Two occasions set the tone for our new school year: two orientation days in which every student got to know their school, and a warm welcome for our new Grade 1 students.
The 2026/27 school year at IGS began with two special occasions. On 27 and 28 August, all of our students took part in two orientation days, getting to know the people, spaces and routines that will shape the year ahead. A few days later, on 31 August, we welcomed our new Grade 1 students at their enrolment ceremony.
Getting to know our school: 27 and 28 August
Before opening textbooks or beginning subject lessons, we spent two days helping students get to know their school: the people, the spaces, the routines, and where to go when they need help.
We began by introducing every member of staff, giving students a chance to put names to the faces they will see each day. We also explored our five school values: Trust, Student-Centredness, Growth Mindset, Community and Excellence. Trust means believing in ourselves and in one another. Student-Centredness places our students and their individual development at the centre of what we do. A Growth Mindset encourages us to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes. Community reminds us to support one another and grow together. And Excellence means striving to do our best and continually improve.
Each class then discussed what these values should look like in practice and created its own class agreement. The agreement displayed on the classroom wall was shaped by the students who learn there.
Students also explored the school in groups. Ms Quynh Anh, Mr Vidmar, Ms Jen and Mr Adheesh introduced their spaces, while Mr Ty Debes explained cafeteria routines and Ms Rebecca Devaraj covered playground expectations. Break time gave students a chance to settle in naturally, with staff nearby to help anyone who needed support finding their place.
The second day focused on safety. Ms Joyce, our Designated Safeguarding Lead, introduced students to their safe adults and reinforced one important message: you will never be in trouble for telling an adult when something does not feel right. Mr Vidmar guided students through emergency and evacuation procedures, and every student from Grade 1 upwards learned basic first aid with Mr Jhonny.
These two days were not time away from learning. They were part of it. Knowing the people, places and routines of school gives children a stronger starting point for the year ahead.
A special beginning to a new chapter: 31 August
On 31 August, it was a pleasure to welcome our new Grade 1 students to IGS, with bright eyes, plenty of excitement and a wonderful sense of curiosity about the journey ahead. For our youngest students, the first day of school marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with new friendships, fascinating stories, shared discoveries and many adventures, both big and small.
Our enrolment ceremony was centred around the idea of community. Short stories and presentations about togetherness highlighted the importance of caring for one another, offering help and growing together. The musical performances brought this message to life as well: students from different classes worked with their music teachers to prepare and rehearse pieces for the ceremony. A wonderful example of what can happen when everyone contributes.
These moments reflected the same five values that had guided our orientation days. No one is expected to get everything right from the beginning, and mistakes are part of learning. They help us try again, learn from one another and become better together.
This is the message we hope our new Grade 1 students will carry with them: be curious, ask questions, try new things, trust in yourself and others, and help one another.
A very warm welcome to IGS! We are so happy to have you with us.
How families can support
As regular lessons begin, families can support us by returning the signed Code of Conduct acknowledgement, sending a transparent water bottle each day, and reminding students that phones and smartwatches must be switched off and placed in the classroom pocket chart. Student meals are provided by our school kitchen.
Thank you to all our students for the curiosity and enthusiasm they brought to their orientation days, to our new Grade 1 students and their families for a memorable start, and to our families for helping us carry these routines through the rest of the school year. We are very much looking forward to supporting our students on their learning journey and sharing many special moments with them along the way.
At IGS, we grow together: we trust one another, put our students at the centre, learn from our mistakes, support each other and strive for Excellence together.