At the end of this term, Year 12 students will have reached the halfway point in their Year 12 journey and as anyone who has ever experienced Year 12 will tell you, it goes fast!

This week I have had the pleasure of overseeing the annual update to our ‘TIGS Scholar’ wall in the Year 12 Senior Study Room, recognising academic excellence in the HSC results of the recently graduated Class of 2023. In next week’s Senior School assembly, Mr Breheny will be interviewing one of the students from this cohort – a student who achieved an impressive final ATAR as a result of a good deal of application and commitment, particularly evident during his final year at The Illawarra Grammar School. Each year, we invite one such student to address the Senior School and to share their experiences, as well as the strategies they employed, for achieving academic success. Often, these students talk about creating good study habits, disciplined routines and setting clear goals – strategies that are as important to the academic success of students in Year 7 as they are to the current Year 12s.

In my last newsletter article, I presented the plans and timings for The Illawarra Grammar School’s Senior School Tuition Hub. Attending additional classes before or after school is a great way for students to consolidate their learning or to dispel any misconceptions about key concepts.

Senior School Library

Earlier in Term I, Dr Greenhalgh set out our plans to open the School Library to senior students on Saturdays during term time. Having concluded our consultations with senior students, I am pleased to confirm that from Week 1 of next term, The Goodhew Research Centre (Library) will be available to senior students, in Year 11 and Year 12, on Saturday mornings for the purpose of providing an opportunity to undertake productive study in the familiar environs of the School Library.

Please note the following details:

• The Library will be open to TIGS students in Years 11 and 12 from 9.00am to 1.00pm, during term time, commencing from Saturday 4 May.
• Library staff will be in attendance to support students, and access to photocopiers will be provided.
• Students should enter and exit via the Powell Street gate, with parking available in the Powell Street car park.
• The Library is only open to Year 11 and Year 12 students – not their friends or family members.
• Students will require their TIGS ID card to sign in, and out, of the Library. They are free to arrive and leave as they wish.
• Students are not required to wear their School uniform but should dress appropriately. All students are required to wear enclosed footwear.
• Mobile phones must not be used whilst in the Library. The tone is to be one of quiet, productive, engaged study, without exception.

I am excited to see how our senior students will make full use of this valuable opportunity to enhance their study and to consolidate their knowledge. I fully expect to hear about the significance of this provision when future students, who have gone on to achieve great outcomes in their HSCs, address the Senior School to pass on the secrets of their own success!