Illawarra Christian School News

Throughout 2025, we have celebrated many achievements—academic, sporting, artistic and relational. From strong academic results to countless quiet moments of perseverance in classrooms and playgrounds, there has been much to give thanks for. Yet every success, every step of growth, ultimately points beyond ourselves to the one who gives every good gift. No teacher, student or leader is the object of our worship. God alone is worthy.

We have seen worship expressed in assemblies, devotions and music, but perhaps even more clearly in the unseen moments—acts of service, patience, forgiveness and kindness that have shaped our community day by day. These moments, too, are acts of worship.

At the beginning of the year, we looked forward with anticipation. Now, at the end, we look back with gratitude. From the first day of Term 1 to today, we have had the privilege of worshipping God together—not only with our words, but through the pattern of our lives.

Paul’s words in Romans 12:1 continue to challenge us: “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices… this is your spiritual act of worship.” Throughout this year, many in our community have lived this out—serving others, helping classmates, welcoming new families, honouring teachers, and seeking to follow Christ in the everyday moments of school life.

When we live distinctly—speaking truth, loving generously and pursuing what is right—we proclaim, often without words, that God is holy. It has been encouraging to see students, staff and families across our school point to Christ through faithful, consistent living.

One of the richest blessings of this year has been community. We began the year gathered together, and we finish last week still together - shaped, stretched and strengthened through the relationships God has given us.

As we come to the close of the year, we can say with confidence: God has been faithful. He has guided, sustained, protected and provided for us every step of the way.

Throughout 2025 ICS has continued its heritage of academic excellence, evidenced through outstanding HSC, NAPLAN, and many external competition results. More importantly, we have continued our heritage of placing Christ at the centre of all we do. This year has reminded us again that worship is not a moment—it is a whole-of-life calling that shapes our work, our relationships, our character and our view of the world.

To our parents, thank you for your partnership, encouragement and trust. We are grateful to walk alongside you in your children’s learning and faith journey.

To our students, thank you for the way you have grown, persevered and contributed to the life of our school. Each of you has played a part in shaping this community.

To our staff, thank you for your faithfulness, creativity, skill and heart. You have taught not only subjects, but lives, and it is a privilege to serve alongside you.

As we finish the year, may our hearts echo the heavenly chorus:

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honour and power.”

May God be glorified through all that has been accomplished in 2025, and may he continue to shape us into a community that worships him in all things.

To God be the glory.

Mr Simon Lainson
Principal

* studied externally.

Thanks to the generosity and donations from our school community, we were able to prepare 128 boxes and raise over $1800 in covering costs for the appeal!

Our Primary and Secondary Nebo House Captains assisted as the boxes were packed into the truck, having overseen the fundraiser across the term, including raising funds to cover the cost of delivering the boxes through weekly Zooper Dooper fundraisers and a bake sale in Week 8.

Well done to these students, and a big thanks once again to our school community for their contributions to this fundraiser!

The evening contained a vibrant variety of stalls, activities and musical performances from our students, with plenty to enjoy for the many that were in attendance. A big thanks to everyone that joined us!

Thank you also to all the helpers, volunteers and stall holders who attended and assisted at our 2025 Christmas Markets. Your help goes a long way to enabling us to bring our community together at events like these.

Check out some photo highlights of the evening in the post below.

Congratulations once again to all these students! Our Semester 1 Primary Leaders and House Captains will be inducted into their roles at a Junior School Assembly on Friday, January 30. Stay tuned for a formal invitation to this event early next year.

As many of you will know, the new age restrictions for social media use came into effect on 10 December. Full details and excellent parent resources can be found on the eSafety Commissioner website , and I encourage you to take advantage of the practical guidance they provide.

These changes arrive after years of research showing the very real impact of heavy social media use on adolescents, particularly in relation to mental health, learning, relationships, sleep, and body image. In light of the new restrictions, I found a recent post by researcher and author Marshall Ballantine-Jones especially helpful. Marshall draws together the key evidence and explains why this new approach is not about limiting freedom, but about safeguarding healthy development.

Some of his main points include:

Teens will still grow into social media use as they mature, but delaying access recognises that the developing brain is far more vulnerable to addictive design, comparison culture, and constant stimulation.

The changes were supported across the political spectrum because the evidence is now overwhelming: social media has become a genuine public-health concern for young people.

Executive function is still forming, and heavy exposure to algorithm-driven platforms at this age is strongly linked to disruptions in sleep, learning, wellbeing, and face-to-face connection.

Just as we delay driving, alcohol, and other adult responsibilities, this shift simply recognises that young people need time to grow the skills, habits, and resilience required for online life.

Although some young people will still try to circumvent the rules, the new landscape gives parents permission to confidently say “not yet”.

You can read Marshall’s full post here .

Alongside Marshall’s timely summary, I also want to commend three additional resources and readings that I found immensely helpful:

Looking ahead, we are also very pleased to share that Marshall Ballantine-Jones will be visiting Illawarra Christian School on Tuesday 3 March as a guest speaker for our students, staff, and parent community. This will be a valuable opportunity to engage more deeply with the research and to equip families with practical strategies. Further details will be shared early in the new year.

As a school, we want to walk alongside you with clarity, grace, and support. These changes give all of us an opportunity to set clearer expectations, build healthier digital habits, and help our young people approach online life with wisdom rather than overwhelm.

If you have not already, I encourage you to explore the eSafety Commissioner resources and begin gentle, intentional conversations at home about what healthy digital use looks like in your family in this new season.

As communicated recently by Mrs Melinda Sharpe, we are asking all families to ensure that students return in January wearing the correct school shoes. Over the past term we have seen a gradual increase in skate style shoes, which do not meet our uniform guidelines.

Our policy requires:
"Black leather lace-up school shoes with firm sole and low heel. The leather should be firm to provide protection when worn in the playground and practical classrooms. ‘Skate ’ and ‘jogger ’ style shoes are not allowed."

This expectation supports safety, uniformity, and the culture we hold dearly as a Christian learning community. Thank you in advance for your support in maintaining high standards and setting students up well for the year ahead.

I also want to publicly thank our wonderful secondary staff. Every day I see the quiet, faithful ways they care for our students, teaching, coaching, encouraging, listening, praying, planning, and consistently going above and beyond. ICS is blessed with dedicated, Christ-centred educators, and it is a privilege to lead this team.

In assemblies this term, we have explored the many names of Jesus. Immanuel, Saviour, Messiah, Wonderful Counsellor, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, King of Kings. This week we finished the year by looking at Jesus as the Bright Morning Star from Revelation 22:16 . The morning star appears when the night is at its darkest, carrying a simple message, “Morning is coming.”

This is the hope Jesus brings. In a world that can feel heavy and uncertain, Christmas reminds us that light has come. Because of his resurrection, 1 Peter 1:3 tells us we have been given a living hope, a hope that is certain because it rests on a living Saviour. My prayer for all our families is that this hope would be real and refreshing to you this Christmas.

Thank you again for the way you have welcomed me into the community this year. I look forward to continuing our partnership in 2026 as strive to be a dynamic Christ-centred learning community where students are nurtured to be curious, courageous and compassionate life-long learners, transforming the communities in which they live.

I pray you enjoy a restful and joyful break and a Christmas filled with the light and hope of Christ, our Bright Morning Star.

Students formed families, and across the day built shelters, collected drinking water and cooked their meals together. They also engaged in several simulation activities, working together to earn "money" for their families.

This was the culmination of the Year 8 Global Citizens program, which they have taken part in across the year. The program has helped students understand God's heart for the poor, vulnerable and oppressed in our world, raising awareness and stirring compassion among our students.

This special occasion marked the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to personal growth. The Gold Award recognizes students who have challenged themselves to achieve ambitious goals while making meaningful contributions to their communities.

Following the formal ceremony, the group explored the beautiful grounds of Government House and even enjoyed an impromptu photoshoot – imagining what it might feel like to attend as international visiting ambassadors.

Mrs Tracey Trautman
Duke of Edinburgh Lead Coordinator

Here's what some of our students had to say about the hike:

Mr Rob Spreitzer
Silver Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator