From the Principal
Dear BMGS Community,
Welcome Back for Term 3!
I hope this Newsletter finds you well-rested and rejuvenated after the term break. As we welcome our students, staff, and parents back, we would like to extend a warm greeting and remind everyone that we are here to support each of you throughout the journey of the new term. We would especially like to welcome nine new students across our school. We are so glad you have joined us.
A Moment of Nostalgia
We experienced a significant milestone this week as Wednesday marked the "last first day" for our Year 12 students. This momentous occasion brings about a mix of emotions for our graduating class of 2023. For some, it is filled with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead, while for others, the reality of this being their final year of school has indeed hit home.
To our Year 12 students, we want you to know that we, as adults, stand behind you every step of the way. Blue Mountains Grammar School has provided support for over 100 years, and this year will be no different. It's important to take a moment to slow down and appreciate the season you are currently in. While it may be demanding and, at times, hectic, it is also a particular time filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
You've got this moment!
The Issue of Vaping
Blue Mountains Grammar School is fully aware of the concerns surrounding this issue and the scourge of vaping, and as I have previously mentioned, we are committed to addressing it head-on. As much as we want our young people to be immune from the pressures, this is an international concern for most adults.
Recent research has shed light on why young people are increasingly drawn to vaping, surpassing any other age group globally. According to a recent study by the National Medical Association (2022), a staggering 73.1% of young individuals between the ages of 14 and 19 who vape cited curiosity as their primary motivation. This statistic is concerning, as it highlights the need to redirect their curiosity towards understanding the harmful risks associated with vaping.
To tackle this issue, Blue Mountains Grammar School continues developing an educational program that provides students with accurate and factual information about vaping. By arming our children with knowledge, we can empower them to make informed decisions and prioritise their health and well-being.
We also want to arm our parents with helpful information as well. With that thought, I would like to provide you with a link to a resource we have developed as a school to help inform our students and community about the facts. This website is dynamic, so as we come across valuable resources, we will continue providing updates. The site has been commissioned for our community, but of course, we invite you to share the resource with family and friends in other schools as well.
The website is available at https://www.bluemountainsgrammarschool.au/
We have also installed poster snap frames in critical locations throughout the school. These posters are part of our customised BMGS campaign, designed with a touch of humour to capture attention and spark curiosity.
To date, they have been very popular with students. Each poster features a QR code that, when scanned, directly links to our dedicated website, where you can find more information and resources. We encourage everyone to watch for these posters and take a moment to scan the QR codes for an informative experience. Stay tuned for more updates on this engaging campaign! Thumbnails of the posters appear below:
We want to ensure that our young people understand the potential risks, including addiction, respiratory problems, and compromised lung function. We continue to ask for your support in this matter.
By fostering open and honest discussions, we create a safe space for students to express their thoughts, concerns, and questions about vaping. Our dedicated staff members are readily available to provide guidance and support, encouraging students to make choices that align with their long-term well-being.
John Cunningham Student Centre Update
We are thrilled to report that the John Cunningham Student Centre project is progressing exceptionally well. The construction work has been advancing steadily, and we are still on track for completion early in Term 4. We are excited to see the new entrance take shape, with the recent concrete pour adding a tangible sense of progress. We now have the construction of the blade entrance walls almost complete.
Looking ahead, we anticipate another concrete pour scheduled for next week, bringing us one step closer to the final stages of construction. The preparation for the internal fit-out is also underway, with cabling and electrical upgrades being diligently executed. The John Cunningham Student Centre will soon be a hub for our students, providing them with a modern and inspiring space to learn, collaborate, and flourish.
As we progress with the project, we would like to express our gratitude to all the staff, students, and parents who have shown patience and understanding during this transformation. Your support and enthusiasm have been instrumental in making this vision a reality.
In closing, I extend my hope for a successful and rewarding Term 3. Let us continue to foster an environment where each student can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Should you ever need assistance or have any concerns, please remember that our dedicated team is here to support you.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Blue Mountains Grammar School. Together, we will make this term a memorable one.
Warm regards,
Steven Coote
Principal