Cadets

Ivanhoe Grammar School Promotions Course

Recently, three of our cadets, SGT Chad Logan, SGT Charlie Barber and SGT Ben Peters, were invited to attend the Ivanhoe Grammar School Cadet Promotions Course at The Great Aussie Camp, Campaspe Downs, working toward CUO (Cadet Under Officer) and WO (Warrant Officer) qualifications.  Prior to the intensive camp, the SGTs completed challenging pre-work exercises to prepare for the assessment process.

During the course, they joined 60 students from Ivanhoe's two campuses - Plenty and Ridgway, tested on essential skills including navigation, leadership, team building, problem solving under pressure, first aid skills, command delivery and ceremonial sword drill.  The program cemented their leadership abilities and forged new friendships with cadets from another school unit.

All three Sergeants have now achieved their qualifications for CUO and WO, with promotions to be arranged in due course. Congratulations to Chad, Charlie and Ben on their outstanding achievement and excellent conduct throughout the course. RSM Seamus Byron was also invited to return and assist the IGS staff with lessons and assessments — a great honour reflecting his own leadership, expertise and experience.

Interplatoon Challenge and Parade Practice

Interplatoon Challenge

The Interplatoon Challenge is a hotly contested day of activities putting cadets through their paces across multiple areas they have learnt over the year.  Platoons were tested on their proficiency with Ratel (radio communications), Navex skills.  The competition also featured assessments of general cadet knowledge, along with field engineering challenges requiring creative problem-solving and practical application of technical skills. And finally, drill demonstrations tested the discipline and coordination that defines excellent cadet training.

The interplatoon challenge is particularly exciting as the competition was incredibly close across all events.  Every point mattered, and every cadet's performance contributed to their platoon's overall standing.

The winner of the Interplatoon Challenge will be announced at the Ceremonial Parade in October.

Ex EMU - Puckapunyal

Four of our dedicated cadets are gearing up for the adventure as they prepare to head to Exercise EMU at Puckapunyal during the first week of the school holidays.

This intensive week-long exercise will see our cadets venture into the Pucka bush alongside hundreds of cadets from units from our Battalion.  During their time in the field, our cadets will face a variety of demanding scenarios designed to test their leadership abilities, teamwork, navigation skills, and resilience.  The exercise combines practical fieldcraft with problem-solving challenges, all while living and working in a genuine military training environment.

The experience will push our cadets beyond their comfort zones as they work alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, learning to adapt, communicate effectively under pressure, and demonstrate the values and skills they have developed throughout their cadet training.

We wish our cadets the very best of luck as they embark on this exciting challenge.  We know they will represent our unit with pride and distinction during their week at Puckapunyal, bringing home those skills and stories.

Parade Day

Preparations are now underway for our upcoming Ceremonial Parade, with uniforms officially issued to all participating cadets.  This significant event represents the culmination of a year's worth of training and dedication, and we are calling on our entire school community to help make it a memorable success.

We ask for parents' valuable support in ensuring students attend all parade practices and maintain their uniforms to the highest standard.  Clean and pressed uniforms are essential for creating the professional appearance that reflects the pride and discipline of our cadet program and the Defence Force.  Our cadets have been reminded of the importance of giving 100% effort during parade practice sessions.  This event is not just about individual performance, but about demonstrating the pride and respect they have for themselves, their unit, and the Defence personnel they represent when wearing the cadet uniform.

The responsibility that comes with wearing the uniform extends beyond personal presentation.  Each cadet serves as an ambassador for our program and the wider defence community, making their commitment to excellence all the more important.

Intensive parade practice will take place over the first three weeks of Term 4 leading up to the ceremonial event.  These sessions will focus on drill precision, timing, and coordination to ensure our cadets deliver a performance worthy of the occasion and the uniform they wear with pride.

Students will receive detailed information about practice schedules and specific requirements at the beginning of next term.  We encourage all cadet families to mark their calendars for Friday, 23 October.

Issued Cadet Field Gear 

All cadets who were issued field gear prior to May Camp including japaras and webbing were expected to return these items.  There are still a number of items missing.  Please check your shed, cupboards and store areas for any cadet gear.

It is crucial that all cadets understand this equipment is owned by the Defence Force and must be returned without exception.  Please note that NO cadet uniforms or equipment should be left at the front desk under any circumstances.  Cadets can email myself and all returns must follow the correct procedure that will be communicated via email.

MAJ Sarah Byron