I am pleased to announce the return of the Reception program at our Maddingley Campus, commencing in 2026.
This decision comes in response to strong community interest and recognises the need for flexible early learning options that support each child’s development. The program is designed for children who turn five years old between 1 January and 30 April, offering an ideal pathway for those who have been deemed school ready, but may benefit socially, emotionally and academically from an additional year before commencing Prep.
The Maddingley Reception program provides a full-time, nurturing introduction to school life. Students will build foundational literacy and numeracy skills, develop confidence and take part in creative, hands-on learning experiences. The program is carefully structured to ensure a smooth and successful transition into Prep the following year.
We look forward to welcoming our youngest learners into this enriching program.
Character Education, Enrichment and Academic Success
The success of any educational institution is reliant on that institution giving its students a broad range of educational experiences. As our character program advocates at Bacchus Marsh Grammar this is based around a framework that emphasises four virtues – Performance, Moral, Civic and Intellectual. Fitting in with this framework and our school values is the most important component of enrichment. Providing these programs also adds to the opportunities for or students to flourish. An integral part of this at BMG is our school camps and outdoor experience programs.
However, many parents often question the necessity of school camps. Why does my child need to attend? Is there any benefit in camping under canvas? The high ropes course is too dangerous! The purpose of school camps, as well as being fun and giving students the opportunity to socialise in an educational setting, is to push students beyond their comfort zones. The activities might be unfamiliar and challenging, being away from family can be unfamiliar, and at times uncomfortable, and working in teams might be unfamiliar. However, life sends us many unfamiliar situations and challenges where we must be prepared to be brave and have a go. The skills learnt on camp and in the outdoors are directly transferable to the classroom and the academic setting and are vital in preparing our children for the challenges that life will “throw at them.”
Life is full of uncertainty, and we need to ensure we aid the journey of development and give our young people opportunities to be brave, to have a go and accept the situation when it does not turn out as they had hoped.
As young people embark on unfamiliar activities, like those attempted on school camps, teachers and parents should first show what needs to be done, assist the student with doing it if needed, and let the child work independently. Each step is critical providing the student with the chance to trust in their own ability and believe in themselves. This very much is part of the Teaching and Learning Framework applied in the academic classroom, “I do, We do, You do.” I wish all staff and students a wonderful time as they once again head out on Year Level Camps and encourage parents to think about some of the great benefits of school camps which clearly involve improving academic abilities.
5 Great benefits of school camps
1. Camps develop confidence. Students grow their confidence in managing for themselves. Camps promote independence and opportunities for students to fulfil responsibilities.
2. Camps develop problem-solving abilities, such as putting up a tent or cooking on a trangia.
3. Students are immersed in the natural environment and experience the wonder of Australian environment
4. Camps develop social interactions such as patience, sharing, helping and including others. Team building is evident in every activity they complete. Students encourage each other, celebrate their successes together, and embrace each other’s different skillsets.
5. Camps develop being brave! Providing this adventure enables our students to build the confidence to try new and different experiences – more structured in the younger years and more independent in the older years.
Mr Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education
At Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Respect is one of our core values and is central to how we engage with each other as students, staff and families. We aim to foster a school environment where respectful behaviour is modelled and encouraged in all interactions.
Our teachers and students continue to explore the idea of respect, what it looks like in our classrooms, playgrounds and the wider community. Our conversations have focused on the importance of listening to others, being kind and appreciating different perspectives.
As part of these discussions, we have also taken time to reflect on the importance of understanding and valuing the diverse cultures that make up our community. These reflections align with broader conversations happening across the country, including those during this week of national significance.
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home, helping children to think about what respect means in everyday life. By working together, we can continue to build a culture of care, understanding and inclusivity.
Mrs Sally Savic – Head of Junior School: Woodlea and Mr Darren Gibson – Head of Junior School: Maddingley
Maddingley
Year 2
This term, the Year 2 students have been enthusiastically engaging in a diverse range of enriching activities based on the topic Cycles in Nature during their English lessons. In the coming weeks, they will begin to delve into the captivating world of insects, the largest group of animals on Earth. Through research and exploration, students will gain insights into the intricate life cycles of insects, their distinctive features—such as antennae, thorax and abdomen—as well as their fascinating exoskeletons. They will also explore the behavioural differences between social and solitary insects.
Last week, the students had the privilege of participating in an engaging incursion hosted by Wild Action, which provided them with valuable knowledge about insects. During this event, they had hands-on experiences holding and observing various insects, including the spiny leaf stick insect, giant burrowing cockroaches, sea stars, yabbies and spider crabs. This interactive session allowed them to closely inspect insect body parts and apply their understanding.
Additionally, they had the unique opportunity to encounter other fascinating creatures such as a tarantula, a blue ringed octopus and a sugar glider; discovering intriguing facts about their habitats, diets and unique adaptations. This was a fantastic hands-on learning experience for our students, and the presenter was very impressed with the knowledge they already possessed, the insightful observations they made, and the curiosity demonstrated by the Year 2 students.
Mrs Samantha Di Mieri – Head of Year 2
Woodlea
National Simultaneous Storytime – The Truck Cat
On 21 May at 12:00pm, our Junior School proudly participated in National Simultaneous Storytime, a much-loved annual event that promotes the joy of reading across Australia. This year’s chosen story was the heart-warming The Truck Cat, written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell.
To make the experience even more memorable, several of our senior students visited Junior School classrooms to read aloud and model expressive, joyful reading. Their presence helped bring the story to life and reinforced the sense of community that books can create.
Year 1 students extended their learning through a reflective literacy task designed to deepen their understanding of the story’s central theme — the idea that “home” can be more than just a place. Each student contributed a personalised reflection, creating a wall display in the shape of a house. This visual piece beautifully captured their diverse interpretations of what home means to them.
Some thoughtful reflections included:
“Home is my dog.” – Adem 1WC
“Home is me hugging my mum.” – Aiden 1WB
“Home is my brother snoring.” – Ajooni 1WD
“Home is safe because I have my family.” – Tanishka 1WA
National Simultaneous Storytime is a powerful reminder of the role stories play in connecting us, building empathy and sparking imagination. A warm thank you to all staff and students involved in making this year’s celebration of reading such a rich and meaningful experience.
Mrs Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School
Year 1
This Term, Year 1 students from the Woodlea Campus enjoyed a hands-on and creative excursion to Staughton Vale. During their visit, students decorated their own birdhouses using markers, glue and natural materials found around the farm. The activity encouraged creativity, as each student had the opportunity to personalise their birdhouse and make thoughtful choices about the colours, textures, and decorations they used. Back in the classroom, the students reflected on their experience by writing their own procedures. It was wonderful to see how well they were able to draw on their time at Staughton Vale; carefully considering the unique steps they took to complete their birdhouse. Students practised adapting their usual procedural writing structure to match their specific materials and method. The students had a fantastic day engaging in a range of meaningful and enjoyable activities that supported their learning.
On Thursday 15 May and Friday 16 May the Year 8 students at Maddingley went to Staughton Vale and the nearby Anakie Gorge to explore the Geology concepts they have been learning about in class.
At Anakie Gorge, students observed the effects of weathering and erosion and how these natural processes influence the rocks in the local area. They saw firsthand how different rock formations have been created over time due to these forces, including the breakdown of rock into smaller particles and the reshaping of landscapes by wind, water and gravity. Students gained a deeper understanding of geological changes and the timescales over which they occur.
At Staughton Vale, students investigated tectonic plates and how their movement shapes the Earth’s surface. They learned about how the shifting of these massive plates can cause earthquakes, create mountain ranges and form other geological features. As part of this hands-on learning, students also used stream tables to simulate how water flow impacts the environment. These models allowed them to observe how rivers erode soil, transport sediment and create landforms.
This experience at Staughton Vale provided valuable opportunities for students to explore geological concepts in real-world settings, deepening their understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems.
Miss Sarah Thomson – Head of Science
Woodlea
Year 5 French
This term, Year 5 students at the Woodlea campus have been diving into the French language, mastering greetings, verbs, numbers and expanding their vocabulary in creative ways. A highlight of their learning was performing a French version of The Three Little Pigs. Students brought the story to life by crafting their own props and costumes and impressed everyone with their discipline in memorising lines and confidence on stage.
Congratulations to all our budding performers for their hard work and fantastic achievement!
Over the past week, students undertaking Unit 3/4 Biology at both Maddingley and Woodlea campuses conducted a scientific experiment exploring genetic editing technologies and their applications in real-world settings. The students successfully transformed bacteria with a plasmid that includes a gene that causes the bacteria to glow under UV light, demonstrating the power of recombinant plasmids as a vector for transferring genetic material.
This experiment not only provided insights into the mechanisms of genetic modification but also highlighted the practical uses of biotechnology. The ability to manipulate genes in this way has wide-ranging applications, from medical treatments such as generating insulin, to agricultural advancements such as developing crops with desirable traits. The experiment also sparked discussions on the ethical implications of genetic editing technologies, and encouraging students to think critically about their potential benefits and risks.
Overall, the experiment gave students a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge tools used in genetic research and their potential to shape the future of science and medicine.
During Week 4, Woodlea came alive with the rich traditions, customs, and stories from around the world as we celebrated Cultural Week. This special event offered students a unique opportunity to learn about diverse cultures through immersive, hands-on experiences that sparked curiosity and deepened understanding. Across the school, students enjoyed a vibrant program of cultural incursions that brought global traditions directly into our classrooms and playgrounds.
Highlights included the energetic and colourful Bollywood dancing workshops, captivating Indigenous performances that honoured Australia’s First Peoples, delicate Japanese ink writing sessions, the powerful rhythms of African drumming, expressive French mime, and enchanting puppet shows that entertained and educated alike.
The Junior School also proudly showcased their creativity and cultural pride in a lively parade on Dress Up Day, where students donned traditional and imaginative costumes representing cultures from near and far. Beyond the scheduled incursions, lunchtime activities provided ongoing opportunities for students of all ages to engage, explore and celebrate cultural diversity in a fun and inclusive environment. Cultural Week at Woodlea was more than a celebration—it was an immersive learning journey that encouraged respect, curiosity and connection across our school community. We are grateful to all students, staff and families who helped make this week such a memorable and enriching experience.
Mrs Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School: Woodlea
On Thursday 15 May, over 100 BMG students participated in the annual ICCES Athletics competitions held at Lakeside Stadium.
Our students represented the school with pride and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. Their dedication and effort resulted in several impressive individual and team victories, reflecting the school’s commitment to excellence in sport.
Please see the highlights below:
Emma S (12B) – 1st Y11/12 Girls 100m (A Event)
Ethan B (11I) – 1st Y11/12 Boys 800m (A Event)
Ethan S (12G) – 1st Y11/12 Boys 100m (B Event)
Harrison L (7I) – 1st Y7 Boys Triple Jump (A Event) / 1st High Jump (A Event)
Isabella B (8D) – 1st Y8 Girls 400m (B Event)
Jack M (10WB) – 1st Y10 Boys High Jump (A Event)
Jerix A (8E) – 1st Y8 Boys Triple Hump (A Event) / 1st 200m (B Event) / 1st Shot Put (A Event)
Leila S (10F) – 1st Y10 Girls 100m (A Event) / 1st 200m (A Event)
Lilly B (9B) – 1st Y9 Girls 400m (B Event)
Makenzie C (11J) – 1st Y11/12 Girls 200m (B Event)
Samuel L (12E) – 1st Y11/12 Boys Shot Put (A Event)
Soham D (8B) – 1st Y8 Boys 100m (B Event) / 1st 400m (A Event) / 1st 200m (A Event)
Thomas S (9H) – 1st Y9 Boys High Jump (A Event)
Zali G (7F) – 1st Y7 Girls Discus (A Event)
BMG Replay – 1st Y8 Boys 4x100m Relay (A Event)
OVERALL Aggregate – 2nd
“A Huge congratulations to Mr Durham and his team for finishing a best ever Second place at the event, only being overtaken by Ballarat Grammar, but notably beating traditionally strong Athletic schools in Goulburn Valley Grammar, Girton Grammar and Gippsland Grammar. Mr Durham and his staff did a wonderful job in motivating and managing the students at Lakeside State Athletics Centre and it all resulted in a magnificent result, our best since our first ICCES Athletics Carnival in 2012. As well as the fantastic finishing result, our students were fantastic representatives of, not only our school, but also what as a school we hold strongly, our school values. A highlight for me was seeing one of our Middle School students assist a fallen runner at the conclusion of her event and making sure that the girl was not hurt and “ok”, clearly demonstrating our school value of kindness, and the respect our students showed fellow competitors, track officials and staff was outstanding.”– Mr Perks
A special mention to Leila S (10F) on winning the Year 10 Girls Age Group Champion Award.
SSAV Golf Finals
On Monday 26 May, three students recently represented the school at the SSAV Golf event held at the prestigious Lonsdale Links Golf Club. Going head to head with some of the top school golfers in Victoria, our students put together a fantastic round and showcased impressive skill and determination.
Competing students:
Lachlan B (12B)
Kayden H (11I)
James M (11E)
We’re incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented BMG on the day. A sincere thank you to Mr Glen and Mr Borg who supported and accompanied them.
VEIS Show Jumping – Round 2
On Sunday 11 May, the following students represented BMG at the VEIS Show Jumping – Round 2 event at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.
Bonnie C (10H) – Improvers Class.
Molly R (9A) – Improvers Class
Myah E (9B) – Improvers Class
Lucille C (6D) – Encourages Class
Jayde C (7I) – Encourages Class
Cailin K (6C) – Freshmans Class
Jasmine C (9A) – Progressive Class
Overall, students had a successful weekend, many placing in the top half of their class and bringing home ribbons.
If you’re interested in joining the BMG Equestrian Club, please contact Mrs Georgia Low.
Mr Matt Harris – Sport and House Administrator
Individual Sporting Achievements
Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding individual sporting achievements: Riley D (Year 11)
Riley has been selected to represent School Sport Victoria (SSV) in Basketball and will travel to Queensland in July to compete at the School Sport Australia Championships. We wish Riley all the very best as he represents Victoria on the national stage.
Leila S (Year 10)
Leila was named Athlete of the Meet at the recent ACS Athletics Carnival held on Monday 26 May. She had an exceptional day on the track, claiming victory in the 90m Hurdles and 200m, and placing second in a fiercely contested 100m sprint. Leila then dominated the field events, taking out both the High Jump and Triple Jump. Congratulations to Leila on an outstanding all-round performance!
Elsie P (Year 8)
Elsie (pictured left) represented the RDFNL at the 2025 Netball Association Championships over the weekend, where her team placed 4th overall, narrowly missing out on a top-three finish after a close 1-goal loss to the leading side. Elsie continues to refine her skills through consistent training and competition with both the Eynesbury Eagles and VU Vultures at Parkville. Well done, Elsie!
Mr Bryce Durham – Head of Faculty: Physical Education and Health
Wynspeak 2025, held at Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s Maddingley Campus, was an evening I had been excited about for weeks. As a proud student of Bacchus Marsh Grammar, it was a real privilege to welcome participants from Kurunjang College, Overnewton Community College and Heathdale Christian College. The event was carefully split into senior and junior divisions, which made sure everyone had a fair shot at showcasing their skills and talents.
The prepared speeches were impressive, with each speaker clearly putting a lot of thought and effort into their presentations. But for me, the impromptu speech challenge was the real highlight of the night. Trying to come up with a speech on the spot was a little like being asked a tricky question in class when you least expect it, definitely nerve-wracking but also a lot of fun. I was surprised at some of the ideas I managed to come up with, even if I stumbled over a few words here and there. I have huge respect for all the contestants because public speaking is a lot harder than it looks, and standing up in front of a crowd takes a lot of courage.
The whole event ran really smoothly thanks to the amazing work of the Hoppers Rotary Group. Their attention to detail and organisation made sure the night flowed like clockwork. I also want to thank Mr. Moss, Miss Zammit and Prince Ian, who have supported me throughout, helping me grow my confidence and improve my speaking skills, even when my early attempts weren’t exactly award worthy!
Watching everyone speak with such confidence and passion was truly inspiring. The winners from Heathdale Christian College really stood out with their outstanding speeches, and they absolutely deserved their recognition. Their performances reminded me just how powerful and exciting public speaking can be.
Wynspeak 2025 wasn’t just a competition, it was an opportunity to learn new skills, have fun, and meet some incredible people from different schools. I’m really glad I was part of such a great event, and I’m already looking forward to what next year’s Wynspeak will bring. Vivaan O (8C)
Keilor Downs Chess tournament
On Thursday 15 May, twenty-one students from Woodlea campus attended the chess tournament held at Keilor Downs College run by Northern Star Chess. The tournament was attended by 126 competitors from eight schools. The tournament participants represented some of the best and most experienced secondary chess players from across the western suburbs.
At a team level, the students from Woodlea campus did extremely well finishing fourth, missing third position by 1.5 points and second position by only two points.
At an individual level, several competitors on the day excelled winning the majority of their seven games played across the course of the day. These students included: Niraj P (6 games), Iian A (4.5 games), Emil J (4.5 games), Aarav S (4.5 games), Nihal P (4.5 games), Ansh B (4.5 games), Devansh V (4.5 games) and Oscar N (4 games).
Medallists on the day were Niraj P (Silver medal), Iian A (Bronze medal), Emil J (Bronze medal) and Aarav S (Bronze medal).
All competitors who won 4.5 games or more qualified for the Championships in October. Well done to all competitors!
Mr Cameron McGregor – Head of Faculty: Mathematics (Woodlea)
Junior Landcare “Pop-Up” Farm Store a Blooming Success!
Congratulations to our Maddingley Junior Landcare group on the success of their very first “Pop-Up” Farm Store held at the Maddingley Gatehouse on Friday 16 May.
Building on their recent achievements at the Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show, the students showcased an impressive selection of fresh produce, made possible thanks to the generous support of a local Rotary Club grant.
Every Friday, our dedicated students have been working hard in their garden beds—planting, nurturing and harvesting vegetables and flowers—all with the goal of preparing for upcoming shows and events. With additional support from the Staughton Vale Market Garden, families were treated to a wonderful selection of affordable, high-quality produce, proudly sold by our enthusiastic Year 6 students.
The students were involved in every step of the process: growing many of the crops from seed, harvesting and preparing them for sale, and greeting customers with a smile at the farm stall.
On the day, they raised an impressive $233 in donations which will be gifted to the Koala Clancy Foundation, a conservation charity based right here on Staughton Vale Road. Some of the remaining produce was gifted to the local charity Neighbours Place.
With the stall a sell-out success, our students are already back in the garden preparing for the next “Pop-Up” Farm Store. We can’t wait to see what they grow next!
Further details about the Junior Landcare Club or the Staughton Vale Campus are available from Mr Gorton.
On Friday 16 May, with another beautiful autumn day on our side, students from the Middle and Senior School shared their talents for an excited and passionate audience as part of the Cultural Week celebrations at the Woodlea Campus.
Opening the concert were Trishnoor Band Jazzmeen S, who performed a Bhangra style dance to rapturous applause!
Following their performance, we heard from Saketh M performing an interactive vocal piece from a well-known south Indian movie.
The Woodlea Dance Ensemble made their debut with a Bollywood mash-up, whilst Shanaya B performed a self-choreographed Bollywood dance.
Vivaansh K, a lead in the upcoming Mary Poppins musical, and Year 9 & 10 Performing Arts student, Jasmine K, sang a beautiful vocal duo together, and to complete the suite of inspiring acts, was Year 11 student, Ashvika B, who performed an Indian folk dance.
It is safe to say the chessboard in the Middle School area was well and truly transformed into an energetic and festive event and the Performing Arts team cannot wait to continue this new tradition in 2026.
Ms Suzanne Kinsella – Head of Faculty: Music (Woodlea)
Junior School Students perform in Cultural Week
A special highlight of Cultural Week was the incredible talent showcased by our Junior School students. During recess performances coordinated by the Music Department, students took to the stage to share their cultural pride and musical abilities. Audiences were treated to a beautiful guitar solo, a vibrant cultural dance full of energy and tradition, and a moving vocal duet that captured the spirit of celebration. These performances not only entertained but also reminded us of the power of music and dance in bringing people together across cultures. Mrs Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School (Woodlea)
If you have changed your child/ren’s stop where they board or disembark as a permanent change, and have not notified the school, please contact the School Bus Services Administrator on 5366 4800 or email bus@bmg.vic.edu.au. This information needs to be up to date on roll call for emergency services and will assist in the planning for 2026 routes/timetables.
Student Permission Cards
Students in Prep – Year 6 require a green permission tag on their bag if they are to disembark the bus to be picked up by someone other than their parent/guardian. Students in Grade 5 & 6 can disembark the bus on their own if they have a green permission tag on their bag for the driver to check. Student Afternoon Bus Arrangement & Permission Notices are available on Schoolbox under School Letters. Please return Student Afternoon Bus Arrangement & Permission Notices to bus@bmg.vic.edu.au. Calls on the day to advise someone else will be collecting your child will not be accepted.
Private/Late Bus travellers and Excursions/Camps
All students have their student ID card for 2025. Students MUST use their Student ID card to tap on/off the bus. Student ID cards are compulsory when boarding a private bus, attending any school excursions/camps, travelling via private bus as a casual traveller or the LATE bus .Student ID cards must be always carried. Students who board the bus three times without their Student ID cards will receive a detention or further consequences. If your child has misplaced or lost their ID card, please advise our ICT department for a new card to be printed.
Mrs Leanne Robertson – School Bus Services Administrator
Due to V/Line maintenance and infrastructure upgrade works from Saturday 24 May to Saturday 7 June, coaches will replace all trains between Melton and Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough. Trains will run between Southern Cross and Melton.
Melton Level Crossing Removal works will also take place from Friday night 30 May to last service Sunday 1 June, with coaches running between Caroline Springs and Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough. Trains will run between Southern Cross and Caroline Springs.
Coaches connecting with trains at Melton or Caroline Springs will depart earlier than usual times. Students can plan their journey using the V/Line or PTV journey planner. There will also be PDF temporary timetables available to download from the V/Line website.
For more information, visit V/Line – Regional public transport for Victoria – Coaches replace trains on parts of the Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines
Camps Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF) – Final Applications Due
This is applicable to families who hold a valid Centrelink pensioner concession or Health care card number (CRN).
If you have not yet submitted your CSEF application form, please ensure it is returned to the Administration Office no later than 23 June 2025 to allow sufficient time for processing.
Further information and the CSEF application form can be downloaded from the School’s website:
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.
Our amazing Kylie McKerrow, Prep teacher at Maddingley Campus, is taking on the icy Big Freeze slide this Saturday, 31 May at Maddingley Park and all for a very important cause.
Kylie has been invited to participate as part of the Bacchus Marsh Football Netball Club, where she’s a player, coach and committee member. Kylie will be sliding into freezing cold water to raise awareness and funds for FightMND.
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive, terminal neurological disease that affects the nerve cells that control movement. Over time, people with MND lose the ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe. There is currently no cure.
By taking the plunge, Kylie is helping raise vital funds to support research and treatment development. If you would like to donate to support Kylie and contribute to the cause, click here.
Good luck Kylie!
For more information on FightMND, visit their website here.
