On Friday evening, parents, carers and staff gathered in the IGS Hall for our Parents & Carers Welcome Evening – a relaxed, vibrant event that marked the beginning of the school year and celebrated the strength of our community.
With fantastic live music from the Sydney Jazz Collective and a selection of canapés and drinks, the evening provided opportunities for connection. Parents and carers spent time with others in their child’s year group, met teachers and staff, and reconnected with familiar faces. For families new to IGS, it was an opportunity to become familiar with the School and begin the year feeling welcomed and supported as part of the community.
After some initial mingling, formal proceedings opened with an Acknowledgement of Country by Megan Sampson, High School Indigenous Education Academic Mentor and English and Drama Teacher.
Principal Shauna Colnan welcomed parents, carers and staff, with a special acknowledgement of families joining IGS for the first time. In her address, Shauna reflected on the School’s history and the collective strength that has sustained it. She spoke of Reg St Leon’s determination in the early days of IGS, recalling a period of significant financial challenge when the School’s future was uncertain. Shauna highlighted the extraordinary commitment of families during those formative years, whose belief in the vision of IGS ensured the School could continue operating and laid the foundations for its future.
Shauna then warmly welcomed our new Chair of the Board, Professor Shirley Alexander. Professor Alexander spoke about her decision to take on the role, acknowledging the strong foundations on which IGS was built and the values that continue to guide the School today. Reflecting briefly on her own journey, she noted the importance of openness to different experiences and perspectives. She went on to speak to the School’s vision Unity Through Diversity emphasising the value of embracing diversity of thought and expression, and the strength this brings to learning and leadership.
P&C President Carla Degenhardt then addressed those gathered, welcoming new parents and carers and acknowledging the leadership of the School. Carla spoke about the important role the P&C plays in supporting IGS and strengthening connections among families. She encouraged parents and carers to become involved, highlighting the value of participation and shared contribution in building a connected and supportive school environment.
Formalities concluded with remarks from Community Relations Manager Paul Galea, who reinforced the importance of connection and engagement reflected throughout the night.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped launch the year with such great energy. And a special thanks to the mighty P&C Association for so generously partnering with the School to bring this event to life.
