Junior School in Term 4
Term 4 is always a positive and busy time in the Junior School, filled with special events and opportunities for all our students. This term is full of rich new learning, excitement and celebration.
As we approach the final weeks of the school year, we encourage all the Junior School students to continue demonstrating our school values in the classroom, on the playground, at camp, out in our community and during performances such as our end-of-year concert. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and growth shown by so many of our students over the last few weeks.
Prep Transition 2026
One of the highlights of Term 4 is our Prep Transition Program. We were delighted to welcome our 2026 Prep students to both campuses, where they explored their new learning environments, met teachers, and began forming new friendships.
We also recently hosted our annual Prep Parent Information Evenings, providing families with an opportunity to learn more about Bacchus Marsh Grammar and how we will support their children as they begin their learning journey with us.
Key Dates 2026 Prep Reception and Prep
- Thursday 29 and Friday 30 January 2026 – School Readiness Meetings
- Monday 2 February 2026 – First Day of School (Full day)
We look forward to welcoming our youngest learners, proudly dressed in their school uniforms, as they begin their first day of school and officially join the Bacchus Marsh Grammar community.
Junior School Leaders and House Leaders 2026
We would like to thank all students who submitted applications for the 2026 Junior School Leadership positions. The quality of applications was outstanding, reflecting our Junior School students’ enthusiasm and commitment to our school values of confidence, leadership and ambition.
Our Junior School Leaders and House Leaders for 2026 will be announced at the End of Term Junior School Assembly. We look forward to celebrating the efforts of all applicants and acknowledging our new student leaders for the year ahead.
Melanie Morton – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Maddingley)
Maddingley
Prep
This term, our Prep students have been busy taking their learning beyond the classroom and into the great outdoors! As part of our current Knowledge Unit on “Farms,” the children have been discovering where our food comes from, how farmers care for their animals and crops, and the important role farms play in our everyday lives.
A highlight of the term was our exciting excursion to Diggers Rest Animal Farm. The visit gave students the chance to meet, feed and care for a range of friendly farm animals from sheep, ducks and ponies! They learnt all about what animals need to stay healthy and happy, and got to see first hand how farmers work hard to look after them. It was a wonderful way to bring our classroom learning to life.
Our Preps have also been out and about on other adventures this term, including visits to Lady Northcote Day Camp and Staughton Vale Day. These days were filled with fun, teamwork and opportunities to explore nature. The children built confidence, made new discoveries and continued to develop their curiosity about the world around them.
We are so proud of our Prep students for their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to try new things. It’s been a fantastic term of learning, laughter and discovery on the farm and beyond!
Claire Dixon – Teacher
Year 1 Beach Camp at Anglesea
Last week, our Maddingley Year 1 students had an exciting and memorable day at the Anglesea Beach Camp. This experience provided a fantastic opportunity for students to enjoy a safe beach environment while building confidence, teamwork and resilience.
Throughout the day, students took part in a range of fun and engaging activities. They worked in teams during the carry and fill activity, racing to move water and fill their bucket first. Students created amazing sandcastles and imaginative beach designs, and they enjoyed a variety of beach games, including bean bag toss, digging challenges and crawling under a low beach pole. A highlight for many was the tug of war, where the students had a great time challenging their teachers to a friendly competition in the sand.
Students also enjoyed exploring the sand with their hands and feet, discovering different textures and creating patterns, tunnels and shapes as they played.
The students showed wonderful teamwork and enthusiasm. We are so proud of the way they encouraged one another, tried new challenges and represented our school with pride. Well done to our Year 1 learners for embracing this beach adventure with such excitement and positivity!
Sandra Spriggs – Head of Year 1
Woodlea
Woodlea Prep to Year 2 Fun Run
Our youngest students had an amazing time at the Prep to Year 2 Fun Run on Friday 24 October! The event was filled with smiles, energy and plenty of colour as students ran, cheered and supported one another around the course.
It was wonderful to see our school values in action – confidence as students gave it their best effort, discipline as they paced themselves to reach the finish line, kindness as they encouraged their friends and ambition as they set goals and pushed through to the end.
Most importantly, everyone had fun and celebrated being active together as part of our Junior School community.
Click here to see all photos from this event!
Sally Savic – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Woodlea)
Prep Incursions Bring Learning to Life
Our Prep students recently took part in two engaging incursions that brought their classroom learning to life in hands-on and exciting ways.
Toy Science
As part of our Global Studies unit, students explored the fascinating world of toys and the materials used to make them. They investigated why toys are created from specific materials such as wood, plastic and metal, and how these choices affect durability and movement. Through interactive stations including a wooden toy table, plastic toy table and electronics station, students examined how different toys move and function. They also discussed how toys have evolved over time, adapting to new technologies and changing materials. The session was filled with curiosity and discovery as students experimented, played, and shared their ideas with enthusiasm.
The Flying Bookworm Theatre Company
Linking to our Narrative Writing unit, the Flying Bookworm Theatre Company visited the Prep classrooms to perform lively adaptations of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Gingerbread Man. Students were thrilled to be part of the action, joining in as characters and helping to retell the stories. The performance was filled with laughter and excitement, and the experience provided a wonderful springboard for further classroom learning. Back in class, students discussed the characters, settings, problems and solutions from each story, deepening their understanding of narrative structure in an engaging and memorable way.
Warwick Grinter – Head of Year: Prep (Woodlea)
