From the Principal

Discovering the Unique Beauty of Our School: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

I hope this Newsletter finds you well and that you are enjoying the moments we have enjoyed at the school this term. As we prepare for the upcoming term, I want to share news about our school's recent journey in showcasing its unique place and beauty.

 

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to oversee the creation of new marketing collateral for Blue Mountains Grammar School. This process has allowed me to reflect on what makes our school unique, and I want to share my discoveries with you.

 

As I embarked on this endeavour, something remarkable became abundantly clear again: our school is nestled in an environment of unparalleled beauty. The breathtaking scenery surrounding us here in the Blue Mountains is awe-inspiring, and I sometimes take it for granted in my day-to-day work.

 

While developing our marketing materials, I had the pleasure of working closely with professional photographers with experience photographing schools across Australia. To my astonishment, these seasoned photographers repeatedly expressed their disbelief at the natural beauty of our school grounds and the surrounding national parks. This is true of both campuses. They shared with us that, in their extensive careers, only some schools possess the kind of stunning backdrop that we enjoy here in the Blue Mountains.

 

Hearing these professionals tell us that they've rarely encountered a school with such an extraordinary natural setting was heartening. They emphasised that the rich tapestry of World Heritage-listed landscapes that envelop our school is exceptional. We are among only a handful of schools fortunate enough to be located in a World Heritage Listed area, making us one of two or three in the entire country.

 

This realisation has again reminded me of the special privilege we share in being part of our school. We are more than a school; we are a community that flourishes in a world-class environment, surrounded by the pristine wilderness and cultural heritage of the Blue Mountains.

 

But it's not just our remarkable surroundings that set us apart. I've also recognised the exceptional opportunities available to our students. With over 41 co-curricular activities, including ISA Sport, Photography, Chess, Tournament of the Minds, Duke of Ed, and many more, our school provides diverse experiences for our young learners. This reflects our staff's dedication to nurturing and empowering our students with a deep set of experiences that go beyond the classroom.

 

Furthermore, to ensure our teachers are among the best, we continually look to invest in them so that they, in turn, can better serve your children. 

 

Over the past 12 months, we've sent staff to Perth, Adelaide and Canberra to explore what is possible when designing learning for 21st-century learners. Our Year 7 team was invited to spend a day with the team at The Scots College in Bellevue Hill, where we shared and collaborated on designing a Year 7 program that delivers the highest quality learning to our students.

 

In the upcoming holidays, several of our team members will travel to Barcelona, London, and Wales to engage with schools that lead learning in unique and powerful ways for students of all ages. This commitment to professional development ensures that our educators stay at the forefront of educational innovation, providing your children with the best possible learning experiences.

 

Thank you for being a part of our Blue Mountains Grammar School community. Together, we will continue to nurture and cherish this unique educational experience that can only be found here in our beloved Blue Mountains. We often say here that Mountains children deserve a Mountains education - but I am convinced that any child from any area deserves what this school can offer. I appreciate the part you play in that story.  

 

Mr Steven Coote 

Principal