Headmaster's

Message

Inclusivity in Action

One of the beautiful aspects of Blue Mountains Grammar School’s culture is its long tradition of inclusivity. This cultural trait derives from its foundation in the Christian faith and is an outworking of our commitment to Jesus’ instruction to love one another as He has loved us … and Jesus loved everyone ‘equally’ - regardless of race, gender, religion, social status or vocation. 

At BMGS, inclusivity means not simply welcoming people, but ensuring they know that they are truly welcome. It means not simply including people, but ensuring we do not inadvertently exclude them. It means living in such a way that others have full access to the richness of a BMGS experience. Ultimately, it means doing all that we can to ensure that every member of our community feels like our School is their home.

Last week, both Junior and Senior Schools celebrated International Women’s Day. We explored the ways in which girls and women have been, and are, disadvantaged or excluded from some aspects of life. This week we spent Senior School Assembly celebrating Harmony Week. We focused on the importance of people from different cultures and traditions living side by side in peace and understanding. We celebrated the richness that has resulted in our blended multicultural society. It is important that we stop and focus on these issues each year and keep them in our awareness throughout the year. However, as a Christian community, our School culture has always embraced people at all points on the many dimensions of difference that, in some communities, can result in exclusion. In fact, we have done more than include them, we have embraced them and supported them. This is the reason that Mrs Haines will soon oversee a student led Senior School support group for young people coming to terms with their own sexuality and gender identity.

Young people are at various points in the process of discovering who they are and who they wish to become. The School supports each one in ways relevant to them and connects them with helpful information, networks and resources. One of the crucial means of support for teenagers is their peer group and for some, finding a trusted group of friends with whom to discuss personal matters can be challenging. 

Our Chaplain, Mr Webb, supports and connects those exploring the Christian faith. He facilitates chapel services to introduce all students to the good news about Jesus Christ and, at other times, meetings that provide opportunities to grow this knowledge and their faith. Various co-curricular coordinators support and connect those who pursue many and various passions and interests. The desire for support and connection is the reason students coming to terms with their own sexuality and gender identity have approached us and asked for a facilitated opportunity to meet with their peers. 

I commend the initiating students as well as Mr Laffin and Mrs Haines for their investment of time and energy in the process of consultation. It is evidence of our School’s commitment to doing whatever we can to best support each and every student, at whatever point they happen to be in their own personal journey.

Per Ardua Ad Altiora

Mr Ian Maynard

Headmaster