A Wonderful Start to the Year in Junior School

What a productive and rewarding first term it has been in Junior School!

Term 1 has offered a wide range of enriching experiences and it has been pleasing to see so many parents actively participating in information sessions, workshops and events that support their child’s learning. Parent-teacher interviews also provided valuable opportunities for families to gain insight into both academic progress and social development.

From assemblies and incursions to excursions, sporting events and Staughton Vale trips, our students have embraced each opportunity to extend their learning, build connections and take pride in being part of the Bacchus Marsh Grammar community.
We thank our students for their enthusiasm and commitment to our school values, our dedicated teachers for their ongoing support and guidance and our parents for encouraging a love of learning at home.

As we approach the holiday break, we encourage students to continue reinforcing the concepts explored throughout Term 1. The Family Engagement pages provide a range of ideas to support meaningful learning at home. We also encourage families to make use of the holiday reading packs, as reading together not only strengthens literacy skills but also creates valuable shared experiences.

Wishing everyone a happy and restful break. We look forward to welcoming you back for an exciting Term 2.

Uniform Reminder
For Terms 2 and 3, students are required to wear the full school uniform in accordance with the School Uniform and Dress Code Policy. Please refer to the Student Diary (pp. 10–12) for full details.

During the holiday period, families are asked to check that all uniform items fit correctly for the start of Term 2. We also encourage families to review the policy to ensure all requirements are met.

Sally Savic – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Woodlea)
Melanie Morton – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Maddingley)

Woodlea

Junior School House Day: Kindness in Action

On Thursday 27 March, students in the Junior School enthusiastically participated in our first House Day of the year, centred on the important school value of kindness. Throughout the day, students engaged in a range of meaningful and interactive activities designed to deepen their understanding of what it means to be kind.

Students explored questions such as what makes someone kind, why kindness is important, and how acts of kindness can positively impact others. Across all year levels, there was a strong focus on empathy, respect and building positive relationships within our school community.

It was wonderful to see students demonstrating kindness in action, whether through collaborative tasks, thoughtful discussions, or small but meaningful gestures towards their peers. The day provided a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on how they can contribute to a caring and inclusive environment, both in the classroom and beyond.

We are incredibly proud of the way our Junior School students embraced the spirit of the day and look forward to seeing these acts of kindness continue throughout the term.

Sally Savic – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Woodlea)
Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Year 4 Highlight

It has been a busy and exciting first term for the Year 4 students at Woodlea. In the first week of school, students played an important role in supporting their Prep buddies, showing them around the school, eating lunch with them and ensuring they felt included and supported.

In Global Studies, students learnt about government, supported by the Democracy and Me incursion. This provided valuable insight into how democracy operates in Australia and how decisions are made within our community. Students participated in a mock election, experiencing the voting process firsthand and learning how individual voices contribute to collective decision-making through a council meeting.

Cross Country was another highlight, with students completing a 2km course at Staughton Vale. They demonstrated great resilience and determination, along with excellent sportsmanship, cheering on and encouraging one another throughout the race.

We look forward to more engaging learning experiences in Term 2.

GRIP Leadership Conference

On Thursday 26 March, the Year 4 Leaders at Woodlea attended the GRIP Student Leadership Conference which focused on developing their skills and understanding of leadership.

Throughout the day, students participated in a range of sessions exploring what effective leaders do, the importance of integrity and how to develop and implement new ideas within their school and wider community. They learnt to serve others, model school values, take responsibility for their actions and ensure their words align with their behaviour.

Students also considered the challenges involved in bringing new ideas to life, including seeking approval and working through competing priorities. There were valuable opportunities to collaborate with students from other schools and share ideas, as well as take part in engaging activities between sessions.

Ashlee Taylor – Head of Year 4 (Woodlea)

Maddingley

Prep Reception – Visit to Maddingley BMG Café

As part of our “C” week learning in Prep Reception, students visited the Maddingley BMG Community Café. We were warmly welcomed by the Year 11 Hospitality students who hosted a delicious cookie and hot chocolate morning tea. Students practised their manners and school values during a formal seating experience, ordering their own food and engaging confidently with their hosts. The friendly atmosphere made us feel very welcome and we were proud of how respectfully and responsibly our Prep Reception students embraced the learning opportunity.

During our visit, students used their own handmade colourful keep cups. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with older students who we now proudly call our friends. We look forward to seeing them around the school and visiting the café again in the future—our Prep Reception students are already checking the calendar and asking when we can go back!

Karlisa Smy – Prep Reception Teacher

Maddingley Year 3 Highlight

On Friday 27 March, the Year 3 students gathered for a Wind in the Willows themed picnic to celebrate a fantastic term of learning following the adventures of Rat, Mole, Badger and Toad. Each student donned a mask of their favourite The Wind in the Willows character and enjoyed a picnic lunch on the basketball court.

Amidst laughter and excitement, students braved the weather with their masks and discussed their favourite chapters of the books with their fellow characters. It was a fantastic afternoon filled with fun and friendship.

Congratulations to our Year 3 students who have engaged so enthusiastically in The Wind in the Willows unit this term.

Year 3 Maddingley Teachers