The BMGS Newsletter Vol. 19, 24th June, 2016 is attached here

Blue Mountains Grammar School
Newsletter
Vol 19, 24th June, 2016
FROM THE HEADMASTER
Making a difference
There is so much to be done to make this world a better place and yet so little it seems at times that
one person can do to make a difference. When the task seems daunting, it is good to remember that
just an action can make a difference to other people’s lives.
Many things that we do affect the lives of others.
These coming holidays a number of our Year 10 and 11 students and four staff will head to Manado
in Northern Indonesia for ten days to work with Compassion. Each of these students who are
attending has had to help fundraise as part of a team to support the program, as well as meet their
airfare and on land costs. I am sure the students will be confronted with some very emotional
experiences as they work with the families on the trip. These will give them an insight into the lives of
people living under very different circumstances to those we enjoy back here in Australia. Our
students will be making a difference in people’s lives.
Edward Everett Hale wrote:
I am only one. But still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I
cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
I hope that our students will remember the difference that each one of them is making through their
participation in this Compassion trip and how important it is to reach out to help others.
Appointment of 2016/2017 Student Leadership Team
Further to the Year 11 Leadership Camp and following recommendations from students and staff
and interviews with the current Year 12 Captains and Executive staff, it is my very great pleasure to
be able to announce the appointment of the School Captains, Vice Captains, House Captains and CoCurricular Captains for Debating, Music and Drama for 2016/2017:
School Captains:
School Vice-Captains:
Callum Simpson and Eleni Vergotis
Campbell Ferguson and Chloe Jensen
House Captains:
Deane House:
Hughes House:
Kelley House:
MacLaurin House:
Pitt House:
Ziele House:
Patrick Trihey and Julia Chabros
Joseph O’Doherty and Fleur Young
Thomas Weaver and Olivia Kennedy
Matthew Van Horen and Kate Verhoeven
Kenji White and Emma Jackson
Angus Darragh and Charlotte Lomas
Co-curricular Captains:
Performing Arts:
Music:
Debating:
Tess Bourguignon
Diana Babajanyan
Eleni Vergotis
I am sure that these students will make an outstanding contribution to the service of others within the
School community.
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the 2015/16 School Captains, Liam Johnson and Olivana
Smith-Lathouris, the Vice Captains, Daniel Lodewyke and Keira Jebb, and all the House Captains, Cocurricular Captains and Prefects, for the roles each of them has fulfilled over this past year.
They have been a great support to staff and they too have made a difference to the life of this wonderful
School through their cheerful and responsible approach to the fulfilment of their duties and leadership of
the student body.
2016 Theatresports Schools Competition, Senior Division Grand Final
The Grand Final of the Theatresports Schools Competition was held last Sunday evening, 19 th June, at
the Enmore Theatre. The BMGS team consisting of Samuel Wilson, Belal Trad, Jade Beavis, Conor Tufrey
and Duncan Mackay (all from Year 12), was one of the final nine teams from an original one hundred
teams from across the State selected to participate in this exciting event. BMGS has featured in nine of
the past ten Grand Finals - A truly outstanding record.
Throughout this competition the various teams had to demonstrate their skills of improvisation and
performance within a framework of various ‘games’ using specific criteria. The competition on the night
was very tight with the BMGS team finishing a very creditable 6 th place. Congratulations to these
students on this marvellous achievement.
Many thanks must go to staff, parents and students who attended and provided much appreciated
support for our wonderful team. Thank you also to Mrs Annette Charter, Mrs Cindy Pecovnik and Miss
Danie Evans for their support and encouragement of the students.
Junior School and Preparatory School S & J Beard Public Speaking Competition
Congratulations to all Junior and Preparatory primary students involved in this competition last Monday
night. All the speeches were humorous, informative and very well presented. Thank you to Mrs Elaine
Manners for adjudicating the competition. Her time, energy and deliberations were very much
appreciated. Thank you also to Mr Nigel Cockington and Ms Liz Flett and the Junior and Preparatory
School staff for guiding the students with their speech writing and presentation skills in class and for
organising the night.
Junior HICES Chess Competition
Congratulations to the Junior School’s A and B Chess teams, who participated in the inaugural HICES
Chess Championships, held Tuesday 21st June. In a wonderful result, our teams finished first (B Team)
and second (A team) in a very competitive field.
I wish all students, staff and families a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday period.
T. Barman
Headmaster
FROM THE CHAPLAIN
One of the common mistakes made by people when faced with another’s pain, is to try to cheer them
up, to tell them it “could have been worse”, or to tell them that “things will get better”. As wellmeaning as these attempts generally are, they have the tendency of denying someone’s grief, of
trivialising their suffering. The Bible doesn’t fall into this trap! Throughout the book of Psalms there
are many laments and while some express a mixture of hope and pain, some simply express their
suffering (like Psalm 88, “...my soul is full of troubles”). In the Old Testament, Jeremiah, the so-called
weeping prophet, wrote the book of Lamentations (“...I have no more peace, I have forgotten what
happiness is.”). It would seem that God is willing to feel with us in our pain rather than try to gloss
over our suffering. Perhaps this is why Jesus is referred to as the ‘Suffering Servant” and why
Christians believe that we are saved because of our Saviour’s sacrifice.
With some of the events of the last few weeks, especially the tragedy of the Pulse nightclub in
Orlando, coming as it does as the latest in a long line of inhuman acts, it is worth considering what
the Bible’s response teaches us. If all we do is rage against others’ inhumanity, we accomplish
nothing. If the most we do is extend sympathy and support to victims and their families, we don’t do
enough. Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr. said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only Light can do
that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only Love can do that.” In the midst of all the pain Jesus
experienced at the hands of those He came to save, Jesus prayed “Father, forgive them, for they
know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Let us rise above the ignorance of those who hate, of those
who kill, and let us pray:
Loving Father, send your healing and comfort upon those who survive and upon those who must live
with the loss of a loved one. Father heal the brokenness in those who hold onto hate and violence as
the answer to their emptiness, and help us, Gracious God, to walk the path of Love and Light
through your Holy Spirit. AMEN.
A. Dane
FROM THE PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
Last Thursday the Parents’ and Friends’ Association hosted a well-attended evening presentation
given by Mr. Lee Trew, a qualified child counselor and wilderness educator, speaking on the topic ReWild your child, the second in a series of Conversations at Coorah.
Although largely promoted as a talk on wilderness education, Mr. Trew showed how the wilderness
experience could be used to put into perspective the many pervasive, man-made social constraints
that influence our lives, and to learn to trust in our own self-awareness of what is right and wrong.
This in turn helps to develop social connections.
Mr. Trew then spoke of the need for these connections, or ropes, to develop a genuine rapport
between parents and their children and provided a practical strategy of how to create and use these
connections in everyday life so that mutual agreement over computer time and other contentious
issues could be reached. The presentation then concluded with questions and discussion from the
audience.
Once again I would like to thank Carole Young and Charlotte Smith for organising the evening and
the School staff for attending and assisting.
D. Barrell
Chair, Parents’ and Friends’ Association
dba23266@bigpond.net.au
FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD – HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
New Student Leadership 2016/2017
The 2016/17 Senior School Leadership Team (with Callum Simpson, Eleni Vergotis, Campbell
Ferguson and Chloe Jensen as the Captains and Vice-Captains) are outstanding young men and
women in all regards and I am so very excited by the possibilities, development and commitment
that will be part of this group. Each of these students consistently demonstrate all that is rich and
diverse about BMGS and they will be a team that will develop a vibrant and mature culture within the
leadership group. The response from their peers and the wider school community has been very
encouraging and has demonstrated the collegiality, friendship and maturity of this Year Group. This
is a team for which the expectations are high. They are up to the challenge! (Pictured above: Chloe Jensen,
Callum Simpson, Mr. Paul Humble, Deputy Head – Head of Senior School, Eleni Vergotis and Campbell Ferguson)
I have met with the four incoming School Captains and Vice Captains this week to begin the process
of mapping our 12 month journey together and initiating the conversations about continuing to move
forward at Blue Mountains Grammar School. A number of the newly elected leaders have already
begun contacting me with their ideas, plans and hopes for their tenure - many an exciting prospect!
Deane House
Patrick Trihey and
Julia Chabros
Hughes House
Joe O’Doherty and
Fleur Young
Kelley House
Tom Weaver and
Olivia Kennedy
MacLaurin House
Pitt House
Matthew Van Horen and
Kate Verhoeven
Captain of Debating
Eleni Vergotis
Ziele House
Kenji White and
Emma Watson
Captain of Music
Diana Babajanyan
Angus Darragh and
Charlotte Lomas
Captain of Performing Arts
Tess Bourguignon
The Sporting Captains will be announced at the Colours Assembly in Term 3.
The Induction Ceremony for these students will be on 27 July.
P. Humble
FROM THE CAPTAINS
From the Captain of Performing Arts
Last Sunday I was fortunate enough,
along with the rest of our talented
team, to perform at the NSW Schools’
Theatresports Grand Final at the
Enmore Theatre. It was such an
amazing experience to be in that
professional space. The show was
fantastic, and we were really
honoured to be able to perform there.
Plus, we got a shiny medal. I’d like to
thank the rest of my team, Belal,
Conor, Jade and Duncan (all Year 12),
as well as our fantastic Theatresports
‘mum’ Chloe (Year 11), who, given the
rule that limits the number of players
in a team, could not perform, but she
was with us all the way. Chloe even brought us oranges for halftime. Thank you so much for an
amazing run, team. We’ve been together for many years doing this; last Sunday was our final go at it,
and we certainly finished on a good note. We really have connected so much as a group. (Pictured l to r:
Jade Beavis, Sam Wilson, Duncan Mackay, Belal Trad and Conor Tufrey).
This was our last performance… but now Chloe will go forth and carry on the legacy. It couldn’t be in
better hands. We are sad to leave the sport, but also very excited. A world of opportunity awaits us
beyond the humble realm of Theatresports and I can only ask that we carry and cherish our passion
for Improv and the Performing Arts into our lives ‘beyond the slide’.
This is my last entry as Performing Arts Captain I would like to thank everyone for an amazing year. I
am very humbled to have been offered this opportunity. It has been a lot of fun so far, and there is
still a big push until the end of Year 12… but I’m sure that everyone can see the finish line.
Sam Wilson
Captain of Performing Arts
FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD – HEAD
LEARNING
OF
TEACHING
AND
Dates for next term
Year 10 into 11 Careers and Curriculum Evening – Wednesday 27th July
Year 12 Trial Exam block – Monday 1st August – Monday 15th August (inclusive)
Year 8 into 9 Curriculum Evening – Wednesday 10th August
Year 11 into 12 Curriculum Evening –Tuesday 20th September
Keeping learning alive during the holidays
There’s so much pressure for kids to compete, to master everything. Some people look at the
holidays as the chance to “catch their kids up” or “stay ahead of the game”, but we need to
remember that resting is key to learning well. Resting and reinvigorating tired minds and bodies is
essential if you want to really optimise learning. There needs to be some down-time too. Your child
may also really resent the idea of doing school in the holidays - which then creates resistance (and
family tension!) And let’s face it, not everyone learns best through school and its structures. The
holidays can be the chance for kids who struggle at school to really shine, and for families to spend
time together.
On the other hand, when children return to class after the holidays you can feel their progress has
really slipped after three weeks off. Teachers, having ended the term with the class exactly where
they wanted them, have to change gear and remember that they are back at the beginning of a new
year's educational journey.
So with the midyear holidays soon to start, how can parents keep their children's learning ticking
over but allow for that all-important break?
Happily, the holidays are a chance for all the school-based learning to be applied to real life
situations. Children will do this without realising that they are using the skills developed at school. So
with a little guidance, parents can stimulate learning without their children being aware they are
continuing to learn.
Exploring out
The first thing to remember is that it is the holidays, in itself a chance for children to explore and
learn for themselves. No greater learning happens than when children experience things first hand. If
they are lucky, some children will leave their usual surroundings and be able to visit new areas of the
country or world. These opportunities can enable children to discover new cultures and ways of life
or just discover new parts of Australia.
Adventuring within
Even if children remain at home, there is so much to discover in our “backyard” – the World Heritage
listed Blue Mountains. There is a growing body of research that highlights the importance of children
connecting regularly with the natural world. Going for walks helps keep them physically active and
engaged. There’s so much to observe, especially if you slow the pace and are happy to take a
wandering path! Looking closely at flowers, insects and photographing them, or drawing or painting
them develops the skills of accurately recording and transferring information. Listening out for birds,
and other animals helps kids develop close observation skills.
Closer to home, if you can’t venture out, this is literally all available in your own backyard. Then you
can get them busy making tents from old sheets and camping in the garden teaches the children to
work out strategies to the enable successful construction of their fortress! Children being imaginative
and creating joy through interaction with others, or in their own play, is a pleasure to watch and can
often entertain for hours. This creative thinking and collaborative skills are such valuable assets in
school.
Make writing fun
A holiday diary not only promotes writing skills, but calls to mind a whole host of curriculum subjects.
Maps can be drawn of the area they are visiting, plans of towns, beaches and castles can all be
added to the diary. Drawings and paintings can also be added to the diary to bring it to life. Sending
postcards also supports and helps brevity skills and letter writing. Summarising the day's activities is
a skill in itself developing a child's ability to write concise and succinct copy! Getting them to produce
cartoons, write stories or send a good old-fashioned letter can all help.
Budgeting
Working out what pocket money they have to spend also is an important feature of the holidays.
Working out what entertainment they can afford on their pocket money can keep them busy – or
willing to work to earn more!
When shopping, why not get them to estimate the shopping bill and whoever is closest wins a prize?
Spend time working out the cheapest food versus the cheapest by weight. These activities teach
further skills around packaging, messaging and consumer values. Or in the car, instead of constantly
being asked 'Are we nearly there yet?' ask the children to guess the distance travelled from
beginning to end.
Read!
As we know ourselves, holidays are a good time to catch up on reading. But it doesn’t have to be
costly! If you are not members of a library, go and join one. Good libraries often have many other
things apart from books, magazines and CDs: perhaps author visits or story reading take place and
provide a different environment for learning. Go to a local second hand bookstore, or use e-tablets
for reading.
Programs and clubs
Holiday programs, camps and clubs are also popular activities over the holiday and these are many
and varied. They all offer something different, but usually have some educational aspect with,
perhaps, the chance to learn a new sporting skill like sailing or rock climbing. These activities can
lead to a lifelong love and a hobby and who knows, even Olympic success.
Dealing with the rain
It is winter, so what if it rains? Well, there are many museums, art galleries, science centres and
indoor attractions to visit. However, don't discount outdoor activities: there’s nothing like getting kids
to splash about in the mud and let loose – as long as they can get warm afterwards!
Electronic learning
There are also internet sites which can stimulate the little grey cells, in so many ways, but just don’t
let them spend too long – give them a time limit, or use it as a reward, or as a balance to another
more active task, Then get them out and about!
What if my child really struggles?
If your child has had an extended absence and has work to catch up, or if they need some more
support for some of their basic skills, then it may be appropriate to do some regular skill-building
during the break. The key here is to keep sessions short, but regular, make them as fun as possible
(game-based learning can be a fantastic tool), and ensure it is kept in balance. Whilst parents need
to set the agenda when their children are young, and there are times they’ll argue back, try and
avoid making homework or study a point of contention in your relationship. They are much more
likely to learn if they can see there is a real-life application to the skills. Help them to see the longterm benefits, and keep it in perspective!
And the final word is this - get out as much as you can, don't worry about the weather and let them
roam free!
Year 12 Academic Merit lists
The academic effort and merit lists are attached for Year 12 for Semester 1. These are based on the
students’ coursework and effort grades for Semester 1. Gold and Improved Effort Awards will be
presented at an Assembly next term. All other awards will be presented at House meetings.
The Academic Merit lists for Years 7-11 will be published in the first newsletter of Term 3 and
presented at the first Assembly.
Academic Merit List for Year 12
Semester 1 2016
Academic effort and achievement, in the context of enjoyable learning, are worthwhile goals for
students and should be publicly recognised.
Effort Awards
Effort in a course is the most important factor in a student’s success; this is one of the most
important character traits that students will take with them into their life beyond school. This award
is based on the following criteria:




A grading of straight excellents for Effort will result in the conferring of a Gold Award.
A grading of all excellents and up to 1 x very good for Effort will result in the conferring of a Silver
Award.
A grading of all excellents and up to 2 x very goods for Effort will result in the conferring of a
Bronze Award.
An increase of more than 0.4 in a student’s average effort rating from one semester to the next
semester will result in the conferring of an Improved Effort Award.
Recipients of these awards are detailed below:
Gold Effort Awards
Silver Effort Awards
Bronze Effort Awards
Improved Effort Award
Brianna McClean, Belinda Casado, Barnabas Gall, Kelley Gao, Benjamin Howe,
Olivana Smith-Lathouris, Zoe Abbott, Willabel Grindley Bennett, Liam Johnson,
Ashlee Negrone, Peggy Grant-Dawes, Emma Walton
Keira Jebb, Joshua Sweetland Hamish Davidson, Rohan Dugdale, Sunny Manon,
Savannah Meacham, Jade Beavis, Coopper Kingsley, Byron Lee, Daniel Lodewyke,
Wilson McDowell, Clare Millett, Caitlin Posenauer, Zebb Salisbury, Nicholas Filla,
Dominic Brischetto
Courtney Daley, Samuel Wilson, Charlotte Corkin, Hamish MacPhail, Kayla Nichols,
Fynn Norman, Isabella Schoeler
Jarrah Brailey, Brad Stewart, Casey Hedge, Jaime Brinkman, Zhangqi (Daniel)
Wei, Joshua Sweetland, Kate Ridley, Hamish MacPhail, Paris Fitzpatrick
The Gold Effort and Improved Effort Awards will be presented in Assembly next term.
Year 12 Academic Achievement Awards – Semester 1 2016
Academic Achievement Awards
Students who gained Academic Achievement Awards for Semester 1 are detailed below. The top
place getters in each Course for Semester 1 are listed below in rank order according to the following
criteria:
Number of students
Up to 10
Up to 26
Up to 50
Over 50
Number of place-getters in course
First place only
First 3 places
First 5 places
First 10 places
English Advanced (excluding Extension 1
students)
English Standard
English Extension 1
English Extension 2
Mathematics General 2
Mathematics (excluding Extension 1
students)
Mathematics Extension 1
Mathematics Extension 2
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth & Environmental Science
Ancient History
Modern History
History Extension
Geography
Economics
Business Studies
Legal Studies
Design & Technology
Information Processes & Technology
Engineering Studies
Visual Arts
Drama
Music 1
Music Extension
PDHPE
Community & Family Studies
Studies of Religion I
Studies of Religion II
Kelley Gao, Jade Beavis, Willabel Grindley Bennett, Belinda Casado, Emma
Walton (equal) Sam Wilson, Zoe Abbott, Rohan Dugdale, Peggy GrantDawes (equal eighth), Ben Howe
Wilson McDowell, Michael Read, Fynn Norman
Jonah Franklin, Olivana Smith-Lathouris, Ashlee Negrone (last two equal
second)
Brianna McClean
Hamish Davidson, Isabella Schoeler, Jade Beavis, Aidan Elliot, Fynn
Norman, Daniel Lodewyke (last two equal fifth), Sunny Manon, Lucy CarterByrne, Clare Millet, Michael Read
Nicholas Filla, Jonah Franklin, Byron Lee
Ben Howe
Ben Howe
Ashlee Negrone, Rohan Dugdale, Barnabas Gall (last two equal second)
Barnabas Gall
Ben Howe
Barnabas Gall
Savannah Meacham, Matthew Hedges, Keira Jebb
Jonah Franklin, Kayla Nichols, Emma Walton
Brianna McClean, Matthew Hedges (equal first)
Ben Howe
Ben Howe
Zoe Abbott
Olivana Smith-Lathouris, Jonah Franklin, Brianna McClean (last two equal
second)
Ashlee Negrone
Rohan Dugdale, Liam Johnson (equal first)
Byron Lee
Zoe Abbott
Brianna McClean, Sam Wilson, Willabel Grindley Bennett
Matthew Hedges
Hamish Davidson, Isabella Schoeler (equal first)
Ashlee Negrone, Sunny Manon (equal first), Daniel Lodewyke
Peggy Grant-Dawes
Kate Ridley
Peggy Grant-Dawes, Willabel Grindley Bennett (equal first), Gabrielle (Abby)
Wright
Academic Achievement Certificates will be presented to students next term via their Heads of House
or tutors.
Congratulations to all students.
M. Hastie
FROM THE LEARNING SUPPORT DEPARTMENT
I would like to thank all the parents, students and teachers for being so supportive in my first Term
at BMGS. It has been a very busy and productive term, where we have worked collaboratively to put
strategies in place to support the needs of students in the school. I am looking forward to putting
these strategies in place next term.
I would also like to acknowledge Mrs Knight and her team for all the hard work in organising the
Compassion Trip. What a wonderful experience for all students taking part. I wish them a rewarding
and safe trip.
See you all in Term 3!
A. Michielsen
FROM THE ENGLISH AND LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT
2016 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for New South Wales and Northern Territory
Secondary School Students
Entries are now open for the 2016 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for New South Wales and
Northern Territory Secondary School Students.
The contest aims to encourage an understanding of Japan and Australia-Japan relations among NSW
and NT secondary students.
As always, this English language contest is open to all secondary school students, not only those
studying Japanese. Submissions close on Wednesday, 24th August, 2016 and must arrive at the
Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney by this date.
Entry guidelines and essay cover sheets are also available for
http://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/english/education/essay%20contest.htm.
download
at
Prizes:
The first place winner in the Senior Division (Years 9 to 12) will receive a return economy class air
ticket to Japan with three nights’ accommodation.
The first place winner in the Junior Division (Years 7 and 8) will receive books to the value of $300,
of the winner’s own choice, with the cooperation of Kinokuniya book shop.
The outstanding essays in both Divisions will receive $150 gift voucher from UNIQLO.
The essay topics:
Senior Division (Years 9 to 12) – 1300-1600 words
Recently, a Japanese developed maglev train broke the land speed record by travelling over
600km/h during testing. Do you believe high speed trains should be introduced to Australia? Based
on the history of the Shinkansen in Japan, discuss some of the possible costs and benefits of
introducing high speed trains to Australia.
Junior Division (Years 7 and 8) - 700-1000 words
Robots are becoming an increasingly important part of contemporary society. Outline some of the
ways in which robots are currently employed in Australia and Japan, and discuss what role you
believe they will play in the future.
Conditions:
The essay must be written in English and your own work. You can gather information about Japan
from books and the Internet in order to increase your knowledge of Japan, but you must write your
essay in your own words including references and a bibliography.
When submitting your essay you must attach the completed cover sheet signed by Ms Grassmayr or
Mrs. Evans.
If you have any questions or need further information, please see Ms Grassmayr
(jgrassmayr@bmgs.nsw.edu.au) for English essay writing or Mrs. Evans (y.evans@bmgs.nsw.edu.au)
for Japanese culture.
J. Grassmayr (English Department) and Y. Evans (Languages Department)
FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC
Free Orchestral Workshops
On Thursday 21st and Saturday 23rd July the Sydney Youth Orchestra will be running free orchestral
Strings workshops with conductor Mr. Brian Buggy, OAM and orchestral percussion workshops
alongside the SYO Philharmonic Orchestra. To register for these workshops, simply follow the links
below:
Strings: http://www.syo.com.au/western-sydney-string-talent-development-program/
Percussion: http://www.syo.com.au/orchestral-percussion-discovery-workshops/
Whole School Concert
Our Whole School Concert will be held during the first week of Term 3 on Thursday 21st July at
6:30pm in Cuff Hall. All music groups from each campus will be participating. The concert will
conclude no later than 8.30pm. We are all looking forward to celebrating the incredible talents of
our students and warmly encourage all parents, friends, students and staff to attend.
Winter Magic Festival
Various teachers, staff, students and ex-students of BMGS were out and about performing at the
annual Winter Magic Festival on Saturday. Andie Skinner (Alumni, 2014) was busking in Katoomba
Street, and Hamish Davidson (Year 12), Ms Elizabeth Cooney (Alumni, 2008), Mrs Davidson and Mrs
Cooney marched with the Blue Mountains City Band in the parade.
Diary Dates:
Thursday 21st July:
Tuesday 23rd August:
Saturday 17th September:
Thursday 22nd October:
Whole School Concert, 6:30pm, Cuff Hall
Year 12 Performance Evening, Recital Room, 7:00pm, PAC
Alumni Lunch
Soiree No. 3, Recital Room, 7:00pm, PAC
D. Smith
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.
In The Mail
This week we have information about studying at any Queensland University and the range of
exciting courses available at Southern Cross University. The University of Sydney has provided copies
of “Your Road to University”. On FROG there is a link to the Mathematical Association of NSW who
sell past HSC Maths papers at all levels with solutions... Have a look at the FROG Careers webpage
under the “Wk9 - In the Mail” tab for more information.
Discussing your Options
I am available for Careers discussions in the LRC every Tuesday afternoon between 3:15pm and
4:45pm.
J. Madgwick
FROM THE SENIOR LRC
The Library will be open for Year 12 students (only) over the holiday break, for the last two weeks (4th
July – 15th July). This is to help Year 12 in their preparation for the Trial Higher School Certificate
examinations. Opening hours will be from 8.30am to 4.30pm weekdays. The Library will be closed
for the first week of the holidays.
E. Wells
FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP
The Uniform Shop will be open on the following days and at the following times for Week 1 of Term 3:
 Wednesday 20th July 8:15am to 3:30pm
 Thursday, 21st July. 8:15am to 2:15pm
Normal operating hours will resume for Week 2.
K. Arrell
MISSION AUSTRALIA WINTER SLEEPOUT
BMGS are sleeping out for Homelessness this Winter!
We will be ‘sleeping rough’ this winter for the Mission Australia Winter Sleepout to raise money and
awareness for homelessness across Australia. As winter approaches it is a bleak outlook for
individuals and families who don’t have a place to call home. More than 100,000 Australians are
homeless on any given night; including thousands of families.
On 6th August, students and teachers from BMGS are going to be raising awareness by having a
winter sleep out in the School’s Sports Centre. It will begin at 5:00pm on Saturday and students will
leave following breakfast on Sunday morning at approximately 8:30am. All Year groups are welcome!
We would like to build on the success of last year’s event, with even more students participating, so
jump on board for a great cause. The funds raised on the night (dinner) will go to a local community
group and funds raised through the link will go directly to Mission Australia.
http://wintersleepout.gofundraise.com.au/page/bmgswintersleepout
L. Opie
SPORTS NEWS
ISA Winter Sport
What a great way to end the Term with Round 7 for winter sport last Saturday. The day started off
quite wet and cold but that didn’t deter our Junior A Girls’ Football team, who played against Central
Coast Grammar and displayed exceptional skills throughout the game. They finished with a great win
of 5-0! Rugby 16s and 1st XV also played at home and were lucky enough to have the rain stop for
their games. We had two great games of Rugby, with the 16s winning 40-14 and the 1st XV ending
in a nail-biting finish, with Nick Filla scoring a last minute penalty to finish the game with a 15-14
win. Well done to all our teams who played last Saturday.
Round 8 will occur on the first Saturday of Term 3, on 23rd July. All Hockey and Rugby teams will be
at home on this day. The 23rd July will also be BMGS Rugby Alumni Home Day Reunion. We will
welcome back the Rugby Alumni on this day as they come to show their support for the rugby
program at BMGS. If you are free on this day, please come and show your support.
Fixtures for Rounds 8 and 9 will be sent to all families in the School holidays via email and will be
available on the Portal. As the 23rd July will be a day when we are expecting large crowds, please
notify Miss Petaccia on jpetaccia@bmgs.nsw.edu.au if you are available to help in the canteen and
BBQ.
Year 10 Work Experience
Work experience placements need to be finalised by the end of this term. There is still a large
number of students who have not yet completed any paperwork yet nor asked for any assistance. For
enquiries please email jpetaccia@bmgs.nsw.edu.au
Co-Curricular Photo Day
The Co-Curricular Photo Day will be held on Friday, 29th July in Cuff Hall. All students in a sporting
team, Athletics/Cross Country/Swimming teams, Debating team and all Music/Choir groups will be
required to attend. Students in any sports photos may come to School in their full PE uniform
(tracksuit, yellow polo shirt and jacket). Any students in a 1st team will be required to wear their full
playing uniform in their photo (Netball players will wear their training shirts). Students may leave
their class ten minutes before their photo time to ensure they arrive on time at Cuff Hall. Please see
photo timetable available on the portal.
If there are any questions relating to the Photo Day please contact jpetaccia@bmgs.nsw.edu.au
CIS Cross Country Carnival
Well done to all our students who competed at the CIS Cross Country Carnival on 16 th June at
Eastern Creek Raceway. I was unable to watch any of our Senior students participate but I was able
to attend later in the afternoon for the Primary events. I would like to congratulate Sarah Zakis on
finishing 5th in the 17 Years Girls and Mirah Larkin, who came 8th in the 12 Years Girls. Both these
girls will be competing at the NSW All Schools’ Championships on 22nd July. I would like to wish the
girls all the best in this Carnival, and congratulate all our students who represented BMGS and ISA at
the CIS Carnival.
Transport Concession cards
2016 Transport Concession cards are
now available to all students who are
16 years and over. These cards are to
be used for students who travel on a
bus, train or ferry and are not eligible
for a school opal card. They are to be
used in conjunction with the youth card
(green opal card). The concession cards
also allow for discounted travel on
weekends and during school holidays. Students who purchase a concession fair on any public
transport must have the concession card on them at the time with a valid 2016 foil sticker (please
see example, right). To obtain a new card please see Miss Petaccia.
Lithgow Buslines Update
Please see below information from Transport NSW. Please note that the Blue Transport application
forms no longer apply and all students, regardless of being within the opal network, will need to
apply online. For students with existing passes they will not need to do anything further.
You can now apply online regardless of whether the student needs to travel inside the Opal network
or in rural or regional areas.
The online application also now covers day students, boarding school students who need daily travel
to school from a term-time address and TAFE school students under 18 years of age.
Depending upon the transport operators you select for the school journey, we will advise you whether
the student will receive a School Opal card or a rural/regional school travel pass (or passes).
For rural/regional students, it is no longer necessary to lodge a separate application for each
different transport operator. One single online application covers all operators required for the
student's complete school journey.
For these students, from 12th May 2016, the previous blue or green paper application form is no
longer applicable, but any paper form already submitted prior to the end of Term 2, 2016 will be
accepted by Transport for NSW.
Boarding school students opting for weekend and vacation travel cannot apply online but need to
complete a paper application form (pdf 52KB) opens in new window for free travel together with an
application form for a Boarder's Rail Pass (pdf 24KB)
The website to apply for online passes:
https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/howToApply
If you have any questions, please contact jpetaccia@bmgs.nsw.edu.au
J. Pettacia
Match Reports: Saturday, 18th June:
Hockey
BMGS Junior A were defeated by Oxley College, 1-0
After a long bus ride to Oxley College, the Junior As played in rainy cold conditions against an equally
matched Oxley team. Both teams had improved since their last encounter, with tight defence and greater
awareness of game tactics. Although Oxley scored early in the first half, the girls came out in the second
half and played an attacking game, having three shots at goal. Unfortunately, none of these shots made it
past a very capable goal keeper. Lucy Pike, Charlotte McNair and Chloe Dance all had amazing games in
the field, whilst Mea-Mei Stanbury played wonderfully well as goal keeper, reading the game well and
defending fiercely.
Coach: R. Hyslop
BMGS Open C defeated Redlands, 3-0
The Open Cs had a challenging game this week against Redlands at Macquarie Hills, playing in the wind
and rain without a full team of players. However, despite these conditions, the team played fantastically
well, winning the game with a score of 3 to 0. Rose Clifford and Geraldine Weiss again played incredibly
well as inners, showing great co-ordination and skill in dribbling and handling the ball. Our midfielders and
backs held a strong defence, allowing our winger, Ainslie Zakis, to make some precise shots at goal. The
team ended the term with a brilliant game, and all the girls should be proud of how they played together.
Eleni Vergotis
Netball
BMGS Junior C – unfortunately this game was cancelled.
BMGS Junior B were defeated by St. Paul’s Grammar School, 30-15
This was a tremendous effort from the Junior B team, who were missing three key players due to sickness
and international travel. Every girl stepped up and gave her best. Marni Brown had a great game and
effortlessly swept up every loose ball. Molly Gale and Jasmine Snow showed incredible determination and
enthusiasm. Chloe Owen did a great job as Goal Keeper and Abbie Clyne and Grace Elder shot their hearts
out. Unfortunately, St Paul’s were too strong and too well-drilled and they led from the start. Many thanks
to Phoebe Mason and Scarlett Weston-Cole, who played up from the Junior Cs and had a very positive
impact on the game. It was particularly heart-warming to hear a spectator speaking of the girls in this team
and remarking on how supportive of each other they were, how polite and what great sportsmanship they
showed. I am very proud of you Junior Bs.
A. O’Doherty – MIC Netball
BMGS Intermediate C were defeated by Redlands, 32-16
The Intermediate Cs started the game working beautifully as a team. They showed patience in their
delivery to the goal circle and determination in defence. Unlike past weeks, the girls were able to capitalise
on their great work around the court with some excellent shooting. Taylor Cameron was on fire in the first
quarter at GS, and Alex Michielsen picked up from where she left off in the second quarter. The work that
the girls have been doing at training really started to pay off, with some great positional play and accurate
passing. We started to tire a little in the second half, allowing Redlands to run away with the score a little,
but this was by far and away our best effort to date. The game was played in great spirit with some very
entertaining contests around the court. Olivia Holmdahl’s duel with the Redland’s GA was particularly good
to watch. Diya Kapoor played up from the Junior Cs and also made a great effort through the whole game,
continuing to create options all the way to the end.
Coach: J. Watts
BMGS Intermediate B were defeated by Barker, 53-23
There were flashes of brilliant play by the Intermediate B team today but bad passes let the girls down in a
fast-paced game against the competition leaders. It was lovely to have all the girls back on board today
and hopefully our injury worries are behind us.
Coach: V. Stanton
BMGS Open Div 5 were defeated by Barker College, 54-22
After keeping within reach for the first half of the match, the Open Bs then let Barker dominate, by turning
over the ball too easily and too frequently. Barker, as was to be expected, eagerly pounced on
opportunities and, before we knew it, the difference in scores rapidly increased. However, Netball is not
just about scores and, although the scoreboard showed a loss, there were some winning plays by our girls
that were great to watch. The defensive combinations were strong and, in fact, drew complimentary
comments from the Barker girls. There were some great breaks in the mid-court, just like those practised
in training. All of our shooters displayed high accuracy, and were even better at rebounds (perhaps
influenced by the prospect of push-ups??). More practice to refine our skills, improve our passing accuracy
and our communication is needed, and we will invest in this in training over the next few weeks. Fitness,
the other constant battle, is a challenge for all to accept.
Coach: M. Airth
BMGS First VII Div 2 were defeated by Barker College, 57-27
This was a tough game against a well-drilled and physical opponent. Overall, we were outplayed by a better
team but, to their credit, the girls never gave up. All of the girls pushed themselves to their limits, and
produced some inspired play.
Coach: V. Stanton
Rugby
BMGS U13 XV were defeated by St Gregory’s, 24-21
With a dry track and a close game in a previous encounter, the BMGS boys were keen to post a win against
St Gregory’s. The mighty Under 13s started the game clinically and were hungry in every part of the game.
It was great to see all of the boys put into practice what they had been doing at training in a game
situation. Tom T was at his rampaging best, gaining strong yards and eventually breaching the strong St
Gregory’s defence to score a try, which was expertly converted by Mani. This was followed up by another
very strong series of phases, culminating with Oscar scoring a try which resulted from some sleight of hand
from Mani and a very convincing decoy run from Ethan off a scrum. This try was again converted by Mani.
However, St Gregory’s regrouped and they were able to put their own points on the board, finding
themselves in a strong attacking position close to the BMGS try line. The only thing standing between a St
Gregory’s strong front-rower and 7 points was Josh. Josh showed incredible courage, single-handedly
bringing down the St Gregory’s runner a mere five metres from the BMGS try line. As usual, Tom D was first
on the scene, winning the battle at the break-down through exceptional body shape. In doing so, he
pilfered the ball to offload to a very elusive Oscar. Oscar relished the broken play and stepped through a
number of the St Gregory’s boys to find himself in open space for what became a brilliant team try and a
'14 point tackle'. While the second half remained scoreless for BMGS and St Gregory’s overtook us on the
score board, no-one could question the courage of the BMGS boys in continuing to play hard until the final
whistle, with Ethan coming particularly close on two occasions to scoring. A special mention should be
made of some of the great attacking options taken by Mani and a brilliant kicking game. It was great also
to see some strong defence from Alastair and great attacking play from Jake and Justin. See you at training
boys.
Coach: A. Beitsch
BMGS U16 XV defeated Kinross Wolaroi, 40-14
After finally hitting our straps in our game against St Gregory’s to come away with a big win, the U/16s
were determined to repay the process. Again, this was one of those games were clinical game play was
evident and to see the team put into practice the things that we go through at training was really a
beautiful thing to watch. Their precision around the park along with the growing confidence to throw the
ball around, knowing that support would be there saw the crowd on its feet for most of the game. There
were tries to Zac G (2), Tim, Callum and Cian (2) with Keighran kicking 5/6 conversions. The boys have
collectively improved yet again this week, although we will have to work on our victory chant! I shall see you
at training on Thursday!
Coach: T. Forsyth
BMGS First XV defeated St. Stanislaus, 15-14
In one of the great turn-arounds in sport, the BMGS First XV overcame a strong and well-drilled St
Stanislaus’ team on our home ground last weekend. Much effort and focus had gone into training over the
past five weeks, in order to bridge the large and overt gab that existed between these two teams in Round
1. We started strongly with a converted try and, after a toughly contested half which saw both teams have
several point-scoring opportunities, we entered the half time break 7-0 up on the scoreboard. St.
Stanislaus hit back early in the second half to level the scores, however, BMGS again hit the lead with a
determined try from Byron L. St. Stanislaus desire to stay in the game lead to a converted try late in the
second half, handing them the lead with only a few minutes left on the clock. The feeling that another
game had slipped through our fingers was growing as the referee called the last play, in which St.
Stanislaus gained possession. However, in a stunning display of desperation, Tom W affected a turnover
which led to BMGS receiving a penalty for a breakdown infringement from a St. Stanislaus’ forward. This
set the scene for the Captain Nick F to show nerves of steel in kicking the winning points. The jubilation
among the boys after the match was a pleasure to witness. The players should be most proud of
themselves.
Coach: N. Webb
Girls’ Football
BMGS Junior A defeated Central Coast Grammar School, 5-0
The girls were extremely excited to get back
onto the pitch after two weeks off. The last time
the girls played CCGS, they were just starting
out as a newly formed BMGS team and were
outplayed by CCGS. This round highlighted the
major improvement in our girls’ Football since
their early days in the season. Every single
player contributed to the overall success of the
team. The accuracy and frequency of the girls’
passing was outstanding. Our backs played the
ball up to the midfield in a timely and measured
manner, with confidence and precision. Our
midfield distributed sharp ‘through balls’ to the
forwards and transitioned into defensive play
every time CCGS went on a counter attack. Our
forwards found the space on the field to create
numerous goal scoring opportunities and had
pin point precision in their strikes… and so the goals kept coming. The final score was 5-0, with four goals
being scored by our super striker Indigo Franklin and the other great goal being scored by Koko Wilson.
Both of our Goalkeepers had the best game of their season. Eloise made some great saves in the first half
and Ruby did a fantastic job in saving a penalty kick in the second half. Each player had a great game and
the camaraderie amongst the team is extremely strong. If the girls continue to play this type of Football for
the rest of the season, they will continue to be a stand out team. I am extremely proud of each and every
player’s efforts at this point in time in the season. Well done, girls!
Coach: M. Anagnostopoulos
BMGS were defeated by Barker College, 4-0
The unfavourable weather conditions on Saturday meant that both teams took some time to really get a
feel for the game and maintaining possession was difficult. The girls dug deep to keep Barker scoreless
for the first 20 minutes before they put their first away. Our midfield worked extremely well to provide our
strikers, Lexi Zito and Jessica Prowse, with the most goal scoring opportunities they had had all season.
Throughout the second half, our backline stepped up a notch and held out the opposing strikers, catching
them offside on multiple occasions before a great strike outside the box added to the score line.
Unfortunately, our newest member of the team, Maddy Van Vollenhoven, went down with a knee injury late
in the final half, however, the girls remained strong right up until the final whistle. As we were defeated by
Barker in the first Round by 10-0, this match showed how much the girls have learnt and they have truly
come together as a team, putting in a courageous effort. I couldn't be more proud of them and I hope for a
speedy recovery Maddy!
Coach: L. Nay
BMGS 1st XI drew with Barker College, 0-0
Absorbing... committed... a game of two halves... that would be a YES to all three! The BMGS Firsts jumped
on the bus at 6:00am, heading to Barker College (who BMGS defeated 2-1 in the first game of the season).
The first game was a nail-biter and BMGS did very well to get the win against not only a much older team,
but a school that has three Open teams. As we all know, away games when you get up super early on a
Saturday morning and travel a couple of hours away, is not an ideal start to a weekend. But one of the best
things in life is learning how to turn a negative into a positive and the girls did this on Saturday in spades.
The girls have built an ethos to play for each other and not let each other down. Every time they feel tired,
every time that want to stop chasing the opposition and every time they want to stop moving into space to
support their team mate, that is exactly the time to step up and challenge themselves and be the best they
can be for their team. We had a goal to make a fast start to set the tempo of the game and the girls
executed this goal perfectly. There is a really strong culture building this season in Girls’ Football at BMGS.
There are over 3,500 women and girls who play Football in the Blue Mountains and Nepean District and it
is showing in talent and passion at BMGS. BMGS dominated the first half and the first ten minutes of the
second half. Barker came back strongly in the last 15 minutes of the second half and almost scored a goal.
BMGS had six shots on goal and Barker had three. Life would no doubt be easy if we all aimed for just
inside the goal posts rather than hitting the Goal Keeper, and this game all nine shots from both teams
went straight to the keeper. We had goal kicking passing to the Striker’s advantage as a focus at training
last Tuesday and it will be again over the last few weeks of training. Every other area of the game we are
evolving and now the team is ready to take scoring goals to a new level.
Coach: S. Walpole
Boys’ Football
BMGS 13s defeated Central Coast Grammar School, 2-1
We had our final game for this term against Central Coast Grammar School and we fought hard to win by a
very close margin of 2-1. The boys played with great determination and possession and were unlucky not
to score on many close opportunities. The backs were really good not to allow the other team to penetrate
our defence. We are undefeated throughout the season and we hope to maintain this record as we
approach the finals.
Coach: P. Singh
BMGS 14s defeated Central Coast Grammar School, 2-1
The BMGS team undertook the longest road trip of the season to play Central Coast Grammar School. The
boys were keen to show their improvement from earlier in the year where they recorded a narrow victory.
Following recent trends, BMGS dominated midfield and secured the lion’s share of possession, but once
again had trouble converting chances. Rory was a rock in defence, snuffing out any chances, and Isaac
made several key saves in his new role as permanent Goalkeeper. Up front, Luke created several
opportunities, as did Daniel EB. For much of the game the scores were locked at 1-1, but Captain Charlie
once again showed his class to secure the winner with a long range thunderbolt in the dying stages.
Coach: M. Laws
BMGS 15s defeated Central Coast Grammar School, 3-1
The last time we played CCGS we had a convincing win at home. The long trip to CCGS to play on the
postage stamp field didn’t give us the same result. The boys struggled to come to terms with a small pitch
and CCGS controlled most of the first half. Our lack of control and passing kept giving the CCGS
opportunities and they kept pressing us across the field. The breakthrough came from a good ball through
the back line for Jarvis to finish. CCGS had an opportunity to lock it up with a penalty just before half time,
however Jackson once again stood up and saved the goal. This was not to last as another mistake let
CCGS go through our back line and level the scores 1-1 at half time. The second half started off slowly, but
the boys hung in there while CCGS kept pushing us for their next goal. A good challenge on the keeper saw
Jarvis head the next goal in and then a late strike from Lucas eased the pressure taking us to a 3-1 win.
The boys played this game with only ten men after a red card decision and our last ten minutes improved
with some great defence especially with Nick dropping back to help secure the back line.
Coach: G. Norman
BMGS 2nd XI were defeated by Central Coast Grammar School, 5-0
This was a tough day at the office! After a long bus ride, the BMGS 2nd XI took to the very short and very
narrow field knowing that a very different brand of Football was going to be played that day. And it was
different and it was difficult. The opposition, used to these unusual conditions, adapted much more quickly
than we did, and had four goals past us before we really woke up to what was going on. The final result of
the game was 0-5, which is actually an excellent result against the competition leaders. If you took out ten
minutes of Football from the first half, in which CCGS scored those goals, this was actually an even contest
and, to their credit, the boys never stopped trying.
Coach: R. Tredinnick
BMGS 1st XI were defeated by Central Coast Grammar School, 7-1
A mere 48 hours after their win against Redfield, the BMGS 1st XI had to front up for an away fixture
against the league leaders. Central Coast's infamously small, narrow pitch meant that the play had to be
tight and controlled, and, mid-way through the first half, after a Joe O'Doherty penalty had made it 1-1, we
appeared to be adapting well. At that point, BMGS's focus and resolve began to unravel and yellow cards
were brandished around. An encouraging aspect of the second half was Jarvis Norman's debut playing for
the Firsts and, as the game wore on, we had several quality attacking moments. Sadly, we missed our
chances and the opposition took theirs, which is why the final result looks a lot worse than the
performance deserved.
Coach: D. O’Doherty
FROM THE HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Last Friday’s Movie Night hosted by the Parents’ and Friends’ Association saw over 90 children
comfortably settled into the Hall to watch Big Hero 6 – our first Movie Night since the installation of
the new projector that was made possible thanks to the generous donation of funds raised by the
Parents’ and Friends’ Association in 2015. There were hot dogs, popcorn and drinks to help enhance
the movie atmosphere and it was a most enjoyable evening. Thanks to Mrs. Bonnie Mamo, our everenergetic Junior Parents’ and Friends’ Association Representative and her team of helpers Mrs.
Raelene Lord, Mr. Michael Lord, Ms. Coralie Van Wilder, Mrs. Louise Westwood, Ms Deborah
Cunningham, Mrs. Justine Hampartzoumian and Mr. Victor Kustra. $560 was raised on the night and
the lucky door prize of a Baymax colour changing shelf light was won by Jesper Schack-Evans.
Well done to our A and B Chess Teams who took part in the inaugural HICES Chess Championships
held at Penrith Anglican College this week. Evie Archer (6K), Tom Archer (5/6T), Tien Attwater (5M),
Ras Darwin (5/6T), Oliver Drew (5M), Angus Herron (5/6T), Ryan Ivery (2B) and Zach Ivery (3F)
represented the School with distinction with our B Team finishing the day as Champions and our A
Team Runners Up. What a great credit to and performance by our chess players and thank you to
Mrs. Gillman who helped prepare the children for the day and for accompanying them to the
Tournament.
On Monday evening we held our annual
Public Speaking Showcase for students
from Years 3 to 6, from both the Junior
and the Preparatory Schools, as a
culmination of the term’s work in
English on Public Speaking. Each class
was represented by a small number of
speakers and the overall quality was
extremely high. Speeches ranged from
challenging and thought provoking, to
humorous and quirky and many
teachers and parents have commented
that it was the best night of Public
Speaking that they have been to at the
School. Well done to all the participants
for
the
outstanding
night
of
entertainment. Well done to the class teachers who prepared the children so well in this discipline
and thank you to Mrs. Elaine Manners from the Senior School English Faculty who joined me in the
very difficult job of adjudication. The standard was so consistently high this year that it was harder
than ever to determine who would be the recipient of the S and J Speaking Award for the outstanding
orator of the night. I am pleased to announce that the recipient of this award was Evelyn Archer (6K)
with her speech entitled Cats Should Be Banned in Australia. Well done, Evie!
As we approach our mid-year holidays I wish you and your families a peaceful, relaxing and
rejuvenating break from School and I look forward to seeing everyone back in Term 3, which
commences on Wednesday, 20th July.
N. Cockington
Student Awards
The following awards were presented at Assembly this week:
Bronze: Mac Ng (4G) and Charles Taubman (3F)
Headmaster’s Award: Evelyn Archer (6K) and Ella Russell (6K)
FROM THE PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
Last Thursday the Parents’ and Friends’ Association hosted a well-attended evening presentation
given by Mr. Lee Trew, a qualified child counselor and wilderness educator, speaking on the topic ReWild your child, the second in a series of Conversations at Coorah.
Although largely promoted as a talk on wilderness education, Mr. Trew showed how the wilderness
experience could be used to put into perspective the many pervasive, man-made social constraints
that influence our lives, and to learn to trust in our own self-awareness of what is right and wrong.
This in turn helps to develop social connections.
Mr. Trew then spoke of the need for these connections, or ropes, to develop a genuine rapport
between parents and their children and provided a practical strategy of how to create and use these
connections in everyday life so that mutual agreement over computer time and other contentious
issues could be reached. The presentation then concluded with questions and discussion from the
audience.
Once again I would like to thank Carole Young and Charlotte Smith for organising the evening and
the School staff for attending and assisting.
D. Barrell
Chair, Parents’ and Friends’ Association
dba23266@bigpond.net.au
JUNIOR CHESS
HICES Chess Gala Day
On Tuesday, 21st June, nine students travelled down to
Penrith Anglican College to participate in a HICES Chess
Gala Day. It was a most successful day with our B and A
team winning 1st and 2nd places respectively. Our B Team
played impressively all day with consistency and
determination. Needless to say there was much
excitement when they triumphed over our A team in a
fiercely fought round! All students played very well and
are congratulated on their efforts.
Our teams were as follows:
Team A: Angus Herron, Oliver Drew and Tien Attwater.
Team B: Evie Archer, Tom Archer and Zach Ivery.
Team C: Ras Darwin, Ryan Ivery and Raphael Hampartzoumian.
The day was a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded chess players, swap strategies and hone
skills. Our students competed against students from a wide variety of schools from Bathurst to
Arcadia. Schools present were: All Saints, Bathurst; Georges River Grammar, Bankstown; Kinross
Woleroi, Bathurst; Macarthur Anglican, Cobbitty; Redlands, Sydney; St Luke’s Grammar, Dee Why;
Northolm Grammar, Arcadia.
All of our teams played very well and showed good humour and sportsmanship throughout the day.
Congratulations to Zach Ivery who won all of his games for the day.
Congratulations also to Oliver Drew who was close behind with one draw and the rest wins. Well
done, everyone!
J. Gillman
JUNIOR DEBATING
Junior HICES Debating – Round 4
On Tuesday 14 June, our Junior School debating team headed out to All Saints, Bathurst to debate
against Kinross Wollaroi 1. The topic was quite current, given our upcoming elections, “that our
politicians should be paid more”. Our students argued for the Negative team.
For this round we had Erasmus Darwin as First Speaker, Audrey Mora as Second Speaker, Camille
Ghitescu as Third Speaker and Evie Archer as our Fourth debater. Congratulations go to Audrey on
her first debate as second speaker. She is commended on her preparation and delivery of a
compelling argument.
Once again the whole team worked together to come up with a convincing team line of ‘’ Politicians
are paid enough, while some Australians are doing it tough”. I was very impressed with the way all
of the debaters worked together to build their arguments that the politicians of today were paid quite
enough money and we should look at spending the money in a variety of other, wise ways. If I was a
politician, I would have been convinced to pass my pay raise on to others who were less fortunate!
Despite the best efforts of the whole team, we were unsuccessful in convincing the adjudicator of
our case this time. It was, however, a very valuable experience from which we have learnt more
about debating.
I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone on our debating team. You have worked very well
together as a team. I look forward to hearing, over the holidays, where we have placed in the finals.
J. Gillman
JUNIOR SPORTS NEWS
Junior Football Reports for Saturday 18th June, 2016
BMGS 8s v Blaxland 8s
In very wet conditions, our Under 8s dominated the game and passed the ball around the field. Blue
Mountains Grammar Under 8s challenged every ball and made the opposition work hard. There was
outstanding defence by Oliver and James, who kept the opposition’s attack quiet throughout the game. A
great run from the midfield and an accurate pass from Lucas resulted in Raff scoring the first goal.
Meenatchi and Indigo continued to hassle the opposition and made some great tackles to break Blaxland’s
play and momentum. Bella had some great chances, constantly attacking the opposition’s goal, and was
unlucky not to score. Rohan made some great saves as goalkeeper. Neil and Otto worked tirelessly
throughout the whole game and Otto scored a brilliant goal from a long range chip. This was a great game
by the whole team. Well done, Under 8s.
Coach: N. Anagnostopolous
BMGS Under 9s
This was a hard game this week but the boys really stuck with it to the end. Particular mentions: Charlie
Taubman (strong in defence as usual) and Morgan Hook, who made some fantastic saves in goals.
Manager: S. Goodlet
BMGS 10s v Wentworth Falls White
The BMGS 10s defeated Wentworth Falls 3-1 in a good, close game played on Pitt Park Athletics Field.
Arthur, Luke and Tom scored the goals. Jasper and Charlie were excellent goalies. Max and Joel were the
positive players for the match. Fortunately, the rain held off for our game and our undefeated run
continues.
Manager: G. Verhoeven
BMGS 11s v Wentworth Falls 11s
On Saturday the boys took to the field with limited reserves but a lot of energy. Both teams used some
good positional play to move the ball around but, in the seventh minute, Olli was able to score an important
goal. The competition grew fiercer throughout the first half with no one able to put the ball into the net.
BMGS were one goal ahead going into the second half and it wasn’t long before Max scored the second
goal of the game. The Warriors hit back nine minutes later with a much needed goal, and two minutes later
they scored their second of the match. Neither team was able to notch up any more points so the score
remained at 2-2.
Manager: J. Partington
BMGS 12s v Penrith FC
This weekend saw many of us asking the question; will it rain today and will there be a washout? Thankfully
the answer was in the negative and we actually got to play in possibly the only hour of sunshine that
weekend. The player fire displayed last week carried over to this round. Amy, Oliver and Curtis were
invaluable in defence, while Ethan and James kept Penrith’s defence on their toes. There was some skilful
and fantastic play from both sides, although unfortunately Penrith dominated the game from the beginning
and were victorious at the final whistle. Many thanks also go to Fred from our Under 10 team and Bill and
Luka from the Under 11s who enthusiastically helped out our depleted team.
Manager: S. Bell
FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP
The Uniform Shop will be open on the following days and at the following times for Week 1 of Term 3:
 Wednesday 20th July 8:15am to 3:30pm
 Thursday, 21st July. 8:15am to 2:15pm
Normal operating hours will resume for Week 2.
K. Arrell
FROM THE HEAD OF THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Our last ‘Munch and Crunch’ Morning Tea for Term 2 was held on Monday 20th June. Thank you to
Ms Dallas Bennett and the Preparatory School’s Parents’ and Friends’ Association for their
organisation, and to all the bakers and servers. The children have loved shopping each fortnight and
Year 4 has certainly enjoyed helping serve in the canteen.
Congratulations to Bella Commins (Year 3), Max Klein (Year 4) and Flynn Nicholls (Year 3) on their
selection to the WAS and HICES Regional Athletics Carnivals.
The Preparatory Staff would like to take this opportunity to wish all our families a safe and happy
holiday break. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 20th July.
E. Flett
Student Awards:
Pre-Kindergarten - Sofia Lewis, William Harris and Eva Tilley
Kindergarten –Max Thomas and Angus Magill
Year 1 – James Klein and Jaiden Marsh
Year 2 – Chase Davidsen and Peter Moore
Years 3 and 4 - Max Klein, Chiara Reeves, Charlie Mannes and Zac Filla
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – JUNE/JULY 2016
Friday, 24th June – Inter-House Sports Afternoon
Friday, 24th June – Flannofest, Year 11 Drama students, Q Theatre
Friday, 24th June – Term 2 concludes
Saturday, 25th June – Headmaster’s XI v First XI Football Match
Saturday, 25th June to Tuesday, 5th July – Compassion Tour to Indonesia
Wednesday, 20th July – Term 3 commences