Dear Blue Mountains Grammar School Community,

Welcome to the Newsletter for this week. Over the coming weeks, we will begin to report back on the recent Vision Tour. For now, I would like to give some updates on things that are happening around our school.

The 45K Bungawarra Walk

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the achievement of those who embarked on the incredible Bungawarra 45K Walk. This event is not just about navigating a significant distance and all that comes with that challenge, but it is also an insight into the community spirit that makes BMGS unique. The 45K Walk has a long tradition at our school, and it has always existed to build community and raise funds for some of the charities we support.

The 45K Walk to Bungawarra is a real example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose. I am very proud of our participants and grateful to everyone who contributed to this event. I hope it ignites a spirit of giving and community as we look forward to events like this into the future. If you walked, sponsored, provided drinks and sustenance, woke at 3 in the morning to set the course, cooked the BBQ at Bungawarra - whatever you did - thank you. A special shout-out to Mrs Emily Peters, who, for months prior, was piecing things together to make the event as enjoyable and successful as it was.

Thanks, everyone!

F1 in Schools

I am always staggered at how some people keep performing exceptionally well in the same arena. That said, I am pleased to inform you that we continue to celebrate our school's exceptional tradition in the world of "F1 in Schools." This competition has always been a hallmark of the BMGS's commitment to innovation, and we have consistently punched above our weight on the global stage.

And we have done it again!

When our Vision Tour Team ventured overseas, it was encouraging to discover that The Langton Grammar School in Canterbury was well aware of Blue Mountains Grammar School's reputation for success in F1 in Schools. Our legacy in this competition is a testament to the dedication and talent within our school community.

Once again, we have embraced the challenge, and recently, we had not one, not two, but three teams competing in the State Finals. This is a remarkable achievement in itself, and we are immensely proud of all three teams for their dedication and hard work.

I am thrilled to announce that two of our teams have secured their place in the National Finals, scheduled for March next year. This is, again, a tremendous accomplishment by our students and their teachers.

I am pleased to announce that we received the following places:

First Place - TEAM XPEDITIOUS - State Champions Development Class

Team Members: Finn Sneddon, Lachlan Burgess, Coco Carter, Ryan Ivery

First Place - TEAM JETT SPEED - State Champions Cadet Senior Class Team Members: Daniel Ball, Jett Lawson

As I am sure you know, behind every successful F1 in Schools team, dedicated staff members contribute to guide and mentor our students. I want to express my gratitude to Ian Harrison, Brendan O'Keefe, and Marty Olmos, who have been instrumental in nurturing the talent and potential of our F1 in Schools participants. Their commitment to our student's success is very much appreciated.

So now we look ahead to the National Finals in March. We are confident that our teams will continue to represent not only Blue Mountains Grammar School but also the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines our community.

Thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement as we reach new heights in F1 in Schools. Together, we are shaping the future of our students and fostering a culture of achievement and ambition.

John Cunningham Student Centre

As many of you know, we have been working on this project to transform one of the original buildings at our school. We are now in the final stages of completing the building, and I am sure people will be impressed with what has been achieved.

The John Cunningham Student Centre has been envisioned as a space that will not only meet the evolving needs of our students but also elevate the overall educational experience at our school.

Over the coming weeks, the builder will be applying the finishing touches. We understand that anticipation is high, and we want to express our gratitude for your patience as we bring this project to fruition.

Next week, I will share a YouTube link so you can have a sneaky peek at the John Cunningham Student Centre. This will be your opportunity to get an exclusive first look at this remarkable space before it officially opens its doors to our students and the wider community. Of course, later in the term, we will provide family and friends an opportunity to visit to get a feel for this new space.

We invite you to join us in celebrating this incredible milestone in the continued growth and development of Blue Mountains Grammar School. The John Cunningham Student Centre represents a bright future for our students, and we couldn't have achieved this without the support of our dedicated community.

I am looking forward to a fast-paced Term 4 – and I look forward to you all riding that wave with us.

Steven Coote

Principal

Diary Dates

October 2023