From the Head of the Junior School

Music is a powerful thing.  We know that learning music has positive neurological effects on people and that listening to music is good for the soul. I was incredibly proud last Friday night at the Whole School Concert to see and hear the students perform. This concert is a unique opportunity to witness the progression of skills and knowledge from our youngest students to our oldest students.

I love watching the joy and pride our Early Years students have as they sing in a massed choir with the whole Junior School. Then watching the Junior School choir who, with expert teaching from Mr Forbes and Mrs Cooney, are tackling songs with harmonies and complicated melodies. I love watching our Year 2 strings students combine from both campuses and play, and seeing our Berimba Band students building on all the knowledge that has been learned in their Music journey. Then to see those students who have gone on with their Berimba instrument to play in the orchestra and stage bands, ensembles and beyond is wonderful, and a uniquely Grammar opportunity.

Thank you to the Music staff who help students fall in love with music across all their years in the Junior School. The children are given a wonderful gift that with hard work, might be a skill and passion they keep for all of their lives.

As we travel on the downhill run of the year, it’s time to look ahead into 2025. There will likely be some changes as we head into a new year. One certain change comes from Mrs Lori Gerrard, who tendered her resignation this week. She has faithfully served our school for well over twenty years and she feels that this long chapter in her teaching career is coming to a close. Mrs Gerrard will be with us right through this academic year and we will be sure to celebrate the legacy she has built here in the Junior School. We will of course wish her all the best and be praying for her as she looks ahead into the next chapter of her life.

Kind regards,

Rachael J Newton

Head of Junior School

Tour de Vallee

On Tuesday 20th August we had a beautiful sunny day for take 2 of our annual Tour de Vallee bicycle race. All students enjoyed their snacks and chocolat chaud/hot chocolate.

 There was much fun and cheering for the participants and our winners and runners up received their customary baguette or half baguette. 

Congratulations to all for a wonderful and sporting event. Many thanks to all who attended and to the maintenance team for our beautiful grounds, to Mrs Newton, Mrs Boros and all of the JSS staff.

Merci à tous, 

Madame Deirdre O'Hara

French Teacher

IPSHA Performing Arts Festival

The IPSHA Performing Arts Festival is a major highlight of the Blue Mountains Grammar School performance calendar. The festival is an opportunity for students in Choir and Orchestra to perform with other IPSHA schools in mass Choir and Orchestral pieces, all in one of Sydney's most iconic buildings.

The concert will take place on Tuesday September 10 from 7pm to 8.45pm.

Tickets may be purchased by visiting the link on the attached flyer.