Debra Ogston – Principal

Flourishing at Bacchus Marsh Grammar

Last week, I had the privilege of attending and presenting at the Australian Character Education Summit, held at The King’s School in Sydney. This conference brought together educators and academics from around the world to discuss, investigate, and explore the concept of character and virtue and in particular how these elements are embedded within an educational context.

The experience reinforced the significance of character education as a fundamental aspect of the lives of our students and the broader school community that is Bacchus Marsh Grammar. Our school motto, Doctrina Vitae, “Education for Life” aligns with the aims of character education, which ultimately seeks to promote human flourishing. This flourishing occurs through the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and experiences and we are committed to educating and supporting our students throughout this journey.

Students not only “catch” character through example, but are also explicitly taught character and encouraged to seek out opportunities to demonstrate and reflect upon it. Our character education program emphasises not only intellectual development, but also moral, performance and civic dimensions of the self.

As we celebrate and congratulate our VCE students on their graduation and final week of school, we wish them every success in their upcoming examinations. We also remind them that graduating is not the end, but rather a meaningful step toward a life of flourishing, fulfilling their potential and contributing meaningfully to society.

Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education

Maddingley

We kindly remind families to speak with their children about using safe and correct routes when crossing South Maddingley Road, particularly during busy pick-up and drop-off times.

This area experiences high traffic flow, and it’s important that all students use the designated pedestrian crossing and footpaths at all times.

Please also remind children to take extra care when walking between cars in the Gatehouse car park and to remain alert to moving vehicles.

Drivers are also asked to stay vigilant, drive slowly, and adhere to the speed limit within school grounds. By following these simple safety measures, we can help ensure a safer environment for everyone in our school community.

Mr Andrew Pate: Deputy Principal – Head of Maddingley Campus

Junior School Update

Camps are an important part of the educational program, providing students with meaningful opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. These experiences support the development of confidence, resilience, independence and social skills while encouraging students to connect with nature and enjoy time away from technology. We hope all Junior School students have a memorable camp experience this term.

A few reminders for families:

• Please ensure correct school uniform is worn. Uniform and dress code details can be found on pages 10–12 of the Student Diary.
• SunSmart practices are essential. Wearing a hat is compulsory in Term 4.
• Continue to check the Family Engagement pages for resources and event information.
• We encourage families to talk with their children about making the most of these opportunities and finishing the year positively, in line with our school values. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work towards a smooth and successful Term 4.

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

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

Cracking the Code at STEM Night

The Junior School was alive with excitement as students and their families gathered for our STEM Night Escape Room. Working collaboratively, participants were challenged to complete six interactive activities in order to crack the code and decode the universe. The evening provided a rich opportunity for students to apply problem solving, critical thinking and creativity while engaging in hands on explorations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Families moved through each station at their own pace, experimenting, reflecting and celebrating each success together. The atmosphere was filled with energy and curiosity as students embraced new challenges, demonstrated resilience and experienced the joy of discovery through meaningful learning.

Events such as this highlight the importance of STEM learning while strengthening strong partnerships between home and school. Thank you to all staff who contributed to the planning and running of the evening and to the families who attended and supported this engaging learning experience. Together we created a memorable celebration of STEM learning in the Junior School.

Escape Room Activity Overview

	Description
Activity 1 Ozo Bots	Students programmed miniature robots using colour coded pathways to navigate a course and reveal a secret number
Activity 2 Microscopes	Students explored magnified samples and matched images to numbered clues by observing patterns and details
Activity 3 UV Light Hunt	Using ultraviolet torches students searched for hidden codes in a darkened space to uncover a mystery word
Activity 4 Constellation Match	Students examined constellation cards and recreated accurate star patterns to receive their clue
Activity 5 Lego Challenge	Students followed a design brief to build a specific structure that demonstrated stability and creativity
Activity 6 Coding Name Bracelet	Students used coding patterns to spell their name with beads before claiming their final number

Maddingley and Woodlea JS teams

Maddingley

Prep Diggers Rest Animal Land Farm Excursion

On Wednesday 15 October, Prep students went on an excursion to Animal Land Children’s Farm Diggers Rest. It was a great experience for our BMG students to immerse themselves in farm life.  The activities included riding a pony, milking a cow and churning cream to make butter. Students were also able to sample the butter at lunch time.  Other activities included a tractor ride to interact with and feed various farm animals such as sheep and alpacas.  Students held guinea pigs and rabbits and one day old chicks. They also fed ducks near a pond. They saw a peacock, turkeys, roosters and hens.  Students saw cows, horses and pigs in their pens.  Students played farm games such as tug-of-war.  It was a wonderful day enjoyed by all.

Claire Dixon – Teacher

Prep Science Physical Science

During Term 4, students will be exposed to and participate in varied activities that demonstrate the force of push and pull and the motions of bounce, roll, spin, slide or stack. Students will use blocks, 3-D shapes, balls, tubes, toys and other items to determine how they move. They will experiment with how different surfaces affect movement. This hands-on unit should provide lots of opportunities for learning about these concepts in a fun way!

Suzanne Gladys – Teacher

Year 1 Science

Term 4 is upon us, and we have so much fun learning in store for our Year 1 scientists! Students will participate in a lot of different experiments this term focussing on manipulation, materials and properties. They will explore a range of different objects and will have the opportunity to manipulate them using trial and error to see whether they can be bent, twisted, broken, cut or stretched. Students will need to make predictions/hypothesis about the objects and whether they believe they will be able to manipulate them or not and will be working on how to record their results and findings. This is a fun, hands on unit, and students are already deriving enjoyment from participating and learning about this concept in a fun way.

Lauren Meaney – Teacher

Year 2 Science

Wow! We are very quickly nearing the end of the year and there’s still so much fun and learning to be had in Year 2 Science! Students will participate in an experiment nearly every week whilst we focus on soundwaves, pitch and sound vibrations. This week, we learnt about the different parts of the ear and why different animals have different shaped ears to assist their survival in their environments. They will observe dancing salt crystals caused from the vibrations created by our voice, rulers vibrating to create different pitch sounds and coloured water making different pitch sounds based on how much water is in each glass. Students will explore how plucking, striking, shaking, blowing or scraping a musical instrument produces a sound and sounds travel as vibrations through the air until they reach our ears. They will describe the parts of the ear that make hearing possible and how soundwave vibrations transform into a message that goes to the brain. Students will complete their Post-Test at the end of the term and create a musical instrument to take home to test with their family. We look forward to a wonderful term ahead!

Melissa Pearson – Teacher

Year 2 Camp at Sunnystones – A Memorable Start to Term 4!

What a fantastic beginning to Term 4 for our Year 2 students! They experienced their very first overnight camp at Sunnystones in Merrimu. With perfect weather and sunshine throughout, each class had an incredible time on their allocated camp days.

Teachers were particularly impressed by the resilience, kindness, and teamwork displayed by all students as they embraced new and sometimes unfamiliar challenges with enthusiasm and positivity.

Exploring the Outdoors

The adventure kicked off with a scenic walk through the Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve along the Coimadai Track. Students immersed themselves in nature, observing a variety of birds and trees while tuning in to the peaceful sounds of the bush.

Canoeing Challenge – Teamwork in Action!
Students worked beautifully in pairs as they learned to paddle and steer canoes across the dam. Although it was a new and sometimes tricky experience, their strong communication and collaboration helped them succeed. This activity highlighted their ambition and willingness to learn something new. This seemed to be a favourite activity for many of the students.

Archery Experience – On Target!
Each student had the chance to try their hand at archery, aiming carefully at the targets. They listened attentively to instructions and followed safety rules diligently, showing great discipline and focus throughout the session.

Bush Cooking Adventure – Cooking with a Twist!
Have you ever baked a chocolate cake inside an orange over an open fire? Our students did just that! After scooping out oranges and filling them with chocolate cake mix, they wrapped them in foil and placed them over the coals. Students also helped collect twigs to keep the fire going for the next group. They showed wonderful patience and respect while waiting for their delicious treat to cook.

Geocaching Quest – Forest Exploration Fun!
Equipped with compasses, students set off on a geocaching expedition through the forest. Working in teams, they searched for hidden items and earned points along the way. Before starting, they enjoyed a tasty snack of watermelon, crackers, cheese, and tomato, with watermelon being the clear favourite! This activity showcased excellent leadership and teamwork, as students supported and guided one another throughout the challenge.

Camp Food – Delicious and Energising!
Our campers were well-fed with a variety of tasty meals. For dinner, they enjoyed flavoursome chicken nachos, followed by a warm and comforting apple crumble with ice-cream for dessert. To top it all off, we ended with a delicious BBQ lunch and refreshing icy poles before heading back to school.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 2 students for their enthusiasm, perseverance, and outstanding behaviour throughout the camp. They consistently demonstrated our school values, showing respect, helping one another, and engaging positively in every activity. It was a truly unforgettable experience for all!

Maddingley Year 2 Team

Year 3 Science

The Year 3 students at Maddingley Campus have now commenced the second half of our semester-long unit about ‘States of Matter’ and ‘Melting Moments’ with our focus this term on the Physical Science aspect of heat sources and heat transfer. We will experiment with how food changes state from solid to liquid to gas and back again by adding or removing heat. They will describe the changes in texture, temperature, appearance, state and whether the change is reversible or irreversible. The Year Three students will explore natural and artificial heat sources and how materials act as conductors and transfer heat, or as insulators and maintain a consistent temperature. They will complete numerous experiments and practice completing a written Scientific Investigation including a Hypothesis, Prediction, Equipment List, Method, Conclusion and Reflection of their results. Students will conclude the unit with a Post-Test and explore how we can harness the heat from the Sun to cook with! We look forward to the remainder of Term 4 with jam-packed learning and experimentation in Year 3 Science at Maddingley!

Georgia Low – Teacher

Melissa Pearson – Teacher

Year 4 Science

Through the ‘Package It Better’ unit, our Year 4 students will be exploring the fascinating properties of natural and processed materials. From understanding how these materials are classified to discovering how they can be combined to create new, useful products, our budding scientists will be busy! They’re also going to be challenged to think critically about sustainability, considering the environmental impact of different packaging materials and how we can make informed choices to protect our planet. With an upcoming incursion from a sustainability champion of the BMG community, there will be lots of discussion and learning to share with the family. As always, we encourage parents and guardians to question their child about their learning – it is not only great bonding time with you child, but also further solidifies your child’s understanding. We look forward to completing our practical-based assessment at the end of the term and working collaboratively with their peers to achieve a scientific goal.

Georgia Low – Teacher

Melissa Pearson – Teacher

Woodlea

Year 1

This semester in Year 1 PE, students have been focusing on developing their gross motor skills, endurance levels and sportsmanship through a range of fun and engaging activities.
Throughout our Overarm Throwing, Kicking and Athletics units, students have participated in a variety of activities designed to introduce them to new components within these areas, refine their techniques and apply their skills in exciting games. Across all units, students have been developing greater control over their movements and strengthening their overall gross motor skills. It has been wonderful to see students’ confidence and coordination grow as they practise throwing, running, jumping and working together as a team.

A key focus in PE this term has been our school values of resilience and kindness. Students have demonstrated these in many ways, from putting in effort even when feeling tired, to showing perseverance when learning a new skill, and displaying good sportsmanship when winning or losing games. They have also learnt how to collaborate and support classmates with different skill levels, showing great care and encouragement towards one another.

It has been a fantastic semester so far, and we are all looking forward to finishing the year on a high note. Over the holiday break, we encourage all families to continue fostering physical activity through simple and enjoyable experiences such as playing catch, kicking a ball, going for walks, riding bikes or visiting the park. Every little bit helps to keep our students active, healthy and confident in their growing physical abilities!

Nicholas Panczel – Head of House: Djerriwarrh (Woodlea)

Year 2

The Year 2 students recently enjoyed an unforgettable adventure at Camp Sunnystones, filled with outdoor activities, teamwork, and plenty of fun! The camp offered the perfect balance of learning, challenge, and connection, as students stepped outside their comfort zones and embraced new experiences together.

One of the highlights was geocaching, where students used GPS devices to hunt for hidden treasures around the campgrounds. The thrill of solving clues and discovering secret locations made this a clear favourite!

The excitement continued with archery, where students learned how to focus, aim, and shoot arrows at targets. For many, it was their first time holding a bow, and by the end of the session, there were some very proud young archers celebrating their bullseyes!

Canoeing was another memorable experience. Students paddled across the water in pairs, learning the importance of communication and teamwork while enjoying the calm surroundings of the camp lake.

Bush cooking gave everyone the chance to be mini chefs, scooping out oranges, filling them with chocolate cake mix, and cooking them on the fire. The result, a warm, gooey chocolate cake with a hint of orange. A tasty camp treat!

As the sun set, the night walk became a magical moment of the trip. Under the soft glow of the moon, students explored the bush, spotting the glitter of quartz rocks that sparkled in the dark. A truly special experience to end the day.

The Year 2 Camp was more than just an excursion, it was an opportunity for students to grow in confidence, build friendships, and make lifelong memories. We are so proud of how they embraced every challenge and adventure with enthusiasm and teamwork!

Ashlee Taylor – Head of Year 2 (Woodlea)

 

Vote for Our Year 5 Students in the National Indonesian Language Awards!

We are very proud to share that two of our Year 5 students, Avyan M and Rnvir  A, have been shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award in the National Australian Indonesian Language Awards (NAILA) for their speech titled “Pembicaraan Olahraga” (“A Talk About Sports”).

This is a wonderful recognition of their enthusiasm for learning Indonesian and their ability to communicate creatively in the language.

Voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award and will close on Saturday 22 November. We would greatly appreciate your support by voting for Avyan and Ranvir’s entry.

Click here for their video – “Pembicaraan Olahraga” is the second video on the voting form.

Please note that votes are limited by IP address, so we ask that you vote from your personal device or home network outside of school hours.

Congratulations to Avyan and Rnvir on this outstanding achievement, and thank you to our community for supporting our young language learners!

Kayla Rideg – Indonesian Teacher

Maddingley

Year 7 Science at Staughton Vale

Year 7 students participated in an excursion to Staughton Vale as a part of the science curriculum, designed to enhance their understanding of ecosystems through fieldwork and observation.

The program focused on two key activities:

Observation Deck Walk

Students went on a guided walk to the observation deck from which they examined the surrounding landscape and discussed the ecological impact of introduced species. This session explored how human activity has altered native ecosystems, with particular emphasis on species displacement, competition, and habitat modification.

Scavenger Hunt Across the Property

In small groups, students participated in a scavenger hunt aimed at identifying both abiotic and biotic components of the local ecosystem and expanding their knowledge on how ecosystems interact.

Some activities completed included:

• Recording evidence of bird species in the local environment
• Identifying native and introduced trees and plants
• Constructing food chains and food webs based on native Australian ecosystems

Students enjoyed the day’s activities, which encouraged curiosity, teamwork, and exploration in a natural setting. Alongside the fun, the activities supported key learning in science, helping students build their understanding of ecosystems, feeding relationships, and the impact of introduced species on biodiversity.

Sarah Thomson – Head of Science (Maddingley)

Woodlea

Future Problem Solvers

Future Problem Solving Program Australia teaches students problem solving strategies, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and effective communication. This year the following Year 5 Woodlea students entered into the Community Problem Solving category with their Bush Tucker Project: Vedant S, Addison C, Sophie M, Jai D, Joydeep H, Kara G, Jasmine S, Nicola P and Aarav N. The students focused on raising awareness about bush tucker and Aboriginal herbs in the school community. Their aim was to introduce people to Aboriginal cuisine and to raise an understanding of bush tucker, which is readily available to people in Australia, resulting in awareness and protection of products such as Bunya nut, dessert lime, finger lime, Ruby saltbush and lemon myrtle.

Their project was selected as finalists for the 2025 Future Problem Solving National Finals held on 17 – 19 October in Sydney. Together with their coach Ms Adams, Vedant, Addison, Sophie and Jai were able to present their project to fellow finalists and their families. We are extremely proud to announce that the students secured 3rd place, receiving a bronze medallion in their division and accepting a trophy on behalf of the team and school. Congratulations to Ms Adams and the Year 5 students on their remarkable achievements and their meaning contribution to raising awareness of Indigenous culture.

Melissa Dunat – Deputy Head of Middle School (Woodlea)

Maddingley

Congratulations to our Unit 4 Dance and Drama Students!

A huge congratulations to our Unit 4 Dance and Drama students who recently completed their VCAA performance assessments.

Our Unit 4 Dance students performed two impressive solos at Versatility Dance Studio in Ballarat, assessed by two VCAA assessors. These performances contribute 50% of their overall study score, a major milestone in their VCE journey.

Our Unit 4 Drama students each presented a powerful seven-minute solo performance to three VCAA assessors at Platform Arts in Geelong. These performances make up 35% of their overall study score, showcasing their creativity, interpretation, and performance skills.

I am incredibly proud of all the students for their dedication, preparation, confidence, and respect throughout this process.

Well done to everyone involved!

Narelle Pritchard – VCE Dance Teacher (Maddingley)

Drama students (L to R)

Sahithy A, Tahlia L. Chloe L, Shannen W, Emily S, Aashi G, Isla F

Dance students (L to R)

Ellie F, Dakota M

VCE Showcase

Our Annual VCE Showcase opening night was held on Wednesday 15 October. With our biggest crowd in many years, it was pleasing to see so many people supporting our young creatives.

The VCE Showcase would not be possible without the support of our Visual Art and Design Technology staff. A huge amount of time and effort goes into supporting our students to create and construct their work, and it would be impossible without you all.

Thank you to the Music and Hospitality faculties for creating the atmosphere and providing refreshments on such a lovely, sunny afternoon. Listening to our students perform and watching the professionalism of our Hospitality students was fabulous, especially when many of those students are also studying in the Visual Art and Design Technology subjects.

A huge thank you to the Events Team and Maintenance Teams. Assisting with the setup of the Gallery space and making student ideas for exhibition come to life. The look on their faces when they saw their artwork curated in a way they didn’t think possible in our Gallery space was wonderful to see.

We look forward at another great exhibition in 2026.

Click here to see all the photos from this event and stay tuned for the Grammarian feature later this year!

Peta Griffith – Head of Faculty: Visual Arts (Maddingley)

STEM Night

On Tuesday 14 October, BMG hosted its annual STEM Night. The theme for the evening, “Decoding the Universe”, was beautifully reflected through all the activities and student work on display. The atmosphere was electric, with curious minds, animated conversations, and genuine enthusiasm for STEM. From the dedication of our Student STEMbassadors, to the New York Fashion Week-worthy fashion show, the laughter of students posing with their heads in lions’ mouths, the joyful chaos in the Junior School room, or the determined sprinting of children (and even a few Year 11s!) trying to complete their Stamp Rally, it was a true celebration of learning, community, and imagination. And, of course, the evening wouldn’t have been complete without a few safe explosions to thrill everyone!

The top floor of the PH Wong Building was transformed into a showcase of student brilliance. Across year levels, students proudly presented their STEM projects, explaining their discoveries and innovations to peers, parents, and community members. From posters exploring the “Cosmic Symphony”, to bins that sort organic from general waste, to video games displaying excellent design work, the creativity and depth of thinking on display were truly extraordinary.

Student work was evaluated by external judges who generously dedicated their time to examine the projects. Many were so impressed with the standard of work that deciding the winners of the showcase was no easy task.

To conclude the evening, three guest speakers shared insights into their inspiring STEM careers, including a neuroscientist, a PhD student in farming, and a maritime archaeological conservator.

A huge THANK YOU to all staff, students, and parents for creating such a memorable evening and for celebrating all things STEM at BMG.

BMG STEM Showcase Competition Winners

Prep

First – Jiansh P PrepWA

Second – Grace P PrepWE

Third – Sam S PrepA

Year 1

First – Ishaan M 1WD

Tied Second – Neev J 1B and Reyansh S 1E

Year 2

First – Aadya S 2A

Second – Akshara P 2WD

Third – Tejas V 2WD

Year 3

First – Jiyaan J 3WD

Second – Shaurya J 3B

Third – Arhaa P 3WB

Year 4

First – Sohanska A 4F

Second – Rithun L 4E

Third – Aadarsh R 4WB

Years 5/6: Experimental Design

First – Ayansh G 6C

Second – Jai D 5WD

Third – Divissha S 5WC

Years 7/8: Design a Device to Solve a Real World Problem

First – Aadi M 8F

Second – Samarjot A 7B

Third – Aahana S 7G

Open Competition: Game Design Challenge

First – Yuvraj W 7WC & Maddie D 9WD

Second – Arjun C 5C & Rnvir A 5C

Third – Reyan H 6A, Aarav V 9I & Aarav P 5B

Open Competition: Fashion Design

First – Vaishnavi, Jashman, Angel, Dhaniska & Arshima

Second – Aanya

Third – Antara

Open Competition: Decoding the Universe Photography

First – Kushpreet K 10WB

People’s Choice Award

Niya A 1C, Neev J 1B, Aadi M 8F,

Commendation award

Navreet D 4WB

Susanna Mandic – Assistant Principal: Director of STEM and Senior School Initiatives

Click here for all the photos from this event

Secondary State Chess championships

On Thursday 9 October, the State Chess Championships were held at Xavier College in Kew. Twenty-two BMG students were invited to attend the tournament (11 from Woodlea and 11 from Maddingley). The tournament was attended by approximately 450 of the best secondary chess players who had qualified through zonal events throughout the year and as a result the competition was exceedingly tough.

BMG finished 29th out of 71 schools attending the tournament and missed a spot in the top twenty chess schools in Victoria by just two points.

The top performers on the day were Cherish V (5.5 points out of 9), Jisha N (4.5 points out of 9), Niraj P (4.5 points out of 9), Dulein P (4.5 points out of 9), Nihal P (4 points out of 9), Lachlan H (4 points out of 9) and Emil J (4 points out of 9).

Well done to all students involved.

Cameron McGregor – Head of Faculty: Mathematics (Woodlea)

Manta Ramoglam – Teacher

Take part in the annual Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show this weekend!

The Bacchus Marsh Flower & Garden Show is a beloved annual event that celebrates the beauty and creativity of spring. Held at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall, this community-driven show features a diverse array of competitions, including categories for roses, cut flowers, floral art, Australian natives, pot plants, garden produce, jams and preserves, photography, and cake decorating. The 2025 show is scheduled for the weekend of October 25–26, with opening hours from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday.

Beyond the competitive displays, the show offers a variety of attractions for all ages. Visitors can enjoy local craft group displays, participate in a raffle, and purchase plants from the show’s plant stall. Family-friendly activities include face painting, balloon animals, and a children’s colouring-in table  Local organisations such as the Darley Neighbourhood House, Bacchus Marsh Historical Society, and Melton Botanic Garden contribute to the vibrant atmosphere with their stalls and displays.

This event not only showcases the region’s horticultural talents but also fosters a strong sense of community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a budding enthusiast, or simply looking for a delightful day out, the Bacchus Marsh Flower & Garden Show offers something for everyone.

All students, staff and parents of the school are encouraged to take part ! Make sure you label your entry as Bacchus Marsh Grammar (“name”)

Click here for entry forms, rules and more

David Gorton – Head of Campus (Staughton Vale)

The Annual BMG Sunflower Competition is back (bigger and better)

Once again, students this term will be given the opportunity to take part in the annual School Sunflower contest, with details coming out soon.

This year we are extending the competition to families, using our Staughton Vale Campus Sunflower seeds – renowned to reach an epic 2.5m tall !

If you would like a small packet of our Staughton Vale Sunflower Seeds and would like to enter the competition, Click here to complete the form

David Gorton – Head of Campus (Staughton Vale)

Maddingley

We Love Aintree SRC Excursion

On Thursday 18 September, the Year 5 and 6 SRC and the Community Service team, took part in a meaningful environmental excursion to Bonnie Brook, working alongside the We Love Aintree community group. The aim of the day was to help restore and protect our local  environment by planting a range of native grass. This initiative supports the growth of natural  habitats for local wildlife and contributes to improving the health of our ecosystem.

The day began with a warm welcome from the We Love Aintree team, who spoke about the importance of community involvement in caring for our natural spaces. We were then guided by Jono, our instructor from We Love Aintree and went for a short walk along a trail. After a short  safety briefing and demonstration, we got right to work, digging, planting and watering hundreds of seedlings. Despite a few muddy shoes and chilly winds, everyone worked together with great energy and enthusiasm.

It was inspiring to see not only the SRC but the community service team sharing and going in groups together and collaborating, sharing laughs, stories, and a sense of purpose. The experience reminded us that caring for the environment isn’t just about one day of action, it’s about building ongoing habits of respect, responsibility and teamwork.

A special thank you goes to Jono, whose guidance, expertise and encouragement made the day both educational and enjoyable. His passion for protecting nature left a lasting impact on all of us. A big thank you also to our teachers who didn’t make us do all the work but got their hands dirty and enjoyed having a laugh with all of us as well.

Overall, the excursion was a wonderful opportunity for the SRC to contribute to a project that benefits not only our local area but also future generations. We returned to school feeling proud, inspired, and motivated to continue finding ways to make a positive difference in our community.

Asrat K – Year 6 SRC Leader

Student Poetry Competition 2025 Honourable Mention

Congratulations to Ryan B who received an Honourable Mention in this year’s Independent Schools Victoria Student Poetry Competition for his poem ‘Voices in Colour’.

Out of over 1300 entries, with many exploring the theme of ‘gratitude’, Ryan’s poem stood out to the judges, earning him this special recognition.

 Click here to see all the winning entries on the Independent Schools Victoria

Mali Jorm – Head of Library Services

Woodlea

House Talent Concert

On Wednesday 8 October, the BMG Woodlea campus came alive with music, movement and creativity during the highly anticipated 2025 Woodlea House Talent Concert. The event showcased an incredible range of performances, from soulful singing and high-energy dance routines to captivating instrumental pieces and even acts that combined multiple talents, which was fantastic to see! Each performance reflected the diverse abilities and dedication of our students.

Throughout the concert, participants displayed outstanding confidence, creativity and teamwork as they took to the stage to share their skills. The audience’s enthusiasm and house spirit created an electric atmosphere, with cheers echoing through the gym for every performance.

We are so proud of all students who took part, whether performing, supporting with speaking roles, or cheering from the crowd. The Woodlea House Talent Concert was a true celebration of courage, collaboration and community.

Below are the first-place winners for each year level range:
Years 5–6: Joint winners 0 – Neel M and Janella M / Tanvika N
Years 7–8: Ananya S, Nupur M and Sarika S
Years 9–11: Maddie D
Congratulations to everyone who participated and helped make the event such a memorable success!

Ellen Farrugia – Head of House: Parwan (Woodlea)

Northern Star Chess Primary Semi-final

Our students represented BMG with pride and enthusiasm at the Northern Star Chess Primary Semi-Final this week. The tournament saw an impressive turnout of 105 students, all displaying great sportsmanship and focus throughout the day.

BMG performed exceptionally well, finishing 3rd overall with 19 points, narrowly missing out on 2nd place (20.5) and 1st place (22) in a very close competition.

A special congratulations goes to:

• Arjun A, who earned the Grade 3–4 Bronze Medal and qualified for the Primary Open Grand Final.
• Neevan P, who qualified for the Junior Primary State Final.
• Japvir N, who qualified for the Primary Open Grand Final.

Well done also to Aarohan B, Jack Muscat, K, and Pranav M, who competed strongly throughout and showed determination right until the final round.

We wish Arjun, Neevan and Japvir the very best of luck as they complete in their respective finals, which will be held in November.

Congratulations to all our players for their outstanding effort and sportsmanship!

Brandon Butcher – Teacher

Student Accomplishments

Adi S and Ruby G – Hockey

Congratulations to Adi S (Year 7), who travelled to Brisbane this October to compete in the National Championships for the Victorian State team in the U14 team. She was named player of the match in her match against Queensland. Victoria finished 5th, winning the classification game 1 nil, with Adi saving a stroke with 5 minutes to go. Well done Adi.

Congratulations also to Ruby G (Year 11), who has recently been invited to complete a training block with the VIS. This is in addition to winning the International Melbourne Cup for Japanese side Katana Bulls. Ruby also returned from Canberra last week, scoring 3 times, and converting 3 times for HC Melbourne U17s versus ACT.

Ainslee Grinter – Head of Year 10 (Maddingley)

Lenix and Sonix – Rugby

Lenix A (10A) has been representing Rugby Victoria in the 2025 Super Rugby U16s Competition. Over the weekend of October 18, Lenix competed in Round 3 of the season, playing a vital role in helping his team secure a 24–20 victory over the Brumbies.

His impressive performance earned him a place in the Team of the Week for Round 3, with the following being stated about his performance:

“Making ten carries across the match, the Victorian halves combination played a major part in their victory over the Brumbies.
Lenix showed brilliant attacking versatility, opening up his centres to cause all sorts of carnage.”

A massive congratulations to Lenix on these outstanding achievements – we look forward to seeing how he and Rugby Victoria progress throughout the remainder of the Super Rugby competition.

Sonix A (12C) has represented Rugby Victoria Schoolboys U18s in the 2025 Rugby Australia National Competition, including participation in the Buildcorp Australian Schools Championship held on the Sunshine Coast in July.

This is a tremendous achievement, showcasing Sonix’s commitment, skill, and determination in performing at an elite level of schoolboy rugby. The School congratulates Sonix on this outstanding accomplishment and wishes him continued success in his sporting pursuits.

Christos – Weightlifting

Christos C (10A) recently competed in the Australian Junior & Youth Weightlifting Championships held on Bribie Island, Queensland. Christos delivered an outstanding performance, winning the gold medal and breaking two Australian records in the process.

A special highlight of the event was Christos being presented his medal by Dean Lukin, Australia’s only Olympic gold medallist in weightlifting, who achieved the honour at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

A huge congratulations to Christos on this remarkable achievement and for continuing to represent himself and the School with such excellence on the national stage.

Joanne – Squash

Congratulations to Year 12 student, Joanne J, who has been awarded a Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) Tier 3 Scholarship for 2026.

A talented squash player and Victorian Institute of Sport scholarship holder, Joanne has represented both Victoria and Australia on the national and international stage. Alongside her sporting achievements, she is an Academic Scholarship recipient and served as a Vice-Captain for her final year at BMG. We look forward to following Joanne’s sporting success in  the future.

Matt Harris – Sport & House Administrator/BMPSSA Competition

ICCES Summer Tour

BMG proudly took 123 students to Ballarat to compete in the annual ICCES Summer Tour on Friday 10 October 2025. Across a day of great competition, students represented the school in Cricket, Golf, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.

All students performed exceptionally well, displaying outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship and pride in representing BMG.

At the conclusion of the event, and with six divisions won across the Summer Tour, BMG were crowned overall winners for 2025. This is a fantastic achievement for all students and staff involved, marking the third time BMG has won the event in the competition’s ten year history.

Please see the highlights below: 

• Junior Boys Cricket: Division Winners
• Intermediate Boys Cricket: Division Winners
• Open Girls Cricket: Division Winners
• Junior Boys Tennis: Division Winners
• Intermediate Boys Tennis: Division Winners
• Junior Girls Volleyball: Division Winners
• OVERALL: First Place

A sincere thank you must also go to the dedicated staff and coaches who made this opportunity possible. Their commitment behind the scenes ensures these sporting tours run smoothly and continue to provide such valuable experiences for our students.

A massive congratulations to everyone involved, what a fantastic way to close out the ICCES sporting calendar for 2025. We look forward to building on this success next year!

Australian BMX National Championships & National Series

During Week 1 of Term 4, Makenzie C (Year 11) competed at the BMX National Championships and Round 7 (final round) of the National Series.

On Tuesday 7 October, Makenzie continued her strong form at the National Series, claiming 3rd place in the 16 Girls event. Her consistency across the year earned her an impressive 3rd overall in the National Series standings for her age group, a fantastic achievement!

Over the weekend of Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, Makenzie competed at the BMX National Championships, placing 7th overall in the 16 Girls age class. She also made her debut in the Women’s Superclass division, finishing a respectable 13th and narrowly missing out on finals. A significant milestone in her BMX journey, Makenzie successfully raced off the 8-metre hill for the first time, a major step required to compete at the elite level.

Her brother, Jai C (Alumni 2024), also achieved outstanding results throughout the National Series, finishing 8th overall in the Men’s Superclass. At the National Championships, Jai placed 7th in the Under 23 Men’s category and went on to compete in the Men’s Superclass, where he finished 16th overall against some of the country’s top riders.

Congratulations to both Makenzie and Jai on their dedication, progression, and success at the national level.

Western Ranges Division Tennis & Cricket

On Thursday 9 October, 19 Middle School students qualified to represent the school at the Western Ranges Division Tennis Finals held in Bacchus Marsh. All students involved competed with great spirit and sportsmanship, showcasing excellent skill and representing the school proudly.

Please see the highlights below:

• Mixed Team: 3rd Place
• Girls Team: 3rd Place

A massive well done to all our Year 5 and 6 students involved in this event, and a big thank you to coaches Ms Gordon and Miss Peterson for their support and guidance throughout the day.

BMG took a team of nine students to the Western Ranges Division Cricket Finals held in Aintree. The boys faced strong competition across their three matches and, while they didn’t record a win on the day, they displayed great determination, teamwork, and school pride throughout. A thank you to Mr Borg and Mr De Bortoli for their coaching and work with the students over the last two terms.

Western Metropolitan Region Athletics Finals

On Tuesday 21 October in Week 3 of Term 4, BMG took 13 students from Y4-6 to the Western Metropolitan Region Athletics Finals held in Keilor.

Regional Participants:

• Jiya D (4D)
• Leo M (4F)
• Rylee R (4F)
• Isabelle W (4D)
• Pippa W (4F)
• Eloise E (5B)
• Harbin A (5B)
• Ariella K (5D)
• Alana B (6C)
• Lucy C (6D)
• Harry H (6A)
• Mannreet S (6B)
• Liam W (6B)

A massive congratulations to these students on qualifying for the Regional Finals and for their efforts on the day, they should all be very proud of this achievement.

At the conclusion of the carnival, 2 students placed in the top 3 of their respective events, with 1 placing in the Top 2 and securing qualification for the State Athletics Finals.

Please see the highlights below:

• Harbin A (5B): 1st, 9/10 Girls 1500m
• Ariella K (5D): 3rd, 11 Girls Long Jump

We wish Harbin all the best as she represents BMG at the State Finals, taking place at Lakeside Stadium on Thursday, 6 November.

Victorian Ultimate Frisbee State Championships – Juniors

On Tuesday 14 October, 28 students from Year 8 and 9 attended the annual Victorian Ultimate Frisbee State Championships at Royal Park.

Well done to all students on their efforts and performances throughout the day, proudly representing BMG with commitment and pride.

Please see the highlights below:

Boys 1 – 5th (A Grade)
Boys 2 – 2nd (B Grade)
Girls 1 – 5th

A massive well done to our Boys 2 team who were awarded the Spirit Award, which recognises teams for their fouls and body contact, fair-mindedness, positive attitude and self-control, rules knowledge and respect for opponents. This achievement is a fantastic example of our students displaying and living out the BMG school values in a competitive sporting environment.

A sincere thank you is extended to the coaches, Mr Castrignano, Mrs Garner and Mr Oldaker, for their dedication, coaching, and overall support in preparing and guiding the students throughout the championships.

Matt Harris – Sport & House Administrator/BMPSSA Competition

Koala Clancy excursion

On Thursday 9 October, the Community Service Team and SRC attended an excursion to The You Yangs, where we took part in a range of activities while learning about the origins and background of the Koala Clancy Foundation. We met several members of the team, who made us feel welcome and informed us about the local habitat. Students helped remove invasive weeds, which we learned is important because it allows more koalas to make the area their home. We also followed a trail leading up to the Big Rock, where we discovered how the site was traditionally used for water collection. Along the way, we spotted some native wildlife, including a skink and types of eucalyptus leaves, which was amazing to see. Overall, students from both teams enjoyed the experience and appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Australia’s natural environment and to meet such a passionate and welcoming team.

Amber K and Ashrita U (10WA)

Book Club News October

Issue 7 2025 of the Scholastic Book Club catalogue is available to order from.

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

Click here to be taken directly to the issue page to place an order with the option to order from Issues 5 and 6

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

Mid Term Break/Melbourne Cup Weekend  – Maddingley and Woodlea Campuses

No Private, Public or Country Buses will be operating Monday 03 November, Mid Term Break.  Students sitting an exam on this day will be required to make their own way to and from school.

Hawk Route – Updated Stop 

Due to road works on Melton Highway, the AM stop 5 on the Hawk route has been relocated to Melton Highway – Sugar Gum Hotel (Just past Gourlay Road).  Times in the AM will not change and there are no changes to the PM stop.

Late Bus – Maddingley and Woodlea

Maddingley – Late Bus 1 & Late Bus 2 will commence Term 4 on Tuesday 07 October and finish on Thursday 11 December 2025

Woodlea – The late bus will commence Term 4 on Tuesday 14 October and finish on Thursday 04 December 2025

Private Bus Travel 2026

All private bus travellers for 2025 have now been rolled over to their current STOP for 2026 travel.

If your child/ren’s current bus travel arrangements 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 ASAP to discuss.  If your child/ren do not require a private bus service in 2026 and parents did not advise by 19 September 2025 ( – 1 full terms notice to withdraw – as per BMG Business Notice )the full year bus fee may apply.

Leanne Robertson – School Bus Services Administrator

2027 Scholarships

We are pleased to announce that applications for our 2027 Scholarships are now open.

Our scholarship program recognises and supports students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership or special talents across a range of areas. Scholarships provide opportunities for exceptional students to thrive in an environment that values excellence, effort, and personal growth.

To learn more about the categories available, eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit our website here.

Mid Term Break Reminder

A reminder to all students and families that the School will be closed for the Mid-Term Break on Monday 3 November, followed by the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday on Tuesday 4 November.

There will be no classes on these days, providing our students and staff with a well-deserved long weekend to rest and recharge.

We hope everyone enjoys the break and we look forward to welcoming students back, refreshed and ready for Week 5, on Wednesday 5 November.

Next eNews Issue Delay

Please note that the next edition of this eNews will be delayed by one week due to the upcoming Melbourne Cup long weekend.

The next eNews will be published on Friday 14 November.

Supporting your child through VCE exams

As the end of the year fast approaches, the year 12 students along with students studying a unit 3/4 subject are well into their preparation for final exams. Many students will be experiencing a broad range of emotions and often find this time of year particularly stressful. It is important to remember that not all stress is bad, and a healthy level of stress can be motivating! If you notice that your young person is already feeling the pressure, you can support them in a number of ways. As a parent or guardian, you can encourage your child to sleep and eat well, have a quiet and clean study space, manage distractions, stay active and most importantly be there to listen as they ride the emotional wave.

Click here to visit kidshelpline to find out how you can be supporting your young person through their VCE exams.

Please see the exam stress tips for parents and young people from Reach Out below.

Student Wellbeing Team

School Policies and Documents

The following School policies have been updated and are available to view from the School Policies tile in Schoolbox:

• Pastoral Care Policy – Reviewed with minor updates to wellbeing practices.
• First Aid Policy and Procedures – Revised to clarify roles and include the provision of a Designated First Aid Officer at offsite school events

Please contact Kerryn Browne should you have any questions.

Kerryn Browne – Risk, Compliance and Policy Manager

Updating Medical, Dietary and Emergency Contact Information

We ask that parents/guardians log into Schoolbox to ensure that their child/ren’s emergency contacts/medical/allergy/dietary information is all up to date. There may have been changes to your child’s information since the beginning of the year, so it is crucial that these details are correct.

To review and update information, please visit Quicklinks / My Details and select your child’s name in the drop-down menu.

Step through each category and edit accordingly. Updates can take 24 hours to roll over within the school’s system.

Casey Ryder – Executive Assistant: Maddingley

Final Update: ICAS 2025 – Woodlea and Maddingley

Each student who participated in ICAS is recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.

ICAS certificate/s will show student results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”. Use these to enter the Results Portal. Note: the school  will publish, via Schoolbox, when  ICAS certificates have arrived. Arrangements will be made to send these home with students or by post.  The TAP ID and Pin from previous years can access 2025 results.  Year 2 students will have to wait for the certificate details or contact ICAS directly to access the “TAP ID and Pin”.

Casey Ryder – Executive Assistant: Maddingley

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 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/

Maddingley	Woodlea
maddingley.oshc@yballarat.org.au	woodlea.oshc@yballarat.org.au
0438 154 842	0490 490 362

Regular Contacts

Maddingley Campus	Woodlea Campus	Woodlea Early Learning Centre
South Maddingley Road Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340	111 Frontier Avenue Aintree VIC 3336	111 Frontier Avenue Aintree VIC 3336
P +61 3 5366 4800 F +61 3 5366 4850	P +61 3 5366 4900 F +61 3 5366 4950	P +61 3 5366 4999 F +61 3 5366 4850

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