TIGS Foundation has ten Board Members committed to giving their time and resources in a voluntary capacity, for the benefit of our children, premises and school community. Foundation Boards exist in almost all private schools. They traditionally have a long history and are embedded in the fabric of the schools’ being. TIGS Foundation is just that, starting in 1986 and providing great work such as the building of the IGC and parts of the Library. I sometimes hear parents ask what TIGS Foundation is, wanting to know more, and so I feel it is important to provide clarity and understanding.

WHO ARE WE

• A non-for profit, ASIC registered organisation operated by a voluntary board of members
• A combination of parents, former parents and Alumni
• A group committed to benefitting the children and school community through our fundraising
• Overseen by the Headmaster and School Council
• Governed by a Constitution

WHAT DO WE DO

1. Raise funds towards Capital projects, land purchases, new buildings and refurbishments for our school premises.
2. Raise funds for a Scholarship for a child from the local community who would not otherwise have the opportunity of an education at The Illawarra Grammar School. This is called the Rev. Richard Bosanquet Scholarship and has provided some amazing life changing pathways.

HOW CAN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BE PART OF OUR WORK

1. Donate online to our Annual Appeal. Your donation is fully tax deductible.
2. Support our events throughout the year
3. Join our business registry by calling school reception on 4220 0200 or emailing foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au
4. Make a tax deductible donation by calling school reception 4220 0200 or emailing foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au. You may request which area of our work your donation supports

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce each Board member, so that you feel familiar with who each of us are. Thank you to all the families who have supported TIGS Foundation in the past and we warmly welcome new families for our future work.

Sandra Newhouse

Sandra is Chair of TIGS Foundation for 2018 and a dedicated member of TIGS community. Sandra joined TIGS Foundation in 2011 and has executed other Board roles such as Treasurer, Vice Chairperson and event coordinator. She has a personal history with the school having married a TIGS Alumni and with two sons at the School in Year 5 and Year 7. Sandra continues to have a long business history in the Illawarra as well as being part of several charity institutions, believing that it is imperative to give more than you receive. Being focused on contributing positively to TIGS by working alongside others, her vision as the new Chair is to strive for best practices for the Foundation, transparency, engaged community support and awareness of the benevolent work conducted by Foundation members past and present. Sandra brings a passion for understanding and delivering customer service.

Scott Bywater

Scott is Vice Chair of TIGS Foundation Board and is an energetic and innovative communicator with 25 years’ experience in Marketing, consulting across dozens of different industries. He is also an experienced public speaker, thought leader, and a current parent with a son in Year 6 at TIGS. Scott's ongoing commitment to his Professional Development is at the forefront and cutting edge and he brings new thinking and problem solving into the Foundation. His Vision is to shift fundraising in a way where it becomes more magnetic and specifically project driven.

Helen Bywater

Helen is Secretary of TIGS Foundation and has extensive experience in project management, running events, global recruitment and building client relationships, including over 15 years at one of Australia's most prestigious management consulting firms. Her son started at TIGS in Prep and is now the Junior School Captain. Her passion is to support the Scholarship Programme as well as to bring the community together through social events.

Joanne Danckwardt

Joanne is the Treasurer of TIGS Foundation and has been on the Board for the last 6 years. She is also Chair of TIGS Parents and Friends (P&F). She is a current parent with a son in Year 10 at TIGS. As well as the connections Joanne has built up in TIGS community over the years, she has extensive contacts in the local region through 20 years in Real Estate. Her strong connections in TIGS community have been an asset to the Board. Her vision for the Foundation is that it continues to flourish.

Kevin Donald

Kevin is a long-standing and highly regarded member of TIGS community and has an extensive history with TIGS Foundation, School Council and as a parent and grandparent. His illustrious career included over 50 years working for Woolworths Group with responsibilities including acquisitions and facilities management. Kevin brings his broad and diverse knowledge, his extensive history, as well as his dedication in supporting every aspect about TIGS.

Craig Osbourne

Craig is a long-standing member of TIGS Foundation Board and an active part of the local community, serving on many not-for-profit boards and committees across the Illawarra. He is a former school parent and Managing Partner of a large regional law firm. Craig has a strong passion for creating connections and relationships within TIGS community. His vision is in bringing the community closer through events.

Usha Fernandez

Usha is a highly-valued member of TIGS community and the local medical fraternity. Her two daughters both attended TIGS and she is passionate about giving back to the community as a TIGS Foundation Board Member, organiser of the biennial Taj Mahal fundraiser and coordinator of the highly successful Indian stall at TIGS Great Fete. Usha considers TIGS to be an extended family and looks forward to watching generations continue to grow through a TIGS education.

Barry Hashemi

Barry has recently joined TIGS Foundation Board and has two sons at TIGS in Year 2 and Kindergarten. He is a trusted and well-known member of the local community through his local pharmacies. He is a well-respected lecturer in the Medicine and Chemistry faculties at the University of Wollongong.

Catherine Geenty

Catherine has had 10 years’ experience in private practice as a legal professional and recently joined TIGS Foundation Board. She attended TIGS from Kindergarten to Year 12 and now has a daughter in TIGS Prep. She is a great asset to the Board for her professional skills as well as being both an alumni and current and connected parent. Catherine is and always has been an avid supporter of TIGS and is driven to support TIGS and be an excellent role model.

James Cooper

James graduated from TIGS in 2017 with a number of Academic and creative awards and he has already returned to join the Foundation Board with a keen vision to contribute to projects that will further the education of future students. He is a passionate and entrepreneurial young businessman and is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney. James’ vision is to improve communication between the Foundation and the school community.