Blue Mountains Grammar School Newsletter Vol 10, 13th April, 2018
FROM THE HEADMASTER
“Education is more like gardening than manufacturing”
Whilst walking up Coorah Hill from the Junior to the Senior School last Monday at lunchtime, I
stopped to chat to some of our new Year 7 students. Now that Term 1 is drawing to a close, I asked
them how they felt they had settled in. Apart from being asked to try a special greeting involving a
high-five and a fist bump, they informed me that they had really enjoyed their first term. They
particularly mentioned the quality of teaching and care shown by staff and that they had formed
strong friendships with one another and their teachers. They felt that they “belonged”, which was
most reassuring to hear.
There is a lovely quote by Sir Ken Robinson, an author, speaker and international advisor on
education:
“Education is more like gardening than manufacturing: the thing is that gardeners know that there
are conditions under which plants flourish and that’s true of all human communities – what it comes
to is the culture of the place.”
I thank our teachers for their dedication to this important work, educating the minds and hearts of
our young people and helping to build our authentic, caring and spirited culture. I thank our parents
too for working together with staff in the best interests of your sons and daughters. We particularly
appreciate the respectful and open conversations that have occurred this term at special School
occasions such as the Icebreakers Evening, the first Centenary Weekend, at Information Evenings
and during Parent/Teacher/Student Meetings. We look forward to further such events that are
scheduled next term.
Two highlights of this week are our Grandparents’ Days, firstly the Preparatory School event held on
Wednesday and the Junior School event later today. Grandparents play such an important role in the
lives of grandchildren. Much of this is seen through the support and help they provide to parents.
Children find unique acceptance in their relationships with grandparents, which benefits them
emotionally and mentally. Grandparents are great role models and mentors for the younger
generation. They are also historians and teachers – guiding values, instilling ethnic heritage, and
passing on family traditions. I extent a special welcome to all grandparents as they attend these
important occasions. I am sure these Grandparents’ Days will be uplifting occasions helping to foster
stronger connections between the families at BMGS and within individual families.
Presentation of Murray River Marathon Nyerna Award to BMGS
At the end of last year, just over 40 BMGS students, staff and parents participated in this 400 km
paddling event.
Mr Gregg Borschmann and Mr Shannon O’Brien attended the Senior School Assembly today to
present our students, Mr Horwood, and me, with the 2017 Murray River Marathon Nyerna Award,
symbolised by the Murray River Flag and four paddles.
The Nyerna Award is presented to the school that best epitomises the spirit of youthful enthusiasm
for being out on the river. The Murray River flag was originally designed in the 1850s and was hand-
stitched by a direct descendant of one of the first families to run a riverboat along the mighty Murray
River. The Award (pictured) looks
very impressive housed in its
wood and glass framed display
unit.
Year 12 students Tara Shields
and Jessica Dance spoke about
the enjoyment gained paddling
the Murray with fellow students
and parents and the satisfaction
gained through raising funds for
people who live along the river,
as well as for other projects such
as Junction 142, who looks after
those living in need in Katoomba,
and for Marine Conservation in
Cambodia.
Pictured, above, l to r: Tara Shiels, Jessica Dance, Mr. Shannon O’Brien, Mr. David Horwood and Mr. Gregg Borschmann. Pictured
below, l to r: Mr. Borschmann, Mr. Barman, Mr. Horwood and Mr. O’Brien.
As the term draws to a
close I offer my warm good
wishes and gratitude to all
BMGS families and staff.
Term 2 will bring more
opportunities to celebrate
our Centenary year and to
form connections with one
another.
I wish all in the BMGS
Community a restful, happy
and safe break.
Trevor Barman
Headmaster
FROM THE ACTING CHAPLAIN
A Wrinkle in Time
When I was a child my dad read to me Madeleine L'Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, a novel she wrote in
1962. The story was (and is) captivating and tells the story of a young girl trying to find her genius
scientist father who mysteriously disappeared after discovering a new planet. The girl, 13 year old
Meg, is guided through the universe by three astral travellers. The story is about the battle between
the light and the darkness, and deals with issues such as social conformity, death, and truth. The
novel is ultimately empowering and encourages us to become the light rather than be sucked in by
the darkness. The darkness is incredibly strong, alluring, malevolent, and totalitarian and exists in a
character named IT. Even IT can be overcome by making the choice to be part of the light.
L’Engle reminds us of the power of the choices we make and that our choices change the outcome
of our lives, and the outcome of others’ lives. She writes, “Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its
freedoms, is like a sonnet: You’re given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.” The
novel beautifully depicts the mysterious nature of God, “I don’t understand it any more than you do,
but one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to understand things for them to be.” I am
sometimes asked by students to give proof for God’s existence, which is a question that I enjoy
thinking and talking about. The more I think about defining God, the more I am blown away by the
magnitude of the task and the impossibility of fitting God into an empirical box. If God is God then
He is unlimited, which is quite a contrast to the limited beings we are. But as L’Engle points out, this
is far from saying God is unknowable, unbelievable, or non-existent. In fact, the very limits we have,
serve to make life an incredibly diverse and magnificent journey. Because we are limited, we can
never know everything in its entirety, no matter how much we progress or advance. These limits then
become the very reason we keep on searching for meaning, understanding, and God.
As a believer in God and Jesus, I think God must love when we use our imaginations, skills, thoughts,
words, and creativity to discover who we are, what this world is, and who He is. He loves it when we
push our minds to their outer limits as we truthfully search for the light, the light being all that is
good and of God. This book is a great example of how words and stories can become life changing
agents and transcend the pages they are written on. L’Engle writes, “A book, too, can be a star,
‘explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly,’ a living fire to lighten the darkness,
leading out into the expanding universe.” While Ava DuVernay’s recent film adaptation of A Wrinkle
in Time is a beautiful spectacle, I felt it leaves a lot to be desired. It is worth a watch but certainly
does not do the novel justice. If you are looking for a good read that might help you to think about
God (and Christianity) in fresh and exciting ways, then I highly recommend picking up a copy of A
Wrinkle in Time and reading it with your family these school holidays. I might even see if my dad can
come over and read it to me again – happy holidays to you all and God Bless!
L. Webb
FROM THE PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION
Book Donations Sought
We are seeking donations of pre-loved
books for two upcoming Second Hand
Book sales – the first of these is on
Saturday, 26th May, when we will be
holding a book stall in conjunction with
the Centenary Daffodil Drive (please see
below).
Donations Sought for 2nd Hand Book Sales
We are also collecting donations of books for the Spring Fair in September. We would ask parents if
you have an opportunity during the upcoming holidays to sort through your book collections (no
magazines, periodicals or text books please) and donate any books that are no longer needed at
home to the School. These may be handed in at the Preparatory School Reception (for transfer to
the Wentworth Falls Reception) or directly to Coorah Reception.
Thank you, in advance, for your support of our upcoming Book sales.
Parents’ and Friends’ Association Spring Fair Committee
BMGS CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
Daffodil Drive
The BMGS Daffodil Drive is back!
In 2008, our 90th Anniversary Daffodil
Drive resulted in a stunning display,
each Spring, of golden daffodils lining
the road into the Senior School. At that
time, more than 1,500 bulbs were
planted in specially prepared beds
lining the roadway. Further bulbs were
planted in many gardens around each
of the three campuses.
The Daffodil Drive is back for our
Centenary year! On Saturday, 26th
May, from 10.00am to 1:00pm, we will
be holding a Bulbs and Books Sale.
The bulbs are of the School’s own
special variety, from the Narcissis
genus, and they are great performers in
the garden; they are easy to grow and
can be left in the ground to naturalise.
They can be relied upon to produce
masses of spring colour for years to
come. Purchase them for your own
gardens and think of BMGS’ Centenary
when they flower for you in Spring. Or,
you may wish to purchase bulbs to
donate bulbs to the School, to be
planted in the planned anniversary
bulb gardens at all three campuses.
Cost: 3 for $4.00; 6 for $8:00 or a
dozen for $15.00
There will also be a second hand book
sale on the day.
In appreciation of your support of this
Bulbs and Book Sale, we are offering a
complimentary cup of coffee or tea and
your choice from a selection of cakes,
cookies or slices with every purchase.
Keep Cups
Our newly minted, special (and limited) edition Keep
Cups have arrived!
Not only is this a great memento of our Centenary
year, it will help us reach our waste reduction targets
within the School.
The cups are available for $15 each and can be
purchased from any of our three School Receptions.
We will also have them for sale at the upcoming
Daffodil Drive and at various functions held
throughout the year, such as the Annual Trivia Night
and the Spring Fair.
Let’s help the environment and play our part in the
war against waste!
Centenary Jackets
A limited edition of Centenary Jackets, bearing the Anniversary logo, will be available for purchase
until the end of Term 2 (June). The jackets are available in two colours: black with a white crest or
navy blue with a yellow crest, and all sizes are $45.00 (Men, Ladies and Children sizes available).
The jackets can be purchased through the Uniform Shop and Mrs. Arrell has
a range of sizes/samples available now for fittings. 50% of the purchase
price is to be lodged with your order.
The complete calendar of events has been published on our website.
Please visit the Quick Links page for regular updates and details of each
upcoming event: http://www.bmgs.nsw.edu.au/bmgs-100-year-
anniversary. Upcoming events will also be promoted on the School’s
Facebook page.
BMGS Foundation Committee
CENTENARY QUILT
BMGS Centenary Quilt News
The cheerful group of quilters and embroiderers creating a BMGS Centenary Quilt is making great
progress! We would love for more members of the School community – students, parents,
grandparents and friends – to have the opportunity to be a part of this special project. If you have
particular skills in appliqué or embroidery and would like to contribute to whatever extent you are
able, please contact Elissa Drew at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from
you!
FROM THE ACTING DEPUTY HEAD – HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Rest
As an undergraduate, some of the most enthralling lectures had to be in Psychology. Before the days
of ethics committees, social scientists were able to conduct studies which would make one shudder
today. One such experiment related to a sleep study. A team of researchers took turns to follow
participants who were pushed to see how long they could stay awake, while lab-coated researchers
jotted notes on their clipboards.
While I am not able to refer to a specific study here, I am sure that all would concur what must be a
universal understanding: people need to rest. It is a good thing. It was mandated to Moses in the
wilderness and continues to be verified by researchers (see for example
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mental-downtime/).
But we don’t have to go far to verify these findings - I am sure that rest is one thing which any parent
of a child who has just finished their first term of Year 7 would nod their ascent to.
As Term 1 draws to a close I would like to thank all staff and students for a most successful
beginning to the 2018 academic year. Across the Senior School I am regularly overwhelmed by the
opportunities for students to grow within the BMGS community to be compassionate and
adventurous young people. This is a School where every student is valued. A special mention must
be made of the Year 7 students, who were applauded in Assembly this week for finishing the first
stanza of their time at BMGS with good humour and intellectual curiosity.
Have a wonderful break.
Vote for Isobel Knight (Vice-Captain and class of 2014).
A special mention should also be made to Isobel Knight, who has recently completed her first album.
Isobel’s work has a quintessentially Australian folk feel. It is warm, rich and honest. Her songs tell
stories of life and growing up in the Blue Mountains. May I strongly suggest you listen to three songs
which are published on Triple J’s Unearthed website. Each listen, download and review will help!
https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/isobel-knight
A. Beitsch
FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD –
TEACHING & LEARNING
Reminders about Assessment requirements for
students in Years 10-12
In the final years of schooling, with the externally-
credentialed ROSA grades awarded at the end of Year
10 and Year 11, and the HSC at the end of Year 12,
students are required to follow strict guidelines to
ensure that no student is given an unfair advantage
over another, and that all students are treated
equitably. This is particularly important when it comes
to formal assessment tasks, as they are used to rank
students, and influence their final result. The full
assessment policies are set out in the Assessment booklets that can be found on the Year page on
the Portal, but some key reminders about the BMGS Assessment policy have been reprinted here, for
each family’s benefit.
Submission and/or presentation of Assessment Tasks
All assessment tasks specified in the Assessment Program must be submitted to the Class Teacher
in class by the due date, OR to a specified location at a specified time as per the assessment
notification OR submitted via the Turnitin website.
BMGS students are encouraged to use computers (e.g. word processing programs, PowerPoint, etc)
for the presentation of Assessment Tasks but should note the following:
A student cannot come on the day an Assessment Task is due and claim that they cannot hand in, or
complete, the task because:
(a) the computer broke down
(b) the printer won’t work, or
(c) other similar excuse
and expect to be granted an extension.
If there is a problem with a computer, students must be able to show the class teacher hard copy
evidence of the task during its construction, i.e. students need to print a hard copy and/or make a
‘soft copy’ backup at various stages of the task and/or email the task to your school email account
and keep this as evidence, until the final task has been submitted or presented.
Failing to Submit or Missing an Assessment Task
If you fail to hand in an Assessment Task by the due date you will receive a mark of zero unless you
do the following:
If you are sick on the day an assessment task is due to be handed in you must arrange to get
the task to your teacher by the due date.
Where you feel there is a valid reason, such as serious illness, for missing the task or being
unable to hand it in on the due date, you must do each of the following:
1. Phone the office of the Deputy Head – Teaching and Learning by 9:30am on the
morning of the task.
2. Visit a medical practitioner and obtain a medical certificate (these can also be
obtained at some pharmacies).
3. Obtain an Illness and Misadventure Form from either the Portal, the Head of
Department or Deputy Head – Teaching and Learning.
4. Report to the relevant teacher or Head of Department immediately upon your return
to School, with a medical certificate and a completed Illness and Misadventure Form.
You will need to discuss your case and find out what the outcome will be depending
on the nature of the task.
5. If the task was a take-home task, you must hand it in, completed, with your
completed Illness and Misadventure Form immediately upon your return to School.
If you have followed the above procedure and the reason for your absence is accepted, you will be
required to do one of the following:
complete the original task
complete an alternative task, or
in the case of an exam you may be given an estimate.
In the case of being asked to complete the original assessment task or an alternative task, be
prepared to do so at the earliest time available as determined by the Head of Department of the
relevant faculty. A mark will be awarded in this instance.
Notes about medical certificates
Medical certificates must give specific details of the illness and state that you are ‘unable to
complete the (state specifically) assessment task(s)’. It is your responsibility to bring this to the
attention of your medical practitioner.
The medical certificate must be completed by someone other than a family member.
Overseas trips, extended holidays, dental appointments, meeting relatives, etc are not valid
reasons for missing assessment tasks.
If, for family reasons or severe illness, you will be absent from School for extended periods you
must request leave from the Headmaster in advance. If leave is granted you need to negotiate a
completion date with your teacher.
Malpractice associated with the conduct of an Assessment Task
Malpractice is any activity that allows you to gain an unfair advantage over other students.
All students have completed ‘All My Own Work’, the on-line course mandated by the NSW Education
Standards Authority (NESA), and thus have a clear understanding of what constitutes plagiarism.
If serious malpractice (such as plagiarism, copying, taking forbidden material or devices into a task,
test or examination) is detected, the mark awarded for the assessment task may be zero. Cheating
or other misconduct associated with the performance of an Assessment Task may result in the
award of a zero mark.
Being absent from school in the days leading up to the submission/completion of a task may be
seen as having an unfair advantage and will require the completion of an Illness and Misadventure
Form, accompanied by a medical certificate.
These rules are put in place to keep processes fair and transparent, in order to protect students who
work hard and adhere to the set deadlines, as well as those who have a genuine reason for not
being able to submit a task on the set day.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
M. Hastie
FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC
Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves
Our Stage band will again be performing as part of ‘Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves’, on Sunday,
6th May. This Community event, sponsored by Springwood Rotary, features musicians from various
local schools. Please bring a picnic basket and join us for a wonderful afternoon of Music 1:30pm -
3:00pm, ‘The Old Farm’ Purvines Road, Yellow Rock.
Orpheus Strings
On Sunday, 8th April, Indigo Franklin (Year 9), Sel Hardaker (Year 10) and Miriam Cooney (Year 11)
played with Orpheus Strings in our beautiful Celebration Concert at Katoomba. Congratulations to
these dedicated students for their commitment and contribution to an adult community orchestra.
ANZAC Service
Thank you to all those students who have indicated they are available to perform at the ANZAC
Service in Wentworth Falls. Mrs Cooney is still keen to hear from any other musicians who would like
to contribute to the service. There will be a rehearsal during lunchtime this Friday in the Recital
Room of the Performing Arts Centre.
Diary Dates:
ANZAC Service: Wentworth Falls, Wednesday, 25th April – 6:00am.
Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves: Stage Band – Sunday, 6th May- 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Soiree #2: Thursday, 31st May
D. Smith
FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP
Centenary Jackets
A limited edition of Centenary Jackets, bearing the Anniversary logo, will be
available for purchase until the end of Term 2 (June). The jackets are available
in two colours: black with a white crest or navy blue with a yellow crest, and all
sizes are $45.00 (Men, Ladies and Children sizes available).
The jackets can be purchased through the Uniform Shop and Mrs. Arrell has a
range of sizes/samples available now for fittings. 50% of the purchase price is to
be lodged with your order. Visit the Anniversary page on the Quick Links page of our website:
http://www.bmgs.nsw.edu.au/bmgs-100-year-anniversary
K. Arrell
FROM THE HEAD OF SPORT
Congratulations
Last Friday night Isaac Nicholls, who plays Junior Representative
Cricket for Penrith, was awarded the Bowling Award for his team, for
being the top wicket taker, together with a special award for taking 5
wickets for 20 runs from 10 overs against the Northern Districts in a
game played in January 2018. Isaac was also the leading wicket taker
for the Penrith Junior Representative Cricket Association for all
Representative games played over the season from Under 10s to
Under 16s (approx. 180 Penrith District Representative players in
total).
Cross Country Carnival
The Senior School Cross Country Carnival will be held on the 8th May at
School. The course will be run across both the Senior and the Junior
School campuses. The approximate start times for each age group are
as follows:
Provisional Distances and Start Times:
8:45am Boys’ Senior 6,000m 4 laps
8:55am Girls’ Senior 4,000m 3 laps
9:15am Boys’ 16 years 6,000m 4 laps
9:25am Girls’ 16 years 4,000m 3 laps
9:45am Boys’ 15 years 4,000m 3 laps
9:55am Girls’ 15 years 4,000m 3 laps
10:15am Boys’ 14 years 4,000m 3 laps
10:25am Girls’ 14 years 4,000m 3 laps
10:45am Boys’ 12 and 13 years 3,000m 2 laps
10:55am Girls’ 12 and 13 years 3,000m 2 laps
11:30am HOUSE CHEERS
11:45am Expected Finish
Please note that normal Periods 4 and 5 will run in the afternoon.
Active Kids Rebate
The $100 Active Kids government refund that is available for parents is only for community based
sport programs. e.g. sports clubs. For those students who are representing BMGS in a local
competition, e.g. U14s Cricket in the Blue Mountains competition or Junior Basketball at Katoomba,
parents can claim registration fees. For more information you can go to the Active Kids website.
https://sport.nsw.gov.au/sectordevelopment/activekids
ISA 2018 Winter Season
A reminder that all round games for the ISA competition commence on the first Saturday in Term 2.
All training sessions will run in the first week. If you have not purchased your uniform, the only
opportunity that you will have prior to your first game is on Monday or Tuesday (before end of lunch).
Attendance at all games and trainings is compulsory if you have committed to the winter season. I do
understand that at times appointments may clash but please be mindful of training and game times
when making appointments.
Training Uniforms
During Terms 1 and 4 students are permitted to go home in school shorts and polos. Once Term 2
starts, those students who do not wish to get changed at the end of training MUST have their full
school tracksuit otherwise they will need to change back into their full school uniform.
Training gear must be BMGS gear. Uniform detentions will be issued to those students who do not
comply with the uniform rules for sports training.
Winter Sport – Bus Pickup
As was introduced at the end of last year please note that there will be NO pickup from Hazelbrook.
Instead, students from this part of the mountains are to wait at Lawson for the bus.
The Springwood pickup for all sport will be Springwood Station in both directions. The bus will not be
doing a pickup at Buttenshaw Park, unless players are advised on the particular week.
These decisions were made based on safety considerations.
Have a safe holiday and remember to stay active.
M. Harris
FROM THE HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
At the time of writing we are all very excited about our impending Grandparents’ Day and Book Fair
to finish off what has been a wonderfully exciting Term 1. The Library Resource Centre looks
fantastic and has been a hub of activity recently so be sure to drop in and browse through our Book
Fair. Mrs Gillman and her enthusiastic team of helpers have done a magnificent job in getting ready
for this favourite occasion.
Mrs Cooney, Mr Forbes, Miss Kahn and Mr Webb have been energetically preparing the children for
what should be a spectacular Grandparents’ Day concert and the weather this week has been
beautiful so we are all hoping for a lovely day to help us finish off the term with a picnic lunch.
Earlier this week our Performing Arts Captains Tom Archer
and Meri Tinkler-Smith compered a Talent Quest and the
audience was treated to a number of entertaining
performances ranging from original (and quite unique)
dramatic performances, beautiful singing, graceful dancing
(except for the boys’ hip hop!) and instrumental
performances ranging from pop songs
to classic rock. Well done to all those
entertainers who shared their talents
with us.
Congratulations to James Saad (6G)
who was selected in the HICES football
team to compete at the CIS Championships on Monday. James represented his
school and association proudly as HICES took on the might of larger
associations. I am told the boys acquitted themselves well and had a couple of
close matches walking away with a win against HRIS. Well done, James!
On Tuesday we were visited by Senior Constables Pritchard
and Rosevear who came to talk to us about staying safe in
the community (K-2) and staying safe online (5 and 6).
There were some excellent questions and thoughtful
comments from the children and a number of the older
children decided as a result to go home and check their
security settings on their mobile devices, which is a great
outcome.
Thank you to Mrs Mamo, our tireless P and F coordinator, for once again organising the Cadbury
Easter Egg fundraiser. Over $800 was raised to go towards our next P and F project for the benefit of
all the children.
Although a little way off, ticket sales are now open for the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival at the
Sydney Town Hall on August 20th in which our choir and orchestra always perform with distinction.
We are selling tickets online, so to order your tickets for the evening please go to the following link:
https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?embed&eid=362684
As part of an active Blue Mountains community we are proud to be promoting the Stronger Families
Alliance School Holiday Activities calendar for families in the Blue Mountains. For further information
about local free/low cost local activities across the Blue Mountains for families, children and teens
visit www.strongerfamilies.net.au
Congratulations to Amelie Emmerson (3R) who was the first lucky winner of the Random Acts of
Kindness lucky dip. Our Student Wellbeing Leaders have been on the lookout and taking note of
children who are upholding our School values of kindness and compassion. Nominations are put into
a box and a name drawn to have a lucky dip. Amelie was commended for being kind to younger
children. Well done, Amelie!
At the conclusion of Term 1 our much beloved and devoted Learning Support teacher Mr Phil Dormer
will be taking leave for the remainder of 2018. He is looking forward to spending some time with his
family and he has a number of activities planned. Importantly, he is not retiring, as he will be
returning to School for the commencement of 2019. We wish Mr Dormer a very relaxing and
enriching period of leave and thank him for all that he has done to work with children, their teachers
and their parents to help close the gaps in the children’s learning. Mrs Danni Hilder has been
appointed to the position of Learning Support teacher for the remainder of 2018 and has spent
some time with Mr Dormer this week working with him to ensure a smooth hand over. Mrs Hilder is
well known to all of the children and teachers as she has filled a number of contract positions in
recent years and is a regular casual teacher. We look forward to welcoming her to her new role as
Term 2 commences.
Whatever it is that you do this upcoming school holidays, enjoy a well-deserved rest with your family.
The Staff and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 2 on Monday, April 30th.
N. Cockington
Student Awards
At Assembly this week the following awards were presented:
Bronze – Ruby Gale (4G) and Finley Snedden (4G)
FROM THE FRENCH ROOM
Year 4 French“Je suis une Pizza” activity
Yesterday, Year 4G students made pizza with Madame O’Hara as a
reward for learning our song, “Je suis une Pizza,” during Term 1. The
students enjoyed singing the catchy tune and learning the names of
all of the pizza toppings in French. We learned about fromage,
champignons, oignons, tomates, etc. etc.
It was such an enjoyable activity and the children loved eating the
delicious fruits of their labour during the term! Delicieux!
Formidable! Miam!
We extend a huge Merci to Mrs. Bonnie Mamo for all her invaluable
help today. Merci beaucoup!!!
Madame O’Hara
FROM THE CENTENARY COMMITTEE
Keep Cups
Our newly minted, special (and limited) edition Keep
Cups have arrived!
Not only is this a great memento of our Centenary
year, it will help us reach our waste reduction
targets within the School.
The cups are available for $15 each and can be
purchased from any of our three School Receptions.
We will also have them for sale at the upcoming
Daffodil Drive and at various functions held
throughout the year, such as the Annual Trivia Night
and the Spring Fair.
Let’s help the environment and play our part in the
war against waste!
FROM THE PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION
Book Donations Sought
We are seeking donations of pre-loved books for two
upcoming Second Hand Book sales – the first of these
is on Saturday, 26th May, when we will be holding a
book stall in conjunction with the Centenary Daffodil
Drive (please see advertisement on Page 4 of this
Newsletter).
We are also collecting donations of books for the
Spring Fair in September. We would ask parents if you
have an opportunity during the School holidays to sort
through your book collections (no magazines,
periodicals or text books please) and donate any books
that are no longer needed at home to the School. These may be handed in at the Preparatory School
Reception (for transfer to the Wentworth Falls Reception) or directly to Coorah Reception.
Thank you, in advance, for your support of our upcoming Book sales.
Parents’ and Friends’ Association Spring Fair Committee
FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP
Centenary Jackets
A limited edition of Centenary Jackets, bearing the Anniversary logo, will
be available for purchase until the end of Term 2 (June). The jackets are
available in two colours: black with a white crest or navy blue with a
yellow crest, and all sizes are $45.00 (Men, Ladies and Children sizes
available).
The jackets can be purchased through the Uniform Shop and Mrs. Arrell
has a range of sizes/samples available now for fittings. 50% of the
purchase price is to be lodged with your order. Visit the Anniversary
page on the Quick Links page of our website:
http://www.bmgs.nsw.edu.au/bmgs-100-year-anniversary
K. Arrell
FROM THE HEAD OF THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Term 1 has been a wonderful time of learning and adventure at the Preparatory School. The staff
and especially the students are all feeling the effects of an intense but – certainly from my point of
view – positive and productive period. I hope the holidays provide you and your family with an
opportunity to rest and reflect on all the learning that has occurred over the past weeks.
Grandparents Day and 100th Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday April, 11th was an extremely special day at the Preparatory School as we celebrated
Grandparents Day and the 100th Anniversary of the School.
Grandparents play an important part in the lives of many of the students at the Preparatory School
and it was wonderful to open our School to them. Having them join us meant that the grandparents
were able to get a sense of the values that guide the Preparatory School and the warm sense of
community we work to foster.
Donations Sought for 2nd Hand Book Sales
The grandparents were treated to a talk from Mrs Marlene Plumber, our archivist, about the unique
history of Blue Mountains Grammar School as well as some musical performances by the students.
They then spent time in classrooms decorating squares for a Centenary quilt and some paper
daffodils that are already gracing the Preparatory School reception area in our ‘daffodil garden’.
Following their classroom visits, there was the cutting of a special Anniversary Birthday cake
accompanied by a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday, BMGS” and three hearty cheers. Assisting me
with the cake cutting was our very youngest student, Jack Foate (Pre-Kindergarten), and Year 2
student Charlotte Scott’s grandmother, who had travelled the furthest to be with us on the day, all
the way from Harvey Bay in Queensland.
The love and support, which we receive from grandparents, is unlike any other relationship that we
will know. It is something to cherish. Watching the interactions between the students and their
grandparents was a perfect reminder of the importance of celebrating our grandparents!
Thank you to all the grandparents who came to celebrate with us. We are so very grateful for the
time you gave to be with us, and the contribution you make to the lives of the Preparatory School
students.
Preparatory School P&F
We would like to say a big thank you to our Preparatory School P&F for their continued hard work on
behalf of all of us. They have helped make the final week of term very special for the students and
their families by organising morning tea for the Grandparents’ Day and School Centenary
celebration. They have also organised an Easter egg hunt, the barbeque for ‘Picnic on the Lawn’ and
our beginning of year tea and coffee. Thank you all for giving of your time and energy to help on
behalf of the Preparatory School.
Co-curricular Clubs
A reminder that ‘Cooking Club’ will commence for Year 1 on the first Tuesday back in Term 2,
Tuesday, 1st May. There will also be a ‘Book Club’ commencing for the Stage 2 students during
Friday lunchtimes.
Uniforms
Our warm Sydney weather is continuing to transition into autumn cool. From the commencement of
Term 2, students may wear either full summer OR full winter uniform, however, they MUST NOT wear
a combination of the two. Winter uniform is compulsory on the first Monday back after Mother’s Day
– Monday, 14th May.
House Groups
Our final House under the spotlight in our look at the different House groups is Kelley House. The
House is named after Mr William Kelley. Mr Kelley has provided distinguished honorary service to
Blue Mountains Grammar School in a range of positions on the School Council, including Treasurer
and on the Conservatorium of Management Committee, a reflection of his great love of music. Bill
and Kath Kelley also donated the main front gates to the Senior School.
Colour: White
Emblem: Ram
Important Dates for Term 2:
Monday, 30th April Start of Term 2
Tuesday, 8th May Junior and Preparatory School Cross Country
Friday, 11th May P&F Mother’s Day Stall and Breakfast
Monday, 14th and Tuesday, 15th May Life Education Van visit
Tuesday, 15th to Thursday, 17th May NAPLAN Testing
Friday, 18th May NAPLAN Catch up Testing Day
WAS Cross Country Carnival
Monday, 21st May Morning Tea Munch commences
Monday, 21st May Preparatory School Book-a-Tour
Friday, 29th May HICES Cross Country
Friday, 8th June Asthma Foundation fundraiser – Pyjama Day
Friday, 22nd June Athletics Carnival
Friday, 29th June End of Term 2
Assembly Awards:
Kindergarten: Isabella Kelly, Robert Sommerville
Stage 1: Carlyle Magee, Cody Mackin
Stage 2: William Cottle, Isabel Dolbel
A. Brace
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – APRIL 2018
Friday, 13th April – Junior School Grandparents’ Day & Centenary Celebration
Friday, 13th April – Year 9 Visual Arts students, to Scenic World
Friday, 13th April – Term 1 concludes
Wednesday, 25th April – ANZAC Day Services
Saturday, 28th April and Sunday, 29th April – Rehearsals, Years 10 to 12 major production, A
Midsummer Night’s Dream
Monday, 30th April – Term 2 commences