Maddingley

100 Magical Days of School

Our Prep students recently celebrated 100 Magical Days of School, an exciting milestone that recognised the incredible learning and growth they have achieved so far this year. It was a wonderful day filled with creativity, connection and lots of opportunities to celebrate the magic of the number 100.

Students participated in a range of engaging learning experiences, including decorating delicious cookies with 100s and 1000s, creating pasta necklaces while counting by 10s to 100, and completing dot painting activities where they carefully counted and placed 100 dots to create their own magical designs. These activities allowed students to practise their counting skills, strengthen their mathematical understanding and develop their fine motor skills while having lots of fun.

The day was also a chance for students to reflect on how far they have come since their very first day of Prep. We are incredibly proud of the confidence, independence and enthusiasm our students have shown towards their learning. Watching them grow into capable and curious learners has been a highlight, and we are excited to continue supporting them as they reach many more wonderful milestones throughout the year.

Click here to view more photos of the day on Schoolbox.

Maddingley Prep Team

Woodlea

Celebrating 100 Days of Prep

Our Prep students had a wonderful time celebrating 100 Days of School! Dressed as centenarians, our youngest learners looked wonderful as they took part in a range of activities based around the number 100. Throughout the day, students enjoyed counting, creating, reading, writing and problem-solving activities that helped reinforce important literacy and numeracy skills in an engaging way.

The 100th day of school is a special opportunity to celebrate how much our Prep students have grown since starting school. Over the past 100 days, they have developed confidence, independence and resilience while making wonderful progress in their learning and building new friendships.

We are incredibly proud of everything our Prep students have achieved and the enthusiasm they bring to school each day. Congratulations to our Prep students on reaching this milestone, and thank you to our teachers and families for helping make the first 100 days of school so successful!

Click here to view more photos of the day on Schoolbox.

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

Year 3 English

Throughout English lessons, students have been exploring the production of palm oil and its impact on people, wildlife and the environment. They have investigated where palm oil comes from, how it is produced, and the role it plays in everyday products.

Students have particularly enjoyed examining the labels of a variety of everyday products to identify whether they contain palm oil, developing an understanding of how common this ingredient is in their daily lives. Through research, discussions and collaborative learning activities, students have considered different perspectives and explored how individuals and communities can make informed and sustainable choices.

Students have also been developing their persuasive writing skills by planning and drafting expositions that present their viewpoint on whether palm oil farming has more benefits or more harmful impacts. They have practised stating a clear opinion, organising arguments, using evidence to support their ideas, and incorporating persuasive language techniques to influence their readers.

Year 3 Woodlea Teachers

MAV Games

In Week 1 of Term 3, a selected group of Year 3 students travelled to Derrimut Primary School to participate in a MAV Games Day. Students competed against teams from more than 20 different schools in a variety of Mathematics-based problem-solving challenges.

Our students embraced the opportunity to challenge themselves, work collaboratively and showcase their mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills. Throughout the day, they represented our school with pride, demonstrating our school values through their kindness, respect and willingness to accept a challenge.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students approached each activity with enthusiasm and perseverance while supporting and encouraging one another.

Congratulations to all our Year 3 students who participated in the MAV Games – you represented our school wonderfully!

Aimee La Franchi – Deputy Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Semester Two Physical Education

Welcome back to another exciting semester of Physical Education!

We look forward to another term of developing students’ movement skills, confidence, teamwork and enjoyment of being active.

Prep and Year 1 students have begun their Athletics program and will also participate in Hot Shots tennis, Bounce (basketball) and soccer throughout the semester.

Years 3 and 4 students will participate in Hot Shots Tennis, catching, Punt (Australian Rules Football), target games and invasion games, continuing to build their sport-specific skills, teamwork and game strategies.

Later this semester, Year 4 students will also take part in our Bike Education program in which they will develop safe cycling skills, road awareness and confidence on their bikes.

Woodlea Junior School Physical Education Teachers

Maddingley

Our first assembly of Term 3 saw many awards handed out to our students. It started with two Principal Awards, Saanvi P placed 2^nd in Victoria for her acro ability and reaching the AU Nationals in September, and to Ayushman S for gaining a Super Speak Achievement Award. Several students also gained colours, resulting in the following students being awarded their 50-point colours and even one student achieving their 100-point colours!

50 Points awarded to:

• Eloise E 6A
• Nihal G 6A
• Aarav P 6B
• Mia D 6B
• Suhan S 6C
• Alex E 7D
• Jason L 7F
• Piper R 7I
• Aarav A 8A
• Mehar S 8D

100 points awarded to:

• Lazarus S 7C

In Sport, we handed out 12 pennants to our BMPSSA winter sports teams who were the Middle School team winners. Both the Girls A Netball team & Mixed Hockey A teams now progress to the Western Metro Regional Finals in Week 4, good luck all!

Congratulations to all students in Years 5 and 6 who represented BMG in Term 2 – we now look forward to the Summer Sports Day which is in Week 6 of Term 3.

ICCES Winter Tour Coaches Awards were given to:

Football – Ranit K 8C

Football – Charlotte F 8F

Netball – Charlotte Y 8A

The ICCES Athletics Age Group Champion  was Harrison L 8I.

We also were introduced to Bayu, an Artist, Educator and Cultural Ambassador from Indonesia who is going to be working with our Middle School students this week, introducing them to different aspects of Indonesian culture.

I would also like to thank William P of Year 12 who performed with Mr Lantieri in a very skilful performance on guitar

We also saw all our Year 6 and 8 leaders receiving extra support and training from Darren Pereira, who visited the leaders earlier, passing on his own unique form of leadership which was well received by the leaders.

We also saw Jimmy K receive his leadership badge after taking over the role of Head of Dale House for Year 6. We all wish him every success. In fact, I wish all our House leaders every success as we prepare for our House Sing Off. Each Year 8 House leader had to draw a song from each decade, and they will now lead their Houses in preparation for next term’s House Sing Off.

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

A Busy Week of Opportunity and Achievement

The second week of the term was filled with exciting opportunities for Bacchus Marsh Grammar students to challenge themselves, represent the school and explore their future.

Students proudly competed in three ICCES events; Chess, Cross Country and Debating. Whether demonstrating strategic thinking over the chessboard, perseverance on the cross-country course, or confidence in presenting persuasive arguments, students represented BMG with determination, resilience and outstanding sportsmanship.

On 30 July, students and their families in Years 8 to 11 had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Subjects and Careers Expo and 2027 Information Sessions. Featuring more than 40 external providers, teaching faculties and BMG alumni, the event offered valuable insights into subject selection, tertiary pathways and a wide range of career opportunities. It encouraged students to begin thinking about their future aspirations and the many pathways available to them beyond school.

The week’s events concluded on Thursday with the Northern Star Chess Tournament, where students put their strategic skills to the test against competitors from other schools. Throughout the day, participants displayed patience, focus and excellent problem-solving while proudly representing Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

It was a fantastic week that highlighted the diverse opportunities available to our students. Congratulations to everyone who participated and represented the BMG with enthusiasm, commitment and pride.

Jaithra S – Middle School Captain

VCE Biology Excursion to Werribee Open Range Zoo

Recently, Unit 3 and 4 VCE Biology students from both the Maddingley and the Woodlea campus participated in a fun filled excursion to Werribee Open Range Zoo as part of their studies of the immune system and DNA manipulation techniques.

The visit centred on a biological case study investigating Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), a disease that affects both wild and captive elephant populations. Through the experience, students examined how organisms defend themselves against pathogens and explored the role of different scientific techniques in disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Students also learned how Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to detect viral DNA and monitor disease outbreaks. They also explored different forms of immunity, the use of vaccination, and strategies used to control the spread of infectious diseases in relation to the EEHV presence elephant populations.

In addition to the case study, students collected and analysed information from exhibits throughout the zoo, applying observation and data analysis skills relevant to their VCE Biology coursework.

Sarah Thomson – Head of Science (Maddingley)

Northern Star Chess Competition

On Thursday 30 July, students from Years 7 to 12 attended the Northern Star Chess Tournament at Woodlea Campus. Representing Bacchus Marsh Grammar with pride, our players took part in multiple competitive rounds against 10 schools from across the region.

The Woodlea Secondary Team finished 3^rd overall, with notable performances by Kavin K (6 wins and a gold medal), Rohan Aditya P (5 wins and a certificate of distinction), Aadhvik H (4.5 wins and a certificate of credit), Dhanush P (4.5 wins and a certificate of credit) and Jiyan M (4.5 wins and a certificate of credit).

The Woodlea Primary Team finished 2^nd, with notable performances by Shashwin K (5 wins and a certificate of distinction), Ishaan M (4.5 wins and a certificate of credit) and Aarav N (4.5 wins and a certificate of credit).

The students demonstrated impressive critical thinking, concentration and sportsmanship throughout the day. Congratulations to Woodlea students Shashwin K, Ishaan M, Aarav N, Yuvraj G and Divissha S for qualifying for the Primary Division State Semifinals. Further congratulations to Maddingley students Manraj S, Abeer B and Jisha N, also Woodlea students Kavin K, Rohan Aditya P, Aadhvik H and Dhanush P for achieving excellent scores and securing a spot in the Secondary State Final.

All students are to be commended for their effort and teamwork.
Thank you to the event organisers at Northern Star Chess and PST Andrew Nguyen for supporting the students throughout the day.

Manta Ramgolam – Head of House: Pyrites (Maddingley)

Cameron McGregor – Head of Faculty: Mathematics (Woodlea)

C’YA! (Conquering Your Anxiety) Program

Bacchus Marsh Grammar is excited to offer our C’YA! (Conquering Your Anxiety) Program which is a school-based program to support students from Years 3 to 11 throughout Term 4. The C’YA! Program will focus on understanding feelings of anxiety, identifying body signals and exploring strategies to assist in managing these feelings. C’YA! is a 6-session program which will be run in small groups during class time, facilitated by a staff member from the Student Wellbeing Team.

Anxiety is a normal and natural emotion; however, anxiety can be a problem when it interferes with your child’s everyday life. Anxiety can present at school in many ways. If you have a child who is in Year 3 to 11 whose daily functioning is being impacted by their experience of anxiety and feel they would benefit from participating in this program, please register your interest by contacting a member of our Student Wellbeing Team by Tuesday 18 August.

Maddingley Campus: Bianca Worboyes – worboyesb@bmg.vic.edu.au

Woodlea Campus: Elizabeth Siviloglou – sivilogloue@bmg.vic.edu.au

Rosalind Pittard – Senior Student Wellbeing Officer

Maddingley

Individual Sporting Achievement

Congratulations to Ruby G on her outstanding achievements in hockey, culminating in her selection in the Australian U18 National Development Squad.

At the beginning of July, Ruby proudly represented Victoria at the Australian Under 18 National Hockey Championships in Darwin where the Victorian team produced an exceptional campaign to finish with the silver medal.

One of the tournament’s defining moments came in the semi-final against New South Wales. With the match decided by a penalty shoot-out, Ruby calmly converted the decisive shot, sending Victoria through to the Grand Final. In the championship match against Queensland, Ruby again made a valuable contribution, providing a goal assist. Despite a determined performance, Victoria finished as runners-up, going down 3–1 to a strong Queensland side.

Selection in the Australian U18 National Development Squad is a significant honour and reflects Ruby’s dedication, skill and consistent performances at the highest level of Junior Hockey. She will now return her focus to the Victorian Premier League season before commencing Hockey Australia’s elite development program, where she will continue to develop alongside some of the nation’s most promising young players.

Tenielle Brown – Head of Faculty: Physical Education and Health (Maddingley Campus)

Runners Brave the elements at ICCES Cross Country

There were no easy kilometres at this year’s ICCES Cross Country Championships held at Victoria Park, Ballarat. With cold temperatures, muddy conditions and a challenging course underfoot, competitors were tested from the moment the first race began. Despite the tough conditions, our students rose to the occasion, demonstrating determination, resilience and outstanding team spirit.

Their collective efforts earned Bacchus Marsh Grammar an impressive 5th place overall, a fantastic achievement against strong competition and a reflection of the hard work and commitment shown on the day.

A huge congratulations to all our competitors for representing the school with pride and sportsmanship. Thank you also to the staff who supported the team throughout the day, helping to keep spirits high despite the cold weather.

We look forward to seeing our cross-country team continue to build on this success at future ICCES events.

Alycia Dingli – Chair of Houses (Maddingley)

Maddingley

Staughton Vale Ambassadors promote Environmental Awareness

Throughout Semester Two, the Staughton Vale Maddingley Ambassadors, supported by the Year 6 and Year 8 Environmental Captains, are leading a series of environmental awareness initiatives designed to inspire the Bacchus Marsh Grammar community to take positive action for the environment.

Students are encouraged to keep an eye out for the pop-up environmental awareness stalls, held near the Senior School Canteen during Monday lunchtimes. These interactive stalls provide opportunities to learn about important environmental issues, participate in hands-on horticultural activities and discover practical ways to make a positive difference.

In August, students will celebrate Landcare Week, learning about the importance of indigenous planting and how native vegetation supports local wildlife, improves biodiversity and creates healthier ecosystems.

During September, the focus shifts to Save a Koala Day, highlighting the importance of protecting one of Australia’s most iconic native species. Students will explore the challenges facing koalas, including habitat loss, and discover how planting indigenous trees and restoring natural habitats can contribute to their conservation.

In October, the ambassadors will showcase Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s environmental initiatives as part of the Bacchus Marsh Grammar Flower and Garden Show. The awareness stall will celebrate the school’s commitment to sustainability while encouraging students to become involved in gardening, conservation and environmental stewardship.

The semester concludes in November with a focus on creating pollinator-friendly gardens. Students will learn about the essential role bees, butterflies and other pollinators play in supporting biodiversity and food production before exploring how simple planting choices can provide valuable habitat for these important species.

These monthly awareness days provide an opportunity for students to learn, participate and be inspired by the leadership of their peers. We encourage everyone to visit the pop-up stalls, chat with the Staughton Vale Maddingley Ambassadors and Environmental Captains, and take part in the activities. Every conversation and every small action help build a more sustainable future for our school and our wider community.

David Gorton – Head of Campus (Staughton Vale)

Woodlea

Staughton Vale Ambassadors – Rope Bridges

Recently, the Woodlea Staughton Vale Ambassadors (SVA) visited Staughton Vale to continue working on their biodiversity conservation project and to hang rope bridges up in the trees near the nesting boxes. SVA have been building multiple rope bridges throughout the year, in the hope of protecting Brush-Tailed Phascogales from predators when travelling from tree to tree.

At the start of the day, we finished off building additional rope bridges and then set off on a hike to our conservation corridor. Despite the cold weather, every student worked with others to ensure the rope bridges were securely attached to the trees and that each nesting box had a rope bridge attached to it. These rope bridges will allow a safe and efficient pathway for Brush-Tailed Phascogales to access the nesting boxes that the Woodlea Staughton Vale Ambassadors have built and put up last year.

Near the end of the day, SVA concluded the day by brainstorming ideas for the upcoming STEM showcase to raise awareness about conserving native Australian flora and fauna that are currently facing the risk of extinction.

Thank you to all the staff who supported and helped on the day!

Kushpreet K 11WB and Summer L 11WD – Staughton Vale Ambassadors

Maddingley

Students grow a greener future for National Tree Planting Week

Students from Maddingley Campus Horticulture Enrichment class proudly participated in this year’s National Tree Planting Week, continuing a tradition of environmental stewardship by planting indigenous trees at Maddingley Fields for the second consecutive year.

The tree planting was made possible through the generous donation of indigenous trees by Greater Western Water as part of its Greening the West (GTW) initiative. Greening the West is a regional partnership dedicated to delivering positive health, environmental and social outcomes across Melbourne’s west through collaborative urban greening projects. Facilitated by Greater Western Water, the initiative brings together state and local government authorities, water utilities, government agencies, industry and community organisations to enhance green infrastructure across parks, reserves, community gardens, school grounds and other public spaces.

Working together, students carefully planted the young trees, contributing to the ongoing enhancement of Maddingley Fields while learning firsthand about the importance of biodiversity, habitat creation and sustainable land management. The project also reinforces the school’s commitment to environmental education by providing authentic, hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge with meaningful community action.

By participating in National Tree Planting Week, students are helping to create healthier landscapes for future generations while developing a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

David Gorton – Head of Campus (Staughton Vale)

Book Fair

BMG Book Fair Dates:

Maddingley & Woodlea: Monday 10 August to Thursday 20 August

Open after school: Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 August until 4pm, Wednesday 19 August until 7pm. Closed on Thursday.

Online orders close Monday 24 August.

Students will be given wish-lists to fill out when they attend their Book Fair session.

These wish-lists also contain details on now to order from Lamont.

If they choose to purchase from the fair, parents are to order and pay online.

The BMG Library will receive notification of placed orders each morning and the team will package and arrange pickup/delivery of orders to students that day while the fair is running.

Orders placed online, and any backorders, will be delivered as soon as possible and arrangements made to distribute to students.

Commission from our Book Fair sales go towards the purchase of new resources for our school.

Feona West – Teacher Librarian

Private Bus Travel 2027

We are now rolling over current 2026 students private bus stops to 2027 private bus stops.

If your child/ren’s current bus travel arrangements are going to change (e.g. moving house, will not require private bus travel) for 2027, please contact the School Bus Services Administrator on 5366 4800 or email bus@bmg.vic.edu.au to discuss.

If your child/ren will not require a private bus service in 2027 and parents do not advise us, your child/ren will be allocated to a private bus and full year bus fees will apply.

Allocated Roll Call Stops

If you have changed your child/ren’s stop that 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 2027 stops, routes, times and timetabling.

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 to the same stop for 2027.

Late Bus Allocation – 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 without being allocated to the late bus will not be permitted to board. The student will be taken to Reception, and parents will be contacted for collection.
• Late bus sign-up sheets are located in 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 card 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.

Afternoon Bus Arrangement & Permission Notice

Students in Prep Reception to Year 6 require a green permission tag on their bag if they are 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.

Leanne Robertson – School Bus Services Administrator

ICAS 2026 – Years 2 to 10

Information for families of registered students has been sent this week via Edsmart.

ICAS students will sit their subject assessment/s during school hours on allocated days and at times determined by the Heads of Campus and Class Teachers. Refer to the Edsmart communication or Schoolbox for the sitting dates and key details.

ICAS English begins next week.

Any questions relating to accessing past papers or payment should be directed to ICAS directly. Any queries regarding the assessments at school should be emailed to icas@bmg.vic.edu.au.

Conveyance Allowance

The Conveyance Allowance is a contribution towards transport costs and is not intended to cover the full cost of transporting children to and from school.

The Conveyance Allowance may be available to students attending government or non-government schools:

• travelling by private car, motorbike, bicycle, or bus, and
• whose nearest school is not serviced by a free school bus provided under the School Bus Program or a free Victorian public transport service.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Students must reside 4.8km or more from their nearest school/campus they attend.

2. Students must be of school age and reside in Victoria

3. Students must be enrolled in a school for 3 or more days per week.

A student who meets the above requirements may be eligible if they:

• attend their nearest or designated neighbourhood government school/campus appropriate to their year level, at which admission is permissible, or
• attend their nearest appropriate non-government school/campus appropriate to their year level, at which admission is permissible, and
• reside 4.8km or more by the shortest practicable route from the campus attended.

Please note that a Conveyance Allowance is not available where a free bus service is available. From 1 January 2026, people aged under 18 will be able to travel for free on all Victorian public transport services.

 Eligibility will be assessed when the school completes your child’s application on the Student Conveyance Allowance System (SCAS). If approved, the allowance payable is based on the one-way distance to make the journey to and from school.

Please note that if BMG is not your nearest school but your decision to send your children to BMG was because you felt that it was the nearest appropriate school that both respected ecumenical values but did not require your child to participate in religious instruction or religious celebration; then you may be eligible for the Conveyance Allowance (subject to other Conveyance Allowance rules), however your application must include a signed supporting letter outlining the reasons above for your decision to send your child to Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

If you already have a Conveyance Allowance application in place and your circumstances have not changed (method of transport to and from school or home address) you will not be required to submit a new application, and your previously approved applications will automatically roll over. Please note that current applications for public transport will not roll over to 2026 as per the above changes. If you have additional children starting at the school and would like to apply for the Conveyance Allowance for them, you will need to submit a new application.

If you have not applied for a Conveyance previously and would like to apply for the allowance in 2026, please obtain an application form from the Schools website www.bmg.vic.edu.au – Admissions – Transport and Bus Network.

New applications can be submitted throughout the school year, however, must be submitted to the school by no later than Friday 30 October 2026 otherwise parents/guardians risk their claim not being accepted. Please refer to the 2026 Business Notice for further information.

Please direct any queries you may have to Catherine Coombridge or Kate Bridgett at conveyance@bmg.vic.edu.au

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