Senior School

As Term 2 draws to a close I find myself feeling genuinely grateful for our students. Having lived in the Blue Mountains for many years prior to coming to work at BMGS, I had always been impressed with the quality of the young people I would see wearing BMGS blazers around town. Whether playing in a string quartet at the Greystanes Gala Dinner in Leura, marching on ANZAC Day in my own hometown of Springwood, or just politely sharing a train carriage on the way into Sydney, there has always been something distinctive and wonderful about BMGS students. 

I had the pleasure of seeing many of our Year 11 students at their finest at the Winter Ball over the long weekend. Having been trained for many weeks in both ballroom dancing and formal etiquette by Miss Cranna, they performed their presentation dances exceptionally well, before the Stage Band stepped up the tempo and they danced the night away. Not only did they demonstrate an outstanding sense of occasion, following in the tradition of generations of BMGS students past, they also showed that they understood that at heart, the rules of etiquette are really just consideration for the needs of others. I was enormously impressed! 

I was similarly impressed with our students at the Athletics Carnival on Thursday. When I was a student I always loved Athletics Carnivals – throwing myself into both the track and field events, then screaming myself hoarse in support of my House. I recognise, however, that this is not the case for all young people. What impressed me therefore (as it does every year) was not only the many displays of athletic prowess, but also the House-spirit, sense of fun and camaraderie on display. At the end of the day, I want our students to have an outstanding experience of athletics. Much more, however, I want to see them develop a sense of integrity as sportspeople, of perseverance when things are challenging, and of purpose in belonging to and serving in community. Seeing our young people at the Carnival on Thursday, I am confident that the development of these qualities is well underway. 

Finally, I have been impressed this week with the honesty, humility and hope some of our students have demonstrated in a range of pastoral conversations. Far more than the administration that is a necessary part of my role, my great love is sitting down to have the kind of real conversations that help young people grow into the adults they (and we) hope they will become. I have had a few such conversations this week, and each time have enjoyed seeing our young people speak from their hearts and reflect courageously on themselves and their worlds. 

There are so many reasons to be grateful!

Mr Owen Laffin

Deputy Head - Head of Senior School