JIGSAW The Encore Issue

INSIDE: The Arts Soar

Teams Old Ways, New Wisdom Rising Voices

TheEncore Issue

At IGS, we acknowledge the First Nations peoples of Australia como los guardianes fuertes, resilientes e ingeniosos as the strong resilient, and resourceful custodians qui transmettent leurs cultures, leurs histoires et leurs chansons depuis des générations, who have passed on their cultures, stories, and songs for generations,

一直和国家相连，养育着土地，水和天空. always connected to Country and nurturing the land, waters, and skies.

わたしたちは、ガディガルにけいいをひょうします。

We pay our respects to the Gadigal auf wessen Land sich IGS befindet und wo wir uns bemühen, die Perspektiven zu würdigen on whose lands IGS stands and where we strive to value the perspectives

delle culture più antiche ancor oggi esistenti nel mondo. of the oldest surviving cultures in the world.

Baranyin yagu barribu Aboriginal bimalgu. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, this is Aboriginal Land.

Open eyes Open minds Open arms

books

hearts

arms

conversationEQUIPPING OUR STUDENTS TO BE WORLD READY

Founded on the principles of bilingual learning and unity through diversity, International Grammar School is dedicated to shaping future generations of globallyconscious citizens.

With creativity, collaboration and innovation at our core, we seek to empower students through a broader definition of education that prizes academic achievement alongside personal growth. We create supportive and inclusive environments capable of fostering the self-belief and independence needed for every student to fulfil their true potential.

Our wide-ranging curriculum, enriched by languages and music, includes exciting developments in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) learning, combining immersive educational programs, like SAGE, and real-world opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom.

As one vibrant community, united by diversity, we prepare our students to face the world with open eyes and open minds.

From the Principal It Takes

a Village

I am excited to share with you this special encore edition of Jigsaw. It showcases the extraordinary talents of our students and the vibrancy of our school community. As I turned the pages and took stock of all the opportunities our students have, I was reminded of the proverb that it takes a village to raise a child.

If this is the case, then the IGS village is a place of abundance, generosity and goodwill. It sustains our beautiful culture and has forged a certain inspiring momentum that is captured in part in the pages that follow.

Is there any place that holds more possibility than a school? It’s all about opportunity and excellence and a belief that school is the place where dreams really can come true. A kind of stored magic. Hope in action.

As you look through these pages, you’ll see some of the standout moments that have illuminated our path for the last twelve months. From Speech Night to our Year 12 HSC achievements, the spectacular Addams Family, and productions of Tom Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound and Ned Manning’s Alice Dreaming. Other highlights include our inaugural Literary Festival, Australia’s largest Climate Fresk workshop facilitated here at IGS by our senior students, and time spent learning at our new rural property The Retreat Kangaroo Valley. You can read about International Day and ArtsFest, students excelling in the classroom, on the sporting field and in outdoor education, in diving, figure skating, football, hockey, rugby, and more. There are also exciting developments across Early Learning, Primary School and High School.

With an eye on the future, I invite you to take a look at what we have planned for our new Kindergarten Centre which will be constructed this year in the Wright Building.

This is also a birthday edition! 2024 marks the school’s 40th anniversary and the mood across the campus is one of celebration and gratitude as we honour the past, treasure the present and shape the future. The Salon De Kabarett saw the hall transformed for the first time into a black-tie dinner dance, The Renaissance Centre officially opened, The Ultimo Series was launched and the student podcast Kaleidoscope Kids has dropped.

I hope you enjoy the stories and artworks captured here. They reflect our commitment to a broad liberal education filled with diverse opportunities that allow each child and young person to find the joy that comes from deeper learning as they go through their schooling years here at IGS.

Please take some time to read about what our alum community is up to here in Sydney and all around the world. I’m looking forward to meeting with the London Chapter in October when I head to the University of Cambridge to participate in an intensive leadership program at the Judge Business School. Arriving this year at my 10th year as Principal of IGS, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to study abroad for a few weeks on sabbatical and to catch up

with former students who now call the UK home and then to bring all that I learn back to IGS.

A final word. This term we’ve felt the weight of sorrow as we bade farewell to Historian in Residence Dr. Bruce Dennett. Bruce’s legacy of intellectual rigour, critical thinking and teaching excellence will be remembered at Speech Night each year as we name the HSC History Extension Prize in his honour. My wish for those whose lives have been touched by this great teacher over the last ten years is that they find solace in the memories we hold dear, just some of which are shared in this edition of Jigsaw.

Enjoy!

Shauna Colnan Principal

From the Chair

In this milestone 40th anniversary year, we reflect on our School’s origins. Established in 1984 by Professor Reg St Leon, our School began with a bold vision, placing language learning at its core. Despite initial challenges and a move to Surry Hills in 1985, the School persevered, even uniting in protest to safeguard its existence. The victorious outcome in the Supreme Court in 1986 stands as a testament to the determination and dedication of our founders and community. Ours is a foundation built on a love of learning, inspiring us daily.

Embracing Change, Honouring Tradition In 2023, the Board engaged the independent market research firm FiftyFive5 to assess community perceptions of IGS against the School’s mission and values. The findings reaffirmed our alignment with the vision of our founder Professor Reg St Leon.

The Board is pleased that this research has confirmed the School’s purpose, values and growth trajectory, echoing our Founder’s vision. Today, IGS prioritises diversity, a progressive education, vibrant community, and the key pillars of language, music and the arts. Our values of diversity, connectedness, vibrancy, authenticity and personal achievement continue to illuminate our path.

IGS Directors remain steadfastly committed to top-tier governance, providing a robust framework for the School’s strategic decision-making, ethical conduct, and long-term sustainability. Good governance ensures that the institution remains resilient and capable of driving innovation. Directors attended the AIS 2023 Governance Symposium:

Lessons from the Outside: The Future of Governance in Independent Schools, and also attended the AIS 2024 Governance Symposium: Reputation Risk. We have met with Artificial Intelligence expert Kareem Tawansi to discuss digital transformation and we regularly partner with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) for premier education and the latest governance resources.

Together, we advocate for the highest standards of governance for our school and community.

Campus Enhancements

Since the last edition of Jigsaw, The Retreat, the School’s rural campus in Kangaroo Valley has become part of what it means to be educated at IGS, offering students the opportunity to engage with local First Nations cultures amidst tranquil natural surroundings. Meanwhile, the Ultimo campus has expanded with the completion of the multi-functional Renaissance Centre. These initiatives align with the School’s Strategic Plan Into the World 2022–2026. This year we are partnering with the esteemed Australian architects

BVN to design and establish The Kindergarten Centre within The Wright Building. Spanning Levels 1 and 2 and The Peace Garden, this centre will create an enchanting, safe and nurturing learning environment for our children’s first year of school. Looking ahead, anticipation mounts for the whole School Anniversary concert at the ICC Theatre in Darling Harbour on 26 June 2024. This event promises to be the highlight of the year’s 40th Anniversary celebrations. As we venture into this new phase, let us continue to carry forward the ethos of unity, inclusion and excellence that defines our school community.

I commend to you this Encore edition of Jigsaw as we continue to amplify our students’ voices across diverse opportunities.

Dr Marie Leech Board Chair

SOAR THE ARTS

IGS dazzles with a ‘spooktacular’ rendition of The Addams Family, bringing Broadway magic to Sydney’s Seymour Centre.

For four spellbinding performances in August, audiences were entranced by IGS’s ‘spooktacular’ musical production of The Addams Family. Leaving spectators utterly mesmerised, this thrilling musical was brought to life in association with the Seymour Centre, a premier university arts hub that fosters youth engagement in theatre through hands-on industry experience.

The production opened on a high note, with the Ancestors, Gomez, and Morticia performing ‘Overture’. The full cast then belted

out ‘When You’re an Addams’, setting a grotesquely theatrical tone for the evening. Evie embodied a dramatically morbid Morticia, leaving the audience spellbound with her incredible performance of ‘Just Around the Corner’. Oscar brought an upbeat Lucas to life, perfectly balancing the dark humour with his incandescent charm.

Lucinda positively channeled her inner Wednesday. Her performance of the brilliantly fun ‘Crazier Than You’ alongside Lucas (Oscar), Mal (Hugh), and Alice (Gemma) was a standout. Gemma showcased her stage experience with a perfect portrayal of Alice. Elliot’s expressive Pugsley, Hugh’s comically grave Mal, and Anna’s unforgettable Grandma were all captivating – as was Giorgio’s non-expressive Lurch! Oliver, as the divine host Gomez, carried the show with charisma. Akasha stole our hearts and tickled funny bones with her standout performance as the comedic Uncle Fester – moving the audience with her rendition of ‘The Moon and Me’, accompanied by the incredible Dance Troupe.

Our ensemble of Ancestors and supporting characters both terrified and delighted, showcasing the brilliance of their collective performance. Their scenes were gripping and monstrous, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the show. The Dance Troupe added a magical touch, with their practised moves and stunning performances.

The whole school community came together to marvel at this outstanding production. Darren Kuilenburg, the Director of Music, reflected on the importance of such theatrical experiences: “Through experiences in the theatrical world, we believe our role as Arts Educators is to provide students of differing interests and backgrounds with the opportunity to envisage themselves as actors, dancers, singers, and production creatives, empowering them to tell their stories through artistic and creative expression.”

Congratulations to the cast and crew, Director of Music Darren Kuilenburg, and the ingenious IGS Music Department. What a show! What a triumph!

Thank you to our generous sponsors

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the tremendous success of the 2023 IGS Musical production of The Addams Family. Your support for community theatre and live performance is inspirational. Without the dedication of our patrons, volunteers, corporate sponsors, cast, and crew, producing these wonderful shows would not be possible. Thank you for making it all happen.

The Charmingly Odorific Sponsor

The Creepy Crescendo Sponsor

Special thanks for printing and props:

The Little Monsters

The Villari Family

RENAISSANCE NOW

The IGS Renaissance Centre is changing the educational experience for our students

On the evening of Tuesday 9 April 2024, stormy weather did not deter spirits as the Official Opening of the IGS Renaissance Centre got underway.

We welcomed the IGS community and special guests including Manuela Bachmann, IGS Board Directors, BVN Architects, our construction partners Rohrig, the Centre’s Project Manager, and our generous Donors, without whom the Centre would not have been possible.

Formalities began with an Acknowledgement of Country in Dharug language on Gadigal land and in each of the School’s six core teaching languages. Head Girl Antigone Marchbank welcomed guests to this special evening.

Principal Shauna Colnan provided insight into the genesis of this beautiful new space. Ms Colnan shared a photograph she took while studying at the Harvard Kennedy School in 2019, explaining “... if you believe as I do that the physical environment in a school is the student’s third teacher, then this space facilitated a deeper learning experience like nothing I had ever encountered.

“I wanted IGS students to have what I had and so I took the photo and sent it to our amazing architects BVN, saying, ‘This! This is what we should have’. And true to form, BVN delivered this and so much more.

The Renaissance Centre took shape over the months of construction like a sleek spaceship, ready to transform teaching and learning at IGS.”

Architect BVN provided insight into the Centre’s design, and Head Boy Karam Hartmann shared observations on how much students enjoy the new learning spaces.

Director of Advancement Paul Galea expressed gratitude to our generous Donors before the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, where Manuela Bachmann cut the ribbon alongside Principal Shauna Colnan.

TOP: Principal Shauna Colnan and Mrs Manuela Bachmann pictured with special guests, students, and staff for the official ribbon cutting. BOTTOM: Director of Advancement Paul Galea pictured with Mrs Manuela Bachmann.

TOP LEFT: The crowd gathers ahead of the Official Opening of the IGS Renaissance Centre

A university-style academic lecture theatre with 122 seats and three wheelchair spaces

About the Renaissance Centre

The Renaissance Centre’s facilities include a university-style academic lecture theatre for an entire year group, with 122 seats and three wheelchair spaces, seminar rooms, break out spaces for collaboration and meeting rooms, as well as back of house facilities. The Manuela Bachmann Dance Studio – named in honour of IGS foundational staff member, prima ballerina, ballet teacher and visionary leader of IGS out of school hours care – will facilitate the expansion of Dance at IGS and expand our offerings in the Performing Arts.

To enhance our students’ learning and performance opportunities, the Centre has been sound-proofed to exacting standards – 3,600 square metres of plaster board, 3,000 square metres of acoustic floor and ceiling insulation, 5,000 spring acoustic hangers and seismic bracing are among the items used to construct the ‘box within a box’ that the Centre sits – or floats – within.

OUR DONORS

International Grammar School wishes to thank the following donors whose contributions were vital in making the Renaissance Centre a reality

Major donors

Karras Vantas Family

Leftakis Family

Peter Paddon

Dr A Snyder and Family

Zeina Chehab Tebbutt

Tsiolis Family

Zeritis Family

Dance barre

Jac and Roxy McKenzie

Giovanna Tabakovic

Lectern

Raymond Teh

Lecture theatre seating

Labancz Family

Kate Mahon

Elizabeth Moore

Table

Labancz Family

Chairs

Vivienne Kariotoglou

Allison Lee

Justin Tauber

Trish Wilkinson

Viola Wong

Caitlin and Ari Gould

IGS Community

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the IGS Community and the numerous individuals who played instrumental roles in bringing the Renaissance Centre to fruition.

LEFT: Principal Shauna Colnan is pictured with IGS Board Members Elizabeth Grady, Judith Waldock, and Michael Heenan.

BVN Architect’s design sketch

“The Kindergarten Centre is one of our ten initiatives from the IGS Strategic Plan Into the World. It’s part of our action to secure, improve and expand the campus for the benefit of our students. With BVN’s partnership and our community’s spirit, we’re crafting magic together, creating a Kindergarten Centre that will help us facilitate the exciting transformation of Early Childhood Education that is underway at IGS and across Australia.”

MS SHAUNA COLNAN –PRINCIPAL

KINDERGARTEN CO-DESIGN

An enchanting new learning space for The Kindergarten Centre

As part of the IGS Master Plan, we are working with internationally renowned Australian architects BVN to design and develop The Kindergarten Centre. Located in The Wright Building, incorporating Levels 1 and 2 and The Peace Garden, the new Centre will create an enchanting, safe, and nurturing learning environment for our children’s first year of school.

Designing With Country

BVN’s concept for the Kindergarten space draws inspiration from the site’s rich cultural heritage, honouring the traditional custodians of the land, the Gadigal. Before European settlement, the broader area featured diverse landscapes, including sandy beaches, salt marshes, and mangrove forests, with Blackwattle Creek running through the site. The design reflects the historical significance of the creek as a gathering place.

Community Consultation

To gain community input and insights, BVN conducted a series of workshops with students, teachers, and parents and carers. These workshops presented world-leading precedent imagery of learning environments for Kindergartens to stimulate discussion. The groups were then taken through a series of exercises to draw out the vision for what the formative years of IGS students’ learning could look like. Participants also had the opportunity to respond to a number of design provocations. Community consultation has been integral to the project development process for the new Centre.

Construction will start in Semester 2 with the Centre due to open for Kindergarten 2025.

Thank You! Your generous donations to the IGS Building Fund support this vital project.

THE REAL DEAL

From novices to pros: IGS students’ theatrical journey in The Real Inspector Hound

IGS Drama students performed in Tom Stoppard’s one act play

The Real Inspector Hound in Term 2 2023. Directed by IGS Alum Isabella Milkovitsch, the play had a successful season at the IGS Commedia Playhouse.

Isabella shared her experience, “The set design and lighting were very atmospheric and reminiscent of a warm old English manor house. Once I saw the students inhabiting the space in full costume and makeup, I thought they looked like a professional troupe of actors. Parents were also chatting excitedly to their children after the show. It was a great enthusiastic crowd!”

She mentions how proud students taking part in it should feel.

“To perform in a play requires a lot of time and dedication and students had the added challenge of performing a satire with complicated phrasing, characters and plot structure.”

Drama students participating in the performance ranged from Years 9 to 11. Some of them had never acted before and others took Drama as an HSC elective.

“Nevertheless, they all came together on stage and performed as a cohesive ensemble. I was particularly impressed by the way in which the older students would support and nurture the younger ones,” Isabella notes.

Stage Manager Margot Morton and Lighting Operator Ty Advani also did a fabulous job. Ty has worked on a few productions at this point and is becoming a professional at

the lighting desk. Margot was new to stage management but learned the job very quickly and was really switched-on. Isabella also challenged her to use a professional program called QLAB in order to cue sounds for the show and she picked up the software straight away.

May Ierace did brilliantly stepping in to play Lady Cynthia Muldoon at the last minute. Isabella points out how daunting the experience was for May but how she demonstrated self confidence, performing like “an absolute champion.”

Isabella also mentions how rewarding it was to see the results and the effect of drama on the students after the show.

“They all thanked me for the experience. They said that they felt supported during the rehearsal process and that they had a lot of fun. A student who had never acted before said he would pursue Drama in the future and hopes to continue to take part in school plays.”

The students rehearsed twice a week. As the director, Isabella created a rehearsal schedule based on the students’ availability and on the length and complexity of the scenes. Because of that, they could not always rehearse in chronological order. Isabella would read the scenes in advance and essentially start jotting down some directorial notes which could include things

like comedic gags or some thoughts she may have about character motivations or relationships, creating an initial design for how she would like the scene to play out.

Once they got into the rehearsal room, she would read through the scenes with the students, talk through major moments and answer any questions as a group. Then, she would ask students to just get up with their script in hand and perform the scene by harnessing their own creativity and their knowledge of the play and their characters.

Students often offer interesting interpretations on a character so it was Isabella’s job to tweak these moments or ask them to investigate their ideas further. After doing that for a couple of hours, the group would clean-up certain moments until they got to create a whole scene.

“This is the way a lot of professional companies work and I thought it was important to uphold these young people to this standard. I wanted them to think like a company of actors; to collaborate and to be brave”, Isabella said.

Performing in school plays is a fulfilling experience which can help the students in many aspects inside and outside the classroom. As Isabella states, the students can develop their confidence, encourage their creativity and actually apply all the textual analysis work they do in class to practical contexts. Isabella, for whom Drama is part of her fondest memories, observed that, “it is a brilliant challenge and a great learning experience.”

To finish, Isabella noted that she was thrilled to be asked back to the School to direct a show and felt like she had come full circle. For IGS, it was an absolute pleasure to have her lead this project and we hope we can share more exciting moments on stage with her and our Drama students.

Director and IGS Alum Isabella Milkovitsch

DREAM TEAMS

A behind the scenes glimpse at the community effort involved to bring Ned Manning’s play Alice Dreaming to the IGS stage

Alice Dreaming was performed in the School Hall in October 2023. The whimsical journey of the play bloomed into inspiration for both participants and observers. “It was a radiant source of wonder within its unique Australian setting, inviting all to behold the play’s captivating magic” as Mr Manning notes.

And it truly was a wonderful journey of discovery.

Drama teacher Ned Manning has written over 30 plays as well as a teaching memoir and a novel. Mr Manning is also an actor and has directed many plays for young people, including the first iteration of Alice Dreaming at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts many years ago.

In 2022, Mr Manning went to Kellyville to watch a production of his play, Alice Dreaming, which was performed by a cast of 80. As he shared with IGS Jigsaw magazine, he had always wanted to do Alice at the School so, when he saw students perform their scenes in the Shakespeare Boot Camp, he decided to find a way to do his play with 2023’s Years 8 and 9 students.

Mr Manning visited English classes at the beginning of the year and invited anyone who was interested to join. Since he also believes in involving as many people in a school community in a production as possible, he asked some Year 11 students to be part of

the creative team. Tiggy Marchbank came on board as Assistant Director, Audrey Storer as Assistant Designer and Graphic Designer (being the creator of their beautiful poster), Ty Advani as Lighting Operator, Caitlin Eliott as Stage Manager, and Callum Robertson and Georgia Spring as Publicity.

And this is how Mr Manning built this wonderful play where Alice disappears down a drain and is plonked in the Arafura Sea before being rescued by an albatross and deposited in Gondwanaland.

The play reveals a teenage girl’s journey through societal pressures, blossoming into an extraordinary adventure within her imagination. Mr Manning says:

“Infusing the narrative with vibrant Australian hues, the students’ ideas propel Alice from cockroachinfested sewers to the courtrooms of Parliament House, imbuing their enthusiasm and creativity into each twist and turn.”

He also adds that observing the Year 9 students add their creative flair to Alice Dreaming was truly uplifting, since their enthusiasm and joy were always on display.

As the senior Drama Students were rehearsing The Real Inspector Hound in the Drama Theatre, the cast of Alice held their rehearsals in the Bibliothèque, thanks to the generosity of Ms Marchbank. They shifted the tables and chairs and began playbuilding.

Angelina Meany, a recent NIDA graduate, also joined the team and agreed to design the set and the costumes. Her beautiful designs greatly influenced how the students staged the play.

Gaba Wright, an IGS alum and current music tutor and ensemble director, designed the sound while Grant Fraser, Lighting Designer, did the same with the lighting, receiving the help of Ty Ardani.

Rehearsals then moved to the Hall, where the play took place. In keeping with the community feel of the production, parents generously volunteered to help with costumes and sets.

From exploration, collaboration and creativity emerged a superb theatrical experience for one and all.

BELOW: Ned Manning pictured with cast and crew. PAGE OVER: Original artwork for Alice Dreaming by student Audrey Storer.

SALON DE KABARETT

Step into the world of glamour as IGS students transport audiences to the golden age of cabaret

On a special Friday in April 2024, the IGS Music Department and its students presented Salon De Kabarett and it was a tremendous success! In the daytime, students had the chance to experience the Salon ahead of a dinner performance for the IGS Community.

Both performances were a hit, with audience participation during the daytime event seeing fellow students enthusiastically joining in to learn dance steps.

As night fell, the beautifully dressed hall came into its own again as parents, grandparents and friends of IGS arrived dressed up to the nines in suits, tuxedos

and sparkling outfits. Students performed beautiful scenes and captivated all in attendance, inspiring everyone to join in and dance.

From a French and German to American repertoire, the production delivered songs from great artists such as Edith Piaf, Kurt Weill, Brecht, and Kander and Ebb. Everyone had a ball!

Darren Kuilenburg Director of Music said, “We were thrilled with the result, and so incredibly proud of the students’ achievements in piecing together such an impressive evening of Jazz Music and Cabaret Immersive Experience in a single term!”

Early Learning

SUNNY SIDE UP

The Early Learning Centre welcomed families into classrooms during National Families Week

National Families Week, celebrated in May, is a time to celebrate with family, connect with extended family and friends, and share in the enjoyment of family activities within the wider community. The aim of National Families Week is to not only celebrate the vital role that families play in Australian society, but to also reflect on the critical role that families play in teaching, supporting and nurturing children as they grow.

To celebrate National Families Week in 2023, the Early Learning Centre hosted a family breakfast and open classrooms. There was a joyous atmosphere, lots of conversations and children introducing their families to their friends and friends’ families.

“We highly value being able to connect, chat and be together in person, and learn more about our IGS families so that we can provide deeper care and education for your children,” said the Head of Children’s Programs Sarah Herbert.

Thank you to the many families who were able to join in.

CULTURAL HARMONIES

Children take the spotlight at the ELC Showcase: a vibrant celebration of learning, music and culture

As 2023 wrapped up, the Early Learning Centre (ELC) welcomed friends and families to their Showcase: a celebration of the children’s learning all along the year.

The Showcase started with the children singing the welcome song in Noongar language from Western Australia, written by Gina Williams. At IGS, Early Learning students develop knowledge about First Nations peoples, languages and cultures. So it is only natural that one of the favourite songs of the Garrawan group this year was this song.

The students helped Music Teacher Amelia Scarf prepare the program. They created song and dance routines to showcase their unique learning in the IGS languages and music programs, and filmed some video snippets to introduce the repertoire during the event.

The children had fun presenting and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the show. Thank you to Sarah Herbert, Victoria Kirkwood and the ELC team for hosting such a beautiful event.

E FOR EXCEEDING

A remarkable achievement — IGS Early Learning Centre excels in every quality area

Congratulations to Head of Children’s Programs Sarah Herbert, Director of Early Learning Victoria Kirkwood, and the Early Learning team for receiving an incredible Exceeding rating from the Department of Education in every quality area of the National Quality Standard (NQS).

This is a remarkable achievement for our School which reflects the ELC team’s leadership, dedication, and pursuit of excellence.

The NQS sets a high national benchmark for early childhood education and care, and outside school hours care services in Australia. Services are assessed and rated by their regulatory authority against the NQS, and given a rating for each quality area and an overall rating based on these results.

“We are delighted to have our program validated in this way,” says Sarah Herbert. “I thank my colleagues in Early Learning who consistently support our continuous improvement journey, striving for exceeding practices in their everyday work in the Centre with hard work, grit and vision!”

Director of Early Learning, Victoria Kirkwood expresses her gratitude to the wonderful parents, families and wider community at IGS, “Your time, contributions and involvement are an essential part

of the Assessment and Rating process. It was a privilege to have so many examples of best practices, collaborating with our community, representing your ideas and visions to achieve a rating of exceeding. We can only do it together!”

There are seven quality areas that are important outcomes for children with 40 standards in total, and IGS has met the Exceeding level of practice in every one, placing IGS in the top 23% from a quality perspective of the 5892 early education and care services in NSW. It is important to note that each standard is informed by evidencebased research about what is best for children and their learning and development.

“Warm congratulations to Sarah, Victoria and the team. It is lovely to know that our youngest children are in an environment every day that is giving them the very best start possible!” expresses our Principal Shauna Colnan.

LITTLE VOICES, BIG CHANGE

Garrawan Early Learning children create posters to save Toondah Harbour

SMOOTH START

Music and joy fill the air at the IGS Early Learning orientation evening

Head of Children’s Programs and Director of Early Learning, Sarah Herbert and Victoria Kirkwood hosted an Orientation Evening at IGS to help the new Early Learning parents get their little ones ready for the start of School.

Director of Music Darren Kuilenburg led guests in a singing activity during the session, bringing much joy into the room.

Early Learning PTF

Representative Anuja Sawant also kindly presented, providing a peer perspective for parents and carers. Congratulations to all involved on running such an incredibly informative and successful evening!

After participating in the Aussie Bird Count, Early Learning children in the Garrawan class researched other ways to support birds in Australia. Teacher Miriam Jones taught them about the Save Toondah Harbour campaign by playing videos from BirdLife Australia and the Flyways documentary on ABC. They learned that Toondah Harbour is an important habitat for migratory shorebirds, including the critically endangered eastern curlew and it is currently under threat from a big building development.

The children made posters to help save Toondah Harbour and one of the children, Artem, also wrote a letter to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Mrs Jones sent all the material (posters and letters) to the Minister. The class also met with Year 10 Geography students to share their knowledge of the Save Toondah Harbour campaign.

Heartfelt thanks to teacher Miriam Jones for organising this fun and educational activity for Garrawan students.

FAMILY FUN

A day of sun-soaked adventures, laughter and learning as The Retreat Kangaroo Valley welcomes families for a day of connection and exploration

In September, we welcomed children and families to the inaugural Family Day at The Retreat, Kangaroo Valley. The weather was unseasonably warm and the trees provided plentiful shade for families picnicking in small groups together around the property.

It was wonderful connecting with IGS children, families and staff in nature. Children from Early Learning, Kindergarten and Year 1 enjoyed playing with their friends and families in the grassy spaces around the main house. They also had the chance to read picture books in the yurt, rub leaves and make collages in Stringybark Glade, and retreat from the heat practising yoga poses in the Henry Lawson room.

Children and families explored the property using The Retreat Map and many children took part in the Nature Scavenger Hunt

activity, noticing various flora, fauna and features of The Retreat during the hunt.

We also welcomed First Nations friends from the organisation Gadhungal Murring, Dharrawal Traditional Custodians who deliver Australian Indigenous cultural programs and experiences. Children from IGS already have knowledge of welcome and smoking ceremonies and it was special to take part in this at our new place.

During the day, lots of conversations took place about children revisiting The Retreat each year as they progress at IGS and the memories and opportunities in nature which lay ahead.

We look forward to many future Family Days at The Retreat and invite families to join us year after year to share adventures and build special memories.

OLD WAYS, NEW WISDOM

“Through

embedding First Nations perspectives with authenticity our earliest learners are part of the generational change needed.”

In 2023, Director of Early Learning and Teacher Victoria Kirkwood attended the 35th Early Childhood Australia National Conference held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia and shared with us some highlights of the event.

The theme KumarninthiBecoming one: Old ways, new wisdom reinforces that although we still hold on to and value old ways, theoretical perspectives and knowledge, there is and can be a contemporary approach to implementing this into new wisdom and becoming one.

Kumarninthi means “becoming one” and comes from the South Australian Kaurna people. Victoria shared that Aunty Suzanne Russell opened the conference

with a powerful and moving Welcome to Country. The sense of peace and connection with 2,000 people was palpable. Over the course of three days Aunty Suzanne invited conference delegates to join her in painting collaboratively. She explained, “When you have true peace, the world is vibrant.” This really resonated with the ELC’s current review of the IGS values and what they mean to us.

“I was honoured to showcase the IGS ELC Language for Belonging project by presenting a poster each day at the conference. Through embedding First Nations’ perspectives with authenticity, our earliest learners are part of the generational change needed,” Victoria explained.

She attended over 30 sessions that she found to be informative, inspiring and challenging. Some of the highlights included international speaker Dr Jools Page, whose research centres on the concept of “professional love”, bringing intellectual capacity and emotional resilience to the relational and caring component of education.

Some other key themes explored were the rights of the

child, pedagogy and curriculum planning, the importance of nature and wellbeing, the benefits of languages and music, transition to school, leadership and inclusion for all, and including gender expansive practices.

The highlight on the final day was a special moment to witness Aunty Denise win the Barbara Creaser Award. As she shared her life experiences, the attendees were compelled to listen to her final message, and carry on changing the narrative and fighting for reconciliation. “If you change nothing, nothing changes.”

“The opportunity to learn, connect and share with early childhood and other allied professionals was truly valuable,” Victoria said.

Victoria shared all that she had learned with the ELC team over the following weeks. IGS values the importance of sharing knowledge and promotes and encourages diverse professional learning opportunities for all staff.

We would like to thank Ms Kirkwood for attending the event, showcasing our School and sharing the outcomes with her peers.

PrimarySchool

Artwork by Edward Russell

HEALTHY COMPETITION

Students soar to new heights in high jump and sprint to victory

IGS students enjoyed competing in the All Suburbs Independent School Sport Association (ASISSA) Athletics Carnival in September, as School student Lucinda Saxby reports.

“IGS did very well! Many students made it into Combined Independent Schools (CIS) and lots were very close. Our relay teams did nicely and High Jump was exciting to watch as students jumped higher than 120!

Our sprinters did an awesome job as they crossed the finish line and ran along the track, and our field events were also great. Well done to all the students who participated and thank you to all the teachers who helped us to get here.”

Congratulations to the following students who qualified for the CIS Athletics Carnival in September at the Homebush Athletics track.

Jacob Butterworth: Discus

Isabel Dermody: 100 metre

Georgia Dewhirst: 800 metre run

Francesca Dorsch: Long jump

Leo Dorsch: 800 metre and high jump

Nyssa Enfield: Shot put

Lucas Goffin: 100 metre

Lucy Martin: 1500 metre run

Max Martin: 1500 metre run

Harper Whyte: Discus

Sophia Paipetis, Nyssa Enfield, Nina Cole, Isabel Dermody: Girls 8–10 4x100 metre relay

BUSH POETRY

And I somehow fancy that I’d like to change with Clancy, Like to take a turn at droving where the seasons come and go, While he faced the round eternal of the cashbook and the journal — But I doubt he’d suit the office, Clancy, of “The Overflow.”

—

excerpt from Clancy of The Overflow by Banjo Paterson

The vision we have for The Retreat, our rural campus in Kangaroo Valley, is to ensure every child, every year has an opportunity to learn in this pristine peaceful natural environment. Most of our students have now visited The Retreat and they will continue to spend time there from preschool to graduation.

When students in Year 5 spent time at The Retreat in Term 4 last year they created poetry inspired by their experiences. Mrs Weir and Mr Holmes’ classes created collections of poems about how Kangaroo Valley made them feel and shared them with our Principal Ms Colnan.

Moved by their poems, Ms Colnan visited the classes to let each student know about the phrases and stanzas that resonated most with her and connected what they had written with one of the most renowned Australian bush poems: Banjo Paterson’s Clancy of The Overflow. They read it aloud and explored Paterson’s wistful poem about Clancy, who lives a free and adventurous life in Queensland, as imagined by the poet.

Our city-dwelling students certainly saw some similarities as they re-examined how it feels to

imagine a rural existence against the backdrop of their love of all that living in the city gives them.

Ms Colnan loves teaching English and believes in the power of reading poems aloud and experiencing the rhythms and meanings of a text with a class. While Ms Colnan teaches Year 12 English Extension 2, she

enjoys taking the opportunity to share her love of poetry and literature with students of all ages at IGS.

We want to thank Mrs Weir and Mr Holmes for their students’ wonderful, evocative work and Ms Colnan for providing this meaningful and memorable learning experience for Year 5 Red and Green.

PAINTING CULTURE

Artist William Caldwell inspires students to explore Indigenous cultures through art and storytelling

In 2023, Year 6 students studied First Nations art and participated in a captivating incursion with a special guest, artist William Caldwell.

Together, students created a beautiful piece that tells the story of Glebe, where Will is from, with symbols of the waterholes, hunting, and kangaroo tracks. The artwork, created by all students, is now proudly displayed on the walls of the Year 6 Centre.

During the sessions, Mr Caldwell shared stories of his family, saying, “Mum was part of the Stolen Generation,” and he also talked

about forgiveness, second chances and answered questions from students about The Voice

Reflecting on the experience, Mr Caldwell said, “That’s why I like to do these workshops: to give people the opportunity to create Aboriginal art. You don’t need to be Indigenous to like or create Aboriginal art.”

Thanks to Mr Caldwell for leading this First Nations learning experience with Year 6 students.

FUELING CURIOSITY

Embracing innovation at Primary School Science Festival.

FUTSAL TRIUMPH

The IGS Science Festival celebrated science and technology with an ‘Innovation’ theme, offering engaging opportunities and activities for Primary School students.

Events included webinars with experts like Corey Tutt from Deadly Science and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, home-based science experiments, and incursions led by Head of Department Liz Turner and Physics Teacher David Cameron.

These incursions, prepared and delivered by our High School Science Department, focused on innovations that have occurred due to space exploration. Students in Years 3, 4 and 6 participated in hands-on activities, looking at paper airplanes, helicopters, drones, and rovers. In Kindergarten to Year 2, students looked at chemical reactions that engineers must consider when exploring planets like Mars, different extreme temperatures, balloon rockets and rovers. Year 5 students collaborated with Newington College Lindfield on biosecurity innovations and created insect traps to collect samples of future invasive species.

The festival emphasised the importance of science and boosted student curiosity and engagement. It complements the School’s science curriculum to embrace the wonders of the universe and the limitless potential of human curiosity and innovation.

BEIJING GRAND CHAMPION

IGS teams make it to the NSW Futsal Finals

Congratulations to our Primary School students who participated in the NSW Futsal Schools Championships State Finals in September 2023 at The Hawkesbury PCYC!

These championships are a great way of exposing both new and current players to the fantastic game of futsal in a safe, enjoyable, yet challenging environment. It is also an opportunity for students to stay healthy, socialise and create new friendships.

The students have been coached by Ricardo Scheihing Vasquez, who has been very impressed with their coachability, skills and enthusiasm! Both teams played well throughout the tournament, playing five games each. Well done to both teams for making it to the Finals!

Claire Shu shines on international stage

Congratulations to student Claire Shu, who achieved Number One for the second year in a row at the Beijing Recitation Grand Finals in China.

When in Year 3, Claire won the first Recitation Prize and the Popularity Champion title at the competition, which was held in Beijing in August 2023.

Claire represented the Australian Youth Recitation Team, travelling to Beijing to participate in the Global Finals along with contestants from 120 countries. This event provides an opportunity for young Australian students to showcase their Chinese language skills, meet other international students of the same age, and interact with famous artists while learning more about Chinese language and performance art.

Well done Claire!

Dreaming big with sustainable home design

The Green Dream Homes project has once again proved popular with our 2023 Year 4 students as they worked to create innovative and creative designs for a green home.

Students learned about architecture, sustainability, time management and teamwork as they created model homes packed with interesting design features. Some popular Green Dream Home inclusions were vegetable and rooftop gardens, recycling for greywater and food scraps, rainwater tanks, solar panels and even chickens.

With a range of exceptional homes having been built or under construction, our students provided some interesting reflections. Some pointed out that it was great to spend time working with their friends and learning more about them, and also the feeling of having different

FROM CANVAS TO CONSCIOUSNESS GREENOVATION

perspectives but agreeing in the end to build their Green Dream Home together. Students had the opportunity to work on their own designs, making posters and presentations, which boosted their creativity and teamwork skills, apart from getting to know more about sustainable architecture.

Thank you to our experts: Professor of Architecture Anthony Burke from UTS, and Sustainability Engineer Jaslyn Brown for their informative and insightful presentations.

“I liked the challenge of building our house. When we were building, lots of things broke and I liked the challenge of fixing things up.”

R

Year 6 students explore Wiradjuri art and culture with artist Aunty Bianca Caldwell

Last year, IGS Year 6 students had the opportunity to prepare for the 2023 NSW Schools Reconciliation Challenge, where they are encouraged to make art, write a story, dream and learn about Reconciliation.

The students participated in a captivating incursion with Wiradjuri Artist in Residence Aunty Bianca Caldwell. This immersive experience set the stage for an inspiring journey as our students embarked on the

Challenge, centered around the theme What Stories Will You Dream? Through vibrant visuals and hands-on demonstrations, Bianca guided the students across two enlightening sessions with the use of different techniques and media, and insights on finding artistic inspiration. The incursion was a blend of learning and self-expression, as Bianca helped the students develop their own ideas and gave them feedback on their work. Many of the resources and activities were developed in consultation with the NSW Education Standards Authority. The memories and teachings from Bianca’s visit will undoubtedly infuse the students’ artistic endeavours with new depth, meaning, and understanding of reconciliation.

ZAVIER

THE BEE’S KNEES

Kayla Vartanian places first in State Round of the 2023 Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee

Following the School Round of the 2023 Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee, Kayla Vartanian from Year 4 ranked in the top 100 students and was invited to participate in the State and Territory Finals Competition Round.

In the State/Territory round, Kayla correctly submitted 30 out of 30 words and, together with her cumulative time taken to complete all 30 words, recorded down to the millisecond, she placed first in the state. Kayla succeeded in having the best score/time for the whole

country for her age group: NSW Green Level (Years 3-4). “I had a lot of fun. I like reading books. I just enjoy trying new words. I went to Nationals and I got 25 words out of 30. I think I’ve done a pretty good job. I am proud of myself and I am happy to have come this far”, Kayla said.

Kayla was one of the three students in NSW invited to participate in the National Finals and IGS is very proud of Kayla’s outstanding achievement.

BOLD ——————— STROKES

Hundertwasser, an Austrian-born artist and architect, is celebrated for his distinctive and vibrant style. His work is characterised by organic shapes, irregular lines and a vivid colour palette that reflects a deep connection to nature. One notable aspect of Hundertwasser’s approach is his rejection of straight lines, emphasising a harmonious integration of human-made structures with the natural environment.

In 2023, Year 4 Blue students created compositions inspired by Hundertwasser’s use of spirals, bold colours, and asymmetry and his sense of freedom and creativity. It is inspiring to witness the impact of Hundertwasser’s unique style on our students’ artworks, encouraging them to explore their artistic voices and think beyond conventional boundaries. Thank you to Year 4 teacher Catherine Swinton for eliciting and sharing these beautiful works of art.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Artwork by Leo Coates, Vivienne Lee, James Willis, Shreya Gunaratnam.

Our Song, Our World: Voices united for IGS ChoralFest

The young talents of our Primary School students shone brightly in our School Hall as they performed at IGS ChoralFest. Parents, carers and teachers joined, making this an unforgettable celebration of the power of music to inspire, uplift and connect with each other.

ChoralFest is more than an afternoon of singing; it’s a platform for choristers to discover their voices, explore the magic of music, and share their talents with our School community. This event is a stepping stone for our students, preparing them for the whole school’s participation in the 40 Years Young Theatrical Production at the ICC Theatre in Darling Harbour.

Thanks to our Primary School teachers for supporting this exciting learning journey. Your continued dedication to our students’ artistic growth is truly appreciated.

SINGSATIONAL SOUNDS OF LEARNING FROM TOKYO TO BERLIN

Inspiring the next generation of music makers

Students in Years 1 to 6 enjoyed an enriching musical education with Musica Viva and Topology, a renowned arts organization known for their versatility in pop, jazz, chamber music and progressive rock.

By teaching students to listen, generate ideas and explore the way melodies are shaped, Topology guided students and teachers through the art of composition and demystified the music creation process. Students explored associated repertoire in their Music lessons in the lead up to their workshop, which met NSW Syllabus outcomes.

Topology demonstrated how every student has the imagination and capacity to create their own music. The fusion of diverse musical genres and the collaborative effort of students resulted in a truly memorable learning experience.

Year 4 students shine at Languages Assembly

Year 4 students showcased their language skills in Chinese, Japanese, German and French at a Languages Assembly in Term 3, 2023.

The assembly kicked off with Japanese students, who shared what they had learned about Tokyo, including Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Dome, the Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Sky Tree and Kokugikan. Students wore traditional costumes (Yukata and Happi), sang with movement and performed the dynamic Soran Bushi dance. Japanese Teacher Noriko Yamanaka remarked, “All students contributed to create wonderful performances!”

French students enjoyed learning about different breakfast foods through music in the classroom and performed a song about Le petit déjeuner. They especially emphasised their love of croissants using creative dance moves.

German students opted for a role play during the assembly, showcasing attractions in Berlin. Through a creative sightseeing bus tour format, they highlighted the city’s renowned landmarks and shared interesting facts with the audience.

Chinese students performed the show Super Idol’s Smile. They did a fabulous job showing their confidence, movements and extraordinary Chinese language skills. “They put a lot of effort into practising and they deserved this success,” said Chinese Teacher Stephen Gu.

Congratulations to all Year 4 students on their successful performances!

HighSchool

Artwork by Jordan Aguilera-Mendoza

IN THE LIMELIGHT

IGS Year 12 students impress at the annual HSC Art and Design Showcase

Our Year 12 students stole the spotlight at the Renaissance Centre with the IGS Art and Design Showcase. Students displayed all their works from Visual Arts, Design and Technology, and Textiles and Design.

Guests were captivated by the incredible talents of our 2023 cohort! It was an honour to recognise and applaud their outstanding achievements and artistic expression.

Director of Art and Design Sandra Veljanovski noted, “The 2023 Art and Design Showcase was a fantastic evening that celebrated the exceptional talent we have at IGS. All 63 works on display were a testament to the hard work and creativity of our Art and Design students, many of whom spent countless hours dedicated to their craft. It is always

an honour to teach Year 12, support them through the creative process, and allow their individuality to shine through. None of this would have been possible without the incredible Art and Design Department, Amy Robinson, Lana Casey, Tarek Taouk, Riya Parmar, Eunice Dalton, our incredible technician Laura Vail, and the support of the IGS community.”

Thank you to our dedicated educators for all of their support and hard work.

ROCKING THE HALLS

High School Rock Bands Festival strikes a chord for charity

High School students organised a Rock Bands Festival in the School’s Hall marking the culmination of their 2023 journey through the Music Department’s Contemporary Program, specially crafted to nurture the passion for Rock Bands and Sound Production among students.

Hosted by Bamal House as an important fundraiser supporting Kids Giving Back, the festival featured performances from four bands and made students in the audience cheer, applaud and sing along as the bands took the stage. The bands delivered outstanding performances which everyone enjoyed.

The success of the High School Rock Festival not only highlights the musical prowess of our students but also showcases their generosity and community spirit in supporting a good cause.

RISING VOICES

From Classroom to Parliament, IGS students take a stand on climate and the Duty of Care inquiry

IGS Head of Sustainability Carmelo Fedele shared with students information and resources on the Duty of Care inquiry by Anjali Sharma and David Pocock. Mr Fedele’s lesson incentivised and inspired two Year 10 Commerce students in particular, Lilla Smyth Langdon and Lachlan Berton, who decided to write and submit messages in support of the inquiry.

Mr Fedele explains, “I have been following Anjali Sharma’s climate activism journey since her involvement in School Strike 4 Climate. Her courage and intelligence are inspiring, particularly for young people who feel anxious about climate change. So when I heard that she was working with Independent Senator David Pocock, I decided to share it with my Year 10 Commerce class as an example

of how the legal system can be used for environmental and social justice. Several students decided to contribute their voices to the Duty of Care bill.”

The resources were designed to help students understand the bill, its history and, most importantly, to write submissions to the official inquiry into the Duty of Care bill introduced to parliament by Independent Senator David Pocock in August 2023. This is a great way to help young people understand the role of parliament and how laws are made. Additionally, Mr Fedele took students to the TedX Youth event to watch Anjali Sharma speak about climate action.

The bill aims to introduce two additional criteria to judgments rendered under six prevailing statutes, such as the Environmental

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The focus is on decisions supporting the funding and advancement of initiatives with potential adverse effects on the climate.

IGS’s commitment to holistic education extends beyond the classroom, and this recent engagement of our students with the Duty of Care inquiry exemplifies this approach. By getting involved in real-world issues and participating in civic processes, our students are not just learning about laws but actively contributing to the cause. This initiative underscores the importance of fostering a deeper learning environment that encourages critical thinking and social responsibility. Special thanks to Mr Fedele for inspiring and supporting our students.

Lilla’s letter to parliament

My name is Lilla Smyth Langdon, I am a 16 year old student currently attending International Grammar School.

Lachlan’s letter to parliament

I am writing this letter to express my enthusiasm and support for the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity) Bill 2023. As a young person, I am relying on the government to leave me and the generations succeeding me with a healthy, thriving earth. At the moment that is not happening. Climate change is accelerating at a rate never seen before, and it is often easy to feel helpless. This legislation would provide me with a peace of mind that I will be able to enjoy my future instead of being left with a world that is uninhabitable.

This submission is my way of expressing my political views on climate change as I am not yet old enough to vote. Nevertheless, I want the government to hear my opinions on their current climate policies. So, on behalf of me and all other young people, please, please, create legislation that will protect my planet and, consequently, my future.

ON EXCHANGE

IGS students embark on transformative Japanese and Spanish exchanges

At the end of Term 3 2023, students from both our Japanese and Spanish language programs participated in the IGS Global Exchange Program.

My name is Lachlan Berton, I am a 15 year old, I live in Sydney New South Wales and I attend International Grammar School.

When I am older, I want to be a chef and own some restaurants but I am worried if I will be able to because of the direction climate change is heading. I love this planet and how beautiful it is but that is being ruined also and I really don’t want to lose the planet to climate change.

As a young person, I am relying on the government to take some responsibility for the detrimental effects they have caused. I am also relying on understanding that they have a duty of care and, hopefully, this legislation can enforce that. I don’t know how the government still lets big companies and coal mines produce so many carbon emissions that are just being ignored as the main cause of climate change. Please, for the sake of kids like me who want to have a future that is not unbearably hot every day. I want there to be a place where I can open my own restaurants that are not polluted by carbon dioxide. Don’t let this bill die because a duty of care will go a very long way.

The Japanese Junior Exchange students, guided by IGS teachers Dr Hiroko Yamaguchi and Sarah Sohn, attended classes in Osaka, Japan. The Spanish Exchange students, led by IGS teachers Irina Braun and Yolanda Fernandez, attended school in Madrid.

Both groups had a wonderful time with their host families and experienced the local culture and language. Students expressed that the Exchange Program is a fantastic opportunity to visit other countries, broaden their horizons and establish new connections and friendships.

IGS teachers noted that students had especially enjoyed subjects like PE and English. It was also great to see students picking up new words in Physics and Geography lessons.

The cultural component of the experience was also highlighted by Dr Yamaguchi and Ms Sohn, “We had a chance to chat to each student privately and they were all very excited to share their stories. They also enjoyed their obento during lunch time, which was carefully prepared by their host mothers.”

Congratulations to all the students who took part.

It was a remarkable experience to get out of their comfort zone and put into practice everything that had been learned in the classroom.

SAGE MINDS

SAGE Week at IGS and the art of deeper learning

Our High School students from Years 7 to 10 were immersed in creative and collaborative activities during IGS SAGE Week.

SAGE is a project in deeper learning, a unique curriculum offering for students in the middle years. It cuts across disciplines and gives students inspirational, real-world, project-based learning experiences outside the classroom for a full week.

SAGE inspires our students to go beyond their age and their stage of learning.

During the week, each Year group participated in different projects that helped our students build critical and creative thinking skills: Year 7 took part in the Shakespeare Bootcamp, Year 8 enjoyed The Rocks Quest, Year 9 were immersed in Opera on Kelly, and Year 10 flew to Tasmania for the project Writing the Island.

Shakespeare Bootcamp

Year 7 students collaborated with professional actors from Sport for Jove Theatre Company for a week. They participated in master classes conducted by award-winning artistic Director Damien Ryan. They studied and played key moments from various Shakespeare’s plays, learning more about history, words, poetry, and the heartbeat rhythms of his great works.

Students also learned about dramatic construction, embodiment, movement and performance, as well as Shakespeare’s turbulent world exploring what it means to be human and the other big ideas that Shakespeare plays traverse.

The learning process was fast-paced and the week ended with a celebration of learning in a one-night-only performance.

The Rocks Quest

Year 8 students teamed up in House groups to research, curate, and create a Night at the Museum soirée that showcased student learning about a chosen geographical and historical inquiry question.

During the week, students participated in diverse activities such as walking tours around The Rocks, the archaeological experience Cesspits and Old Rubbish led by the Big Dig, a harbour cruise onboard the Tribal Warrior that allowed students to learn about the Gadigal, and a self-guided tour of Sydney Modern Project at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Opera on Kelly

During the week, Year 9 students participated in intensive, challenging and fun master classes with professional opera singers, actors, musicians and Australian composers led by Opera Express.

Students had to create their own original short operas from scratch and were responsible for every component of their piece: plot and character development, writing the libretto, composing the music, casting, creating the set, painting the backdrops and performing.

Tasmania: Writing the Island

Year 10 students were taken to Tasmania for the week and immersed themselves in a mix of pristine, historic, artistic and other environments. They were involved in the creative endeavour of Writing the Island, a collaborative effort that transcends geographical boundaries and fosters a sense of connection.

Each group spent the week focusing on the activity chosen — Outdoor Education Group explored the region, tracking the most beautiful places. Art, Music and English designed, composed and created while Drama and Film focused on filmmaking and the design of engaging film and drama productions.

Students then produced a final reflection or production of a physical representation of their experience such as a short essay, poem, collage or video review. These reflections were presented to parents in Term 4.

FROM OSAKA WITH LOVE

Life-changing memories: IGS students reflect on the Junior Japan Exchange.

Ten IGS students in Years 8 and 9 Japanese classes participated in the 2023 Junior Japan Exchange Program. The immersive cultural program ran for two weeks.

The students experienced Japanese school life at Osaka International High School (OIHS) and were hosted by their Japanese schoolmates, providing them with valuable insights into Japanese school and home life.

“During our school experience, we got to try traditional Japanese calligraphy or しょどう‘shodo.’ We also glued our work on paper and had it stamped. It was very enjoyable and interesting!”, IGS student Antoni Maresh says.

From the beginning, the OIHS teachers were impressed by how well our students could speak Japanese. Our accompanying IGS teachers witnessed first hand how this unique Osaka immersion further accelerated the language learning of our students.

IGS students quickly began to pick up authentic Japanese expressions and use them in their conversations. The timing of this exchange program aligned very well with our students’ current year groups, as at this stage their language learning is flourishing.

During this successful trip, students were able to overcome language barriers and cultural differences to build strong personal connections with their host families.

As part of the adventure, IGS students could get fully immersed in Japanese culture, going to karaoke rooms, getting to know different members of the Japanese students’

families, trying different food, visiting amazing places and even wearing typical Japanese kimonos and other cultural items.

IGS student Kaden Chu notes: “Japan has so many fun things to do. Getting to go on an exchange trip was truly life changing. It is a memory I will never forget!”

Saying goodbye was emotional but our students were comforted knowing that they had made lifelong memories and they hope to keep in touch with the families in Japan for a long time.

The IGS Global Exchange Program

The annual IGS Global Exchange Program includes Junior China, Junior Japan, Senior Japan Tokyo, Senior Japan Osaka, Senior Europe – Germany, Italy, Spain and France exchanges.

2023 saw 50 IGS students involved in Exchange programs. We had 27 Junior students in Years 8 and 9 participate in the Spain and Japan trips in October 2023. In Term 4, 19 senior students in Years 10 and 11 went on exchange in France, Germany and Italy.

January 2024 saw seven senior students travel to Japan.

CLASS OF

Congratulations to our Class of 2023 as they embark on their next adventures!

2023

HSC HIGHLIGHTS

We congratulate 2023’s Year 12 students for achieving their NSW HSC. Congratulations too, to the Year 11 students who chose to sit the HSC early in several courses. We are so proud of each and every one!

5% of our cohort received an ATAR of ↑ Dux Katelyn Clarke achieved the highest ATAR of 97.7

14% of our cohort received an ATAR of

90 and above

45% of our cohort achieved an ATAR of

95 and above

80 or higher

OUTSTANDING ATARS

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a rank (not a mark or score) between 0.00 and 99.95 that indicates a student’s position relative to all the students in their age group. Universities use the ATAR to help them select students for their courses and for admission to most tertiary courses. Many of our students achieve Early Entry to university before sitting their HSC examinations.

NSW TOP ACHIEVERS

The following students achieved one of the State’s highest places in an HSC course and also achieved a result in the highest band.

Harriet Tonkin — 6th place in English Extension 2 with 50/50

Kai Schlaefle (Year 11) — 2nd place in German Continuers with 97%

Chiara Marchi (Year 11) — 3rd place in Italian Extension with 48/50

Distinguished Achievers

There were 51 Distinguished Achievers. These students were awarded 90% or above in at least one course.

HSC SHOWCASES

We are proud that IGS students received 26 nominations for HSC Showcases for exemplary Major Projects in Design and Technology, Drama, Music Composition and Visual Arts.

Selected for ARTEXPRESS

Jordan Aguilera-Mendoza

Nominated for Encore music composition

Henry Egan

Nominated for OnSTAGE group performances

Nell Brennan — Benched

Alexandra Butler — Benched

Layla Davison — La Famiglia

Luna Diaz Sung — La Famiglia

Kristian Dragas — Benched

Annabel Johnson — La Famiglia

Coco Lennox — La Famiglia

Eve Moss Ractliffe — Benched

Jonathan Riesel — La Famiglia

Honourable Mentions

IGS students received 81 Honourable Mentions for the distinguished achievement of 90% or above in a course.

100% of students studying the following courses achieved in the top two bands: Aboriginal Studies, Design and Technology, German Extension, Italian Extension, Japanese Beginners, Japanese Extension, Music 2, Music Extension and Spanish Extension

In Aboriginal Studies our students performed at 17.56% above the State mean.

In Design and Technology, our results were 10.07% above the State mean.

YEAR 11 STUDENTS

Students may complete HSC courses early via acceleration or compression. We congratulate 36 IGS Year 11 students who completed HSC courses this year.

Acceleration in Languages

24 Year 11 students accelerated in Languages, across four languages: French Continuers, German Continuers, Italian Continuers and Japanese Continuers. These students achieved a mean of 86%. The highest results were:

Kai Schlaefle, German Continuers — 97%

Chiara Marchi, Italian Continuers — 95%

Christopher Czernecki, Japanese Continuers — 92%

Liv Rey Laaksonen, French Continuers — 90%

Acceleration in Mathematics

Nominated for OnSTAGE individual performanceS

Layla Davison — Too Junior Jones

Hugo Deutsch — Hamm

Edward Hopper — A curious incident

Annabel Johnson — Elizabeth

Yulan Kung — Minefields and mini skirts

Coco Lennox — Third world blues

Eve Moss Ractliffe — Hillary

Jonathan Riesel — Witch Play

Nominated for OnSTAGE individual DRAMA PROJECTS

Carter Brecht

Nell Brennan

Alexandra Butler

Maya Furnell

Henry Lester

Nominated for Shape

Eleanor Crompton

Harriet Tonkin

Thirteen Year 11 students accelerated in Mathematics Advanced, achieving an average of 79%. The highest results were:

Toby Dolph — 88%

Christopher Czernecki — 88%

Aboriginal Studies by Compression

Seven Year 11 students completed both Year 11 and 12 Aboriginal Studies in one year. Their average result was 90%. The highest results were:

Georgia Spring — 94%

Arky Tibbetts — 93%

Amelia Whitaker — 93%

ARTEXPRESS: the annual exhibition of exemplary artworks created by students for the HSC in Visual Arts. ENCORE: a showcase of performances and compositions by HSC Music students. OnSTAGE: a showcase of performances and projects by HSC Drama students. Shape: an exhibition featuring a selection of students’ exemplary HSC major projects from Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design.

SCIENTIFIC PURSUITS

Have you ever wondered what our science students learn?

Head of Science Liz Turner answers that question.

Science is everywhere in our lives, from the food we eat to the gadgets we use. It’s a dynamic force that both responds to and shapes our values and ideas. Dr Karl Kruszelnicki recently shared his insights with us at the whole School Shape the Future Conference in January, highlighting the importance of passion and curiosity. Throughout the year, students are offered numerous opportunities to encounter Science in context.

Year 7 recently encountered Reptiles Up Close, meeting turtles, snakes, tree frogs, and even a baby crocodile, gaining a deep appreciation for the diversity of the reptile kingdom. They also explored space using telescopes, rockets and rovers to imagine a holiday through the cosmos — bridging the gap between current technology and

the potential for future space travel.

After a term studying various forms of energy and learning how to make electrical circuits, Year 8 students were challenged to build a model solar car. On race day, the students received a talk from UNSW Photovoltaics department Outreach Coordinator Michael Richards — a great way to learn more about solar energy.

Year 10 students met Daniella Ortega, director of the documentary Carbon. The film provided a creative evalution of the effects of human activity on global systems and presented the paradoxical tale of carbon — an element that is both the building block of life and a potential threat to its existence.

In Science, models help us understand things that are too small, large, complex, or difficult to

“Science is everywhere in our lives, from the food we eat to the gadgets we use.”

observe or explain directly. So, to understand how waves move, Year 9 students built a wave machine, senior Chemistry students constructed a model Periodic table, and Year 12 Biology students used plasticine to delve into the complexities of Meiosis. Field trips provide opportunities to connect classroom learning with the natural environment. Year 10 students visited The Retreat, Kangaroo Valley, with one group studying fossils and another testing the principles of flight and aerodynamics with paper

birds. Year 11 Biology travelled to Long Reef to undertake a real-world study of marine ecosystems, examining intricate relationships between marine flora and fauna. During SAGE week’s Tasmania Unearthed trip Year 10 students uncovered diverse biomes and travelled to Mount Field to view planets and stars using telescopes. Experiences such as these help develop critical thinking skills allowing our students to engage with and contribute to our increasingly technological society.

Community

A CULTURE OF SHARING

$95.3K

Successfully raised together on 2023 Sharing Day

We extend our gratitude to our community and Matching Donors for their Sharing Day generosity

International Grammar School wishes to thank our community and generous Matching Donors whose contributions are vital to the success of our Sharing Day. Together, our 2023 Sharing Day successfully raised $95,300. All contributions supported our Indigenous Scholarship Fund and Solar Project.

Donations to the IGS Indigenous Scholarship Fund enable us to support two First Nations Scholars in each year group. This is an unparalleled program that has been enriching cultures and connections at IGS for the past 21 years.

Funds raised will also support our Solar Project: an essential step toward sustainability as we aim to expand our solar infrastructure by installing a comprehensive solar panel system on the Reg St Leon Building rooftop on Kelly Street. We could not have achieved this outcome without the support and commitment shown to IGS by our incredible Matching Donors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the IGS Community and to the numerous individuals who played an instrumental role in supporting our Sharing Day.

MERCI GRACIAS DANKE ARIGATO GOZAIMASU GRAZIE XIÈXIE THANK YOU

HERE TO HEAR

R U OK? Day at IGS embraces conversations and active listening

IGS regulary participates in R U OK? Day, emphasising the theme “I’m here to hear.” R U OK? calls on all of us to take the time to have conversations and genuinely listen so that the people in our communities feel supported and connected.

Recognising the increasing challenges associated with managing our mental well-being are important to our teachers and school community. When we really listen to someone without judgment, we help them express their challenges and acknowledge that the feelings they are experiencing are very real to them. We may not have a solution, but just being present and listening is a big step towards helping them.

We thank the following Friends of IGS who provided generous matching donations on Sharing Day 2023

BVN Architects

Denton Family

Elizabeth Proust

IGS PTF

Oasis Airconditioning & Refrigeration

Rohrig Group

Tsiolis Family

Villari Arrilucea Family

Anonymous Donors

IGS Community

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the IGS Community and the numerous individuals who played instrumental roles in supporting our Sharing Day.

JUMPING FOR JOY

Students raise $20K for Jump Rope for Heart!

The day serves as a powerful reminder that we are all in this together, and that seeking help is a sign of strength. Further resources can be found on ruok.org.au.

Jump Rope for Heart is a Heart Foundation fundraising program which supports Australians living with heart disease, as well as working tirelessly to prevent and manage heart disease for future generations.

IGS Primary School guest speaker from Jump Rope for Heart, Nina Rider, taught us that skipping is an ideal exercise for healthy hearts, muscles and bones. In 2023 we set an initial goal for our students to log 40 hours of skipping across IGS. Our impressive results saw 168 students registered and 153 hours of skipping logged! Our results ranked IGS in the Top 10 participating schools. Thanks to all students and staff for their outstanding efforts on raising over $20,000. Particular thanks go to Year 5 student Eve Kisirwani and our Primary PDHPE teachers for coordinating this event and inspiring all of us to become Heart Heroes!

BRAVE NEW WORLDS

In 2023, IGS students were invited to take part in a creative challenge: to co-create 40 IGS Worlds for our 40 Years Young Anniversary Year.

Students were asked to express “What IGS means to me”. The brief was simple — design, create, craft an abstract IGS world based on a simple idea.

The design was to be circular in form, inspired by our historical globe logo. The design could be anything that resonated with our students and was relevant to IGS in some idea,

shape or form, for example, love of a particular language, subject, activity or concept. Reading. Sport. World News. Sustainability. Diversity. Equality. A burning desire to paint or play music all day long.

The response was incredible, with artworks reflecting students’ inspirations, and motivations, capturing our unique IGS World.

VIVE LA RÉVOLUTION!

ICC SYDNEY THEATRE DARLING HARBOUR

UNLOCK THE WORLD

IGS students come together for International Day

International Day is part of the rich culture at IGS. It is a special day on which our students celebrate and explore the world and what it means to be part of the global community. With a range of activities from food stalls through to dance workshops, International Day is a much anticipated event on the IGS calendar.

In 2023, IGS celebrated International Day with the theme “Unlock the World.” As IGS Principal Shauna Colnan told the School Assemblies held over the course of the day, “The idea that languages can unlock the world is completely entwined in our School’s DNA, in our rich history. IGS is a school that places at its heart a love of learning and of languages, a celebration of difference, an understanding that our way of seeing the world is just one way, a vision for our school

and for the world of unity through diversity. Kindness and respect are our currency,” Ms Colnan said.

At the High School Assembly, special guest Dr Robyn Moloney addressed the students. Dr Moloney taught languages at IGS from 2002 to 2008 and was our Director of Languages. Dr Moloney created International Day as we know it today. She did so, driven by her belief that this day each year would be a deep and joyful expression of the IGS commitment to the vision of our founders to unlock the world through an education enriched by the study of languages.

With the formalities of Assembly over, students enjoyed a wide range of activities from Indigenous workshops, Traditional African djembe Chanting and Drumming, Salsa and Bollywood dancing to

workshops in languages such as Korean and Arabic. It was great to see the participation of all students from our littlest learners in the Early Learning Centre right through to our Year 12 High School students participating with enthusiasm.

The School was a sea of colour with many students in national dress as they toured various Country Rooms throughout the School, enjoying the displays and activities on offer. Excitement filled the air with music and dance as a diverse range of cultures were celebrated. Of course, food also formed an important part of the celebration with a variety of food stalls set up.

Thank you to our wonderful community, in particular our parents, staff and senior students, for all their help in putting together such a vibrant and exciting day.

JIGSAW

CLIMATE EFFECT

IGS hosts Australia’s largest Climate Fresk

As part of our vision to be a lighthouse school for sustainability, IGS has introduced Climate Fresk workshops to both our students and staff. In fact, on Monday 29 April 2024, IGS hosted Australia’s largest Climate Fresk!

Presented as a workshop for our Term 2 Staff Professional Development Day, this Fresk was facilitated by a dedicated team of volunteers and IGS students. It was a great opportunity for our staff to learn more about climate change and be inspired with positive ideas and greater insight. Our students, who gave up the last day of their school holidays to participate, enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to “teach the teachers” and had a great day. Throughout the interactive and fun process, we

all learned more about the factors influencing climate change and what we can do about it.

We are thrilled to have hosted the largest Australian Climate Fresk workshop ever and encourage others to get involved!

About Climate Fresk Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. Climate Fresk aims to make learning about climate change accessible to everyone.

Climate Fresk is a 3-hour workshop built around a card game. Using 42 cards, teams work together to find the cause-effect relationships between the different components of climate change, arranging the cards to create ‘The Fresk’ – a visual representation of climate change. Participants then work through

various phases and discuss potential solutions. More than 1.6 million people worldwide have participated in Climate Fresk.

Why is IGS Participating in Climate Fresk?

Climate Fresk is a dynamic workshop designed to make understanding the complexities of climate change engaging and interactive and to and foster a more sustainable community.

By activating the group’s collective intelligence, Climate Fresk workshops enable participants to take ownership of the subject matter. Climate Fresk requires all participants to take an active role in the building-up of the Fresk, becoming participative learners. As participants link the causes and

effects of climate change, they are able to take a step back and both understand and share the systemic nature of the challenges.

Head of Sustainability Carmelo Fedele introduced Climate Fresk workshops to IGS because they ultilise a collaborative approach to learning and are based on established scientific facts found in the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – the internationally accepted authority on climate change reports.

“Climate Fresk provides a reliable foundation for participants to comprehend the intricacies of climate change,” remarked Mr Fedele. He added, “They are not just informed; they are empowered to take meaningful action by understanding the driving forces behind climate change and collectively brainstorming solutions.”

Mr Fedele shared, “For me, Climate Fresk at IGS represents a powerful initiative that not only educates but also inspires action. It’s about recognising the urgency of climate change and equipping individuals with the knowledge and motivation to make a difference in their own lives and communities.”

IGS Students Take the Lead

Earlier this year IGS students Maddy Hayen and Hugh Gibbons facilitated a Climate Fresk workshop for members of the Independent Education Union Environment Committee (IEU). Both students are members of the IGS Sustainable Futures Club which is run by Head of Sustainability and IEU member, Carmelo Fedele. Maddy is our student leader for Sustainabilty and is doing an extraordinary job in this portfolio.

STUDENT VOICES

In 2023, a group of IGS students from Years 8, 9, 10 and Year 11 engaged in Climate Fresk. It left them with lasting impressions.

More Info

The impact of Climate Fresk is evident – participants not only left better informed but also inspired to take action against climate change. To find out more, go to climatefresk.org/world.

“I enjoyed piecing together the different causes and effects of climate change. The interactive nature allowed us to reason and discuss collectively as a group.”

“The way information was presented was unique, making a usually confusing web of conflicting data visually concise and easy to understand.”

“The hands-on approach made the learning experience enjoyable and memorable.”

“The most interesting aspect was hearing everyone’s ideas and perspectives.”

“I learned about radiative energy, a concept I was unfamiliar with before this workshop.”

“I plan on cutting beef from my diet and leveraging social media to spread awareness.”

“Discovering the extent to which industries like Beef and Air Travel contribute to climate change, and understanding the chain reactions and feedback loops, was eye-opening.”

“I will make an effort to consume less meat and educate younger generations about the importance of addressing climate change.”

“I’m planning to reduce my intake of beef, cheese, and lamb (and my family’s), and the amount of clothing I buy by trying to move towards second-hand clothing.”

“I’m currently trying to persuade my family to change banks!”

“This was an excellent workshop, and I hope other students get the chance to experience it.”

A GREENER FUTURE

Charting the course of sustainability: International Grammar School’s remarkable journey

A strong and sustainable School is one of our strategic aspirations.

While there is still much work to be done, at the end of 2023 IGS was heralded as a beacon of sustainability, earning commendations and awards across several platforms for its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. As a finalist in the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW 2023 Sustainable Cities Awards, IGS was recognised among 65 finalists across 11 categories, securing a highly commended accolade for its comprehensive approach to sustainability within the School community. This achievement underscores the collaborative effort spanning various sectors of the School, from leadership and operations to the engaged student body, particularly highlighting the efforts of Mr Fedele and the IGS Sustainability Portfolio Leaders.

Marking a significant milestone, IGS became the inaugural Australian school to join The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS). This affiliation places IGS within an international network of schools dedicated to fostering sustainable futures. The School’s strategic commitment is further exemplified by the participation of students Madeleine Hayen and Lucius Moechtar as student ambassadors for TASS, where they will engage in global dialogues and advocate for sustainable alternatives in critical areas.

The School’s sustainability accolades continued with its recognition in The Educator’s first-ever 5 Star Sustainable Schools’ Program, distinguishing IGS for its proactive and innovative approaches to sustainability. Under the guidance of Head of Sustainability Carmelo Fedele, IGS has identified six key areas for development: waste, energy, biodiversity, water, resources, and activism. Noteworthy initiatives include the establishment of a

student-led ‘Sustainable Futures’ group, the creation of the Head of Sustainability role, and significant improvements in waste recycling and carbon emissions reduction.

IGS’s sustainability ethos is encapsulated in its commitment to the Sustainable Schools Charter, reflecting a dedication to instilling a lifelong appreciation for learning and empowering students as responsible global stewards. The School’s efforts are aimed at addressing critical ecological crises, recognising the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the planet for future generations. Through strategic initiatives and community engagement, IGS aims to inspire its students and the broader community towards active participation in sustainability efforts. The School’s vision of becoming a lighthouse for sustainability is steadily becoming a reality, as it continues to integrate green spaces, improve energy efficiency, and foster an environment conducive to sustainable living and learning.

When the students from Goodooga Central School visited IGS, students from both schools participated in an art workshop with Wiradjuri Artist and IGS Aunty in Residence Bianca Caldwell.

Together, they worked on two pieces reflecting the friendship and growing connection between the two schools: one in urban Ultimo on Gadigal Land and one out bush on Yuwaalaraay Country in Goodooga.

The painting created by IGS students reflects the cityscape of

A tale of friendship and artistic collaboration LIGHTS, CAMERA, MUSIC! PAINTING CONNECTIONS

Sydney, and is now hanging in the reception at Goodooga Central School. The Goodooga students’ painting portrays their journey to Sydney from the bush through their river country, the stars and meeting new people in the city.

This beautiful gift from the students at Goodooga was delivered to IGS by IGS Coordinator of Indigenous Partnerships Lucy Howard-Shibuya and is another example of the friendship developing between our two schools.

IGS hosts the Golden Globes

In Term 4 2023 the Music Department hosted the annual Music Showcase with the theme ‘IGS Golden Globes.’ This was an evening celebration of the exceptional achievements of our dedicated musicians with music drawn from beloved cinematic masterpieces.

The showcase featured students enrolled in the IGS Music Ensemble Program, including bands, choirs and orchestra, who presented a concert that was set to highlight their musical talents as they performed music from well-loved films. The IGS Staff Choir presented their debut performance alongside our High School choristers to sing a dynamic choral arrangement of Bohemian Rhapsody.

This event was a very exciting step into building our singing community and paved the way for the 40th Anniversary Year, with its range of creative collaborations between students, staff and our IGS Community.

A big shout out to the IGS Staff Choir for all their wonderful contributions this past semester in learning a range of repertoire designed to build music skills and make new collegial connections. Congratulations to all our talented students and individuals who devoted their time to ensemble rehearsals every week and enjoyed sharing their passion and talents with our School community.

WRITING THE NEXT CHAPTER

The inaugural IGS Literary Festival ignited inspiration through workshops, talks, and performances

In Term 2 of 2024 we celebrated the inaugural IGS Literary Festival. Coinciding with the 40th Anniversary of IGS, the festival highlighted the School’s longstanding commitment to fostering an enriching educational environment. Director of the Bibliothèque Patrice Marchbank organised this successful and exciting event which will now become a biennial event on our School calendar.

Over two eventful days in May, the festival drew in a vibrant community of students, authors, illustrators and performers and was an inspiring celebration of literature, creativity, and the arts.

Students and staff had the unique opportunity to participate in author talks, hands-on workshops, and dramatic performances. Activities ranged from drama workshops facilitated by professionals from the Sydney Theatre Company to creative writing sessions led by renowned authors and illustrators.

Students and staff enjoyed engaging talks by celebrated authors such as Sarah Ayoub, Felicity Castagna, Kirsty Everett, Tim Harris, Felicity Plunkett, Wai Chim and Mark Smith, who shared insights into their writing processes and the stories behind their books.

Interactive Illustration and Creative Design sessions led by Matthew Lin, Ms Lana Casey and Ms Felicity Harrold, as well as workshops with celebrated artist and proud Bundjalung woman Charmaine Ledden-Lewis were well received.

Drama and Performance workshops conducted by visiting artists from the Sydney Theatre Company and the Shock Therapy

acting troupe and – crowd favourite – poet Harry Laing who offered students a platform to explore theatrical expression and performance skills.

IGS alums Sarah Street and Mia Morrissey shared and inspired students with their post-graduation experiences and achievements in the arts.

Gleebooks also had a stall, selling literature of all kinds including the works of our visiting authors.

The impact of the IGS Literary Festival was evident, as it not only enriched the school’s cultural landscape but also motivated students to explore their own creative potential. The enthusiasm and collaborative spirit witnessed during the festival underscored the importance of such events in fostering a thriving artistic community.

Ms Marchbank highlighted the exciting prospect of gathering student works inspired by the festival. She announced plans to collect various student creations, including essays, poems, and short stories, with the aim of compiling these pieces into a commemorative volume that celebrates the students’ artistic and literary talents. She encouraged all high school students to contribute their works through the Bibliothèque Canvas page, offering them a unique opportunity to become part of the school’s tradition of creative expression.

As IGS anticipates the next festival, we look forward to seeing the creative seeds sown during these two days germinate into literary and artistic growth among our students.

“I love how there are whole-school festivals to celebrate creativity and

appreciation for literature and arts.”

“Getting the opportunity to write freely and with little restriction during designated times.”

“The poetry was really interesting, and I didn’t even know I was so good at it until we did that activity with Harry Liang, when I wrote a poem about an office light.”

“Seeing students get involved –particularly those who might not normally engage in other classroom activities.”

THE ULTIMO SERIES 2024

Buy tickets here:

The State of the Climate

with Professor Katrin Meissner, Head of the Climate Change Research Centre UNSW Term 2 2024: 6—7.30pm Thursday 6 June

Professor Meissner is interested in past - and potential future - abrupt climate change events, as well as thresholds and feedbacks in the climate system. She has developed new components of Earth System Climate Models and uses these models in conjunction with past and present climate records to improve our understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying climate variability and climate change.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence

with Professor Toby Walsh, Scientia Professor and Chief AI Scientist UNSW

Term 3 2024: 5.45—7.30pm Thursday 29 August

Toby Walsh is a strong advocate for limits to ensure AI is used to improve our lives, having spoken at the UN, and to heads of state, parliamentary bodies, company boards and many others on this topic. This advocacy has led to him being “banned indefinitely” from Russia. He is a Fellow of the Australia Academy of Science, and was named on the international “Who’s Who in AI” list of influencers.

The Ultimo Series 2024 offers members of the IGS community the opportunity to come together for an intellectually invigorating experience with a thought-stimulating series of academic lectures.

Drawing on the expertise at IGS’ doorstep, renowned thought leaders will facilitate discussions and engage in interactive question and answer sessions on critical topics, such as our environmental impact, navigating Artificial Intelligence, the ethical intricacies of social media, and how to prepare our children for a changing world.

Hosted by IGS Deputy Principal Academic Thom Marchbank and our Head Boy and Girl, and held in the School’s stunning Renaissance Centre, each session commences with light refreshments and an opportunity to mingle before hearing from our guest speaker.

Proceeds of all ticket sales support the IGS Sharing Program including our Indigenous Scholarship Fund and Building Fund.

The Neurobiology of Early Life Trauma

with Mary Jo McVeigh, Social Worker of the Year 2023 USyd, and Director of Cara House Term 4 2024: 5.45—7.30pm Thursday 21 November

Mary Jo McVeigh is the founder and director of CaraCare, a safe place for children to grow, located in Sydney, Australia. She is acknowledged in her field as an expert in child protection, trauma therapy and leadership coaching. Mary Jo’s expertise has been sought on advisory panels such as the NSW Domestic Violence reforms and the Royal Commission into institutional abuse.

ARE WE OKAY?

Engaging expert and former IGS dad

Professor Ian Hickie presented the first seminar of The Ultimo Series, ‘Navigating Youth Mental Health in the Post-Covid World’.

Professor Hickie threw light on some of the behaviours and cognitions that young people are experiencing and how to approach and support young people as we move away from the pandemic.

Professor Hickie engaged the audience with in-depth expertise in clinical psychiatry, digital innovation, youth mental health care, and adolescent-onset mood disorders. He immediately drew people in, asking meaningful questions about mental health – why do we ask ‘am I okay?’ ‘are you okay?’ We could learn more from our First Nations elders and ask ‘are we okay’ more often... this theme of interconnection continued throughout the evening.

Professor Hickie noted that we live in a time that is extremely challenging for young people, “The

only thing that holds young people together in a crisis like COVID is schools. Schools become the main social architecture for young people.” So, schools need to ensure they provide social exposures that drive positive cognitive development.

While ‘every adult’ believes tech is ‘the cause’ of wellbeing challenges, there are so many other pressures on young people – academic success, disconnection, our changing social fabric. Professor Hickie posited, “Could we be doing a lot more about social cohesion and connection?” Young people benefit enormously from collective participation, volunteering, mentoring other young people, playing sports or joining extracurriculars. These are proven avenues for forging stronger social connections, addressing loneliness, and improving mental wellbeing. COVID stopped much of this – and we are all still finding our way back.

Professor Hickie discussed how too often we spend time focused on the ‘cause’ of disorder – when we should be focusing our efforts on effective care, and maintaining engagement to stay on top of future care. Every child is different, with a different mind – there is no neat category for everyone. Professor Hickie advised, don’t wait to intervene, before it’s too late. The sooner challenges are addressed, the better

the outcomes for young people.

After Professor Hickie’s lecture, guests had an opportunity to ask questions in a very engaged atmosphere. Questions addressed ways to combat ‘school refusal,’ where Professor Hickie stressed the unique value of activities beyond the classroom and social interaction with other students and community role models. Even if students are eased back to school just for lunchtime, or after school activities, the social aspect of school is positive and powerful. If kids are disconnected, they need to reconnect. Everyone needs to feel productive.

Professor Hickie commended IGS for its inclusive environment and proactive approach to mental health. At IGS, older children interact with younger children, language learning embeds cognitive resilience, difference and individuality are celebrated, there are opportunities to ‘learn beyond the classroom,’ and the School community and staff demonstrably invest in trusted connections with young people and alums.

Thank you to Professor Hickie and all who made the first event in our Ultimo Series a resounding success. You can listen to Professor Ian Hickie on the Minding your Mind podcast on Spotify.

SONG BIRDS

Stellar performances illuminate the stage at IGS Vocal Competition

The recent IGS Vocal Competition emerged as a celebration of storytelling, individuality, and the emotional resonance of music. The competition was adjudicated by award-winning soprano Tanith Bryce. Tanith has graced the stage in numerous Opera Australia productions, she portrayed Isobel in Pirates of Penzance and played a key role in the digital production of Aida. Tanith’s competition guidance reminded the evening’s participants to engage their entire being in conveying a narrative by using expression and movement. The importance of well-lit faces, microphone technique and genuine expression on stage was underscored.

Tanith spoke to students about vocal wellbeing and protecting one’s vocal cords. She also encouraged contestants to discover their own voice and create unique instrumental embellishments, ultimately making each song their own.

In the Intermediate category, Luella emerged as a standout Winner, praised for the beautiful colours that adorned her performance. Runner-up Ivy captivated the audience by creating an emotive connection. In the Senior category, Gemma claimed the title of Senior Winner for her exceptional blend of vocal prowess and intricate rhythms. Senior Runner-up Hunter earned recognition for his remarkable falsetto.

FInally, the night culminated with the announcement of the Overall Competition Winner, Luella, for her exceptional artistry and captivating narrative.

Music students certainly enjoyed this real-world deeper learning experience.

PURPLE PRIDE

“It is no exaggeration to say that supporting Wear it Purple Day at IGS is life changing for our LGBTIQA+ students and their families. To know you are supported and valued for being who you are will stay with our kids all their lives. Thank you IGS for supporting our kids.¨ — Hayley Dean, PTF President.

At IGS, we firmly believe in fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, included and proud of who they are. In a world that thrives on diversity and inclusivity, it’s crucial that we recognise and celebrate the unique identities and experiences of each of us.

Wear It Purple Day acknowledges the experiences of LGBTIQA+ young people and encourages unwavering support and acceptance of each other. By wearing purple, we stand together in support of the right for everyone to be their authentic selves.

Year 10 student Sammy C perfectly captures the essence — “I think Wear It Purple day is fun because we support all people and genders. And people can see my family. That makes me happy. Plus, purple is a cool colour.”

SNAP SHOTS

Students tackle Artificial Intelligence Global Scholar’s Prize winner explores AI

Artificial Intelligence is always topical – and Ellie Sifis’ winning essay from the 2023 Global Scholar’s Prize makes interesting reading on the subject. In her discursive style essay The Anxiously Revolutionising Rise of Artificial Intelligence, Ellie highlights the excitement and hesitation surrounding the rise of AI.

Scan the QR code to read Ellie’s essay.

Festival of Lights Diwali celebrations at IGS

IGS celebrated India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year with decorations, chalk drawings, and traditional dress with IGS families.

Diwali is India’s most important holiday of the year. It is a festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the human ability to overcome.

The IGS PTF also collected donations for the Nepal Earthquake victims. Thank you to Samantha Panda and our IGS Diwali community for creating a wonderful cultural learning experience.

Hats

off Recognising

the impact of IGS teachers and support staff on World Teachers’ Day

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrated and reflected on the profound impact educators have at IGS and on the world. Whether in the classroom, in the administrative offices, or supporting our operations behind the scenes, IGS recognises the incredible difference made in the lives of our students and the wider community.

“You are the heart and soul of IGS, and your dedication and commitment to education are nothing short of inspirational. Every day, you go above and beyond to create a nurturing and empowering environment for our students, helping them grow not just

Let’s Go Roscoe!

The

face of Waterloo’s new metro station

One of our esteemed Koori students, Roscoe Mundine, can be seen represented larger than life as the face of Waterloo’s new Sydney Metro Station. This moment brings immense pride to his family, community, and our School. Congratulations Roscoe!

academically but as individuals with the skills and knowledge to shape their own futures”, IGS Principal Ms Shauna Colnan shared with warmth and admiration.

Hats off to every teacher and staff member who contributes to making IGS the outstanding place it is today. Thank you for the tireless efforts you put in every day.

A big Thank You to PTF President Hayley Dean and to our wonderful parent and carer community for all your support and delicious donuts on the day. To our incredible students, your beautiful messages of gratitude made our day.

Strength to Strength Celebrating Speech Night successes

2023 ended on a high note with Speech Night, celebrating our students’ achievements and presenting many stand-out performances. Principal Ms Colnan was delighted to announce Karam Singh Hartmann and Antigone Marchbank as our Head Boy and Head Girl for 2024 and to thank our incredible outgoing student leaders Charlotte Waley and Sämi Lightfoot.

VALE DR BRUCE DENNETT 1948—2024

I will have a life-long love of history due to our IGS history experiences with Dr Dennett — IGS student

With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of a cherished high school teacher, dear friend, and esteemed colleague Dr. Bruce Dennett. With an illustrious career in education spanning over half a century, Dr. Dennett leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and enlightenment that will forever echo through the halls of our School.

Dr. Dennett graced the corridors of our School for nearly a decade, joining our humanities faculty in 2015. A luminary in his field, he imparted his wisdom as a history and philosophy teacher, and notably pioneered our beloved critical thinking course. He was also our Historian in Residence. His approach to education was revolutionary. Drawing from the timeless philosophies of Plato and Socrates, Dr. Dennett challenged his students to delve deeper, to question the why behind the what, and to apply their knowledge with discernment and purpose. Through engaging

discourse and thought-provoking exercises, he nurtured a generation of independent thinkers, empowering them to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and clarity.

As we reflect on the loss of a beloved mentor and guide, many of us will remember the profound impact Dr. Dennett had on our community. Principal Shauna Colnan fondly recalled his enduring impact on countless educators and students alike. 2024 was his 52nd year in the classroom.

You truly are an inspirational person and have shaped me to be the person I am today. — IGS student

Dr Dennett had a really profound impact on me, both academically and personally. — Past IGS student

I just thought of a saying I heard a long time ago, ‘When a man dies, a library burns’. In Bruce’s case, it is almost literally true. — IGS parent

Beyond his exceptional teaching, Dr. Dennett’s scholarly impact was significant. He authored numerous textbooks, earned three NSW Premier’s History scholarships, engaged in original historical scholarship, and contributed significantly to educational committees and associations. While teaching at IGS, he also continued writing for Oxford University Press and lecturing at a number of tertiary institutions including Macquarie University.

In this time of mourning, our condolences are with Dr. Dennett’s beloved wife Jane, and their family. May they find solace in the enduring legacy of his passion for teaching and his remarkable ability to nurture the unique gifts of every individual he encountered. He was a very special teacher.

Principal Shauna Colnan is proud to announce the Dr Bruce Dennett Prize for HSC History Extension established in his memory.

Alums

ALUM OF YEAR

Congratulations to Ben Gran, our winner of the 2023 Alum of the Year award

Ben Gran, Class of 2009, made his international mark when he gave a Ted Talk on improving health systems by reshaping, reforming and more cleverly utilising the skills of Nurses. To date, Ben has had over one and a half million people listen to that Ted Talk and it has promoted discussion and some movement in an area that affects nearly every person on Earth.

Confirming Ben’s award, Director of Advancement Paul Galea said, “His attitude and approach to life embody the positivity and generosity of spirit that IGS espouses. I thoroughly recommend you have a look at the interview AND the Ted Talk in order to see the quality of person IGS has grown and graduated.” Congratulations to Ben, not only on this award, but also on being the person you are.

ANDREA ABEL VAN ES ERYK BAGSHAW WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Class of 1998

Location: Costa Rica

IGS Alums can be found near and far. We talk to some former students and get an update on what they’ve been up to since graduating.

IGS Alum Andrea embarked on an impressive academic journey after school. She obtained multiple degrees, including Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Commerce, as well as a Master’s in Mechatronic Engineering research from the University of Sydney. However, the highlight was receiving a full scholarship for her PhD in Political Science at Stanford.

Andrea is a freelance peace and conflict research consultant for organisations such as the UN, USAID, OECD, and Australia’s Institute for Economics and Peace. Her passion lies in sub-Saharan Africa, where she focuses much of her work and leisure travels. Inspired by her parents’ emphasis on global citizenship, Andrea travels extensively with her children, exposing them to different cultures and languages.

Currently residing in Costa Rica with a home in Manly, Andrea and her family spend summers in Europe, enjoying the richness of Eurosummer with family and friends. Her story is a testament to the impact of education and the pursuit of global understanding and citizenship.

Class of 2007

Location: North Asia

Eryk Bagshaw, an IGS alum and Sydney Morning Herald Asia correspondent, shares his journey from aspiring film director to a respected journalist. Initially drawn to film at university, Eryk pivoted to print journalism, gaining experience through internships and roles in production before securing a cadetship with the Sydney Morning Herald. His career flourished as he covered education, controversial private school feuds, federal politics, and finally, becoming a foreign correspondent in Asia. Facing challenges like COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions, Eryk’s work has been profoundly influenced by his early exposure to arts, languages, and diverse experiences at IGS, including a formative exchange trip to Japan. He advocates for pursuing passions and stepping out of one’s comfort zone, emphasizing the broadening of perspectives through travel and diverse encounters. Eryk’s story exemplifies adaptability and perseverance, serving as an inspiration for current IGS students and the broader community.

JOEL DAVISON

Class of 2010

Location: Gadigal Land, Sydney

Joel Davison, an Indigenous technologist, poet, and sustainable fashion entrepreneur from the IGS class of 2010, shares his multifaceted career journey post-graduation. Initially exploring architecture, Joel found it unwelcoming and classist, leading him to various jobs before studying horticulture at TAFE and eventually moving into technology and creative arts. He worked as a horticulturist at the Royal Botanic Gardens but craved more intellectual stimulation, which led him to software development through night classes. Joel’s diverse talents have seen him contribute to the tech industry as a senior business analyst, publish poetry, collaborate with Midnight Oil, and work on projects for Google’s Sydney HQ. A significant turning point was teaching the Gadigal Language at the Sydney Festival, highlighting his impact on sharing Indigenous culture. Joel’s journey to his current role involved various positions and learning opportunities, reflecting his advice to IGS students: embrace imperfection, learn from mistakes, and pursue interests freely. His story is a testament to the value of resilience, curiosity, and the importance of cultural heritage in shaping a fulfilling career.

DAMON PETRIE LIN TAYLOR

Class of 2003

Location: Gadigal Land, Sydney

Damon Petrie, an IGS graduate from 2003, has forged a career in sustainable investing, focusing on companies transforming food production. Recognising the environmental impact of food production, Damon’s work involves allocating capital to companies driving sustainable change in the industry. With a background in accounting and a family connection to the wine industry, Damon’s career evolved from finance roles in wine and beef production to his current role in private equity. He emphasises the importance of leaving the world in a better place, aligning his work with his values.

Damon believes in the power of young people to shape their careers through hard work and perseverance, noting that it’s okay not to have everything figured out early on. He and his wife Elena, a fellow IGS alum, are now raising their son, Oscar, who is enrolled in Early Learning at IGS. Reflecting on his time at IGS, Damon fondly remembers the supportive teachers and the school’s emphasis on developing the whole individual. His journey from uncertainty to purpose serves as inspiration, encouraging others to stay committed and open to change.

Class of 2002

Location: London, Europe

Lin, a passionate journalist with a focus on international human rights, embarked on a career that has taken her from Australia to London, where she currently resides with her family. Her interest in foreign affairs and international development led her to pursue a Master of Journalism at UTS, solidifying her desire to focus on international journalism. Lin’s career has seen her work at SBS News and Current Affairs before moving to London, where she freelanced for CNN and Reuters before joining Reuters full-time.

Living in London has provided Lin with proximity to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, allowing her to travel to various locations for work and leisure. Her move coincided with the Europe migrant crisis, giving her the opportunity to report on refugee stories from migrant camps across Jordan, Serbia, Croatia, and Calais. More recently, Lin has been reporting on the Ukraine war, leveraging her proximity to Ukraine for coverage. Lin’s career highlights the importance of following one’s passion and the opportunities that can arise from being open to new experiences and locations.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Get the scoop on recent IGS class reunions from Director of Advancement

Paul Galea

CLASS OF 2013

A night of nostalgia and connection

The IGS class of 2013 held a ten year reunion which started with a tour of the school. The Alums were particularly impressed with the Bibliothèque, the second floor balcony, the booths on the second floor as well as the Global Learning Centre. They also could not believe how much the School’s Mountain Street campus had expanded. Seeing the dance barres through the window of the dance studio in the new Renaissance Centre also made them very excited.

attended the 10 year reunion with some apprehension, mainly because we couldn’t believe we were old enough to have finished 10 years ago. But it was a blast! So lovely to catch up with old friends and it felt like no time had passed. Everyone’s aging like the fine wine we drank till 4am, and there’s already talks of another catch up soon!”

“The reunion gave me a new lease on life; so refreshing. So many people I didn’t know I needed to see.”

The 20-odd Alums on the tour then made their way to the Glebe Hotel, where they met another 20 or so of their old school mates as well as current and former teachers.

Manet: “It was very fun and quite wholesome. I’m so glad we went!”

Over a few drinks and canapes, they caught up with their old friends and teachers. Connections were re-forged, there were plenty of laughs and plenty of stories told and there was a real sense of community.

Jess: “A few friends and I

Nina: “It was great to all be in a room together to reminisce on the past and reignite old friendships. I loved seeing everyone and hearing about the journeys they’ve been on over the last 10 years.”

Alex: “The venue was perfect and it was amazing to have some teachers attend.”

Despite having now been to quite a lot of these reunions, it never ceases to amaze us how affirming it is to see what fine human beings these Alum have become. Their beliefs in social justice, inclusivity and the importance of community shone brightly and made IGS feel really proud!

HANAKO

CLASS OF 2003

Celebrating two decades of memories

Members of the IGS community met to celebrate the 20 year reunion of the class of 2003 and it was a great event!

The Alums loved the tour of the school, especially the Renaissance Centre and Bibliothèque. They visited the Global Learning Centre, the new Drama Spaces, DT Lane, the Year 6 Centre and the expanded Mountain Street Campus.

They loved opening the time capsule they made in 2003 and marvelled at what they had put in there. There were diaries, letters, trinkets, cards and sports equipment in the trunk.

Former Principal Kerrie Murphy made a surprise and very welcome visit. She was also very happy to see how the School has grown.

Other attendees were David Miller, former Preschool teacher Ann Kiehn

and Alums Julia, Clea, Freya, Esin, Ella, Lil, Ilana, Zoe, Mia, Jenny, Anita, Olivia, Patrick, Jamie, Tanaka and Damon. This was a good turnout from a Year 12 class of about 50.

They loved catching up with each other over food and drinks at The Glebe Hotel. Some had not seen each other for 20 years!

Our reunions are always very happy events and it is really lovely to see what fine humans our Alums have turned out to be!

CLASSES OF 2016 AND 2017

IGS Alums gather for five-year reunions

Eighty-five joyful people came together to celebrate the COVID delayed Five Year Reunions for the classes of 2016 and 2017. What a fantastic evening that was!

The tour of IGS was attended by more than 40 of the Alums and they were thrilled to see the Bibliothèque, DT Lane, the Drama Centre and the Renaissance Centre. Then, it was off to the local hotel for food and drinks. Stories were told, memories relived and there was plenty of laughter.

A lovely get-together which makes IGS as proud as can be to see the achievements of our former students and the connection they all still feel to their School.

THE IGS ARCHIVES

Preserving our School’s vibrant heritage

The IGS Archives is an exciting addition to the School with its aim to locate, collect, document and preserve our vibrant heritage and history. Its role is to support the School’s purpose, vision, values, operations and innovations. The IGS Archives is home to many interesting stories to discover, learn from and appreciate.

We are currently collating the collection and, as part of this process, we would like to make a call out to all IGS Alums to donate School memorabilia to the archive. This may include any heritage material such as photographs, old diaries and textbooks, ephemera, uniforms, or any objects, records, or documents associated with IGS. To donate, contact Archivist Phoebe Chin at archive@igssyd.nsw.edu.au

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

In 2001, ArtsFest was born

A new Principal. A holistic view of student wellbeing. A hunger for drama. These paved the way for what would become a School tradition: ArtsFest. The IGS annual interhouse performing arts festival, but that’s not the be all and end all.

In 2001, the atmosphere at IGS was electric during the send off of Principal David Wright (1994–2001), with the performance of The Right Way Home, which paid homage to his many qualities.

Balancing Act was fresh in everyone’s minds as an immersive theatrical piece that had performers use the entire school as a stage. So,

when incumbent Principal Kerrie Murphy (2001–2010) asked what would best enhance the student experience, the answer was obvious. Students, regardless of whether they studied Drama were enticed into dreaming, writing, rehearsing, and performing. Parents and guardians of students have always helped with set constructions, costumes and the transformation of spaces. This strengthened an already tight-knit community. Given the nature of past collaborative works, ArtsFest as an interactive, immersive experience was a natural culmination.

TINY TREASURES

Examining ‘Golden Thoughts’ and its Victorian roots.

Microminiature book, Golden Thoughts from Great Authors forms part of the Special Collections donated to the Bibliothèque in 2020 by Dr Anthony Miller, former Chair of the Department of English at the University of Sydney.

Not just a pretty bijou object (but yes, a real book!) Golden Thoughts was published at the turn of the twentieth century in Glasgow by David Bryce and is an example of the Victorian self-help genre, compiling philosophy quotes from various writers in history.

Bryce used the technological advances that came with the Industrial Revolution, particularly photolithography. Photolithography used light and chemicals to transfer tiny patterns between different surfaces, without the need to typeset or engrave the content manually. This allowed him to reduce existing plates to miniscule formats. This skill and his connection with Oxford University Press allowed him to prolifically produce the smallest books in the world at that time.

Collecting miniature versions of literature became highly popular, an ideal gift both practical and novel. By gifting it to IGS, Dr Miller intended to encourage students to explore history simply through words: “Literature has evolved through time and taken on different forms. Think of Shakespeare’s plays, the personal epics of Wordsworth, and TS Eliot’s poetry of 20th Century urban life [...] It draws you into these contexts. It expands your understanding of our culture.

To donate an item to the School’s Archive or for more information, write to Phoebe Chin at archive@igssyd.nsw.edu.au

We can’t wait to hear and share your stories!

RIGHT: Thank you to Director of the Bibliothèque Patrice Marchbank for sharing this Special Collections item.

BRAND RESEARCH 2023

In August last year, IGS commissioned independent research agency Fiftyfive5 to undertake community-based qualitative and quantitative research. The goal of this research was to help us evaluate and optimise perceptions of the School—both internally and within the broader school community. The findings have helped us better define what sets us apart from other schools and are supporting our commitment to continuous improvement in all that we do.

Most important IGS specific attributes from ranked top 5

There is a clear focus on expected attributes of quality teachers and wellness but also on attributes like diversity, coeducation, and progressiveness.

How well do the Vision and Mission statements fit with your experience of IGS? How new and different is the this statement compared with other schools?

Respondents were asked to rank the top 5 most important attributes for a school to have

We found 4 key aspects differentiate IGS vs other schools

How likely would you be to recommend IGS to your family, friends or colleagues?

Calculated taking the percentage of the promotor score (9-10) and subtracting the percentage of the detractor score (0-6)

SELF

GLOBAL OUTLOOK

BROAD DEFINITION OF EDUCATION

The dominant attributes and benefits defined as the foundations of IGS:

Diversity is celebrated

A progressive school offering a broad liberal education

Strong school community

Language learning at the heart of education

Music and the arts as key learning areas

Coeducational

Secular

PARENTS/CARERS

STAFF MEMBERS

Promoters (scored 9-10)

Passives (scored 7-8)

Detractors (scored 0-6)

We surveyed the engagement levels and use of various school communications

The IGS values are received positively and are important to the community

“Feels true as IGS has a unique ‘vibe’ and ‘energy.’”

DIVERSITY

“Feels true in that diversity is welcomed and celebrated at IGS.”

CONNECTEDNESS

VIBRANCY

“Individual students are given room to excel no matter what their specialities are.”

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT

AUTHENTICITY

“Feels relevant to IGS and reflects the student and community experience.”

TOPLINE RESEARCH INSIGHTS

High quality educators is the most consistently dominant school choice driver

Other key factors: quality teaching, education and nurturing environments are essential drivers, along with diversity and inclusion.

IGS differentiators include:

‘Openness’ and ‘Global outlook’, where ‘Diversity is celebrated’, an ‘Inclusive school community’ and being ‘A progressive school offering a broad liberal education’.

“IGS celebrates being individual and expressing yourself”

Current IGS-specific attributes and values are held with high importance across all audiences.

A key attribute for IGS is its personalised approach that recognises each student’s individual abilities and potential.

There is strong teacher understanding of the IGS mission

The school motto Unity Through Diversity is perceived as a differentiator and good fit for IGS.

We gathered feedback on the use and performance of school communications

COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS

Engage is functional for important information

Operoo is great to sign forms and receive information digitally

Poor user experience causes frustration

The number of platforms that parents are asked to use can be overwhelming

Hard to search various platforms for information

Website data can be out of date

PUBLICATIONS & NEWSLETTERS

Jigsaw provides a good overview of school activities, enjoyed by parents and students, and shared with friends and family

Friday newsletters are a good, easy way of keeping parents informed but can be too much to read

Concerns expressed around sustainability of printed comms Need to highlight ‘need to know’ information so it’s not missed

TOPLINE RESEARCH OUTCOMES

Working closely with community stakeholders and strategic design agency Collective Objective, we are reinvigorating IGS messaging and communications in line with findings.

Our loved and unique School motto – Unity Through Diversity – has been elevated to our School’s Vision, and celebrated in a new School Anthem by composer Paul Jarman that sits beside our much loved School Song, composed by Ross Edwards.

IGS values are important to our community. They will be maintained and celebrated.

Our School’s unique differentiators have been expressed as messaging pillars that we will continue to build on.

Our Newsletters have been reduced in frequency, moving from weekly to fortnightly communications. We have also reduced printing and postage.

Communications and events for our Prospective Parents are being reviewed, refreshed and increased.

IGS has commenced an information technology audit and analysis with plans to rationalise and improve technology platforms over the next 2 years.

Our personalised approach to education recognises each student’s individual abilities and potential. IGS remains dedicated to supporting quality educators and promoting student wellbeing, all while fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Quantitative sample

— A total sample of n=376 respondents; Current Parents, New Intake Parents, Prospective Parents, Students, Staff Members, Alums

— n=198 respondents were parents of children who currently attend IGS

— Even sample across year groups

— ‘Above average response rate and above average positive sentiment’

Qualitative sample

— 12 one-on-one interviews with a range of key stakeholders and members of the IGS community; Current Parents (mix of Junior/Senior School), Staff Members, Board Members, Head Students, Alums.

RIGHT: The IGS Strategy Wheel from Into the World, the School’s Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026

40 YEARS YOUNG

At IGS, we’ve been celebrating bilingual learning and unity through diversity since 1984. Upon one single dream, a thousand beautiful traditions have been built.

‘What does IGS mean to me?’ IGS Anniversary Worlds conceptualised by students from Early Learning to Year 12.

achievement baado bamal communication connected create culture discovery expression flourish friends

Stretch your mental muscles with the IGS Word Fit puzzle! Strategically place each word in the grid until the last word clicks into place. future global growth gura heritage impact kindness kuyal languages learning music nature pride respect retreat school spirit strength sustainability unity vibrancy world

JIGSAW captures the essence of our community in a collection of vibrant stories that come together like pieces of a puzzle, illustrating the unity and diversity of our School.

JIGSAW is published by International Grammar School

Gadigal Land

4–8 Kelly Street, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia

Editor in Chief

Principal Shauna Colnan

Editor

Clare Bailey

Contributors

Trisha Harris, Janaina Souza Da Silva, Phoebe Chin, Ted Pearson, Racquel Palomino Canas

Photography

Scott Ehler, James Elder, Allison Lee, Ted Pearson, Janaina Souza da Silva

Design

Collective Objective