BMG and MAV Maths Games Day 2025
Over the course of the last several weeks, teams from both Woodlea and Maddingley have participated in MAV Maths Games days.
These events bring together the brightest mathematicians from schools across Melbourne. Year 5 to 8 students engaged in problem solving relays and mathematical games and other mathematical activities designed to find the best problem solvers. The students each competed in groups of 4
Year 5:
Woodlea: Jack M, Avyaan K, Nicholas S, Aaralyn X, Aarohan B, Jasmine J, Adi S and Namar B.
One group achieved an amazing 4th place result and narrowly missed a bronze medal by 0.75 of a point!
Year 7:
Woodlea: Ethan M, PaalashS, Haaris M, Zayan H, Sumishka B, Devanshi N, Saanvi P and Ritvik P.
Maddingley: Jaithra S, Arnav P, Anhad B, Ronan N, Anay D, Edgar T, Aarav A, Aditi S
One group finished sixth overall – well done!
Year 8:
Woodlea: Ayaan P, Ved P, Ocean L, Aadrika C, Kosheen P, Thanvi V, Nishant S, Hrishaan U.
Maddingley: Anvita M, Archis R, Palaash K, Neev A, Isabella B, Akshat S, Aanav M, Hitesh M.
The teams battled well and enjoyed the day despite not making the top ten places.
Congratulations and well done to all involved.
Debra Penny – Head of Faculty: Mathematics (Maddingley) and Cameron McGregor – Head of Faculty: Mathematics (Woodlea)
Maddingley
Middle School Leadership Expo – A Student-Led Success
As part of the leadership selection process for 2026 Middle School leaders, Mrs. Perks, Deputy Head of Middle School, with the support of our current student leaders, organised two lunchtime expos. These events provided a fantastic opportunity for aspiring leaders to connect with those currently in leadership roles, ask questions about the application process, and gain insight into what it truly means to be a leader in our Middle School.
Each current leader hosted their own table, offering a student-led perspective on the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of leadership. It was a wonderful initiative led by our Mrs Perks, and we were thrilled to see such strong attendance and engagement from students.
With the application phase now complete, we are moving into the selection stage. Teachers responsible for each leadership area will now carefully consider the candidates and select those who best represent the values and vision of our school.
We would like to sincerely thank all students who have “put their hat in the ring” for a leadership position. For those who may not be successful this time, we encourage them to continue demonstrating leadership by living our school values, supporting their peers, and contributing positively to our school community. Leadership is not defined by a badge; it’s shown through everyday actions.
Mr Scott Bayne – Assistant Principal: Head of Middle School
Beyond Earth: A Student’s Insight into Space Exploration at RMIT
During the winter holidays, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the RMIT Space Teams Academy held at the Melbourne City Campus. I attended alongside many other students, including seven peers from Bacchus Marsh Grammar.
Over the course of the week, we delved into six key fields of space science: planetary science, spacecraft design, orbital trajectory, orbital descent, habitat construction and surface operations. Each topic was paired with engaging video content and advanced simulation software, allowing us to put theory into practice in exciting ways.
A standout moment for me was designing a spacecraft using professional-grade tools—an experience that offered real insight into the engineering challenges faced by space agencies.
We were also privileged to hear from leading experts in the field, including former NASA astronaut Gregory Chamitoff, who shared stories from his time aboard the International Space Station. Dr. Graham Dorrington, currently exploring how lunar materials might one day supply energy to Earth, also delivered a fascinating talk.
Another highlight was meeting members of the award-winning RMIT Rocketry Team, whose passion and innovation were truly inspiring.
Overall, the program was an unforgettable experience that deepened my interest in space science. I’m sincerely grateful to my parents, RMIT and Bacchus Marsh Grammar for making this opportunity possible.
Jaithra S – Student 7E
Woodlea
Year 5 Time-Travel to 1854: Eureka! A Day at the Centre of History
On 3 December, Year 5 Woodlea students stepped back in time to 1854, the day of the historic Eureka Stockade. During their exciting excursion to the Eureka Centre in Ballarat, they dressed in the mindset of gold miners, soldiers and diggers, the students embraced the spirit of the times as they explored one of Australia’s most important events in the fight for democracy.
As soon as they arrived, the students were plunged into the world of 19th-century Ballarat. Many joined in passionate debates about whether to stand up to the government—or play it safe and keep digging for gold.
One of the most exciting activities was voting in a mock election, just as people of the time would have fought to do. With ballots in hand, students cast their votes and discussed what democracy meant in 1854 and what it means today.
Inside the Centre, students were amazed by the real artefacts from the goldfields, including tools, clothing and documents from the time. Standing beneath the enormous and powerful Eureka Flag, many felt a sense of pride and wonder—this was the very flag flown by the diggers who stood together at the stockade.
Outside, students went on a historic walking tour of the site. They visited plaques that marked where soldiers once stood, and learned about the lives lost on both sides of the conflict. One of the most touching moments was hearing the story of a loyal dog that stayed by its owner’s grave – a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the history.
By the end of the day, the students had laughed, learned, marched and remembered. It was a day of discovery, emotion and imagination. As one “digger” put it, “We didn’t just learn about history — we lived it.”
Lisa Bragiola – Year 5 Teacher
Student Achievement
Jordan K from Year 6 at Woodlea recently competed at the Interclub Fight Day hosted by Barbarian Muay Thai, Delacombe. Competing in the 50–60kg weight class, Jordan showcased his skill and determination, securing a win at the Blue Pra Ja level. Congratulations to Jordan on this fantastic achievement!
Elle Pelly – Head of Year 6 (Woodlea)
English Text Study: Trash
Just recently, in English, my class was analysing the book Trash by Andy Mulligan. While reading, I noticed that one character, Father Juilliard, might not be as nice as he seems.
To understand this story a bit better, Father Julliard is a 63-year-old man in Behala who has been running a charitable mission school for the past 7 years. Rarely anyone comes to his mission school so he has to bribe children with food.
When I first realised this, I told my teacher Miss Ng and attempted to convince everyone. However, that was futile. After all, he looks like a charitable, generous man. Then Miss Ng told me to write an essay about why he wasn’t that nice so I did that. I had my reasons, but when I looked closer into his chapter, I discovered more about him and questioned much more about him. Some of his choices seemed selfish and contradicted his depicted personality. This led me to writing up to 11 pages on paper but when I transferred it online, it turned into 8 pages. The three main arguments I presented were that Father Juilliard doesn’t always lead effectively, seems to accept the poverty he should be fighting against, and often doesn’t try his hardest.”
After finishing my essay, I read it out to the class. Surprisingly, not everyone was convinced. Determined to prove my point I then emailed Andy Mulligan, the author himself. If the author himself agreed then surely it would be more than enough proof. I was unsure whether he would reply but to my surprise, he replied! In his email, he replied with an essay, actually agreeing with my perspective and added another extra piece of shocking information that Father Julliard was an alcoholic. There was no direct reference to this but in Andy Mulligan’s mind, he always was.
This experience from the author made me look back at the story in a new way. Even I, at the beginning, didn’t think much of Father Julliard. It is only if you dig deep inside the book you will see that so many things are possible that what seems like something might not be so. Finding evidence and thinking beyond the writer leads you to a different world, where what is depicted as kind is actually selfish and what might be cruel might be generous.
Student Reflection by Saanvi Pi, 7WF