From the Principal

To the Blue Mountains Grammar School Community,

As we reach the end of another term, it is appropriate for me to acknowledge the effort and commitment demonstrated by everyone in starting the year off so well. From the beginning, we've been full steam ahead with learning, embracing co-curricular activities that enhance our experience, and nurturing a vibrant community spirit. There have been carnivals, grandparents' days, Music camp, performance auditions and rehearsals, summer sports finals, winter sports tryouts, excursions, parent-teacher interviews, five-day camps, fundraisers, assessments, and so much more. And consider this - all of these things happened in 10 short weeks. Our staff and students are incredible. Thank you everyone!

As I write this newsletter, I sit at breakfast in Christchurch with the 2024 BMGS New Zealand Rugby Tour students. This is the first overseas sporting trip our School has run since before the pandemic. It is a privilege to tour with 20 BMGS people and represent our community. As I sit back and watch our students, I see that they really are a special breed of young people. They engage well with others, are appropriate in their behaviour, and have a proper and well-developed sense of humour. This is one time where I get to sit and remember why I chose teaching as my career. 

This term, we welcomed new students, bid farewell to a few, and saw new and familiar faces among our staff. We even welcomed two new furry friends in, Millie and Masie our 'happiness dogs'. In many ways, our School has reflected precisely what community is meant to be: supportive, inclusive, and ever-growing and changing.

As we approach the holiday break, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the significance of ANZAC Day, a day of remembrance for those who have served our country in conflicts. In line with our values, Blue Mountains Grammar School will be attending dawn services across the mountains. I extend a warm invitation to all members of our community to join us in honouring the sacrifices of our veterans. In a show of respect, we suggest that our students wear their full school uniform if they attend a dawn service.

Over this term, we have recruited our new Head of Mathematics. At a time when looking for new staff in schools is complex because of the global teacher shortage, our School stood apart as we received several very high-quality applications for this role. After an extensive process, I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Danielle Pearson as our new Head of Mathematics. Mrs Pearson stood out with her extensive experience, which includes teaching students at HSC Advanced level. Her background working with Western Sydney University as the Subject Coordinator for STEM Foundations also brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to our school community. She is also an accomplished educator in project-based learning. 

As we all anticipate the upcoming term break, I encourage everyone to prioritise self-care and spend quality time with loved ones. This break is a valuable opportunity to rest, recharge, and reflect on our achievements. Let's return for Term 2 with energy and enthusiasm, ready to embrace the opportunities for growth, learning, and enjoyment that await us in our school community.

I wish you all a peaceful term break.

Warm regards,

Steven Coote 

Principal