Senior School

Over the course of this week we have finished our first ever online NAPLAN. While our students always achieve outstanding NAPLAN results, this week has also tested their mastery of technology as Year 7 and 9 have completed their last NAPLAN exams in the new online format. With the exception of a few lost headphones, this process has been exceptionally smooth thanks to Mrs. Alicia Michielsen (Dean of Curriculum) and her team. Our sincere thanks go not only to our teachers for preparing our students so well, but also to our administrators and IT Support Team for making the transition to the online world so successful. 

Thank you to the Wilderness Education, Humanities and Science Teams and also the Year 8 Tutors for a wonderful experience of Explorer Time at Bungawarra this week for our Year 8 students. 

Our students met with local indigenous Elders, took part in Geography Field Studies, Star-Gazing, and the Bungawarra Challenge over the course of two days, camping in the Autumn cold overlooking the beautiful Coxs River. A Blue Mountains Grammar School education is about much more than the classroom! 

Finally, on a more pragmatic note, I draw your attention to the change in our approach to the use of mobile phones by Year 9 and 10 students. Where previously we have been intentional in allowing Year 9 and 10 to keep their phones with them during the school day, we have this week altered that rule. I encourage you to read the letter published to parents in the past 48 hours from Mrs. Jacqueline Haines, Director of Student Culture and Character Development, outlining the changes.

Specifically, Years 9 and 10 will from this point be required to leave their phones securely locked in their lockers from the time they arrive on campus in the morning, to the time they leave in the afternoon. It is our hope that this will help to avoid issues raised over recent weeks with students mis-using technology. 

Mr Owen Laffin

Deputy Head - Head of Senior School