As we draw the term to a close, it’s been remarkable to see the learning, engagement and strong sense of community across the campus and beyond. Students have embraced opportunities to learn and connect – in classrooms, through co‑curricular programs and in shared moments. Our staff are dedicated and committed to excellence and I thank them for their tireless work.
We began the academic year with a strong focus on connection. Our Welcome Evening brought us together as a community and provided an opportunity to warmly welcome our new Board Chair Emeritus Professor Shirley Alexander AM. The evening reflected the strong and abiding partnership that exists at IGS between school and home. This type of partnership is an essential characteristic of all thriving schools and it’s something we value deeply.
Today we were delighted to welcome many of our Junior School students home from Languages Camp. Experiences beyond the classroom are a vital part of our language‑rich education, providing opportunities for students to deepen intercultural understanding and apply their learning in experiential contexts. It was wonderful to see students return energised, confident and eager to share their experiences.
Throughout the term our students have shown a strong commitment to their learning. This was particularly clear during NAPLAN where they approached the process with maturity, sound preparation and calm adaptability. Their willingness to persevere and meet challenges reflects our 2026 School Goal to exercise grit and to build passion and perseverance every day.
Students have undertaken a rich and varied range of learning experiences. They strengthened global connections through our Global Exchange Program, led sustainability initiatives such as the Waste Audit, and engaged thoughtfully in Harmony Day and International Women’s Day. Learning extended beyond the classroom through student‑led wellbeing initiatives, alongside strong participation and achievement across swimming and sport.
Creativity has been a defining and much‑celebrated feature of the term, highlighted by the Senior School Drama production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It was a beautiful and assured performance, remarkable for a school ensemble, and a powerful reflection of the insight and discipline of our students. Congratulations to Rita Morabito, Damien Strouthos and the entire cast and crew for bringing such a complex work to life with skill and artistry.
There is still much to look forward to as the term concludes. Anticipation is building for ArtsFest, one of our most loved School activities. Next Thursday the Middle and Senior Schools will bring this year’s theme Across the Decades to life across the campus in a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration and student voice – a fitting and joyful way to conclude the term.
Thank you to our students for your enthusiasm for learning and for all you have achieved this term, to our staff for your professionalism and dedication, and to our families for the trust and support you bring to our School. As the term comes to a close I invite everyone to pause and reflect on the achievements of the past term. I will be taking Long Service Leave during Term 2. Deputy Principal Senior School Thom Marchbank will be Acting Principal during the term and I know he will be supported by our school community.
I wish everyone a restful and refreshing holiday and look forward to seeing everyone in Term 3.
Warm regards
Shauna Colnan
Principal
