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Archives in Action

by School Archivist Phoebe Chin

This week IGS marks International Archives Week with a display in the Colleagues Lounge and Bibliotheque exploring this year’s theme Archives for Justice. The display showcased the multifaceted nature of justice in archives through sub-themes of trust, memory, restitution and inclusive voice with IGS examples.

 

A person stands in front of a wooden display case filled with documents, photos, and cards under the words “Archives for Justice” in blue text across the glass, highlighting Archives in Action.

 

Archives document records but more importantly, they document stories. For example, a student drew inspiration from Reg St Leon and the School for ArtsFest, our Dharug House names are an example of recognition of our Aboriginal heritage and there have been many student-led publications over the years such as Polyglot and the 1989 Yearbook. These show how archives act as trusted sources of information, preserve institutional memory and reflect the voices that shape the school community.

Together, these records demonstrate how archives for justice operate through the careful ways IGS records, recognises and remembers people and experiences over time.

Want to be part of the story? Contact us at archives@igssyd.nsw.edu.au

International Archives Week is an extension of International Archives Day, which celebrates the founding of the International Council of Archives under the auspices of UNESCO on 9 June 1948. Extending to a week in 2019, it is a global movement dedicated to celebrating archives, reflecting on their power and reaffirming their essential role in society. The theme for 2026 is Archives for Justice.

 

A young person in a pinstripe suit and maroon tie stands confidently with hands on hips, embodying archives in action. They wear a rucksack and name badge, framed by a pink wall with bold lettering and the illuminated acronym IGS above.
Two smiling young men in striped shirts stand in front of a large screen displaying energy monitoring graphs and charts, highlighting the Archives in Action initiative. They are both pointing at the screen.
A yellow hand holds a yellow globe showing Australia and Asia on a black background. Text reads: The First I.G.S Magazine 1989 by S.R.C.—a vivid snapshot of archives in action. A small logo with domes and the word Excellence is also visible.
An older man in a suit sits for an interview in a brightly lit room with yellow floors, as a woman with a notebook and a camera crew capture their conversation—bringing Archives in Action to life.
Three people sit together smiling and laughing: an older man in a suit and tie, a young woman in a school uniform, and an older woman with glasses and colourful jewellery—perhaps celebrating discoveries from archival research—with others blurred behind them.

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