Blue Mountains Grammar School Newsletter

Vol 3, 14th February, 2020

FROM THE HEADMASTER

Food for Thought The third week of the 2020 School year was punctuated by some very significant events. We inducted our Junior School student leaders in Coote Hall and the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney inducted our Senior School student leaders at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney. We celebrated our outstanding 2019 HSC students at the Scholars’ Assembly and we welcomed new families and transitioning families at Icebreakers.

Most significantly however, from my perspective, was the conversation we began with many School families at the first Ad Altiora Community Workshop. The feedback we received from participating families was very positive; families who now better understand the benefits of a very intentional partnership with the School. Every aspect of the evening increased parents’ familiarity with the language of our Ad Altiora Framework.

We began by discussing the benefits of considering the overall effect of a family’s network of relationships on each of their children, considering whether there were sufficient people nurturing the child’s sense of hope, purpose and aspiration. We concluded by considering how Schools and families can create a High Growth Culture; one that begins with high expectations, ensures young people experience challenge and then has high levels of accountability, all sustained by high levels of support. We discussed the dangers of a Toxic Performance Culture that does not offer adequate support. We also discussed the perils of a Mollycoddling Culture that provides too much of the wrong type of support and does not permit children to solve their own problems. These considerations brought us back to the need for high expectations, challenge and accountability, supported in the manner of a sports coach. Coaches equip, teach, facilitate practise sessions, offer constructive feedback and cheer their charges on, but do not take the responsibility away from them. It was fabulous to hear the personal stories of the many parents and to hear that each and every one left with some food for thought. Mr. Ian Maynard Headmaster

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

FROM THE HEAD OF THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL It has been another busy week at the Preparatory School with the commencement of our lunch time and after school co-curricular activities. International Year of Plant Health This year all the Preparatory School classes, as well as BASC, have been named after an endangered plant species from the Blue Mountains. This is in recognition of 2020 being the ‘International Year of Plant Health’. This week we will highlight the namesake of our Pre-Kindergarten class: Dwarf Mountain Pine (Phesophaera fitzgeraldii): Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii, commonly known as the Blue Mountains Pine or Dwarf Mountain Pine is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae. It is found only in New South Wales, Australia. The entire natural habitat is in the Blue Mountains, from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba, growing almost exclusively in the splash zones of waterfalls, and on the southern aspect of sandstone nearby. Safer Internet Day Tuesday, 11th February was Safer Internet Day. This is a worldwide event that raises awareness about online safety and encourages everyone to help create a better internet. Celebrated in 150 countries, Safer Internet Day is coordinated by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission. In Australia, the eSafety Commissioner is responsible for managing and promoting Safer Internet Day. The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) is Australia’s national independent regulator for online safety. eSafety leads and coordinates online safety efforts across Commonwealth departments, authorities and agencies, and engages with key online safety stakeholders internationally, to amplify their impact across borders.

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Their website contains a range of information and resources for parents to assist with ensuring that children have positive and safe online experiences. For more information and access to a range of downloadable resources go to: esafety.gov.au BAASC: BAASC offers a variety of activities for your children in the mornings and afternoons.

Fees for 2018 are: 0-30 minutes of care= $5:00; 31-60 minutes of care $10. 00

Payment is made through the Business office at Wentworth Falls, and routine emails with your statement will be sent to your email.

While afternoon tea is not provided, you are welcome to send along extra food with your child. A separate bag or container for this food helps the children to remember to save it for After School Care.

Mondays in After School Care is Homework day for those children in Year 1 to 4. The children will complete at least three sections of their homework.

Before School Care is from 7:30am – 8:10am. All children MUST be signed in by a parent when arriving before 8:10am.

After School Care is from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. A late fee of $15 per 15 minutes will be charged after 6:00pm.

Assembly Awards: Kindergarten: Jack Blunt Stage 1: Sebastian Nicholls, Levi Richardson Stage 2: Mikhaela Sommerville, Amelia Burgess Miss Alicia Brace

JUNIOR SCHOOL

FROM THE HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

On Monday it was my pleasure to conduct the Induction Service for our 2020 School Leaders. At Blue Mountains Grammar School we take a particular approach to recognising and fostering leadership amongst our Year 6 student body. We see an opportunity to offer every child the chance to exhibit and develop leadership skill. The student body is divided into four key leadership teams: co-curricular, service, sustainability and wellbeing. The children choose which team they feel best suited to and wish to be a part of and it is in these portfolios that they have the opportunity to reveal their potential as leaders amongst their peers. The teachers and I look forward to working with these teams during the course of the year and guiding those potential leaders who emerge from amongst them, alongside those in peer-elected or designated leadership positions. Congratulations to the following leadership teams on their appointment: Co-curricular Leadership Team Isabel Dolbel, Rohan Glinn, Nicholas Hurley, Iluka Horn, Ryan Ivery, Otto Passlow, Rose Perisce-Burrell, Finley Snedden School Service Leadership Team Jude Blabey, Lachlan Burgess, Haylee Diskin, Ruby Gale, Neil Geikie, Abby Hillman, Arabella Hitchenson, Thomas Lord, Lewis Ridgeway, Nicholas Roberson, Oliver Rutherford, Jackson Smits, Alex Stewart Sustainability Leadership Team Georgia Gillespie, Oliver McMahon

JUNIOR SCHOOL Wellbeing Leadership Team Ava Armstrong, Ruby Brajkovic, Coco Carter, Rafferty Frosh, Indigo Herron, Zia Mamo, Babette Morel-Lewis Mr. Nigel Cockington Student Awards At Assembly this week the following award was presented: Bronze – Dominic Rudduck (Year 1)

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT Basketball - Term 1 Round 9 The 5/6 Boys’ Hot Shots played the Troopers. The Hot Shots won 32 to 6. The 5/6 Boys’ Dream Team played Mountain Royal Blue. Mountain Royal Blue won 34 to 18. The 3/4 The Red Rockets played The Shooting Stars. The Shooting Stars won 10 to 2. The 3/4 Golden Stars played Aqua Power. Aqua Power won 13 to 12. The 5/6 Girls’ Slam Dunks played Lil’ Gangstas. The Slam Dunks won 17 to 4. 5/6 Girls’ Flames played The Gliders. The Gliders won 15 to 13. Mrs. Lori Gerrard

FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION Last Thursday we held our annual Ice Block Day. Despite there being a drop in temperature of about 20 degrees from the week prior the children still enjoyed their ice blocks! We made a profit of $176.05. Mrs. Bonnie Mamo

SENIOR SCHOOL

FROM THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT Mathematics Tutoring takes place in the LRC every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, from 3:15pm to 4:45pm. Bring along your Mathematics books and seek help with any areas of concern, with revision for assessment tasks or with enrichment. Mrs. Samantha Coultas

FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT English Study/Tutoring If you have goals for your English studies this year and need a little help achieving them, please remember that English tutoring runs in the Senior LRC on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Come along with work to do or speak to your English teacher about the kind of extra help you would like to receive. For Senior students who would like feedback on essay or creative writing drafts, please send them to me at least 24 hours prior to your tutoring session. We look forward to seeing you there! Mr. Greg Horne

FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC Music Co-Curricular Ensembles All Music Co-Curricular Music Ensembles have commenced rehearsals, however new members are most welcome. Please speak to Mrs Smith or Mrs Cooney if you have any queries or come along to the next rehearsal. The rehearsal schedule has changed slightly and is now as follows: MONDAY Rock Band 3:15pm to4:15pm PAC Recital Room TUESDAY Stage Band Lunchtime PAC Recital Room Chamber Ensemble Lunchtime Music Classroom WEDNESDAY Senior Orchestra 3:15pm to 4:45pm PAC Recital Room THURSDAY Handbell Ensemble Lunchtime PAC Recital Room FRIDAY Senior Choir Lunchtime PAC Recital Room Concert Band 3:15pm to 4:45pm PAC Recital Room Music Tutor Concert We are planning an informal concert in Term 1 to showcase the instruments taught by our peripatetic music tutors. This will include flute, clarinet, brass, guitar, piano, voice and drums. Date and time to be advised.

SENIOR SCHOOL Soirée #1 Our first Soirée of 2020 will take place on Thursday, 12th March at 7:00pm. Musicians can sign up at the Music Office. Diary Dates: Encore HSC Showcase: Years 11 and 12 Music Elective, Tuesday, 17th March, 7:00pm City Recital Hall Sydney Soirée No. 1 Thursday, 12th March, 7:00pm, Recital Room, PAC Mrs. Debbie Smith

FROM THE HEAD OF DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY F1 In Schools – National Titles Once again, Blue Mountains Grammar School will be represented by team, Awaken, at this year’s F1 in Schools Nation Finals in Melbourne. The team will be travelling to Melbourne on Sunday, 8th March to settle into their accommodation before their week long campaign starts. F1 in Schools is the largest school-based STEM competition in the world and it involves 17,000 schools across 44 countries. This year’s team has the benefit of peer mentoring from last year’s winners of the Development Class, Thrust Vector (pictured below). There is still much to do before March, including raising some final funds to cover the expenses of the team. If you know of a business that is able to provide some sponsorship, please contact me by email on iharrison@bmgs.nsw.edu.au.

Pictured, top row, l to r: Matthew Foster, Zachary Burgess, Jared Harris, John Zhu and Vaughn Dugdale. Front row, l to r: Nicholas Hayes, Mirah Larkin, Katerina Reynolds and Oliver Freeman. This year’s team consists of;

1. Oliver Freeman - Engineer 2. John Zhu - Engineer 3. Katerina Reynolds - Team Manager 4. Vaughan Dugdale - Graphic Designer 5. Jared Harris - Marketing

Mr. Ian Harrison

FROM THE LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT Host families sought for French students visiting our School The Centre D'Echange Internationaux (CEI) Australian Program is sending French students to our School in Term 3, 2020.

SENIOR SCHOOL CEI is a not for profit organisation based in Paris that sends students to schools in three cities in Australia for English immersion. Our School is happy to be invited to participate again this year. We are currently seeking host families to care for the students who attend school every day as ‘locals’, for English language purposes and cultural exchange. The relevant dates are 24th July to 26th August, and we are seeking families to host these highly motivated and enthusiastic French students who are very excited to be coming to Australia. The student come from all over France and are keen to improve their English, experience life in an Australian school and family, whilst also sharing their French culture. We ask families to welcome them into their home and show them around a little on weekends. Families are paid to host and parents will require a WWC Card which is free and easy to get online. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the culture and keen to make a new international friend. For more information, please contact Mrs. Dominique Mion at the School (dmion@bmgs.nsw.edu.au) or:

Joanne Cawood-Smith - Australian Manager CEI - Centre d’Echanges Internationaux 1 rue Gozlin 75006 PARIS Email - cawoodsmith@gmail.com Tél - Aus+61 417330045

Mrs. Dominique Mion

FROM THE OUTDOOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Year 10 Wild Ed Multi-pitch abseiling Last Wednesday and Thursday, Year 10 Wilderness Education students have been challenging themselves to abseil from the top of the escarpment 200m to the valley below.

SENIOR SCHOOL It was certainly a heart-stopping moment for all when they first leaned back over that top edge and abseiled the first of at least five pitches. Year 10 have been warming up for this multi-pitch abseiling event since the end of last year when they began training on cliffs at Narrow Neck in Katoomba and earlier this term when they completed Empress Canyon. There was quite a bit of nervous energy in the days leading up to their excursion, but it was wonderful to see the perseverance and trust displayed by the students as they faced a difficult challenge. These Wilderness Education students have been studying preparation and risk management of adventurous activities for over a year now so they were well aware of their own safety and that of their classmates. They all displayed excellent skills and compassion towards each other. A special mention should be made of Class 1 who did extremely well to endure and enjoy a rainy and chilly day. Mr. Parrish Robbins

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF WELLBEING AND INCLUSION Every year students are encouraged to set goals for the year but not everyone understands why setting goals is important. Research has shown that people who set goals (and use them effectively) not only perform better, but suffer from less stress and anxiety and are happier and more satisfied with life. Here are some reasons why you might like to set some goals for the year:

Setting goals gets you to think about possibilities

Goals give you a clear picture of where you want to go

Goals help you to push yourself just that little bit more

Goals help you have a more fun and fulfilled life

Goals can give you motivation and focus

Setting goals helps you to do all the things you want to do in life!

You probably set many goals already without realising it-not every goal has to be written down but it certainly helps you to stay on track if you do write it out. You can set goals for all aspects of your life. Remember, if you don’t set goals, you’ll find that life just sort of ‘happens’ to you rather than you actually deciding what you really want to happen! So get in the driver’s seat of your life and take control with your goals this year. A reminder that our School is a subscriber to the study skills website www.studyskillshandbook.com.au This is a website that helps students develop essential skills for academic success. There are units of work on topics such as improving time management skills, how to study, research skills, summarising, technology use, brain and memory.

SENIOR SCHOOL It is a good idea to have a look at the site so you know what topics are covered and what resources are available. You will also see lots of useful handouts, grids and planners on the Things to Print page. To access the handbook, go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and login as a subscriber with these details: username: bmgs password: 84success If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Mrs. Alicia Michielsen

SENIOR SCHOOL CHESS CLUB Chess Club is now on Tuesday at Lunch times in ST1 and all students are welcome for either social chess or to join the Chess Team. I look forward to seeing you there! Ms Jackie Tanner, MIC Chess

CAREERS CORNER It’s never too early to begin researching careers! At BMGS, Careers aims to create opportunities for students to explore future careers by accessing a range of resources and engage in the wider community. All students are encouraged to start thinking about what they might like to pursue after school and take the time to enjoy exploring what is out there. Last year 70% of our Year 12 cohort received an Early Entry Offer to a University. Next Monday, I have invited Charles Sturt University to come and talk to our Year 12 cohort during tutor time. The will discuss courses available and how to apply to their Early Entry Offers. Remember that every Tuesday a Careers Newsletter is emailed to you, full of lots of information! If you or your child would like to book a time to see me, please do not hesitate to contact me on careers@bmgs.nsw.edu.au Mrs. Alicia Michielsen

SENIOR SCHOOL

FROM THE HEAD OF SPORT

Senior School Swimming Carnival The Senior School Swimming Carnival will be held next Wednesday, 19th February at Glenbrook Pool. Information for this Carnival will be distributed to students and parents via email. It will also be available on the School Portal. All students who are interested in swimming in the 200 Individual Medley must give their name to their Head of House as there are limitations on entries in this event. The qualifying time for girls is 3:20.00 and for boys it is 3:05.00.

Game Times Summer Season All the game times that have been set are listed on Team App. Please be aware that these will be updated by Tuesday of the relevant week if any changes are to be made, so please ensure that you check any updated notifications that are sent out.

Canteen Assistance Please ensure that you watch Team App for the link to help out in the canteen. This weekend we have Cricket, Basketball and Touch Football at home and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mrs. Megan Harris

Saturday Sports Fixtures - 15th February - Round 9

Team Opponent Venue Time Court/Field Bus INFO

Cricket 1st XI SSC STANNIES 10.00 STANNIES

BMGS 7.30am Blackheath 7.50am

BMGS approx. 6.00pm

15s Glenmore Park Red CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED

Touch 1sts SACS HOME 10:00am PITT PK 1

N/A

Football Junior A KWS HOME 11:00am PITT PK 1

Junior A SAS HOME 9:00am PITT PK 1

Junior A Oxley HOME 12:00pm PITT PK 1

Junior C SACS HOME 10:00am PITT PK 2

Junior D SACS HOME 9:00am PITT PK 2

Girls’ 1st V SPY HOME 9:00am 1

N/A

Basketball Open C CCGS HOME 9:00am 2

Inter CCGS HOME 10:00am 1

Junior A CCGS HOME 10:00am 2

Junior B BARKER HOME 11:00am 1

Boys 1st V ST PIUS B Oxford Falls 10:00am 1 Blackheath 7:00am BMGS 7:15am Lawson 7:30am Springwood Stn 7:45am Glenbrook 8:00am

BMGS @ approx. 2:30pm

Basketball Second V ST PIUS B Oxford Falls 11:00am 2

U15 Gold ST PIUS B Oxford Falls 10:00am 2

U14 Gold ST PIUS B Oxford Falls 10:00am 3

U13 Gold ST PIUS B Oxford Falls 11:00am 1

U15 Blue ST PAT'S Blk Auburn 1:00pm 2

BMGS 11:00am Lawson 11:15am Springwood Stn 11:30am Glenbrook 11:45am

BMGS @ approx. 3:30pm

U13 Blue ST PAUL'S B SPGS 12:30 2

BMGS 10:45am Lawson 11:00am Springwood Stn 11:15am Glenbrook 11:30am BMGS @ approx. 3:00pm

MATCH REPORTS – ROUND 8 – 8TH FEBRUARY, 2020

Boys Basketball

BMGS 13s Blue defeated Oakhill College, 23-17 BMGS 13s Gold were defeated by St Augustine’s College, 35 - 31 BMGS 14s Gold were defeated by St Augustine’s College, 28 - 25 BMGS 15s Blue were defeated by Oxley College, 16 - 20 BMGS 15s Gold were defeated by St Augustine’s College, 55 - 25 BMGS 2nd V (17s Gold) were defeated by St Augustine’s College, 34 - 27 BMGS 1st V were defeated by St Augustine’s College, 56 - 22 Mr. David Rajasekar – MIC Boys’ Basketball

Girls’ Basketball First V: BMGS defeated Barker College, 16-4 The First V girls had their second meeting of the season with Barker College and it was once again a rough and physical game. Both Mollys played great games, setting the tone with hard defence, rebounding and scoring. It was great to see the team shoot their free throws well, which has been an area we have struggled with so far this season. We led the game from start to finish and played a great team game. BMGS Open C were defeated by Barker College 23-4 Last weekend, the Open C girls played their second game against Barker College who came out strongly and continued their form throughout the game. While the BMGS girls attempted to play hard, it was evident that the girls had not played for a few weeks. Our passes were going astray and our defence was not as strong as it had been at the beginning of the season due to miscommunications. Despite this, the girls continued to play hard and showed some glimpses of their 2019 form. They are looking to recapture this for their upcoming game on the weekend. BMGS Intermediate A defeated Redlands, 17-11 BMGS Junior B defeated Redlands, 27-17 The Junior Bs played a great game, making a quick start and leading by ten points by half time, thanks to their commitment to defence and limiting Redlands scoring as a result. They passed the ball well, which resulted in many open shots under the basket. In the second half, the girls cooled off a bit and the lead began to slip away, yet they continued to play hard, even as fatigue set in. With this win the team should now be in first place. Mr. Chris Ingold, MIC Girls’ Basketball

THE WEEK AHEAD –FEBRUARY

Tuesday, 18th February – Year 12 Parent Teacher Evening Wednesday, 19th February – Senior School Swimming Carnival Thursday, 20th February – Senior School Open Morning and 2021 Scholarship Testing Day Friday, 21st February – Junior and Preparatory Schools’ Swimming Carnival Saturday, 22nd February – Senior School Open Morning