Blue Mountains Grammar School Newsletter
Vol 26, 22nd September, 2017
FROM THE HEADMASTER Year 12, 2017 We wish Year 12 all the very best as they end their formal lessons this week and prepare for the HSC Exams at the beginning of next term. If the showcases of HSC works, projects and performances viewed at School towards the end of this term are indicative of their level of commitment, enthusiasm and effort as a year group, we can look forward to more excellent achievements in the weeks to come. It has been wonderful to watch our students grow into the fine young people they are today and to see how our focus on thinking and Christian values, supported by a strong community, have contributed to their development as young adults. It is with great satisfaction that we, the staff at BMGS, farewell them into the world beyond school, knowing we have assisted in shaping people of conscience, courage, compassion and integrity, who are challenged to make a difference to the community and the world. I extend a sincere thank you to all members of Year 12 2017 for their magnificent contribution to the life of this School. They have played an important part in a multitude of areas and activities – from drama, music, public speaking, and community service, to sport, outdoor pursuits, and as leaders of the School. We say farewell to Year 12 2017. We look forward to hearing of their personal journeys over the years to come. A Thank You to Year 12 Parents Year 12 parents too have been very strong contributors to the fabric of the BMGS Community. They have been members of School committees, driven buses, assisted on camps, organised the Bungawarra walk, taken on responsibility for Valedictory activities, worked backstage for drama productions, organised end of season sports dinners, run stalls at the School fair, helped in the Saturday canteen, coached, refereed, umpired and assisted in many other ways.
The School and Year 12 students alike are very much in their debt. We thank them for their invaluable contributions to BMGS. Alumni Reunion Day - Welcoming back former students "If you don't send your ships out to sea, you can never look forward to them coming back." This is a quote I like which is especially relevant to BMGS considering the galley on the school crest. In many ways, it could be said that schools and families are safe harbours. We spend a great deal of time preparing our students/children for the time when they have to leave the harbour as we send them out to sea. The really gratifying thing is that when they return safely with stories of their adventures, they are much richer for their experiences. Last Saturday, we hosted our Reunion Day for the Classes of 1977, 1987 and 1997. There was even a former student from 1957 (We caught up with many students from the 1960s at a special function in Paddington a couple of weeks ago). It was a great delight to spend time with these alumni who have made their way so well in the world. The sharing of stories, achievements and personal journeys, whilst returning for a short time to the "harbour", was clearly enjoyed by all. Thank you to Mrs Marlene Plummer, Mr Rhod Grivas, Mrs Kate Prowse (Foundation members), Mr Col Burke and Miss Anne Cranna for all they did to ensure the day was such an enjoyable event for members of our community. Staffing News – Retirement of Mr Col Burke It is with deep regret that I inform community members of the retirement of Mr Col Burke after 38 years of outstanding service to BMGS, effective as of the end of this year. Mr Burke is currently on long service leave this year, which means he will have been an employee of the School for 39 years at the end of 2017. Obviously he has devoted a major part of his life to the School and as a result formed many strong friendships with staff and students. In his retirement letter to me last week, he says he still gets a buzz when he runs into students and colleagues. Thus I am sure Mr Burke leaves with some sadness of heart. Over the years Mr Burke has fulfilled many different roles – Assistant Boarding Housemaster when he commenced, Head of Pitt House for many years, Acting Head of English on several occasions, Head of English (shared) for 6 months, Acting Deputy Head – Pastoral (shared) and Head of Deane House since Term 1 2003. He has been the editor of the School magazine, co-ordinator of charity events, has coached Basketball, Cricket and Rugby and been on several Rugby tours. He has also contributed greatly to School productions for many years. Furthermore he has loved teaching English and History, especially Ancient History. Mr Burke would have seen many changes over the years in his time at BMGS. Through all of this, he has always continued to devote his time and energy to the areas that are his passions. He has worked with and led staff and students with distinction – and all have come to respect and admire him. I will particularly remember the musicals he has helped to direct and produce – all of which have been of an incredibly high standard and enabled our students to go on a journey that they will always remember. His teaching, creative and expressive talents will be missed. Likewise as a Head of Pitt House and Head of Deane House and a Tutor, Mr Burke has cared for all students with whom he has been involved – including those in his classes and those associated with co-curricular activities. Parents and students alike have appreciated the way in which he has contributed to, and monitored, the educational and co-curricular progress and social well-being of students. Mr Burke’s special gift of being able to build rapport with students enhances their self-
esteem and sense of self-worth. The health of our community depends on the quality of our relationships and he has definitely contributed to this most important facet of the School. Mr Burke has always gone above and beyond with all he has done at Blue Mountains Grammar School with teaching and learning, fostering strong relationships and offering opportunities to our students. It all reflects the immense personal effort he has invested in the School. I know I speak for all of us when I say we are very grateful to him. I know Mr Burke will especially miss our young people as they have been his inspiration and focus. He intends to maintain strong links with the School, especially our alumni, over the years ahead. We all wish Mr Burke the very best as he begins this next phase of his life as he determines his own future direction and spends time with family and friends. There will be opportunities for us next term to say farewell to Mr Burke and to acknowledge his outstanding service to BMGS. T. Barman Headmaster
FROM THE CHAPLAIN In St Paul’s letters, he concludes his writings with a final exhortation or blessing to his readers. After all the many and varied things that he has discussed, his benedictions (“good speaking”) invoke similar ideas. Paul wishes Peace and Grace upon those who love the Lord Jesus (Ephesians 6:2324), he entrusts his readers to God’s guidance in the hope that they would be established in holiness and persevere to the end (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13) and he prays that God will fill His people with Peace, Hope and Joy (Romans 15:13). Although for Paul, the end is never finality, but rather the end of our earthly struggles is the prelude to eternal Peace and Joy in God’s presence. The benediction I resonate with comes not from the writings of Paul, but from the tiny letter written by Jude (probably one of Jesus’ brothers), "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen" (Jude 1:24-25). Jude’s words are focused upon the glories of God and how these benefit us. In other words, it is because of who God is that we can be confident that He will care for us and aid us in our life journey. Perhaps this is the most significant point of our School’s focus upon the things of God as having lasting relevance to our students: while other subjects may seem to have an immediate urgency (particularly for our Year 12 students with the HSC around the corner), our knowledge of the character and love of God, can provide lasting confidence in dealing with the exigencies of life as well as firm Hope in the eternal significance of our actions (and indeed ourselves) and unshakeable Joy knowing we are the objects of God’s delight (Psalm 149:4). As we come to the end of another term, and as our Year 12 students come to the end of their schooling, my prayer is that we might all grow in our understanding of God so that we may face an uncertain future in the certainty of God’s constant Love and lasting Peace; that we might trust in our Lord Jesus to lift us out of the insignificance of selfish pursuits and guide us into the eternal significance of godly living, confident that we will hear Him say “well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the Joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His
will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21). A. Dane PS. All Year 12 parents and students are especially invited to a service in the Chapel on Monday 16th October 9:00am-9:35am (the first HSC exam begins at 10:20am), followed by a light morning tea (breakfast). Let’s start the HSC exams by surrounding our students in prayer and seeking the Peace that our loving God so freely offers.
FROM THE PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION In combination with the 2018 School Centenary celebrations, the Parents’ and Friends’ Association will be holding a Fair in September next year. Although a year away the time to start planning is now! Therefore, I am putting out an open invitation to the School community to become involved by putting forward ideas and if possible joining the friendly, inclusive organising committee and help make it an outstanding success. Please also make a note in your diaries that the next general meeting of the Parents and Friends will be held in fourth term, 14th November, in Coorah, Senior school campus. All parents are warmly invited to attend. Duncan Barrell Chair, Parents’ and Friends’ Association
FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD – HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL Coordinates and a Compass Set before our graduating Year 12 of 2017 are exceptional opportunities and challenges. As they conclude their time at BMGS this week and as we move towards the last term of this year I am reminded about the significance of setting coordinates for life and finding the best way to individually chart that course to a desired location. I have had the privilege to interview and speak with Year 12 students over the past four weeks and learn of their passions, their hopes for the future and the obstacles they have overcome at school and beyond. One thing I have been mindful of is encouraging each student to continue to find and use their compass so to speak as they leave school for the wide world around them. Regardless of where a student is headed, it is important that they are headed somewhere. One surety for the time ahead for the graduating class of 2017 and for each student within our community is the outstanding life plan that Jesus has for each person. In the book of Corinthians in the Bible, Paul the Apostle states the following: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” The Apostle Paul is quoting a reference of a powerful set of statements God spoke to His people through His messenger Isaiah. God is saying here that His plan for one’s life will be the most outstanding life someone can have. Jesus speaks the same language in John 10:10 where he speaks about a life of ‘abundance’ and ‘immeasurable possibilities’ through living for Him. Each student can be assured that wherever life seems to take them and wherever they end up, there is a life created with purpose for them by a loving and caring King: Jesus.
Perhaps one of the most unique and unassuming things that can happen without solid coordinates and a good life compass is drift. Much has been hypothesised about drifting and not in the sense of ‘fast cars’ or ‘sailing boats’ but in the ability to set goals and work towards them. Earlier this year a parent spoke to me about how to harness the potential in organisations and students. What they said really resonated with me. They said if we set the course ahead as easily achievable and visible with the stake in the ground guaranteed to be reached instead of charting a course far ahead of what we can do and into territory (innovation) we have not seen before, we never truly get to where we want to. I really like this analogy and I want to encourage all students to continue to pursue their passions and not be afraid to chart a course into new territory or far above where they think they can go. Life with immeasurable possibilities is available to all. A. Osborne
FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD – HEAD OF TEACHING & LEARNING As the holidays approach, it’s a time of change. We have farewelled our Year 12 students of 2017, sending them on their way to their final burst of study and preparation, ready for their HSC exams next term. We also graduate our Year 11 students into Year 12 early next term – the cycle continues. This week we had a wonderful night with our Year 11 students, talking through some of the processes around the HSC, but also closely focusing on the attitudes to learning and the personal skills they need to build in order to have a successful year. These skills include Having a growth mindset – you are not “stuck” at an ability level persisting, even when things are hard, being willing to face and overcome obstacles, bouncing back after receiving poor results, the importance of planning ahead, working consistently, getting stuck into tasks early to avoid stress and disappointment. A key message is also the importance of leading a balanced and healthy life. It was wonderful to have some of our ex-students back – Olivana Smith-Lathouris, Peggy GrantDawes, Emma Walton, Wilson McDowell and Hamish Davidson - to share their insights around how to survive and thrive in the HSC. Again, the same message rang out loud and clear – work hard, don’t procrastinate, keep going, support each other and keep a healthy sense of perspective on everything. Making the most of the HSC Study break The month leading up to the HSC exams can easily go to two extremes; a non-stop study burn-out or a Netflix binge with three days of panic-study tacked on the end. These final exams don’t have to be high stress. All it takes is some discipline, an ability to stick it out when it gets boring, and ensuring you reward yourself! 1. Create structure The easiest method is to create a structure similar to your daily school timetable, and add a bit. That should give you 6 hours a day. You might shift the time according to your own needs (i.e. 7:00am to 3:00pm or 1:00pm to 8:00pm) – just stick to it! 2. Make and Stick to Good Habits It’s said that habits only take seven days to form – meaning that a positive study habit formed in the first week of the month can last all the way to the HSC.
Consider whether you need to “lock away” your phone or social media during your study sessions so you can avoid distractions – making a few decisions like this can make the whole thing a lot easier! 3. Create balance The HSC is important, but maintain a sense of perspective. You’ve worked hard over the last few years and you want to make sure you do yourself justice. However, you will work more effectively if you build in free days to relax, enjoy yourself and have fun. 4. Treat yourself well Look after your health. Make sure that your relaxing includes getting out, stretching yourself getting active, not just sitting in front to of a screen watching Netflix or playing games. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and eat well. The mental and emotional side of things is vital too. Don’t cut yourself off from family and friends, make sure you relax, and have a giggle. If your mental health takes a serious turn for the worst, however, seek professional help –places like beyond blue give more information on dealing with depression and anxiety, whilst free services like the KYDS Youth Development Service and headspace can help you out if you need to speak to someone. I wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday, and a strong focused sense of purpose for our Year 12 students as they put in the last few hard yards in the lead-up to their exams! M. Hastie
FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC Orpheus Strings Student Concert: Congratulations to all our students who performed yesterday at the annual Orpheus Strings student concert: Emily Ampt (Year 11), Miriam Cooney (Year 10), Indigo Franklin (Year 8), Emma Simon (Year 10), Shirley Lao (Year 10), Josh Williams (Year 11), Meri Tinkler-Smith (Year 5), Emily Colbran (Year 6), Mia Underwood (Year 7), Maeve Magner (Year 6) and Michayla Clark (Year 8). The concert was a wonderful collaboration of students and more advanced musicians and the large audience was most appreciative and enthusiastic. Special thanks to Alison Collins who provided a vehicle to transport the timpani and for attending the concert. Vocalocity: Congratulations to this mountains vocal group in which Miriam Cooney (Year 10) and Amy Grace (Year 7) perform. Two ensembles within the main group sang in the Hornsby Eisteddfod at the weekend. The Elite group won a section and the Trio came 2nd in another section. Miriam and Amy performed in both ensembles. Gondwana Choirs forthcoming concerts: The Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir and the Vienna Boys’ Choir will perform a concert entitled “Songs of My Country” featuring Australian and European works at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 10th October. The Sydney Children’s Choir and members of Gondwana Voices will also present a concert “Voices of Angels” at the City Recital Hall on 11 th and 12th December. Tickets and further information are available from gondwana.org.au Diary Dates: Tuesday 14 November: D. Smith
Soiree 3, 7:00pm, PAC Recital Room
FROM THE HEAD OF HUMANITIES Australian Geography Competition It was a pleasure to present many students with certificates in recognition of their achievement in the national Geography competition at Assembly on Monday of this week. This year we ran the competition in only two classes to gauge whether it could be a useful tool for teaching and learning. Given the skills focus of both the competition and Section A of the Geography HSC we found it very helpful in identifying areas where we need to revise. As a result we plan on using the national competition again in 2018. Weekly Quiz The answer to the last quiz of term was “meander”. Congratulations go to Callum Jackson (Year 11) who has won the canteen voucher. Thank you to all who have entered the Humanities on-line competition in Term 3 and made the competition successful. We look forward to more and more people entering our weekly on-line quiz next term! J. Madgwick
FROM THE HEAD OF STUDENT WELLBEING Help with the Children BMGS is excited to support some excellent events coming up shortly at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Wentworth Falls to support parents. On 24th September, Dr Phillip Britton will be presenting at all church services on the topic ‘Parenting the Developing Child’. Phillip is a lecturer in Child and Adolescent Health at Westmead Children’s’ Hospital. Starting 10th October, the church will also be hosting the ‘1-23 Magic and Emotion Coaching Course’. This course is run by professional presenters and works through practical strategies parents can use to help children manage their own behaviour and emotions. Finally, starting on 21st October, Holy Trinity will be hosting a Christianity Explained course specifically for parents who are interested in learning how to explain Jesus, the bible and Christianity to children. For more information see the document which includes a website which can be used to register. A. Beitsch
FROM THE LEARNING ENRICHMENT DEPARTMENT I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Year 12 students all the very best in their upcoming exams. It’s been a pleasure to meet you and work with you. Regardless of what your endeavours may be, the future is yours to take advantage of, to make a difference and to understand what great opportunities there are for the taking. I believe that there are three types of people in this world: 1. Those that make things happen 2. Those who watch things happen 3. And those who wonder what happened. Be that person who makes things happen. What an exciting world you are contributing to - best wishes Year 12! A. Michielsen
CAREERS NEWS Website Careers information for students is available on the BMGS Careers FROG Learning Management website. This website is accessible to all students and staff in the Senior School. Here you will find the link to the MHSCareers website, which provides an extensive careers information service. Can’t access FROG? Please see Mr Huxley for technical help. Library Resource Centre In the LRC there is a self-serve Careers corner for your use. Here you can find the Handbooks from the various universities. You are welcome to take these books home! On the notice board you will find a copy of the weekly MHSCareers newsletter. This week in FROG There is a new course in Civil Engineering with a humanitarian focus at UNSW. The University of Wollongong is offering STEM (integrated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) opportunities for current Year 9, 10 and 11 students. We have information on TAFE courses, including a flow chart for an aviation course to be a pilot and information on courses without any ATAR requirement. Looking for an alternative schoolies week? Projects Abroad is seeking volunteers for programs in Sri Lanka and Samoa. Also, there is information about a competition run by the Australian Government calling for creative entries on the topic of Tax and Superannuation. Discussing your options Careers discussions are available in the LRC every Tuesday afternoon between 3:15pm and 4:45pm during term time. J. Madgwick
FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP Summer Sports Uniform Players have been fitted for summer sports this week – please be aware that we require uniforms to be paid in full, prior to the end of this term. Uniforms will not be issued to players without prior payment. Payments may be made by telephone on 4757-9004. All Athletics singlets that were hired for the ISA Athletics Carnival need to be returned by Week 1, Term 4. K. Arrell
FROM THE LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTRE (LRC) The LRC will be open for Year 12 students over the holiday break, but only for the last week (Tuesday 3rd October to Friday 6th October). This is to assist Year 12 students in their preparation for the HSC examinations. Opening hours will be from 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays. The LRC will be closed for the first week of the holiday break. While the LRC has HSC resources, there are also HSC resources at BMCC library branches – Blaxland, Springwood and Katoomba. Details may be found on the BMCC library website: www.library.bmcc.nsw.gov.au .
If you click on the tab “Youth zone” on the right of the page, you will then find two tabs labelled “HSC resources” (information on what is available for study purposes, and databases) and “HSC collection” (items for students to borrow). Best wishes to all Year 12 students on their Higher School Certificate examinations. E. Wells
FROM THE HEAD OF SPORT We end the term on Friday with our last House Sport competition for the year. Whilst all students are required to wear full school uniform on Friday, they also need to bring their House polo and school shorts to participate in House Sport. The following activities will be run: Year 7/8 Boys’ Oz Tag Year 7/8 Girls’ Touch Football Year 9/10 Boys’ Basketball Year 9/10 Girls’ Touch Football. Summer Sports The training schedule for 2017/18 summer sports is set out below. Training times have been set to work around school-based activities. Please ensure that your son/daughter is available to attend all training and games. Students are required to wear School gear for training and may only leave the school in School shorts/polo or full School tracksuit. If training gear is not correct students are required to change back into their full school uniform. The link below will take you to the Quick Links page on the website, where information required to answer your questions regarding summer sport has been placed. (http://www.bmgs.nsw.edu.au/bmgs-summer-sport-information-for-parents). This information can also be found on the front page of the Portal. Could you please ensure the last page of the PDF is completed and returned to the relevant MIC.
SPORT FACILITY BOOKINGS SUMMER 2017 Time
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Court 1
3:15 - 4:45pm
5/6 Boys’ Basketball
14B Boys’ Basketball Junior C Girls’
14 and 17 years Boys’ Basketball
13 and 15 years Boys’ Basketball
5/6 Girls’ Basketball
Court 1
5:00 - 7:00 pm
First V Girls’ Basketball
First V Boys’ Basketball
Court 2
3:15 - 4:45pm
3/4 Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball
Open C and Intermediate A Girls’ Basketball
Junior B Girls’ Basketball
Open B and Junior A Girls’ Basketball
3/4 Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball
Ziele Oval
3:15 - 4:45pm
Cricket
Jnr School Oval
Cricket
Cricket
Team App Last week an email was sent to all parents and students from the Senior School regarding this app. If you are not a member of Team App and you are playing in a summer sport, could you please download the app to ensure you receive notifications throughout the season. Thank you to all those who have joined Team App over the past week. If you did not receive a copy of the email with the instructions attached for installation of the app, could you please email me on
[email protected] and I will send you a copy. This app has been very helpful in reducing the need for constant emails when changes are made to game times or games are cancelled. Once you have downloaded Team App you will be able to choose the teams that you wish to receive notifications about. For example if your child plays in the 13 years Basketball team you would choose 2017 13 Boys’ Basketball for team specific notifications as well as Boys’ Basketball for sport notifications such as presentation night info etc. This is a more effective way to communicate with our sporting community and hope that this will make life easier for everybody. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding sport at BMGS. Have a happy and safe holiday and keep active. M. Harris
FROM THE HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL As we approach the end of another busy and enriching term I would like to take the opportunity of wishing everyone a relaxing and enjoyable school holiday period. The term has ended well with what sounds like a very enjoyable and action packed tour of Canberra for Stage 3, a visit from Coogee Boys Prep to compete in cricket and basketball matches, a visit from the Wagana Aboriginal dancers, the final session with Cricket NSW and all the fun of Valedictory Day as we farewell the Year 12s and wish them well on this next exciting stage of their journey. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of those in our community who have wished me well for my upcoming term of Long Service Leave. I look forward to boring the children with many tales when I return in 2018. In the meantime I leave you in very good hands as Mrs Goodlet steers the Junior School through Term 4. As I won’t get another opportunity I would like to wish all of our Year 6 children all the very best for their future in secondary school, many of whom have been with us for the last eight years, and say farewell to the many families amongst them who have been such staunch supporters of our school and active members of our community. Until we meet again… N. Cockington Student Awards The following awards were presented at Assembly this week: Gold – Rose Burgess (2K) Silver – William Jones (4G) Bronze – Jesper Scheck-Evans (1B)
STAGE 3 CANBERRA TRIP
Last week Stage 3 enjoyed our biennial tour to Canberra. The three day trip linked in with our History topic focusing on Australian democracy and the Physical World in Science. The weather was on our side and we all revelled in the mild and sunny conditions. On the first day our students enjoyed a tour of the Australian Institute of Sport and an opportunity to explore hands-on, all things scientific at Questacon. This was followed by a chance to get to know everyone a little bit better whilst playing ten pin bowling. Day 2 took us to Parliament House. Here we met our local member for the Macquarie electorate, The Hon. Susan Templeman and were then given a guided tour of the complex and learnt about the day to day working life of elected members. On our exit we almost had the chance to interview Mr. Bill Shorten, Leader of the Opposition. He was, however, rushing to a media interview in the foreground of the Parliament building. The buses then took us across the road and through a couple of roundabouts to the High Court of Australia to see where and how our judicial system works at the highest level. Next stop, the National Art Gallery. Time for some culture. The tour guides were passionate and knew their art. In groups we were shown many important pieces in various styles, culminating in a good look at the gallery’s prized possession – Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles. There was still some daylight left so we finished the day exploring the National Museum on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. This museum showcases ‘Australianness’ at its best. Students were captivated by the new Indigenous Perspectives wing and could use the interactive displays to learn more about our first peoples. On our final day we visited the Australian War Memorial. No description adequately can depict the experience of visiting possibly Australia’s most important memorial/museum/research centre. We stayed at Greenhills Conference Centre situated in the beautiful Brindabella Ranges just outside Canberra itself. Along with sharing the place with seventeen Eastern Greys, one wombat and a well-behaved Brushtail Possum, we also managed to play a friendly game of football with another visiting school. Mealtimes allowed us all to experience camp food at its best. An added bonus was a real coffee machine producing real coffee for the teachers. Many thanks go to Darrell and Greg from Fantastic Aussie Tours whose knowledge of the city and great sense of fun kept us all safe and sound (and laughing). S. Bell
WATERWAYS FESTIVAL On Sunday 17th September, students from Year 4G and 5/6F attended the BMCC Waterways Festival at Wentworth Falls Lake. The weather was glorious and it was wonderful to see so many people from our local community at the event. Year 5/6 performed a beautiful song to the crowd and Year 4 was in charge of sharing information about the Eastern long-necked turtle. Armed with the Blue Mountains Grammar tent, which displayed Year 4 students’ gorgeous artwork, the students shared their information pamphlets about the turtles, which they had created at school. The students chatted with members of our community, including local politicians, about the beautiful turtles and what can be done to protect the waterways of the Blue Mountains to ensure the turtles thrive. The students painted lots of turtles on faces and attended many of the ‘Walks and Talks’ which were hosted by BMCC. The students had a wonderful time. L. Gerrard
WAGANA DANCERS VISIT THE JUNIOR SCHOOL On Monday we were visited by the very talented Aboriginal Wagana Dancers led by Jo Clancy. The dancers performed four traditional and contemporary dances and shared the meaning and history behind each dance. The students were painted in traditional ochre, which Ms Clancy sourced from Mount Victoria and they participated in the Dragonfly and the Southern Emu dances. The students had a wonderful time and this experience marked a great conclusion to our Primary Dance program. L. Gerrard
JUNIOR CHESS On Monday, our Junior A Team – Tien Attwater, Angus Herron, Max Anicic and Oliver Drew – who recently won through to the Regional Finals, travelled to North Rocks Public School seeking to qualify for the State Finals. Our team played to an extremely high dstandard, however, after long, close games, were defeated 5.5 – 2.5 to become Runners-Up in the Metropolitan West Region. Well, done, boys for reaching the Regional Finals. Thank you also, to Mrs. Gillman for her excellent management of this team.
VISIT FROM COOGEE PREPARATORY SCHOOL On Friday 15th September, the Junior School hosted a visit from the boys of Coogee Preparatory School. They were traveling around country NSW visiting schools and playing lots of sport. We were their last stop before travelling back to Sydney. Our Primary boys provided formidable opponents both on the cricket pitch and basketball court.
It was a fantastic opportunity for our cricket and basketball teams to stretch their muscles and play together for the first time this summer season. The Coogee boys left after lunch tired but with a new set of friends. S. Bell
FROM THE HEAD OF THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL The Preparatory Staff takes this opportunity to wish our School families a safe and happy break from School routines. We look forward to seeing you next term, commencing Monday, 9th October. Student Awards: Pre-Kindergarten - Robert Sommerville Kindergarten – Sally Norton Stage 1 – Tara Sataka Stage 2 –Charlotte James and Lachlan Burgess
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – SEPT/OCT 2017 Friday, 22nd Sep – Valedictory Day Friday, 22nd Sep – House Sports Competition Friday, 22nd Sep – Term 3 concludes Friday, 22nd Sep to Friday 6th Oct – Japan Tour Friday, 6th Oct – Annual 45km Walk, BMGS to Bungawarra Monday, 9th Oct – Term 4 commences
