Our Year 3 students will be completing the NAPLAN tests from March 12 to March 21. 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 wish our Year 3 students all the best as they complete their NAPLAN tests. We encourage families to support them by ensuring they are well-rested and have nutritious meals to help them stay focused throughout the day.

Additionally, we would like to extend our thanks to all the parents and guardians who attended our Parent-Teacher Interviews last week. Your involvement is a vital and key role in supporting your child’s learning. The meetings provided a valuable opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss how students have settled into the 2025 school year and their progress in Term 1.

If you were unable to attend, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher to arrange a meeting time.

Mrs Sally Savic – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School Woodlea and
Mr Darren Gibson – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School Maddingley

Maddingley

Junior Art at Maddingley

During Term 1, students at the Maddingley campus have continued to explore the Elements of Art, with a greater focus on line, shape and texture through a variety of different drawing activities. They have been learning how to add extra detail to their drawings through a range of different methods such as using line and pattern to create implied texture in their images.

In Prep, students enjoyed reading the story ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ and creating their own artwork inspired by the story.

The Year 1s have been learning about artist Paul Klee, engaging in discussions about many of his art pieces, including his continuous line drawings. The students then had lots of fun creating their own continuous line portraits.

Year 2 students have been learning about artist James Rizzi and have drawn their own abstract cityscapes, while exploring neon colours and organic shapes.

In Year 3, students enjoyed learning about and discussing the different sections of a landscape. They created their own abstract landscapes, using line and pattern to create implied texture in their work.

The Year 4s have created beautiful sea salt turtles, patterning the turtle shells and sprinkling salt over ink to create the effect of texture and movement in the ocean surrounding their turtle.

The Junior School students have enjoyed regular visits to the Lou Callow Gallery where they have been able to admire and discuss the wonderful artworks that they have created on display.

Mrs Lauren Meaney, Ms Ally Weir and Ms Zoe Cassar – Art Teachers

Woodlea

Physical Education – Term 1 Update

It has been a fantastic start to the year in Physical Education, with students eagerly participating in a range of activities designed to enhance their fundamental movement skills, fitness and teamwork. The program has provided opportunities for all students to develop their coordination, strength and confidence in an inclusive and supportive environment.

For Year 3-4 students, the focus has been on track and field events as they prepare for the upcoming Junior School Athletics Carnival. Students have been refining their techniques in running, jumping and throwing events such as sprints, long jump and shot put. This not only builds their athletic ability but also fosters resilience, determination, and sportsmanship as they get ready to represent their new Houses in friendly competition.

Meanwhile, Prep to Year 2 students have been actively developing their fundamental movement skills, with a particular emphasis on throwing and catching. Through engaging and interactive rotations, they have been improving their hand-eye coordination, reaction time and confidence in handling sports equipment. These skills form the foundation for many different sports and activities and will continue to be developed throughout the year.

We encourage students to keep practising these skills at home, whether through simple throwing and catching games, running activities or jumping challenges. These fundamental movements are essential for overall physical development and help students build a lifelong love for sport and physical activity.

We look forward to an exciting term ahead, filled with new challenges, achievements, and opportunities for students to develop their skills further.

Woodlea Junior Physical Education Teachers