This week, we celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025. What a privilege it has been to walk alongside these students – some of whom began with us in Prep – as they have grown in character, faith and learning. Graduation is more than a ceremony; it is a testimony to God’s faithfulness over many years, and to the partnership of home and school that makes Christian education possible. 

To our Year 12 parents and carers: thank you. Whether this is your first child to graduate or your last, you have entrusted us with something precious. Your prayers, encouragement, and ongoing support have been vital. We are deeply grateful for the partnership we enjoy with families at ICS. 

At the graduation service, I reflected on 1 Corinthians 1:18: 

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

In a culture that prizes achievement and self-reliance, the gospel can appear weak or even foolish. Yet God’s wisdom overturns the wisdom of the world. True significance is not measured by grades, awards or status, but in Jesus.  

It is our deep hope that our graduating students have a faith in the saving work of Jesus and that this shapes their purpose, character and service to others. This is the heart of what we want every student at Illawarra Christian School to grasp – not only our graduating Year 12s, but those still learning in our classrooms every day. 

As our Year 12 students step into the next stage of life, our prayer is that they will: 

• Hold loosely to the world’s measures of success, remembering that God’s power and wisdom are eternal.
• Hold tightly to Christ, who is their life, their foundation and their source of joy.
• Embrace weakness and challenge, knowing that God’s strength is perfected there.
• Serve others with humility, courage and compassion. 

Please pray for Year 12 as they prepare for their HSC early next term, that God would keep our school community safe over the holiday period and bring us all back safely in Term 4.

Mr Simon Lainson

Principal

Our visitors joined up for breakfast, a special Father’s Day Assembly with an address from former ICS teacher Mr Luke Williamson, and some time in K-6 classrooms.

It was a great occasion of celebration of the fathers and father figures within our ICS community.

Through their own efforts, students raised funds and donated food, essentials, and warm winter clothing, supporting those doing it tough in our community.

Earlier this month, they took a car-load worth of donations and delivered them to our local Wollongong Homeless Hub at Unanderra.

Well done to these students for such a fantastic display of generosity and compassion!

Presenting the results of the projects they've been completing across Term 3, students dressed up as 'notable' historical figures, prepared to present their research to guests who stopped by their tables.

Well done to these students for an exciting and engaging afternoon of education!

On Wednesday evening, our school community gathered together for the Year 12 Graduation service. This was a special opportunity to thank God for each student, celebrate their achievements, and pray for them as they step into their final stage of school life. It was a wonderful occasion, and we are grateful to the staff, families, and students who made it such a memorable evening. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff at Illawarra Christian School who have invested in the lives of our Year 12 students over so many years. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, through co-curricular opportunities, or through everyday conversations, your impact has been significant and deeply appreciated. 

To our Year 12 students: as you now look ahead to your HSC exams, I encourage you to study hard, stay focused, and do the best that you can. Remember to thank those who have supported you along the way, and continue to lean on the Lord for strength, peace, and perspective during this time. 

And finally, may you also know the love of your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is through him and him alone that we can truly draw meaning and purpose in our lives and keep perspective as to what is most important. I would like to leave you with one of my favourite passages in the Bible from 1 Peter 1:3-5, as it says: 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 

We thank God for you, Year 12, and we will continue to uphold you in prayer in the weeks ahead. 

Student Leadership Team 2025/26 

I have the privilege of working closely with the Year 12 Student Leadership Team, which is truly one of the greatest joys of my role. Throughout this year, I have been thoroughly impressed and encouraged by the current Year 12 leaders. Time and time again, they have demonstrated a willingness to serve and contribute in meaningful ways to our school culture here at Illawarra Christian School. It has been a blessing to see these students step up and lead with willing, servant hearts. 

At the core of our leadership here at school is service, as we seek to educate students for a life of learning, service, and purpose to the glory of God. We model our leadership after our risen Saviour, Jesus. Jesus was the perfect example of servant leadership. In Mark 10:45, we read: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." As we train, equip, and challenge our students to lead within our school, whether in a leadership position or not, we encourage them to be more like Christ in all they do. 

With the current Year 12 cohort having now finished up, we have just completed the process of electing the new Year 12 School and House Captains. Following a written application, an interview process, and feedback from staff and senior students, Mr Lainson, Mrs Sharpe, Mr Engel and I selected the four school captains and six secondary house captains. This was a hugely encouraging process, as we heard each applicant share their Christian journey and their passion for our school. The final decision was a difficult one, and I want to encourage those who missed out not to be discouraged but rather to take the many opportunities presented to them over the next 12 months to lead, regardless of their position. 

Therefore, I am excited to announce and present to our school community the new Student Leadership Team for 2025/26. I look forward to working closely with this group of students, utilising their skills, passion, and leadership capabilities to positively impact our school over the next 12 months. 

These students will be formally inducted at our first whole school assembly next term on Tuesday 14 October at 9am. Congratulations to the following students: 

School Captains: 

Toby Atkinson 

Bethany Dobson 

Jemima Dombkins 

Izzy Christian 

Keira House Captains: 

Rebekah Kinstead 

Hannah Papadakis 

Kembla House Captains: 

Connor Hutchinson 

Mackenzie Rajcany 

Nebo House Captains: 

Isaiah Williams 

Fiona Wilson

I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable holiday break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in Term 4 on Tuesday 14 October.  

Mr Peter Richardson 

Director of Secondary 

Craft & Hamper Stall

We’re looking for handmade items, festive decorations, and unused craft supplies. Each year group has a themed hamper—please refer to your SEQTA direct messages for specific donation suggestions.

Second-hand Clothing & Uniform Stall

We’re collecting clean, good-quality school uniforms and clothing for all ages. Donations can be dropped off at the school office until Monday 17 November. Please label items clearly with the stall name.

Cake & Plant Stall

More details will be shared early next term.

Volunteering at the Christmas Markets

We’d love your help to make the Christmas Market a success! We're on the hunt for volunteers to help with:

• Stall support
• Activity supervision
• Set-up and pack-up
• And more!

If you’re available to lend a hand, please fill out the form at tinyurl.com/ICSChristmasVolunteer2025.

Please note: All volunteers must have a current Working With Children Check.

Your contributions help make this event a joyful celebration and support school initiatives—thank you for your generosity!