From the
Head of Senior School
The past fortnight has certainly highlighted the energy, breadth and spirit of Senior School life at BMGS. As we move through the final weeks of Term 3, there has been much to celebrate, while our senior students are also navigating some significant milestones in their academic journeys.
Celebrating Our Students
Over the past two weeks, we have enjoyed a wonderful range of sporting, performing arts and academic milestones.
Our winter sporting season has drawn to a close with our Hockey and Netball Presentation Evenings, providing an opportunity to recognise the commitment and achievements of our players, coaches, managers and families. These evenings are always a wonderful reminder that school sport is about far more than results. It develops teamwork, resilience, commitment and a genuine sense of belonging. My thanks go to all staff, coaches and parents who have supported our students throughout the season.
Our Creative and Performing Arts students have also reached some significant HSC milestones. Our Year 12 Drama students completed their HSC Performance Examinations, following many months of preparation, rehearsal and creative work. We congratulate them on reaching this point and acknowledge the courage and commitment required to present work for an external HSC examination.
Our Year 12 Visual Arts students also submitted their HSC Major Works, marking the culmination of an extraordinary amount of creativity, planning, experimentation and perseverance. These major works represent many months of sustained effort, and we congratulate our students on completing and submitting such an important component of their HSC course. It is always wonderful to see the individual ideas, artistic voices and skills of our students come together in their finished works.
There has also been some exciting news beginning to arrive for our Year 12 students, with early entry university offers now being received. It is wonderful to see students beginning to receive offers for the next stage of their educational journey. These offers are a testament not only to their academic efforts, but also to the leadership, service, sporting, cultural and community contributions that so many of our students have made throughout their time at BMGS. We look forward to celebrating many more offers and post-school pathways as they emerge over the coming months.
Leadership and Community
Another significant moment has been the transition of student leadership. It has been wonderful to see our new student leaders beginning to step forward and take responsibility within the School. Leadership at BMGS is not simply about wearing a badge; it is about service, initiative, character and the willingness to contribute positively to the lives of others.
As our Year 12 students prepare to finish their formal time at BMGS, our younger students are increasingly stepping into these spaces. This transition is an important part of the rhythm of school life and one that reminds us of the growth that occurs across the Senior School years.
Year 11 Assessment Block
This week, our Year 11 students commence their Assessment Block. This represents an important point in their Preliminary courses and provides valuable preparation for the expectations of Year 12.
We encourage students to approach the week with perspective and balance: prepare thoroughly, sleep well, arrive organised and focus on one assessment at a time.
Assessment periods are not only an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge; they are also an important opportunity to develop the organisation, independence and resilience required for the HSC year ahead.
The Final Weeks for Year 12
For Year 12, the countdown is now very real.
After years of lessons, camps, carnivals, performances, sporting fixtures, House events, friendships and countless everyday moments at BMGS, our Year 12 students are approaching their final days of formal schooling.
Over the coming weeks, we will celebrate them through a range of activities culminating in their Year 12 Farewell and Valedictory celebrations. These occasions provide an opportunity to reflect not only on academic achievements, but on the contribution each student has made to our community.
It is an exciting period, but also an emotional one for students, families and staff. We want our Year 12 students to enjoy these final weeks, celebrate appropriately and recognise that they remain leaders and role models right through to their final day.
Of course, Valedictory does not signal the end of their journey just yet. The HSC examinations remain ahead, and our focus will quickly turn towards supporting students through their final preparation.
Looking Ahead
There is still plenty happening before the end of term. Next week we look forward to the ISA Athletics Carnival, our Colours Assembly celebrating achievements across Sport and Performing Arts, the Soccer Presentation Evening, and one of the most anticipated events on the Year 12 calendar - the Year 12 Formal.
Beyond these major events, the everyday work of teaching and learning continues. Faculties are already looking ahead to 2027, reviewing curriculum, assessment and reporting practices and planning for another successful academic year.
As we enter this particularly busy part of the term, I encourage our students to continue looking after themselves and one another. Finish well, remain engaged, ask for help when you need it and make the most of the opportunities still ahead.
Thank you, as always, to our staff and families for the enormous amount of support you provide our young people. The richness of Senior School life is only possible because of the collective contribution of our students, staff, parents, coaches and wider community.
Warm regards,
Alicia Michielsen
Head of Senior School