Already, the past couple of weeks have been filled with moments of reflection, celebration and connection. Our ANZAC Day commemorations across the School were deeply moving, reminding us to stop and reflect on the cost of war and the importance of striving for peace.
At this morning’s High School Assembly, I encouraged our Year 12 students with support and strategic advice about how to approach the second half of their HSC journey so that they can fulfil their enormous potential and have the best time before they head off into life beyond school. I reminded them that while the path ahead is intense, it is also filled with opportunity – a time to lean into their strengths, support one another, deeply engage and take pride in their efforts.
We also celebrated our new Kindergarten Centre – a joyful, sustainable space that reflects our values and honours the land on which we learn. With its flowing design and playful features, it’s a beautiful reminder of how imagination, deeper learning and care shape every part of our School community.
Over the break, some of our senior students travelled to Lizard Island, returning with powerful reflections on biodiversity, climate change and conservation. Their learning speaks to the transformative impact of experiential education. Thank you to Jennifer Arapakis and Carmelo Fedele for making this life changing opportunity possible.
Our educators continued their own learning journeys. Deputy Principal Mary Duma’s visit to Japan strengthened our global partnerships and reaffirmed our commitment to internationally-minded education. Meanwhile, Head of Children’s Program Sarah Herbert and Director of Early Learning Victoria Kirkwood’s participation in the Reggio Emilia International Study Program in northern Italy has brought renewed inspiration to our early childhood education at IGS. Their reflections on the Reggio approach – its emphasis on the hundred expressive languages of children, the physical environment as the third teacher and children as strong and capable – will continue to shape our practices and enrich the learning experiences of our youngest students.
Back on Gadigal Land, we were honoured to welcome students and staff from Goodooga Central School as part of our Walking Together Program. Now in its sixth year, this partnership fosters cultural learning and understanding. Highlights included collaborative HSC workshops, a mural project guided by Aunty Mindy and shared storytelling.
Our Year 7 students also recently spent a day at our campus in Kangaroo Valley, where poetry and place came together in a beautiful outdoor learning experience. Through sensory workshops in nature, students explored language in new and meaningful ways.
This week, we also celebrated 10 years of the IGS Canteen – a space made special by the dedication and care of Patty, Di and the entire team. Their tireless efforts, from daily service to baking 1,300 cupcakes for the occasion, continue to bring heart and connection to our School community. Walking in to school each morning to the smell of home cooking will stay with our students long after they leave school.
With the launch of Mamma Mia! ticket sales, the energy of our Primary Cross Country, school camps and one of the biggest Rue Kelly uniform sales we’ve ever seen, the past couple of weeks have been a joyful celebration of school spirit and shared experiences across the mighty IGS community. Thank you all!
As always, our whole school goal to Build Good Work and Good Character Every Day continues to guide us. It’s been inspiring to see this goal lived out in classrooms, on stage, in the community, on the sports field and in the everyday interactions that make our School such a special place.
I look forward to the term ahead and all the learning and growth it will bring.
Warm regards,
Shauna Colnan
Principal
