BMGS Newsletter
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From the 

Head of  Senior School

Welcome to Week 2 of Term 3

It has been wonderful to see the Senior School quickly settle back into routines, with classrooms full of energy, enthusiasm and purposeful learning. Thank you to our students, families and staff for contributing to such a positive start to the term.

Welcoming Our Nagoya Visitors

This week we are delighted to welcome 20 students and accompanying staff from our partner school in Nagoya, Japan. Throughout the week, our visitors will be immersed in everyday life at BMGS, attending classes alongside their BMGS buddies and experiencing Australian school life.

 

International exchanges are an important part of developing global citizenship, cultural understanding and lifelong friendships. Thank you to the many students and staff who have worked behind the scenes to make this visit such a memorable experience.

Year 12 Trial HSC Preparation

Our Year 12 students have now entered their Blackout Period as they prepare for their Trial HSC Examinations next week.

 

This is an important milestone in their final year, and we encourage every student to maintain healthy routines, seek support when needed and approach the coming weeks with confidence and determination. We wish all of our Year 12 students every success as they prepare for this significant stage of their HSC journey.

Chapel Returns

This week also marks the return of our fortnightly Chapel services. Chapel continues to provide an opportunity for students to pause, reflect and connect with the values that underpin our school community.

Thank You to Our Families

Thank you to all parents and carers who attended the Year 10 and Year 11 Parent-Teacher Interviews last week.

 

It was wonderful to see such a warm atmosphere throughout the evening, with many productive conversations taking place between families and teachers. Strong partnerships between home and school play a vital role in supporting every student's growth, and we greatly appreciate your ongoing support.

Staff Updates

As we continue through Term 3, I would like to acknowledge several staffing changes within the Senior School.

 

  • A warm welcome to Mr Dave Catto, who joins BMGS as our new Chaplain. We are delighted to have Dave join our community.
  • Welcome back to Mrs Megan Harris, who has returned following Long Service Leave.
  • We thank Mrs Kelly Lipp, who has stepped into the role while Mrs Lauren Wade commences maternity leave.

  • We also wish Mrs Cindy Pecovnik a restful Long Service Leave and warmly welcome Mrs Liz Barclay, who joins us during Cindy's absence.

     

We look forward to the valuable contributions each of these staff members will make throughout the term.

Term 3 Highlights

Key Dates at a Glance

 

  • Week 2: Nagoya School Visit
  • Weeks 3–4: Trial HSC Examinations
  • Week 4: Year 10 Wilderness Education Snowshoe Expedition, Kelley House Fundraiser – Jeans for Genes Day (Wed)
  • Week 5: Whole School Music Concert
  • Week 6: Hughes House Fundraiser (Fri), Ski Trip Departs (Fri)
  • Week 7: Hockey & Netball Presentation Evening (Tue)
  • Week 8: Year 11 Assessment Block & Blackout Period
  • Week 9: Soccer Presentation Night (Thu); Year 12 Formal

  • Week 10: Year 12 Valedictory Celebrations

     

As we move through what promises to be another exciting and rewarding term, I encourage all students to embrace every opportunity, challenge themselves in their learning, contribute positively to our community and support one another. Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership with Blue Mountains Grammar School. I look forward to sharing many more student achievements and celebrations with you throughout the term.

 

Warm regards,

 

Alicia Michielsen

Head of Senior School

Study Skills: Streamlining your digital study life

Stay organised and productive across all your devices

As schoolwork becomes increasingly digital, many students find their laptops, tablets and online accounts overflowing with files, tabs, downloads and notifications. A cluttered digital space makes it harder to focus, slows you down, and increases stress. Streamlining your digital study life helps you stay organised, find information quickly, and create a calmer environment for learning. With a few practical strategies, you can turn your devices into powerful tools instead of sources of overwhelm.

 

1. Clean up your desktop and folders

A tidy digital workspace makes it easier to start homework and stay focused.

  • Delete old screenshots, duplicate files and unused documents.
  • Create subject-specific folders with clear names like “Science – Notes” or “English – Assessments.”
  • Move everything on your desktop into its correct folder so nothing sits loose.

 

A simple folder structure reduces decision fatigue and saves time when studying.

 

Tip: Do a quick “folder reset” every Friday so digital clutter never builds up.

 

2. Organise your Google Drive, OneDrive or cloud storage

Cloud spaces fill up fast, and messy file systems quickly become overwhelming.

  • Create a main folder for the year and subfolders for each subject.
  • Rename files clearly with dates or topics so they’re easy to find later.

  • Star or highlight your most-used documents for quick access.

     

Good digital organisation supports better revision and assessment planning.

 

Tip: Use the search bar effectively - type keywords like “essay,” “photosynthesis,” or “practice questions.”

 

3. Keep your downloads folder under control

Downloads are often the most chaotic space on a device.

  • Clear out your downloads folder weekly and sort important items into subject folders.
  • Delete files you no longer need, like old PDFs, worksheets or images.
  • Avoid working directly from the downloads folder - move files to the correct place first.

 

A tidy downloads folder reduces stress and prevents lost files.

 

Tip: Change your settings so your browser asks where to save each file - this stops clutter from piling up.

 

4. Manage tabs and notifications effectively

Too many tabs and constant notifications drain focus and slow your brain down.

  • Keep only the tabs you need open during a study session.
  • Turn off unnecessary notifications, especially social media or game alerts.

  • Use tab groups if your browser has them to keep subjects separate.

     

Reducing distractions helps your mind stay clear and improves concentration.

 

Tip: Try a browser extension that limits tab numbers or blocks distracting sites during homework.

 

5. Use digital tools intentionally

Technology works best when it supports your learning, not when it overwhelms it.

  • Use note-taking apps, task managers or calendar tools to stay organised.
  • Try digital flashcards, video tutorials or practice quiz platforms for revision.
  • Keep your most important apps easily accessible and remove any you don’t need.

 

Intentional use of technology boosts productivity and helps you focus on what matters.

 

Tip: Review your apps each term - uninstall any that are distracting or unused.

 

A calmer, clearer digital space

Streamlining your digital study life reduces stress, improves efficiency and helps you stay in control of your schoolwork. By organising your files, cleaning your downloads, managing tabs and notifications, and using digital tools wisely, you turn your devices into supportive study companions. A clear digital space leads to a clearer mind - and better learning.