As we settle into Term 3, there have been many achievements and highlights taking place across our school community.

This week our youngest learners reached a significant milestone — 100 days of learning! Our Prep students celebrated with great enthusiasm and creativity. These early days of schooling lay such important foundations and it was a joy to see the excitement, confidence and sense of belonging that has already developed in these students. I was delighted to mark the occasion with them, celebrating my 100 days as Principal.

I also extend my sincere congratulations to our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students on their outstanding NAPLAN results this year. Across both campuses, our students have demonstrated growth and achievement we can all be proud of. These results are a testament to the hard work of students and the dedication of our teaching staff, who continue to create structured, purposeful and engaging learning environments. Well done to all involved.

Another highlight over the past few weeks were the successful Careers Expo’s, held at both the Maddingley and Woodlea campuses. The event provided valuable opportunities for students to connect with universities, training providers, alumni, subject teachers and a broad range of industry representatives. These conversations help students make informed decisions about their future pathways and aspirations. A massive thank you to our Careers team and all supporting staff who made the event such a success.

I also had the privilege this week of visiting one of our wonderful extracurricular offerings — Cooking for the Community. On Thursday afternoons, a group of students gather to prepare meals which are then donated to the local Uniting Church’s Soul Food program, supporting members of the community who are doing it tough. It was a powerful reminder of the values we aim to instil in our students — compassion, service and a sense of responsibility to others.

I wish you all a wonderful and safe few weeks as we head towards the halfway point of Term 3.

Debra Ogston – Principal

Character Education – Pause and Reflection

Last week, while I was sitting at the MCG with my children, my 14-year-old daughter made me reflect upon an aspect of character formation and virtue that we often overlook, the importance of pause and reflection. She asked me a considered question about world politics that I could have quickly answered, likely offering a personally biased opinion that, upon reflection, would have been too one-sided.

Often, as adults, we believe we are the font of all knowledge when speaking with children. There is no doubt that we possess years of experience and insight, which, as Aristotle would say, allow us to exercise phronesis—or good sense—to make wise and measured decisions. However, sometimes I think we all need to pause and carefully consider our responses before delivering them.

History is punctuated with examples of great leaders who took time to deliberate before making their final decisions: Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Churchill before his first address to Parliament as Prime Minister in 1940, and George Mallory patiently waiting for the perfect summit day in 1924, to name but a few.

As leaders of character within the Bacchus Marsh Grammar community, it is incumbent upon us to use our extensive educational knowledge and worldly experience to help our students make wise and informed decisions. Often, this is best achieved through our own reflection, stillness, and pause. I encourage all members of our community to cultivate this virtue in our students by role modelling measured and thoughtful responses, showing “phronesis” and living the virtue in practice.

Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education

The Power of Explicit Teaching and Meaningful Conversations

At Bacchus Marsh Grammar, we are proud to be an explicit teaching school. This means your child is actively engaged in a structured learning environment where new concepts are clearly modelled by the teacher, followed by guided practice and opportunities for independent application. This approach helps build strong foundations in knowledge and skills, supporting deeper understanding and confidence.

As we approach Parent–Teacher Interviews, we encourage all families to take the time to read their child’s report and reflect on their progress. This is a valuable opportunity to have a focused conversation with your child’s teacher, celebrate achievements, and discuss areas for growth in a supportive partnership.

Communication about booking interviews has been sent via EdSmart. We encourage all families to take part in these important discussions to ensure a shared understanding of your child’s learning.

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

Physical Education  Term 3 Highlights

This term in Physical Education, our Junior School students have been actively building their fundamental movement skills and exploring a variety of games that promote teamwork, coordination, and fun!

Prep: Jumping into Fun!
Our Prep students have been having a fantastic time learning to jump and skip! They’ve been building their body awareness and coordination while practising how to take off and land safely. Using exciting equipment like mini trampolines, balance beams, and balloons, students have rotated through a variety of playful stations designed to make movement fun. Their energy, enthusiasm, and progress have been amazing to see!

Year 1 and 2: Soccer Skills in action!
Students in Years 1 and 2 have been kicking off their soccer journey with loads of energy and enthusiasm! They’ve been learning the basics like kicking, dribbling, and passing, through exciting drills, partner activities, and modified games. Their ball control skills are improving every lesson, and it’s been great to see them working together and cheering each other on!

Years 3 & 4: Striking, Fielding & Fast-Paced Fun!
This term, Year 3 and 4 students have been diving into the action-packed world of striking and fielding games! They’ve been sharpening their overarm throwing, catching, and striking skills while playing modified favourites like tee-ball, cricket and rounders. Each session has been full of energy, with students thinking on their feet, working as a team, and putting their skills to the test in fast and exciting game situations!

Across all year levels, students have demonstrated great energy and growth in their physical abilities. It has been a joy to watch them challenge themselves, support each other, and most importantly, have fun!

Chantelle Estlick – Junior PE Techer

Woodlea

Year 3 MAV Games Day

On Friday 1 August, eight enthusiastic Year 3 students represented Bacchus Marsh Grammar at the Mathematical Association of Victoria’s Games Day, held at Derrimut Primary School.

Competing in two teams, our students did an outstanding job showcasing our school values of Knowledge, Respect, Confidence, Leadership, Ambition, Wisdom, Discipline and Kindness.

The Year 3 students demonstrated excellent teamwork, problem-solving and perseverance throughout the day. More importantly, they proudly represented BMG with enthusiasm and school spirit, making the most of this exciting and challenging experience.

Well done to all involved, you made us proud!

Sze Foo – Teacher

Year 4

During the initial week of Term 3 , our Year 4 Woodlea students spent a wonderful day at the Staughton Vale Campus, engaging in a range of hands-on activities centred around the theme of sustainability. The day provided an opportunity for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom and make meaningful connections to their current unit of study.

Students began their day by creating art collages using natural items found around the campus, fostering an appreciation for the beauty and value of the environment. They also explored the campus’ aquaponics system, where they discovered how living creatures like fish and plants can work together in a sustainable cycle to produce food.

A highlight for many was the Recycling Challenge where students were tasked with sorting a variety of items into categories of recycling, composting and landfill. This practical activity encouraged students to think critically about waste management and their role in reducing environmental impact. Additionally, students participated in numeracy games focused on sustainability, blending problem-solving skills with eco-friendly concepts

The students thoroughly enjoyed the day, showing enthusiasm and curiosity as they deepened their understanding of sustainability. The activities provided rich, real-world examples that tied in beautifully with their current studies, leaving them inspired to continue making positive environmental choices.

Aimee LaFranchi – Head of Year 4 

Congratulations to Ishaan 1WD – Harmony Day Songwriting Competition Winner

We are proud to share that Ishaan 1WD was selected as the winner in the K–3 category of the Harmony Day Songwriting Competition.

As part of this wonderful recognition, Ishaan was invited to the NSW Parliament House, where he was presented with his certificate and award by The Hon. Stephen Kamper, Minister for Multiculturalism.

Congratulations to Ishaan on this outstanding achievement. He continues to demonstrate the value of ambition through his creativity and dedication.

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

VCE Art Making and Exhibiting – NGV and ACCA Excursion

Students studying Unit 2 and Unit 4 of VCE Art Making and Exhibiting recently participated in an excursion to visit two major exhibitions in the city, supporting their understanding of curatorial decision-making, thematic presentation, and art conservation.

The first stop was the National Gallery of Victoria International (NGV), where students explored the French Impressionism exhibition. On loan from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, this exhibition features iconic works by Monet, Degas, Manet, Pissarro and Renoir. The curatorial choices—particularly the thematic groupings and the spatial flow—provided students with a clear and accessible example of effective exhibition design, making it highly relevant to their current assessments. The educational talk the students took part in made explicit and detailed connections between this exhibition and their studies.

Following this, students visited the Five Acts of Love exhibition at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA). Curated by Nur Shkembi, this conceptually driven show features twelve local and international artists working across a range of media. The exhibition explores the complex and often unexpected expressions of love, positioning it as a deeply human act that moves beyond cliché or romantic conventions.

Experiencing both exhibitions in one day offered students a valuable opportunity to compare contrasting curatorial approaches and artistic intentions. The shift from historical works to contemporary conceptual practice deepened the students’ understanding of how exhibitions communicate meaning and engage audiences.

Catherine Finnigan – Teacher

Year 10 Inspire Program Launches Service Leadership Initiative

As part of the Year 10 Inspire program, our students are excited to embark on a meaningful Service Leadership Initiative this Term 3. Each Tutor Group has chosen a

specific community service organisation to advocate for, with the aim of raising awareness and support within the BMG community.

Throughout the term, students within each Tutor Group will actively promote their chosen organisations through various channels, including newsletters, Schoolbox flyers and other school communications. They will also organise engaging activities designed to inform and involve the school community, encouraging everyone to learn more about the important work these organisations do.

This initiative not only fosters leadership skills and community engagement among our students, but also helps build a stronger connection between BMG and the wider community. We warmly invite and encourage all members of our school community to support the Year 10 students as they lead these important advocacy efforts.

Together, we can make a positive impact and inspire others to get involved!

Natalie Desira – Head of Senior School, Tenielle Brown – Deputy Head of Senior School and Ainslee Grinter – Head of Year 10

Year 11/12 joint excursion to the Alliance Francaise in Melbourne

On Monday 28 July the Year 11 and 12 students of French at both Maddingley and Woodlea Campuses attended a workshop in Melbourne. This was delivered by the Alliance française, whose aim is to promote the learning of the French language thought the world.

See our student reflections below.

Mariam:
When I first heard the phrase “La Belle Époque”, I thought it was about an Art Period. I also thought it was a time of prosperity in France. At the workshop, I learned about the different types of social status in France during “The Beautiful Era” (Belle Époque) from our educator Cecil. When we tried between these social classes by looking at paintings, I didn’t realise fabric and how clothes are made could be a key to differentiate between the social classes. Shocking, wouldn’t you say? As I learned about these classes, I learned that there were social conflicts and tragedy was common like the cold is today. Quite the opposite to what I thought about this period. I enjoyed the aspect of working in a group, as it was enjoyable and interactive as opposed to working alone. I also enjoyed eating brioche bread (Butter is the secret!) with blackberry jam. The workshop was delivered by worksheet material, which differed from person to person, which was why we worked together. I now know about the various types of French landmarks, beside the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, of course! I could connect with a French movie named Dilili a Paris, as a few of the historical figures we learned about were also in the film.

Amarleen:
A Glimpse into La Belle Époque: A Cultural Excursion to the Alliance Française
On Monday, I had the privilege of attending a French excursion to the Alliance Française in Melbourne, where we participated in a workshop centred on “La Belle Époque”, a vibrant and transformative era in French history spanning from 1870 to 1914. We explored how this period was defined by artistic and technological innovation, evolving class structures, and a deep sense of national optimism after years of political unrest.
I learned about key historical figures such as Gustave Eiffel and Marie Curie, whose groundbreaking work in science challenged social norms and expanded the boundaries of knowledge. The divide between the working class and the elite was especially eye-opening, as was the way infrastructure, like the Paris Métro, reflected both progress and inequality.
The workshop was interactive and thoughtfully structured, featuring visual presentations, group activities and even a tasting of authentic brioche bread, which added a cultural touch. A highlight for me was connecting what we learned to the animated film Dilili à Paris, which we
studied in class. The film brought the era to life and the workshop helped me better understand the social and historical context behind it.
Overall, the excursion enriched my appreciation of French history and culture and left me inspired by the enduring legacy of La Belle Époque.

All the students would like to thank Mr Genicot, Mrs Neal and Mr Malcolm for organising this trip – we do know how much additional work goes on behind the scenes in order to allow us to participate in these kinds of events.

Around the School

From July 17- 21, Bacchus Marsh Grammar Woodlea were proud to host the Victorian Junior Chess Championships. The competition was attended by 360 students from around the state. The event was overseen by Hobson’s Bay Chess Club, Wyndham Chess Club and Chess Victoria. In attendance, were dignitaries from each organisation and the Honourable Steve McGhie, MP for Melton. The event was an amazing success for all involved and highlighted the growing passion for the game across Melbourne’s western region. Bacchus Marsh Grammar were the most represented school in attendance with twenty-two players participating across the weekend. Well done to all competitors!

Sarah Hunter – Deputy Principal: Deputy Head of Woodlea Campus

Maddingley Individual Sporting Performance

Congratulations to Sapphire L (Year 9) on her recent achievement umpiring netball at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Brisbane last week. Sapphire was the youngest umpire selected from across the country and officiated at both U15 girls’ and U15 boys’ matches. After impressing officials with her ability to manage the speed and intensity of the boys’ competition, she was appointed exclusively to umpire boys’ games for the remainder of the tournament.

This outstanding experience not only allowed Sapphire to showcase her officiating skills at a national level, but also to build friendships and learn alongside fellow umpires from around Australia. Well done, Sapphire!

Riley D (Yr 10) recently represented Australia at the Shanghai Future Stars Championships where he averaged 10 points per game and had a standout performance in the Bronze Medal match, helping his team secure third place. His efforts have been captured in an impressive highlight reel on Australia Select – Shanghai Future Stars Championships 2025.

Following his success in Shanghai, Riley travelled to Brisbane to represent Victoria at the School Sport Australia National Championships. He played a pivotal role in helping the team win the Gold Medal, and his outstanding performance throughout the

tournament earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, as well as All-Australian team selection.

Riley is building a remarkable resume of achievements and is certainly one to watch as he continues to develop in his sport. We congratulate him on his success and look forward to following his journey.

Bryce Durham – Head of Faculty: Physical Education and Health

State Cross Country Finals

A massive congratulations to Harbin (5B) on qualifying for the Victoria State Cross Country Finals. Competing against a strong field, Harbin ran an impressive race to finish 21st out of 91 competitors.

Well done, Harbin – an outstanding achievement and a testament to your hard work and dedication!

Matt Harris – Sport & House Administrator/BMPSSA Competition

ICCES AFL Carnival

Five teams headed to the annual ICCES AFL Carnival in Bendigo on 31 July, enjoying a perfect day for footy under clear skies. Our students displayed tremendous determination, competing hard but always with fairness and respect. Across the day, they showcased not only their individual skills, but also the strong sense of teamwork and school spirit that defines BMG on the sporting field.

Please see the highlights below:

• Junior Boys: 6th
• Junior Girls: 2nd
• Intermediate Boys: 5th
• Senior Boys: 1st
• Senior Girls: 1st

A massive congratulations goes to both our Senior Boys and Senior Girls teams for winning their respective Divisions on the day.

This marks the first time in school history that BMG has claimed the Senior Boys Division title, an incredible achievement for our players and coaches.

The Senior Girls were dominant throughout the competition, scoring an impressive 126 points while conceding only 1 point across the entire day – a true testament to their skill, preparation, and teamwork.

A sincere thank you is extended to all the coaches, helpers, and staff who supported our teams, both in the lead-up to the carnival and on the day itself. Your dedication and effort play a vital role in making experiences like this possible for our students.

We now look forward with excitement to seeing how our Senior Boys and Girls perform in the Herald Sun Shield later in the school year.

Matt Harris – Sport & House Administrator/BMPSSA Competition

Woodlea Staughton Vale Ambassadors

On 30 July, the Staughton Vale Ambassadors from the Woodlea campus visited the conservation area set aside for the conservation project that commenced earlier this year.

The key objective of the visit was to revegetate surface creepers and understorey plants, seek the appropriate places for the nesting boxes and install them.

Prior to this key milestone, the Staughton Vale Ambassadors had been hard at work since the last few weeks of Term 2 on the construction of the nesting boxes which were sourced and delivered to us by Ms. Stacey for which we are extremely grateful.

A total of five nesting boxes were installed and over 100 species of flora were planted. Native shrubs and flowering species were planted amongst the existing larger plants to create a welcoming habitat and invite rare and native species of fauna including the brush tailed phascogale. These plants were chosen by Mr. Roger, the Landcare Specialist carefully to complement the existing trees and grass species. Mr. Roger explained the importance of choosing complementing species which helps in establishing a native habitat and promotes biodiversity.

Mr. Roger also helped us choose the most suitable trees for the nesting boxes. He explained the importance of the location and how it should be positioned to avoid the harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. The boxes were set amongst branches, not on the main trunk, to deter predators. Although tree hollows are the native habitat of species such as the Brush-Tailed Phascogale, nesting boxes form a great conservation alternative and promote the species from choosing the habitat as their home.

The next step would be the installation of night vision cameras in order to monitor the fauna arriving and inhabiting the conservation area, especially the nesting boxes. We hope to see our conservation area thrive and become a welcoming habitat and a wildlife corridor for our endangered native species such as the brush tailed phascogale. We are also excited to build a model of our conservation area so that it can be showcased at our school.

The Staughton Vale Ambassadors are extremely fortunate to have completed their first conservation project and are extremely thankful for this opportunity. We couldn’t have achieved this objective without Mrs. Hunter and Mrs. Heywood who guided us throughout, organised fundraisers and excursions and ensured that we fulfilled our objectives. It was also an immense honour and privilege to gain knowledge and advice from Ms. Stacey and Mr. Roger at Staughton Vale who helped us in this initiative.

Surya S, 10WA – Staughton Vale Ambassador

Maddingley

Student Horticulture at Maddingley

Following on from the continued successes of the Junior Landcare and Produce Club, students have now completed the installation of a grow pod adjacent to the H block.

Funded by the Bacchus Marsh Rotary, the students from the club have planted a number of herbs and pollinators for use by the Food Technology program during their classes. The installation completes another key infrastructure item, complementing the Seed to Feed concept. Students who wish to take part in the program and contribute to the preparation for the Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show should attend the Junior Landcare and Produce club at Lunchtime every Friday.

David Gorton – Head of Campus (Staughton Vale)

Woodlea

SRC

The Senior School Student Representative Council (SRC) has launched a “Reduce Litter at Bacchus Marsh Grammar” initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to reduce litter around our school and represent our school values by showing respect towards our surroundings. This not only provides a clean environment for staff and students, but also protects our environment, creating a positive and inviting space for everyone.

The Senior School SRC invites all staff, students and parents to take part in this initiative. Over the coming weeks, you will see new bins and posters around the school.

We encourage you to take a moment to read these and use the bins to correctly dispose of your rubbish at school and within our community. With your help, we can build a healthier and more respectful school community.

Harnoor K, 11WB on behalf of SRC

Maddingley and Woodlea Book Fairs

We farewelled our Maddingley Book Fair on Monday. Thank you to all the families who supported us by purchasing some of the amazing selection of books and activity sets from Lamont.

Orders are still being accepted until Sunday 10 August and backorders should arrive and be distributed within two weeks.

Our Woodlea Book Fair is in full swing from 4 August – 8 August and our students are enjoying their book talks and the chance to fill out their wish-lists.

Please note: orders close Sunday 17 August

Commission from our book fair sales go towards the purchase of new resources for our school campuses.

Feona West – Teacher-Librarian/Book Fair Coordinator

Book Club August

Issues 5 of the Scholastic Book Club catalogue is available to order from.

Click here to go to the ‘How to order’ page.

Click here be taken directly to the issue page

Private Bus Travel 2026

We have rolled over current 2025 students’ private bus travel to 2026 private bus travel.

If your child/ren’s current bus travel arrangements are going to change, or require to be changed (eg moving house, will not require private bus travel) for 2026, please contact the School Bus Services Administrator on 5366 4800 or email bus@bmg.vic.edu.au to discuss. If your child/ren do not require a private bus service in 2026 and parents do not advise the school, your child/ren will be allocated to a private bus and full year bus fees will apply.

Allocated Roll Stops

If you have changed your child/ren’s stop where they board or disembark as a permanent change and have not notified the school, please contact the School Bus Services Administrator on 5366 4800 or email bus@bmg.vic.edu.au. This information needs to be up to date on roll call for emergency services and will assist in the planning for 2026 routes/timetables

Wrong Stop Alert

If you are receiving a notification of WRONG STOP in your roll call App, please contact the School Bus Services Administrator on 5366 4800 or email bus@bmg.vic.edu.au so the correct stop can be updated. This is to ensure your child is allocated the same stop for 2026

Leanne Robertson – School Bus Services Administrator

From BMG to Australia Zoo

We are proud to share that BMG Alumna, Jess Macdonald, has been featured by Australia Zoo in their latest video, working as a Zookeeper with their much-loved quokkas!

Jess recently appeared in The Grammarian and attended the Woodlea Careers Expo this week to speak with students about her pathway into animal care and zoology.

Watch the video by clicking here

School Policies and Documents

The following School policy has been updated and is available to view from the School Policies tile in Schoolbox:

Debt Collection Policy: Updates include changed administrative charges, formalisation of the escalation process for missed payments and improved clarity for when debt collection and legal action will commence.

Please contact Kerryn Browne should you have any questions.

ICAS 2025

ICAS Assessments start next week, which will occur over a 3 week period.

For any Year 2 – 10 students enrolled, please refer to Schoolbox information for the upcoming weeks.

Click here to access the Schoolbox post

Term Dates

Both the 2025 and 2026 Term Dates are published on the school’s website. 

Events Calendar

All upcoming events feature on the Schoolbox Calendar for both students and parents/guardians to view.

Uniform Shop

Uniform information and shop business hours for both the Maddingley Campus Onsite Shop and Rushfords in Werribee are listed on the school’s website.

Please note that uniforms can also be purchased by liking here

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) – The Y Ballarat

The Y Ballarat operates the Out of School Hours Care at Bacchus Marsh Grammar.  Enrolments are completed online. For full information please visit the School’s website.

Email: chrissie.ashmore@yballarat.org.au
Phone: 0490 178 638
Website: https://yballarat.org.au/

Regular Contacts

General School Email: school@bmg.vic.edu.au