New Year at Maddingley
It has been a very positive start to the new school year, and we were fortunate to return just as the heat eased. Our Year 7 students began their first day with a variety of enjoyable activities designed to help them settle in, build friendships and begin feeling comfortable in their new surroundings. These activities were particularly helpful for students who are new to BMG, giving them a chance to learn the layout of the school while getting to know their peers.
Throughout the day, students received their new Chromebooks for the year and completed a number of important administrative tasks, including locating their lockers and having their ID photographs taken. We were pleased to have the support of our Year 9 Peer Support students who worked alongside our Tutor Teachers to run the activities. These Peer Support students will continue working with the Year 7 classes throughout the year, providing leadership and guidance. This programme benefits both groups as our older students gain valuable leadership experience and our Year 7 students build connections with students who have recently begun their journey in the Senior School.
Our Year 7 students are now preparing for their upcoming camp from 11 to 13 February. I strongly encourage all students to attend. While spending a few nights away from home may feel challenging, the memories and friendships formed on school camps often become some of the most significant and enjoyable experiences students carry with them from their time at BMG.
On Friday, we welcomed the entire Middle School back to campus. It was wonderful to see the grounds filled with returning students, and the atmosphere was lively and full of excitement. We recognise that settling back into school routines takes time and, over the next few weeks, we will be supporting students as they re-establish the rhythm of school life.
To assist with this transition, particularly for Years 5 and 7 where we often welcome new students to the Middle School, we will once again stagger the introduction of homework. Homework will officially begin in Week 4, starting with Mathematics and English, followed by Science and Humanities and then all remaining subjects. Prior to Week 4, any homework set will be optional for students and families who wish to begin earlier.
This term will offer many opportunities for students to learn, grow and become more involved in school life. Our new engagement activities will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, allowing students to meet peers from across the Middle School and take part in activities that interest them. This will help strengthen our sense of community and belonging. We will also begin Swimming Trials in preparation for the Swimming Carnival on 19 February. In addition, students will be training during sport lessons for the Sports Carnival which will be held on 30 March.
It will be a busy and exciting time in the Middle School, and our team is here to support your child through what can sometimes be a confusing or anxious period of adjustment. We kindly ask for your support in a few ways. Please read your child’s diary regularly, as it contains important information and expectations that students rely upon each day. Please also continue to access Schoolbox which will help you stay informed about homework, assessments and classroom activities.
Thank you for placing your trust in us as we guide and support your child this year. If you have any questions, please contact us. For academic concerns, your child’s subject teacher is the most appropriate first contact. For general or pastoral matters, their Tutor Teacher will be able to assist. Your child’s Head of Year is also available should further support be required.
I look forward to another successful year of growing and learning in the Middle School.
Scott Bayne – Assistant Principal, Head of Middle School (Maddingley)
Welcome back to Woodlea
The new school year is off to a fantastic start in the Middle School at Woodlea, with a real sense of energy and enthusiasm across the community. Students have embraced a new timetable designed to enhance enrichment opportunities at every level, and both students and staff have shown great flexibility and curiosity as they explore a wide range of interest-based and academically focused programs.
New and returning students have settled confidently into Middle School routines. Our Year 7 students are looking forward to their upcoming visit to Staughton Vale this week, where they will build on their orientation experiences through engaging activities that strengthen peer connections, as well as preparing for their camp later this term.
House Swimming trials have now been completed at Woodlea, and we extend a huge thank you to the students and staff who made the event such a success. The event was a showcase of House pride, healthy competition and outstanding sporting spirit.
Middle School students have received their Chromebooks, revisited key information in their diaries, and are already hard at work shaping classroom environments and cultures that reflect both the School’s values and their own passions and interests.
Year 7 students are now preparing for camp from 11–13 February, and we strongly encourage all students to attend. Camps are a valuable opportunity to build friendships, confidence and lasting memories. Looking ahead, our Year 6 students will also have the exciting opportunity to visit Canberra from 16–20 March. With further swimming events, Staughton Vale trips across all year levels, and a range of incursions and excursions planned for Year 8 and Year 5, Term One promises to be a vibrant and engaging one.
Middle School staff are committed to supporting students through this busy and rewarding transition period. We encourage families to regularly check student diaries and Schoolbox for important updates. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Please contact subject teachers for academic enquiries, Tutor Teachers for general concerns, or Heads of Year for additional support. We look forward to a positive and successful year ahead in the Middle School.
Michael Abramovic – Assistant Principal: Head of Middle School (Woodlea)