Junior School

Matilda Jr

The spectacular highlight of the week gone by is undoubtedly the season of Matilda Jr. Performing four shows across Wednesday to Saturday, the production was a huge success playing to appreciative audiences throughout and to a well-deserved full house for the final performance. Matilda Jr proved a wonderful showcase for the talents of our many students. Those singing solos can be particularly proud of the heights they reached, and as always, the ensemble pieces were fun, raucous, entertaining and full of movement and colour. I am still a little unsure why so many of the boys in Stage 3 decided it was a good idea to put on a tutu for the final number, but who am I to doubt artistic interpretation?! The set design prepared by Mr Forbes’ Fuji Apples was really effective and the staging of the various scenes impressive. Great character interpretation led to some terrific acting and humorous portrayals, as well as the more tender moments between key characters. It truly was a wonderful show.

There are many people to thank and acknowledge for the success of a production of this kind. Most importantly I wish to thank Mr Forbes for sharing his love and passion for the theatre with so many of the children in our School. Mr Forbes was central to the entire production from creative concept, through to sound and light design, direction and overall production. By his side throughout numerous rehearsals was Mrs Cooney accompanying on piano and assisting with casting and choir preparation, as well as Mrs Khoo the creative inspiration behind the choreography. Leading her enthusiastic and capable backstage crew, I thank Mrs Roberson, as well as Mrs Caron Scott and Mrs Jo Burgess for their initiative and assistance in helping with make-up. Many P and F volunteers, led by Mrs Herceg, offered coffee and refreshments for each show, and all of the teachers contributed by supporting behind the scenes on supervision across the shows. 

 

Mrs Arrell was a pillar of strength and reliability in the Office with her focused, can do attitude, assisting with the production in so many ways. Thanks also to Josie Howarth (Nina’s big sister) for assisting backstage to ensure people didn’t miss their entrances. Thank you also to the parents of the cast and crew members for supporting the children, transporting to and from weekly rehearsals over many months and in adjusting family plans as necessary to ensure the show’s success. 

 

Finally, thank you to all the children in the cast and crew for their energy, their commitment and their willingness to be a part of a spectacular production. We very much enjoyed the result of all that effort.

 

Now we wait in excited anticipation for 2022…

 

Student Achievement

In Assembly this week Thomas Hyslop (S2 Geebungs) was presented with his Bronze Award and Noah Erne (S3 Fuji Apples) was presented with certificates from the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association in recognition of his selection in the 2021 NSW Merit Team for Swimming and the breaking of the Multiclass Junior Boys backstroke record. Well done boys!

 

Mr Nigel Cockington

Head of Junior School

Turtle Town!

On Tuesday , 6th June, the Geebungs visited Turtle Town in Valley Heights, which is a turtle rescue centre. The students visited Turtle Town to try and learn more about the eastern long-necked turtle and to speak to Shane, who runs the centre, about how best to protect the animal.

The students have been learning a lot about the eastern long-necked turtle, as this is an animal that lives in our local area. The eastern long-necked turtle was selected to be our ‘totem’ animal in consultation with Blue Mountains City Council when we participated in the ‘Waterways Festival’ a number of years ago. As such, the students see it as their responsibility to learn more about it so they can help to protect it.

 

Some of the information that Shane shared will be used in the brochures the students have been creating. The students have been using a wide variety of research tools and resources to create turtle information brochures, which they will take home and share with family and friends.

 

Mrs Lori Gerrard

Stage 2 Teacher

Junior School Cricket Club

The Junior School's (JSW) Cricket co-curricular continues on Monday afternoons, led by Stage 2 teacher Mrs Bronwyn Standen and MIC (Senior Cricket) Mr Stuart Collins. 

This week the girls and boys had a special training session with Mr Collins focusing on bowling and catching using equipment supplied by Cricket Australia!

Today, the Junior School Oval, tomorrow, the SCG!

 

Mrs Bronwyn Standen

Stage 2 Teacher

Introducing a New Co-Curricular Activity

Mindfulness & Movement Co-curricular

Commencing Term 3 Week 2 on Monday afternoons is a new co-curricular activity centred around Mindfulness & Movement!

 

Mindfulness & Movement sessions will run from 3:30pm to 4:30pm offering students the opportunity to create space in the body and mind, build strength, body awareness, flexibility, balance and focus in a relaxing and fun environment.

 

Attendees will learn and practice mindfulness techniques to ground and unwind with every session involving relaxation. All movement practices are accessible to any level, with varying options to suit the individual. 

 

Sessions will be run by past BMGS Alumni (2011) Ms Arabella Stevens. Please note: there will be a co-curricular fee for this activity, and further details to follow.

 

Mindfulness & Movement sessions will be held in Cuff Hall commencing Monday, 19th July and are open to all students across Junior and Senior School. Please wear sports uniform (or appropriate gym attire) and bring a towel. 

 

To express your interest please click this link and fill in your details.