The Senior School gathered on 6 February 2026 for a landmark occasion – the first assembly designed for Year 11 and Year 12 students at IGS. This dedicated format created a focused and purposeful atmosphere as students stepped into their senior years with clarity and intent.
Principal Shauna Colnan opened the assembly with reflections and anecdotes on grit. She recounted the story of jazz pianist Keith Jarrett and the now iconic Köln Concert, performed on a broken piano that demanded adaptability and perseverance. Through this example, she highlighted how grit – the blend of both perseverance and passion – becomes a powerful force in academic progress and personal growth.
Alec Openshaw Head of Senior School then shared his vision for a high achieving yet supportive HSC culture. He encouraged students to approach the coming years with a familial mindset, working together and uplifting one another through the challenges and triumphs of senior study. Thom Marchbank Deputy Principal Senior School built on this message by reflecting on recent HSC results and the disciplined habits that underpin strong performance.
A key moment of the assembly was the Q&A session with three Alums of the Class of 2025 –Stella Manos, Kasen Heiskanen and Mia Wroniak. Now university students, they engaged with Mr Marchbank as they discussed their transition beyond School, offered practical study strategies and shared reassuring advice for those preparing for the HSC. Their insights offered clear direction and encouragement to the current cohort.
Award winners who had been away on exchange during Speech Night were also acknowledged. They received their awards in front of their peers and teachers – a well deserved recognition of their dedication and achievement.
The assembly concluded with the School anthem sung with unity and pride – a fitting end to the first Senior School assembly in the School’s history and a confident beginning to the year for Year 11 and Year 12.
The list of award winners from the assembly can be found below.
Year 11
Kai D – First Place in Year 10 PDHPE
Romeo L – First Place in Year 10 Textiles and Design
Sam M – First Place in Year 10 German, First Place in Year 10 Spanish
Benedict R – First Place in Year 10 Geography Elective, First Place in Year 10 History, Principal’s Outstanding Effort Prize, Academic Award
Alice R – First Place in Year 11 French Continuers, First Place in Year 10 Mathematics, First Place in Year 10 Visual Arts, Principal’s Outstanding Effort Prize, Academic Award
Artemesia T – First Place in Year 11 Italian Continuers
Millie M – First Place in Year 10 Geography, First Place in Year 10 History Elective, First Place in Year 10 Physical Activity and Sports Studies, AICES Senior Football Award, Principal’s Outstanding Effort Prize, Dux of Year 10
Year 12
Tilly M – First Place in Year 11 Mathematics Standard, Principal’s Outstanding Effort Prize
Maia V – Principal’s Outstanding Effort Prize
