Wynspeak 2025

Student Perspective

Wynspeak 2025, held at Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s Maddingley Campus, was an evening I had been excited about for weeks. As a proud student of Bacchus Marsh Grammar, it was a real privilege to welcome participants from Kurunjang College, Overnewton Community College and Heathdale Christian College. The event was carefully split into senior and junior divisions, which made sure everyone had a fair shot at showcasing their skills and talents.
The prepared speeches were impressive, with each speaker clearly putting a lot of thought and effort into their presentations. But for me, the impromptu speech challenge was the real highlight of the night. Trying to come up with a speech on the spot was a little like being asked a tricky question in class when you least expect it, definitely nerve-wracking but also a lot of fun. I was surprised at some of the ideas I managed to come up with, even if I stumbled over a few words here and there. I have huge respect for all the contestants because public speaking is a lot harder than it looks, and standing up in front of a crowd takes a lot of courage.
The whole event ran really smoothly thanks to the amazing work of the Hoppers Rotary Group. Their attention to detail and organisation made sure the night flowed like clockwork. I also want to thank Mr. Moss, Miss Zammit and Prince Ian, who have supported me throughout, helping me grow my confidence and improve my speaking skills, even when my early attempts weren’t exactly award worthy!
Watching everyone speak with such confidence and passion was truly inspiring. The winners from Heathdale Christian College really stood out with their outstanding speeches, and they absolutely deserved their recognition. Their performances reminded me just how powerful and exciting public speaking can be.
Wynspeak 2025 wasn’t just a competition, it was an opportunity to learn new skills, have fun, and meet some incredible people from different schools. I’m really glad I was part of such a great event, and I’m already looking forward to what next year’s Wynspeak will bring.
Vivaan O (8C)

Keilor Downs Chess tournament

On Thursday 15 May, twenty-one students from Woodlea campus attended the chess tournament held at Keilor Downs College run by Northern Star Chess. The tournament was attended by 126 competitors from eight schools. The tournament participants represented some of the best and most experienced secondary chess players from across the western suburbs.
At a team level, the students from Woodlea campus did extremely well finishing fourth, missing third position by 1.5 points and second position by only two points.
At an individual level, several competitors on the day excelled winning the majority of their seven games played across the course of the day. These students included: Niraj P (6 games), Iian A (4.5 games), Emil J (4.5 games), Aarav S (4.5 games), Nihal P (4.5 games), Ansh B (4.5 games), Devansh V (4.5 games) and Oscar N (4 games).
Medallists on the day were Niraj P (Silver medal), Iian A (Bronze medal), Emil J (Bronze medal) and Aarav S (Bronze medal).
All competitors who won 4.5 games or more qualified for the Championships in October. Well done to all competitors!

Mr Cameron McGregor – Head of Faculty: Mathematics (Woodlea)

Junior Landcare “Pop-Up” Farm Store a Blooming Success!

Congratulations to our Maddingley Junior Landcare group on the success of their very first “Pop-Up” Farm Store held at the Maddingley Gatehouse on Friday 16 May.
Building on their recent achievements at the Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show, the students showcased an impressive selection of fresh produce, made possible thanks to the generous support of a local Rotary Club grant.
Every Friday, our dedicated students have been working hard in their garden beds—planting, nurturing and harvesting vegetables and flowers—all with the goal of preparing for upcoming shows and events. With additional support from the Staughton Vale Market Garden, families were treated to a wonderful selection of affordable, high-quality produce, proudly sold by our enthusiastic Year 6 students.
The students were involved in every step of the process: growing many of the crops from seed, harvesting and preparing them for sale, and greeting customers with a smile at the farm stall.
On the day, they raised an impressive $233 in donations which will be gifted to the Koala Clancy Foundation, a conservation charity based right here on Staughton Vale Road. Some of the remaining produce was gifted to the local charity Neighbours Place.
With the stall a sell-out success, our students are already back in the garden preparing for the next “Pop-Up” Farm Store. We can’t wait to see what they grow next!
Further details about the Junior Landcare Club or the Staughton Vale Campus are available from Mr Gorton.

Mr David Gorton – Head of Staughton Vale Campus