Dear BMGS Parents and Friends,

As we quickly approach the end of another eventful year, I want to reflect on the exciting developments and activities that have taken place at Blue Mountains Grammar School. While the calendar year may be winding down, we have plenty to look forward to and encourage you to have meaningful conversations with your children about finishing the year strong.

Outdoor Leadership Endorsement

We are thrilled to announce that the NESA Board Endorsement Panel has approved us to offer Outdoor Leadership Application for Stage 6 (Years 11 and Year 12) students. This program, consisting of 240 indicative hours (2 units x 2 years), provides four units of Higher School Certificate credit. Furthermore, it offers the possibility of receiving a Statement of Attainment towards the SIS30619 Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership.

Blue Mountains Grammar School is now the only school in New South Wales with permission to provide this unique opportunity. This achievement recognises not only our beautiful World Heritage location but, more importantly, the excellence of our high-quality Wilderness Education team. Congratulations to the Wild Ed team and Mrs Michielsen for the extensive work that went into the submission and the outstanding outcome.

Welcoming Year 7, 2024, and the Year 7 Odyssey Program

In 2024, we are launching our Year 7 Odyssey program. This initiative has been designed by over 32 members of our BMGS team. We believe in empowering young people as powerful learners and creating the optimal conditions for their development. We aim to provide a place where profound learning converges with courageous determination to impact our world positively. The term 'odyssey' defines "a long and eventful or adventurous journey" - precisely what we want your child's learning experience to be — an adventure filled with focus, energy, and hopeful expectation.

I invite you to visit our Odyssey website to find out more at https://www.bluemountainsgrammarschool.au/year-7

Orientation for Junior School

Recently, we enjoyed orientation at our Wentworth Falls Junior School. It was so lovely to see new children, as well as those who are heading up from the Springwood campus. The day was flooded with excitement and anticipation by both students and parents, providing a sense of belonging for our new students. Thank you to the team for the work that went into this opportunity.

Junior School Wentworth Falls Nativity Play

Last Thursday evening, I had the immense pleasure of attending the Nativity play at our Wentworth Falls campus. It was truly exceptional to witness our youngest students put on a heart-warming performance that brought smiles to everyone's faces while reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff, who made this possible, and to our families, who joined us in laughter, support, and occasional tears. This was a memorable moment in the life of our school, and I look forward to watching the Springwood performance next week.

Junction 142 Christmas Boxes

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our students and families for their generous donations of Christmas Hampers to Junction 142. These hampers were delivered recently, and the overwhelming amount of donations truly reflects the goodwill and kindness of our school community. Junction 142 was thrilled with the gifts and deeply touched by the contributions from all three campuses. A special shout-out goes to Brendan O'Keefe and Pitt House for initiating this critical partnership, which has gained significant momentum and will continue to strengthen in the coming years. This initiative embodies our hope to foster 'good learning doing good.'

Cinderella – The Musical Pantomime

In just over a week we will be enjoying another performance by our students. This time it is Cinderella. The students and staff have been working hard over the last few weekends, as well as Friday afternoons to block their scenes, sharpen their choreography, streamline transitions and master the backstage elements. The ensemble are primed, the leads prepared and it is almost showtime. I wish every participating student all the best in their upcoming, sold-out performances.

Colour Runs

Colour Runs have become a popular event at our school, and we recently enjoyed the Junior School Colour Run. Our students had a fantastic experience, and we witnessed the generosity of our parents and friends, who ensured that our children fully embraced the vibrant colours. The Senior School Colour Run is scheduled for Tuesday, 5th December, and we anticipate it will be just as successful.

As we approach the end of the year, please encourage you to continue to have high expectations for our children so that they make the most of their remaining opportunities for growth and learning. Finishing well is just as important as starting well. I look forward to celebrating their achievements together as we close the year.

Steven Coote

Principal

Careers

Careers Newsletter - Term 4, Week 7