IGS officially welcomed teachers back for 2026 with the School’s annual whole-staff professional learning day, held in the IGS School Hall on Tuesday 27 January.
The day commenced with an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a welcome from Principal Shauna Colnan, who extended a special greeting to new colleagues joining the IGS community. The theme GRIT Building Passion and Perseverance in 2026 set the tone for the year ahead, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, professional curiosity and creating extraordinary learning experiences for students.
The keynote address, Great Moments in AI, and Other Madnesses, was delivered by renowned science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM. With his trademark energy and insight, Dr Karl explored the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and the importance of critical thinking, prompting staff to consider the broader context of education and what it means to equip students for a future shaped by technological change.
Following morning tea, the focus turned to the people and structures that support learning at IGS. Human Resources Manager Danielle Kassoua formally welcomed new staff, before Principal Shauna Colnan introduced the 2026 School Organisational Chart inclusive of three streams: Junior School (Early Learning to Year 6), Middle School (Years 7 to 10) and Senior School (Years 11 and 12), with a dedicated head and deputy head for each one.
Heads of School talked about their inspirations and what has ignited their continued love for teaching and learning, moving into 2026. For Mr Openshaw, music and family were at the forefront of his reflection on grit. Alec told the story of Sonny Rollins, a renowned saxophonist, persevering through the tribulations of creating music and how this struggle was integral to success in learning. For Mr Dennehy, it was reflecting on the privilege of the education IGS students receive. This sentiment continued in the speeches of both Ms Kirkwood and Mr Bird, where they shared personal experiences that will shape their pedagogy and their leadership.
Staff then participated in an activity surrounding The IGS Student Journey. This session invited teachers to reflect on what it means to be a student at IGS at each stage, and on how we can help them achieve the expected outcomes in each stage.
The afternoon program highlighted academic excellence, with a review of the 2025 HSC results presented by Deputy Principal Thom Marchbank. The class of 2025 had 63 distinguished achievers, with 16.7 per cent of our cohort receiving an ATAR of 95 and above, 25 per cent receiving an ATAR of 90 and above, and 68.8 per cent achieving an ATAR of 75 and above. Staff then engaged in The NSW Curriculum: An Evolving Landscape, led by the Principal and K–12 Curriculum Leaders. With the most significant curriculum reform in three decades underway, the session unpacked key developments across learning areas and examined what these changes will mean for teaching and learning at IGS.
The GRIT Conference marked a purposeful and energising start to the school year, bringing staff together to reflect, connect and look forward – united by a shared commitment to student learning, wellbeing and future-focused education.
