As we come closer to the end of Term 2, we have been reinforcing the importance of being respectful, not only in the classroom, but also during playtime and other school activities. We encourage you to continue having conversations with your children at home about showing respect, demonstrating resilience and patience, and playing safely with others.

We would also like to thank you for your ongoing support of our Junior School programs. We greatly appreciate the positive partnerships we have built through respectful communication and collaboration with our teachers. Our staff remain committed to providing regular updates about your child’s academic progress, social development and overall wellbeing.

Supporting Social Skills at Home:

Parents can play an important role in helping children develop strong social skills. Some ways to support this include:

• Encouraging children to take turns during conversations and listen carefully to others.
• Practising greetings, polite manners, and respectful language.
• Discussing how to recognise and respond to different emotions in themselves and others.
• Role-playing common social situations, such as joining a game, solving a disagreement, or asking for help.
• Providing opportunities for children to interact with peers through playdates, community activities, or family gatherings.

Supporting Homework Routines:

Establishing positive homework habits can help children become more confident and independent learners. Consider the following strategies:

• Set a consistent time and quiet space for homework each day.
• Encourage your child to organise materials and complete tasks independently where possible.
• Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Celebrate effort, persistence and progress rather than focusing only on results.
• Read with your child regularly and discuss what they are learning at school.
• Maintain open communication with teachers if you have any questions or concerns about learning tasks.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout Term 2. We look forward to finishing the term positively and celebrating the wonderful growth and achievements of our students.

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

Maddingley

Year 2 Highlights

During this term, students have been actively engaged in a range of enriching learning experiences in English as part of the units Cycles in Nature and Insects. The students have been exploring the fascinating world of insects, the largest group of animals on Earth. Throughout the unit, students have developed their understanding of insect life cycles, body structures such as the antennae, thorax and abdomen and the purpose of an exoskeleton. They will investigate the differences between social and solitary insects and explore how these behaviours help them survive in their environments. As part of their writing, students have been learning to write informative paragraphs, including a clear topic sentence and relevant supporting details to explain and expand upon their ideas.

Last week, students participated in an exciting Educreatures incursion that further enhanced their understanding of insects and other invertebrates. They enjoyed being able to observe and handle a variety of insects including spiny leaf stick insects, giant burrowing cockroaches and millipedes. This interactive experience enabled students to closely examine insect body parts and apply their learning in a meaningful way. Students also encountered a range of other creatures including a tarantula and a tawny frogmouth, while learning many interesting facts about their adaptations and behaviours. The presenter was extremely impressed by the students’ existing knowledge, thoughtful contributions and eagerness to learn. Their enthusiasm and engagement helped make the incursion a valuable and memorable experience for our Year 2 students.

Samantha Di Mieri – Head of Year 2 Maddingley

Year 2 Science

This term in Science, our Year 2 students have been exploring the fascinating relationship between the Sun, Earth and Moon. Through investigations and discussions, students have developed an understanding of how the earth rotates on its axis, causing the cycle of day and night.

Students investigated shadows and discovered how they are formed when light is blocked by an object. By observing shadows around the school and using torches with small toys in the classroom, students explored how shadows change in size, shape and direction depending on the position of the light source.

We are continuing our learning by exploring the phases of the Moon and observing how its appearance changes throughout the month. Students have been excited to connect their classroom learning to what they can see in the night sky and were particularly interested in discussing the recent blue moon. As we continue our learning, we’ll be keeping our eyes on the Moon, asking big questions and making observations to deepen our understanding of the Earth, Moon and Sun.

Christie Sharp – Teacher
Melissa Pearson – Teacher

Year 3 Science

The Year 3 Maddingley students have loved learning about the shaping of our Earth in our Earth and Space Sciences unit! We have been exploring how the Earth came to be and the layers of our Earth by making accurate models of each layer using playdough to scale with the correct size.

We then dove into the idea of the supercontinent called Pangea and how plate tectonics work. From there on, we had a great basis to explore various natural hazards that shape the Earth, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides and sinkholes, as well as understanding the link between natural hazards, weathering and erosion.

The term was packed full of investigations and experiments to explore these concepts on a measurable scale. We also investigated erosion in real life when we visited the Staughton Vale Campus and created a model of the landscape.

We look forward to another learning-filled Term 3 ahead in our Chemistry unit on the three main states of matter!

Ellysa Aryani – Teacher
Melissa Pearson – Teacher

Year 4 Science

This term, students have been on an exciting journey to explore weather and climate. They’ve delved into the water cycle, the connections our First Nations people have to water, and the science behind weather phenomena like evaporation, condensation and cloud types, collection, transpiration and the four forms of precipitation.

The Year 4 students have filtered water in a simulation to show what happens to rainwater as it goes into the ground during collection and made a cloud in a jar to experiment with condensation and how clouds are formed high in the atmosphere. They have also created a model water cycle in a bag and investigated how fresh and salt water evaporate at different rates.

Throughout the remainder of the term, the focus will be on learning how weather predictions are made, discovering extreme weather events and how to be prepared for them, and exploring the power of wind and its impact on our world.

So far, it has truly been a wet and wild term filled with weather exploration! We look forward to learning about materials and their properties in our Chemistry unit next term!

Georgia Low – Assistant Head of Year 7 (Maddingley)
Melissa Pearson – Teacher

Woodlea

Year 3 News

In Year 3 Numeracy, students have been actively exploring shapes, angles and lines through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. They have been identifying and describing the properties of 3D shapes, recognising right, acute, obtuse, straight and reflex angles, and sorting different types of lines, including horizontal, vertical, parallel and perpendicular.

They have enjoyed the study of The Wind in the Willows, exploring key themes and developing an understanding of character development, setting and narrative structure. Students have engaged in thoughtful discussions about the characters’ personalities, motivations, and relationships, making connections between the text and their own experiences.

Woodlea Year 3 Teachers

Ambition Day

Our Junior School was buzzing with excitement as we celebrated our much-anticipated Ambition Day, a special event dedicated to our core value of Ambition.

This inspiring day invites students to dream big, think about their future aspirations and reflect on the steps needed to turn those dreams into reality.

The yard came alive with a sea of future professionals as students proudly arrived dressed as the careers they aspire to pursue. From doctors, engineers and teachers, to athletes, artists and entrepreneurs, it was a vibrant and joyful celebration of possibility and imagination.

Throughout the day, students engaged in meaningful conversations and activities focused on goal setting, perseverance and the dispositions needed to achieve success.

They explored questions such as ‘what do I want to be?’, ‘what steps will I need to take?’ and ‘what kind of learner do I need to become to get there?’

Ambition Day is about planting the seeds for future pathways. It encourages our students to develop a growth mindset, build resilience and understand that success is a journey shaped by effort, curiosity and determination.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and creativity shown by all students, and we look forward to seeing these ambitions continue to grow in the years ahead.

Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Maddingley

Middle School Awards

This week’s Middle School Assembly provided an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our students. Through their commitment, effort and positive contributions to school life, these students have demonstrated the values that are central to Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

School Colours Awards

School Colours acknowledge students who consistently contribute to the life of the school through academic, sporting, cultural and community pursuits.

Single School Colours (50 Points):
• Lillah R (6B)
• Attaya A (6D)
• Ranit K (8C)
• Imogen O (8D)
• Vicky F (8E)
• Jaithra S (8E)

Double School Colours (100 Points):
• Liam W (7C)

Middle School House Chess Tournament

The Middle School House Chess Tournament showcased strategic thinking, perseverance and sportsmanship, with students competing enthusiastically across all year levels.

Combined Year 5 and 6 Champions:
1st Place – Vivaan V
2nd Place – Syon A
3rd Place – Samarth S

Combined Year 7 and 8 Champions:
1st Place – Corki K
2nd Place – Robinson D
3rd Place – Heath M

House Results

Congratulations to all participants and to Kororoit House for securing the overall championship.

1st Place – Kororoit (108 points)
2nd Place – Lerderderg (96 points)
3rd Place – Djerriwarrah (72 points)
Equal 4th Place – Parwan and Pyrites (71 points)
6th Place – Dale (46 points)
7th Place – Pykes (44 points)
8th Place – Toolern (17 points)

University of Queensland Sunflower Competition

Students also achieved outstanding results in the University of Queensland Sunflower Competition. Congratulations to all participants for their enthusiasm and commitment to scientific inquiry.

Staughton Vale Campus:
1st Place – Sebastian S
Runner-up – Charlotte F

Maddingley Campus:
1st Place – Ruby L
Runner-up – Milla B

We congratulate all award recipients and competition participants. Their achievements reflect the dedication, resilience and pursuit of excellence that are hallmarks of the Bacchus Marsh Grammar community.

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

Woodlea

Geography Fieldwork: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Students across Years 10, 11 and 12 have recently taken their learning outdoors, participating in a fieldwork excursion that forms a key part of their Geography assessments. This hands-on experience has allowed students to engage directly with real-world environments, deepening their understanding of the concepts explored in class.

Year 10 students travelled to Melbourne where they explored how urban environments function and respond to challenges such as sustainability and liveability. They gathered primary data to examine patterns in land use, environmental quality and human activity within a major city setting.

Year 11 students visited Kinglake, investigating long-term recovery following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Through this case study, students examined spatial patterns and processes over time, analysing how natural disasters reshape environments and communities, and the factors that influence recovery and resilience.

Year 12 students conducted fieldwork within the Woodlea area, focusing on how land use has changed over time. Their inquiry involved evaluating human impacts, environmental management strategies and future planning considerations, drawing on primary data collected locally to support their analysis.

A key feature across all year levels was the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology. Students utilised digital mapping tools to record, analyse and visualise spatial data, enabling them to identify patterns and relationships that are not always immediately visible in the field. This integration of technology enhanced both the accuracy of data collection and the depth of analysis in their investigations.

Fieldwork is a cornerstone of Geography because it transforms abstract ideas into tangible experiences. Concepts such as sustainability, change, interconnection and place become far more meaningful when students can observe them first-hand. Rather than simply reading about issues, students are actively engaging with them asking questions, collecting evidence and forming informed conclusions.

It has been fantastic to see Woodlea students demonstrating enthusiasm, resilience and professionalism throughout the excursion. Experiences like these highlight the power of Geography to connect classroom learning with the world beyond the school gates, inspiring students to think critically about the environments they live in and the changes they can influence.

We look forward to seeing how students transform their fieldwork findings into insightful and engaging assessment responses.

Stacey-Lee Viljoen – Head of Year 9 and Head of Duke of Edinburgh (Woodlea)

Year 9 Health – First Aid

In Week 6, the Year 9 Health/P.E classes participated in a CPR and First Aid training session.

During the weeks leading up to the course, students had been learning how to provide CPR and First Aid through learning content and completing course work.

On the May 28 and 29, students completed a practical training session with KSafety. When we first entered the classroom, students were met with an unconscious casualty situation that required us to go through the steps of DRSABCD. We were assessed on our CPR skills and ability to use a defibrillator on a variety of patients including adults and infants.

After this session, everyone in our class became fully qualified to perform CPR and obtain a certification in HLTAID009 to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Overall, this session was a very fun, challenging and a rewarding learning experience. Like our instructors, we hope that we will never have to use this, however, if we come across an emergency one day, any of us will be ready to do our best to preserve life and help others.

Kosheen P 9WC and Annanya P 9WA

Semester One Exam Timetable

Please see below the Exam Timetable for Semester One.

Please note that the timetable is the same for both Maddingley and Woodlea Campus.

Education Perfect Language Championship

The Education Perfect Languages Championship for 2026 has now concluded.

We are proud to celebrate the many students who received awards for their dedication and enthusiasm, earning points by answering questions in their target language throughout the championship period.

Bacchus Marsh Grammar achieved outstanding results this year, placing:

• 185th globally out of 1,622 schools
• 154th overall in Australia out of 1,097 schools
• 49th overall in Victoria out of 296 schools

Our language-specific rankings were also impressive:

• 133rd overall in French out of 929 schools
• 37th overall in Indonesian out of 379 schools
• 106th overall in Japanese out of 893 schools

Congratulations to the following students on their individual awards:

• Rohaan (7WD) – Silver Award
• Srishti (5WD) – Bronze Award
• Jaideep (6B) – Bronze Award
• Ivy (7C) – Credit Award
• Arjun (6A) – Credit Award
• Carter (7WE) – Credit Award
• Aleena (10F) – Credit Award
• Jaybir (5WD) – Credit Award
• Rnvir (6A) – Credit Award

Congratulations to all students who participated and represented Bacchus Marsh Grammar with such enthusiasm and perseverance.

Kayla Rideg – Teacher

Subjects and Careers Expo – Years 8 to 12

Our amazing Careers Team are busy preparing for our upcoming Subjects and Careers Expos.

Save the date!

Maddingley Campus – Wednesday July 29, 4.00pm – 7.00pm

Woodlea Campus – Wednesday August 5, 4.00pm – 7.00pm

This event will bring together BMG teaching staff, student ambassadors, alumni and a range of tertiary providers and local businesses to offer guidance across all year levels.

The key aims for each year group are:

· Years 8–9: planning future subject pathways
· Year 10: selecting an appropriate VCE program
· Year 11: setting goals for Year 12
· Year 12: exploring tertiary, employment and gap year options

There will also be a range of seminars featuring information on various career pathways, tertiary education providers, BMG school requirements, and related topics. Seminar bookings will be communicated via Schoolbox and EdSmart notifications.

Further details, including the expo schedule, list of exhibitors and floor plan, will be published on Schoolbox closer to the event.

Running alongside the Subjects and Careers Expo will be two Information Evenings run by the Head of Senior School and Heads of Year:

2027 Year 11 Information Evening – 5:45pm – 6:30pm
2027 Year 9 Information Evening – 6:45pm – 7:30pm

Note: An EdSmart slip will be distributed to parents of students in Years 8 and 10 regarding the 2027 Information Sessions.

Careers Team

ICAS 2026

Information relating to 2026 ICAS Assessments was sent to families via EdSmart on June 10. This competition is open to students in Years 2 to 10. Please note that participation is optional.

ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics and Science.

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please refer to the registration information on Schoolbox or sent via EdSmart.

Important: Registrations for all subject areas close on Monday 27 July at 11:59pm.

Updates will be posted on Schoolbox and in the BMG eNews during Term 3.

Casey Ryder – Executive Assistant (Maddingley)

Woodlea 

Junior School Music Showcase

Last Tuesday afternoon, families visited classrooms to celebrate student learning and watch recordings of the Junior School Music Showcase, one of the highlights of the afternoon.

Students had spent the term preparing their performances and it was wonderful to see their hard work come to life. From the beginning performers in Prep through to those in Year 4, students confidently demonstrated the skills they have developed throughout their musical journey.

Students performed using a wide variety of instruments. Prep and Year 1 students used classroom percussion, ribbons and scarves, while Year 3 and Year 4 students showcased their skills on our new Orff instruments, including xylophones, metallophones and chime bars. They also performed using ukuleles, hand percussion and our new drum kit.

It was a joy to see students performing with such enthusiasm and pride, and we thank all the families who came along to support them.

We would also like to thank our classroom teachers and instrumental music teachers for their ongoing support and encouragement throughout the students’ musical journey.

Alison Thompson – Teacher

Year 8 Music

Our Year 8 Music students recently showcased their talents in a vibrant live podcast performance assessment; the culmination of an 8-week collaborative project. Students learned and performed a 90-second excerpt of a prescribed song using instruments including a drum kit, electronic drums, guitar, keyboard and voice, developing skills in layering and arranging music.

Bringing the performance to life, each group also presented a 90-second conversational dialogue highlighting key historical and technical insights about their piece. Many classes added creative flair with props and costumes, making each performance unique and engaging.

Most importantly, this assessment placed student confidence at the forefront, providing valuable opportunities to speak and perform in front of peers. The result was a celebration of creativity, teamwork and the musical skills developed over two years of study.

Suzanne Kinsella – Head of Faculty: Music (Woodlea)

Maddingley

Western Ranges Division Cross Country Carnival

On Wednesday May 27, BMG proudly took 25 students from Years 3 to 6 to the annual Division Cross Country Carnival held at Masons Lane, Bacchus Marsh.

A massive congratulations to all our students for their efforts on the day, competing in challenging wet and cold conditions. Their resilience, determination and sportsmanship were a credit to the school.

At the conclusion of the event, three of our students finished in the Top 10 of their respective divisions and have qualified for the Western Metro Regional Finals.

Congratulations to:

Rylee R (5C)
Alia C (5E)
Harbin Kaur A (6D)

In addition, following the withdrawal of a student from another school, Emma M (6C), who originally finished 11th in her division, has also progressed to the Western Metro Regional Finals.

We congratulate all 4 students on this outstanding achievement and wish them every success at the next stage of competition.

Further information regarding the Western Metro Regional Finals will be communicated in due course.

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

VSSC Basketball Championships – Senior

On Wednesday June 3, two teams competed in the annual VSSC Senior Basketball Qualifying Championships at Eagle Stadium.

Our Senior Boys team competed exceptionally well throughout the tournament, demonstrating great determination and teamwork. Despite several strong performances, they were unfortunately unable to progress through to the final.

Our Senior Girls team however, produced an outstanding performance across the competition, winning their division and claiming the championship title.

Congratulations to all students involved, in particular our Senior Girls team who qualified for the VSSC State Finals.

Unfortunately, the State Finals clash with the ICCES Winter Tour to Shepparton. As a result, we have reluctantly made the decision to withdraw from the finals this year.

A big thank you must also go to Mr Kirk and Ms Brown for their dedication, coaching and preparation of the students in the lead-up to this event. Additional thanks to Mrs Dilges, Miss Ogston, Mr C Perks and intern Zack for their support and assistance throughout the competition.

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

Individual Sporting Achievement

Over a weekend in May, Makenzie C of 12J competed in the final rounds of the BMX National Series. This event was particularly significant as it provided a second opportunity to secure selection for the World Championships following an unfortunate crash at the Australian Championships earlier this year.

Makenzie responded in impressive fashion, demonstrating her determination and talent by qualifying for the finals on both days of competition. She produced two outstanding performances, finishing 4th place on both Saturday and Sunday against some of the country’s best riders.

These results, combined with her performances throughout the season, saw Makenzie finish 4th overall in the 2026 BMX National Series.

As a result, Makenzie has officially accepted her place on the Australian team and will represent her country in the 17 to 24 Women’s division at the 2026 BMX World Championships, to be held in July in Brisbane.

This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Makenzie’s hard work, resilience and dedication to her sport. The entire BMG community congratulates Makenzie on this incredible accomplishment and wishes her every success as she prepares to compete on the world stage.

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

If your child has achieved a sporting success or milestone, please share it with us so we can celebrate and showcase their achievement within our school community.

Students Bloom in the Biggest Sunflower Competition

Students recently took part in the University of Queensland’s Biggest Sunflower Competition, a hands-on horticultural challenge that has engaged schools across the country in growing sunflowers to achieve maximum height and vigour.

Running through the autumn growing season and concluding at the end of May, the competition provided students with the opportunity to apply practical agricultural and scientific skills in real-world conditions. Across classrooms, gardens and farm spaces, students monitored growth, managed soil health and observed the impact of weather, watering and care techniques on plant development.

Participation was strong across all campuses, with students from each site contributing to the shared goal of producing the tallest and healthiest sunflowers.

The program also provided a valuable connection between theory and practice, reinforcing learning in sustainability, plant science and environmental stewardship.

Staughton Vale:
1st Place: Sebastian S
Runner Up: Charlotte F

Maddingley:
1st Place: Billie L
Runner Up: Milla B

Woodlea:
1st Place: Class submission

The outstanding sunflowers will now progress to the national stage of the competition, where they will be compared against submissions from schools across Australia.

Staff have commended students for their enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment throughout the growing period. Congratulations to all students involved, and best of luck to our campus winners as they progress to the national competition stage.

David Gorton – Head of Campus (Staughton Vale)

Book Club News 

Orders can still be placed from Issues 3 and 4 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 Allocation and Student Sign-Up

Students are required to sign themselves up for the relevant late bus by adding their name under the stop where they will disembark. Sign-up must be completed before 1.30pm on the day of travel.

Students who have not signed up by 1.30pm will not be permitted to travel on the late bus. Parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child from school at 4.20pm. Students are still expected to attend their scheduled after-school class or activity.

Any student presenting at the bus quay after their after-school activity without being allocated to the late bus will not be permitted to board. The student will be taken to Main Reception and parents contacted for collection.

Late bus sign-up sheets are in the Main Reception Office.

The late bus fee is $15.00 per child, per trip, and will be charged to family school fee accounts at the end of each term.

Leanne Robertson – School Bus Services Administrator

Financial Assistance

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) final applications are 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, 2026, 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 and 2027 Term Dates are published on the school’s website. 

Events Calendar

All upcoming events feature on the Schoolbox Calendar for both students and parents/guardians to view.

Uniform Shop

Uniform information and shop business hours for both the Maddingley Campus Onsite Shop and Rushfords in Werribee are listed on the school’s website.

Please note that uniforms can also be purchased by clicking here

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) – The Y Ballarat

The Y Ballarat operates the Out of School Hours Care at Bacchus Marsh Grammar.  Enrolments are completed online. For full information please visit the School’s website.

Email: chrissie.ashmore@yballarat.org.au
Phone: 0490 178 638
Website: https://yballarat.org.au/

Regular Contacts

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

Lake Dewar Discovery Camp Open Day

Are you a parent or student who is feeling a little unsure about camp? You are not alone – and that’s exactly why we’re hosting a Camp Open Day Walkthrough!

Date: Friday July 10, 2026

Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Location: Lake Dewar Discovery Camp – 339 Garrards Lane, Myrniong Vic 3341

This relaxed, no-pressure event is the perfect chance for both students and parents to explore the campsite, meet our friendly team, and get a real feel for what camp is all about – before the adventure begins.

Whether you’re feeling excited or a bit nervous, visiting the site, seeing where everything happens and asking any questions can make all the difference in building peace of mind and confidence ahead of camp.

Come along for a guided tour, a few laughs and a sneak peek at all the fun and learning that awaits.

Click here to register!

Lake Dewar Discovery Camp Staff