From the 

Head of  

Senior School

Welcome to Week 6 at Blue Mountains Grammar School!  

As we find ourselves halfway through the term, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the exciting events still to come. The energy and enthusiasm within our school community have been palpable, especially with several key events recently concluded and others on the horizon. 

 

Year 10 Subject Selection Process 

One of the most significant activities currently underway is the Year 10 subject selection process for our 2025 Year 11 students. This is a pivotal time for our Year 10 students as they make choices that will shape their educational journey in the coming years. 

 

Careers Expo

Last Tuesday, we hosted our annual Careers Expo, which was a tremendous success. The Expo provided our students with invaluable insights into various career paths, industry trends, and further education opportunities. Our guest speakers and exhibitors were incredibly generous with their time and expertise, offering students a wealth of information to help guide their decisions. 

Following the Careers Expo, we held a Year 10 subject selection workshop on Wednesday. This workshop was designed to help students understand the nuances of different subjects, their prerequisites, and how they align with various career aspirations. The interactive sessions and discussions allowed students to ask questions. 

 

Wednesday night culminated in the subject selection evening, where students and parents had the opportunity to discuss options with teachers. The event was well-attended, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents appreciated the detailed presentations and the one-on-one consultations, which helped clarify any uncertainties regarding subject choices. 

 

Academic Progress and Reporting 

In addition to these events, our teachers are diligently working on preparing the mid-term reports. These reports are an essential tool for tracking academic progress and providing feedback to students and parents. They highlight achievements, identify areas for improvement, and set clear goals for the remainder of the term. We encourage parents to engage with these reports and discuss them with their children to ensure a supportive and productive learning environment at home. 

 

Welcome NSW Blues

After a significant upgrade to our fields, we welcomed the New South Wales Blues to Blue Mountains Grammar School. In partnership with The Fairmont Resort we are looking forward to playing our part in a series win. 

Congratulations - Sophia Huckel

A huge congratulations to Sophia Huckel, who came First in the NSW Parliament's Public Speaking Competition, as part of the Bicentenary of the NSW Legislative Council!  

Sophia will now compete in the Grand Final in August, where she will speak before an audience at NSW Parliament House, with the overall winner to be selected by a panel of Senior Members of Parliament. 

 

Schools were asked to nominate a promising young Future Thought Leader who would speak on the theme “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”. Sophia was judged by a panel including the President of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin, who is also the former Minister for Regional Youth for NSW.  

Congratulations - Freya Knussen

Congratulations also toFreya Knussen!  Freya is a Finalist in the 2024 Young Archie Portrait Competition, announced today.  

 

My friend Huckel is shown here in her teenage years with her signature flaming hair morphing into a ribbon that binds her body. The raven above symbolises intelligence and knowledge – attributes that she is known for. The blue jay and sparrow represent her other qualities, which are often overlooked – love, loyalty, confidence and curiosity. These two birds frantically try to unravel her, allowing her to be truly seen. The raven, blue jay and sparrow represent aspects of self that are within us all. 

Looking Ahead 

As we move forward, there are still many exciting events and activities planned. We continue to prioritise the well-being and academic success of our students, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to thrive. 

 

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the staff, students, and parents for their hard work and commitment. Your dedication makes our school a vibrant and dynamic place to learn and grow. 

 

Warm regards,

 

Alicia Michielsen

Head of Senior School