Déjà Vu

Well done everyone for a very successful first week of Term 3. I am sure, like me, you had a touch of déjà vu. Fortunately, those who were at Blue Mountains Grammar School in 2020, were remembering an experience that was as positive as can be expected.

The week began with a two-day Staff Conference in which educational staff undertook some valuable Professional Learning in student wellbeing. This learning was another step forward in the revision of our student wellbeing program and further equipped our staff to work with parents to provide the best possible start in life for our students. The conference was also dedicated to School staff learning all that they needed, for this week at least, about the School’s new online administrative hub, Mezzo. Since the Conference, Senior School students have all gained access to Mezzo and are now proficient users. Parents, I am assured, are very much looking forward to their opportunity, that will come in a few weeks’ time.

During this week, whilst teachers and students were busy learning (mostly online) and whilst parents were concurrently working (mostly from home) and supporting their children to engage with their learning, the NSW Premier made an announcement that we in Greater Sydney will remain in lockdown for yet another fortnight. So, whilst we maintained physical separation to ensure we did not pass the COVID-19 virus from person to person, we connected digitally and in spirit, to ensure we purposefully passed many other things from one to another; namely knowledge, know-how, friendship, support and love. I have heard many positive stories from staff, parents and students this week and know that we will get through this lockdown with flying colours, just as we did last year, because we will do so together.

As I forecast earlier in the week, the arrangements our School currently has in place will continue at least until the end of the third week of Term 3. Thereafter, we remain in the hands of our Premier. I trust these arrangements are working as well as can be expected for all families however, if this is not the case for your family, please contact the School to let us know how we can help. Each family will receive a call from a member of School staff over the coming week and I hope you will be very honest with us about your experiences and where we can improve. I assure you that we will do all that we can to ensure students keep learning and parents’ lives are as stress-free as is reasonably possible. After all, that is what we are here for.

So, thank you to every School family for your support and understanding and thanks to my amazing staff team for going above and beyond for the sake of our students. I wish you all the very best for the coming weeks.

Mr Ian Maynard

Headmaster

COVID-19 Update

Please click here to see the Headmaster's latest briefing.

Term 3 Ad Altiora Workshop

Please note that due to current COVID restrictions, the Term 3 Ad Altiora Workshop, scheduled for 27th July, has been postponed. A new date will be advertised as soon as it is confirmed.

Wellbeing

10 Steps to Family Wellbeing