BMGS Newsletter

Senior School

In This Section:

  • Careers
  • Chess Co-curricular
  • Music
  • Performing Arts Department News
  • Year 10 Wilderness Education excursion
  • Year 7 Vaccination Information
  • Sport Report
  • Round 3 Match Reports

Careers

I am often asked about university entry by our students. Here is a quick overview of everything you need to know about university entry and where to find all your information

 

1.  Check the Careers newsletter every week. I put together a summary of all information that I receive in a weekly newsletter that is full of everything you need to know about university.

2021 Issue 3 Careers.pdf

 

2.  Entry Schemes could allow you to apply with:

  • Your Year 11 & 12 results
  • A recommendation from your Principal
  • Volunteer work and community service (including school leadership)
  • Your ATAR, or
  • A combination of results
  • Ensure you adhere to closing dates and deadlines

3.  UAC – University Admissions Centre. You can nominate up to 5 preferences. To maximise your chances of receiving an offer it’s a good idea to nominate courses for all 5 preferences, just remember to put the one you want the most as ‘Number 1’.

 

4.  Scholarships - A scholarship is a part-payment or full-payment of your course or study fees (which may also include things like accommodation, travel, mentoring and living expenses).  They’re offered because people can see the value of further study and want to remove the barriers to study that some people experience, and to reward students for hard work. Scholarships generally fit into two categories – one based on your personal achievements, and one that helps people who may have been disadvantaged. There are also scholarships for special interest groups, such as for the children of veterans, or agricultural industry scholarships. See our Study Work Grow online Careers program for more information. https://studyworkgrow.com.au/scholarships/?mc_cid=f803c32811

 

5.  Register with our 2 Careers online programs – Jobjump and StudyWorkGrow.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to make a time to see me.

 

Mrs Alicia Michielsen

Careers Counsellor

Co-curricular Chess

The Senior School Chess Club will recommence its activities on Tuesday, 23rd February at Lunchtime in the LRC.

 

All players are welcome. You can choose to be a social player or sign up for the competitions on offer.

 

Come to the LRC on Tuesday Lunch to find out more information, register and or have a game.

 

Ms Jackie Tanner

MIC Chess

Music

National Song Writing Competition 2021

Music Australia is currently inviting students to submit their original songs for the 2021 National Songwriting Competition. Finalists from this competition will be selected to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to write the song that will be sung and played by hundreds and thousands of young Australians as part of Music Count Us In’s Celebration Day on Thursday, 4th November, 2021. 

 

Open (free) to all Australian school students. Submissions are due Friday, 26th February. Applicants need to download the SONG BRIEF to see the requirements and selection criteria.  See the Youtube clip of last year’s songwriting workshop, mentored by Lior, for inspiration! 

 

Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP)

The Australian Honours Ensemble Program has grown from of Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s State Honours Ensemble Program and now invites participants from other states to take part in an educational program for music students that helps extend and encourage their pursuit of musical excellence. Since 2001, more than 300 nationally and internationally acclaimed conductors have led the ensembles to presentations of musical excellence. AHEP has a wind orchestra, string orchestra and vocal ensemble and now includes the Symphony Orchestra and Big Band. 

 

Students need to have achieved a minimum Grade 6 AMEB for instruments and Grade 4 AMEB or have high level choral experience for voice. Outstanding young musicians are nominated to take part by their teachers and undergo an audition process. Please speak to Mrs Cooney if you are interested this year or for future years. 

 

AHEP is a residential program from 29 Sep-2 Oct 2021 at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, Brisbane.

 

Soirée Benvenuto

Our first Soirée of the year will take place on Thursday, 11th March. These are informal concerts for all students at all levels to gain performance experience. They are enjoyed by audiences and students alike. Please feel ‘Welcome’ to put your name on the program for this soirée – the sign-up sheet is at the Music Office. 

 

Duke of Edinburgh Award – Tower Bell Ringing

For those considering working towards a DoE Award, we would like to let you know about an unusual and challenging activity that you might consider for your program: tower bell ringing or campanology. This is an ancient art of ringing sets of large bells which is both musical and mathematical, and requires you to learn a completely new physical skill. Bellringers are volunteers and work as a team to ring as a voluntary community service. The peal of six bells at St Hilda’s Church Katoomba is a convenient, nearby location and the St Hilda’s Ringers would welcome any DoE participants willing to commit to learning for six months or longer. You can find out more from Ms Downs or Mrs Cooney in the Music Office.

 

Diary Dates:

Soirée Benvenuto: Thursday, 11th March, 7:00pm

ANZAC Day: Sunday, 25th April 

Blackheath Chamber Festival and Workshops: 23rd to 26th April

Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves: Sunday, 2nd May, The Old Farm, Yellow Rock

 

Mrs Julie Cooney

Music Department

Performing Arts

Student Success: Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP)

Several Year 10 Drama students from BMGS auditioned to be part of this exciting project. Josephine Hill was called back for a second audition and the director was so impressed with her work that she offered her the role of ‘Jules’ in the World Premier Production. We are so proud of this outstanding achievement.

 

Lights in the Dark by Alexander Lee-Rekers

One quiet night, the street lights flicker out and plunge the world into darkness. A “lights out” party in Royal Park is announced, and every kid in town makes their way there to celebrate this strange occurrence.  A trio of role-players leave their game and embark on a quest for revenge… two enterprising youngsters sell torches at reasonable prices… the disgraced star of a viral video looks to make her social comeback and the floor-mopper at the local chemist encounters the worst kind of shoplifter. All these stories unfold on the way to the park because everybody’s on their way to the same party. And it is not to be missed.  

 

The Senior ATYP Foundation Commission develops a new play each year that showcases the skills of actors aged 14-17 years. Published by Playlab, this is your chance to see the first production of a show that will be presented in schools around the country for years to come. Lights in the Park is the 2018 Winner of this Award. Written by Alexander Lee-Rekers.  Directed by Lucy Clements

 

Senior Production Much Ado About Nothing

Auditions are currently being undertaken to cast one of Shakespeare’s most loved comedies. Rehearsals will commence this Friday afternoon. We look forward to bringing this play to life on stage, through the enormously talented students in Years 10-12.

 

Stage 5 Drama Collaboration

The Stage 5 Drama classes are currently developing original pieces of theatre using the ideas generated after visiting and collaborating with students from Stages 1, 2 and 3. All participants enjoyed the discussions very much. In Week 10, the Stage 5 students will be performing their unique plays for children for students in the Junior and Springwood Campuses. 

 

We extend a big thank you to Mrs Bronwyn Standen, Mrs Susan Goodlet, Mrs Lori Gerrard and Mr John Forbes for generously agreeing to participate.

 

Theatresports Co-Curricular

Theatresports has commenced for the year and students are meeting every Wednesday, 3:15pm to 4:45pm, in the Drama studio (upstairs, PAC Building).  The classes are being coached by Theatresports teacher, Ms Sophie Prior.

 

Red Riding Hood - The Movie

Editing the 2020 (Term 4) Years 7 to 9 production of Red Riding Hood has now been completed.  As COVID-19 regulations prevented students working together across different Stage groups, there have been two one-hour films created; one featuring the Years 7 and 8 cast, and a second film for the Year 9 cast.

 

There will be three screenings each of these films, and we are awaiting confirmation of these dates from Origin Theatrics with whom the copyright resides.  We have had to seek special permission from Origin's overseas office, where the copyright is held, to film the play.  As parents would be aware, there is no filming at BMGS of any of our theatre productions due to copyright laws; therefore, we are extremely grateful to Origin Theatrics for working through these issues with us so that we may be able to present to students' families the production as near to a 'live' viewing as possible.  The films will only be accessible via an email link that will be provided to families just prior to the screening dates.  Please note that the films may not be downloaded, copied, recorded or posted on any social media platform - it is paramount that we do not  breech the copyright agreement that has been offered to us.  The cost to view the film will be $25.00 per viewing and an email with further information will be forwarded to cast members shortly.   

 

We thank all the students, and their families, for their patience whilst these copyright issues have been worked through and we look forward to premiering the film in the coming weeks.  We will advise the viewing dates of each film as soon as they are confirmed. 

 

Performing Arts Department Staff

Wilderness Education

Year 10 Wilderness Education students confront their fears on a Multi-pitch abseiling adventure

On 9th February, Year 10 Wilderness Education Class 1 travelled to Malaita Wall in Katoomba. 

It was a thrilling adventure which resulted in people facing their fears and challenging themselves. We began our adventure going down a 50m cliff. This first pitch was by far the scariest as it was a mental challenge for everyone. The thought of stepping over the edge was terrifying. However, once we got the hang of it and faced our fear we enjoyed ourselves. 

 

This Multi-pitch abseil was an awesome experience and I encourage lots of students to do Wilderness Education.

 

Trinity Camilleri, Year 10

 

 

Year 7 Vaccinations

The first visit from NSW Health Nurses for 2021 is scheduled for Thursday, 4th March. This service is only available to students who have completed and returned the Vaccination Consent Card that was provided in your enrolment pack.

 

Consent Cards are to be returned to me in Student Reception. 

 

Parents will be notified by email for students from previous years who may require a catch up dose. 

 

Replacement consent cards can be also be obtained from Student Reception upon request.

 

Miss Rebecca Kaczmarczyk

Senior School Student Reception

Sport

Whilst last weekend was a wet one, it was good to see that all our games went ahead. It was also pleasing to see an increase in attendance at all games. I would like to thank all players for taking on board the request for increased attendance both at games and training.

 

This week I would like all those attending games at BMGS to use the QR codes supplied by the School. This applies to both players and spectators.

 

Student Congratulations - Rowing success

Olivia Harris (Year 10) recently competed at the NSW Rowing Championships held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre representing Nepean Rowing Club, coached by Daniel and Jason Waddell.

 

Olivia entered the Women's Under 16 Single Scull (1000m) on Sunday, 6th February.  Fifty-one athletes entered the event, racing off across six heats with the top four in each heat qualifying for the semi-finals and top three in each semi progressing through to the final nine.

 

Olivia qualified for the Semi-Finals with the tenth fastest heat time.  Olivia posted the 8th fastest time of all Semi-Finalists, placing 5th in her Semi-Final race.  With the top three from each Semi-Final progressing to the final, Olivia was unlucky not to make it through to the Final.

 

Olivia's effort was even more impressive, considering she had spent the previous day at a Penrith Representative Netball Carnival in Manly and had also participated in a fitness test for both Penrith representative Netball (Thursday) and Western Sydney Academy of Sport Digital Reality Netball (Friday).  Well done, Olivia, on all your achievements so far this term.

 

Cricket

Last Friday Bethany Lane attended trials for the NSWCIS Girls' Open Cricket team. Bethany was successful on the day will now represent NSWCIS at the NSW All Schools Secondary Open Girls' Championships at Maitland from 6th to 18th March. Gaining selection to this team has been a long-term goal for Bethany and it is great to see she has reached the next level in her cricketing career.

 

Senior School Swimming Carnival

The Senior School Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 26th February at Glenbrook Pool. 

 

Information for this Carnival has been distributed to students and parents via email. This information will also be available on the School Portal. 

 

All students who are interested in swimming in the 200 Individual Medley must give their name to their Head of House as there are limits on entries in this event. The qualifying time for girls is 3:20.00 and for boys it is 3:05.00.

 

Winter Sport

This weekend is the final opportunity to sign up for a winter sport trial. Players will be notified over the next two weeks of trial dates. Please watch the screens around the School to ensure you are aware of when you need to bring your sports gear.

 

Please come and see me in my office if you have any questions regarding upcoming sporting events.

 

Saturday Sports Fixtures 20th Feb.pdf

 

Mrs Megan Harris

Head of Sport

ISA Sport Reports:  Basketball and Touch Football

Basketball Match Results - Round 2 - 13th February 2021

Last weekend, BMGS Boys' Basketball hosted St Paul’s Grammar  School and St Patrick’s College for Round 2. The Boys' Gold teams shared the spoils with St Paul’s overall, coming away with two convincing victories, a draw that was decided in the final five seconds and two close losses. The Boys' Blue teams finished the round with three strong wins, and I make special mention of our 14s Blue, who played the entire game with five players due to injuries earlier in the week.

 

Girls' Basketball travelled to Central Coast Grammar School and Redlands, except for the Open C team, who hosted Oakhill College. The First V, Open C and Junior B teams came away with encouraging victories to remain undefeated to start the season. The Intermediate B and Junior D teams challenged Central Coast Grammar throughout each of their respective games but were unable to overcome early deficits.

 

Next week, for Round 3, all Boys' and Girls' teams playing at home and we will be taking this opportunity to take team photos. Could all players – including those who are currently injured - ensure they attend their games in the correct uniform.

 

ISA Basketball Trials

Oliver Roberson and Lincoln Thompson represented BMGS at the ISA Boys' Basketball trials on Monday. We wish them all the best as they strive for selection.

 

Mr David Rajasekar

MIC Basketball

 

Boys' Results:

First V defeated St Paul’s Grammar, 79 - 37

Second V drew with St Paul’s Grammar, 27 - 27

15s Gold defeated St Paul’s Grammar, 35 - 5

15s Blue defeated St Patrick’s College, 39 - 9

14s Gold were defeated by St Paul’s Grammar, 27 - 36

14s Blue defeated St Patrick’s College, 39 - 15

13s Gold were defeated by St Paul’s Grammar, 29 - 32

13s Blue defeated St Patrick’s College, 28 - 20

 

Girls' Results:

First V defeated Redlands, 24 - 18

Open C defeated Oakhill College, 43 - 13

Intermediate B were defeated by Central Coast Grammar School, 24 - 39

Junior B defeated Central Coast Grammar School, 36 - 6

Junior D were defeated by Central Coast Grammar School, 5 - 25

 

 

Touch Football Match Results - Round 2 - 13th February 2021

Division 1: BMGS 0 vs Barker College 4

In Round 2 we were up against Barker College.  This is always a very tough match, made even tougher by incredibly challenging conditions. While we warmed up well, we struggled to maintain structure and execute our attacking plays in the actual game, leaving us with a 4-0 loss. I hope that we learn from this for next week and are able to get a win in more favourable conditions!

Rosie Sullivan

 

Division 3: BMGS 0 vs Barker College 1

This week our Second Girls' Touch Football Team narrowly lost their game 1-0 to Barker College. In the most challenging conditions yet, we put up a very brave fight! Good game, girls.

Amy Ling

 

Junior B: BMGS 0 vs SACS 4

We arrived to play on Saturday morning only to find that it was pouring with rain at Macquarie University Fields. We were excited to play against SACs in the mud as it meant it was great conditions for diving. Everyone played well and we managed to hang on to the slippery ball as we slid in the wet. The score ended up being 2-0 their way which was great given the playing conditions. We are all improving as a team and we work really well together. 

Tarana Stubenrauch and Hayley​ Ling

 

Junior D: BMGS 1 vs St Andrews Cathedral School 3

In what was a very cold, wet and muddy game, the Junior D team fought hard and never gave up in their 3-1 loss to SACS. It was game that was decided by fewer errors, however, unfortunately, we just couldn’t hold onto the ball in the rain! Better luck next time, girls. 

Alana Murray