The master plan seeks to address some of the current limitations and challenges for the site and any perceived future needs well into the future. This includes additional primary and secondary classrooms, specialty classrooms, parking, playground, and staff facilities. The plans are really promising, but will need to be completed in a phased approach over many years.  

We are really excited to announce that over the July school holidays the next big development and the first phase of the ICS school site will commence. The project will improve the Tyalla Place Driveway and access to the school site, the playground area in front of A Block, access to the Hall, disabled access to B Block and some retaining walls. This building project will pave the way for future projects in the school and ensure compliance with modern bushfire and building codes.  

The project is due to be completed early in 2026 and while there will be some disruption to school life, we have been working with the builders to minimise the impact on learning and ensure the community is safe and secure throughout the duration of the build.  

We will provide updates on the progress of the construction throughout 2025 and hope to announce in the not too distant future the next stages of development of our school site. 

We give thanks to God that in his timing we are about to embark on this work and for his ongoing provision for our school. 

Mr Simon Lainson

Principal

Step 1:

Downloa the Return and Earn app, and search for "ICS Return and Earn Fundraiser" under the 'charities' section on the main page.

Step 2:

Select 'Set as Payout' to set ICS up as your preferred payout method

Step 3:

Scan your in-app barcode at the machine

Step 4:

Return your containers and select 'Transfer' on the screen when finished.

Step 5:

Your donation will go to the ICS Committee, providing funds that will help enrich our school community.

Happy recycling!

On Wednesday, June 4, a group of 20 students from Years 5 and 6 went on an excursion to compete against other schools in the Illawarra Regional Primary Chess Competition.

The teams played many games of chess and some of the games were very challenging. Our chess teams practise every Friday at lunchtime, and some of our players have only recently learned the game, but we all have enjoyed playing.

Overall, ICS did very well, with three of our five teams placing in the top half of the teams present. Our top 3 teams placed second, eighth, and 21st.

Everyone had a great day and left with smiles on their faces. It was a great day and a day that the chess teams will never forget.

Matyas

Year 6 Student

The symposium featured a series of insightful lectures intertwined with dynamic performances of key scenes from The Tempest, brought to life by Ryan’s talented cast of professional actors from Sport for Jove. 

This unique blend of academic discussion and theatrical interpretation offered students a deeper appreciation of Shakespeare’s original play and its contemporary resonances. The event provided an exceptional opportunity to engage directly with the themes, characters, and language of The Tempest, as well as to consider its enduring relevance and transformation in Margaret Atwood’s Hag-Seed.

Through this experience, students were able to strengthen their understanding of Module A: Textual Conversations, exploring how both texts reflect their composers’ values and contexts. The symposium not only supported students’ analytical skills but also brought their study of these two complex works to life in an engaging and memorable way.

Thanks to Mrs Ellis for organising this valuable excursion for Year 12 Advanced English, and also to Miss Russell and Mrs Wilkinson for attending with us all.

On Monday of Week 9, we were privileged to welcome Mark Dombkins, founder of Forever Projects, to speak at our school assembly. He inspired our students with a powerful message from Ephesians 4:28, reminding us that we all have something “in our hands” that can be used to bless others. His challenged us to be people who work not just for ourselves, but for the good of those in need. 

Our final event for the fundraiser capped off our term on Friday, July 4, with students from Kindergarten to Year 12 taking part in a whole-school walk/run around the school during lunchtime.

This fundraiser has been about much more than just raising money. It’s been a tangible expression of our calling to follow Jesus by caring for the vulnerable and noticing the needs of others. What a joy it has been to see our students rise to the challenge with courage, creativity, and compassion. 

As we head into the school holidays, thank you again for your continued support and encouragement. We pray you enjoy a time of rest, renewal, and time together as a family. 

Mr Peter Richardson

Director of Secondary

We held our AGM in May where we said farewell to Geoff Hewitt as a Director. Geoff has been involved in our schools for a long time, as Principal at ICS, as State Executive Officer for CEN in NSW and more recently as a Director on our Board. Geoff has always applied great passion for Christian Education, humility and gentle wisdom to all he does and we deeply appreciate his enormous contribution to the cause of quality Christian Education in the Illawarra. 

Following the AGM, Phil Commins has kindly agreed to take on the role of Board Treasurer, with all other Executive roles remaining unchanged (Andrew Spence (Chair), Gordon Coleman (Deputy Chair), Simon Moran (Secretary)). Our other Directors are Jen Gray, Stacey Andrews and Lachlan Bryant.

The strategic priorities of the Board remain consistent, with emphasis at the moment on developing infrastructure at both our schools to support enrolment growth, student and staff experience and quality Christian education. While progress has been slower than we would like, it is pleasing to see major work starting at ICS and plans moving along well at CCS. 

If you would like to contact the Board at any time please feel free to send a note to boardsecretary@illawarrace.nsw.edu.au.

Andrew Spence

ICE Board Chair

We are pleased to share that the Donut Stall at the Athletics Carnival raised $584.94, while the Term 2 Pie Drive raised $751.55.

A big thank you to our volunteers and ICS Committee members who helped with these events, and to all who supported them by purchasing and enjoying some yummy donuts and pies!