From the Head of the Junior School

The first weeks back to school have been go, go, go in the Junior School. Our trips to our Wilderness Education campus – Bungawarra – have been highlights in the calendar so far.

Stage 1 classes enjoyed an adventure day there in week 1. Learning opportunities covered outcomes in Science, Geography, English and Maths, as well as well-being. Outdoor learning uniquely carries opportunities to learn appreciation, tolerance, persistence and resilience which we just don’t see to the same extent inside our classrooms. A highlight for Stage 1 students was spotting a wombat! Enjoy some stories from the Garad class.

Stage 2 students went to Bungawarra too, for their sleep over camp. The children have been practicing some of the skills they need to pitch tents and take them down, and how to master the dreaded sleeping bag roll up! All students were well prepared for camp and showed courage, teamwork and resilience. Of course there was the traditional climb of Horror Hill, orienteering and bridge building at the river. The children were filthy dirty, tired and happy – and very proud of themselves. For many children, this camp is the first big adventure away from home and we were super impressed with the children.

Read Stage 2 Bungawarra Adventure Stories below:

Thanks to the staff who accompany students on these adventures. It’s a big job to organize these trips so that children have safe (with appropriate risk), fun and educational experiences that help them to grow and learn. Our teachers do this because they are deeply committed to seeing our students thrive.

Today on World Teacher Appreciation Day I’d like to express my thanks to the Junior School teachers and Professional Support staff. I am privileged to lead incredible staff who are talented, dedicated, caring and passionate when it comes to their students and the families those children represent. It’s been lovely to see our students and parents honoring those teachers today too.

Rachael Newton

Head of Junior School

Basketball Report, Week 1 Term 4

Our Term 4 Basketball Summer Season commenced in Week 1 with the Under 12s BMGS Stars playing against the Springwood Sparks. The team did a great job defending their players and keeping their backs to the board, to put pressure on the opposition so it was as hard as possible to get a shot in. Congratulations to Nixon Van Zwieten, Dane Illingworth and Alex Kinnear for their points. As always, their points were not possible without great passing and teamwork. I look forward to their first coaching session on Friday 25th. Thanks also to Thomas Sheen for his input and coaching.

The BMGS Avengers were put through their paces with some new drills to help with ball handling and shooting at their Tuesday afternoon Under 10s session. They will commence their games in a couple of weeks, once they have got a few more skills under their belts. They were coached by Henry Burrell during the week and enjoyed playing games that helped to reinforce the skills they were doing on Tuesday.

Lori Gerrard

Junior School Teacher