Illawarra Christian School

"Former student - wishing to remain anonymous. I developed ptsd and depression as a result of mistreatment and neglect from the leading staff at Illawarra Christian school. I had undiagnosed adhd and autism at the time of my attendance and they punished me with isolation from my peers and exclusion to partake in any curricular activities or opportunities. One of my punishments included strict refinement to the staff building, where I was placed under the staircase beneath reception with only a desk and school work I didn’t understand for 8 weeks in response to walking out of the school one day ( for less than an hour ) due to a severe panic attack that could have been defused with proper care and understanding. I feel it’s important to share my experience for anyone considering or questioning this school that face any mental health challenges or “disadvantages. Please don’t deprive yourself of proper support , there are so many other schools with more advanced resources and supportive/ educated responses/ guidance for your wellbeing. Yes, ICS are successful in their business representation and teaching, Im sure some students have had a positive outcome with no issues but unfortunately from what I experienced - the lack of care and negligence felt borderline inhumane and only taught me to care less, and think less about myself. I hope this is something they will work on, for the students who are currently attending."

"I have 4 kids at ICS in both junior and high school. We are very happy with the standard of education and the love and care all our kids are receiving. Each of my 4 children are unique to each other in regards to their learning needs, yet they are all being met. I have found that the teachers work way beyond the 9-3pm and it’s not uncommon to receive phone calls or messages in the evening about my kids day."

"Don't go here, very little respect for students and there is only like 3 teachers that are good and they have done some not so good stuff to students. do not go here, claims to be christian but can't follow basic christian values."

"We've recently moved to the Illawarra, and have one of our kids at ICS. As an educator, I've been impressed with the way this school communicates expectations clearly, follows through on pastoral concerns and encourages high standards of effort and behaviour from its students. I like the way that this school works to encourage its students to be actively involved in the local community, through serving in various ways and through local sporting clubs. It's exciting to be part of a school that is obviously growing, because it's doing great things."

"My two boys attended Prep and the school for many years. Before coming to Prep, they had both been to other child care centres. I remembered my younger one was anxious and in tears every morning when I left him at the other centres. But this changed from the first day he started at Prep. He is very happy going to school every day and settled in straight away with the help from Prep teachers. They both met great friends and be able to continue their friendships through primary school for many years afterwards. It’s a very safe environment and the teachers are very caring and supportive."