Junior School News
Our Year 3 students will be completing the NAPLAN tests from March 11 to 23. NAPLAN assesses reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation), and numeracy, providing a snapshot of student progress against national benchmarks. At Bacchus Marsh Grammar, we understand that NAPLAN is just one measure of achievement, but it offers valuable insights for parents and teachers. Our approach to learning, based on explicit instruction, ensures students build strong literacy and numeracy skills that support their success both in school and beyond.
We encourage families to support them by ensuring they are well-rested and have nutritious meals to help them stay focused throughout the day. We wish our Year 3 students all the best as they complete their first NAPLAN tests.
Melanie Morton – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Maddingley)
Sally Savic – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Woodlea)
Maddingley
Year 1 Excursion to Staughton Vale
On Wednesday 4 March, our Maddingley Year 1 students enjoyed a wonderful excursion to Staughton Vale. It was a fantastic day of outdoor learning and hands-on experiences.
Students participated in learning how to catch yabbies. Although only one yabby was caught, they showed great patience and persistence while waiting and working together.
The children also engaged in watercolour painting, using the natural surroundings as inspiration for their artwork. They demonstrated creativity and care while experimenting with colour and technique.
Throughout the day, students enjoyed breaking into their school house teams to participate in activities. This provided a valuable opportunity to mix with peers from other Year 1 classes and build connections beyond their own classroom, strengthening their sense of belonging within the wider school community.
It was a memorable day filled with learning, exploration, and fun. We are very proud of the way our students represented the school with enthusiasm and excellent behaviour.
Sandra Spriggs – Head of Year 1 (Maddingley)
Woodlea
Prep Teddy Bear Picnic
On Friday 27 February, the Woodlea Prep students enjoyed a special Teddy Bear Picnic. Students brought their favourite teddy bears from home and included them in a range of classroom activities throughout the day.
Our special visitors joined us for songs, dancing and were introduced to parts of our phonics program. They also helped us with our mathematics learning, where students created patterns and practised making numbers to 30.
Later in the day, the entire prep cohort gathered outside to enjoy a picnic lunch together with their teddy bears. It was a lovely opportunity for the students to share a fun experience with their classmates.
We have since heard that many of the teddy bears were very tired after their busy day at school and slept very well that evening!
Warwick Grinter – Head of Prep
Year 1 Reading Comprehension
The Year 1 students have been working on developing their reading comprehension by learning to make meaningful connections between themselves and the texts they explore. This important skill supports students to better understand characters, events and messages.
Through shared reading of stories by Mem Fox, including Possum Magic and The Magic Hat, students have engaged in discussions about how the characters’ feelings and experiences relate to their own lives. They have explored familiar Australian settings, traditions and imaginative elements which has encouraged thoughtful responses and enthusiastic participation. They’ve demonstrated this understanding by writing and illustrating what they would become if the Magic Hat landed on their head, with many interesting animals being chosen!
Year 1 Teachers
What’s been happening in Year 2?
Our Year 2 students had a fantastic day on their excursion to Staughton Vale. The highlight was yabbying which brought plenty of excitement and smiles. We also enjoyed a scenic hike with great views and some kangaroo sightings. Students had lots of fun playing tug of war and spending time outdoors with friends. With beautiful weather and enthusiastic spirits, it was a wonderful day had by all.
In Global Studies, we have been learning about the layers of the ocean. To support our learning, we completed a hands-on science experiment using beakers to carefully create each layer. We started with the trenches, then made the Abyss, the Midnight Zone, the Twilight Zone and, finally, the Sunlight Zone. It was a fun and engaging way to explore how the ocean changes as it gets deeper and darker and our students loved seeing the layers form right in front of them.
Year 2 Teachers
