Character and Learning from History

This week, alongside Miss Bowers and the Pre-VCE Germany in the Twentieth Century class, I had the privilege of visiting the Jewish Holocaust Museum. The museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the six million Jewish people murdered by the Nazi regime and its collaborators between 1933 and 1945. Through the program, students were provided with a powerful opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust by exploring individual stories and engaging with survivor testimonies, all within the newly redeveloped museum space.

A particularly moving aspect of the visit was hearing from Holocaust survivor Sarah Saaroni. At 99 years of age, Sarah shared her extraordinary story of resilience, courage and hope. Born in Lublin, Poland in 1926, Sarah and her family were forced into the Lublin Ghetto following the German invasion. When deportations began, the family went into hiding in a nearby village. Her parents instructed her to assume a Christian identity and travel with other young Polish workers to Germany. Living under the name Lidia Wornik, Sarah survived the war years as a Christian labourer after escaping from the Gestapo on numerous occasions.

At the conclusion of the war, Sarah returned to Lublin only to discover that no family members remained. Eventually, she reunited with one brother and later travelled to Palestine, where another brother had settled prior to the war. With the assistance of her brother in Australia, Sarah migrated to Melbourne with her husband and two young children to begin a new chapter of life.

Sarah’s testimony was one of profound loss, determination, perseverance, hope and love. One statement she shared resonated deeply with all in attendance:

“Study hard, because what you learn they cannot take from you.”

The program also highlighted the character strengths demonstrated by Holocaust survivors, drawing upon research conducted by The University of Melbourne. As our school continues to develop and strengthen its own Character Education Program, it is fitting to reflect upon these virtues, consider the lessons history provides, and ask ourselves an important question:

How can these character strengths influence the choices we make each day?

· Bravery – demonstrating courage and facing challenges with resolve.

· Kindness – showing compassion and care towards others.

· Fairness – treating all people with justice and respect.

· Hope – maintaining optimism and perseverance in pursuit of positive outcomes.

· Judgement – making thoughtful and considered decisions.

· Perspective – developing the ability to see the broader picture and understand the experiences of others

Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education

Uniform Reminders

As we are halfway into Term 2, we would like to remind all students and families of the importance of wearing the full school uniform each day. With the cooler weather arriving, students are expected to be in the correct winter uniform and represent Bacchus Marsh Grammar with pride both at school and in the wider community.

Wearing the full school uniform promotes a strong sense of belonging, unity and school pride. It also helps students develop positive habits around presentation, responsibility and readiness for learning.

Please consult the school diary (pages 10 – 12) for the uniform items for the full school uniform. A reminder that the summer and full uniform cannot be mixed and that only the full school uniform items are to be worn during Terms 2 and 3 (please see diary for exceptions).

For students in Years 5 to 12, the school blazer is to be worn each day to and from school. In Junior school, the school woollen jumper is to be worn.

In addition, a reminder that earrings should be a basic sleeper or stud only, with a maximum of two per ear. Therefore, items dangling from sleepers and any other hoop or dangly earrings are not a part of the school’s uniform policy.

We appreciate the continued support of families in ensuring students arrive at school each day in the correct uniform. If you are unsure of expectations regarding the School uniform, please feel free to contact the relevant Head of Year for assistance.

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

Importance of Early Reading

This year’s National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 featured the book Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, illustrated by Jake Minton. Children across Australia and beyond came together to share in the joy of reading this story simultaneously.

Now in its 26th year, NSS is one of Australia’s largest collective reading events, with over 2.2 million participants from more than 16,000 locations joining in last year. This powerful initiative highlights the importance of building strong early literacy foundations and fostering a lifelong love of reading.

Research and national literacy priorities continue to emphasise the critical role of early reading experiences in a child’s development. Events such as NSS help children see reading as enjoyable, shared and meaningful, while also strengthening vocabulary, comprehension and imagination.

The story Luna Roo celebrates themes of teamwork, resilience and perseverance, reflecting the kinds of skills and attitudes we aim to nurture in our early learners.

We strongly encourage families to support this learning journey at home by:

• visiting your local library regularly
• making time each day to read together
• sharing stories aloud and discussing them
• encouraging children to explore books that interest them

These simple but powerful routines play a significant role in developing confidence, curiosity, and a lasting love of reading.

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

Maddingley

Junior Art News

It has been an exciting start to Term 2 in Art in the Maddingley Junior School. Students from Prep to Year 4 have created some amazing art pieces with a focus on paint and printing, experimenting with acrylic, ink wash and watercolour paints.

Prep Reception students have been learning about primary and secondary colours and discovering what happens when two primary colours are mixed together.

Students in Prep have been introduced to a range of different line and brush techniques and have enjoyed applying these techniques to their work to create some beautiful art pieces, including a beautiful caterpillar.

The Year 1’s have created a foam plate flower design which they used to demonstrate their printing skills. They were able to print and mount some beautiful metallic flowers.

In Year 2, students have been consolidating their knowledge of the colour wheel and have demonstrated their understanding of primary, secondary and complimentary colours through their works of art.

Our Year 3 students have been learning about double loading painting techniques and, inspired by Vincent van Gogh, have been painting their own version of The Starry Night.

Students in Year 4 have enjoyed discussing the still-life paintings of artists such as Henri Matisse and Paul Cezanne, using the work of these artists as inspiration to create their own still-life watercolour fruit bowl.

Junior School students at Maddingley have enjoyed admiring the work of their peers through regular gallery walks.

Maddingley Junior Art Teachers

Woodlea

National Simultaneous Storytime

On 27 May, our Junior School students proudly participated in National Simultaneous Storytime, joining schools and communities across Australia in sharing a rich and engaging literacy experience. This year’s text, Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller, captivated students and sparked wonderful discussion and imagination across all year levels.

Throughout the day, classes engaged deeply with the story, exploring its themes, characters, and messages. National Simultaneous Storytime highlights the importance of reading as a shared experience, fostering a sense of connection and community while building students’ comprehension and love of literature.

Following the reading, students extended their understanding through a range of creative activities. From visual art and craft to writing and dramatic responses, each class had the opportunity to interpret the story in their own unique way. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm, creativity, and engagement across the Junior School, with students proudly sharing their ideas and learning.

We are proud of the way our students embrace reading and storytelling, and events such as National Simultaneous Storytime play an important role in nurturing a lifelong love of books.

Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Junior Art Classes

In the Junior School Art program at Woodlea (Prep–Year 4), students have been busy exploring a wide range of techniques, artists and creative ideas.

Our Prep students have focused on developing their painting skills, creating vibrant autumn leaf artworks and exploring an impressionist style through their own versions of Monet’s Japanese Bridge. They have been learning how to use colour, brush control and layering to bring their ideas to life.

In Year 1, students have been building on their creativity through a variety of engaging projects. They created striking x-ray fish inspired by First Nations art, learning about pattern and symbolism. They have also enjoyed designing colourful chameleons and autumn leaf artworks. These projects have supported their understanding of colour, line and texture while encouraging imaginative thinking.

Year 2 students explored the work of Vincent van Gogh by creating their own sunflower artworks, focusing on expressive brushstrokes and bold colour choices. They will now begin a new unit inspired by Japanese-themed art in which they will continue to develop their skills and explore different cultural influences in art.

In Year 3, students have been working on a comprehensive project focused on the Elements of Art, building their understanding of line, shape, colour, texture and form through a range of activities. While Year 4 students have combined both 2D and 3D art forms, creating clay turtles and refining their drawing skills through detailed turtle sketches.

A reminder that the Portrait Competition is currently open, with entries due on May 29. We look forward to seeing the wonderful artworks submitted and winners will be announced in the following weeks.

Woodlea Art Team

What’s Happening in Year 2?

This term, Year 2 students have been immersed in an exciting learning journey exploring the culture and traditions of Japan. Students investigated famous Japanese landmarks, traditional clothing and the similarities and differences between life in Japan and Australia. They have particularly enjoyed learning about Japanese traditions and discovering how cultures around the world can be both unique and connected.

Students enjoyed learning to count in Japanese and were very excited to work alongside the Year 10 Japanese students. The Year 10’s taught us songs, body parts and how to count to 10 in Japanese. It was wonderful to see the older students supporting and encouraging our younger learners; and the Year 2 students absolutely loved practising their new Japanese words throughout the day!

As part of our cultural learning, students had the opportunity to dress in 2 different types of traditional Japanese kimonos. They learned about when kimonos are worn, the meaning behind the beautiful patterns and colours and how traditional clothing reflects Japanese culture and history. Students also had a fantastic time designing and decorating their own kimono artworks using bright colours, detailed patterns and creative symbols inspired by traditional Japanese designs such as cherry blossoms, waves and flowers.

It has been wonderful to see the excitement and curiosity students have shown throughout this unit as they continue developing their understanding and appreciation of cultures around the world.

The Year Two Teachers     

Maddingley

Beyond the Classroom: Year 8 Camp

The Year 8 Camp was an unforgettable three-day experience filled with adventure, teamwork and plenty of memorable moments. Throughout the camp, students challenged themselves by stepping outside their comfort zones and strengthened friendships along the way.

Students participated in a wide range of activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, raft building, mountain biking and rock climbing.

The gorge walk gave students the chance to explore the natural surroundings. Trangia cooking encouraged teamwork as groups prepared and cooked their own meals together. A major highlight was the hike to Big Rock at the You Yangs where students were rewarded with amazing views after the challenging climb.

Year 8 spent two nights camping in tents added to the experience, especially with freezing overnight temperatures dropping to around -2°C. Despite the cold mornings, students showed resilience and enthusiasm each day as they embraced every activity and challenge.

Many students shared their experiences:

“A great experience that will probably stay with me for years to come” – Ranit K

“The best time ever, especially with the rock climbing and interacting with animals” – James C

“Action and fun I’ll never forget” – Antony N

“Although camp was difficult, I learnt so many skills that I am grateful for.” – Matilda M

“The weather was challenging, but the activities helped us to become more resourceful and resilient.” – Amaira C

The camp concluded with an exciting wildlife show in which students had the opportunity to get up close to a variety of animals and hold them. It was a fun and energetic way to finish an action-packed few days.

Overall, camp was more than just an experience, it was an opportunity for students to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and to create unforgettable memories.

Jaithra S & Juliet C – Middle School Captains

VCE Geography

Woodlea

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is from May 27 to the June 3. This is a dedicated time to respect, commemorate and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and achievements.

Since the Staughton Vale Leaders’ Day earlier this term, both Middle School and Senior School SRC students have been working tirelessly to plan activities for National Reconciliation Week. This week is full of fun and engaging activities, including Indigenous recipes available from the library, a presentation on Significant Indigenous Australians, a Creative Competition and a Bingo Challenge. Additionally, our bell music will also feature Indigenous Australian artists to further celebrate and recognise Indigenous voices and talent.

These activities are open to all students, and we encourage everyone to get involved and celebrate the week respectfully. This year the theme is ‘ALL IN’, therefore, it is important that we all get involved and commemorate Indigenous Australians.

Students and staff are encouraged to wear Indigenous flag-coloured accessories on Wednesday 3 June. Remember no face painting allowed.

Hanoor K 12WB – SRC Leader

Music Week 2026 

From May 11 to May 15, Music Week was a vibrant and memorable celebration of student talent across both the Maddingley and Woodlea campuses.

Across the week, more than 300 students took to the stage, demonstrating courage, commitment and musical growth. For many students, this was their first performance, and it was wonderful to see the confidence and pride they brought to each opportunity.

The week featured a range of concerts across both campuses, with evening performances showcasing our instrument‑focused concert series — vocals, piano, guitar, woodwind/brass, strings and drums. Lunchtime concerts brought live music into the heart of the school day, with performances taking place in The Hive, Wilson Hall, the Amphitheatre, the Peng Building and the Quadrangle.

A highlight of the week was the way students supported and encouraged one another, creating a positive and inclusive performance environment. This strong sense of community was evident throughout and contributed to the vibrant atmosphere across both campuses.

The week concluded with a special Alumni Event at Maddingley, featuring our Senior students and celebrating their musical journey and contribution to the program.

Music Week was a wonderful showcase of student learning, creativity and participation, and a reminder of the important role music plays in bringing our community together.

Aaron Marshall – Head of Music (Maddingley)

Maddingley

BMPSSA District Cross Country

On Friday May 8, BMG proudly took 30 students from Years 3 to 6 to the annual BMPSSA District Cross Country Carnival at Masons Lane.

At the conclusion of the event, 25 BMG students achieved a Top 10 placing in their individual races. As a result, these students have qualified for the Western Ranges Division Cross Country Carnival, which will take place on Wednesday May 27 (Term 2, Week 6).

Congratulations to all students who represented the school and competed so enthusiastically throughout the day.

Congratulations to the following students:
Attaya A (6D)
Sloane B (4B)
Nimrat B (6D)
Izzy B (4A)
Alia C (5E)
Anthony C (6D)
Eloise E (6A)
Nicolas F (5A)
Lincoln H (6C)
Yuvaan J (6D)
Jazlyn K (3B)
Harbin Kaur A (6D)
Jimmy K (6A)
Oliver L (3E)
Emma M (6C)
Audrey P (5D)
Rylee R (5C)
Harveer Singh S (4D)
Suhan S (6C)
Gurnaaz V (6D)
Shivjeet V (4D)
Anya V (3E)
Uday V (5E)
Rowan W (4B)
Zac Z (5A)

A special thank you also goes to our 13 Elite Sport students who attended the carnival and assisted throughout the day with marshalling and pace setting. Their support and leadership were greatly appreciated and contributed significantly to the smooth running of the event.

Information regarding the Western Ranges Division Cross Country Carnival will be communicated via EdSmart and Schoolbox in due course.

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

ICCES Athletics Carnival

On Thursday May 14, 104 students from Years 7 to 12 were selected to represent BMG at Lakeside Stadium for the annual ICCES Athletics Carnival.

On what was a fantastic day for athletics, our students gave an outstanding account of themselves against strong opposition. I would like to thank all students who attended for both their individual and team performances throughout the day, as well as those students who stepped up to fill events where we were missing competitors.

Overall Results:

BMG finished 5th overall and Harrison L of 8I was the Joint Year 8 Boys Age Group Champion.

Event Highlights:

At the conclusion of the event, BMG had many students place in the Top 3 across a range of events and age groups – a massive congratulations to all of these students!

Makenzie C (12J) – 1st Girls 100 Metre Run (Year 11/12 B) / 1st Girls 200 Metre Run (Year 11/12 B)

Zali G (8F) – 1st Girls Shot Put (Year 8 A)

Jayshivani J (7D) – 1st Girls 400 Metre Run (Year 7 B)

Corki K (8I) – 1st Boys Long Jump (Year 8 A)

Harrison L (8I) – 1st Boys High Jump (Year 8 A) / 1st Boys 13–14 Triple Jump (Year 8 A)

Thomas S (10H) – 1st Boys High Jump (Year 10 A)

Leila S (11F) – 1st Girls Long Jump (Year 11/12 A) / 1st Girls 16–21 High Jump (Year 11/12 A)

Liam W (7C) – 1st Boys Triple Jump (Year 7 A)

BMG – 1st Girls 4×100 Metre Relay (Year 11/12 Relays)

A special shoutout must also go to Leila S (11F), who broke two ICCES records on the day in the Girls Long Jump (Year 11/12) and Girls High Jump (Year 11/12) – congratulations Leila on your continued athletics success!

A big thank you to Mr Borg and Miss Fenech (Team Managers) for their organisation and support throughout the day, as well as Mr Oldaker, Miss Ogston and intern Ethan for their assistance with the running of the competition and the overall day.

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

ICCES Equestrian Championship

BMG proudly hosted the inaugural ICCES Equestrian Championships at I.R. Robertson Reserve, Gisborne South on Friday May 15.

As the very first event of its kind, the Championships marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the ICCES Association. The day brought together talented riders, supportive school communities and a wonderful atmosphere of sportsmanship and enthusiasm.

BMG students performed exceptionally well across both Dressage and Jumping phases, achieving outstanding individual and team results.

Overall Results: The Bacchus Marsh Grammar teams achieved an excellent collective result, finishing 2nd overall in both the Dressage and Jumping phases.

Event Highlights:

In the Dressage competition:

• Jasmine C (10A) riding Ferrari Park Autumn Gold was named Reserve Champion Senior Novice.
• Jayde C (8I) riding Aspen Way Tuxedo placed 3rd overall in Junior Preliminary.
• Lucy B (10H) riding Primadona placed 4th overall in Senior Preliminary.
• Milly S (10H) riding Whatever Trevor placed 5th overall in Senior Preliminary.
• Cailin K (7G) riding RH Colossus and Nimerion Park Marcel placed 5th overall in Junior Preliminary.

In the Jumping competition:

• Jasmine C (10A) riding Ferrari Park Autumn Gold was crowned Overall Champion in the 90cm class.
• Milly S (10H) riding Whatever Trevor was crowned Overall Champion in the 80cm class.
• Jayde J (8I) riding Aspen Way TUXEDO placed 4th overall in the 80cm class.
• Cailin K (7G) riding RH Colossus and Nimerion Park Marcel placed 3rd overall in the 60cm class.
• Molly R (10A) riding Super Socks and Beaut Choice placed 3rd overall in the 90cm class.

The day was a fantastic success and showcased the dedication, skill and teamwork of all involved. We are incredibly proud of our riders for their achievements and for representing the school so positively at this historic inaugural event.

I would like to personally acknowledge and thank Mrs Low for her outstanding work in organising the entire event on behalf of the ICCES Association.

Mrs Low’s dedication, tireless effort and unwavering commitment are a true reflection of the strength and quality of our school’s Equestrian program. Her exceptional organisation and leadership ensured the success of this event, and without her hard work and contribution, neither the event nor the continued growth and success of our Equestrian program would have been possible.

Her passion and commitment to providing opportunities for students within the equestrian community are greatly appreciated by all involved.

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

BMPSSA District Girls AFL Carnival

On Tuesday May 19, BMG proudly took 28 Year 5 – 6 girls, split across two teams, to the annual BMPSSA District Girls AFL Carnival held at Darley Park. In what was a fantastic celebration of girls’ football, both BMG teams represented the school with great enthusiasm, sportsmanship and pride both on and off the field.

The carnival was played in an outstanding spirit across all participating schools, creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the day. Our students demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience and respect, which was a credit to themselves and to the wider BMG community.

At the conclusion of the event, both the BMG A and BMG B teams were crowned champions of their respective divisions, an outstanding achievement and a testament to the hard work and commitment shown by all players throughout the season.

A sincere thank you must go to our head coaches, Miss Peterson and Ms Gorton, for their dedication and preparation leading into the carnival, as well as their support and leadership across the day. Additional thanks also to Interns Emma and Olivia for their valuable assistance at trainings and throughout the event.

Congratulations to all students involved on an excellent performance and for the way in which they represented BMG.

As a result of their success, our BMG A team has now qualified for the Western Ranges Division AFL Finals, scheduled to take place on Friday July 17. As this date currently falls during our Term 2 school holiday period, a request has been made for the event to be rescheduled to accommodate our team’s participation at this event. Further information regarding this event will be communicated to families later in the term.

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

VSSC Basketball Championships – Junior and Intermediate

In Week 5 of Term 2, BMG proudly took four teams across two days of competition to Eagle Stadium to compete in the annual VSSC Basketball Qualifying Championships.

On Monday, our Intermediate Boys and Intermediate Girls teams represented the school with great spirit and determination. Both teams performed strongly throughout the day and gave an excellent account of themselves, narrowly missing out on a place in the finals.

Wednesday saw our Junior Boys and Junior Girls teams take to the court. The Junior Boys competed exceptionally well across the tournament but, unfortunately, fell short of progressing through to the finals. Our Junior Girls team, led by Head Coach Miss Ogston, produced an outstanding performance to win their respective division and claim the championship title.

Congratulations to all students involved, particularly our Junior Girls team, who will now progress through to the VSSC Finals on Tuesday June 16.

A special thank you must also go to Mr Kirk, Ms Brown, Mrs Bullen, Miss Ogston, Mr C Perks and intern Zack for their support, preparation and commitment to the students both in the lead-up to the competition and across the two days of play.

Information regarding the VSSC Finals will be sent out in the coming weeks.

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

Maddingley

Bacchus Marsh Grammar Joins the PP5 Plant Pot Recycling Program

Bacchus Marsh Grammar is proud to participate in the annual PP5 Plant Pot Recycling Program, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainable gardening practices within our community.

Students and families are encouraged to bring along any unwanted plastic plant pots marked with the PP5 recycling symbol. Pots can be dropped off with Mr Gorton at the Gym before school, during recess, or at lunchtime.

The initiative will be coordinated by the (Maddingley) Staughton Vale Ambassadors as part of their ongoing environmental leadership projects for 2026. The program provides students with an opportunity to contribute positively to sustainability efforts while supporting responsible recycling practices within the horticulture and gardening industries.

This important initiative is promoted through the Victorian Schools Garden Program which encourages schools to develop sustainable outdoor learning environments and environmental awareness programs.

We thank our school community in advance for supporting this worthwhile project and helping keep plastic plant pots out of landfill.

David Gorton – Head of Campus (Staughton Vale)

Year 7 Water in the World Fieldwork Investigation: Water Management at Staughton Vale Campus

Year 7 Geography students recently travelled to Staughton Vale Campus as part of their Water in the World unit. The fieldwork investigation focused on how water is used and managed in the local environment.

Students collected primary data through water quality testing, field observations and aerial drone imagery. They investigated features of the Staughton Vale catchment, considered how water supports people and ecosystems and explored the social, economic and environmental impacts of water management.

The use of drone technology allowed students to view the landscape from a different perspective and gather evidence for their upcoming ArcGIS Story Map assessment. This fieldwork experience helped students build important geographical skills, including data collection, observation, mapping and environmental analysis.

Claire Higgins – Teacher

Woodlea

ACS Chess

Congratulations to our BMG Woodlea ACS Chess Team who represented our school with outstanding composure, strategy and sportsmanship at the ACS Chess Championships held at Loyola College, Watsonia.

In a highly competitive field, the team finished an impressive 3rd overall with 27 points, placing alongside some of the strongest chess programs in the ACS competition.

Overall School Standings:

1st – Westbourne Grammar School – 29.5

2nd – Overnewton Anglican Community College – 28

3rd – Bacchus Marsh Grammar (Woodlea Campus) – 27

Individual Student Results:

1st Overall: Niraj P – 6 points, gold medal and qualified for Secondary Open State Final

3rd Overall: Dulein P – 6 points, equal bronze medal and qualified for Secondary Open State Final

12th Overall: Tiger C – 5 points and qualified for Secondary Open State Final

Additional Team Results:

Navraj S: 3.5 points – 40th overall

Japvir N: 3.5 points – 41st overall

Nihal P: 3 points – 50th overall

Zuhayr C: 3 points – 52nd overall

Srivetri S: 3 points – 54th overall

Venkata P: 2.5 points – 58th overall

This achievement marks another significant milestone for Woodlea students, continuing the campus’ strong growth within the ACS competition and showcasing the depth of talent across our students.

Congratulations to all students involved on an outstanding effort and for representing our school with pride.

Evan Long – Head of Faculty: PE (Woodlea)

Public Speaking

Public speaking has continued to flourish at Woodlea this year, with students enthusiastically embracing opportunities to build confidence, strengthen their communication skills and discover the power of their voice through the Enrichment program.

Throughout the term, students have been learning the foundations of effective public speaking, from writing the perfect speech and crafting persuasive arguments to delivering with confidence, clarity and expression. These sessions have encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, develop resilience, and grow as confident communicators and leaders.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate another successful year at Wynspeak, a highly competitive public speaking competition that attracts talented speakers from schools across the region. A special congratulations goes to Maddie D who delivered an outstanding performance to win her round and secure a place in the Western Region Final on June 3. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to Maddie’s hard work, preparation and confidence.

Emily Hutton – Student Engagement/Debating and Public Speaking (Woodlea)

Book Club News 

Issue 4 of the Scholastic Book Club catalogue is now available to order from.

Orders can still be placed from Issue 3 until the end of term.

Click here to see ‘How to Order’.

Click here to place an order.

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

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

Late Bus Information

Maddingley

Both late bus 1 and late bus 2 will operate every TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY afternoon departing the bus quay at 4.40pm sharp.

2026 Timetables are available on the school website for your reference. Please note the late bus timetables have limited stops.

Students themselves are required to sign up to either late bus 1 or late bus 2 by putting their name under the stop at which they will disembark. The sign-up sheets will be in the Main Reception; students are required to sign up prior to the end of lunch on the day of travel. If no students sign up for a bus, the bus will be cancelled for that afternoon. Students require their student ID cards to travel on the late buses.

Parents are advised to monitor Roll Call for the late bus arrival time at their child’s stop.

Woodlea

The late bus will operate every TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY afternoon departing the bus quay at 4.40pm sharp.

2026 Timetables are available on the school website for your reference. Please note the late bus timetable has limited stops.

Students themselves are required to sign up to the late bus by putting their name under the stop at which they will disembark. The sign-up sheets will be in Reception; students are required to sign up prior to the end of lunch on the day of travel. If no students sign up for a bus, the bus will be cancelled for that afternoon. Students require their student ID cards to travel on the late buses.

Parents are advised to monitor Roll Call for the late bus arrival to their child’s stop.

ID Cards

Students MUST use their Student ID cards to tap on/off any BMG private buses.

Student ID cards are compulsory when boarding a private bus or attending any school excursions/camps etc and they must always be carried.

Students who board the bus repeatedly without their ID cards will receive a detention or further consequences.

Student Permission Cards

Students in Prep Reception – Year 6 require a green permission tag on their bags if they are to disembark from the bus to be picked up by someone other than their parent/guardian.

Students in Grades 5 and 6 can disembark from 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

Alumni Milestones Reunion

We recently welcomed alumni from the Classes of 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 back to Maddingley Campus for our 2026 Alumni Milestones Reunion.

It was such a wonderful evening which saw past students reconnecting with classmates, catching up with former teachers and staff, revisiting the campus and looking through old photos and publications from their school years.

The feedback from alumni was immediately positive, with some past students saying that their favourite moment of the night was the campus tours led by Mr Richardson, whose behind-the-scenes stories and reflections were funny and nostalgic – and an all-round enjoyable night. Alumni really enjoyed hearing old stories, reminiscing about House activities and seeing just how much the school has changed over the years.

It was great to see so many familiar faces back at BMG and we look forward to continuing to grow opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the school and one another.

Jess Thorpe – Marketing and Communications Coordinator

2025 Annual Report

The Bacchus Marsh Grammar School Board held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 27 May 2026 in the Andrew Conolly Boardroom at the Maddingley Campus.

At the meeting, the Board approved the 2025 Financial Statements and received the Auditor’s Report from William Buck. Auditor Jeffrey Luckins commended the School Executive, Finance Team and School Board on the strong financial result, describing Bacchus Marsh Grammar as one of the most dynamic and progressive schools in Victoria.

Mr Luckins also acknowledged the smooth leadership transition throughout 2025, including Debra Ogston’s first year as Principal, Andrew Neal’s role as Chief Executive Officer, the appointment of Kylie Cooper to the role of Chief Financial Officer following the retirement of Greg Gough, Kerryn Browne’s appointment as Company Secretary and Diana Taylor AM’s first year as School Board Chair. He noted that the seamless transition reflected the School Board’s strong succession planning and risk management practices.

Three Directors were reappointed unanimously to the School Board: Kristine Slater, Mark Mills and Moira Berry.

The Board also approved the 2025 Annual Report, which is available for the School Community to view on the School website.

Michelle Graham
Director of Administration

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF) – Final Applications Due

This applies to parents/guardians who hold a valid Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card (CRN).

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

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

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

Sharon Micallef – Accounts Receivable Manager

Term Dates

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/

Regular Contacts

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