Blue Mountains Grammar School Newsletter Vol 11, 4th May, 2018

FROM THE HEADMASTER

A New Term

A warm welcome back to all students, staff and families to Term 2 2018. I trust that everyone was

able to enjoy a restful break.

It is great to hear our hallways full of student chatter and energy once again.

ANZAC Day

Last week ANZAC Day was commemorated in many of the Blue Mountains villages. A number of our

students from the Preparatory, Junior and Senior Schools participated in those services, in particular

that held at Wentworth Falls which involved our School Captains, Musicians, Choristers and Staff.

Those present were very appreciative of the efforts of all students involved.

During the service, I was very interested to hear the interview with Mrs Maureen Coleman about her

time as a Civilian PoW in Hong Kong, in particular the hardships endured. Maureen, aged three at

the time, her one year old sister and her mother were interned in the Stanley Camp when the

Japanese took Hong Kong on Christmas Day 1941. They had elected not to be evacuated to

Australia from Hong Kong in June 1940 with many other families. I was also intrigued to hear her

recollections, as my grandfather was serving in Hong Kong as a Quartermaster Sergeant in the Royal

Artillery at the time and was heavily involved in the battle for Hong Kong. He, too, was captured on

Christmas Day 1941 and spent three years and eight months in two of the larger military personnel

POW Camps in Kowloon – Argyle Street and Sham Shui Po. My grandfather also maintained a diary

of these years on rice paper which he kept hidden from the Japanese soldiers - originally as a private

record until, in the 1980s, my aunts and uncles coaxed him to put it all together as a book. However,

this didn’t happen until 2009 when my father, after months of editing, published it under the title

“Resist to the End”. Hearing of the malnutrition and harsh treatment suffered by Maureen and her

family, and looking through my grandfather’s diary when I got home after the service, brought home

to me the harsh conditions, treatment and the sacrifices made by men and women during periods of

conflict and crisis, both past and present.

On Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday this week, we held our own ANZAC Day Services at the

Preparatory, Junior and Senior Schools during which we remembered the sacrifices of those who

fought, and especially those who fell, in World War I and all subsequent wars, and showed our

gratitude for the peace and way of life we enjoy today. The conduct of students involved during these

important occasions certainly indicated that they have a respectful appreciation of those sacrifices

which were made by the many servicemen and women. By learning from the lessons of the past we

can come to understand the horrors of war and the importance of striving for peace today.

Thank you to all those who took part in these services, both during the holidays and in this first week

at School, in particular Mr Luke Webb, Mrs Julie Cooney, our School Captains and School Leaders,

our musicians and choir.

Staffing

Our much admired and dedicated Head of the Humanities Department, Dr Julie Madgwick, continues

to recover slowly but will need to take further time off until at least the end of this year.

I would like to acknowledge the support that has been given by BMGS staff and other community

members to Dr Madgwick during this period of recuperation. Mrs Victoria Morgan-Hort will continue

in the role as Head of Humanities until the end of 2018.

The following new staff members commence at Blue Mountains Grammar this term:

Mrs Adele Stubenrauch, a Wilderness Education teacher who will support Mr Parrish Robbins. Mrs

Stubenrauch will be known to many as she worked at BMGS from 2010 to 2014. She has been

working for various TAFE colleges as a lecturer/co-ordinator of Outdoor Recreation Courses and

assisting at Barker College’s Outdoor Centre at Mt Victoria.

Mr Scott Bishop will provide extra counselling support to Mrs Allison Watts, two days a week.

Mrs Nadia Matteucci will cover for Mrs Sally Herron, the Head of the Visual Arts Department, whilst

she is on long service leave. Ms Julie Hiam from the Visual Arts Department will be the Acting Head

of Department for Term 2.

We welcome these new staff and look forward to the contributions that each will undoubtedly make

to the learning environment and to the pastoral care and wellbeing of students at Blue Mountains

Grammar School.

I look forward to catching up with parents and community members at School and Centenary events

over the term ahead.

Trevor Barman

Headmaster

FROM THE ACTING CHAPLAIN

Abide with me

Throughout many ANZAC Day commemorative services the hymn Abide with me is often heard and

sung. If you attended an ANZAC Day service last week, then chances are you sang this poignant

hymn. With its deeply emotive and stirring tune, the hymn invokes a sentiment that is at once

intimately sombre and joyfully uplifting. The powerful tune is called Eventide and was remarkably

composed in ten minutes by organist William Monk, who wrote the tune during a time of particular

personal sadness. The story is that he penned the melody right after watching a glorious sunset with

his wife, hand in hand, which had become an evening ritual for the couple.

The words are by Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847) who was completely taken by the phrase abide

with me after a close friend of his whispered it with his last breath. Lyte’s friend was misquoting the

Gospel of Luke where Jesus’ disciples ask Jesus to, “Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the

day is far spent” (Luke 24:29, KJB). Jesus’ disciples did not recognise Him in His resurrected form

and were inviting this man, who they assumed was a stranger, to hang out with them for the evening.

They were completely enthralled by Jesus and wanted to spend as much time with Him as possible.

Lyte’s friend misquoted this line from the Bible but, in changing the phrase from “abide with us” to

abide with me, the lyricist uses this mistake to make a plea from the fallen to God. The hymn is a

prayer asking Him to comfort and live with us not only when life is good but also in times of trouble

and darkness.

Abide with me

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide:

The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide:

When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, o abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;

Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;

Change and decay in all around I see:

O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence ev’ry passing hour;

What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?

Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, Lord abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;

Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.

Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy Cross before my closing eyes;

Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies:

Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee:

In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me.

L. Webb

FROM THE PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION

Term 2 General Meeting

The next General Meeting will be held in the Junior School (Wentworth Falls) on Tuesday, 15th May at

7:30pm.

This year we will be having a Spring Fair on Saturday, 15th September, as part of the Centenary

Spring Festival. We encourage all parents who would like to be involved in the Fair, either in

organising or volunteering, to come to this meeting.

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).

We are also collecting donations of books

for the Spring Fair in September. (Note:

no magazines, periodicals or text books

please). 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

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,

the Uniform Shop and the Senior School Canteen.

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

Donations Sought for 2nd Hand Book Sales

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 the same as 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.

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 elissa.drew@ozemail.com.au. We look forward to hearing from

you!

FROM THE ACTING DEPUTY HEAD – HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Responding to the Digital Revolution

According to one US source, parents today believe it is harder than ever to raise children. The

number one reason? Technology. (Source: https://www.barna.com/research/6-tech-habits-

changing-american-home/). Andy Crouch in his highly readable book ‘The Tech-Wise Family’

(https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Wise-Family-Everyday-Putting-Technology/dp/0801018668)

provokes his readers when he observes:

“In countless ways our lives are easier than our

grandparents’. But in what really matters – for example,

wisdom and courage – it seems very hard to argue that

our lives are overall better. Perhaps, just perhaps, they

are no worse. But this is exactly what we would expect if

the things that really matter in becoming a person have

nothing to do with how easy life is – and if they have a

great deal to do with how we handle the difficulty that

comes our way”. I wonder if you agree?

Supporting Parents in monitoring technology use at home

– pilot for Year 7 parents

In response to these challenges and opportunities, BMGS

is excited to partner with parents to pilot a new platform,

Family Zone. Family Zone works in tandem with the

School’s internet filtering service, School Zone to allow

parents to calibrate some boundaries around how

children use technology at home. Family Zone, allows for

gradated settings based on age and can be adjusted

based on family preferences. Year 7 parents will shortly be

invited to an information evening about this platform.

Changes in the Senior School

The challenge of technology is shared by educators, with some observers suggesting technology is

causing more harm than good in schools (see for example https://www.smh.com.au/education/the-

reality-is-that-technology-is-doing-more-harm-than-good-in-our-schools-says-education-chief-

20160330-gnu370.html). Technology provides unprecedented opportunities for connection,

entertainment, access to information, creativity and collaboration. But not without risks and the need

for some reasonable boundaries.

In addition to the BMGS ICT Acceptable Use Policy (accessible

http://www.bmgs.nsw.edu.au/files/Images_620/BMGS ICT Acceptable Use Guidelines Policy and

Consent Form.pdf), the Senior School is in the process of providing some additional guidance to

support the formation of healthy digital habits while students are on campus and promote the best

learning and wellbeing outcomes for students. This is guided by the following aspect of the BMGS ICT

Acceptable Use Policy:

Respect resources:

To achieve this, users will:

Use ICT equipment and resources within the School for educational purposes under teacher

supervision

Specifically, two areas have been identified for more specific guidelines:

1. Acceptable use of phones in classes

Guidelines have been developed to guide mobile phone use in class following research, consultation

with members of the SRC and discussion within the senior executive. Students will be required to

place mobile phones in a visible place on their desk face down. Students will also be asked to leave

their phone under the supervision of their teacher should they need to visit the bathroom. Students

not complying with these expectations will receive a warning from their teacher. For repeat offences,

student phones will be temporarily confiscated to be collected at the end of the day from Student

Reception where they will be kept securely by Ms Martin. These guidelines will be communicated to

students in Week 2.

2. Gaming during lunch breaks

In order to promote a break from screen time and encourage digital down-time, students will be no

longer able to game during lunch breaks. Signage is currently being developed for the LRC.

An update on unexplained absences

Over the course of Term 2 we will be renewing our

focus on tracking unexplained absences and late

arrivals to School. Currently there are a large

number of unexplained absences yet to be

addressed on the Portal for Term 1.

We would appreciate if all parents and carers

access the Portal and clear up any absences that

are outstanding.

The next step is to pilot a system for sending an

SMS notification to parents on the day of a

student’s unexplained absence or late arrival with

the hope to reduce the number of unexplained

absences on an ongoing basis. This will also place

the School in a stronger position to comply with

NSW Government Guidelines requiring that

absences should be explained within 7 days.

Once we have ironed out any teething issues we

would like to expand this system to all parents who

have provided a mobile phone number to the

School.

For more information please contact Ms Gillian

Martin in Student Reception.

Thank you for your support in these matters.

A. Beitsch

FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD – TEACHING & LEARNING

Important dates for the Term

NAPLAN Testing – Tuesday 15th – Thursday 17th May

Year 10 Half-Yearly Examinations – 21st to 24th May

Year 10 Allwell Testing – 25th May

Year 11 Parent/Teacher interviews – Thursday, 24th May

Year 8 Parent/Teacher interviews – Tuesday, 29th May

Year 9 Parent/Teacher interviews – Tuesday, 12th June

NAPLAN Tests

All parents should have received a letter last term about these tests. If you have any questions

please do not hesitate to contact me.

More information and last year’s papers can be found at http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/the-

tests.html

Administration of the tests

In the Preparatory and Junior Schools, class teachers will inform the students about how and where

the tests will take place. We try and create the least level of intrusion as possible with the younger

students.

In the Senior School, all students in Years 7 and 9 need to come prepared to Cuff Hall with pencils,

erasers and a black pen. Any students who receive adjustments or Provisions will sit the test in M7 –

these students will be spoken with prior to the tests. Please note that all Year 7 and 9 students

need a calculator for the Numeracy Test on Thursday. They cannot use a mobile phone as their

calculator. A scientific calculator can be purchased from the School Uniform shop. This calculator will

be used by the student for Mathematics from Year 8 to Year 12.

If your child is absent or sick

If a student is unable to attend the NAPLAN tests please phone the Heads of School for Junior school

and Preparatory students, and for Senior School students the Deputy Head – Teaching and Learning

office on the morning of the test. We can then make arrangements for the test to be completed on

Friday 18th May.

NAPLAN 2018 Paper Test Timetable

Tuesday 15th May

2018

Wednesday 16th May

2018

Thursday 17th

May 2018

Friday 18th May 2018

Year 3 Language conventions

40 minutes

Writing

40 minutes

Reading

45 minutes

Numeracy

45 minutes

Any make-up

tests due to

absences

Year 5 Language conventions

40 minutes

Writing

40 minutes

Reading

50 minutes

Numeracy

50 minutes

Year 7 Language conventions

45 minutes

Writing

40 minutes

Reading

65 minutes

Numeracy

60 minutes

Year 9 Language conventions

45 minutes

Writing

40 minutes

Reading

65 minutes

Numeracy

60 minutes

NAPLAN no longer tied to new minimum literacy standards for the HSC

A lot of media attention was paid to the “stronger HSC” initiative by the NSW Government and the

Band 8 requirements for Year 9 students to receive their HSC. For some students (and families) this

has caused a degree of anxiety. Much of this existed because the media did not necessarily provide

all the details and, in the absence of information, people feared the worst.

In response to concerns raised by families and educators across all sectors, requirements to meet

minimum standards in literacy and numeracy under new HSC reforms have now been simplified

through a change announced by the Education Minister Rob Stokes on 22nd February. Year 9

NAPLAN tests will no longer be linked to the minimum standards in literacy and numeracy. This

change acknowledges that this will remove the unnecessary burden on Year 9 students as they

prepare for the NAPLAN tests. The NAPLAN tests are intended to assess educational progress in the

areas of literacy and numeracy and are not intended as a high-stakes test.

The HSC minimum standards ensure that all students who receive the HSC leave school with literacy

and numeracy skills that support them to achieve in life after school. All HSC students will now

demonstrate that they have met the minimum standards in literacy and numeracy through short

online tests. The tests will be available to take in Years 10, 11 or 12 when teachers determine that

students are ready.

These changes will not affect current Year 10 students who have already demonstrated that they

have met the minimum standards through the 2017 NAPLAN in one or more areas. Current Year 10

students who are yet to meet the minimum standard in one or more areas will have the opportunity

to sit the online tests in Terms 2 and 3.

Further details will be provided on these online tests shortly. From 2019, all Year 10 students will

have the opportunity to sit the online tests for the HSC minimum standards.

M. Hastie

FROM THE HEAD OF ENGLISH

English Tutoring

Students, take that next step in your English studies this Term. Come to English tutoring from

3:15pm to 4:45pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the LRC. Use the time to get help with that

outstanding homework or assessment task, polish up your writing skills or catch up on your reading.

G. Horne

FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC

ANZAC Day Service

Mrs Cooney would like to thank the following students who provided the music at the ANZAC Day

service in Wentworth Falls last Wednesday: Annika Bertinat (Year 11), Miriam Cooney (Year 11), Leila

Harris (Year 11), Emma Simon (Year 11) Abbie Clyne (Year 10), Sel Hardaker (Year 10), William

Hedges (Year 10), Nic Mayrhofer (Year 10), Indigo Franklin (Year 9), Mirah Larkin (Year 9), Mary

Smallhorn (Year 9), Evie Archer (Year 8), Olivia Harris (Year 7), Casper Larkin (Year 7) and Meri

Tinkler-Smith (Year 6). We would also like to extend a big thank you to the parents who transported

students to the venue at 6:00am.

Australian Honours Ensemble Program 2018

Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University is pleased to present the inaugural Australian

Honours Ensemble Program from Thursday, 4th to Sunday, 7th October 2018. Schools are invited to

nominate their most outstanding Secondary School (Years 7 to 12) instrumentalists and vocalists for

the inaugural Australian Honours Ensemble Program. You can nominate students that study music

(individual tuition) outside the School provided you know their AMEB level.

Nominations Instrumental and Choral/Vocal Music Teachers are asked to nominate their most

outstanding young musicians (Years 7 to 12) for this program. AMEB Guide: Instrumental -

minimum AMEB 6 or equivalent. Choral - High Level Experience required. Places are available for

young musicians as follows: String Orchestra violin, viola, cello, double bass Wind Orchestra flute,

oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone (alto, tenor, baritone), trumpet, French horn,

trombone, tuba, percussion Vocal Ensemble soprano, alto, tenor, bass.

The cost to participate in the program is $380. Please see us in the Music Department if you are

interested in this exciting program. The deadline for nominations is Friday, 25th May 2018.

Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves

The Stage Band is performing this Sunday at Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves. The event

sponsored by Springwood Rotary, is held in the beautiful gardens of ‘The Farm’, 35 Purvines Road

Yellow Rock and features performances from several Blue Mountains’ schools. Audience members

are encouraged to bring a blanket/chair and picnic and enjoy the music in a wonderful garden

setting.

Diary Dates:

Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves Stage Band, Sunday, 6th May, 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Soiree #2 Thursday, 31st May

D. Smith

FROM THE PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

** OPENING NEXT WEEK **

Students in Years 10 to 12 are proud to present their 2018

major production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The production features two casts, and will be performed in

the Drama Studio, Performing Arts Centre, from Tuesday 8th

May to 12th May as follows:

Tuesday, 8th May, 7:30pm (Blue Cast)

Wednesday, 9th May, 7:30pm (Gold Cast)

Thursday, 10th May, 7:30pm (Blue Cast)

Friday, 11th May, 7:30pm (Gold Cast)

Saturday, 12 May, 3:00pm (Matinee) (Gold Cast)

Saturday, 12th May, 7:30pm (Blue Cast)

Tickets can be purchased online through Trybooking.com.au:

https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?embed&eid=371013

Due to the road works currently in progress on the driveway to the Performing Arts Centre,

patrons requiring disabled access are asked to contact Mr. Ray Lowe

(rlowe@bmgs.nsw.edu.au) as soon as possible, so that arrangements may be made to assist

patrons with access to the venue.

Don’t miss this wonderful production. We look forward to your company.

Performing Arts Staff

FROM THE CULTURAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

Host Families Wanted

CEI - Centre D'Echange Internationaux (Australian Program) is once again seeking to place French

students in our School in Term 3. We successfully participated in this program last year and are

extremely happy to be involved again in 2018.

We are currently seeking host families to care for the students who attend school every day as

‘locals’, with the aim of improving their English language skills.

Dates are 21st July to 15th August and we are seeking families to host these highly motivated and

enthusiastic French students, who are very excited to be coming to Australia. These students come

from all over France and are keen to improve their English and experience life in an Australian school

and family, whilst also sharing their French culture.

We ask families to welcome them into their homes and show them around our scenic Blue

Mountains on weekends, hopefully including a visit to Sydney.

Families are paid to host these students and parents require a Working With Children (WWC) Card.

This is a really a fantastic opportunity for our students who are currently learning French, or for

anyone interested in the culture and keen to make a new international friend.

For more information please contact me at the School or via email vhuston@bmgs.nsw.edu.au

V. Huston

FROM THE LEARNING ENRICHMENT DEPARTMENT

Welcome to Term 2!

A reminder that I will be in the Library Resource Centre

(LRC) on Tuesdays this Term after school. This after

school assistance is for homework help, however, can

also include help in organising a study plan or just

general assistance in organising your workload.

If you are interested in attending, it is a great idea to

contact me on email almichielsen@bmgs.nsw.edu.au so

that I can best prepare for the time spent together.

A. Michielsen

FROM THE HEAD OF ZIELE HOUSE

Red Shield Appeal

This year Blue Mountains Grammar students will again be collecting for the Red Shield Appeal and

the Salvation Army. While this is the Ziele House charity, we welcome all Senior School students from

Years 7 to 12 to collect. Last year approximately 100 BMGS students collected almost $6,000 on

the day.

Students always have a great time, going out with a group of their friends for the morning before

bringing their collected donations back to School to be counted.

Students who would like to volunteer as a doorknocker need to see Ms Evans in the Drama

Staffroom or the Ziele Office for a permission note and online registration link; both of these need to

be completed for students to volunteer on the day.

We are also looking for parents who would be able to drive their own child and a small group of their

friends to their collection point on the day and back to School when they are finished. If you would be

happy to do this, please contact Ms Evans via email on devans@bmgs.nsw.edu.au

This year the Red Shield Appeal is the weekend of the 26th and 27th May. BMGS is collecting in the

Wentworth Falls area on Sunday, 27th May between 8:30am and 12:30pm.

For more information about the great work the Salvos do as a result of the Red Shield Appeal, please

go to https://salvos.org.au/get-involved/red-shield-appeal/

D. Evans

FROM THE ACTING HEAD OF VISUAL ARTS

Co-Curricular Photography

Limited places have become available for students in Years 9 to 12 to join Photo Club on Wednesday

afternoons from 3:15pm to 4:45pm. Contact Ms Hiam in the Art & Design Centre if you are

interested in joining for Term 2.

J. Hiam

FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP

All Weather Jackets

All-Weather Jackets ordered in Term 1 have now arrived.

Please note that the Uniform Shop will be closed on Tuesday 15th May.

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

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope all students are ready for a busy term with seven rounds of winter

sport, the Cross Country Carnival, Athletics Carnival and House Sport Competition all to be held this

Term.

In addition, we have a number of ISA trials that will be held. Please note that those students who

attend trials are those who are selected as having a skill level that places them amongst the top

players in the ISA competition. If you have any questions regarding this please see either myself or

your relevant MIC.

Touch Football

Could any students who are playing Touch Football in an external competition please come and see

me at my office over the next two weeks.

Cross Country Carnival

The Senior School Cross Country Carnival will be held on 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 6000m 4 laps

8:55am Girls Senior 4000m 3 laps

9:15am Boys 16 years 6000m 4 laps

9:25am Girls 16 years 4000m 3 laps

9:45am Boys 15 years 4000m 3 laps

9:55am Girls 15 years 4000m 3 laps

10:15am Boys 14 years 4000m 3 laps

10:25am Girls 14 years 4000m 3 laps

10:45am Boys 12 & 13 years 3000m 2 laps

10:55am Girls 12 & 13 years 3000m 2 laps

11:30am HOUSE CHEERS

11:45am Expected Finish

Please note that Periods 4 and 5 will run as normal in the afternoon.

ISA Cross Country Carnival

For those students who finish in the top 8 positions (Top 6 for U12), you will be part of the BMGS

Cross Country team to attend the ISA Cross Country Carnival at the Sydney Equestrian Centre on

Wednesday 30th May.

ISA 2018 Winter Season

A reminder that all information regarding sport is posted weekly on Team App. If you have not yet

joined Team App, please refer to the email sent last Term for instructions.

Saturday Sport Canteen

A link will be sent via Team App each week for parents to choose time slots to assist in the canteen.

This booking method proved very successful over the summer season. All funds raised through the

canteen are returned to the sports involved to buy major equipment so your assistance is greatly

appreciated.

Training Uniforms

During Term 2, 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 point for all sports will be Springwood Station, in both directions. The bus will

not be stopping at Buttenshaw unless players are advised on the particular week.

These decisions were made due to safety considerations.

Best wishes to all players who are participating in the winter competition.

M. Harris

Saturday Sports Fixtures 5th May, 2018 - Round 1 Team Opponent Venue Time Court/Field Bus INFO

Netball

First VII St

Spyridon St

Spyridon 9:15am Space

First VII BMGS 7:00am Lawson 7:10am Springwood Station 7:25am Glenbrook 7:40am

Bus return approx. 1:00pm

Inter A CCGS CCGS 9:45am RLC 2 Inter A, Inter B, Junior A,B BMGS 7:00am Lawson 7:10am Springwood Station 7:25am Glenbrook 7:40am

Bus return approx. 3:00pm

Inter B CCGS CCGS 11:00am RLC 1

Junior A CCGS CCGS 9:45am RLC 1

Junior B CCGS CCGS 11:00am RLC 2

Open B Barker 5 Barker 8:30am 4

Open B BMGS 6:30am Lawson 6:45am Springwood Station 7:00am Glenbrook 7:15am

Bus return approx. 11:00am

Hockey

First XI SACS Ernie Smith

8:30am Cathy Flack

First XI BMGS 6:45am Lawson 7:00am Springwood Station 7:15am Glenbrook 7:30am

Bus return approx. 12:00pm

Juniors Chevalier Chevalier 10:15am Chev Hockey 1

Junior A BMGS 6:15am Lawson 6:30am Springwood Station 6:45am Glenbrook 7:00am

Bus return approx. 2:00pm

Girls’ Football First XI SACS Glebe 11:00am Wentworth Park

First XI, Inter A BMGS 7:30am Lawson 7:45am Springwood Station 8:00am Glenbrook 8:15am

Bus return approx. 2:00pm Intermediates SACS Glebe 10:00am Wentworth Park

Junior A Oxley Oxley 9:00am Meadow One Chev

Junior A BMGS 6:15am Lawson 6:30am Springwood Station 6:45am Glenbrook 7:00am

Bus return approx. 2:00pm

Boys’ Football

Firsts RFC Home 9:00am 1

N/A

Seconds RFC Home 10:30am 1

U15s RFC Home 11:45am 1

U14s RFC Home 1:00pm 1

U13s RFC Home 2:15pm 1

Boys’ Rugby Opens SACS Sydney Uni 1:15pm St Andrew’s Oval

First XV, 15s Blackheath 9:15am BMGS 9:30am Lawson 9:45am Springwood Station 10:00am Glenbrook 10:15am

Bus return approx. 5:00pm U15s SACS Sydney Uni 12:00noon St Andrew’s Oval

U14s SACS Sydney Uni 11:00am St Andrew’s Oval

13s, 14s Blackheath 7:15am BMGS 7:30am Lawson 7:45am Springwood Station 8:00am Glenbrook 8:15am

Bus return approx. 2:00pm U13s SACS Sydney Uni 10:00am St Andrew’s Oval

FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL C.A.R.E.S. BIKE SAFETY COURSE

On Wednesday, 2nd May, 4G participated in

the C.A.R.E.S Bike Safety Program at St

Marys. The students were shown important

street signage to help keep them safe on the

roads, participated in a skills test to earn

their bike licences and, for the remaining part

of the afternoon they were allowed to ride

around on the specially designed bike

course, which enabled the students to put

into practice what they had learned during

the first part of the day.

The students had a wonderful time riding around the course putting into practice what they had

learned during the first part of the day. Five students even managed not to lose any points on their

licence, earning themselves the first icy poles for the day.

L. Gerrard

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 and

the Uniform Shop.

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

Term 2 General Meeting

The next General Meeting will be held in the Junior School (Wentworth Falls) on Tuesday, 15th May at

7:30pm.

This year we will be having a Spring Fair on Saturday, 15th September, as part of the Centenary

Spring Festival. We encourage all parents who would like to be involved in the Fair, either in

organising or volunteering, to come to this meeting.

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. (Note: no magazines,

periodicals or text books please). 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

Donations Sought for 2nd Hand Book Sales

FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP

All Weather Jackets

All-Weather Jackets ordered in Term 1 have now arrived.

Please note that the Uniform Shop will be closed on Tuesday 15th May.

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

Welcome Back

We would like to send a warm

welcome back to all of our families at

the Preparatory School. We pray that

you have had a refreshing and

enjoyable break.

ANZAC Assembly

On Wednesday this week, the

Preparatory School stopped to

commemorate ANZAC Day.

The Australian flag flew at half-mast

as Year 3 student Zarah began the ANZAC Day ceremony by sharing about the history and purpose of

this national day. Lachlan (Year 4) then shared a Bible reading from Isaiah 40:28-31.

Year 3 student James then read the words of The Ode in a respectful and well-measured manner

that was followed by the playing of ‘The Last Post’ and ‘The Rouse’. Nicholas of Year 4, reverently

read aloud the famous prayer by St Francis of Assisi that reminded those gathered of the ways that

we can all be God’s ‘instruments of peace.’

It was particularly impressive to note how still and quite the students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year

4 stood as they observed a minute of silence.

Vegetable Sale

On Tuesday afternoon this week, parents who were arriving for afternoon pick up time were amazed

to find that they were able to purchase fresh vegetables from the Preparatory School gardens!

All the hard work put in by the students early in Term 1 to prepare the garden beds and planting paid

off as they harvested a bumper crop of herbs, radishes, spinach and tomatoes to sell.

Thank you to all the parents who kindly gave a

donation in exchange for some delicious and

nutritious vegetables.

The students are now beginning to plan what

they will plant as part of their Autumn crop so

look out in a few months’ time, as you may well

hear the call to “Get Your Fresh Veggies!”

ringing out across the Preparatory School

playground once again!

Pre-Kindergarten Eye Screening

Parents of our Pre-K students are reminded that

eye screening will be taking place next Tuesday,

8th May. If you would like your child to participate in this free initiative, please return the relevant

permission information to Preparatory School Reception by Tuesday morning.

NAPLAN Testing

NAPLAN testing will take place in Week 3 from 15th to 17th May. Parents can assist their children in

the lead up to testing by ensuring that their child is well rested and that they have a good breakfast

on the morning of the tests. Teachers will ensure that the students are prepared for the tests and

will provide appropriate support and guidance. Parents do not need to prepare their child at home

for the tests. The most effective preparation is the literacy and numeracy skills embedded in the

normal curriculum already being taught.

Uniform Reminder

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).

Upcoming Events

Year 3 and 4 Cross Country Carnival: Tuesday, 8th May

Pre-K Eye Screening: Tuesday, 8th May

Life Education Visit: 14th and 15th May

NAPLAN Testing: 15th to 17th May

Assembly Awards

The following students received awards in Week 11 of Term 1:

Kindergarten - Una Luo, Harry Parsons-Dale

Stage 1 - Amelia Burgess, Eva Tilley

Stage 2 - Peter Moore, Ariel Reeves

A. Brace

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – MAY 2018

Friday, 4th May – Science & Engineering Challenge

Friday, 4th May – Junior School BMGS Centenary Birthday Party

Saturday, 5th May and Sunday, 6th May – Rehearsals, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Sunday, 6th May – Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves

Tuesday, 8th May – Senior School Cross Country Carnival

Tuesday, 8th May – Junior and Preparatory School Cross Country Carnival

Tuesday, 8th May to Saturday, 12th May – Years 10 to 12 production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Wednesday, 9th May – Year 9 Wilderness Education QVH Navigation, Kings Tablelands

Thursday, 10th May – Year 7 Vaccinations (2nd Dose)

Thursday, 10th May – Year 10 and Year 11 Vaccinations

Thursday, 10th May – Junior School Early Learning Autumn Walk

Thursday, 10th May – Junior School Mother’s Day Stall

Friday, 11th May – Year 11 Preliminary HSC Physics Luna Park Excursion

Friday, 11th May – NSW All Schools Swimming Carnival