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Blue Mountains Grammar School Newsletter Vol 2, 17th February, 2017
FROM THE HEADMASTER
The Story of Two Horses
It has been great to see the School brought back to life this past week. I commend the entire school
for the settled and very productive start to the year. The positive attitude displayed by the students
as they have commenced classes has been very impressive.
Last week at Assembly, I mentioned to the students that just prior to Christmas, I travelled with my
family to the New England Tablelands in northern NSW where I used to holiday as a boy with my
family on a large sheep and cattle station near Tenterfield. I have very fond memories of those
holidays – not only because of spending time with my family, working at various activities on the
farm, but because the farmer would give me an old ute to drive for the time we were there. It was, in
fact, where I learnt to drive and I remember clearly that the gear lever was on the side of the steering
column – “three on the tree” was the term they used. The brakes were also in a pretty bad state. My
return to that area, however, also reminded me of a scene that I feel illustrates the importance of
caring for one another.
The property we used to stay on had a second homestead that we rented from the farmer. Just
beside that homestead was a paddock with two horses in it. From a distance, both horses looked the
same, apart from one being larger than the other. Close up, you could pass your hand in front of the
eyes and around the head of the larger horse and notice something interesting - it would not flinch -
this was because it was blind.
The property owner had chosen not to have him put down, a rather rare thing to do on a working
farm, but had made the horse a safe and comfortable place in which to live. This was very
compassionate on the farmer’s part.
However, as you stood nearby and listened, you could hear the sound of a bell. It was coming from
the smaller horse in the field which had a bell attached to its halter. The ringing of the bell let the
blind horse know where the other horse was, so he could follow.
As you watched these two animals you'd see that the horse with the bell was always checking on the
blind horse, and that the blind horse would listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other
horse was, trusting he would not be led astray.
When the horse with the bell returned to the shelter of the barn each evening, he would stop
occasionally to look back, making sure that the blind horse wasn't too far behind to hear the bell.
This simple story illustrates something important for us to remember as we start another year. Like
the owner of these two horses, we shouldn’t discount others just because they are different from us,
or because they have problems or challenges that we may not understand. We can always find a way
to help and encourage each other.
Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of helpful friends. And at
other times we are the guide horse, looking after and encouraging others to find their way.
That’s just the type of place that BMGS is. We help and guide one another.
Icebreakers Evening – Our Welcome to New Parents!
My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming new parents to the P & F Icebreakers Evening on
Friday 24th February commencing at 7.30pm in Coorah. This opportunity will enable you to meet with
teachers to discuss how your son or daughter has settled in and embraced the start of the School
year. Members of Staff and the Board will be present and new parents from Senior, Junior and
Preparatory Schools are encouraged to attend this most relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Students’ Achievements
Congratulations to Tom Weaver (Year 12) and Griffin Katrivesis-Brown (Year 12), who have both
been selected as 'Griffin Ambassadors' for the Griffin Theatre Company; to Lucien Robba (Year 11),
who has been selected as a 'Young Wharfie' with the Sydney Theatre Company, and to Darius
Williams (Year 12), who has been working professionally as an actor with ATYP (Australian Theatre
for Young People). Darius has been performing in the show 'Intersection'. One of the writers involved
with the project is Zoe Ridgway (BMGS Year 12, 2012).
Also, during the recent holidays, Bella Stiene and Darius were selected for the ATYP (Australian
Theatre for Young People) Sydney Festival residency and they performed at the Sydney Festival.
Well done, to Tom, Griffin, Lucien and Darius and Bella for these wonderful achievements.
T. Barman
Headmaster
FROM THE CHAPLAIN
I wonder if you have ever built up an event in your mind and then have it all go horribly wrong. It is
interesting how many such stories are linked to Valentine’s Day, weddings or similar occasions, when
we are caught up in the madness of Love. Like the Italian wedding (11th July 2009) during which a
microlight plane was hired to fly past and throw the bouquet; unfortunately the bouquet tangled with
the plane’s rotor causing it to crash, narrowly missing a nearby hostel. Fortunately, only one person
was injured and they later made a full recovery.
Maybe we try to celebrate these days and events in such a big way because we want to create a
lasting memory; we want to sustain the event in some manner beyond its elapsed time. Ultimately, I
wonder if we hunger for a love that lasts forever and our grandiloquent gestures are a way of
aspiring towards eternity. Miguel de Unamuno once said, “This God, the living God, your God, our
God, is in me, is in you, lives in us and we live and move and have our being in Him. And He is in us
by virtue of the hunger, the longing, which we have for Him, He is Himself creating the longing for
Himself.”
The Bible seems to make it clear that God wants to sate our hunger for lasting love. We don’t need to
make do with whatever makeshift alternatives we can cobble together. From the very beginning of
the Bible and all the way through, the message is that God’s love for us is bigger than we can
imagine and that it will last longer than anything else we may experience in life.
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn
you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3).
A. Dane
FROM THE PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION
2017 Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge
As you may be aware, the Hydro Majestic has been a tremendous supporter and sponsor of Parents’
and Friends’ Association functions over recent years.
On Saturday, 25th February, the Hydro Majestic will be hosting the 2017 Charleston Challenge. This
is an annual challenge to break the world record for participants dancing the Charleston, which the
Blue Mountains community held for several years until 2015. If you would like to take part in this
year’s attempt to break the world record and return the title to the Blue Mountains, participants
must register online.
Parents are advised that this is a Blue
Mountains community event; it is not a BMGS
or Parents’ and Friends’ Association event.
Due to another School event taking place on
that day, and various co-curricular
commitments, there will be no members of
staff in attendance in an official capacity.
Registrations to this event are independent of
the School and all enquiries should be directed
to the organisers. To register to dance or find
out more information on the Charleston world
record attempt visit:
www.roaring20s.com.au, and
www.charlestonchallenge.com.au, or
http://roaring20s.com.au/events/the-
charleston-challenge/
Save the Date:
Sunday, 19th March Fashions for the
Perfect Afternoon Tea
Tuesday, 21st March, Annual General
Meeting
Don’t miss the next Parents’ and Friends’
Association fundraiser! Fashions for the
Perfect Afternoon Tea promises to be a
wonderful afternoon and offers a rare
opportunity to view some of the exquisite
fashion items from the renowned Darnell Collection. Curator of the Collection, Ms Charlotte Smith,
will present a stunning array of outfits, whilst you enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea. The event will
be held in Cuff Hall, on Sunday, 19th March at 3:00pm.
The entry fee is $35, $25 concession and $15 student tickets. Bookings can be made through
Coorah Reception (4757 9000).
We look forward to your company.
Charlotte will be co-ordinating the event with Ms Carole Young, and they would love to hear from any
parents who are able to assist them in setting up the venue for the event. If you are able to
volunteer your assistance, please email your availability to Charlotte at
[email protected], or Carole at [email protected].
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 21st March, in Coorah Gallery, at 7.30pm. The
AGM will be immediately followed by the first General Meeting of the year. One General Meeting is
held each term during the School year. Term 1 and Term 4 meetings are held in Coorah Gallery. The
Term 2 meeting is held at the Junior School and the Term 3 meeting is held at the Preparatory
School.
At the Annual General Meeting, all positions on the current Parents’ and Friends’ Association
Executive Committee are vacated and an election will be held for the 2017/2018 Committee.
Nominations are therefore sought for the positions of Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Senior School
Representative, Junior School Representative and Preparatory School Representative. Current Office
Bearers may nominate for re-election. Parents may also nominate to be members of the Committee.
A nomination form can be downloaded from the P&F Page on the School’s Portal. Nominations can
be handed in at Senior, Junior and Preparatory School Receptions.
Nominations close Tuesday, 21st March, at 4.30pm.
All parents of Blue Mountains Grammar School automatically become members of the Parents’ and
Friends’ Association on the enrolment of their child at the School. All parents are welcome to attend
the General Meetings and we look forward to seeing you there.
Mr. Duncan Barrell Chair, BMGS Parents’ and Friends’ Association
FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD – HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
‘Life to the full’
Education is vital to every aspect of life. Learning is a lifelong pursuit. Having passion and
determination are like gears that allow you to push ahead, in times of trial, positioning you to
understand and identify your areas of improvement and reinforcing your personal or signature
strengths. Every person cannot be talented at everything, yet we live in a world that is increasingly
trying to make us to be better at everything.
As a School we are determined to help each young person in our care to passionately pursue
different areas of interests to help them identify their own areas of strength. This coaching of
students to take risks, make mistakes and embrace failure, all as critical learning tools help
empower young people to think critically, problem solve and use foresight as a means of seeing what
is ahead in life.
Here at BMGS we want young people to be innovative, creative and critical thinkers who can adapt
and change in an ever changing environment. Last Wednesday one of our School Captains spoke
fervently about the cause for young people to ‘not allow dreams and passions to stay as ideas, but to
take action and become agents of change’. This encouragement is empowered by not shying away
from risks in learning and life, but by being brave and surrounding yourself with people who support
you into living ‘life to the full’. We want each student to ‘flourish’, to find their passions, live in their
strengths and challenge and encourage themselves.
Excellence and success can be measured in many ways. One of the ways is through the optimism
that young people have in the context of the school community about the present and the future.
In the book of John 10:10 Jesus speaks to us about ‘having an abundant life, or life to the full’. This
is a life that is not just surviving from one storm to the next, but it is a life where we ‘thrive’ no matter
the environment or circumstance we find ourselves in. This invitation to live ‘life to the full’ is not for
the perfect or the bravest or even the most astute alone, it is for everyone. This invitation is spoken
by Jesus in a time that was very similar to now; political instability, cultural change, social agendas of
different shapes and forms and constant change.
Educational research into optimism versus pessimism complied by Shirley Yates of the Australian
Association for Research in Education linked the ability of school students to view the future and
their personal strengths/prospects directly to their views being either optimistic or pessimistic. It was
concluded that creating an environment that encouraged students to life to the full, a life where
mistakes were building blocks and where students were not in ‘trouble’ when they failed, increased
students resilience and stress management. It also created greater educational and academic
outcomes for all students, increasing learning vitality. This is the environment we want to enrich
students in.
The world in which we live is constantly changing, yet through creating a culture of optimism and
opportunities to ‘flourish’ we can give students the tools necessary to navigate and steer a course of
direction that will see them living consistently in their personal strengths, whilst inviting them into
the greater story of life that Jesus promises will be ‘abundant’ and ‘full’ not in the terms of things or
stuff but full of optimism, passion, purpose and hope all in context of a centre of educational
excellence.
A. Osborne
FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD – HEAD OF TEACHING AND
LEARNING
Important Dates for Term 1:
Year 12 Parent Teacher Night Thursday, 9th March
Year 7 Parent Teacher Night Wednesday, 22nd March
Year 10 Parent Teacher Night Monday, 3rd April
Home learning – helping your child
Some children are blessed with the gift of good study habits, but the reality is most are not! Whilst
parents are often involved in their child’s sporting, musical or dramatic activities, parental support
on the sidelines of their child’s studies can be also be beneficial, particularly to academic
performance.
1. Have hopes, dreams and ambitions for your child
When a parent holds high aspirations for their child, they do better at school. If you show your
child that you believe in their potential and tell them that you know they can succeed, it can help
your child build confidence, set higher expectations for themselves, and they can achieve better
results at school. But, be careful not to pin it to a specific career or pathway – every child is
unique!
2. Set the example
Children develop their attitudes and beliefs in their abilities from their parents. Characteristics
such as tenacity, persistence, planning and organisation and the important ability to ask for help
are often qualities children model from their parents. Be positive about school and respectful of
teachers. Show interest in what happens at school and talk about what your child is learning.
Show your child how you plan, set goals, and follow through when you start something. Children
who master these kinds of skills have learned how to learn effectively – and these skills will help
them not only during their years at school, but throughout their lives.
3. Make failure ok
It sounds like the wrong thing, but students need to know that learning is hard, it is effort-ful,
and that’s normal. Mistakes are powerful teachers. Teach them that it’s ok to be disappointed,
but then to get back up and try again – and again – and again!
4. Talk with your child everyday about their day
Children who talk openly with their parents about their day, such as what happens at school and
current age appropriate events have better educational outcomes. Focus the conversations on
the learning, and what they found interesting, what they found hard, what was surprising. Ask
them to teach you something that they learnt that day. It’s a great way to embed it in their
memory.
Other activities like discussing books, films or television programs or eating meals together
around the table are also associated with better student reading performance in school.
5. Read with your child
Children are never too old to be read to and with! Parents who read out aloud regularly with their
children help them to do better at school – there is no age limit! If you are not confident in your
own reading skills, you can still enjoy stories with your child. There are lots of free audio books,
ebooks, and lots of cheap versions too!
6. Establish structures
Especially when they are young, help them to set up habits, set aside times for homework and a
space, use diaries or online organisation tools to help build discipline.
7. Teach consequences
Once the above structures and habits are in place, this point becomes relevant! If your child has
not done a task, has forgotten to complete some work, then let them take responsibility. Don’t
cover for them, or write a note – unless there is a genuine reason. Children need to learn about
cause and effect, that their actions impact them and their world.
M. Hastie
FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC
Choir
I am very excited to announce that this term the Choir will be working with Miss Amelia Nell. Amelia
is a talented vocalist who is committed to continual professional development of contemporary vocal
pedagogy. Amelia also runs a singing studio and musical gift shop ‘Vocalocity’ in Leura.
New choral members are most welcome to join us – Friday lunchtime in the Recital Room of the
Performing Arts Centre.
AMEB Exam Results
Congratulations to Leila Harris (Year 10) who, at the end of last year, gained an A+ in her 4th Grade
flute exam and Honours in her ANZCA Grade 6 Piano exam.
Forthcoming Community Concerts
Leura Singers is presenting Faure’s Requiem on 3 June 2017 at 2.30pm at the Leura Uniting
Church. For more information: [email protected]
The Phoenix Choir is performing Handel’s Messiah at the Springwood Hub on 9 April 2017 at
2.00pm. Contact: www.phoenixchoir.org.au
Live at the Village presents the Michelle Nicolle Quartet – ABC Jazz CD launch – on Saturday
11 March at 8pm in the Presbyterian Hall Springwood. Contact: [email protected]
Blue Mountains Youth Choir
This youth choir is run by the Academy Singers and offers harmony technique workshops,
improvisation and sight singing to young people aged 8-15 years on Mondays and Wednesdays after
school. For further information please contact www.academysingers.com.au
Diary Dates
Friday, 24th February: Icebreakers, 7:00pm to 9:00pm (Chamber Ensemble)
Monday, 20th March: HSC Encore Concert, 7:00pm, Sydney Opera House, (Years 11 and 12 Music
Elective students)
Thursday, 23rd March: Soiree No. 1, 7:00pm, PAC Recital Room
D. Smith
FROM THE HEAD OF DRAMA
On Thursday 9th February, students in Year
11 and 12 Drama caught the train to
Sydney for a full day of learning
enrichment. We began our day at the
Sydney Theatre Company, where we
attended a lecture on the 'Contemporary
Australian Theatre Landscape'. Students
were given a thorough social, cultural and
historical account of Australian Theatre by
John McCallum, lecturer at UNSW and the
former Chief Examiner for HSC Drama. He
was joined on the panel by Australian
playwrights and the STC education and
youth theatre co-ordinator. Our students
were fortunate to hear stories from
renowned Australian playwright, Michael
Gow. They not only gained an insight into the HSC syllabus, but were also inspired and enlightened
about the creative writing process. In the Q and A component of the day, our students asked
intelligent and thought provoking questions.
After a quick lunch at Circular Quay, we headed to Redfern to
the Seymour Centre to attend Onstage. This year's program
was the best we have seen in a number of years. Each of the
HSC Group and Individual Performances were outstanding.
This year saw a program where the student work had
something real and important to say. From exploring flaws in
our judicial system, the treatment of refugees, racism,
isolation, and even the innocence of a clown we were able to
experience some highly engaging theatre.
In the exhibition of exemplary submitted projects from 2016, we were so proud to see Willabel
Grindley Bennett's Costume Design on display in the foyer (above).
We would like to publicly commend all the students for their exemplary behaviour on the day.
BMGS Drama Department
FROM THE VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
A reminder that Co-curricular Photography started this week! All students who have put their name
on the list are to meet in AD10 Wednesday 3:15pm - 4.45pm. If you have your own camera please
bring this with you.
J. Hiam
FROM THE LEARNING ENRICHMENT DEPARTMENT
After school tutoring is starting up again and will be in the Library Resource
Centre (LRC) every Thursday afternoon from 3:15-4: 45pm.
After school tutoring can help with completing assessment tasks and doing
some extra work in literacy and numeracy. This after school assistance can
also include help in organising a study plan or just general assistance in
organising your workload.
If you are interested in attending, it is a great idea to contact me on email
[email protected] so that I can prepare best for our time
spent together.
A. Michielsen
CAREERS NEWS
Website
Careers information for students is available on the BMGS Careers FROG Learning Management
website. This website is accessible by all students and staff in the Senior School. Here you will find
the link to the MHSCareers website, which provides an extensive careers information service.
Library Resource Centre
In the LRC there is a self-serve Careers corner for your use. Here you can find the Handbooks from
the various local universities. You are welcome to take these books home.
In the Mail
What an exciting week! We have information on volunteering at the 2018 Commonwealth Games,
applying to sail on the Endeavour and a competition where students are asked to write about What
Matters. Our FROG page also has information on upcoming university info days (Big Day In), free
public talks at University of Sydney (including Dr Karl!), the Top TAFE courses in NSW, work
experience opportunities in the theatre and online, and a zoo keeper seminar at Taronga Zoo.
Investigate the FROG Careers webpage under “Week 3 Materials” for more information on these and
other current opportunities.
Discussing your Options
Careers discussions are available in the LRC every Tuesday afternoon between 3:15 and 4:45pm
during term time.
J. Madgwick
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPH DAY
Photograph Day – Senior School – Thursday 9th March
The envelopes will be distributed to the students this week. Please complete the online orders as per
the instructions on the envelopes. To view different packages please visit the relevant website
detailed on the same envelopes. If you have any questions regarding the photographs themselves,
please contact the photographers. Please limit your questions to me to inquiries regarding the
structure of the day at School.
J. Haines
FIJI TOUR UPDATE
Thank you to those parents who have already supplied me with a copy of the photograph page of
their children’s passport. For those who haven’t as yet, simply scanning and emailing to me will be
sufficient. This week I emailed all parents regarding a decision we need to make on the Itinerary.
This decision needs to be made by Friday. I have already spoken to the students regarding this
matter and encouraged them to go home and discuss it with you. If you did not receive that email
(due to a short blackout at the time they were being delivered), could you please let me know by
email ([email protected]) and I will resend the details.
REMINDER: The third Payment was due yesterday (16th February). Payment can be made to the
Business Office over the phone or by cheque. Please do NOT use your tuition BPay account.
J. Haines
BUNGAWARRA WORKING BEE
In preparation for the upcoming Year 7 Camp and other school activities, BMGS will be holding its
annual Working Bee at the School’s Outdoor Education Centre, Bungawarra, on Saturday, 18th
February, from 10:00am until 1:00pm. Assistance is needed in preparing the hall for the camp,
repairing the door to the hall, some minor painting and mowing, and other general maintenance. I
will provide the tools and materials necessary to complete the jobs.
Feel free to come and go at a time that suits you best. If you are planning to attend please let me
know via email so I can plan for the day ([email protected]). I will then send out directions
to Bungawarra and other details.
I will be providing fruit for snacks, cold drinks, tea and coffee. Bring a lunch and a cosie for a swim in
the river. This is a great opportunity to meet other families and for students to become familiar with
Bungawarra.
Many hands make light work! If you have any questions please let me know via the email address
noted above.
P. Robbins
VALENTINE’S DAY FUNDRAISER
Students from Hughes House once again celebrated Valentine’s Day by spreading love and warm
messages of friendship across the Senior School campus. This annual event is always a great
success, with students from all year groups taking the opportunity to show someone how they feel,
while also raising a significant donation to medical and community development projects in Nepal,
one of the world’s poorest nations. This year, we sold a record number of roses and raised over
$700 for International Nepal Fellowship Australia. If you’d like to know a little more about how our
donation will be help Nepali people, visit the INF website here: https://www.inf.org/inf-australia/
I’d like to thank all those members of Hughes House who gave their time to help this worthy cause,
particularly our fantastic Year 12 students who organised the sales and delivery of over 500 roses. It
is always a pleasure to work alongside such caring and compassionate young people!
G. Horne
FROM THE HEAD OF SPORT
Last weekend, due to extreme heat conditions, all ISA sporting fixtures were cancelled. This round
will be considered a washout and no catch-up matches will be played.
For all future cancellations, an email will be sent to all students and parents from the relevant
teams. As a parent, if you did not receive an email regarding the cancellations, could you please
check your email address on the School’s Portal.
ISA 2017 Winter Season
Students should be starting to think about what sports they would like to play during the winter
season as nominations will be sent out over the next week. If you are unsure about a sport that you
are interested in you can go and see the MIC of the particular sport to find out more.
Rugby – Mr Webb [email protected]
Boys’ Football – Mr Singh [email protected]
Girls’ Football – Mrs Anagnostopoulos [email protected]
Netball – Mrs O’Doherty [email protected]
Hockey – Mrs Hyslop [email protected]
NSWCIS Triathlon
On Thursday 23rd February, BMGS has ten teams that will be competing in the NSWCIS Triathlon at
the Sydney Regatta Centre at Penrith. All students who have nominated to compete in this event are
reminded that they need to hire a BMGS singlet from the Uniform Shop. This will need to be done by
next Tuesday.
All riders must ensure that they have checked the new requirements for bikes and that they have a
helmet which must be worn on the day.
Any parents who are interested in watching the event are most welcome on the day. A copy of the
program can be found on the NSWCIS website under Sports, Triathlon.
https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/Services/CIS/Pages/default.aspx
Cross Country
The Senior School Cross Country Carnival will be held on the 7th March. Those students who are keen
to compete at an ISA level should have started training.
For those who are unsure of the distance that they need to run please check the following table:
Boys Senior 6000m
Girls Senior 4000m
Boys 16 years 6000m
Girls 16years 4000m
Boys 15 years 4000m
Girls 15 years 4000m
Boys 14 years 4000m
Girls 14 years 4000m
Boys 12 and 13 years 3000m
Girls 12 and 13 years 3000m
Athletics
Last weekend a number of BMGS students competed at the Regional Athletics Carnival in Dubbo.
Those students who were successful in gaining 1st or 2nd place will go on to compete at the State
Championships in March. Congratulations to Lewis Squadrito (Year 12), Mirah Larkin (Year 8), Oliver
Drew (Year 6), Angus Herron (Year 6), Will Zakis (Year 5) and Bronte Pickering (Year 10) who were all
successful on the day.
Please let me know of any successes that you have had on the sporting field by emailing me on
M. Harris
SPORT FIXTURES – ROUND 9 - SATURDAY 18TH FEBRUARY, 2017
Team Opponent Venue Time Court/Field Bus Transport
GIRLS’
BASKETBALL 1st V Redlands Redlands 9:00 am 5
Depart BMGS 6:15am
Hazelbrook 6:25 am
Buttenshaw 6:40am
Glenbrook 6:50am
Inter B Redlands Redlands 9:00 pm 6
Inter B Redlands Redlands 11:00 am 3
Junior A Redlands Redlands 10:00 pm 3
Junior B Redlands Redlands 9:00 am 3
Junior C St Paul’s St Paul’s 9:00 am 2 Own transport
Open B Oakhill Oakhill 9:00 am CSC2 Depart BMGS 6:00am
Hazelbrook 6:10 am
Buttenshaw 6:25am
Glenbrook 6:35am
Open D Oakhill Oakhill 8:00 am CSC2
Open D Oakhill Oakhill 10:00 am CSC2
BOYS’
BASKETBALL 1st V St Pius X St Pius X 10:00 am 1
Depart
Blackheath 6.45am
Medlow Bath 6.50am
BMGS 7:00am
Hazelbrook 7:15 am
Springwood Station 7:25am
Glenbrook 7:35am
17s St Pius X St Pius X 10:00 am 2
15s St Pius X St Pius X 11:00 am 2
14s St Pius X St Pius X 11:00 am 1
13sG St Pius X St Pius X 10:00 am 3
13sB Redlands Redlands 9:00 am 4 See Girls’ times to Redlands
CRICKET 1st XI St Gregory’s St Gregory’s 10:00am
Depart BMGS 7:30am
Glenbrook
8:00 am
2nd XI St Paul’s BMGS 10:00am
Match Reports – Saturday, 11th February, 2017
There are no match reports as all of last Saturday’s ISA games were cancelled due to the extreme
hot weather conditions experienced on the day.
FROM THE HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Congratulations to all the boys and girls who took part in last week’s Swimming Carnival at Lawson
Pool. Despite the hot weather, it was a fantastic day for all concerned; participation rates were high,
which was very pleasing and those students who didn’t swim on the day were tremendous
supporters for their House team mates. There were many close and exciting races and the final
House results were equally close, with only two points separating the winning House and the
Runners- Up. Congratulations to MacLaurin Kelley for winning the Carnival.
Thank you to all the Staff, students and parents who assisted in the smooth running of the Carnival
and a special thank you to the Year 11 Senior students who were superb in their roles as Officials. A
particular thanks to Mrs. Harris who convened an excellent Carnival.
We are looking forward to the School’s swimming team’s first competitive Inter-School Carnival,
when we journey to Orange to take part in the WAS Swimming Carnival.
I am looking forward to seeing parents of students who have joined our BMGS community this year
at our upcoming Icebreakers Evening, next Friday, 24th February.
N. Cockington
JUNIOR SPORTS NEWS – JUNIOR BASKETBALL
5/6 Boys’ Gold team played BMGS Blue - the Gold Team won 46 to 20.
5/6 Girls’ White played Allstars - the White team lost 16 to 45.
5/6 Girls’ Red had a forfeit from 5/6 Girls’ Gold
3/4 Girls’ Blue played Superstars - the Blue Team lost 8 to 26.
L. Gerrard
FROM THE PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION
2017 Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge
As you may be aware, the Hydro Majestic has been a tremendous supporter and sponsor of Parents’
and Friends’ Association functions over recent years.
On Saturday, 25th February, the Hydro Majestic will be hosting the 2017 Charleston Challenge. This
is an annual challenge to break the world record for participants dancing the Charleston, which the
Blue Mountains community held for several years until 2015. If you would like to take part in this
year’s attempt to break the world record and return the title to the Blue Mountains, participants
must register online.
Parents are advised that this is a Blue Mountains community event; it is not a BMGS or Parents’ and
Friends’ Association event. Due to another School event taking place on that day, and various co-
curricular commitments, there will be no members of staff in attendance in an official capacity.
Registrations to this event are independent of the School and all enquiries should be directed to the
organisers. To register to dance or find out more information on the 2017 Charleston World Record
Attempt visit:
www.roaring20s.com.au, and
www.charlestonchallenge.com.au, or
http://roaring20s.com.au/events/the-
charleston-challenge/
Save the Date:
Sunday, 19th March Fashions for the
Perfect Afternoon Tea
Tuesday, 21st March, Annual General
Meeting
Don’t miss the next Parents’ and Friends’
Association fundraiser! Fashions for the Perfect
Afternoon Tea promises to be a wonderful
afternoon and offers a rare opportunity to view
some of the exquisite fashion items from the
renowned Darnell Collection. Curator of the
Collection, Ms Charlotte Smith, will present a
stunning array of outfits, whilst you enjoy a
scrumptious afternoon tea. The event will be held
in Cuff Hall, on Sunday, 19th March at 3:00pm.
The entry fee is $35, $25 concession and $15
student tickets
Bookings can be made through Coorah Reception
(4757 9000). We look forward to your company.
Charlotte will be co-ordinating the event with Ms Carole Young, and they would love to hear from any
parents who are able to assist them in setting up the venue for the event. If you are able to
volunteer your assistance, please email your availability to Charlotte at
[email protected], or Carole at [email protected].
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 21st March, in Coorah Gallery, at 7.30pm. The
AGM will be immediately followed by the first General Meeting of the year. One General Meeting is
held each term during the School year. Term 1 and Term 4 meetings are held in Coorah Gallery. The
Term 2 meeting is held at the Junior School and the Term 3 meeting is held at the Preparatory
School.
At the Annual General Meeting, all positions on the current Parents’ and Friends’ Association
Executive Committee are vacated and an election will be held for the 2017/2018 Committee.
Nominations are therefore sought for the positions of Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Senior School
Representative, Junior School Representative and Preparatory School Representative. Current Office
Bearers may nominate for re-election. Parents may also nominate to be members of the Committee.
A nomination form can be downloaded from the Parents’ and Friends’ Page on the School’s Portal.
Nominations can be handed in at Senior, Junior and Preparatory School Receptions. Nominations
close Tuesday, 21st March, at 4.30pm.
All parents of Blue Mountains Grammar School automatically become members of the Parents’ and
Friends’ Association on the enrolment of their child at the School. All parents are welcome to attend
the General Meetings and we look forward to seeing you there.
Mr. Duncan Barrell Chair, BMGS Parents’ and Friends’ Association
FROM THE HEAD OF THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Tutors of violin, piano and guitar are available for private music tuition in the Preparatory School.
Please contact the Preparatory Office for further information.
The Commonwealth Bank School Banking program has been running at the School for a number of
years now, with children bringing in their money and bank books to School each Monday for banking.
Our thanks go to Mr. Matt James for once again offering to process our School Banking this year.
School banking packs are available for collection from the office for any student who is not already
taking part in the program.
Thanks also to Mrs. Sofia Reynolds for her kind offer to administer the Scholastic Book Club again in
2017. Our first Scholastic Book Club catalogue for the year will be sent home later this week. Orders
can be left at the office or made on line at www.mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au. Many class and
library resources were earned by the Preparatory School through the bonus point system.
E. Flett
Student Awards
Pre-Kindergarten - Una Luo
Kindergarten - Mikhaela Sommerville
Stage 1 – William Cottle and Hester Kinnear
Stage 2 – NO AWARDS DUE TO SWIMMING CARNIVAL
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – FEBRUARY 2017 Friday, 17th February – Senior School Swimming Carnival
Monday, 20th February – Year 8 Swim and Survive (Day 1)
Monday, 20th February – Year 9 Commerce Elective Consumer Choice excursion to Marsden Park
Tuesday, 21st February – Years 3 and 4 – BIOBLITZ Excursion to Wentworth Falls Lake
Wednesday, 22nd February – NSWCIS Triathlon Event – Individuals
Wednesday, 22nd February – Scholars’ Assembly
Thursday, 23rd February – NSWCIS Triathlon Event - Teams
Thursday, 23rd February – Year 8 Swim and Survive (Day 2)
Thursday, 23rd February – Scholarship Testing Day
Thursday, 23rd February – Senior School Open Morning
Friday, 24th February – Icebreakers Evening
Saturday, 25th February – Senior School Open Morning
