award Information Evening for students and their parents wishing to embark on the first level of the Duke of Edinburgh program: Wednesday 29 April
- Bronze Adventurous Journey Qualifier: 16 – 18 September (Year 9 Camp)
- Silver Adventurous Journey Practice: 22 – 26 June (Year 10 Camp – Back Country Snow Program)
- Silver Adventurous Journey Qualifier: 28 September – 1 October (school holidays)
- Gold Award Information Evening for students and their parents wishing to complete the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 2026: Wednesday 13 May
- Gold Adventurous Journey Practice: 6 – 9 October (school holidays)
- Gold Adventurous Journey Qualifier: 12 – 18 December (school holidays)
More information is available on the Duke of Edinburgh OLLE Page.
The School Cross Country Carnival will be held on Tuesday 21 April, the second day back next term. This is always a fantastic whole-school event and an important opportunity for students to contribute to their House in the pursuit of the Shell Shield.
With the holidays just around the corner, I want to encourage all students to use this time wisely to prepare. A small amount of consistent training will make a significant difference on the day.
For beginners, aim to get out 2–3 times per week. Start with a mix of jogging and walking (for example, 2 minutes running, 1 minute walking), and gradually increase the amount of time you spend running. Focus on building confidence and completing the distance rather than worrying about pace.
For intermediate runners, try to include 3–4 runs per week. This could involve one longer, steady run to build endurance, one shorter run at a slightly faster pace, and one session that includes intervals (for example, 4–6 repeats of 200–400m efforts with recovery in between). Adding a short hill session each week can also be very beneficial.
For more experienced runners, aim for 4–5 sessions per week, including a long run, a tempo run (a sustained, comfortably-hard effort), interval training, and hill repeats. It is also important to include rest or recovery days to allow your body to adapt.
Across all levels, a few simple habits will help: wear appropriate running shoes, stay hydrated, stretch after your runs, and listen to your body to avoid injury.
The Cross Country Carnival is not just about individual performance, but about House spirit and participation. Every student who competes earns valuable points for their House, contributing to the overall standings for the Shell Shield. Whether you are aiming to finish at the front of the field or simply to complete the course, your effort matters.
I look forward to seeing all students giving their best and supporting one another on what promises to be an excellent day of competition.
We are excited to be well into preparations for the Year 12 Charity Trivia Night on Friday 1 May. The Year 12 Charity, Little Wings, is a worthwhile cause and are very appreciative of our support. Please see more below in this week’s Student Voice Article.
ArtsFest is fast approaching, and excitement is building across the Senior School. This annual celebration brings together music, drama, dance and visual arts in a vibrant display of creativity and House spirit. Students collaborate in teams, design original work and showcase the talent and imagination that make this event such a highlight of our calendar.
ArtsFest offers more than performance. It builds real skills in leadership, organisation, communication and problem solving, and it gives students the satisfaction of working together toward a shared goal. Every rehearsal, every creative choice and every final performance reflects commitment, discipline and a willingness to challenge themselves.
This year’s theme, Inspire, invites students to draw on works that have uplifted audiences across generations. It gives them a broad canvas on which to create, whether through choreography, script writing, filmmaking, composition or visual art.
We look forward to seeing the energy, creativity and House pride on full display next Tuesday at Artsfest and on Wednesday night at the Artsfest showcase.
Showcase details:
- Wednesday 1 April
- 5.30pm – 7:00pm
- IGC
- No tickets required. $5 donation at the door for the Nganambala community (EFPTOS available).
Expression of Interest Forms are now open for Term II cocurricular sport. Anyone interested in the below activities is encouraged to fill out the forms below (even if you have been participating in one of the activities during Term I).
All cocurricular sport starts in Week 1 next term.
Expression of Interest for Thursday Morning Athletics Training – Fill in form
Expression of Interest for Badminton – Fill in form
Expression of Interest for After School Rugby – Fill in form
Mr Chris Breheny, Head of Academics
A reminder that Parent Teacher Interviews will be held in the Goodhew Library from 3.30pm – 7.00pm on the following dates:
- Year 12 – Tuesday 28 April
- Year 11 – Tuesday 26 May
- Year 10 – Tuesday 2 June
- Year 7 – Tuesday 9 June
- Year 9 – Tuesday 16 June
- Year 8 – Tuesday 21 July
Year 11 and Year 12 interviews will be 10 minutes in duration, while parents/guardians of students in Years 7 – 10 will have the option of selecting either 5 minute or 10 minute appointments. Students are strongly encouraged to attend with their parents/guardians and are expected to wear full school uniform.
You will receive an email from school approximately two weeks prior to your relevant session/s with your unique login details. Once this has been received, you are asked to follow the following steps to login to the booking system:
- Log in to the TIGS Portal
- Click on the Booked Icon
- Click the Senior School Booked Icon
- Enter unique login details from the email
Please note that the system will be accessible from 5.00pm on the day the email is sent until 10am on the day of the Parent Teacher Interview evening.
You will be guided through the remaining steps after login. Please note the following points:
- Bookings are made for individual parents/guardians, not for couples. If two parents/guardians wish to attend a single timeslot, one parent/guardian should make the booking, and both parents can attend that timeslot
- Booked prevents double-booking of teachers or parents/guardians. You will only see timeslots that are available
- Please ensure that you confirm your bookings by clicking on the green plus ( + ) sign to the right of the time selection window
- Once you have made your bookings, you can print the details
- You can log in and change bookings any time up to 10.00am on the day of the interviews
- If you see this symbol ( ! ) displayed alongside the class name, it means this teacher recommends that you book an interview
- Other parents may be making bookings while you are using the system. It is possible, though unlikely, that a timeslot is displayed to you as available but is then booked by another parent. If you attempt to book this time slot, it will not be available and a message will be displayed to indicate this.
If you are unable to attend your evening/s or find suitable timeslots, please contact the School to arrange an alternative time to speak with your child’s teacher/s.
Mr Chris Breheny, Head of Academics
From next term, students will receive their Half Yearly Reports, which provide a valuable snapshot of their academic progress so far this year. These reports are designed to offer meaningful insights into each student’s current achievements, highlight areas presenting the greatest opportunities for growth, and reflect their broader contribution to the life of the School.
At Illawarra Grammar, we believe that reporting is not merely a record of past performance, but an important part of the learning process. Reports help students develop self-awareness and agency by identifying their strengths and areas for improvement. For families, they serve as a platform for meaningful conversations about learning, study habits and personal goals. Importantly, they also enable teachers to continue shaping instruction and support based on each student’s evolving learning needs.
Please note that Half Yearly Reports will be accessible at 5.00pm on OLLE on the following dates:
- Year 12 – Friday 24 April
- Year 11 – Friday 22 May
- Year 10 – Friday 29 May
- Year 7 – Friday 5 June
- Year 9 – Friday 12 June
- Year 8 – Monday 22 June
To access reports via OLLE, please follow the steps below:
- Log in to OLLE via the TIGS Portal under the Parent tab.
- In the My Students section, click the three dots next to your child’s name and select Academic Reports.
- Alternatively, click on your child’s name and then select the Academic Reports button.
These reports will frame the conversations at Parent Teacher Interviews. Should you have any further questions about your child’s progress after Parent Teacher Interviews, please do not hesitate to follow up with the relevant classroom teacher.
General School News
Second Hand Uniform Shop
Please note that the Second Hand Uniform Shop (SHUS) will be closed on Saturday 4 April for the Easter weekend.
Holiday opening hours:
- Tuesday 14 April – 1.00pm – 2.00pm
- Thursday 16 April – 8.30am – 10.00am
- Saturday 18 April – 9.00am – 10.00am
With the change of season approaching, a reminder that donations of good‑quality second‑hand uniforms are always appreciated.
During term time, items can be dropped off at Junior Reception, Senior Reception and, at any time of year, placed in the yellow donation bin located outside the Second-hand Uniform Shop.
Perm-A-Pleat – Dapto
Please be advised that the Perm-A-Pleat retail store will be open during it’s regular trading hours (shown below) during the April school holidays, with the exception of being closed during the Easter long weekend.
- Tuesdays from 8.00am – 12.30pm
- Wednesdays from 1.00pm – 5.30pm
- Thursdays from 10.00am – 6.00pm
- Saturdays from 9.00am – 1.00pm
Online orders will be available to be picked up at School on Thursday 16 April from 9.00am – 3.00pm at Main Reception.
Join us for the official opening of the Hoskins Building and the Summerill Kitchen.
Event details:
- Friday 15 May – 3.30pm – 5.00pm
This special event will take the form of an open house, with guests invited to explore the new building and discover the many opportunities it offers our students. Several spaces will be alive with activity, including but not limited to a Q&A panel on the sustainability of the building, afternoon tea at the Summerill Kitchen, a book signing in the new Library, demonstrations in the STEM lab, and short talks from distinguished guests – many of whom are alumni returning to be among the first to use these spaces. The afternoon will conclude with the official ribbon cutting.
We look forward to sharing this occasion with you.
RSVP here
It is not long now until the opening of our Hoskins Building Project.
To support this building project, TIGS Foundation is raising funds by providing the opportunity to “Take a Seat” in the new 150-seat lecture theatre.
Donors contributing $5,000 per seat may choose an inscription for a theatre seat plaque (as shown below). Donations may be made in full or in instalments.
For those willing and able to donate, please visit here to make your donation.
The final day of Term I is Thursday 2 April. Term II will commence on Monday 20 April. Students return in winter uniform and it will be a Week A in the Senior School timetable.
Please be reminded that the School will be closed on the Anzac Day public holiday on Monday 27 April, and there is a Staff Only Day on Friday 5 June.
Student Voice