Debra Ogston – Principal

Kindness

Welcome back to Term 4. As with previous terms, this one promises to be busy and enriching, filled with activities, camps, sports, music, presentations, study, examinations, and meaningful learning experiences. It also presents another opportunity to embody the virtuous behaviours that make our school such a special place to be a part of.

Yesterday morning, I had the privilege of addressing the Year 6 students at the Maddingley Campus. I spoke to them about our character education program and the vital role they play in shaping our school culture. I also reaffirmed our core values and encouraged them to actively “live” these values each day, both at Bacchus Marsh Grammar and within the wider community.

One of these values, Kindness, was the focus of today’s reading from Ryan Holiday’s The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living.

Holiday writes:

“The first person you meet today, passing acquaintance or friend, no matter the context, positive or negative, is an opportunity for kindness. You can seek to understand where they are coming from. You can seek to know who they are, what they need, and you can treat them well and be better off for it. Of course, there is no guarantee that they will treat us the same. However, we should focus on what we can control: in this case, the ability to always choose to respond with kindness.”

Let us all, throughout this week, strive to show kindness to one another, just as the young student did last night when he gently helped a fallen Prep child at the bus turnaround. His thoughtful act exemplifies the culture and character we nurture and celebrate at Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education

Welcome to Term 4

Welcome back to all Junior School families! We hope you all had a relaxing break and are ready for an exciting and busy end to the school year.

Please remember to check the Family Engagement pages regularly for updates on curriculum focuses, upcoming events and photos of classroom activities and learning in action.

As we move into Term 4, a reminder that all students are required to wear their summer uniform, and school hats must be worn during all outdoor play and PE lessons.

This term is always full of special events, celebrations and learning opportunities. We look forward to finishing the 2025 academic year positively, while continuing to uphold and reflect our school values in all that we do.

Sally Savic – Head of Junior School Woodlea 

Melanie Morton – Head of Junior School Maddingley

Woodlea Year 5

Last term, Year 5 Woodlea students showcased their creativity and imagination through an exciting project called Islands of Personality. After studying the film “Inside Out” during CCT, students were inspired to explore what makes up their own unique “islands”, connecting their values, memories, interests and relationships that shape who they are. Each student reflected deeply on the different aspects of their personality, from “Family Island” and “Friendship Island” to “Creativity Island” and “Adventure Island,” before bringing these ideas to life through an artistic creation.

Using a variety of materials such as cardboard, clay, paper mâché, paint, fabric and recycled items, students designed and built their islands with remarkable thought and detail. The final products were not only visually impressive, but also offered an in-depth and personal insight into what makes each student special.

To celebrate their hard work, parents, siblings and teachers were invited to an open afternoon where students proudly presented their islands and shared the inspiration behind their creations. The afternoon was filled with colour, creativity and meaningful conversations, as visitors admired the effort and individuality that went into every display. The project was a wonderful way for students to express themselves and to reflect on the experiences and relationships that form their identity.

Year 5 Woodlea Team

Year 10 Inspire Service Leadership: Pink Cricket Day

The Year 10 Inspire Service Leadership program continues to thrive as students from 10C and 10I step up to support the McGrath Foundation and Breast Cancer Australia.

On Wednesday 15 October, they will host a lively Pink Cricket Day at lunchtime, transforming the oval into a celebration of community, compassion and awareness.

With pink stumps, themed gear and a powerful message, this student-led initiative is more than just a game. It’s a chance to stand together, raise funds and show that leadership means lifting others up.

Well done to our Year 10 changemakers for turning sport into service and making a real difference.

Heads of Year 10 and Heads of Senior School

STEM Night 2025

BMG are excited to present to you the Annual STEM Night and Showcase Evening.

Date: Tuesday 14 October

Time: 5 – 8pm

Location: PH Wong Building, Woodlea Campus

Come and enjoy a thrilling evening with lots of activities and display of student work.

Highlights include:

Student Fashion Show

Students from both the Middle and Senior School have been exploring their creativity through fashion design projects inspired by the theme “Fashion and the Universe.” This initiative was designed to complement and celebrate this year’s STEM Night theme, “Decoding the Universe.”

Chemistry Show

Come and join us for a chemistry show that will absolutely blow your mind!
Expect a high-energy, family-friendly performance packed with colourful reactions, surprising science, and plenty of drama (all safely performed by our experienced presenters).

Women in STEM – Panel Discussion

Meet some amazing women in STEM who have really exciting careers. From a neuroscientist, a PhD candidate looking at the prevention of diseases in farm animals and a scientists exploring maritime preservation.

Unlock the code in the Junior School STEM Room

See how you go making and creating various items to crack the ultimate code.
Click here to view the event page for the full program and details!

VCE Showcase – Maddingley

Woodlea Art Show

The Visual Arts team is excited to announce that the Woodlea Arts Show will occur on 22 and 23 October. The opening evening for parents will be on Thursday 23 October from straight after school to 6pm.

The event will feature all Junior School work in the A Building, whilst Middle and Senior School work will be a showcase of selected art pieces in the PH Wong Building’s bottom floor.

Lucinda Degiorgio – Art Teacher

Oceania Korfball Championships 2025

At the end of Term 3, from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September 2025, four BMG students were proudly selected to represent the Australian Youth Development Korfball Team at the Oceania Korfball Championships, hosted at the MARC Stadium, Bacchus Marsh and proudly supported by BMG.

The Championships were contested over three days, with Australia facing New Zealand in a best-of-three series. After New Zealand claimed the opening two matches, Australia fought back strongly to secure a memorable victory in the final game, winning 14–9. Our four BMG representatives played key roles in this success.

A huge congratulations to James M (11E), Miah B (11G), Charlie M (11E) and William R (11C), who can now call themselves Australian internationals – a fantastic achievement and an honour that reflects their skills and hard work.

Sport Result – Victorian Teachers’ Games 2025

Whilst students and staff began a well-deserved Term 3 holiday break, eight of our Maddingley teachers represented BMG at the Annual Victorian Teachers Games.

BMG staff have a proud and longstanding involvement in these Games, and with reputations on the line, the challenge was set.

Our team consisted of the following staff members: Mr Oldaker, Mrs Garner, Mr Glen, Mr Castrignano, Mr Rubino, Mr De Bortoli, Miss Kiley & Mr Huynh.

Day 1 saw our teachers compete in Indoor Volleyball. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the start they were hoping for, finishing with 1 win and 2 losses, which meant they did not progress beyond the pool stage.

However, Day 2 brought redemption. The team took on Ultimate Frisbee, with added expectations thanks to the presence of an Australian international player in our ranks, Mr Castrignano. Rising to the occasion, our teachers produced a flawless run through the pool stage with 2 wins from 2, before storming through the finals with a dominant 10–1 victory in the Grand Final to claim the title of 2025 Ultimate Frisbee Champions.

A massive congratulations to our staff team on their outstanding effort, teamwork and achievement!

Matt Harris – Sport & House Administrator/BMPSSA Competition

Bacchus Marsh Grammar presents Woodlea in Concert

Tickets on sale now!

Wednesday 29 October – Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds

Be part of a memorable evening that celebrates the creativity, passion, and talent of our Performing Arts students. Woodlea In Concert brings together the vibrant energy of both Middle and Senior School performers in a showcase of artistic excellence.  

The program features a rich diversity of musical styles and original dance choreography. Audiences will enjoy a captivating blend of solo performances, dynamic band and choral pieces, and uplifting ensemble acts. With senior students leading the way in a celebration of collaboration and expression, this event highlights the thriving performing arts culture at Bacchus Marsh Grammar, a night of music and movement not to be missed. 

Ticket sales open Monday 13 October at 10am.

Click here to book tickets!

Woodlea Junior School

In the final week of Term 3, the Woodlea Music Department brought the Junior School assembly to life with three captivating performances that showcased both musical growth and artistic flair.

Opening the program, the Junior Strings ensemble, under the expert direction of Mr Wrzaszcz and Ms Leggieri, delivered a spirited rendition of Twisted. Their performance highlighted, not only technical skill and ensemble cohesion, but also the joy and dedication that has shaped their musical journey throughout the year.

Adding a touch of solo brilliance, Year 4 violinist Kesmirah G performed Elenke, a traditional Bulgarian folk tune. Her poised interpretation and expressive tone revealed a musical maturity well beyond her years.

Rounding out the showcase was the Year 3 & 4 Choir led with warmth and inspiration by Ms Thompson. Their heartfelt performance of Somewhere Only We Know by Keane featured rich harmonies and a polished delivery, reflecting the ensemble’s commitment and camaraderie.

This vibrant celebration of student talent and the performing arts was a fitting prelude to the upcoming Celebration Concert in December, an event that promises even more musical magic.

Suzanne Kinsella – Head of Music Woodlea

2026 Instrumental Music Program Re-Enrolments

Current instrumental parents will soon be receiving EdSmart correspondence regarding the Instrumental Music Program and continuation of enrolment for 2026.

Please note that if a response to the EdSmart slip is not received, students will automatically rollover into the 2026 Instrumental Music Program with the same lesson format.

A new enrolment form should be completed for additional enrolments (eg. a second instrument) or to add instrument hire. Please contact music@bmg.vic.edu.au with any further queries.

Lorraine Peel – Administration Assistant (Faculty of Music)

Maddingley

Semester 2 Middle and Senior School Co-Curricular Clubs

The wonderful staff at BMG Maddingley Campus have been working really hard to organise and put together some amazing Co-curricular clubs for you to experience. Participating in these clubs will not only provide you with fun and interesting experiences, it will also allow you to meet other like-minded students.

Attached to this post you will find the timetable of the Co-curricular clubs with information which outlines what is involved in each of the clubs and a link to fill in a form to express your interest. Once you have expressed your interest follow the timetable and attend the club when it is next running or contact the lead teacher to let them know.

Click here to see all club options!

Daniel Velden – Head of Co-Curricular Maddingley

Equestrian Success – Jasmine C Shines at Nationals!

During the recent school holidays, Jasmine C proudly represented Victoria as part of the Interschool Show Jumping Team at the Australian Interschool Championships in Sydney. Riding her horse Autumn, Jasmine delivered an exceptional performance against some of the best young riders in the country.

Her hard work, dedication and partnership with Autumn truly paid off, with Jasmine finishing an impressive 2nd overall in the AM5 event, an outstanding achievement at a national level.

We are incredibly proud of Jasmine’s success and the way she continues to represent Bacchus Marsh Grammar and Team Victoria with such skill, sportsmanship and passion. Congratulations Jasmine and Autumn on this amazing accomplishment!

Georgia Low – Equestrian Team Coordinator

Book Club News October

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

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

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

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

Late Buses

Maddingley – Late Bus 1 & Late Bus 2 will commence in Term 4 on Tuesday 7 October and finish on Thursday 11 December 2025

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

Mid Term Break/Melbourne Cup Weekend

No private, public or country buses will be operating Monday 3 November – Mid Term Break OR Tuesday 4 November – Melbourne Cup Day.  Students sitting an exam on Monday 3^rd November will be required to make their own way to and from school.

Private Bus Travel 2026

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

If your child/ren’s current bus travel arrangements are going to change, or require to be changed (e.g., moving house, will not require private bus travel) for 2026, please contact the School Bus Services Administrator on 5366 4800 or email bus@bmg.vic.edu.au ASAP to discuss this change.  If your child/ren do not require a private bus service in 2026 and parents did not advise the School by 19 September 2025 (one full term’s notice to withdraw – as per BMG Business Notice), the full year’s bus fee may apply.

Leanne Robertson – School Bus Services Administrator

Updating Medical, Dietary and Emergency Contact Information

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

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

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

Casey Ryder – Executive Assistant: Maddingley

Final Update: ICAS 2025 – Woodlea and Maddingley

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

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

Casey Ryder – Executive Assistant: Maddingley

Term Dates

Both the 2025 and 2026 Term Dates are published on the school’s website. 

Events Calendar

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

Uniform Shop

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

Please note that uniforms can also be purchased by clicking here

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

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

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

Regular Contacts

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