The Character of Success

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the ICCES Winter Sports Tour in Shepparton over two days. Not only did our teams perform exceptionally well in the sporting arena, securing five team shields and the overall Aggregate Trophy, but more importantly, our students excelled in an arena that is not always afforded the same level of recognition at sporting carnivals, that of character.

Throughout the two days, our students were tested by challenging weather conditions including rain, wind and cold temperatures, while also competing in demanding round-robin formats that required them to play multiple games in succession. These circumstances undoubtedly tested the resolve and resilience of both students and staff. However, all involved embraced each challenge with enthusiasm, adaptability and perseverance, enabling them to perform admirably in every situation.

At Bacchus Marsh Grammar, we are a School of Character, and we speak daily with our students and staff about the importance of virtuous behaviour and our firmly established school values. Throughout the ICCES Winter Sports Tour, these values were consistently displayed and embodied by our students and staff. They demonstrated respect towards officials, umpires and fellow competitors; the discipline to always do the right thing, the confidence to embrace every challenge presented to them, and kindness towards all those with whom they interacted.

I congratulate everyone involved on this outstanding achievement and I am immensely proud of the success our students and staff continue to achieve on so many levels at Bacchus Marsh Grammar. While the trophies and accolades are worthy of celebration, it is the character displayed by our community that remains our greatest achievement.

Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education

As Term 2 ends, we would like to thank all students, staff and families for their hard work, commitment and support throughout the semester. It has been a busy and rewarding term filled with learning, growth and many memorable experiences.

We wish everyone a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break. Take the opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, and recharge for the exciting term ahead.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for Term 3 on Tuesday 21 July.

Danielle Copeman – Head of Campus (Woodlea)
Andrew Pate – Head of Campus (Maddingley)

It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through the school year. As we reach the end of Term 2, we would like to thank our students and families for what has been a productive and rewarding semester. It has been wonderful to see our students grow in confidence, embrace new challenges and consistently demonstrate our school values in both the classroom and the school community.

The term has been filled with many learning opportunities, events and achievements. The growth we have witnessed across the Junior School is a credit to the dedication of our students, the support of our families and the commitment of our staff.

As we approach the end of Semester One, families will soon receive their child’s academic report. These reports will be available via the Schoolbox Parent Portal. We encourage all families to take the opportunity to download and save a copy of the report for their records.

Semester reports provide an opportunity to celebrate growth, recognise achievements and reflect on areas for continued development. We encourage families to take the time to read and discuss the report with their child, acknowledging the effort, persistence and progress they have demonstrated throughout the semester.

We would also like to extend our appreciation and thanks to our amazing teaching staff for their hard work, dedication and care throughout the semester. Their commitment to supporting every child academically, socially and emotionally, is greatly appreciated and plays a significant role in the success of our Junior School.

Thank you for your continued support throughout Term 2. We wish all students, families and staff a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for an exciting Term 3.

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

Maddingley

Milo’s Birthday Surprise

The Prep students enjoyed a fantastic day celebrating Milo Monkey’s birthday and showcasing the impressive phonics knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the semester. The students enjoyed a range of party games including Pin the Hat on the Monkey, Pass the Parcel, and Musical Statues. They also reflected on the Little Learners Love Literacy characters that they have met throughout the year and enjoyed sharing their favourites with the class.

Throughout the day, students celebrated their growing phonics knowledge and reflected on the progress they have made since the beginning of the year. It was wonderful to see them confidently sharing their learning and enthusiasm for reading and writing.

A special highlight of the celebration was coming together as a whole Prep cohort for a picnic. It was a wonderful day filled with excitement, friendship and plenty of fun as we celebrated Milo’s special day and acknowledged the fantastic phonics learning that has taken place across the semester.

Maddingley Prep Teachers

Junior School ICT

Throughout the year, students at Bacchus Marsh Grammar complete Touch Typing on many different platforms. Touch typing is an important skill for children because it helps them develop speed, accuracy and confidence when using computers.

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into education, children are expected to digitally complete NAPLAN, assignments, research projects and assessments. Learning to use correct finger placement and building up the skill of typing without looking at the keyboard allows students to focus on their ideas and learning rather than on finding individual keys.

By mastering this skill early, children are better equipped to engage effectively with modern learning environments. Keep up the wonderful typing Junior School.

Imogen Smith – Teacher

Woodlea

Junior School House Day

On Thursday 24 June, students across the Junior School took part in a highly engaging and creative House Day themed Building CASTLES. Throughout the day, classrooms were transformed into vibrant construction spaces as students worked collaboratively within their House groups to design and build their own castles. Using a range of materials, students demonstrated impressive creativity, teamwork and problem solving as they brought their ideas to life, from detailed towers to strong and imaginative structures.

The day provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect with peers across year levels, strengthen House spirit and foster a strong sense of belonging within our school community. Importantly, the theme Building CASTLES also reflected our commitment to creating Calm and Structured Teaching and Learning Environments, reinforcing the consistent approaches that support student success across the Junior School. Aligned with our school values, the experience encouraged students to show cooperation, resilience and creativity as they worked towards a shared goal.

Our Year 4 House Leaders took on the role of judges, carefully reviewing each creation and celebrating the effort and enthusiasm shown by all students. It was a joyful and memorable day, with many outstanding castles showcasing the talent and collaboration within our Junior School.

Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Year 4 Highlight

Throughout the term, the Year 4 students have been studying Birrung, the Secret Friend by Jackie French as part of their Reading program. During this unit, students explored themes of cultural diversity, resilience and friendship, thereby developing their understanding of how historical events can shape people’s experiences and relationships. They applied a range of comprehension strategies including inferencing, summarising, visualising and making predictions about the text.

To showcase their visualisation skills, students designed and built model huts inspired by the home of the characters Barney and Elsie. Using natural materials, they carefully planned and constructed their creations, demonstrating both creativity and attention to detail. The students proudly displayed their huts during our Junior School Open Afternoon, where they shared their learning with families and explained the connections they had made to the novel. It was wonderful to see students speaking so confidently about their work and celebrating their achievements with pride.

Ashlee Taylor – Head of Year 4 (Woodlea)

Making a Splash in Year 4 Science

Term 2 Science was very hands on as we dove into the wonders of the water cycle! Students explored how water moves through our environment by using a mix of modern science experiments and ancient Indigenous knowledge.

Here is a look at the fascinating, hands-on activities our young scientists completed:

• Water Cycle in a Bag: Students drew landscapes on zip-lock bags, added blue-tinted water, and taped them to a sunny window. They watched real-time evaporation, condensation as droplets fogged up the plastic, and precipitation as the water rolled back down.

• Cloud in a Jar: By combining warm water, shaving foam, food dye and ice cubes on top of a jar, the children created actual, visible clouds. This experiment helped them visualise how water vapour cools and traps particles to form clouds in our atmosphere.

• Gnamma Holes Exploration: We connected our Science unit to First Nations history by studying Gnamma holes—natural granite rock holes used by Aboriginal Peoples to harvest and store water safely in arid environments. Students built models to test how narrow openings and custom covers made of bark and leaves effectively block solar evaporation and protect water from wildlife.

Lisa Crossley – Teacher

Maddingley

Year 10 Tertiary Experience

On Monday July 1, all Year 10 Maddingley students attended RMIT University’s City Campus as part of our annual Tertiary Experiences Day. The visit introduced students to both vocational and higher education options, and encouraged them to consider future study and career pathways.

Students participated in an RMIT presentation, a campus scavenger hunt, and a panel discussion with current university students (including a former Bacchus Marsh Grammar graduate). These activities provided valuable insights into university life, study pathways and career opportunities.

The Careers Team wish to thank the RMIT staff for hosting the event. The day was an engaging and highly beneficial experience for all involved.

Please enjoy some student reflections below:

“The visit to RMIT was a valuable experience as it helped me better understand the different pathways available after school. I found the information about course structures and university expectations particularly useful. It gave me a clearer idea of what I may want to study in the future and the requirements needed to get there.”

“I enjoyed the excursion because it provided a realistic look at university life. Learning about the flexibility of timetables, campus facilities and the range of courses available was very interesting. The session helped me start thinking more seriously about my future study options and career goals.”

“The opportunity to travel to RMIT provided a great insight into what life after school looked like. My friends and I really like the idea of having flexible learning hours and being able to choose the course that suits you.”

“It was a fun day at RMIT, they gave a good insight into what life is like in university (travel times, day to day life with lectures). The 2027 course book they provided was very useful for figuring out prerequisites and course requirements such as ATAR and required study scores.”

Lindsay Knipe – Careers Practitioner/Teacher

Woodlea

Portrait Competition

A dazzling display of artistic talent was on show in our Prep to Year 12 Portrait Competition, with students across the school rising to the challenge and showcasing their creativity, skill and individuality. This year’s competition drew an impressive range of entries, from bold and expressive portraits to carefully detailed and thoughtful works, each reflecting the unique perspective of the artist.

The competition not only highlighted technical ability, but also celebrated imagination, effort and the willingness of students to take creative risks. Judging was no easy task, with so many high-quality submissions making it a truly competitive event.

We are incredibly proud of all students who participated and contributed to this vibrant celebration of the arts.

Please see the table below for our 1^st and 2^nd place recipients whose outstanding entries particularly impressed the judges.

Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Parenting and Mental Health

Parenting can be a challenging role, and looking after your own wellbeing and mental health is as important as looking after your child’s. Beyond Blue has some excellent resources regarding managing family issues, checking-in on your own mental health, and where to access support.

The Raising Children Network also have a suite of resources to support your own self-care as well as a directory to find helping services for specific needs including help lines which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Rosalind Pittard – Deputy Principal: Head of Student Wellbeing

ICCES Winter Tour Champions

We are delighted to announce that we secured the title of the 2026 ICCES Winter Tour Champions.

Across two gruelling days of competition, the 151 students representing the school demonstrated outstanding confidence, discipline and ambition. Their efforts resulted in BMG winning 5 of the 13 divisions, securing the coveted ICCES Winter Tour Trophy and being recognised as the overall champion school.

This achievement is a testament to the commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship displayed by our students throughout the tour, as well as the dedication and support of our staff.

A massive congratulations to all students and staff involved in what was a fantastic and memorable two days of sport for our school. We are incredibly proud of your efforts and the way you represented BMG!

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

Maddingley

Equestrian Team Celebrates Outstanding Victorian Results

The BMG Equestrian Team has concluded another exceptional Victorian Interschool Equestrian season, achieving what is arguably the most successful year in the program’s history.

After competing at qualifying events across Victoria since February, our riders demonstrated outstanding dedication, resilience, sportsmanship and horsemanship, culminating in remarkable team and individual results.

At a state level, our Show Jumping Team finished 4th overall in Victoria, while our Dressage Team secured an impressive 7th overall in Victoria. These results place our school among the leading equestrian schools in the state and reflect the strength and commitment of our riders across multiple disciplines.

Our team for 2026 consisted of the following students:

• Jasmine C (10A)
• Milly S (10H)
• Lucy B (10H)
• Molly R (10A)
• Myah E (10B)
• Jayde C (8I)
• Cailin K (7G)
• Kate T (7B)
• Chloe B (7G)
• Jayde W (7G)
• Lucille C (7B)
• Alexandra L (5C)

Adding to these achievements, Jasmine C has once again earned selection to represent Victoria in Show Jumping at the National Interschool Championships. This is Jasmine’s second consecutive Victorian Team selection and an outstanding accomplishment at the highest level of school equestrian competition.

The season also saw several riders recognised for their consistency and excellence throughout the series.

In the prestigious Allrounder Champion Award, which combines results across both Dressage and Show Jumping, Jayde C finished 2nd overall in Victoria, while Alexandra L placed 3rd overall, highlighting their versatility and success across multiple disciplines.

Dressage Results

Our Dressage riders produced excellent results throughout the series, with several students finishing among the top riders in Victoria.

• Alexandra L – 3rd Overall, Preparatory
• Jayde C – 6th Overall, Preliminary Intermediate
• Lucy B – 7th Overall, Preliminary Senior

Show Jumping Results

Our Show Jumping team continued to build on its strong reputation, achieving outstanding results across a range of classes:

• Jayde C – 1st Overall, Encourage Secondary
• Cailin K – 2nd Overall, Encourage Secondary
• Jasmine C – 3rd Overall, Aspiring Secondary
• Molly R – 5th Overall, Progressive Senior
• Alexandra L – 5th Overall, Primary Freshman
• Jayde C – 6th Overall, Improvers Secondary

These placings reflect months of training, attention to detail and the strong partnerships developed between horse and rider.

While these outstanding results deserve special recognition, we also celebrate the efforts of every rider who represented Bacchus Marsh Grammar throughout the season. Not every achievement is reflected on a leaderboard, and many of our students demonstrated tremendous perseverance, growth, resilience and sportsmanship while balancing school, training and competition commitments.

The success of the program would not be possible without the incredible support of our equestrian families who dedicate countless weekends to transporting horses, camping at events and supporting riders across Victoria. Their contribution is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Congratulations to all our riders and their horses on an extraordinary season. You have represented Bacchus Marsh Grammar with pride, professionalism and outstanding sportsmanship. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to following the continued success of our equestrian program in the years ahead.

Georgia Low – Assistant Head of Year 7 (Maddingley)

Woodlea

Senior School Cross Country

The Senior School Cross Country was held at Staughton Vale Campus on Tuesday June 23. Clear skies, mild temperatures and sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for a fantastic event celebrating participation, perseverance and House spirit.

Students from Years 9 to 12 took on the challenging Staughton Vale course, with many competitors completing a demanding 4km run. Year 11 and 12 boys faced an even greater challenge, tackling a gruelling 5km course that tested both their endurance and determination. Despite the arduous nature of the event, students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and resilience, demonstrating outstanding effort from start to finish.

A special thank you goes to the staff who assisted with supervision, marshalling and event organisation. Their support ensured the day ran smoothly and safely for all participants.

Results:

1^st – Dale                           269 points

2^nd Kororoit                      244 points

3^rd – Djerriwarrh               208 points

4^th – Pykes                        195 points

5^th – Pyrites                      180 points

6^th– Parwan                      162 points

7^th – Lerderderg               144 points

8^th – Toolern                     105 points

Sze Foo – Head of Houses: Pyrites (Woodlea)

The Gathering

On Monday June 22, Maddingley Prep Reception, Woodlea Early Learning Centre and Preps from both campuses joined together for a special day of connection, culture and learning during “The Gathering”. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to come together as one school community to celebrate and deepen their understanding of First Nations cultures through a range of engaging hands-on experiences.

Throughout the day, students participated in a yarning circle, created a collaborative art piece, played traditional Indigenous games, explored rock art and enjoyed a walk through our kitchen garden.

A special highlight for our Prep students was planting their cohort tree. It was a meaningful moment as students worked together to plant something that represents their journey at BMG. It will be exciting to watch this tree grow and flourish alongside our students over the years to come.

Our Prep Reception students also created a beautiful collaborative artwork, designing an impressive Bunjil wedge-tailed eagle before completing an amazing mosaic piece that showcased their creativity, teamwork and connection to culture.

Students were thrilled to spend time with our special guest, Ganga Giri, who captivated students through his music, didgeridoo playing, storytelling and the opportunity to learn the traditional art of ochre painting. Students were inspired by his stories and the way he shared culture through sound, movement and art.

The Gathering was a memorable day filled with learning, creativity and connection, leaving our students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures, community, and the importance of coming together to learn from one another.

Kylie McKerrow – Early Years Coordinator (Prep Reception – Year 2) (Maddingley)

Maddingley

Staughton Vale Grows A Champion

Sebastian S of 8A has achieved outstanding success in the annual University of Queensland Sunflower Growing Competition, taking out a prize for his impressive sunflower entry.

Propagated and grown at Staughton Vale under the expert guidance of Farmer Joel, Sebastian’s sunflower produced a seed yield of almost 100 grams, outperforming entries from competitors in Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Congratulations Sebastian on this fantastic achievement and for representing Staughton Vale so well.

Students will have their own opportunity to test their green thumbs later this year when they participate in the annual Bacchus Marsh Grammar Tallest Sunflower Competition. We look forward to seeing another crop of towering sunflowers emerge across the campus.

David Gorton – Head of Campus (Staughton Vale)

Astronomy Evening

As part of their Astronomy studies, students have been developing their understanding of the universe and, by using different telescopes, how to observe celestial objects. Recently, the Astronomy class was invited to attend the Staughton Vale campus for an evening excursion to be able to share their skills with their families and enjoy some time observing the night sky.

Students worked with a range of telescopes, practising how to set up and use the equipment to locate objects in the night sky. Despite the somewhat cloudy conditions, students were able to share what they had learned with their families, guiding them through using the telescopes and explaining how they work. There was also the opportunity to see the observatory at Staughton Vale and learn how to take photos with this from home.

It was fantastic to see students demonstrate their developing astronomy skills and families equally as engaged with the learning as the students. Thank you to all students, families and staff who attended and contributed to the evening.

Karl Wild – Teacher

Maddingley

Winter Silent Reading Party

The annual Winter Silent Reading Party took place in Week 9, offering Middle School students a cosy evening of reading and community.

Students and their parents were invited to join the after-hours reading event, sharing their favourite books and a pizza dinner in the beautiful surrounds of the Hive Library. This year was more popular than ever, with repeat attendees and new faces joining in the fun.

Parents who attended were able to have a tour of the building and enjoy some shared reading time with their child in one of the many comfy reading nooks. At the end of the event, attendees were able to take advantage of the elevated views as they were treated to a stunning nighttime vista of the celestial alignment.

Mali Jorm – Head of Library Services

Book Club News 

Orders can still be placed from Issues 3 and 4 until the end of term.

Click here to see ‘How to Order’.

Click here to place an order.

Please note for our Maddingley community that orders are to be placed under Year level Coordinators not class teachers. Thank you.

Scholastic Book Club Coordinators:
Diane Dunn (Maddingley Campus)
Feona West (Woodlea Campus)

Term 3 Buses

All private, public and country buses for both Maddingley and Woodlea Campus will begin operation on Day 1 of Term 3, Tuesday July 21 as per their usual timetable.

Late Bus Allocation and Student Sign Up

Students are required to sign themselves up for the relevant late bus by adding their names under the stop at which they will disembark. Sign-up must be completed before 1.30pm on the day of travel.

Students who have not signed up by 1.30pm will not be permitted to travel on the late bus. Parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child from school at 4.20pm. Students are still expected to attend their scheduled after-school class or activity.

Any student presenting at the bus quay after their after-school activity, having not already signed up for the late bus, will not be permitted to board. The student will be taken to Main Reception and parents will be contacted to collect them.

Late bus sign-up sheets are located in Main Reception.

The late bus fee is $15.00 per child, per trip, and will be charged to family school fee accounts at the end of each term.

ID Cards

Students must use their Student ID cards to tap on/off any BMG private buses.  Student ID cards are compulsory when boarding a private bus or attending any school excursions, camps, etc. and they must be always carried.

Students who board the bus repeatedly without their ID cards will receive a detention or further consequences. If your child has lost or misplaced their Student ID card, please advise via email to bus@bmg.vic.edu.au and a new card will be printed over the term break.

Student Permission Cards

Students in Prep Reception to Year 6 require a green permission tag on their bags if they are to disembark the bus to be picked up by someone other than their parent/guardian.  Students in Years 5 and 6 can disembark the bus on their own if they have a green permission tag on their bag for the driver to check.

Student Afternoon Bus Arrangement & Permission Notices are available on Schoolbox under School Letters.  Please return Student Afternoon Bus Arrangement & Permission Notices to bus@bmg.vic.edu.au.  Notification on the day that someone else will be collecting your child will not be accepted

Leanne Robertson – School Bus Services Administrator

Semester One Reports

We are endeavouring to have all Semester One reports published by Friday 17 July. Parents will be able to access and download an electronic copy of their child’s report by going to Schoolbox, selecting their child’s profile and then ‘Academic Reports’. Should any unforeseen technical issues prevent this, further communication will be made.

Semester reports provide an excellent opportunity to support your child to reflect on their academic progress. We encourage a particular focus on existing strengths and the next steps for improvement. Parents seeking further feedback regarding their child’s academic achievement and progress in Semester One are welcome to contact relevant teachers next term.

A reminder also that, as a result of community feedback, we now provide reports in digital format only. If parents still wish to receive a paper copy, they may request this by emailing: reports@bmg.vic.edu.au.

Maddingley Campus Car Park Safety

To ensure the safety and efficiency of our school car park, please follow the guidelines below. The drop-off/pick-up zone is not a long-term parking area. Do not leave your vehicle to walk your child to class.

Drop-Off Guidelines

• Keep the zone moving — Avoid stopping to chat with other parents or students.
• Stay off mobile phones — Do not use your phone while entering, waiting in, or leaving the zone.
• Prepare children beforehand — Ensure bags are accessible so children can exit promptly without you leaving your seat.
• Remain in your vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
• Ensure safe, quick exit — Children should exit from the left-hand side only.
• Observe speed limits at all times.

Pick-Up Guidelines

• Encourage prompt arrival — Students should move directly to the pick-up zone at dismissal time.
• Avoid early queueing — Do not block access by arriving before your child is ready.
• Do not leave your vehicle — If your child is not present, drive around and park before checking their location.
• Inform other carers — Ensure grandparents or friends collecting your child understand these expectations.
• Follow all directions — Adhere to staff instructions, crossing supervisors, signage, and directional arrows.

Courtesy and Conduct

Please be respectful to all car park users. Aggressive or inappropriate language will not be tolerated and will be addressed in line with school policies.

Michelle Graham – Director of Administration

Financial Assistance

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) final applications are due. This applies to parents/guardians who hold a valid Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card (CRN).

If you have not yet submitted your CSEF application form, please ensure it is returned to the Administration Office, or emailed to accountsrec@bmg.vic.edu.au, no later than June 22, 2026, to allow sufficient time for processing.

Further information, along with the CSEF application form, can be downloaded from the School’s website.

All enquiries should be directed to Sharon Micallef at accountsrec@bmg.vic.edu.au

Sharon Micallef – Accounts Receivable Manager

Sibling and Catch-Up Photo Dates – Term 3

Sibling photo dates have been confirmed for both the Maddingley and Woodlea Campuses. More information relating to sibling photos, including a booking link, will be sent to families via Edsmart early in Term 3.

Students who were absent during the scheduled School Photo days or new to BMG may also attend to have their individual photos taken at the scheduled dates and times below.

Please note that school photos are exempt from the “Exclusion from Multimedia”. If you have any concerns, contact Jessica Thorpe or Cathy Perconte on 5366 4800. If you have any other queries in relation to school photographs, please contact Cathy Perconte on 5366 4800.

Woodlea Campus Sibling & Catch-up photos: Thursday 6 August 9.00-10.45AM

Maddingley Campus Sibling & Catch-up photos: Tuesday 18 August 9.00-10.45AM

Cathy Perconte – School Events and Community Development Manager

Term Dates

2026 and 2027 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 clicking 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

Bacchus Marsh Rotary Art Show – Student Spotlight

Over the King’s Birthday long weekend, the Bacchus Marsh Rotary Club held the 54th annual Rotary Art Show. Ariana K of Year 12 (Maddingley) was awarded the prize for Best Artwork 21 Years and Under for her fantastic painting of the Brunswick Ballroom.

Continuing to expand her artistic aspirations beyond her studies at BMG, Ariana has been taking part in the Ballarat Art Gallery Pathways program. Next Gen Pathways is an immersive program for senior secondary students who want to deepen their artistic practice and gain practical experience of curatorial processes in a public gallery. Delivered by the Art Gallery of Ballarat in partnership with LCI Melbourne, this eight – week program invites young artists to work alongside gallery professionals, curators, educators and practising creatives. Participants develop their own artwork while gaining first-hand insight into how exhibitions are conceived, curated and shared with audiences.

This program culminated in an online exhibition of the participants’ artworks alongside works chosen from the Ballarat Art Gallery collection.

Catherine Finnigan – Teacher

Ariana Kelly
The right path
2026
Synthetic Polymer Paint and Compact Disks

David Keeling
Study for ‘Diorama’
1999
Oil on Linen
Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Dr Graeme Williams OAM in memory of his children, Antony Jefferson Williams and Tess Hadden Ley née Williams, 2020.© David Keeling and Niagara Galleries, Melbourne.