Maddingley

Term 1 Highlights

As we approach the end of Term 1, it has been wonderful to celebrate the achievements, talents and enthusiasm of our Middle School students at this week’s final assembly. We are proud of the effort our students have shown throughout the term and the positive contribution they continue to make to our school community.

Compass Award Achievements

The Compass Award celebrates students who embody exceptional character, leadership and integrity. It recognises those who consistently strive to make a positive and lasting impact within their school community. This program helps students build resilience, independence and a sense of service and skills essential for lifelong success.

We have asked students who want to join this group to sign up for it this week. It is a great way to get involved in school life and demonstrate service to the wider community.

• Level 1: Japnoor G, Rnvir A
• Level 2: Ayansh G
• Level 3: Lorelei W

Colour Awards

At Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Colour Awards recognise students for their meaningful participation, ongoing effort and positive contribution to the school community across a wide range of activities. These awards represent an ongoing drive to get involved and show a commitment that continues as students transition into Senior School. They serve as a significant build-up and demonstration of the consistent hard work each student shows throughout the entire year.

50-Point Recipients:

• Lola K (7C)
• Ehaan K (7D)
• Riazwen Singh C (7G)
• Max F (7G)
• Samar A (7I)
• Sai Meghana P (8A)
• Amelia K (8C)
• Paige S (8E)
• Charlotte F (8F)
• Charlie B (8H)

100-Point Recipients:

• Mannreet S (7B)
• Chace H-B (7E)
• Viraj K (7F)
• Ruby A (7F)
• Robinson D (7I)

Assembly Highlights

Our school assemblies are more than just a gathering; they are a vital part of student development, providing a platform to build leadership, confidence and a shared sense of responsibility.

• Languages & Cultural Leaders shared a powerful message on the virtue of Civility. By encouraging respectful communication and kindness, our leaders are helping to foster a positive school culture where every student feels valued. This is essential for building a community based on mutual respect.

• Juliet S performed a sophisticated jazz piece. Such performances are crucial for developing public speaking and performance skills, while also reinforcing the value of creativity and the importance of having the confidence to share one’s talents with others.

• Mr Perks encouraged students to sign up for Term 2 sports. This is a vital reminder of the role physical health plays in overall wellbeing, as well as the importance of teamwork and fulfilling long-term commitments to a group or team.

• Environment Leaders reminded us all of our duty to care for the school environment. These updates teach our students the importance of stewardship and individual responsibility, ensuring we all contribute to a sustainable and clean learning space.

• Mr Bayne shared details about the upcoming Athletics Carnival. Beyond the competition, this event is about building school spirit, encouraging every student to participate and setting personal challenges to strive for excellence.

Scott Bayne – Assistant Principal: Head of Middle School (Maddingley)

Woodlea

Year 6 Camp to Canberra

Year 6 Woodlea students recently travelled to Canberra where they visited a range of significant national sites including the Museum of Australian Democracy, The Australian Mint, Parliament House, Mount Ainslie, Questacon, the National Capital Authority, the National Film and Sound Archive and the Australian War Memorial.

Evening activities included visits to the AIS, as well as bowling and orienteering, providing students with opportunities for both recreation and team building.

Please enjoy a student’s reflection of their week at camp:

Recently, myself and my fellow Year 6s went on a trip to Canberra. It was an exciting trip with us going to Questacon, the AIS, Parliament House and more. Personally, I had lots of fun!

On Tuesday, we visited the Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD), where we learned about Australia’s parliamentary history and important figures such as Edmund Barton. We then went to the Royal Australian Mint to see how Australian coins are made. Later, we visited the House of Representatives to learn how Australia’s democracy works. That night, we went to the AIS where we watched athletes training and played interactive games at Sportex.

The next day, we visited Parliament House for hands-on learning about the Senate and House of Representatives, and then went to Government House, where the Governor-General lives. After lunch, we visited Deep Space Canberra and learned about the large radio antennas used to communicate with spacecraft like the Voyager missions. That night, we got to go to Zone Bowling which was so much fun, but we were all exhausted after the big day.

On our final full day, we visited the Australian War Memorial where we paid our respects to fallen soldiers and visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We then went to the National Capital Authority to learn why Canberra was chosen as Australia’s capital. We also visited Questacon and the National Film and Sound Archive. After dinner, we did orienteering and a scavenger hunt.

On Friday, we left on the bus at 7 AM. Having driven for over 9 hours, we were exhausted but happy to be at home after a long, tiring and fun week learning and doing new things.

Aarohan 6WC
Matthew Hatcliffe – Head of Year 6 (Woodlea)

2026 Woodlea Middle School Leaders Evening

On Monday 30 March, the Woodlea Middle School were proud to celebrate our young leaders through the 2026 Leaders Evening. This night is always an eagerly anticipated occasion on the school calendar and marks the culmination of over six months of dedicated work by our 2026 Leadership Cohort.

The evening brought together our Year 6 and Year 8 Leaders to be formally recognised for a journey that began with a written application and interview process, progressed through appointment and was shaped by rich, purposeful development experiences along the way. Central to this journey has been the cohort’s work with Mr Darren Pereira of Success Integrated, whose continued partnership with our school has played a meaningful role in cultivating the service leader mindset at the heart of our program, alongside dedicated Leadership Enrichment sessions designed and led by Mrs Melissa Dunat and Ms Krystal Pitt.

As ever, the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the student speeches; thoughtful, considered and genuinely moving reflections on the privilege of leadership and each student’s commitment to using their role in service of the broader school community. It was a powerful reminder of the calibre of the young people we have named in leadership roles.

The evening concluded with the formal presentation of leaders, the presentation of their certificates and blazer badges, a very proud moment for students and families alike.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this night possible: Mr Pereira for his ongoing partnership and investment in our students; the parents and families who attended in support of this special occasion; the School Leadership, Events and Maintenance teams whose behind-the-scenes work ensured a seamless and memorable evening. We thank all teachers who chaperoned groups and Mrs Ogston, Mrs Copeman and Mrs Hunter for their support of the evening’s program and the example they offer to our students.

Congratulations to each and every member of the 2026 Leadership Cohort. We look forward to seeing the positive mark you will leave on our school community.

Michael Abramovic – Assistant Principal: head of Middle School (Woodlea)