As the School community prepares to bid farewell to the wonderful Mrs Judi Nealy, we are excited to receive news of our incoming Principal.

Dr Julie Greenhalgh will step into the position of Principal at TIGS beginning January 1, 2024, following the retirement of Mrs Judi Nealy who has led the School for the last six years.

Dr Greenhalgh recently served on the Board of the Cranbrook School, following a 16-year tenure as Principal at one of Sydney’s leading independent girls’ schools, Meriden.

Following the completion of her first degree with UNSW, Dr Greenhalgh began her education career as a Science and Mathematics classroom teacher. This led to a six-year tenure as Head of Science at Canberra Grammar School, before relocating to Sydney, where she was successful in multiple leadership roles at Pymble Ladies’ College; the last of which being Deputy Principal prior to her appointment as Principal at Meriden.

Concurrently, Dr Greenhalgh continued to pursue her own education, completing her Master of Education with ACU, underpinned by her thesis – Academic Excellence in Independent Schools in NSW.

Chair of Council, Prof. Anthony Okely said this depth and breadth of sector experience, leadership capability and passion for academic excellence is what led Dr Greenhalgh to be the preferred candidate for this important position at TIGS.

“Dr Greenhalgh’s warmth and authenticity underpin her enthusiasm for the role of Principal. We are equally humbled to welcome an academic leader of Dr Greenhalgh’s calibre to TIGS community and excited to partner with her as we continue to strive for excellence together. As we prepare to farewell Principal Nealy, the School Council looks forward to celebrating the outstanding contribution made throughout her tenure and offer our appreciation for her involvement in supporting a smooth transition for Dr Greenhalgh as she takes on this important leadership role,” Prof. Okely said.

Dr Greenhalgh has served Australia’s educational community for over 40 years and her leadership extends far beyond the school gates. She has also served as Committee Chair for the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) and as a member of the Board for the Association of Heads of Independent Girls Schools (AHIGS). This experience has deepened her understanding of managing complex organisations and the challenges of leading others.

“I am excited to accept the invitation from the School Council to be the next principal of The Illawarra Grammar School. I know the good reputation of the School and of the solid foundations that have been established by Mrs Nealy and her team, and I look forward to building upon these for the benefit of TIGS students and the staff.

A firm believer of the importance of a holistic education that includes Music, Sport, Outdoor Education, debating and other worthwhile activities, my main priority will always be the classroom. Primarily, I will be focussing on high quality teaching and learning, and I am looking forward to ensuring that TIGS offers its students an education that is rigorous, engaging and purposeful.”

Dr Greenhalgh also holds a Doctor of Education from the University of New England in Educational Curriculum.

Dr Greenhalgh is deeply committed to nurturing and empowering young people for successful personal, public and professional lives and we warmly welcome her into TIGS community.