FROM THE HEADMASTER - Blue Mountains Grammar School
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Blue Mountains Grammar School
Newsletter Vol 33, 24th November, 2017
FROM THE HEADMASTER
Realms Collide
The week saw the launch of the published book Realms Collide, written by students in Years 3 and 4
at the Preparatory School. On Monday afternoon the celebrated children's author Mr Tim Harris
visited to mark this very special occasion. He marvelled at the literary expertise of our students and
praised them for their efforts. The students each read out a part of the chapter they had written and
then proudly signed the many purchased copies. Congratulations to Mr Andrew Phillips and students
from Year 3 and 4 on this most special achievement. I am sure the writing of
this book will impact on the children’s lives forever. I am enjoying reading a
chapter of ‘Realms Collide’ each evening.
Appointment of Head of the Preparatory School
I am delighted to announce that Miss Alicia Brace will be joining us from the start of Term 1, 2018 as
our Head of the Preparatory School replacing Ms Liz Flett who leaves after 15 years of dedicated and
loyal service, the last 13 years as Head of the Preparatory School.
Miss Brace is currently the G & T and Stage 4 Co-ordinator at Penrith Anglican College. Prior to that
she was at William Clarke College where she has been a classroom teacher and held the positions of
Stage 2 and 3 Co-ordinator, K-4 Teaching & Learning Co-ordinator and the Acting Assistant Head of
the Junior School.
Miss Brace is looking forward to commencing her role and dedicating the next stage of her
professional life to the students and community of BMGPS.
Trevor Barman
Headmaster
BLUE MOUNTAINS GRAMMAR SCHOOL
marks the end of the year by
acknowledging the inspiring achievements of our young people.
PRESENTATION DAY 2017
Wednesday, 6th December 2017
D J Mulford Sports Centre
Junior School and Preparatory School at 12.30pm
(please be seated by 12.15pm)
Senior School at 6.30pm
(please be seated by 6.15pm)
ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND PRESENTATION DAY
(full School uniform is to be worn)
All parents, grandparents and family members are most warmly invited to attend.
FROM THE CHAPLAIN
Perhaps one of the leading examples of philanthropy in the modern era was Andrew Carnegie (1835-
1919). If the wealth that he enjoyed were to be adjusted to 2017 value, he would have been worth
US$309 billion (Bill Gates is currently worth US$88.9 billion), yet Carnegie gave away an enormous
amount of his personal wealth during his lifetime. Carnegie said “Wealth is not to feed our egos, but
to feed the hungry and to help people help themselves.” By the end of his life, in addition to
establishing various charitable organisations (that are still active today), Carnegie had built some
2,811 lending libraries around the globe (as well as funding universities, hospitals, public meeting
places, etc.). For Carnegie, the written word, the preservation and communication of knowledge held
particular value in developing the human condition.
Christians often refer to the Bible as the word of God. This collection of 66 books is considered to
summarise the essential elements of living life God’s way. For example St James writes “Now what
use is it, my brothers, for a man to say he “has faith” if his actions do not correspond with it? Could
that sort of faith save anyone’s soul? If a fellow man or woman has no clothes to wear and nothing
to eat, and one of you say, “Good luck to you I hope you’ll keep warm and find enough to eat”, and
yet give them nothing to meet their physical needs, what on earth is the good of that? Yet that is
exactly what a bare faith without a corresponding life is like—useless and dead” (James 2:14-17).
In the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18), the Bible describes Jesus as the Word (of God). While the written
word has great significance to Christians, it is the enfleshed Word that Christians truly value. As we
move closer to the season in which we celebrate the coming of this Word into our world perhaps it is
worth considering how we are marrying actions to our faith, how we are allowing the Word to inform
and develop our life. Indeed, traditionally, Christians put special emphasis on the four weeks
preceding Christmas as a time to adjust our lives and thinking to better reflect our gratitude for the
birth of our Saviour.
Perhaps Christmas, as a time of giving, provides the opportunity to use the blessings we have received to bless those less fortunate. The School’s involvement in the Operation Christmas Child initiative was a great beginning to this, but perhaps it is worth considering how our gifts to family and friends can also serve those who are less well off. Compassion International’s “Gifts of Compassion” (https://www.compassion.com.au/gifts-of-compassion), provides the opportunity to give meaningful gifts to those in need, gifts that help people help themselves. These gifts can be given in the name of one of your loved ones and Compassion will send them a Christmas card explaining how you have given this gift in their name. We have so much to be thankful for, how encouraging it is to use our blessings to bless those with less. “But as for the well-to-do man who sees his brothers in want but shuts his eyes—and his heart—how could anyone believe that the love of God lives in him? My children, let us not love merely in theory or in words—let us love in sincerity and in practice!” (1 John 3:17-18). A. Dane FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD – TEACHING AND LEARNING Textbooks for Years 7- 10 in 2018 Once again, all students in Years 7 to 10 in 2018 will have their textbooks available in electronic form via their current or a new Jacplus (Jacaranda Publishers) login. The cost of these electronic textbooks will be included in the 2018 school fees. The only extra purchases families will need to make are for Elective Languages students in Years 9 and 10. Students will be issued with their password to the Jacplus portal in 2018. All textbooks will be uploaded for the students by Jacaranda – and can then be accessed as online, interactive texts and downloaded as PDF copies of the textbook. As well as the interactive textbooks, the electronic textbook package will give students access to assessment tools, exam practice questions, an interactive atlas and an interactive History atlas. More information will be supplied for students and parents after Jacaranda have created the student accounts for 2018. For those families who like to purchase a hard copy text of any of our eTexts for Years 7 to 10, these will also be available through Yorke Education – please note this is not compulsory. Stage 6 texts and Stage 5 Elective Languages texts Stages 5 For 2018 we are working with Yorke Education to provide our textbooks at a competitive price for Stage 6 and elective Languages in Stage 5. Details of the ordering process are already available for HSC 2018 texts via the Portal. For Year 11 (and Stage 5 Languages) information on how and when to order will be sent to parents by email and will also be available on the Portal. Setting goals If we really believe in the concept of a growth mindset, we need to focus on how we can grow, which means students need to learn to identify where they are in their learning and where they want to get to. With younger students, it may be things like “will correctly orient “b” and “d” in spelling 99 out of 100 times in classwork,”, or “saying each times table correctly in 12 seconds or less”. But setting goals becomes more complex and fragmented as learning splits into curriculum areas in senior school, particularly the upper levels. However, setting clear and achievable goals is absolutely vital for students to achieve their best in their final years of high school – and is one of those key skills they will take into life beyond school. Using the SMART goals focus can help students build capacity to set and reach towards achievable goals. Students will need to work on SMART goals for their whole learning in some ways, but also for
subject-specific learning areas as well. As in all things, it is best to start small, with one or two key
areas, and build confidence and capacity.
What is a SMART goal?
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Relevant, Rigorous, Realistic, and Results Focused
T = Timely and Trackable
Learning how to frame goals as SMART goals and being willing to adjust them to get SMARTer is an
important life skill for all students.
Here are three levels of goals and hopefully you can see how the same intent can be increasingly
honed to move a goal towards being SMART.
Level 1 – Wishful thinking
I will do better in my report next semester.
Here is a way to make it SMARTer:
Level 2 - Good intentions
Next semester I will get above 60% for all my mathematics tests
But it's not SMART yet because it has no action plan or benchmarks. Here is a pretty SMART goal:
Level 3 – SMART power
Next semester in Mathematics
I will take careful notes and review them at least two days before tests so that I can ask
the teacher questions about what I don't understand.
I will do my homework before I go online
When I hand homework in, I will ask the teacher about anything I am not sure about.
I will review any mistakes that I have made when I get my results so I can master it for
next time
Goal setting, Feed Up, Feed Back and Feed Forward
Goal setting is not a static process. Goals need to continue to develop and shift. Consequently,
central to successful goal setting is the student’s capacity to respond to precise and directed
feedback. Hattie & Timperley (2007: 86) identified three important questions that provide the basis
of good feedback, which they labelled in turn:
Feed Up - Where am I going? (What are the goals / learning objectives / syllabus
requirements of the task)?
Feed Back - How am I going (What progress am I making towards my goal)?
Feed Forward - Where to next (What further improvements need to be made to advance
my progress)?
Ensuring that goal setting includes good feedback loops that focus on moving learning forward is
crucial. As students head into their summer break, particularly our students moving into the senior
years, setting SMART goals will help them balance work and rest in the holidays, and set them on a
strong course for their final years of school learning.
Hattie, John and Timperley, Helen (2007) The Power of Feedback Review of Educational Research Vol. 77, No. 1, pp.
81–112
M. Hastie
SENIOR SCHOOL NOTICES Lost Property There are many items of unclaimed clothing and shoes in lost property at the Senior School. All named items will be given to Tutors by the end of this week and these will be returned to the students during Tutor time. For access to all unnamed items, please see me in the Senior School Administration Office. School Opal travel for 2018. Applications for the 2018 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) and Term Bus Pass (TBP) travel entitlements are now open. Please visit www.transportnsw.info/school-students. Recently, students who hold an SSTS entitlement and are changing grade bands i.e. going from year 2 to 3 or year 6 to 7 and changing school, and students whose entitlement was approved under a medical condition, should have received notification by email or post informing them of the pending expiry of their entitlement. TBP holders should also have received notification. Students enquiring about pending cancellation are advised to go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails to update details/make application for next year’s entitlement. Application needs to be made before 31st December, 2017 to ensure their entitlement is updated and their current card is not cancelled. If an application is made after the expiry of their entitlement (31 December) the system will automatically cancel their card and a new one will need to be issued. Please note: Students who are changing grade band and are remaining at the same school will not receive notification and do not need to reapply (the system now automatically validates a student’s on-going eligibility if at the same school and going from infants to primary or primary to secondary). Where a student meets the new eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement and card. Students in the Opal area applying for a SSTS or TBP entitlement for the first time will receive their card (posted to the nominated address) a week or two before the commencement of 2018 classes. New cards for 2018 are not posted in 2017 or during the Christmas / New Year period. For students using the Blue Mountains Transit Buses to travel to and from School, please remember the following: At the start of each trip, tap on by placing your Opal card on an Opal card reader. At the end of the trip you tap off by placing your Opal card on an Opal card reader again. Although it is a free pass, students are still required to tap on and tap off. The School Opal Card gives eligible school students free or subsidised travel on public transport between home and school on trains, buses, ferries and light rail in the Opal Network. It's important that the School Opal Card is only for travel to and from school on school days and doesn't cover travel to After School Care, School Excursions, Sport and other activities away from school. Don't throw out this year’s School Opal Card because eligible cards will be automatically updated for the new School year. R. Loesch Senior School Administration
Adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination
program
In early 2017 parents/carers of Year 7 students were asked to provide consent for their children to
receive three doses of HPV vaccine in the NSW School Vaccination Program.
Most* Year 7 students who have received two doses of HPV vaccine are considered to be fully
vaccinated and do not require a further dose.
This change is based on recent international studies that show for children aged 9 to 14 years of age,
two doses of HPV vaccine provide the same protection as three doses, as long as the second dose is
given at least six months after the first dose. Based on this evidence, the World Health Organization
(WHO) now recommends a two-dose HPV schedule, and this has already been adopted in comparable
countries (i.e. the UK, Canada, the United States and New Zealand) and is now being adopted in
Australia.
In 2017 Year 7 students were given the second dose of HPV vaccine at least six months after the first
dose to accommodate the urgent roll-out of the Meningococcal W Response Program to Year 11 and 12
students. Year 7 students who have received only one dose of HPV this year will be offered their
second dose in 2018. Parents/carers whose children were vaccinated in 2017 but who still wish for their
child to receive a third dose of HPV vaccine can access a free dose from their general practitioner (GP).
* Students with significantly impaired immune systems are still recommended to have three doses of
HPV vaccine. Parents of these students should make arrangements to complete the vaccine course
with their GP or by calling their local public health unit on 1300 066 055.
More information is available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/hpv or by calling
your local public health unit on 1300 066 055.
FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC
Soiree #3
Congratulations to the following students who performed at the final Soiree for 2017: Tom Hort
(Year 11), Hamish Davis (Year 9), Aimee Grace (Year 7), Nicholas Mayrhofer (Year 9), Abraham
Darley (Year 11), Evie Archer (Year 7), Miriam Cooney (Year 10), Emily Ampt (Year 11), Josh Williams
(Year 11) and Isaac Baker (Year 9).
The audience enjoyed a fabulous variety of music and I commend all those involved in contributing
to such a wonderful evening. Thank you to Music Captains Emily Ampt (Year 11) and Joshua
Williams (Year 11) for their excellent compering on the night.
Presentation Evening
A reminder that the Concert Band, Chamber Ensemble, Hand Bell Ensemble, Orchestra and Stage
Band will be performing at our Presentation Evening. Students involved in these groups are required
to be at the Sports Centre for final rehearsals which commence promptly at 3:30pm on Wednesday
6th December.
AMEB Exams
Several of our students are preparing for their AMEB practical musical examinations – in particular
Leila Harris (Year 10) and Brodie Wylde (Year 10) who will both be undertaking Grade 7 on their
respective instruments. We would like to wish them all the very best in these endeavours and look
forward to hearing their results.
Orpheus Strings
Orpheus Strings will be presenting their final concert for 2017 on Sunday 26 th November at 3:00pm
at Katoomba Public School. This concert will include works by Blue Mountains composers Jane
Andino and Ricardo Andino written especially for the orchestra. Other pieces include Albinoni’s “12
Concerti a cinque”, Geminiani’s “Concerto Grosso La Follia”, Vivaldi’s “La Primavera” (soloist Sam
Harding), and Piazolla’s “Primavera Portena” (special guest soloist Clare Cooney - Alumni 2016).
Miriam Cooney (Year 10) and Indigo Franklin (Year 8) will perform as ensemble members. Tickets
are available at the door and children accompanying an adult are free. The concert will be followed
by the annual end of year reception to which all audience members are warmly invited.
2018 Musical Events at the Joan
The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre has a number of musical offerings for 2018:
24th February: Secrets Through a Soundglass featuring experimental music of the C20th and
C21st performed by the Sydney Art Quartet
20th April: the Australian Hayden Ensemble with Stefanie True (soprano) and David Greco
(baritone) presenting a programme of Mozart and Haydn
30th June: Mirusia - a concert of various songs from opera, musical theatre, pop and jazz
18th August: Eight - an orchestra of pianos directed by Tamara Cislowska
28th September: Four- Colour- Season. The Song Company will present a program journeying
from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to new Australian works.
Bookings can be made by Phone: 4723 7600 or Email: boxoffice@jspac.com.au
Diary Dates:
Presentation evening: Wednesday 6th December - rehearsals commence from 3:30pm
D. Smith
FROM THE PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT
Our second annual musical production for 2017,
performed by students in Years 7 to 9, is currently in
rehearsal and will be presented by two casts across six
performances, from 28th November to 2nd December.
Don’t miss this hilarious musical/comedy pantomime that
is fun for all ages!
Tickets prices are $20 (Adults), $10
(Students/Concession) and $45.00 (Family, 2A/2C).
Seats are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
This is a production not to be missed!
This year we are introducing an online booking system through Trybooking (see link below).
Tickets are on sale now! https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?embed&eid=329320
C. Pecovnik, A. Charter, D. Evans
FROM THE HEAD OF MATHEMATICS Last Tuesday, four Year 7 students represented BMGS at the HICES Mathematics Tournament at William Clarke College, Kellyville. Our students, Evie Archer, Vaughan Dugdale, Oliver Freeman and Erica Zhu, placed a very respectable 8th place out of 23 teams, which is terrific, especially considering the other teams were comprised of students from Year 7 and 8. Congratulations to those involved. During Term 3, thirteen students from Years 7 to 10 participated in the challenging Enrichment stage of the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians. This program runs for 13 weeks, and requires persistence and superior problem solving skills, therefore all students who participated are to be commended on their efforts. Congratulations to Evie Archer, for receiving a Distinction, placing her in the top 19% of participants. Congratulations also to Amy Ling, Erica Zhu, Owen Lu and Lasse Sweetland, for receiving certificates of Credit. Finally, the Mathematics Olympiad has concluded for 2017, and the 25 Year 7 students, eighteen Year 8 students and two Year 6 students (who competed in the Senior Division) are to be commended on their efforts. In the Year 7 team, Vaughan Dugdale earned the highest score, placing him in the top 10% of participants. Evie Archer and Oliver Freeman came in the top 20% and Calum Lloyd and Oliver Stephens placed in the top 50%. In the Year 8 team, Oliver Drew (Year 6) achieved the highest score, placing him in the top 10%, Tien Attwater (Year 6) also received a score in the top 10%, Mia Brischetto and Evie Johnston in the top 25%, Indigo Franklin in the top 30%, Tom Delaney, Ella-Rose Fisher, Phoebe Mason and Chloe Neale in the top 40% and Milla Gibson in the top 50%. Congratulations to these students. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all students who participated in any of the external problem solving competitions this year, and there have been many. Your participation shows that you are keen to challenge yourself S. Coultas FROM THE LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT On Wednesday, 8th November, the Year 8 Japanese class visited the Nihongo Tanken Centre for an immersion day. The Centre is a Japanese-style building with traditional Japanese interiors and a beautiful garden.
Our students experienced a full day immersed in the language and culture of Japan. Only Japanese was spoken with limited English, if necessary. They participated in stimulating, competitive and fun activities on authentic tatami mats. At lunch they enjoyed a tasty Obento box in the tranquil, traditional Zen garden. It was a lovely way to complete an enriching experience which will contribute to their Japanese language learning. Y. Evans FROM THE HEAD OF STUDENT WELLBEING Weight Stigma and Wellbeing On Monday, 20th November BMGS welcomed back Dr Natasha Magson from Macquarie University’s Centre for Emotional Health to provide some feedback on recent research to students in Years 7, 8 and 10 and provide students some strategies for promoting healthy body image. In the study students were randomly assigned to one of two hypothetical scenarios to consider: a positive experience in relation to self-image at a swimming carnival and a negative experience in relation to self-image at a swimming carnival. Students were then provided an opportunity to enjoy some snack food. Results showed that students who placed themselves in the shoes of someone experiencing weight stigma were more likely eat a larger amount of less healthy foods. While much attention has been rightfully given to ensuring students are not treated unfairly due to their race, religion or sexual preference, school communities need to also ensure that students are not treated unfairly due to their weight being above or below what might be considered normal. As a school community, BMGS is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students and we thank you for your partnership in challenging some of the myths and negative stereotypes around weight stigma. Young people who are concerned about their weight need support and care not judgment or isolation as evidence suggests this will further exasperate things and reduce help seeking behaviour. If you would like to know more about this study, please contact me. I would also recommend resources available from the following website for parents looking for information about how to support young people in relation to developing a positive body image and promoting mental health more generally: https://headspace.org.au/friends-and-family/ A. Beitsch 45KM WALK TO BUNGAWARRA 2017 WRAP UP The final figures are in and I am pleased to announce that all records have been broken this year with sponsorship. This year a total of $19,040 was raised by participants on the Walk. This will be shared between four charities: Compassion Child Survival Program in Indonesia The ‘Ibulanku School Project / Uganda Maleke School in Fiji Greystanes Disability Services, Leura I would like to personally thank everyone involved again for making the event such a great success. N. Foster
FROM THE LEARNING ENRICHMENT DEPARTMENT As we are coming to the end of a busy school year, I am available to discuss organisation and study planning in preparation for next year. I am in the Library Resource Centre (LRC) after school on Tuesdays from 3:15pm to 4:45pm. If you are interested in attending, it is a great idea to contact me on email almichielsen@bmgs.nsw.edu.au so that I can prepare best for the 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 to 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. Can’t access FROG? Please see Mr Huxley for technical help. 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 universities. You are welcome to take these books home! On the notice board you will find a copy of the weekly MHSCareers newsletter. Discussing your options Drop an email to jmadgwick@bmgs.nsw.edu.au to arrange a time to meet and discuss your career options. J. Madgwick FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP The Senior skirts for girls commencing in Year 11 in 2018 have now arrived at the Uniform Shop. Please remember that all balances must be paid in full before collection. Payments may be made by telephone on 4757 9004. K. Arrell FROM THE HEAD OF SPORT Commitment to an activity is paramount to the success of the particular activity within the school. Whilst the students at BMGS are offered many co-curricular opportunities, it is very important that 100% commitment is possible. If joining another activity is to the detriment of the first then students need to consider their decision. Please be reminded that Saturday sport commitments take first priority and at all times the Staff of all activities work together to accommodate those involved across various fields. If a student is unsure at any time regarding clashes then they are encouraged to speak to the MIC or staff member involved in the activity for guidance.
Sports Canteen
This Saturday the canteen will be open from 8:00am until 3:30pm. Once again parents are reminded
that they can book a timeslot to assist through Trybooking. The link to this is:
www.trybooking.com/326233
Thank you to all those parents who have worked in the canteen over the past term.
Some dates for your calendar for 2018:
NSWCIS Triathlon
Individual events: 28th February
Team events: 1st March
Nominations close: 21st February
The NSWCIS Triathlon will be held during Term 1 next year. If you are a strong swimmer, runner or
rider, start thinking about who you would make a team with in your division. Divisions are Junior,
Intermediate and Senior. Once you have decided on your team could you please come and see me in
the sports office to be added to the list.
100 Year Celebrations – Alumni Sports Days
As part of the 100 year celebrations, BMGS will be having two Alumni sports days. Ex-students are
encouraged to be involved in the sports that they played during their time at the School. If possible,
we will be looking to generate teams based on the decade that students left school. In the new year,
ex-students will be able to express their interest through the Alumni Facebook page,
Winter Sports – Saturday 17th March, 2018
Summer Sports – Saturday 15th September, 2018
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding sport at BMGS: mharris@bmgs.nsw.edu.au
M. Harris
Saturday Sport Fixtures 25th November 2017- Round 6
Team Opponent Venue Time Court Bus INFO
Girls’ Open A Chevalier BMGS 9:30am 1
Basketball
Open B Oxley BMGS 9:30am 2
N/A
Open D Oxley BMGS 11:00am 1
Inter A Chevalier BMGS 8:30am 1
Inter A Oxley BMGS 12:00pm 1
Junior A CCGS BMGS 1:30pm 2
Junior B Chevalier BMGS 8:30am 2
Junior B Oxley BMGS 11:30am 2
Junior C Oxley BMGS 10:30am 2
Junior C Oxley BMGS 1:00pm 1
Boys’ 1st V BYE BYE BYE BYE
Basketball 17s St Pat’s BMGS 2:30pm 2
15s St Pat’s BMGS 3:00pm 1
N/A
14As St Pat’s BMGS 3:30pm 2
14Bs Oxley B BMGS 12:30pm 2
13s St Pat’s BMGS 2:00pm 1
Cricket 1st XI TBC BMGS TBC N/A
14s Lithgow Katoomba Bottom Reserve 8:30am N/A N/AMatch Reports - 17th November, 2017
Cricket
BMGS 1st XI v Central Coast Grammar School
Last Saturday the 1st XI travelled to Central Coast Grammar
School. After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, we
were struggling against some good bowling and by the first
drinks break were 2/34. Zac Franklin held the innings
together with a very well made 61 and he was well supported
by Christian Wright 32, Henry Horwood 28 and Daniel Lane
with a hard hitting 31 n.o. BMGS finished on 6/197 after our
50 overs. Central Coast started off well, being on target at
the first drinks break after a couple of dropped chances. After
the break, the bowlers started to make inroads into the CCGS
batting with Jackson Prowse taking 3/17, Christian Prowse
2/12 and the rest of the wickets being shared around. The
boys played well, dismissing Central Coast for 91. Pictured
right, top, Daniel Lane, and right, Zachary Franklin.
S. Collins
Girls’ Basketball
BMGS First V were defeated by Barker College, 57-27
This week we travelled to Hornsby to take on Barker College. As they are the top placed team, we knew
this would be an uphill battle. Our goal for this game was just to improve from the last time we had
played them, which was in preseason. Although we were defeated in this game, all the girls kept up the
intensity and the effort right to the end, which is a credit to them. Our second half was the stand out for
us in this game and we definitely learnt a lot from it. Now it is important to carry these lessons
throughout the rest of the season.
BMGS Open B were defeated by St. Spyridon, 30-17
This past weekend the Open Bs played an outstanding game of Basketball. With only four players for
most of the first half against St Spyridon’s First V team, our girls were able to maintain their two to four
point lead against the opposition. The girls were able to play smart and pressure the St Spyridon’s side
by keeping space between themselves and the dribbler. Having five players back on for the second half
gave the Open Bs some much needed support in defence as their energy started to waver. However,
foul trouble and a few fast breaks made by the St Spyridon’s side tired the girls out completely and they
were not able to regain the lead. I am incredibly proud of how the girls played. They never gave up and
were able to stay in the lead with only four players for the majority of the game. I know they will only
keep improving and continue to surprise me throughout the rest of the season. Well done, girls!
C. Ingold – MIC Girls’ Basketball
Boys’ Basketball
BMGS 13s were defeated by St Spyridon, 28-25
Despite an impressive final effort, the 13s could not quite pull off the win this weekend. A valiant effort
on defence was made against a physically bigger team, and, with the exception of a couple of minutes
where concentration lapsed and the opposition gained their lead, the game was very close. The 13s are
very capable of defeating this team, and will definitely find success if they can manage to maintain their
focus for the entirety of the game.
BMGS 14As were defeated by 29-20
Round 5 presented the tough challenge of taking on the ladder-leading St Spyridon team. The 14s were
confident despite being on camp during the week. The team showed resilience and determination,
playing with only five players. With the help of strong team defence and thoughtful offence, the boys
were able to stay within reach of St Spyridon but couldn’t find that final push to take the lead. The team
will look ahead to Round 6, and aim to finish the first half of the season on a strong note.
BMGS 14Bs were defeated by Redlands College, 88-8
Firstly, our thanks to the parents who brought the boys to the game. We got off to a difficult start with no
subs. Everyone was very happy when Sam (who also scored a 3-pointer in the 2nd half) arrived, giving us
one sub for the game. However, there was a lot of weariness, given that most of the boys had been at
Year 8 Camp through the week and only having one sub was hard work. It was a great effort from all the
boys who were at the game and special mention should be made of Elliot, who scored the first basket
for the game and his first basket this season (a 3 pointer at that!). The ‘take home’ lesson from the
game is the need to keep working on our defence, particularly positioning and rebounds, as well asbeing more strategic in our offence. The score doesn’t do justice to the determination of our players,
who kept giving it their best throughout the game and pushed through their weariness right to the end.
BMGS 15s were defeated by St. Spyridon, 52-13
This round, the U15s travelled to Marrickville to play St. Spyridon College. Unfortunately, we couldn’t
come away with a win but the boys managed to overcome a number of setbacks to compete and at
times be in control of the game. The U15s, who were missing three players who are integral to the team
dynamic, fought hard against a team that was much taller, and they had to play on a court which was
quite different from the one that they practise on. However, the U15s continue to grow as a team in
ability and confidence and they came through and showed everyone how far they have come and it will
be a different story when they play these teams later in the season.
BMGS 17s were defeated St. Spyridon, 38-25
The boys had a slow start last Saturday and ended up being 12 points down for majority of the game.
After half time the boys picked up their defence with more intensity and desire for the basketball to
bring it back to 4 points. However, this did not seem to last and we were unable to break past the 6
point lead that they maintained.
BMGS 1st V were defeated by St. Spyridon, 74-38
The First V played with seven players due to sickness and injury. The team didn't start too well but did
have good moments throughout the game. They came back to be within four points of the opposition,
however, were unable to maintain the level of play needed to stick with them. We hope to learn from
this loss and make changes to have more wins as the season continues.
V. Morgan-Hort, MIC Boys’ Basketball
FROM THE ACTING HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Year 5/6 PA Class Soiree
The 5/6F class ended the year with a Christmas-themed play, a production of E.T.A Hoffman’s
classic fairytale ‘The Nutcracker’. Students each played a character in the play and also performed a
dance and musical item. The production was a great success, enjoyed by the 5/6F parents,
members of staff and the Junior School students.
J. Forbes
Your Choice fundraiser
We raised $146.45 for our fundraiser which was to support the RSPCA and Cancer Council.
We have chosen to raise money for the RSPCA and Cancer Council because they are the two main
problems we have focused on. We spent most of our Tuesday lunches talking and planning for this
event. We organised for a representative from the RSPCA to talk to us in Assembly.
Josie Hill, Ruby Wooding and Sophia Chen
P& F Fundraiser
Our Ice Block Day fundraiser on Friday made a $190 profit. Thank you to Mrs. Raelene Lord for her
help in running the stall.
Mrs. Bonnie Mamo
Junior School Parents’ and Friends’ Association Representative
Dates for your diary:
Monday, 27th November – Year 6 Fun Day
Tuesday, 28th November – Year 5 Orientation Day
Wednesday, 29th November – Gingerbread P&F Fundraiser
Thursday, 30th November – Year 6 Farewell and Chapel service
S. GoodletJUNIOR SPORTS NEWS Basketball Results - Term 4, Round 6 It was another great weekend of basketball from our BMGS teams. For most of our teams, they have now completed their first full round against all the other teams. We now have a really good idea of what to expect when we come up against each team. As a school, we are looking for solid improvement with the players’ skills and for them to continue to enjoy playing the awesome game of basketball. The 5/6 Boys’ teams put in a huge effort against tough opposition. By all accounts, there were some great plays and the boys fought hard to minimise their losses. Most importantly, they tried their best and enjoyed being part of the action. As I was coaching my Mixed 3/4 Red team, I was reminded of how important it is to work as a team to try and make passing difficult for the opposition. My team has really improved at defending their players rather than following the ball around. All the 3/4 BMGS teams have improved immensely and they have even had parents of the opposition comment on how much improvement has been made over a short period of time. Watching these teams play is thoroughly entertaining and what’s more enjoyable is seeing them so happy with their efforts as the game finishes, regardless if they win or lose. The 5/6 Girls’ White team played a team they knew it would be likely they would walk away with a win. Their coach Dennis used the opportunity to focus on team passing and making sure that everyone on the team scored a goal before allowing other regular scorers to take another shot. The 5/6 Girls’ Red team had a closely contested game. With only one basket in it, they had everyone on the edge of their seats. Although the girls had a loss, they knew they had done their best. A reminder that on Friday, 1st December, there will be no games for the 5/6 Boys’ teams due to the Year 6 Formal. 5/6 Boys’ Blue played Mountain Royals Blue - Mountain Royals Blue won 4 to 15 5/6 Boys’ Gold played Mountain Royals - Mountain Royals won 30 to 18 3/4 Mixed Red played Fruitloops - The Fruitloops won 40 to 6 3/4 Mixed Blue played Power - 3/4 Mixed Blue won 33 to 16 3/4 Mixed Gold played The Misfits - The Misfits won 42 to 10 5/6 Girls’ White played Superstars - The White team won 42 to 22 5/6 Girls’ Red played All Stars - The All Stars won 16 to 14 L. Gerrard FROM THE HEAD OF THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Parents, Caregivers and Friends of Blue Mountains Grammar Preparatory School are cordially invited to join us for our Celebration Evening for the performance of Macbeth to be held in the Preparatory School Hall, on Thursday, 30th November from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Macbeth COSTUMING At our Celebration Evening to be held on Thursday, 30th November students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 4 will be taking part in a production of “Macbeth”. Students are presently rehearsing items for this performance. All students will need to wear black pants (track pants/leggings/trousers) and black socks on the night of the performance. The School will provide a coloured t-shirt for each child to wear on the night.
Thank You Morning Tea
On Monday, 4th December it will be the pleasure of the staff to provide Morning Tea as a gesture of
our appreciation to all who have helped with excursions, hearing children read, assisting in
classrooms, fundraising, library assistance, book club, School banking…. and many other areas
where assistance has been offered.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP at the office to assist us with numbers for catering.
E. Flett
Student Awards:
Pre-Kindergarten - Isabella Kelly
Kindergarten – Eva Tilley and Michael Kelly
Stage 1 – William Cottle and Ariel Reeves
Stage 2 – James Reynolds and Montagu Darwin
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
Friday, 24th November – Blue Mountains Debating Finals, Winmalee High School
Friday, 24th November – Year 12 Geography Excursion, Glenbrook Lagoon
Friday, 24th November – Early Learning Nativity Play
Sunday, 26th November to Friday, 1st December – Year 10 Rock Climbing Camp
Monday, 27th November – Year 6 Fun Day
Monday, 27th November to Friday, 1st December – Year 10 Sea Kayak Camp
Monday, 27th November to Friday, 1st December – Year 10 Scuba Camp
Monday, 27th November to Friday, 1st December – Year 10 Surf Camp
Tuesday, 28th November – Year 5, 2018 Orientation Day
Tuesday, 28th November to Saturday, 1st December – Wind in the Willows (Years 7 to 9)
Wednesday, 29th November – Junior School Parents’ & Friends’ Gingerbread House Decorating
Friday, 1st December – Preparatory School Movie and Party Day
Friday, 1st December – Year 6 Chapel Service and Farewell Formal
Monday, 4th December – Year 10 Formal, Palais Royale
Wednesday, 6th December – Preparatory and Junior Schools’ Presentation Day (12.30pm)
Wednesday, 6th December – Senior School Presentation Night (6.30pm)
Wednesday, 6th December – Term 4 concludesYou can also read
