2015

Parent Handbook

January 2015

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Contents

Page
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................................. 3
School Motto ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
School Directory ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Administrative Matters ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Absences/Attendance .................................................................................................................................... 6
Assembly/Chapel ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Assessment and Reporting .............................................................................................................................. 7
Award System .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) ………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
Canteen ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Change of Address/Phone Numbers ............................................................................................................ 9
Chaplaincy ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Co-curricular, Extra Curricular and Student Clubs ...................................................................................... 10
Communication Systems ................................................................................................................................. 10
Exams .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
First Aid/Sickness/Accidents ............................................................................................................................ 13
Goodhew Research Centre (Library) ............................................................................................................ 13
Homework ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
International Baccalaureate Programme ..................................................................................................... 16
Lesson Times ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Lost Property ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Medication ........................................................................................................................................................ 17
Music Tutoring .................................................................................................................................................... 18
OLLE (OnLine Learning Environment) ............................................................................................................. 18
Personal Presentation ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Prayer Group ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Professional Learning Days/Pupil Free Days ................................................................................................. 19
School Associations .......................................................................................................................................... 20
School Map ........................................................................................................................................................ 21
School Photos .................................................................................................................................................... 22
School Policies ................................................................................................................................................... 22
School Sports ...................................................................................................................................................... 22
Term Dates and Other Relevant Information................................................................................................ 23
Transport ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
Uniforms .............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Visitors .................................................................................................................................................................. 26

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Introduction

Here at TIGS we want to ensure that there is clear communication between students, parents and the School. Clear
communication comes from the concise articulation of the School’s expectations. To achieve this we have developed
a number of publications and systems to ensure you are well informed. These include weekly school bulletins, semester
publications, updates on our website, subject information booklets, parent evenings and so on.

This information booklet is designed to answer many of the questions you might have about the day to day functions
of the School, the key contact people, the times for various activities, uniform and transport issues and policies.

Keep the booklet handy and use it like a ‘ready reckoner’ and hopefully it will help save time and confusion. The
booklet covers students and their activities in the Piper Centre, Junior School and Senior School.

Should there be questions not answered in this booklet, please call the School, 4220 0200, and you will be directed to
a member of staff who can help you.

TIGS was founded as an Anglican School to encourage the maximum development of each member, spiritually,
intellectually, socially and physically.

The School environment is designed to encourage the students to establish a personal relationship with God, with other
students and with the staff. The School in co-operation with parents encourages each student to pursue the highest
level of academic excellence, personal achievement and fulfilment of which each is capable. It encourages students
to be individuals whose personal growth is maximised in order that they may become contributing members of the
community.

Mission Statement

The achievement of academic excellence in a caring environment

that is founded on Christian belief and behaviour,
so that students are equipped to act with wisdom,
compassion and justice as faithful stewards of our world.

School Badge and Motto

The School Badge has the shape of a shield and is divided into four sections by a wide blue cross
on a silver or white background. This represents our State of NSW and is based on the NSW Ensign
which was popularly used in the 1800s and was seriously proposed as a flag for Australia at
Federation.

The four white, eight pointed stars on the azure cross are the stars found on the emblem of the
Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church.

In the top left hand quadrant is a golden book representing the Word of God, the Bible. True wisdom comes from
understanding and obeying God’s word.

A cedar tree is found in the top right corner and is representative of three things. First, it is used symbolically in the Bible
to indicate strength and uprightness. Secondly, it connects to the School Motto “De virtute in virtutem” which means
“From Strength to Strength”. Finally, cedar has historic significance for the Illawarra Region with the logging of cedar
trees found in the area being an important industry in the early days of European settlement.

In the centre of the azure cross is a golden ox head which is a symbol of service. An entry in the School archive records
that “this is to remind us that we are educated to serve God and our fellow-men” (It was an all boys School then.)
“Sometimes in the old days oxen were sacrificed. Let us keep in mind the fact that we should sacrifice ourselves, our
time and our possessions for other people.”

The School Motto “De Virtute in Virtutem” is taken from Psalm 84, Verse 7 and means “From Strength to Strength”.

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School Directory

Se ni or E x ec uti v e
Headmaster Mr Stephen Kinsella
Deputy Headmaster/Head of Senior Mrs Monica Watt
School
Director of Enrolments Mrs Moira Jefferson
Director of Pastoral Care Mr Greg Lanyon
Director of Teaching and Learning Ms Melina Sangster
Head of Junior School Mrs Judi Nealy
Director of Pastoral Care, Junior School Mrs Narelle McRae

C hap lai nc y
Chaplain Rev James Rogers
Assistant Chaplain Rev Mark Grieve

IB Pr ogr a m me
Coordinator of IB Continuum Mrs Dianne Bryant
MYP Coordinator Mrs Sharon I’Ons
PYP Coordinator Mrs Karen Wallace

Se ni or S ch oo l H ea ds of F ac ult y
Arts Mrs Renae Pinazza
Design Mr Bruce Keating
English Mr Shaun Houghton
Human Society and Its Environment Ms Kerry Goonan
Mathematics Mr Matthew Wall
Library and Information Services Mrs Nadia Merchant
LOTE Ms Doriana Previati
PD/Health/PE Mr Jay Tregonning
Science Mr Martin Sormus
Sport/Outdoor Education Mrs Kylee Lane

H ous e P atr ons

Aranda Mr Michael Toussis Kogara Rev Mark Grieve
Coligan Mr Marcello Dardanelli Wolgal Ms Jane McIntosh

Sc ho ol C ou ns e ll or s
Mrs Audine Evans, Mrs Lyndel Boardman, Mrs Rachel Yerbury

De ans
Year 7 Mr Brett Ferguson Year 10 Mrs Naomi Sullivan
Year 8 Mr Adrian Deck Year 11 Mr Brenden Parsons
Year 9 Ms Cassandra James Year 12 Mrs Jean Burton
Dean of Senior Students Mrs Tessa McMaugh

Juni or S ch o ol E x e cut iv e
Head of Junior School Mrs Judi Nealy
Director of Pastoral Care Junior School Mrs Narelle McRae
Director of The Piper Centre Mrs Taesha Duly-Smith
Early Stage 1 Coordinator Mrs Kathryn McMahon
Stage 1 Coordinator Mrs Virginia Herraman
Stage 2 Coordinator Mrs Rebecca Young
Stage 3 Coordinator Mrs Alexandra Gordon
Head of Junior School Sport Mrs Jane Martin
PYP Coordinator Mrs Karen Wallace

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 K ey Sup por t St af f
Bursar Ms Danusia Waite
Business Manager Mr Ben Marsh
Development Assistant Mrs Lile Dimoski
Finance Office Mrs Jan Anderson
Junior School Office Mrs Michalie Vazzoler
Mrs Rebecca Grneski
Main Reception Mrs Regina Buckley
Manager, Development and Community Engagement Mrs Margaret Biggs
Manager, International Ms Sally Ann Gail
PA to the Chaplain Mrs Natalie Moore
PA to the Deputy Headmaster Mrs Jo Stone
PA to the Director of Enrolments Ms Nicci Fripp
PA to the Director of Pastoral Care Mrs Lisa Dent
PA to the Director of Teaching and Learning Ms Courtney Brooks
PA to the Head of Junior School Mrs Kerrie Tregonning
PA to the Head of Sport and Outdoor Education Mrs Leone Hinch
PA to the Headmaster Mrs Jo O’Brien (Maternity Leave)
Ms Nicole Cheetham
Property Manager Mr Matthew Field
School Canteen Supervisor Mrs Debbie Howard
Senior School Student Reception Mrs Suzzette Bevan
The Piper Centre Mrs Karen Gillespie
Transport Coordinator Mr Andrew Rutty
Uniform Shop Manager Mrs Olga Early

Ad mi nis tr ati v e M a tt e r s

School Hours
The Piper Centre
Preparatory .................................................. 8.00am – 4.00pm

Junior School (K – 6)
Playground supervision commences ..... 8.20am
School commences .................................. 8.45am
Recess 10.30am – 10.50am
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
Eating time .................................................. 1.05pm – 1.15pm
Lunch ........................................................... 1.15pm – 1.55pm
School finishes ............................................ 3.10pm

Senior School (7 – 12) ................................ 8.40am – 3.10pm

Recess ..........................................................
Lunch ...........................................................
School finishes……………………………...
10.25am – 10.40am (Monday, Tuesday and Friday)
10.45am – 11.00am (Wednesday and Thursday)
1.00pm – 1.35pm (Monday, Tuesday and Friday)
1.05pm – 1.35pm (Wednesday and Thursday)
3.10pm

Office Hours
Preparatory and Junior School .............. 8.00am – 4.00pm
Senior School .............................................. 8.00am – 4.30pm

Sc ho ol C on ta ct D et a ils
Telephone Facsimile
Main Office 4220 0200 Administration 4220 0201
Finance 4220 0215 Finance 4220 0205
The Piper Centre 4220 0251 Junior School 4220 0206
Junior School 4220 0250
Uniform Shop 4220 0230

Mailing Address PO Box 225, Figtree NSW 2525

Street Address Western Avenue, Wollongong NSW 2500
Website www.tigs.nsw.edu.au
Email info@tigs.nsw.edu.au

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Absences/Attendance – Junior and Senior School

The School’s registration by The Board of Studies is partly dependent upon the keeping of accurate attendance
records.

Students are expected to arrive at school in time for the commencement of the day’s activities, and to remain until
the end of the school day. Students are expected to attend on every school day. They are also expected to attend
every school event. Such events include athletics and swimming carnivals, excursions, term services, the carol service
and choir/orchestral performances, school camps and all formal scheduled occasions such as presentation
ceremonies.

Junior School
Class rolls are marked each morning by the classroom teacher before 9.00am. If your child arrives after the roll has
been marked, they must be signed in at the Junior School Office.

Senior School
Students arriving after 8.45am are to report to Student Reception in the Senior School to have this recorded.

When a student is absent from School, parents are asked to:

1. Telephone the School before 9.30am AND

2. Send a letter or the School provided absentee slip with the student’s name, stating the reason for absence,
on the day he or she returns to school. This letter is to be addressed and handed in to Student Reception,
in the Junior School and/or Senior School.

No student may leave the School grounds without written permission from a parent or guardian. Students leaving
during the day are to report to Student Reception in the Piper Centre, Junior School or Senior School to have this
recorded.

SMS Notification for Junior and Senior School Students

Families in the Junior School and Senior School will receive an SMS if:

• Your child is not in attendance at school and you have not telephoned or advised in writing of the absence, or

• Junior School - Your child has failed to attend class at 9.00am or has arrived late to school and has not signed in
at Student Reception.

• Senior School - Your child has failed to attend Mentor Group at 8.40am or has arrived late to school and has not
signed in at Student Reception.

A message will be sent to the mother’s mobile first. If there is no mobile number on record for the mother, the system
will send a message to the father’s mobile number. Should neither parent have a mobile number on record, an email
will be sent.

Please note the sending number for the SMS. You can SMS reply to this number - it will send a notification back to the
School - but please include details of your child’s name to assist us in matching your reply to our absentee list. Please
note that you will not be able to voice call this number.

If you receive a SMS but believe your child to be at school, you should contact the School to determine if the record
of absence is incorrect. If you receive a message and are aware that your child is not at school, please return the SMS
or telephone Student Reception and also provide a written explanation when your child returns to school.

Long Leave of Absence – more than 2 days

Parents must apply in writing to the Headmaster for a long leave of absence from the School either by letter or using
one of the slips provided for you in the Absence Notes Booklet. Please note that requests for long periods of absence
are required two weeks in advance of the absence. Students may be disadvantaged by prolonged absence from
school. When sufficient notice is given, it is possible to arrange for work to be given when students have extended
absence. This should be arranged well in advance through the Mentor Teacher (SS) and the class teacher (JS).

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Absences/Attendance – The Piper Centre

Daily Sign In/Out Book

For safety and security reasons, parents or carers are required to sign their child into the centre each day. Sign-in sheets
are located in each of the classrooms on the sign-in table. Please write down the name of your contact person and
the time that you will pick your child up from the carline. Your child must be received by a staff member before you
leave. Please sign-out in the book provided when you collect your child.

Assembly/Chapel

Junior School Assembly is held in the Rees Hall. A different class usually leads the Assembly/Chapel each week.

Senior School Assembly is held in The Illawarra Grammar Centre (IGC) each Tuesday throughout each term. It is an
opportunity for the Senior School to come together to communicate, celebrate achievements and recognise issues
that influence and shape the School community. It includes prayer and announcements.

The School Captains and Prefects play a large role in the organisation and presentation of School assemblies in
consultation with the student body and the Head of Senior School.

Formal Chapel Services are held weekly for the Senior School. They are a time of instruction and reflection, and a time
for corporate and personal witness of our Christian faith. They provide all members of the School with the opportunity
to participate in a time of praise and worship. Participation in these positive and challenging worship experiences are
designed for personal growth and the development of a beliefs and values system based on Christian ideals.

Assessment and Reporting

Reporting to parents is essential to the relationship between parents and teachers and is fundamental to a student’s
progress through and beyond school. Communication between parents and the School, regarding the curriculum and
the student’s progress and achievement is carried out in a number of ways.

THREE-WAY CONFERENCES – JUNIOR SCHOOL

Three-Way Conferences are held towards the end of Semester 1. These conferences acknowledge the most important
participants in the learning process, actively involving parents, students and teachers in reflecting on achievements,
discussing work samples and setting future goals. They place the student at the heart of the assessment and reporting
by providing a student voice to the discussions about performance and targets.

PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS – JUNIOR SCHOOL

These take place on a needs basis, either initiated by parents or the classroom teacher. Parents may also wish to use
part of the 15 minute three-way conference for this.

PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS – SENIOR SCHOOL

Formal parent/teacher interviews take place throughout the year, however, you are encouraged to contact your
child’s teacher/s should the need arise.

REPORTS
School Reports are issued at the end of each semester and contain detailed information on your child’s progress in
every subject. Reports for Junior School students are mailed home. Reports for Senior School students are handed out.

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Award System – Junior School

Award System – Senior School

The Senior School Award System is designed to award and acknowledge excellence in individual areas as well as all-
round achievement. It is also a system which will enable those who ‘aspire to be the best they can be’ to achieve the
highest awards via many different pathways in recognition that ‘students learn in different ways and at different rates
and that the gifts each child possesses are unique in their extent and combination’.

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Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

At the Illawarra Grammar School we believe there is no substitute for sound teaching and learning practices.
We also recognise the importance, and indeed, the pervasion of technology in our everyday lives. As we prepare
students for life in the 21st century we must equip them with the skills to utilise technology responsibly and empower
them for lifelong learning. To do this effectively, we have a ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) policy for students in Years
7 to 12.

For additional information on device requirements, please refer to: http://www.tigs.nsw.edu.au/technology

Canteen

Preparatory to Year 6
Students in Preparatory to Year 6 have the option of ordering their lunch either:

(a) On-Line Ordering (preferred ordering option) - The School now uses www.flexischools.com.au for an online
lunch ordering service (refer below) or;

(b) A paper bag must be placed in the class lunch box first thing in the morning. The bag must clearly state the
child’s name, class, required items, the cost of each item and the total cost. Money must be included with
the order and correct change would be appreciated.

The class lunch box is despatched to the Canteen at the commencement of the class day, to enable the Canteen
volunteers to complete lunch preparations on time.
The box is then to be collected just prior to lunch, and the lunches distributed as the teacher sees fit.
Drinks and snacks are available to Years 1 - 6 between 1.10pm and 1.30pm. Lunches are not to be purchased direct
from the Canteen but either brought from home, or ordered from the Canteen. No student is to buy food or drink from
the Canteen without the direct permission of his/her teacher. It is suggested that small amounts of money are given to
students to purchase food and drink from the Canteen.

Year 7 to Year 12
Students in Years 7-12 can order their lunch from the Canteen or purchase it over the counter.

ON-LINE ORDERING
Our on-line ordering system allows you to order from home or the office at a time convenient to you.

How Does It Work? Go to www.flexischools.com.au and click “Register Now” in the Login Box. Then enter your child’s
name, school and class, and add funds (say $50) into a pre-paid account. You can log into the website at any time to
place orders, up until 9.00am on the day of the order. As purchases are made, the funds are taken from your pre-paid
account. The account can be topped up again in the same way, or set to automatically top-up via credit card when
the balance falls below a pre-set minimum. Each order is sent automatically to the kitchen, where an easy-to-read
label is produced with the student’s name, class and order details. All orders must be collected from the Canteen.

For further information and to register, go to www.flexischools.com.au

For the current Canteen Menu please refer to the School’s website, www.tigs.nsw.edu.au → CANTEEN

Change of Address/Phone Numbers

Current details of all students including names, addresses, emergency contact information, medical conditions and
parent contact details are kept on file. Please ensure that any change of any details during the year are made through
Edumate.

Process:
1. Login to Edumate via the TIGS Portal (http://portal.tigs.nsw.edu.au/#parent
2. Enter your Username and password
3. Select Show My Details in the right-hand side menu
4. Make any changes to address, child’s medical details, Medicare and Health Insurance details etc

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 5. Scroll all the way to the bottom and click the Confirm Details button

Please contact the School on 4220 0200 if you have any questions.

Chaplaincy

The work of the Chaplain and the Chaplaincy team is to provide Christian leadership, teaching and support for the
broader TIGS community.

The Chaplaincy team currently consists of:

• Chaplain (Rev. James Rogers)
• Assistant Chaplain (Rev. Mark Grieve)

A number of other staff members also assist in various ways. In Year 12 students can serve as Chapel Prefects. This
involves leading their fellow students in Christian ministry.

Every student will attend Chapel once a week (once a fortnight in the Junior School), where there will be Bible readings,
talks, prayers and singing. In addition to Chapel, every student up to Year 10 will attend Christian Studies classes once
a week. In the earlier years these classes focus on an introduction to the Bible, studying its history, contents and
message. Students then undertake study of some key sections of the Bible, such as the Gospels and the Ten
Commandments. In later years, students are increasingly encouraged to consider the big questions of faith such as:
“How does God speak to us?”, “Why should I trust the Bible?”, and “What about other religions?”

An important aspect of the Chaplain’s role is to assist staff in bringing a Christian perspective to their subject areas. This
is done in the context of collaborative unit planning where each unit taught has an applied Christian perspective.

Other aspects of the Chaplaincy role at TIGS includes oversight of voluntary lunchtime Christian groups and Community
Service.

Lunchtime groups are offered in both the Junior and Senior School students. These groups provide good opportunity
for students to own and grow in their faith whilst at School. They also function as safe places for students to enquire
concerning the Christian faith.

Community Service is an important and esteemed aspect of a TIGS education. The Chaplain works in close association
with Stage Coordinators in the Junior School and Deans in the Senior School to give our students many opportunities
to serve others in the manner in which Jesus has served us.

The Chaplaincy team is also available to students, staff and anyone in the TIGS community who wishes to ask questions,
discuss faith or personal matters, seek prayer or counselling. It is important to note, however, that the School offers
professional counselling to those who need the kind of help that is beyond the scope of the Chaplaincy team.

Co-Curricular, Extra-Curricular Activities and Student Clubs

An important aspect of life at TIGS is the provision of a holistic learning environment. A TIGS education caters for the
needs of the whole person and is empowering and liberating. The more that students are involved in a diverse range
of experiences - physical, social, cultural - the more likely they are to experience real fulfillment, develop a richer
network of friendships and achieve success in areas additional to the academic.

Please refer to the following locations for the complete list of activities available for students:
- Junior School: www.tigs.nsw.edu.au -> JUNIOR SCHOOL -> Co-Curricular Activities
- Senior School: www.tigs.nsw.edu.au -> SENIOR SCHOOL -> Co-Curricular Activities

Communication Systems – Junior and Senior School

Contacting Staff
Parents or Guardians wishing to contact Academic Staff about a school related matter have a number of options:

In the Junior School, parents should ring the Junior School on 4220 0250:
- To make an appointment with the class teacher.

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 - Alternatively, a parent could email the staff member directly via the School’s email system. This is in
the format using the first initial of the teachers first name then their surname followed by
@tigs.nsw.edu.au eg John Williams Email: jwilliams@tigs.nsw.edu.au.

In the Senior School, parents should ring Senior School Reception:

- If the matter is related to curriculum or class matters, request to speak to the classroom teacher. If not
available and the matter is urgent, contact the Head of Department or Head of Faculty.
- If the matter is related to a welfare issue, request to speak to your son or daughter’s House Mentor. If
not available and the matter is urgent, contact the Year Dean or Director of Pastoral Care.
- Alternatively, a parent could email the staff member directly via the School’s email system. This is in
the format using the first initial of the teachers first name then their surname followed by
@tigs.nsw.edu.au eg John Williams Email: jwilliams@tigs.nsw.edu.au.

Parent Meetings
Regular formal meetings between parents and staff are available throughout the year to discuss the progress of all
students. These will be advertised through the ‘TIGS Newsletter’. At these meetings parents will have the opportunity to
discuss issues with their children’s teachers.

TIGS Portal
It has long been an element of a TIGS education that parents and the School work together to achieve great results
for children. Key factors for success in this area are communication and access to information. The TIGS Portal will allow
parents to access information about their child/ren in a convenient and timely manner

New parents will receive a letter including Username and Password information for Edumate and OLLE.

Edumate
Edumate is the data management system used by the School. It is a powerful resource allowing easy access to
information needed to care for each student individually. Parents have the ability to update addresses, contact
numbers, medical information etc.

To login:
1. Login to Edumate via the TIGS Portal (http://portal.tigs.nsw.edu.au/#parent
2. Enter your Username and password
3. Select Show My Details in the right-hand side menu
4. Make any changes to address, child’s medical details, Medicare and Health Insurance details etc
5. Scroll all the way to the bottom and click the Confirm Details button

OLLE
OLLE is our online learning environment and is the initial means of communications between parents, students and
teachers. Further information is provided on page 18.

Newsletter
The TIGS Newsletter is a weekly publication which usually contains:
• A message from the Headmaster
• Report from both the Senior and Junior School
• News and Upcoming Events

The newsletter is available electronically only and can be downloaded for printing. To receive the newsletter via email
go to www.tigs.nsw.edu.au and click on the box of the left hand-side of the page PUBLICATIONS→SUBSCRIBE

Parent Information Sessions

Parent and Student Information Sessions are held throughout the year for Years 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. These sessions are
related to subject selection and course information for the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate.

A Parent Information Session is held in November for Year 6 students entering Year 7.

Informal Events
Throughout the year the School will host coffee mornings, lunches and picnics organised by Year Group
Representatives.

Student Diary
All students from Kindergarten to Year 12 are issued with a School Diary. This is essentially a homework book to record
homework and other special announcements. Parents should familiarise themselves with the content of the diary at
the start of each year and sign required permissions.

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We ask that parents of all students sight the Diary each evening and sign it weekly. The class teacher in the Junior
School and the House Mentor in the Senior School will sign and check the diary at least once a week.

The Diary can become an easy means of communication between the class teacher and parents, being sighted - as
it is each day - by both parties.

Telephone Messages from Parents for Students

Messages will be passed on if received by Student Reception before 10.45am. After that time it is not always possible
to ensure the message will be delivered.

Communication Systems – The Piper Centre

Communication Files/Folders
In Cooinda your child will have a file on the sign-in desk that all notes and information will be distributed through. Please
check this regularly.

In Marana and Elanora your child will have a communication folder that will be sent home on the last day of their
week. We ask that this folder is returned on the first day of your child’s school week.

Newsletter
The TIGS Newsletter is a weekly publication which usually contains:
• A message from the Headmaster
• Report from both the Senior and Junior School
• News and Upcoming Events

The newsletter is available electronically only and can be downloaded for printing. To receive the newsletter via email
go to www.tigs.nsw.edu.au and click on the box of the left hand-side of the page ‘TIGS News Sign Up’

Programme Reflections
To ensure a full and inclusive programme is provided in The Piper Centre we reflect on the provisions made and the
learning that is happening on a daily basis.

Exams – Senior School

Senior School Students Policy Regarding Conduct During Examinations

1. Students are subject to normal School Rules throughout the examination period.

2. The appropriate School Uniform for the time of year must be worn to each exam. Failure to do so may result in the
student not being allowed into the examination room.

3. Students must be assembled outside the examination room 15 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time (for
examinations held at School). Failure to arrive on time could result in a student not being admitted to the
examination room unless the Headmaster or Board of Studies Presiding Officer accepts the student’s explanation
as valid.

4. Absences: In Year 11 students must present written explanations for absences either prior to or after an
examination and, if approved, examinations will be rescheduled or alternate tasks devised. In Year 12
Illness/Misadventure Provisions apply for absences. (Refer to HSC Rules and Procedures). If leave of absence or
an explanation is not approved or accepted, absence will result in a zero mark for that examination.

5. Examination supervisors and teachers are in charge of students prior to, during and after examinations. You must
follow instructions at all times and must behave in a polite and courteous manner towards both supervisors and
other candidates.

6. Candidates must not:

- Eat or drink in the exam room unless provisions allow for such.
- Communicate to anyone other than the supervisor during an exam.
- Behave in any way likely to disturb the work of any other student or upset the conduct of the exam.
- Take any notes, books, paper or equipment into the exam room other than those items specified for
individual examinations.
- Remove examination question papers or answer papers from the examination room.
- Under any circumstance, take a mobile phone into the examination room.

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7. In Years 11 – 12 students are not required to attend school other than for scheduled examinations during the set
examination period.

8. Students who do not abide by the above rules or who cheat in the examination room in any way will be reported
to the Headmaster or the Board of Studies in the case of the Year 12 Higher School Certificate. The penalty will be
at the discretion of the Headmaster or the Board of Studies but could include the awarding of zero marks,
rescheduling of examinations, and/or other penalties including the non-award of the Year 11 Preliminary
Certificate or Higher School Certificate.

First Aid/Sickness/Accidents

In the case of a child falling ill or injuring themselves at school, set procedures are in place and will be adhered to by
qualified First Aid staff. Any student who reports either ill or injured will be assessed and a report completed for school
records. All attempts will be made to contact the parents to either arrange for the child to go home or to advise them
of the incident. If there is serious sickness or injury and the parents are not contactable, then the School will seek
medical advice for the student on behalf of his/her parents.

It is vital that all contact numbers are relevant and current so we can make quick contact with you or your nominated
emergency contact if necessary. These personal particulars should be notified to Enrolments as soon as there is any
change.

In the case of a child being taken to hospital, an ‘Illawarra Health Emergency Services Hospital Transfer Form’ will be
filled out and given to Wollongong Emergency Department with personal details i.e. phone numbers.

Nut Intolerance
Anaphylaxis is a reaction to severe allergies to peanuts and other nuts such as cashews, hazelnuts etc. We have
children in the School who are highly allergic to any form of nut and therefore need to extend the care taken to
protect these children. Fortunately anaphylactic reactions are preventable by implementing strategies for avoiding
allergens.
TO MINIMISE POSSIBLE HARMFUL SITUATIONS, FOR STUDENTS WITH NUT ALLERGIES, WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT SEND
PEANUT BUTTER, NUTELLA or other NUT PRODUCTS to School with your child.

Goodhew Research Centre (Library)

The Goodhew Research Centre (Library) at TIGS is a teaching and learning hub that provides collaborative learning
spaces and accessible print and digital resources to equip learners to connect globally and develop a lifelong love of
reading and learning.

Resources
The library provides students, teachers and parents with an array of print and digital resources including picture books,
novels, graphic novels and comics, e-books, audio books, magazines, journals and newspapers, online databases,
digital video and audio, games and puzzles. The library collection also includes resources in languages other than
English.

Hours
The library is available to students, teachers and parents on Mondays to Thursdays from 8.00am to 5.00pm, and Fridays
from 8.00am to 4.00pm. Junior School students from Kindergarten to Year 5 must have a parent with them if attending
after school. Our virtual library is available 24 hours a day on the web. http://libguides.tigs.nsw.edu.au

Borrowing
Junior School students access the library weekly during class time for borrowing. All students, Senior and Junior, and
parents are welcome to borrow at any time. We ask that students bring a library bag when they borrow books. Library
bags are available from the Uniform Shop. Parents are also welcome to use and borrow resources from our library.
Items may be borrowed for two weeks. To learn more about borrowing library resources and loan limits, visit the Library
web portal http://libguides.tigs.nsw.edu.au

Lost or Misplaced Material

We understand that books are easily misplaced and sometimes damaged. Students are however responsible for their
own loans and must pay for any lost or damaged material. Please return them to the library as is.

Computer and Internet Use

13
All students are issued with a unique user log in name and password. It is important that our school community
understands the responsibilities of using technology and accessing the internet. Every student and their parent(s) must
acknowledge, understand and sign the TIGS “Technology Acceptable Use Policy” before being given access to school
technology and the wireless internet service.

14
Homework

Junior School
It is school policy that homework is set in every class, Monday to Thursday. This is to encourage the development in
each student of effective study habits. It is felt that the weekends should be left homework free for children to develop
outside activities.

Where a student is unable to complete set work, a note of explanation must be submitted to the teacher by the
parents.

Recommended homework is:

• Kinder home reading only
• Year 1 15 mins including reading
• Year 2 20 mins including reading
• Year 3 30 mins including reading
• Year 4 30 mins including reading and if there is any time, to practise tables
• Year 5 45 mins including reading and if there is any time, to practise tables
• Year 6 45 mins including reading and if there is any time, to practise tables

Homework is monitored differently depending on the class. However, the Diary is the most often used mode of
communication.

Senior School
Students in the Senior School are expected to develop a regular homework and study programme in which they
complete, review and build upon their class work. They can expect homework from most subjects every night. When
no specific task is set students are expected to revise class notes or to extend their interest and skills in the subject.

Assignments and homework handed in through Student Reception must be entered into the Assignment/Homework
Received Register, before being passed on to the appropriate teacher.
Study Periods
Year 11 and 12 are to attend school each morning in order to participate in House Meetings, Form Meetings, Chapel,
Headmaster’s Assembly, School Assemblies and Mentor Classes. These are important elements in school life: essential
for student development and crucial to the dissemination of information throughout the School.

Study periods are to be spent in the Library or the designated Study Room.

Students are not permitted to leave the School except as outlined in the School Diary. Year 12 students who have study
periods at the end of the School day and do not have to return to school for any other reason, e.g. rehearsals, sporting
matches, extra classes etc. will be allowed to leave provided they have written permission from parents or guardians.
They must sign the Leaving Book, as is normal practice.

Expectations
Homework (including special projects, assessment tasks, and assignments) must:
• be completed on time • be legible and acceptably presented
• reflect serious and thoughtful application • be the student’s own work

Students must record all work in their diaries and parents are required to sign the diary every week. It is important that
parents are actively involved in the supervising of homework and revision programmes. Mentor teachers also check
the diaries weekly and monitor the student’s study patterns and progress. Students are expected to complete any
class work and homework missed through absence.

Suggested times per day or week for homework and study:

• Year 7 1 - 1½ hours per day • Year 11 minimum 15 – 20 hours per week
• Years 8 & 9 1 - 1½ hours per day • Year 12 minimum 20 – 25 hours per week
• Year 10 1.5 - 2 hours per day

Plagiarism
Students are encouraged to use a wide variety of resources for research, however there are serious penalties for
plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the ideas or materials of someone else without giving them proper credit. Students must
not submit material simply copied or reproduced from any source including the Internet, CD Rom or print media. Severe
penalties will be imposed if this occurs.

Failure to complete homework on time

The non-completion of homework will mean that the student will quickly fall behind. The best results generally come
from those who make a conscientious effort to complete work promptly. Any difficulty with homework should be
discussed with the class teacher. If a student has a legitimate reason for the non-completion of homework tasks, a
note in the diary written and signed by a parent or guardian will satisfactorily explain the situation. When homework is
15
not completed, the teacher will make a comment in the diary to be shown to parents and should be returned with
comment and/or signature. Work submitted late may incur a penalty; for most subjects this will be 10% per day when
no legitimate reason is given.

Homework suggestions by subject

Students should always have work to complete at home. Where set work is complete parents may wish to suggest
further activities as outlined below:
English All students should spend some time every night reading – this may include the class
text or a book for wide reading. Senior students should read set texts prior to the
commencement of each unit and should supplement this with their own research and
background reading.
Mathematics Students should systematically revise work and practise additional exercises.
HSIE Students should be regularly reviewing media and researching for assignments. Senior
students will be regularly taking notes from class texts and additional sources.
Science Students should regularly search for science related information including TV, journals,
newspapers, libraries, lectures etc.
Languages Students should revise and learn work covered in class including vocabulary,
structures, and grammatical patterns. Senior classes should cover listening, speaking,
reading and writing skills.
Visual Arts Homework may involve writing, drawing, collecting resources or simply taking time to
look and think about themes being covered in class.
Technological & Homework for these subjects may consist of set tasks, revision work or major
Applied Studies assignments.
Music Homework may involve theory or assignments. Students should practise musical pieces
at home. Senior students will regularly have research activities; score reading
questions, theory work or creative composition.
Drama Students may have diary entries, reviews or research projects to complete.

16
International Baccalaureate Programme

“The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people
who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

“To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop
challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

“These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong
learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right." (IB Mission)

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common
humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

The Illawarra Grammar School’s commitment to developing a caring global community begins with our
Kindergarten students undertaking the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). At the
heart of the PYP philosophy, is a commitment to concept based learning and guided inquiry, as the leading
methods of learning.

Six transdisciplinary themes provide the framework for the exploration of knowledge. Teachers and students
are guided by these themes as they design curricular units for exploration and study. Students explore
subject areas through these themes, often in ways that transcend conventional subject boundaries. In the
process, they develop an understanding of important concepts, acquire essential skills and knowledge,
develop particular attitudes and learn to take socially responsible action.

The MYP, as an internationally-accredited curriculum, encourages young people to seek knowledge

beyond the boundaries of their local and national community, and to understand and appreciate the
diverse international cultures of the world. The Illawarra Grammar School has implemented the MYP
because of its holistic approach to educating the person, its emphasis on developing independent
learning skills, and its international standing. The IB mission and vision supporting the MYP aligns closely with
the Mission and Values of our school ‘Academic, Christian and Caring.’

In the Middle Years curriculum, of Years 7-10, the MYP Areas of Learning - Arts, Humanities, English,
Languages, Mathematics, Physical Education, Sciences and Technology – combined with Christian Studies
to give students breadth and depth in their Middle Years’ learning experiences.

The continuum between the two programmes allows for a level of coherence. Implementing both the PYP
and MYP requires teachers and school administrators to work together on the basis of a common
philosophy, using the same language to talk about teaching and learning and the development of
students. This, in turn, means that the experience of the student will be more coherent and meaningful,
and learning will be significantly enriched.

In 2014 it was announced that the School intents to provide the Diploma Programme (DP) to students in
Year 11 and 12 from 2017. This will be offered in conjunction with the HSC and students will be able to
choose to either study the DP or the HSC.

For additional information on the Primary Years Programme specific to The Illawarra Grammar School,
contact the PYP Coordinator, Mrs Karen Wallace, kwallace@tigs.nsw.edu.au

For additional information on the Middle Years Programme specific to The Illawarra Grammar School,
contact the Director of Teaching and Learning, Ms Melina Sangster, msangster@tigs.nsw.edu.au or the MYP
Coordinator, Mrs Sharon I’Ons, ionss@tigs.nsw.edu.au

More detailed information on the International Baccalaureate is available on the International

Baccalaureate website: www.ibo.org

17
Lesson Times – Senior School

Week 1 Monday Tuesday Friday Wednesday Thursday

Day 1 Day 2 Day 5 Day 3 Day 4
8.40 – 8.55 Mentor Mentor Mentor 8.40 – 8.45 Lockers Lockers
8.55 – 9.40 Period 1 Period 1 Period 1 9.45 – 9.30 Period 1 Period 1
9.40 – 10.25 Period 2 Period 2 Period 2 9.30 – 10.15 Period 2 Period 2
10.25 – 10.40 Recess Recess Recess 10.15 – 10.45 Chapel (7,8,9) Chapel (10,11,12)
Yr Meeting (10,11,12) Yr Meeting (7,8,9)
10.40 – 10.45 Lockers Lockers Lockers 10.45 – 11.00 Recess Recess
10.45 – 11.30 Period 3 Period 3 Period 3 11.00 – 11.05 Lockers Lockers
11.30 – 12.15 Period 4 Period 4 Period 4 11.05 – 11.45 Period 3 Period 3
12.15 – 1.00 Period 5 Assembly Period 5 11.45 – 12.25 Period 4 Period 4
1.00 – 1.35 Lunch Lunch Lunch 12.25 – 1.05 Period 5 Period 5
1.35 – 1.40 Lockers Lockers Lockers 1.05 – 1.35 Lunch Lunch
1.40 – 2.25 Period 6 Period 6 Period 6 1.35 – 1.40 Lockers Lockers
2.25 – 3.10 Period 7 Period 7 Period 7 1.40 – 2.25 Period 6 Period 6
2.25 – 3.10 Period 7 Period 7

Week 2 Monday Tuesday Friday Wednesday Thursday

Day 6 Day 7 Day 10 Day 8 Day 9
8.40 – 8.55 Mentor Mentor Mentor 8.40 – 8.45 Lockers Lockers
8.55 – 9.40 Period 1 Period 1 Period 1 9.45 – 9.30 Period 1 Period 1
9.40 – 10.25 Period 2 Period 2 Period 2 9.30 – 10.15 Period 2 Period 2
10.25 – 10.40 Recess Recess Recess 10.15 – 10.45 Chapel (7,8,9) Chapel (10,11,12)
Yr Meeting (10, 11,12) Yr Meeting (7,8,9)
10.40 – 10.45 Lockers Lockers Lockers 10.45 – 11.00 Recess Recess
10.45 – 11.30 Period 3 Period 3 Period 3 11.00 – 11.05 Lockers Lockers
11.30 – 12.15 Period 4 Period 4 Period 4 11.05 – 11.45 Period 3 Period 3
12.15 – 1.00 Period 5 Assembly 5 Period 5 11.45 – 12.25 Period 4 Period 4
1.00 – 1.35 Lunch Lunch Lunch 12.25 – 1.05 Period 5 Period 5
1.35 – 1.40 Lockers Lockers Lockers 1.05 – 1.35 Lunch Lunch
1.40 – 2.25 Period 6 Period 6 Period 6 1.35 – 1.40 Lockers Lockers
2.25 – 3.10 Period 7 Period 7 Period 7 1.40 – 2.25 Period 6 Period 6
2.25 – 3.10 Period 7 Period 7

Lost Property

All lost property is sent to The Piper Centre, Junior School and Senior School Reception. Unclaimed property will be
donated to charity at the end of each term. We encourage parents to label all items of clothing and personal
belongings.

Medication

Medication Plan Policy

1. No administering of medication such as aspirin, paracetamol and such to students is given unless under the
direct instruction of a parent/guardian. If instruction for this direction is by telephone, the parent/guardian must
sign for the instruction when the student is picked up from sickbay.

2. Medication will only be administered if the Administering Medication to a Student While at School form has
been completed and brought back to the School.

3. Students are not permitted to carry medication unless the School is aware and has made provision to ensure
other students do not have access to unauthorised medication.

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Students with Ongoing Medical Conditions
Parents are obliged to inform the School if their child has an ongoing medical condition ie. Peanut Allergies, Diabetes,
Epilepsy, Asthma.

An Asthma Management Form is required to be completed (if not done so at the time of enrolment) and provided
to the School as soon as possible.

Music Tutoring

Here at The Illawarra Grammar School we encourage students to learn an instrument at some point during their time
at TIGS. To accommodate this, we have access to some of the best instrumental tutors available.

To have your child enrolled to learn an instrument from one of our school tutors, please complete a Private Music
Lessons form and return to the Performing Arts Department. Arrangements for the venue and time for your child’s lesson
will be organised through the tutor directly with you, the parents.

We also offer you the opportunity to hire selected musical instruments through the School. To access this, it is important
that the ‘Hire Agreement’ is filled out and returned to the Performing Arts Department with the Private Music Lessons
form. Forms are available from the School’s website.

OLLE (OnLine Learning Environment)

While the public website is open for all users, TIGS password protected portal, OLLE, for parents, staff and students,
provides a secure, remote access to helpful information for our community.

Parents can keep in touch about school events, while staff and students have access to key resources from any web-
enabled computer in the world.

OLLE is a dynamic tool which streamlines tasks and improves communication and planning. OLLE also allows teachers
to customise student’s learning. Teachers can ask students to cast a vote, express an opinion, answer a question,
respond to a survey, or participate in lively real-time online class discussions.

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Personal Presentation

Personal Attitudes and Appearance

Membership of the School requires students to wear the official uniform. There is an obligation upon all students to
wear the appropriate uniform correctly and neatly. Parents also hold an obligation to ensure that all articles of the
student's clothing are labelled with the pupil's name and that they come to school correctly attired and neatly dressed.

High personal standards are required of all students and are recognised in the School’s ‘P e r s o n a l P r e s e n t a t i o n
Aw a r d ’ . This award is available to all students who display a commitment to excellence in personal presentation and
behaviour and is a pre-requisite to holding any leadership position in the student body.

General Information
O f f i c i a l S c h o o l F u n c t i o n s o r A c t i v i t i e s - The School will advise parents as to whether Summer or Winter uniform
is required – irrespective of the season in which the function is to be held.

Shoes – black leather lace-up, to be clean and polished at all times, which are to have a flat sole, and no more than
a 2cm heel. (Joggers or skate shoes in black are not allowed)

Sport Shoes – must be cross trainers suitable to wear for all sporting activities

Please note: if extra warmth is needed during summer terms, a school jumper may be worn while at school; however,
blazers must be worn when travelling to and from school.

Junior School Students are required to wear their sports uniform to school on the day designated for Sport and PE.

Hairstyles
• At all times hair is to be clean and tidy.
• Hairstyles must not be extreme. The following examples provide specific guidelines for both boys and girls.
However, if you are not sure what is acceptable, check with the School beforehand.
• The School reserves the right to instruct any student to conform to hair regulations.

Boys
• Hair is to be above the collar, not covering eyes and off the ears.
• Hair is not to be shaved. It should be no shorter than a number ‘3’ clipper.
• Face must be clean-shaven.
• Sideburns should not extend below the ear and should be neatly trimmed.

Girls
• Long hair (below the collar), must be tied back with a regulation school ribbon as supplied by the Uniform
Shop.

Jewellery and Makeup

• Jewellery (except for a watch), makeup, nail polish and earrings must not be worn by any student.
• If a female student has pierced ears then only the smallest, most plain 'stud' or ‘sleeper’ earrings may be
worn; one in each lobe only.
• No jewellery, except for a watch, is to be worn by male students.
• No visible tattoos or body piercing.

Prayer Group

Parents’ Prayer Meetings are held once a month. Parents and friends are invited to attend. Details of these Prayer
Group meetings can be found in the TIGS Newsletter and in the Online Calendar on the website.

Professional Learning Days/Pupil Free Days

At various times throughout the School year, including pupil free days, staff participate in Professional Development.
These days are spent in various ways including training courses, guest speakers and focus groups. It is important that
TIGS staff – both academic and support – remain up to date on policies and procedures and Professional Development
days are a great time for in house training.

20
School Associations

The School Council

The role of the Council is to provide leadership and vision to The Illawarra Grammar School in enhancing its success
over time.

The Council is responsible for the overall governance of the School. In particular, it is responsible for approval of
organisational strategy and the annual financial plan and budget, for monitoring financial and managerial
performance, ensuring that the external environment in which the School operates has been surveyed and the risks
facing it have been identified and that appropriate internal control, monitoring and reporting mechanisms are in
place.

The TIGS Foundation Limited

The Foundation is a formal corporate body responsible for receiving tax-deductible donations for the School’s building
programme and its future development. Donations to The Illawarra Grammar School Foundation Limited are entitled
to a 100% tax deduction on that entire donation in that year.

As the vast majority of student tuition fees are spent on the School’s normal operating expenses such as staff salaries
and everyday running expenses, only a very small proportion of those fees is spent on providing new buildings or
specialised teaching aids. The School’s future development needs have to be provided through fundraising or
donations. If these needs were financed from tuition fees, then school fees would be prohibitive.

Over the years many people, from all walks of life, have contributed significantly to the Foundation for building projects.

More information can be obtained by contacting the Foundation Assistant by email: foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au or
through the School office.

Parents and Friends Association

The Parents and Friends Association is an active partnership with the School in the education and development of our
children. It acts as a social network for parents and guardians with regard to school matters and encourages
community involvement with assisting the organisation of the School’s events and functions.

The P&F is made up of two parent groups:

Karobran
This is a Junior School parent/teacher group which meets once per term. "Karobran" is an aboriginal word meaning
"together". The general aim of Karobran is to promote communication between Junior School parents and staff in
social, educational and business matters.

There is one Karobran Representative from each class, to act as a contact to offer parents opportunities to assist the
School.

Orana
This is the Senior School group within the P&F. “Orana” is an aboriginal word meaning “welcome”. Orana aims to give
parents opportunities to network with other parents to share information and experiences for the benefit of families.
There are representatives for each Senior School year. Orana communicates directly with parents through the
Community Contact Register.

21
School Map

22
School Photos

School Photos are usually taken in May of each year. Parents have the opportunity to order individual and classroom
photos of their child(ren). Family (with sibling/s) photos are also available. Details and ordering information are sent to
parents prior to the event.

School Policies

School Policies are available on the website www.tigs.nsw.edu.au -> ABOUT TIGS -> SCHOOL POLICIES

School Sports

Junior School
Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 participate in extra-curricular sport as well as weekly sport and PE lessons. Possible
sport activities include swimming, gymnastics, dance, tennis, team sports, beach games, surfing and others.
Students and their parents are informed each term of the sport opportunities available. TIGS Junior School enters teams
and individuals in various gala days and representative opportunities across multiple sports including soccer, netball,
basketball, tennis, equestrian and snow sports.

Students in Years 3-6 also participate in Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country carnivals which provide pathways for
inter school, state and national competition.

Year 7-10 Sports

It is mandatory that all students in Years 7-10 participate in 2 hours of weekly sporting activity. This is a Commonwealth
Government requirement. We are obligated to document and monitor this involvement, therefore students in Years 7-
10 must attend compulsory school sports which have been organised before and after school.

Students may formally be granted an exemption from the above requirement if they can demonstrate their
participation in other, regular sporting activities. Formal application for such an exemption must be made to the
Director of Sport and Outdoor Education.

Outdoor Education at TIGS

The Outdoor Education Programme at TIGS is an integral part of the school year and a way of impacting the students
as a whole person. It is this Programme that allows our students to get outside their comfort zone while in a safe
environment. These Programmes allow students to learn to identify various situations, evaluate risks and identify possible
ways to move forward. These are valuable tools that students can draw upon in various aspects of their lives.

Programmes
Year 7: The Year 7 Programme is conducted in two locations over five days - Wedderburn Christian Campsite and
Cataract Scout Camp. This is an introductory programme that will prepare students for outdoor education at TIGS. For
some Year 7 students it is their first time in a tent, first time in a cabin with other students or even their first time away
from home. Activities such as abseiling, caving and flying fox are introduced and the foundations are laid for more
extensive versions of these activities on future camps. As well as these activities the experience of setting up tents,
cooking on camp stoves and adapting to the bush environment, is beneficial for future camps with TIGS.

Year 8: Our Year 8 Programme takes students to the area around Hornsby. We combine the facilities of Crossland’s
Convention Centre and access to the Great North Walk to create a camp that increases the skills developed through
the Year 7 Programme. The abseil is taller, the flying fox is faster and instead of being transported by bus to camp,
students put their equipment in a pack and hike there. This is usually the biggest challenge of this camp. The reward
and satisfaction is always evident when the students walk back into base.

Year 9: Bungonia Gorge is the location of this programme and again the trend continues of increasing the challenge
for the students. As on the Year 8 Programme, students are required to pack their equipment and hike to camp. The
walk is longer, the hills are steeper, and the temperature is much colder. The Year 9 Programme is a lynch pin in the
sequential outdoor education programme at TIGS. It implements what students have learnt in Year 7 and 8
Programmes and prepares them for the final Year 10 Programme.

Year 10: Once students reach Year 10, the outdoor education structure changes and the students have the option of
choosing one out of three programmes:

Winter: Students will have the option of learning to survive in the snow. They camp for four nights on the snow and
learn skills like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, building snow shelters and self-management. It is an environment that

23
is dynamic and can change very quickly. Students will need to rely on each other and the experience of their guides
especially if the weather turns foul. The lessons learnt through this programme and the strength that can be drawn from
the experience will remain with each individual for ever.

Summer 1: Outward Bound is a provider who leads the way in journey based expedition style programmes. This eight
day programme will take place in the Kosciusko National Park. As a part of their journey, students will hike through NSW
high country, canoe across an alpine lake and take part in a service component. This programme will require students
to draw upon the skills they have acquired from previous programmes.

Summer 2: This six day programme is based in Victoria starting approximately 70km south of Jindabyne on the mighty
Snowy River. The programme is a paddle/white water programme that starts at The Pinch and heads towards the
Victorian coast. Students will learn the skills to paddle on moving water and survive remotely with little outside support.
It is a challenging programme that will test and stretch the students that choose it.

Other Programmes
Year 9 Leadership: In Year 10 all students are encouraged to apply for a leadership position. In order to prepare
students, the Year 9 programme based at Waterslea on the Shoalhaven River, is a leadership focused programme.
Students are grouped and participate in a various types of initiatives. The initiatives range from building a raft to float
five people across a river, to standing fifteen people on a tarp and asking them to turn it over. The activities are very
different and are designed with the intention of bringing out the leader in every student.

Year 12: The Year 12 Programme has a psychological approach; it has been tested and proven that a structured break
after the trials has positive effect on the productivity of the student. Year 12 students spend three days at Deer Park,
Port Hacking. Students choose their activities from a wide selection, helping them to relax and re-focus on their studies.

All of the Outdoor Education programmes at TIGS have purpose and are focused on developing the whole person
through challenge and perseverance. The reward of investing in a student’s life is the reason these programmes are
conducted. The philosophies of each programme, combined with the professional services of Boomerang Adventures,
St Andrews Cathedral School and Outward Bound makes for what we believe to be a strong Outdoor Education
Programme.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (Years 9-12)

The Award is a flexible, interesting and fun-packed programme for all young people to participate in a number of
activities over a set length of time. It is entirely voluntary and is structured so the participants can design their own
unique programme incorporating four key areas: Physical Recreation, Skill, Service and Adventurous Journey. There
are three levels to the Duke of Edinburgh Award: Bronze/Silver/Gold.

Term Dates and Other Relevant Information for 2015

Term I (10 weeks) Thursday 29 January – Thursday 2 April

Monday 2 March – Pupil Free Day

Term II (10 weeks) Monday 20 April – Friday 26 June

Friday 5 June – Pupil Free Day

Term III (9 weeks) Monday 20 July – Friday 18 September

Monday 17 August – Pupil Free Day

Term IV (10 weeks) Tuesday 6 October – Friday 11 December

Friday 30 October – Pupil Free Day

Transport

The transport information listed below pertains to Junior and Senior School students only. For Piper Centre students,
please refer to The Piper Centre Information Booklet 2015.

Public Transport
Excellent transport is available from across the Illawarra Region by train and public bus. In almost all cases free or subsidised
transport is available to all students of the School. The following areas are covered:

Northern beaches to Helensburgh, Central Wollongong, Southern Suburbs to Dapto, Albion Park, Shellharbour, Kiama, Berry
and Nowra.

24
Train
A free service operates North and South along the coast to Wollongong. An efficient public bus service links Wollongong
Station with the School.

Public Bus
Free bus services using local companies, which include Premier, Greens and Dion’s connect most suburbs of Wollongong
to the School.

School Operated Private Bus

In addition to the public transport systems, the School operates a fleet of mini-buses to provide a more personalised
service. A separate charge is made for this service. Forms for TIGS Private School Bus Travel are also available on the
School’s website, www.tigs.nsw.edu.au →ABOUT US →TRANSPORTATION

Late Afternoon Bus

The School operates a free late private bus service leaving the School at 5.00pm from the IGC (Powell Street entrance).
This service operates from Monday to Thursday, is free of charge and bookings are not required.

For those students travelling north, this service travels along the Princes Highway to Austinmer (Austinmer shop). It will stop
at fixed bus stops on that route.

For those students travelling south, this service travels along the expressway to Yallah (being first drop off point) then
continuing along the old highway (Riverside Drive) to Kiama (Hindmarsh Park).

School Student Behaviour on Transport

The Ministry of Transport publishes a Code of Conduct for students travelling on transport, which explains appropriate and
inappropriate behaviour for students travelling under the School Student Transport Scheme.
A copy of this document can be obtained by visiting http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/content/student-conduct-when-
travelling

The School also issues a copy of a Code of Conduct for Students contained within the yearly School Diary for both Junior
and Senior Schools and must be signed at the start of each year. Student’s use of the School’s bus services constitutes
agreement and acceptance of this code.

Transport Enquiries
All relevant information and forms for transport needs can be obtained by contacting:-

Public Transport
Junior School Reception Information and Forms 8.00am to 4.00pm Term Time 4220 0250
Senior School Student Reception Information and Forms 8.00am to 3.30pm Term Time 4220 0227
Private Transport
Transport Coordinator Information and Forms 8.00am to 4.30pm Office Hours 4220 0213
transport@tigs.nsw.edu.au

Car Access to the School

From Princes Highway
Only cars travelling south down Geard’s Hill (Princes Highway) are able to enter at this point. This entry is most suitable
for:
• Pre-Prep
• Preparatory
• Kindergarten
• Junior School
• Design & Technology Building

Parking for over 70 vehicles is available here.

From Western Avenue

Western Avenue can be approached from the north, south and the city. As a residential area it is important to take
time and care in this area. Most suitable for:
• Administration
• Senior School
• Uniform Shop

25
From Powell Street
This entry/exit point is available at all times and is used for access for events, during and outside regular school hours.
This entry is also suitable to access all areas of the School including:
• Music
• Library
• IGC

Please Note: A 40km School Zone exists on all streets accessing TIGS. A 5km Speed Limit is adhered to in the Car Parking
areas of the School.

Uniforms

Uniform Supplies: TIGS Uniform Shop at 8 Western Avenue is open for parents and students during term time on Tuesdays
and Thursdays between 8.30am and 4.00pm. During Holiday periods, days and times will vary (please phone the School
for confirmation of opening times). The Uniform Shop phone number is 4220 0230.

TIGS Back Packs (for everyone, Summer and Winter) - purchased from the Uniform Shop are the only types approved.

Shoes - School Black leather lace-up, to be clean and polished at all times, which are to have a flat sole, and no
more than a 2cm heel. (Joggers or skate shoes are not allowed). Shoes for Preparatory students - white jogger with
navy trim and Velcro straps.

Shoes – Sport must be cross trainers suitable to wear for all sporting activities

For Official School Functions or Activities the School will advise parents as to whether Summer or Winter Uniform is
required – irrespective of the season in which the function is be held. Blazers are to be worn to Assembly in Summer,
Winter and/or School functions. Please note: If extra warmth is needed blazers should be worn when travelling to and
from school.

All uniform items except shoes are available through the School Uniform Shop or through the Uniform Shop Online
Ordering system.

Uniform Price Lists are available from the Uniform Shop or on the website www.tigs.nsw.edu.au → SCHOOL UNIFORMS
→ UNIFORM SHOP.

ON-LINE ORDERING
Our online ordering system allows you to order from home or the office at a time convenient to you.

How Does It Work? Go to www.flexischools.com.au and click “Register Now” in the Login Box. Then enter your student’s
name, school and class. You can log into the website at any time to place orders.

Uniform online orders can be picked up from:

• Uniform Shop (during opening hours only)
• Junior School Student Reception (8.00am – 4.00pm)
• Senior School Student Reception (8.00am – 4.30pm)
The online order system will prompt you for a delivery pickup point.
(Please note: no orders will be sent by mail under any circumstances)

Uniform Shop Online Orders placed between:

• Wednesday 3.51pm to Monday 3.50pm will be available for collection at the nominated delivery pickup
point from Wednesday.
• Monday 3.51pm to Wednesday 3.50pm will be available for collection at the nominated delivery pickup
point from Friday.

Please note: that although the entire range of school items are available to be paid for online, some selected
items will still need to be fitted at the Uniform Shop, they will not be delivered with the ordinary items. These items
are:
• Blazers
• Dresses
• Trousers
• Swimwear
• Hats

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Visitors

The Illawarra Grammar School is committed to ensuring the safety and security of members of the School community
and any visitors, as well as providing adequate protection of school property. The School has in place a number of
measures to minimise risks and protect persons and property onsite.

In the interests of maintaining a high level of safety within the school grounds all visitors to the School, including
contractors, parents, classroom helpers and canteen workers, must report to either Senior School or Junior School
administration reception areas where they will be issued with an official visitor’s tag. They will be required to sign in on
arrival and sign out when leaving.

Access to Classrooms and School

Parents have no automatic right of entry to classrooms. Teachers welcome parents to classrooms in many instances
when the appropriate request has been made. Should there be genuine concerns that need to be raised with a staff
member; these are best handled in the course of a pre-arranged interview that respects the privacy of all concerned.

Access to Staffrooms and Common Room

The staffrooms are the teachers’ professional preparation and resource centres. They are out of bounds to students at
all times and only open to parents or visitors by invitation of staff in special circumstances only.

Ex-Students
Persons who have been enrolled at the School but who have graduated or transferred are classified as visitors and
must be signed in at Reception by either the Director of Pastoral Care or the Deputy Headmaster. Access to TIGS
grounds will be limited to recess and lunch times. Where a staff member arranges for such a person to visit for a specific
reason, that staff member is responsible for them and must sign them in and ensure they sign out at the appointed
time. Ex-students and friends of students who do not follow this procedure may be asked to leave the school grounds
immediately.

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