Debra Ogston – Principal

Enrichment

Recently, I had the privilege to attend a series of lectures at the University of Birmingham, specifically directed towards Character and Virtue. One notable Professor, Dr Andrew Peterson spoke about “Moral Polarisation and Service to others: Fostering Fellow-Feeding, Belonging and Purpose”. Traditionally, education had at its heart the teaching of social and moral responsibility; however, over the past twenty years, and more notably over the past five years, this has been fractured within education. Institutions have been reluctant to teach moral, character or virtuous education at the risk of a reduction in academic performance, being labelled as indoctrinating and a pressure on an already crowded curriculum. However, we know that with the pressures of polarisation in society brought on by the rise of popularism, social media, technology and the importance of self, I believe now, more than ever, schools must take on the challenge of educating character and virtue.

As the school heads towards a new and exciting change to its timetable, part of this involves the aspect of enrichment. Students have, over the past week, received information regarding the BMG Enrichment program and are in the first stages of selecting enrichment opportunities. We must re-engage our students’ sense of curiosity, curiosity to learn, curiosity to find out “what’s out there”, curiosity to not only understand self, but also to understand others. Good education awakens understanding and amends the heart. We must, through our enrichment program, have as one of its aims to bridge the moral divide that is happening between students. Have them not just think of themselves, but think of the desire for the flourishing of others. Enrichment delivered in the right way will enable our students to “Fellow Feed” their colleagues. It will enable our Bacchus Marsh community to embrace kindness, respect and empathy whilst, at the same time, discovering something new and satisfying the appetite for the curious. Our new Enrichment Program is a most exciting time in the character and virtue development of us all.

Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education

2026 Year 12 Leaders Announced

Bacchus Marsh Grammar values the Student Leadership program and how these roles play a vital role in shaping the school environment. Student leaders demonstrate the School Values and character traits through organising events, being positive role models to younger students and representing the voice of the student population.

Besides the mentioned responsibilities, School Leaders cultivate essential life skills such as problem solving, communication, empathy, confidence and resilience. They actively promote the School and positive culture within the broader community and advocate for the student population.

Both the Maddingley and Woodlea campuses are eager to announce the School Captains for 2026.

Maddingley Campus – Year 12 Leaders

School Captains:

Mehak Dhillon

Kieran Hickcox

Anna Seymour

Micah So

Vice Captains:

Isaac Busuttil

Ori Daniel

Connie Degnen

Tanisha Quilliam

Academic Captains:

Harnoor Dhanoa

Annalise Muir

Amy Oates

Joshua Park

Anshita Shadangi

Rodney Tang

SRC Captains:

Reva Kukdeja

Olivia Shin

House Captains:

Alana Fenech – Dale

Justin Robins – Djerriwarrh

Ruby Gorton – Lerderderg

Maddison Weeks – Kororoit

Abeer Shaha – Parwan

Emma Niessen – Pykes

Abbey Collins – Pyrites

Miah Bradbury – Toolern

Prefects:

Kristian Attard

Shiv Brahmbhatt

Makenzie Copland

Lily Fisher

Addison Frisch

Lauren Glenn

Aarav Goel

Lexie Johnston

Ansh Khanna

Aadhya Kiran

Poorvi Maharajpet

Haasini Manchana

Liam Mardesic

Parnika Mehrotra

Charlize Mustafa

Brooke Park

Manya Shah

Aarna Soni

Ishaan Venkatesh

 

Woodlea Campus – Year 12 Leaders

School Captains:

Ellis Niyonsenga

Nilay Sarman

Vice Captain:

Ash Gauci-Burns

Academic Captains:

Yijie Cheok

Vethik Prasanna

Alexis Sharp

SRC Captains:

Harnoor Kaur

Somanshu Thorat

House Captains:

Ayman Ahmed – Dale

Jessalyn Kha – Kororoit

Adnan Siddiqui – Lerderderg

Aerone Tabotabo – Parwan

Arshpreet Singh – Pykes

Avneet Kaur Brar – Pyrites

Emil Joseph – Toolern

Prefects:

Harleen Kaur

Harnoor Malhi

Mariam Rao

Jeans Zhang

Danielle Copeman – Deputy Principal: Head of Woodlea Campus

Andrew Pate – Deputy Principal: Head of Maddingley Campus

Term 4

Well done to our Junior School students who continued to demonstrate our school values, especially confidence, kindness and respect, throughout our latest camp adventures. Not only have they continued to display these core values, but they have also shown resilience as new events and changes (which are an inevitable part of Term 4) arise.

During class time and pastoral care lessons, students will continue to engage in conversations about change and how to best cope with new ideas, new environments and new friendships. We encourage you to continue supporting your child by providing them with strategies such as:

• Positive self-talk
• Maintaining predictable routines at home
• Talking openly about upcoming changes in a calm, reassuring way
• Practising problem-solving skills together
• Encouraging your child to ask questions and share their feelings
• Helping them break tasks into manageable steps
• Celebrating small successes to build confidence
• Ensuring they have adequate rest and downtime

These strategies will support our students in building their resilience and help ensure they finish 2026 on a positive and confident note.

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

Maddingley

Junior Art at Maddingley

During Term 4 at Maddingley, students have enjoyed experimenting with a range of adhering techniques to create a variety of different collages.

The Prep students have enjoyed reading the story The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle and using different techniques to create a collage sunflower inspired by the story.

In Year 1, students experimented with a variety of different materials when making a Space themed collage, including printed papers, corrugated cardboard and poly balls.

The students in Year 2 enjoyed creating a range of artworks including an Under the Sea themed collage, where they were able to use different printing techniques to create their own printed papers to use for their work.

In Year 3, students enjoyed experimenting with textiles and worked hard to master the technique of circle weaving in order to create a beautiful woven flower.

The Year 4 students enjoyed learning about and discussing artist Roy Lichtenstein and created a Still Life Portrait collage inspired by his work.

Students across the Junior School have also been busy creating a beautiful Christmas Tree which will be displayed at the Bacchus Marsh Village Shopping Centre from late November. Each year level was allocated a section of the tree and a different theme to work on.

The Prep students have created some reindeer out of their very own handprints!

The Year 1 and 2 students have created a sparking collage Christmas tree, using decorated cut-outs of their hands.

Year 3 students have put their cutting skills to work, creating sparkling snowflakes for a beautiful snowy sky.

Year 4 students have decorated their section of the tree with Christmas baubles inspired by some of their favourite famous artists, including Keith Haring, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Piet Mondrian and many more.

If you find yourself down at Bacchus Marsh Village, have a look at the wonderful work our Junior School students have put into the tree!

Junior School Art Team – Maddingley

Year 4 Camp Maddingley

Last week, our Year 4 students attended Lake Dewar Discovery Camp for a fun-filled adventure. Despite being out of their comfort zones, they embraced every opportunity with positivity and resilience, making the experience a memorable highlight of the year.

Throughout the camp, students enjoyed a wide range of activities, including canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, kick bikes and the flying fox. The YMCA camp staff provided excellent support and encouragement, helping students build confidence, try new challenges and celebrate personal achievements.

Our Year 4 Leaders hosted a lively and professional Trivia Night on the first evening. On the second night, students relaxed with a screening of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, after a huge day of outdoor activities.

We were incredibly proud of the way our students conducted themselves. Although the group was large, they consistently demonstrated respect, cooperation and kindness. Their enthusiasm and positive behaviour contributed to a smooth and successful experience for everyone involved.

We hope their time at camp has created life-long memories!

Alicia Bermingham – Head of Year 4 (Maddingley)

Woodlea

Junior PE

Week 6, Physical Education, for the lucky students in Prep WC, was a very special one.  Students from the Banksia group at the Early Learning Centre requested playing a game of soccer with some Prep students.  On a sunny Friday morning the students were able to get together to kick off the soccer “Kick” unit with a joint game of Corner Soccer.  Representing their four teams Blue, Green, Purple and Yellow, the students ran, passed, dribbled and scored many goals.  Wonderful examples of BMG school values were on display, with great kindness and respect shown between teammates and opponents, while many gave excellent examples of leadership in guiding the younger players needing assistance.  For the record, no scores were kept, however, the students in the very competitive purple team insist they scored 10 goals combined.  At the end of the game, the final challenge for educators was getting the kindergarten kids to return to the Early Learning Centre.

George Delic – Head of House: Kororoit (Woodlea)

Year 1 Woodlea

On Thursday 6 November, Woodlea Year 1 students celebrated their learning about Continents and Land Formations at our World Dance Incursion. The children explored how different communities express their culture through movement, learning dances such as the merengue, salsa and a range of other traditional styles from around the world.

Trying on traditional dress from various countries was a definite highlight, sparking thoughtful conversations about identity, celebrations and how geography can shape the way people live. It was lovely to see students make connections between the dances they learnt and the places we have been studying in class.

The incursion brought such energy to our learning, and the curiosity and respect the children showed throughout made us incredibly proud. It was a meaningful and memorable way to continue building their understanding of the wider world.

Woodlea Year 1 Teachers

Maddingley

Middle School Final Assembly

The final Middle School assembly of the year was a wonderful occasion that brought our community together to celebrate the achievements of our students. It was a fitting way to conclude the term, highlighting excellence across sport, academics and creative pursuits.

The Principal’s Awards recognised two students who have excelled at the highest level. Harbin A of Year 5 represented Victoria in both Athletics and Cross Country at the State Finals, while Rose A of Year 8 proudly represented Australia in soccer at the Under 16 East Mallorca Cup in Spain. These accomplishments reflect, not only talent, but also dedication and resilience.

The Bacchus Marsh Grammar STEM Showcase once again demonstrated the creativity and innovation of our students. In the Years 5 and 6 Experimental Design category, first place was awarded to Ayansh G. In the Years 7 and 8 Design a Device to Solve a Real World Problem category, Aadi M achieved both first place and the People’s Choice Award, with Samarjot A and Aahana S recognised in second and third place respectively. The Open Competition Game Design Challenge saw strong performances from Arjun C and Rnvir A in second place, and from Reyan H, Aarav V and Aarav P in third place.

School Colours were awarded to students who have contributed significantly to the life of the school. Single School Colours were presented to Ruby S, Kayla S, Anna D and Jerix A. Double School Colours, recognising an even higher level of commitment, were awarded to Kaleb H and Samuel B.

Special recognition was given to Reyan H who achieved Level 4 in the Compass Award programme, an outstanding accomplishment. In addition, Ryan B received an Honourable Mention in the Poetry Award for his piece Voices in Colour, a testament to the strength of creative expression within our school.

Celebrating Our Avid Readers – The 100 Club!

We are thrilled to recognise the incredible efforts of our students who have borrowed over 100 books this year! Their love of reading is inspiring and sets a wonderful example for our school community. Congratulations to the following students:

Year 5

1st: William W (5A) – 337 books!

2nd: Taylah D (5C) – 125 books

3rd: Harsimar D (5A) – 119 books

4th: Joanna M (5B) – 101 books

Year 6

1st: Divjot S (6B) – 138 books

2nd: Adwikaa S (6A) – 127 books

3rd: Gurkeerat K (6D) – 115 books

Year 7

1st: Daiwik Y (7G) – 222 books!

2nd: Ansh V (7B) – 149 books

3rd: Ipsita S (7F) – 123 books

What an amazing achievement! These students have shown dedication and a true passion for reading. We encourage all students to keep exploring new stories and ideas through books.

As we look ahead, there are several important dates for families to note. Examinations for Years 7 and 8 commenced on 19 November. On 28 November, Year 7 (2026) Orientation Day will take place, alongside the Year 5 to Year 6 Step Up Day. Year 6 students will enjoy their Celebration Day on 9 December, followed by House Music on 11 December. The Middle School Awards ceremony will be held on 12 December.

This assembly was not only a celebration of individual achievement, but also a reminder of the collective spirit that defines Bacchus Marsh Grammar. We are proud of every student who has contributed to the life of the Middle School this year and look forward to continuing this journey of growth and success together.

Scott Bayne – Head of Middle School -Maddingley Campus

2025 Olympiad and Maths Challenge

Over the course of the year, students have participated in rigorous mathematics competitions including the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads and the Australian Maths Trust Maths Challenge.

For the Maths Olympiad students competed individually in four competitions spread throughout the course of the year building their problem solving skills and deepening their understanding in Mathematics.

In the Maths Challenge, students worked in small groups of two to four over the course of two weeks, often giving up their lunch time to solve a set of six challenging questions.

Well done to Archit Rajesh (Year 8), Edgar Tedjasukmana (Year 7), Alex Eldridge (Year 6) and Gabriel Llaneza (Year 5) who scored the highest score at Maddingley in the Maths Olympiad.

We’d also like to acknowledge the following students who have received a prize:

• Gabriel L 5B: Year 5 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Alex E 6D: Year 6 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Robinson D 6A: Year 6 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Jed H 6D: Year 6 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Jason C 6D: Year 6 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Ayansh G 6C: Year 6 Top 25% Maths Olympiad Credit Maths Challenge
• Reyan H 6A: Year 6 Credit Maths Challenge
• Ehaan K 6C: Year 6 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Edgar T 7H: Year 7 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Anay D 7D: Year 7 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Mayan G 7C: Year 7 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Avi I 7D: Year 7 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Archit R 8H: Year 8 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Anvita M 8C: Year 8 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Hitesh M 8D: Year 8 Top 10% Maths Olympiad Credit Maths Challenge
• Palaash K 8I: Year 8 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Aarash Amit C 8I: Year 8 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Neev A 8F: Year 8 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Isha S 8H: Year 8 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Aadi M 8F: Year 8 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Akshat S 8G: Year 8 Top 10% Maths Olympiad
• Aanav M 8G: Year 8 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Rishva S 8D: Year 8 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Jenita K 8H: Year 8 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Ishaan M 8G: Year 8 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Aashi D 8G: Year 8 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Anshu P 8G: Year 8 Top 25% Maths Olympiad
• Ryan B 8C: Year 8 Credit Maths Challenge

Well done to all of those who participated in both competitions.

Jennifer Kain – Teacher

Woodlea

Year 5 Camp at Queenscliff – An Unforgettable Adventure!

Our Year 5s had an action-packed week at Camp Wyuna, creating memories they’ll never forget!

Students dove straight into coastal fun, getting into wet suits, grabbing surfboards and catching wave after wave. They also enjoyed boogie boarding and a high-energy beach carnival filled with team-versus-team games that had everyone cheering.

Beach exploration gave students the chance to discover fascinating sea creatures along the shoreline, while a visit to the Queenscliff Discovery Centre let them get hands-on with marine life – we even met a few friendly puffer fish!

On land, the adventure continued with a bike ride through beautiful Queenscliff and a delicious pizza-making session where students crafted their own pizzas from scratch (and happily ate the results!). They also learned valuable outdoor skills by pitching their own tents and cooking hearty chicken nachos over the campfire.

The evenings were just as exciting, especially the much-anticipated talent show in which students shone with fantastic performances that wowed their peers and teachers alike.

We are incredibly proud of every student for their enthusiasm, resilience and teamwork throughout the entire camp experience.

It was a week full of fun, friendship and new experiences – well done, Year 5!

The Grade 5 Woodlea Team

Maddingley

Peer Support Training Day 1

This term I took part in the Year 9 Peer Support Leader Training Day where we completed a range of teamwork activities designed to build leadership and communication skills. One of the activities involved dressing a group member in newspaper which required us to problem-solve together and stay patient when things didn’t go to plan.

Through the program, I learned how to communicate more effectively with my peers, remain calm when others needed extra support, and work towards shared and personal goals.

The Peer Support Training Program offered a valuable opportunity for us to develop important skills and learn how to support others within a group setting. I really enjoyed being part of the training and would recommend future Year 8s experience it too.

Grace I – 8D

On Monday 10 November, the Year 8s attended Peer Support Training to learn strategies for supporting the Year 7 students of 2026 as they transition from primary school. Throughout the day, they completed a range of activities, including booklet tasks to explore what qualities make a good leader, as well as fun, hands-on activities designed to help them connect with their peers.

Current Year 9 Peer Support Student Leaders helped run the day and supported the Year 8s in understanding how each activity builds teamwork, confidence and leadership. We were able to share our experiences of helping this year’s Year 7s and explain how the Peer Support Program works. While helping out, we noticed that some students quickly grasped the purpose of each activity, while others took a little longer to understand how the tasks helped them communicate and work as a team, which is all part of the learning.

Some of the favourite activities included creating outfits out of newspaper for a fashion show (they turned out way cooler than expected!) and a tennis-ball pattern challenge that encouraged group focus and cooperation. These activities helped students understand different leadership styles and how people react to various ways of leading. The Year 8s participated with great enthusiasm and worked together efficiently, often needing very little prompting. As the day went on, we could see them growing closer as a cohort.

Overall, the Peer Support Program promotes kindness, confidence and responsibility, and helps prepare students to welcome the new Year 7s next year. We would strongly recommend the program to any future Year 8s who want an opportunity to connect with others, learn leadership skills, and be a positive and approachable role model for younger students. You’ll learn a lot, have plenty of laughs, and build new friendships along the way.

Madelyn T – 9D

Gitaj M – 9F

Maddingley SRC Food Train 2025

It’s that time of year again where Maddingley’s SRC are asking for donations of non-perishable items for our annual Food Train in support of Neighbours Place, such as: tinned fruit/vegetables, canned fish/meat, rice, jars of pasta/curry sauce, long-life milks, dry pasta, etc.

Click here for more information

Donations can be brought to Maddingley Front Administration to be placed in the carriage-tubs. The train will be leaving the station on Friday 5th of December to help those in need in our community this Christmas.

Thank you for your continued support!

Caitlin Bowers – Teacher/SRC Coordinator

Kimberley McBain – SRC: Middle School (Maddingley)

Woodlea

Australian Murder Mystery at Woodlea

During lunch time, on Thursday 13 November 2025, the Australian Murder Mystery class had their first murder mystery re-enactment.  The setting was a music concert where ‘two murders’ occurred. Peers were invited to unravel the murder mystery through looking at clues.  Suspects were identified despite the many red herrings to throw the investigators off the trail.  Mr Cunsolo and Ms Fitzgerald graciously lent their investigative skills to the team and led the investigation.

Australian Murder Mystery has been one of the most enjoyable subjects I’ve taken this year. Our class may have been small, but our ideas were huge. Everything was taught in such a unique and creative way, and it gave all of us a refreshing break from our usual subjects.

Our teacher, Ms Adams, played a massive part in this. She encouraged our ideas, contributed to every discussion, and really supported us throughout the term.

When the idea of hosting a Murder Mystery event at school was suggested, we were all honestly over the moon. It was exciting watching it grow from a tiny spark of an idea into full planning, constructing deliberate clues, rehearsing and finally performing. Everything linked back to what we had learned – from using our class novels as inspiration to applying all our analysis of closed-room mysteries to improve our own.

Overall, this was the best subject I could have chosen, and the Murder Mystery performance is something I’ll never forget. Below are comments from my peers who were part of the murder mystery.

Diya: “It was a very fun experience. I enjoyed solving the mystery without it being too hard or too easy. The plot twists were so clean and, overall, everything was really well planned.”

Aahana: “I was one of the main people who helped solve the mystery. I had so much fun piecing the clues together and seeing how they all connected. If I could go back in time, I’d choose this subject again.”

Samitha: “I usually don’t enjoy things like this and get bored easily, but the environment and energy set by the organising class was so fun. I was literally running around trying to help and support everyone.”

Tusav K – 9WB

 

Production Announcement

Get ready to embrace the creepy, kooky and delightfully spooky! Maddingley Middle School is thrilled to announce its 2026 production of “The Addams Family Young @ Part.”

All students are invited to participate from 2026 yr 5 to yr 9.

Click here to please assist your student in filling out a form on Schoolbox.

All students will be part of the show. Auditions will take place next year for lead roles and dance troupe.

Rehearsals will be during our new period 5 enrichment time within the school day.

Production week will be in Week 4, Term 4 at the Clocktower Centre.

Performances:

• Thursday 29 October 7:30pm
• Friday 30 October 12:30pm & 7:30pm

Please note, this is the beginning of the Melbourne Cup long weekend

Narelle Pritchard – Head of House: Parwan (Maddingley)

Celebrating Musical Achievements – Spotlight on Mackenzie S

From classrooms to concert halls, Mackenzie’s love of music has lit up Woodlea Campus and beyond. For the past eight years, she has been a dedicated member of the Australian Girls Choir, progressing through every training level and earning her place in specialist groups through successful auditions. Two years ago, she joined Camerata, where she performed at the Prime Minister’s Gala Dinner honouring the Australian Olympic team. Since then, her voice has been heard at the MCG for Breast Cancer Network Australia, the Australian Women’s Ashes, One Day Internationals and countless Christmas carol performances across Melbourne.

In 2026, Mackenzie will continue her journey as part of the Performing Choir, an ensemble of just 80 singers selected from over 6,000 auditionees. Highlights will include singing at Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, a truly special milestone.

At Woodlea, Mackenzie’s contributions are equally inspiring. She has completed AMEB Music examinations, performed in the musical productions, and is a valued member of the Middle School Band, A Cappella and Middle and Senior School Choir. As Performing Arts Captain in 2025, she has led with enthusiasm, emceed major events including the inaugural Woodlea in Concert, and performed at the Careers Expo. Alongside five years of voice lessons, she has recently embraced classical repertoire to extend her skills even further.

Looking ahead, Mackenzie hopes to study Fine Arts at university, majoring in Music and Musical Theatre. She has also been selected for the Victorian Opera’s VOYCE program, where she will perform in September 2026.

Mackenzie’s journey is a testament to her talent and love of music. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to inspire our community through her leadership, artistry and commitment to the performing arts.

Suzanne Kinsella – Head of Faculty: Music (Woodlea)

Congratulations Saanvi P (4D)

Well done to Saanvi who has been selected to participate at the Acrobatics (BTA) National Championships, to be held in Queensland during the upcoming Summer holidays.

Earlier this year, Saanvi performed at the Bend the Air competition, which featured talented children from Acro and Circus schools across Victoria.

Saanvi was honoured with the Emerging Talent Award by the judges for her exceptional performance and impressive acrobatic skills.

This qualified her for an upcoming national event.

We wish Saanvi all the best!

Nicholas Sher – Teacher

Book Club News November 2025

With Christmas fast approaching here is the chance to purchase some great books as gifts for your family and friends.

Issues 8 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 7 and 8.

Click here to access Teacher Essentials

Click here to access School Essentials

And click here to access Student Book Club

Diane Dunn (Maddingley Campus)

Feona West (Woodlea Campus) – Scholastic Book Club Coordinators

Maddingley

Cooking for Community

Cooking for Community is an afterschool program open for Year 9-12, where students prepare and cook a chosen recipe which is then provided to Soul Foods at our local food provider for people in need in Bacchus Marsh. My name is Maddy and I’m in Year 11, and I’ve volunteered for the Cooking for Community club for the last two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. I’ve already done Food Tech subjects during my years here, but it’s not the same as this program. Throughout the hour we have, we cook, prepare, clean up and package the food. I’ve learnt many new recipes and got to enjoy cooking with the younger students who have also volunteered. This year alone, the Cooking for Community Club has donated approximately 650 meals to Soul Foods, which is an amazing achievement. Every student willing to volunteer has proven their dedication to the program, and we get to learn practical skills within a short period of time. Miss Madacki and Mrs McCarthy are the amazing teachers who have organised this program, and we students have the privilege of working with them every week. They trust us to work by ourselves and follow the recipe, without going through it for us beforehand.

Maddy – Year 11

Staughton Vale Ambassadors

Throughout 2024 and 2025, Staughton Vale Ambassadors have worked together to introduce a new initiative: BMG’S very own biodiversity conservation project at the Staughton Vale campus. BMG Staughton Vale Ambassadors have worked together to fundraise for their project, build nesting boxes and implement their biodiversity conservation project at BMG’s rural campus: the Staughton Vale campus. Woodlea Staughton Vale ambassadors have volunteered their time to attend multiple events and excursions, such as STEM night, Fighting Extinction Showcase (2024 & 2025) and the Produce pop-up stall, to support the progress and development of their biodiversity conservation project. BMG has received the title of a Fighting Extinction School,  and Staughton Vale Ambassadors represented BMG at a recent showcase of our Conservation efforts at Melbourne Zoo. Many other Victorian fighting extinction schools also showcased their conservation efforts and work, allowing our ambassadors to not only represent the schools and our hard work, but also learn much from other schools. To speeches from Indigenous leaders, to presentations of schools cleaning rubbish from our environments, it was a day of much learning for all of us. Each Staughton Vale ambassador has contributed greatly to the project and by working as a team, Staughton Vale ambassadors have made significant progress throughout their biodiversity projects and have big plans for the conservation site in the future. The zoo day wasn’t just about learning, but about showing how young people can take action. By linking our campus projects to the zoo’s mission, we highlighted how teamwork and proactive efforts can make a real difference for endangered species.

Kushpreet K – 10WB

Naisha G – 10WE

Tharul A – 10WC

Sunflowers in Bloom at Staughton Vale

There has been a burst of colour and excitement at the Staughton Vale Campus as our sunflower beds reached full bloom this year. The spectacular display has not only brightened the grounds but also produced exceptional results for our school community.

Students at both campuses in Junior School will be receiving a packet of sunflower seeds thanks to the Staughton Vale gardens.

With ideal growing conditions and dedicated care from our staff and students, the sunflower plot has thrived beyond expectations. Their towering stems and vibrant yellow petals became a highlight for visitors and students alike, symbolising growth, resilience, and the joy that comes from working with nature.

This year’s harvest was particularly successful. With sunflowers thriving at Staughton Vale, we were able to produce a high yield of seeds for 2025, which will be shared with every Junior School family. This exciting initiative gives families the chance to grow their own sunflowers at home and experience the same delight our students have enjoyed at the farm.

Staughton Vale is also proud to have a designated Sunflower Garden, a dedicated growing space that continues to support our sustainability and horticulture programs. This special garden will be replanted once again, ensuring a vibrant display for our returning students.

We are pleased to share that sunflowers will once again be available for all students to see when they return in 2026, continuing a much-loved tradition at the campus. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to a colourful, thriving garden that reflects the spirit of growth and community at Staughton Vale.

The seed distribution (prior to the end of the term) and ongoing planting program continue to strengthen our environmental education initiatives, encouraging students to learn, explore, and nurture the natural world around them. We can’t wait to see sunflowers blooming not only at the campus but in family gardens across our school community.

David Gorton – Head of Campus (Staughton Vale)

 

2026 Bus Allocations

Parents have now received their child/rens bus allocation for 2026.  Submission must be returned by COB Monday 01 December 2025.  Failure to action this form by the due date may result in your child/ren being removed from the private bus for travel in 2026 and their seat will be offered to next on the waitlist.

End of Term Bus Arrangements

All buses, private, public and country will depart the last day of Term 4,  Friday 12 December as per their scheduled timetables.

Head Start Bus Allocations

Parents have been sent their EdSmart slip advising which bus their child has been allocated to for the 2026 Head Start Program.  Parents are reminded that this is the bus allocation for Head Start only. Your bus allocation for 2026 permanent travel has been sent as a separate EdSmart Email.

Leanne Robertson – School Bus Services Administrator

End of Year Awards 2025

Further to recent communication via EdSmart outlining the key dates for the end of the year, please see below additional detail relating to the Middle and Senior School End of Year Award Presentations.

It is important to note that at this time all exam/assessment data is being collated which identifies students who will receive an award for 2025. This is a significant process which will be complete in the last week of term. If your child is receiving an award, you will be informed via email.

Examples of awards which are presented can include:

• Triple School Colours, Outstanding Effort, Academic Excellence, DUX of Year, Subject Awards, Scholarship.

The Teams live stream links for each presentation will be shared via the Schoolbox News post and in the email to award recipients.

Woodlea Campus End of Year Awards – Thursday 11 December

These Award presentations will be conducted in the Woodlea Gymnasium on Thursday 11 December at the following times:

• Woodlea Middle School Year 5 to 8:  9.30am to 10.30am.
• Woodlea Senior School Year 9 to 11:  11.30am to 12.30pm.

Parents/ carers of award recipients are welcome to attend. There will be a limit of two guests per student.

Maddingley Campus End of Year Awards – Friday 12 December

These presentations will be conducted in the John Leaver Gymnasium on Friday 12 December at the following times:

• Maddingley Senior School (Years 9 to 11) will be held between 9.00am and 10.45am.
• Maddingley Middle School (Years 5 to 8) will be held between 11.15am and 12.45pm.

Parents/ carers of award recipients are welcome to attend. There will be a limit of two guests per student.

Casey Ryder – Executive Assistant: Maddingley

Chartwells/BMG

Conveyance Allowance

Please note that the 2025 Semester Two Conveyance Allowance payment will be processed in January/February 2026. If you selected to have the Conveyance Allowance paid by EFT and your bank details have since changed, please contact the Accounts Department as soon as possible to update your details.

If you had a Conveyance Allowance claim in 2025 and your information has not changed, then your application will automatically roll over to 2026 – there is nothing further you are required to do.

If you do not have a current claim in place and would like to submit a claim for 2026, application forms are available from the School’s website at www.bmg.vic.edu.au. Forms can be submitted to the office or by emailing them to: conveyance@bmg.vic.edu.au. Please refer to the 2026 Business Notice on the School’s website for further information on the Conveyance Allowance, eligibility requirements and application due dates.

Kerryn Browne – Risk, Compliance and Policy Manager

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

Exciting Youth Market & Performance Opportunity for Students

We are excited to invite your students to participate in our Youth Market & Youth Twilight Stage event happening at The Village Green, 197 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, on Thursday December 11, 2025, from 5-7 PM.

Youth Market

Students can explore and showcase their creativity through:

• Amazing accessories
• One-of-a-kind jewellery
• Handcrafted art
• The options are endless

Youth Twilight Stage Performance: This is a fantastic opportunity for students who love to perform, whether they sing, play an instrument, are part of a band, or simply enjoy being on stage. We would love for them to showcase their talents in front of a supportive community audience.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this opportunity with your students or let us know if you have any students who stand out and might be interested in participating. It’s a wonderful way for young people to gain confidence, experience and community recognition.

For more information or to register performers, please contact us or I have attached the flyer to this email.

Thank you for helping us support local youth talent, we hope to see your student’s shine!

Moorabool Shire Council