is attached here. - Blue Mountains Grammar School

Blue Mountains Grammar School
Newsletter
Vol 31, 16th October, 2015
FROM THE HEADMASTER
Events that Changed the Eighties – The Challenger Space Shuttle
Last Sunday evening whilst relaxing at home I turned on the TV and a program called Events that
Changed the Eighties was being screened. The TV guide said “if you remember the 1980's then you'll
remember a decade that both shook and shocked the world”. One of those events shown was the illfated journey of the space shuttle Challenger which ended in white clouds of smoke in the blue sky
in 1986 just over a minute after take-off. I particularly remember this flight, not only because it
ended in such a terrible disaster for all the crew, but one of the members, Christa McAuliffe, who
was to be the first teacher in space. As I watched the repeat of the footage of the Challenger take-off,
I could not help but think what makes men and women defy the rules of gravity and common sense,
and launch themselves into space? What kind of courage enables them to stare down such deadly
risks?
In total, there were 135 shuttle missions over a 30 year period from 1981 to 2011. After the
Challenger disaster why did astronauts continue to embark on more missions, including the 88th
which also ended in the unspeakable tragedy of the Columbia shuttle and the resultant loss of the
lives of seven crew members in 2003?
After so many years of shuttle journeys it is surprising to know that there were only ever five shuttles
built – Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Discovery and Endeavour. Their very names resound with risk
and adventure.
In 2003, on board the Columbia at take-off, the crew paid tribute to those who lost their lives when
Challenger disintegrated just after its launch some 17 years before. The Columbia mission chief
said, “They made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for their country and mankind. Their
dedication was an inspiration to each of us”. That inspiration was to achieve an awful end on reentry when the Columbia shattered into a shower of fragments above Texas and Louisiana. As an
expert pointed out, a shuttle has 2,500,000 components, so even if it is 99.9% reliable, something
could go wrong with 2,500 parts.
For all our technological excellence, mathematical precision and brilliance of design, space travel,
like all feats of exploration, depends on the courage of a number of brave people who are prepared
to risk their lives to push the boundaries of human knowledge even further. We honour their valour,
as we honour all those brave people who make sacrifices in pursuit of a dream.
Whooping Cough Alert
The Association of Independent Schools NSW wishes to alert all parents to the advice, shown below
received from NSW Health regarding an increase in whooping cough notifications, with school-aged
children prevalent among these. Links to further information on the NSW Health website are also
provided in the documentation. Parents should also note that the School is required by the NSW
Public Health Act 2010 to notify their local public health unit if we become aware of cases of
whooping cough within the school.
Whooping Cough Information for Schools
There is an outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis) in NSW, mainly affecting school-aged children.
Coughing spreads the infection to others nearby. Whooping cough can spread to anyone at home,
including younger brothers and sisters. Whooping cough can be especially dangerous for babies.
Whooping cough starts like a cold and progresses to bouts of coughing that can last for many weeks.
The infection can occur even in fully-vaccinated children. Older children may just have a cough that is
persistent and may be worse at night.
 Children with these symptoms should see a doctor.
 If your doctor diagnoses whooping cough in your school-aged child, please let the school
know and keep your child at home until they have taken 5 days of antibiotics. Keep coughing
children away from babies.
 Whooping cough vaccines give good protection against infection but immunity fades with
time. Check that all your children are up to date with their vaccines, due at 6 weeks, 4
months, 6 months, 4 years and 12 years of age (offered to all Year 7 students through the
NSW school-based vaccination program). A booster is also recommended at 18 months of
age.
A booster dose of vaccine is also recommended for adults that are in contact with young children,
such as school staff and parents. Pregnant women are recommended to have a booster dose during
each pregnancy and this is funded by NSW Health. Those who are new parents or carers of babies
should consult their general practitioner about appropriate immunisation.
Your local public health unit can provide advice about whooping cough on 1300 066 055 or visit the
NSW Health website http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/whoopingcough/Pages/Informationfor-childcare-and-schools.aspx
Student Success
At the start of the September holidays, Charlotte Toose Cutler (Year 10) competed in the Shoalhaven
Head of the River (a 7.5 km long race) winning a Gold medal in the Women’s Under 19 Quad Sculls.
She also won a gold medal in the Women’s Under 17 Double Sculls in the Shoalhaven Sprints on the
same day. In the middle of the holidays, Charlotte competed in the Nepean Regatta and won a gold
medal in the Women’s Under 17 Coxed Quad Sculls. Congratulations to Charlotte on these
outstanding successes.
Trevor Barman
Headmaster
FROM THE CHAPLAIN
Last week was Mental Health Week and in reading an article by Dr John Dickson (where he was
arguing against the view that ‘Religion is detrimental to Mental Health) I was struck by his statement
“If you genuinely think this temporal, material reality comes from a timeless immaterial Mind, all
aspects of life are infused with added meaning.” Having a number of my extended family members
struggle with mental health issues, for me, this reference to ‘meaning’ was particularly relevant.
Why should we endure hardship and struggle? Why should our students persevere with their studies
(or their HSC exams)? Why should we make an effort to provide for our families, care for the
environment, explore our universe or grow as individuals? Surely our response to these questions
will reference some sort of associated ‘meaning’ or ‘value’ in our efforts. This meaning or value may
be purely internal (“I think it is important”), or externally derived (“this is what my family/my
society/etc. considers important”).
I suppose the difficulty with relying on the purely internal is that when you are feeling low, it becomes
increasingly easy to just shrug your shoulders and say “I don’t think it is important anymore”.
Likewise, if we depend on family or society, the thought that they are just as fallible as ourselves can
make it tempting to reject their expectations. However, if there is some sort of divine Creator,
immeasurably superior to ourselves, maybe our place in this world is not merely a random mistake of
circumstance. And if we are part of the purposeful activity of a timeless, immaterial Being, perhaps
our actions and endurance possess meaning and value unrealised by either ourselves or our fellow
humans.
Of course it would be inconceivable that such a Supreme Being would display the humility necessary
to directly experience our human condition; to actually struggle with the same temptations; to endure
the repetitious expectations and the agony of hardship and suffering. Let alone to experience the
horror of death and to dignify our human state by seeking to save us from the consequence of our
own failures.
“We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and He is Jesus the Son of God. That is why
we must hold on to what we have said about Him. Jesus understands every weakness of ours,
because He was tempted in every way that we are. But He did not sin! So whenever we are in need,
we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with
undeserved kindness and we will find help. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Let us continue to pray for, and encourage, our Year 12 students and remember that if things start
to feel unmanageable, tell someone how you feel and what you are struggling with. If you have no
one else to talk to then remember that Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are
only a phone call away.
A. Dane
PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS
The next General Meeting of the Parents’ and Friends’ Association is on Tuesday 10th November at
7:30pm in Coorah. This is an opportunity for Parents to bring ideas and/or concerns to the table to
be considered and discussed by the committee and the Headmaster. All are welcome. If you have
any issues you wish to raise, but cannot attend, please contact us on the email or number below.
C. Young and C. Smith
Co-Chairs, BMGS Parents’ and Friends’ Association
Carole Young E: caroleyoung@ecosteps.com.au M: 0431 661 387
FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD – HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
As we move into Term 4, which I am certain will be a very successful, safe and happy one for
everyone, there are many events which are the culmination of a very busy time at BMGS: camps,
work experience, exams, Presentation Days and Evenings, orientations into Year 7 and 11, as well as
the core business of our community – learning! As such I would like to encourage all members of the
community to work together to make Term 4 one of success and celebration.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
In my role I see many students and parents who have been diagnosed with a generalised anxiety
disorder, and for the most part, this is one of the most misunderstood of all mental health
challenges. If someone has a generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), it means they worry uncontrollably,
and it harms their day-to-day life. There are a number of different causes and mental and physical
signs that this could be happening. There are also ways to treat and manage GAD so it doesn't get in
the way of a person's life. Some examples of how an anxiety response may present are as follows:





You can worry about anything and everything
a lot of the time and often uncontrollably
You get tired easily or can't sleep properly
You're constantly tense or restless, or lose
your temper easily
You get racing heart, dry mouth, choking
sensations, or feel dizzy or spaced-out
These symptoms are there most days, and
have been around for six months
Most people worry about things at different times –
it's a normal reaction to having to wake up and be a
human every day. People worry over work problems,
exams, family issues, relationship dramas and fights
between friends, but if you can't control your
worrying, and it's affecting the rest of your life in a
bad way, it's possible you have generalised anxiety
disorder.
It’s difficult to pin point the exact cause of generalised anxiety disorder. It could be to do with the
particular way you are wired, the chemicals in your brain, or it could run in the family. It could also be
that your personality and the environment you live in play a role in it.
There are a lot of signs of GAD. Aside from the big one, which is constantly worrying or feeling
anxious without being able to stop, they include:










Racing heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or feeling spacey or vague often after being anxious
Headaches
Aches and pains in your stomach and muscles (especially your neck and shoulders)
Trouble sleeping because it’s hard to stop thinking or worrying
Racing thoughts
Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
Trouble making decisions
Getting angry easily
You probably won't get all or even most of these, but if a couple of them are sounding familiar, there
are ways you can tackle them.
You can deal with uncontrollable anxiety and worry whether or not you have GAD. The quickest and
easiest way is to talk to a health professional about it. This could be your GP, a psychologist or
psychiatrist, or another mental health worker. They’re experts in managing problems like this, so
they'll be able to give you a hand.
Sometimes when it’s severe people can also take medication to manage anxiety – again, this is a
matter of seeing your doctor and letting them know what's happening. Usually it’s encouraged to
bring a friend or family member in with you if you want to.
Summer Uniform: My sincere thanks to all the students who have remembered to wear their hats
from the start of this term. A reminder also that jumpers may only be worn at School. If the weather
is cooler, blazers or sleeveless vests may be worn to and from School.
Please note that Sport/Co-curricular hoodies are not permitted to be worn at School or to or from
School.
Student Parking: A reminder to all students that they are not permitted to park on the School
grounds. Any student who wishes to drive to school needs to complete the requisite documentation.
This is available from the Senior School Office.
P. Humble
Captains’ Report
It’s 5am on the 3rd of October and there are 166 students, parents, teachers and
friends around me. We’re standing at the roundabout of the Senior School, shifting
from foot to foot in anticipation of what’s ahead of us. A quick pep talk from Mr
Barman and a snap with Miss Cranna and we’re off. With 45km and between 8 and
11 hours ahead of us we step out confidently, welcoming the immense challenge
ahead. Throughout the day there are inevitable lapses in strength, determination and
motivation, but the feeling at the end of the day when you know what you’ve
accomplished (and that you’re done!) is unbeatable. This year the 45km Charity Walk
is expected to raise over $10,000, and I strongly encourage everyone to participate
next year in this extremely rewarding aspect of life at Blue Mountains Grammar
School.
Perhaps this can also be taken as advice for Year 12, 2015, who sat their first HSC exam on Monday – best
of luck to them for their other exams over the next four weeks. As my own Year group begin our studies for
Year 12, we are beginning to understand the enormity of the task you have almost completed. Know that the
rest of the School is looking up to you, and that you are so, so close!
Term 4 is always associated with blossoming trees, warm summer days, cricket and icy-poles. On that note,
especially with all the warm weather recently, a reminder to students that hats are compulsory this term.
Enjoy term 4!
Keira Jebb
School Vice-Captain
AROUND THE HOUSES
DEANE
HUGHES
Deane House
The past three terms of Year 11 have brought new topics, ideas and
information to the Year Group. Now we have started a new term and
have begun our journey to the HSC, the big bad wolf of School that
usually has most seniors worried. The past Year 12s have already
started their HSC exams and we are next in line for the ‘throne’. We
want our cohort to work hard for the coming year but we also urge
them not to stress. We have all heard that it won’t define our futures
and we think that most of us hope that it isn’t true.
Giving ourselves the best chance in the future, however, is what we are aiming for, so work hard and
remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our final advice for our peers: get organised
early, don’t stress overly much - because a little stress isn’t always bad - be passionate about your
subjects and, finally, help your peers. We are all in this together, after all.
An up and coming event within the School is the
annual fundraiser from Deane House which is the
Bandana Day! The profits made on the day support
CanTeen, which provides assistance to teens
suffering with Cancer. We have deemed it a
worthwhile cause for another year and are taking a
new approach to the day with “Mexican Monday”,
and tacos will be on sale as well as drinks. We hope
that the School gets behind us and CanTeen so that
we can make a great day out of it!
Courtney Daley and Sam Bloodsworth
Deane House Captains
Hughes HouseThis Term continues to be successful for Hughes House as the Year
11s officially transition into their final year of school, the Year 12s
undertake their final exams, the Year 10s begin to think about their
move into the Senior years of high school and the younger years
enjoy their final term.
Summer sports have begun for the season and Hughes House
boasts a selection of students from a wide range of these cocurricular activities. However, sporting talent is in no way the extent of Hughes’ ability. This week we
celebrate the continually outstanding achievements of one of our Year 11 students, Isabella
Schoeler. She is currently in the role of Music Captain within the School and has been actively
involved in the music scene of BMGS for four years. She has been playing the flute since Year 4 and
since coming to BMGS for high school has been a part of the School’s Orchestra, Concert Band and
Choir. Isabella has performed with the Orpheus Strings as a soloist and last year attended a four day
‘player link’ workshop with Sydney Symphony Orchestra in Bathurst. She is a part of the highly
esteemed Sydney Youth Orchestra and has participated in tours and performances around Sydney.
Last holidays she attended the Australian Flute Convention which she found both inspiring and
useful in her technical skill development. Isabella is not only extremely talented but driven and
enthusiastic. Isabella is an example of the range of talents and passions displayed and encouraged
in Hughes House.
Brianna McClean and Jonah Franklin
Hughes House Captains
From the Captain of Basketball
Last Saturday the First V Girls participated in an all-day pre-season tournament at
Sydney University to kick start their basketball season. The day, consisting of four
games played against Division 1 and Division 2 teams, was a great experience for
the new team, to begin to form their playing style and understand how each other
play. The Firsts played hard against every team no matter what their division was and
were rewarded with a win against a strong SACS team and some very close games
between Barker, CCGS and Redlands. They all displayed great sportsmanship to the
other teams and supported each other through all four games.
The girls and I are looking forward to a rewarding season to come, commencing this Saturday
against St Paul's Grammar School, where we will be sure to use the skills gained from the preseason tournament.
Belinda Casado
Captain of Girls’ Basketball
45KM CHARITY WALK TO BUNGAWARRA 2015
The annual charity 45km Walk from the Senior Campus at Wentworth Falls to the School’s campsite,
Bungawarra, at Little Hartley, took place on a sunny and reasonably warm day on Saturday 3rd
October. The Walk is for students in Years 7 to 12, their parents, teachers, past students and friends
of the School.
This year 166 walkers started and 158 finished this most demanding endeavour. This is the 26th
year of the walk and it keeps going from strength to strength.
The walk is a sponsored walk for charity. This year the money raised will be in aid of Compassion –
Indonesia, Maleke Primary School – Fiji, the Ibulanku School Project – Uganda and Greystanes
Disability Services – Leura.
It is now important that all sponsorship money raised be handed into Mrs. Dunstan at
Coorah Reception as soon as possible. An Assembly presentation will be held to present
badges and certificates as soon as the majority of sponsorship money raised has been
handed in.
I would like to personally thank all the parents, staff, students and other participants who took part
in the Walk; whether it be walking on the day or supporting the walkers themselves, this type of
event could not happen without your ongoing support.
Special thanks to Mrs. Janinne Nay for her many years in organising all that happens on the day. This
is her last year in organising checkpoints, support vehicles and food. She will be greatly missed.
D. Fleming
Walk Organiser
FROM THE HEAD OF MATHEMATICS
Australian Mathematics Competition
Early in Term 3, 72 students volunteered to participate in the Australian Mathematics Competition.
Of those 72 students, eleven received Distinctions, placing them in the top 15% of their Year group,
and 26 received Credits, placing them in the top 50% of their cohort. Special mention must be made
of Thomas Hort (Year 9) who achieved a result which placed him in the top 3% of his candidature
and of Oliver Drew (Year 4) who also placed in the top 3% of his cohort. The Prudence Award, for the
highest number of correct consecutive answers, went to Sarah Zakis in Year 10. Congratulations to
all students who attempted this very challenging competition.
S. Coultas
FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC
Student Achievements:
Congratulations to Miriam Cooney (Year 9) who has been accepted into the Australian Youth
Orchestra Young Symphonists Camp to be held next April in Sydney. This is a remarkable
achievement for such a young musician, as students are auditioned throughout Australia for a
coveted position in this programme.
Blue Mountains Hospital Fundraising Concert:
On Sunday afternoon several of our musicians will be performing in a fundraising concert at
Katoomba Public School to raise funds for Katoomba ANZAC Memorial Hospital. Audience members
are most welcome to attend this concert and support the students from BMGS and the local
hospital. Tickets will be available at the door.
Soiree No. 3:
The final Soiree for 2015 will be held on Thursday 22nd October at 7:00pm in the Recital Room.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to hone their performance skills in front of a very
supportive audience. If you are interested in performing, please add your name to the draft
programme in the Music Office before Tuesday 20 October.
Band and Choir Rehearsals:
From next week, the Stage Band will return to rehearsing every Tuesday in the Recital Room at
lunchtime and Choir will rehearse on Fridays at lunchtime in the Recital Room.
Diary dates:
Saturday 17th October:
Sunday 18th October:
Thursday 22nd October:
Wednesday 11th November:
Reg Mombassa Art Exhibition, Coorah Gallery, selected musicians
Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital fundraiser, 3.00pm
at Katoomba Public School
Soiree No.3, 7:00pm, Recital Room
Remembrance Day, Wentworth Falls Cenotaph
D. Smith
FROM THE HEAD OF VISUAL ARTS
New exhibition opening tomorrow in the Coorah Contemporary Art Gallery
Recent paintings, drawings and prints by highly acclaimed artist and musician, Chris O’Doherty, aka
Reg Mombassa, will be on show at Coorah Contemporary Art Gallery, Blue Mountains Grammar
School in Wentworth Falls. The exhibition is called ‘Random Manifestations of Hallucinatory
Anthropomorphism, Blue Mountains Grammar Selection’ and will be officially opened by Cr Mark
Greenhill, Mayor of the city of Blue Mountains, on Saturday, 17th October, from 2:00pm- 5:00pm with
refreshments and music.
Chris O’Doherty is one of Australia’s most recognizable and well respected painters. He is
represented and exhibits at Watters Gallery in East Sydney, but has also captivated our generation
with his graphic work for the fashion label Mambo, so you are just as likely to see his work on a T
shirt walking down the street. O’Doherty gained fame as a core member of the band Mental as
Anything and he has also been the ambassador for the 2013 Sydney NYE celebrations, when his
work was showcased on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Students at Blue Mountains Grammar have been studying Mr O’Doherty’s iconic suburban
landscapes and social commentary on the Australian vernacular, a balancing act between cartoonlike celebration and socio-political comment. His iconic landscapes make you reflect on your own
values and sentiments towards the environment we all inhabit. Students from Year 8 have made a
series of linocut prints inspired by Mr O’Doherty’s use of metaphor and personification of everyday
objects such the guitar in his work Landscape Guitars. A selection of students’ works will be
exhibited alongside Mr O’Doherty’s inspiring comical landscapes and some of his reflections on the
recent fires that have affected so many Blue Mountains residents. Please come and join us and
meet the artist, for a celebration of the Australian landscape seen from a whole new perspective.
S. Herron
FROM THE HEAD OF PD/H/PE
Year 7 students will be participating in the ‘Swim and Survive’ programme at the Lawson swimming
pool on the 21st – 22nd of October between 8:30am and 3:00pm. Students must attend this course
as it is a requirement of the Board of Studies as part of the Stage 4 PD/H/PE Syllabus.
The 2-day course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their swimming technique,
learn resuscitation and basic first aid along with implementing a range of rescue techniques.
Students are required to wear their School sports uniform to and from the pool.
Whilst there is a shaded area provided at Lawson pool, students will be required to wear their School
hat whenever they are not in the water. We strongly recommend students where a swim shirt whilst
in the pool, together with sunscreen. Please note: the School will have a small amount of sunscreen
available, however, it is recommended that each student bring their own supply.
Students will be given a permission note that is to be completed and returned to their PD/H/PE
teacher. This note has also been emailed to the students’ email accounts. If you have any
questions, please contact me on 4757 9000.
N. Webb
FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP
Senior Girls (Year 11, 2016) navy skirts have arrived and are ready for collection at the Uniform
Shop. Balances will need to be settled on collection.
Many thanks,
K. Arrell
CAREERS NEWS
Careers information for students is now available on the Portal. Please note also that
www.mhscareers.com is a website that provides a careers information service. A hard copy is
displayed on the LRC's Careers Noticeboard and a digital copy is also uploaded to the Portal. Anyone
in the School community can access the MHSCareers.com website with a password. The password
can be found on the "Careers Information at BMGS" document on the Portal (for Years 9 to 12).
Students or parents who wish to register for MHSCareers.com email alerts need to send an email to
nsw@mhscareers.com with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. Please include your name, the name of
the school, and whether you are a student or a parent. Students/parents who are currently
subscribed do not need to subscribe again. Please use your home email address, not your School
email address.
B. Fewer
FROM THE LEARNING SUPPORT DEPARTMENT
After school on Tuesday and Thursday, assistance with literacy or homework/assessments or exam
preparation is available in the Learning Support Room (next to SF3).
T. Boyd
CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR COMPASSION:
A wonderful way to buy your Christmas cards this year is by ordering packs of cards that consist of
beautiful photographs from the Blue Mountains as well as special moments from the Compassion
Project in Indonesia. Cards will be available to pick up and purchase from Coorah Reception in
November. Thank you for the support of the Compassion Project - helping to lift children out of
poverty in Indonesia through a Child Survival Project. All cards are blank so they can be used not
only for Christmas but as greeting cards any time of the year. A mixed pack of five cards is $10 and a
pack of ten is $15. Please place your order by emailing kknight@bmgs.nsw.edu.au
K. Knight
SPORTS NEWS
ISA Summer Sport- Round One
The first round of the summer season kicks off this Saturday! The majority of our girls’ teams, all our
boys’ teams and the 1st XI Cricket team will be playing at home. Please come and show your support.
For all game times, transport information and venue location, please see the tables below. The full
draw for the season is available on the School Portal, however, game times will not be confirmed
until each Monday/Tuesday of that week. These will be available via the Newsletter, at School on the
Noticeboard outside Senior School Reception and on the School Portal. Your MICs will also send out
information via email.
Thank you also to those parents who have volunteered to assist in the canteen this Saturday. We are
still to fill some spots so if you are available please notify your sport MIC or Miss Petaccia.
Date/Round Home Sports
17/10/2015 Girls’ Basketball
Round 1
Boys’ Basketball
Cricket- 1st XV
Time
8:00am-8:30am
8:30am- 9:00am
9:00am-9:30am
9:30am-10:00am
10:00am-10:30am
10:30am-11:00am
11:00am-11:30am
11:30am-12:00pm
12:00pm-12:30pm
12:30pm-1:00pm
Canteen
Ms L White
Mrs. K Goodlet
Girls’ Basketball
Boys’ Basketball
Mrs. E Trihey
Boys’ Basketball
Mrs. N Aldridge
Boys’ Basketball
Cricket
Cricket
Benching course (scoring for Basketball games)
We are seeking expressions of interest from any students, staff, parents who would like to attend a
course on benching for Basketball. We are looking at running an afternoon session on the 22nd
October from 4:15pm. The session is just an introduction course and is not a certified course. The
session will run for approximately 20 minutes and will be held in the DJ Mulford Sports Centre.
Please email jpetaccia@bmgs.nsw.edu.au if you require further information or to confirm your
attendance.
Co Curricular Group Photos
All co curricular photos are now available for order. Albums with the photos are available in the
Senior School Students’ Reception office (Short Building). Photos can be viewed and ordered online.
Go to the Advanced Life website to process any orders. www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the
code: DQ8 FJY 77A. Photos are $17 per group photo. Online orders can only be paid for by
credit/debit cards. For cash or cheque payments, envelopes are available from the Senior School
Reception office.
Round 1 ISA Summer Sports Draw: Saturday, 17th October, 2015
ISA Summer Sport- Round 1 17/10/15
Team
Opponent
Venue
13s
14s
15s
17s
st
1 V
Oxley
Oxley
Oxley
Oxley
Oxley
Home
Home
Home
Home
Home
Time
Field/Court
Staff/Coach
2
1
2
2
1
L. Van Horen
Ms D.Offner
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
12:30pm
10:30am
11:30am
10:30am
11:30am
Mrs M Harris
Ms D. Offner
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Junior D
Junior A
St Andrew’s
St Paul’s
Intermediate B
Intermediate A
Open C
st
1 V
St Andrew’s
St Andrew’s
St Andrew’s
St Paul’s
Home
St Paul’s Grammar
School
Home
Home
Home
St Paul’s Grammar
School
9:30am
10:00am
2
C. Schultz/C. Lomas
Mr S Walpole
8:30am
8:30am
9:30am
11:00am
2
1
1
Ms S Greentree
Mr C Ingold
Mr C Ingold
Mr J Minor
CRICKET
st
1 XI
nd
2 XI
U14
St Stanislaus
St Patrick’s
Katoomba
Home
St Patrick’s College
Gloria Park
10:00am
10:00am
8:30am
Oval 2
Mr S Collins
Mr D Horwood
Mr G Horne/ Mr D Weibye
Transport Arrangements: ISA Summer Sport 17/10/15
Sport
Teams
Venue
Departure Times
Return Times
Cricket
2nds XI
St Patrick’s College
BMGS 7:30am
Buttenshaw Park 7:50am
Glenbrook Oval 8:10am
Return time to BMGS is
5:30pm
Junior A & 1st V
St Paul’s Grammar
School
Students to make own way
to the venue
Students to make own
way home
Girls’ Basketball
St Patrick’s College - Breen Oval, Edgar St, Strathfield
St Paul’s Grammar School - 52 Taylors Rd, Cranebrook
J. Petaccia
SPORTS REPORTS
Boys’ Basketball
The First V trekked to the Hills District this past weekend to take on teams from all Divisions in the
Oakhill Pre-Season Competition. 2015/6 sees a new era in BMGS Boys’ Basketball with many of the
stalwarts from previous years graduating. Under the leadership of their Captain, Conor Tufrey, the
boys were keen to test their skills and to play as a team for the first time. Conor and Nicholas Filla are
the only remaining players for the 2014/5 First V, so the focus for the day was teamwork. The team
played games against SPGS (Div 4), SACS (Div 3), St Spyridon’s (Div 2) and St Augustine’s (Div 1) and
handled themselves with grit and determination against these high powered, high scoring teams. All
the boys played well and learned a great deal but special mention must be made of Aidan Morgan for
his power and very strong drives to the basket throughout the day, Callum Snow (playing with illness)
for his divine fade away jump shots and Nick Filla for his skill, drive and determination. The boys won
1 from 4 but learned a great deal and gained valuable court time as they prepare for the first round of
the ISA season this coming Saturday with a HOME game against Oxley College.
THIS WEEKEND:
Date:
Venue:
Game Times:
10:30am
11:30am
12:30pm
BMGS Boys’ Basketball v Oxley College
Saturday 17th October 2015
BMGS Sports Centre
Court 1
14s (A. Morgan, N. Filla)
First V (Staff)
Court 2
17s (J. Ho, W. McDowell)
15s (N. Player, L. Girardi)
13s (C. McDowell, M. Sevenoaks)
ALL PLAYERS SHOULD ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THEIR GAME.
PLEASE CHECK THE DUTY ROSTER AND ENSURE YOU ARE ON TIME FOR YOUR DUTY.
P. Humble
(Manager)
Cricket
1st XI v St. Pius – Annual Pink Day Trial Match
Last Saturday the 1st and 2nd XI sides travelled to St Pius for the annual Pink Day Trial matches. We
were very warmly received by St Pius under blue skies and we were ready for a good day’s cricket.
The 1st XI, again playing in Division 1, showed some good signs with both bat and ball. The fielding
was outstanding with some classic catches already being taken.
2nd XI v St. Pius – Annual Pink Day Trial Match
The 2nd XI - a young side - felt a bit threatened by playing against boys who were a number of years
older. With cricket, however, age is no barrier. The boys settled in and showed they can mix it with the
big boys. The promising performances shown on Saturday augur well for the season.
I would like to thank St Pius and our boys for very generous donations made to the McGrath
Foundation.
S. Collins
MIC Cricket
BMGS ANNUAL SKI TRIP
Towards the end of Term 3, a group of 55 students and staff departed to the Snowy Mountains for
the School’s annual Ski Trip. Leading this year’s ski trip were teachers Ms Tanner, Mr Laws, Mr
Ingold, Mr Horwood, Mr Foot and self-appointed Snow Sports Captains Conor Meade and Lily Baker.
The usually long bus trip passed quickly with cinematic highlights and a ‘gourmet dinner’ stop in
Cooma. We continued our trip to Jindabyne and arrived to a boisterous greeting by Stu, one of the
ALI snow workers. As soon as everyone was off the bus, the real race of the trip began: the race to
the ski hire lodge. (Year 12s first, of course).
Saturday morning dawned bright and clear and began with Ms Tanner’s cheerful but insistent
knocking at 6:00am. Everyone raced to put on his or her jackets and pants and be the first to
breakfast. We left the lodge after numerous reminders to apply sunscreen and check you actually
had your ski boots. We made our way up the winding road to Thredbo, along with, it seemed, every
car in Jindabyne. The BMGS group had been blessed with a perfect snow day: blue skies, a beaming
sun and a light breeze. As students leapt from the bus, you could feel the sense of anticipation and
excitement for the day ahead. Shortly after arriving on the slopes we were split into our respective
skiing and snowboarding lessons, based on ability. Our first time skiers and snowboarders learned
the basics while our advanced skiers trekked all over the mountain, improving their technique. Or, if
you were Chester Foot, jumping off two metre high boulders whilst the rest of us watched in awe. The
afternoon passed quickly with an abundance of chair lift trips, impressive falls and banter between
students and teachers.
After the final chair lifts had closed, the group made their way to the bus, but not before eating their
own weight in hot cinnamon donuts. With everything packed up and ready for our departure in the
afternoon, we left the lodge with all our gear ready for another epic day on the slopes. The Year 12
students were lucky to get the day to themselves, whilst other students spent the morning in
lessons, traversing the mountains, improving their skills and techniques. The parallel turns began to
take consistent forms, the falls on moguls becoming less and less, the linked turns became
smoother and the stacks fewer. Our group of seven Year 12 students spent the day exploring the
mountain with the exception of ‘T-Bar exclusively accessible areas’ as our Snowboarding Captain,
Conor Meade, had some unresolved issues in relation to them.
The annual ski trip is an amazing opportunity and whether you are a first time or advanced skier or
snow boarder – you are guaranteed to have a great time. The memories you make will truly be ones
you treasure throughout your school years. A massive thanks to all the teachers who gave up their
weekends to come on the trip. Especially Ms Tanner, who organises the entire trip and makes sure it
runs seamlessly.
Members of the Touring Party
FROM THE HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Term is back in full swing and it’s wonderful to be back and be part of the buzz, excitement and
happiness that is part of a vibrant school. In Assembly this week we presented participation
certificates to children who involved themselves in various co-curricular activities last term including
the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival, the HICES Athletics Carnival and Wakakirri. At one stage there
were over 70 children receiving recognition for their involvement in such activities, testament to the
opportunities available for children in various areas of interest and pursuit and a great example of
the commitment shown by the boys and girls involved. This week our Year 1 and 2 children are
taking part in the Upper Blue Mountains Music Festival, connecting with other local schools and
performing as part of a combined choir in three performances. I look forward to reporting back on
the Festival next week.
In Assembly the captains of Ziele Pitt also launched their charity drive for this term, partnering with
Anglicare in our annual support of Toys ‘n Tucker. More information will be communicated in the
coming days on how to support this drive and I am sure our community will get behind it as they
always do. Mr Barman took the opportunity to remind us all that while our co-curricular activities are
a great way to connect with our School community, this is a great way to connect with our wider
community and support those less fortunate than ourselves. Connectedness is an important part of
developing a healthy wellbeing and one of the character dispositions that we try to encourage and
build at BMGS. To find out more about developing a sense of connectedness in your child, visit the
Kidsmatter website:
https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/families/about-mental-health/need-belong/belonging-andconnectedness
Student Awards
In Assembly this week the following awards were presented:
Gold – Amelie-Kate Stanton-Hansen (6K)
Headmaster’s Award – Allegra Villar (6K)
N. Cockington
JUNIOR SPORTS NEWS
Preparatory and Junior Swimming Lessons
The Preparatory and Junior Schools’ swimming lessons have booked for the end of October and
November. Permission notes and event information should have been sent out to students. The
lessons will cover basic swimming principles and some aspects of swim to survive.
Dates:
29th October - Year 2 students, from Wentworth Falls only, 9:00am – 2:00pm
10th and 11th November - Years 2 to 4 students from Valley Heights, 1:00pm – 2.45pm
16th and 17th November - Year 3 and 4 Junior School 9:00am -2:00pm
18th and 19th November - Year 5 and 6 Junior School 9:00am- 2:00pm
Basketball Results
Welcome to the beginning of the 2015/16 basketball season. There have been some wonderful
results from the first weekend of basketball and it was fantastic to see lots of enthusiastic players
and parents at the games.
We welcome back our Basketball captain, Lachlan Sinnadurai, who will continue to do an excellent
job over the next term to present our results at the assembly each Wednesday. The results from our
games on Friday and Saturday are as follows:
5/6 Boys’ Gold played TBA. The Gold team won 30 to 19.
5/6 Boys’ White played Mighty Minions. The White team lost 16 to 30.
5/6 Girls’ Red played the Slammers. The girls lost 42 to 10.
5/6 Girls’ Blue played Storm. The girls lost 14 to 6.
3/4 Girls’ Blue played Shooting Stars. The girls won 38 to 8.
3/4 Girls’ White had a bye.
L. Gerrard
FROM THE HEAD OF THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Year 4 Preparatory parents are invited to an Orientation/Information evening at the Junior School on
Tuesday, October 20th commencing at 6.30pm. Mr Nigel Cockington will hold the meeting in the 5M
classroom, gathering initially in Reception for some refreshments. This evening will be a chance for
those of you unfamiliar with the Junior School to find out a little bit more about what the children
have to look forward to next year, an opportunity to share pertinent information and an opportunity
to ask questions.
Student Awards
Pre-Kindergarten - James Horner
Kindergarten – Jaiden Marsh
Year 1 – Matilda Devine
Year 2 – Montagu Darwin
Years 3 and 4 - Jonathan McHugh and Jye Mackin
E. Flett
Preparatory and Junior Swimming Lessons
The Preparatory and Junior Schools’ swimming lessons have booked for the end of October and
November. Permission notes and event information should have been sent out to students. The
lessons will cover basic swimming principles and some aspects of swim to survive.
Dates:
29th October - Year 2 students, from Wentworth Falls only, 9:00am – 2:00pm
10th and 11th November - Years 2 to 4 students from Valley Heights, 1:00pm – 2.45pm
16th and 17th November - Year 3 and 4 Junior School 9:00am -2:00pm
18th and 19th November - Year 5 and 6 Junior School 9:00am- 2:00pm
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – OCTOBER 2015
Friday, Oct 16 – Year 7 examinations conclude
Saturday, Oct 17 – Junior School Open Morning
Saturday, Oct 17 – Opening of Mombassa Exhibition in Coorah Contemporary Art Gallery
Monday, Oct 19 – HSC examinations continue
Monday, Oct 19 to Thursday Oct 22 – Year 9 examinations
Wednesday, Oct 21 – Year 7 Swim & Survive Programme
Thursday, Oct 22 to Friday 23 Oct – Year 8 examinations
Thursday, Oct 22 – Year 7 to 12 Music Soiree No. 3
Friday, Oct 23 – MILO In2CRICKET programme at the Preparatory School
Saturday, Oct 24 – Preparatory School Open Morning