Hope is an important human quality. Without it we wilt. With it we thrive. Hope is integral to the Christian faith. Christians hope for a new creation where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Rev 21.4). Moreover, in anticipation of that wondrous day, Christians hope to be conformed into the image of Jesus, the Son of God and perfect human being (Romans 8.29).

In March 2025, the combined churches of the Illawarra will be hosting an event called ‘Hope for the Illawarra’. The aim of the event is to hold out the hope contained within the Christian faith to all in the Illawarra.

I attended the launch of the event at Figtree Anglican Church last Friday evening. It was attended by over 400 people representing 55 churches in the Illawarra. Excitement for the event was palpable!

‘Hope for the Illawarra’ will include three events at the WIN Entertainment Centre. There will be a Youth event on Friday 28 March at 7pm; a Children’s event on Saturday 29 March at 11am; and an Adult event on Saturday 29 March at 7pm.

The Youth event will include a band and gifted speaker Dave Jensen; the Children’s event will include well-known musician Colin Buchanan and children’s specialist Adam Jolliffe; and the Adult event will include a message of hope from Dr Michael Yusuf, a gifted communicator from Atlanta Georgia.

The Chair of the organising committee is the Anglican Bishop of Wollongong, The Right Reverend Peter Hayward. Bishop Hayward has extended an invitation to The Illawarra Grammar School to be involved in the event. We are excited at the prospect of partnering with the churches of the Illawarra in such a worthy endeavour.

The Chaplaincy team is currently looking at ways we can be involved, but at the very least, it would be wonderful for students across the School to be planning to attend the events for children and youth. You might also consider attending the Adult event.

We will be sharing more information about the event shortly. I encourage you to look out for this communication.

We are pleased to introduce the new Senior School Cocurricular Timetable for Term I 2025. This program has been designed to offer students a wide range of opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom.

From debating to Chess Club to Christian groups to music and sport opportunities, there really is something for everyone looking to explore their interests or learn new skills.

We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities. Please visit the OLLE Cocurricular page for the timetable and information on how to register. Please note that as we go through the year, new activities will become available and there may be some slight changes made to the schedule, so be sure to check back at the start of each term for the most up to date information.

At the start of the School year, many students have set themselves targets for the term and year ahead. Developing strong study habits from the start of the year is one great way for students to maximise their academic potential. 

The School Library will be open to senior students in Years 10, 11 and 12 from this Saturday. Opening hours are 9.00am until 2.00pm. Students should be dropped off, or may park, at our Powell Street Car Park and will need to swipe their Illawarra Grammar ID card as they arrive and exit the Library.

Students wishing to attend should dress appropriately (school uniform is not required) and ensure they are wearing closed shoes. Optional on-site academic tuition will be available in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics from 11.00am and we will be increasing this offer as we go through the term.

I commend this opportunity to our senior students as a great way to consolidate their learning, complete their homework or prepare for assessments.

Dr Michael Molkentin, Director of Studies

Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is undertaken by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

In 2025 NAPLAN tests at The Illawarra Grammar School will take place from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 17 March.

NAPLAN is just one part of our school learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at School. In the Senior School, students will participate in NAPLAN Online tests on the following days: 

12 March: Writing 

13 March: Reading 

14 March: Conventions of Language 

17 March: Numeracy 

For students who are absent during any of these days, catch up tests will be arranged. 

In preparation for NAPLAN Online, all students in Years 7 and 9 will receive support at School to install the NAPLAN locked-down browser on their own device. In addition, on test days students must ensure they have a fully charged laptop, headphones and two pencils.

The public demonstration site is available to sample the types of questions, tools and functions used in the NAPLAN tests. 

Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website. 

Mrs Hughes, the Head of Academic Support, will communicate with the parents of students who qualify for disability provisions. 

If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please don’t hesitate to contact the Director of Studies, Dr Michael Molkentin.