New Playground Equipment
Play is essential for young students, supporting their physical, social, and cognitive development. Playground equipment encourages active play, helping children build strength, coordination, and confidence while fostering teamwork and creativity. The exciting new additions to the BMG playgrounds at both Maddingley and Woodlea have been warmly welcomed, with students eagerly exploring and enjoying the equipment with great joy. It’s wonderful to see them engaging in active play, developing friendships, and making the most of these new opportunities.
Mrs Sally Savic – Head of Junior School Woodlea and
Mr Darren Gibson – Head of Junior School Maddingley
Building CASTLEs at BMG: Supporting Wellbeing and Learning in the Junior School
At Bacchus Marsh Grammar, we are committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment where all students feel safe, valued and ready to learn. To reinforce this, we have introduced CASTLE, which stands for:
Calm
And
Structured
Teaching and
Learning
Environment
CASTLE builds on our school virtues and values education, helping students understand the importance of respect, responsibility and kindness in their daily interactions. It encourages calm and structured classrooms, where clear expectations, consistency and positive relationships create the best environment for learning and personal growth.
By building CASTLEs, we emphasise the importance of student wellbeing alongside academic success. A calm and predict
able learning environment helps students feel secure, allowing them to take risks in their learning, develop resilience and build confidence. Teachers actively model and reinforce these principles, guiding students to manage emotions, collaborate effectively and contribute positively to our school community.
CASTLE is embedded in everyday teaching and interactions; from the way lessons are structured, to the way students are supported in their social and emotional development. It reflects our belief that a well-ordered and nurturing environment empowers students to thrive both academically and personally.
As we build our CASTLEs this year, we look forward to seeing our students flourish in a school culture that prioritises wellbeing, fosters respect and sets high expectations for all.
Mrs Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School Woodlea and
Mrs Melanie Morton – Deputy Head of Junior School (Operations) Maddingley
Maddingley
Prep
What a fabulous start to our learning journey in Prep at Bacchus Marsh Grammar Maddingley Campus! The students have settled in nicely and the learning has certainly begun. The children have embraced their new routines with enthusiasm, forming friendships, exploring their classrooms and engaging in a variety of engaging learning experiences. From developing early literacy and numeracy skills to participating in Science, History and Geography, and Sport lessons, our Prep students are already demonstrating curiosity and a love for learning. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow each day as they navigate their new environment, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead filled with discovery, growth and plenty of fun!
Don’t forget our Meet the Teacher and Reading Information Session coming up next week on Tuesday the 18th commencing at 3:30pm. This is a great opportunity to meet your teacher and get an insight into your child’s classroom. You will also learn all about how we teach your child to read and how you can support your child at home.
Mrs Kylie McKerrow – Head of Year Prep
Junior School Science
This term, students across Prep to Year 4 have been exploring key biological science concepts through hands-on activities and investigations.
Prep students have been learning about the basic needs of animals and plants, such as food, water and air.
Year 1 students have been investigating the differences between living and non-living things and identifying what living organisms need to survive.
Year 2 students embarked on an exciting journey through the human body, exploring how food provides energy. They traced the journey of food through the digestive system and examined the importance of a balanced diet.
Year 3 students have been focusing on life cycles, traits and variations in living organisms. They have been creating life cycle diagrams, studying scientific samples and experimenting with environmental effects on plant growth.
Year 4 students have been investigating the structure and function of living things and have earnt their Lab Licences. They used microscopes to study plant cells and conducted experiments on how celery transports water and nutrients.
Mrs Gladys, Mrs Meaney, Miss Pearson and Mrs Georgia Low
Student Achievement
Anthony C competed in the Hume Tennis Tournament over the weekend and, for the second time, won the U12 boys championship in tennis.
Congratulations Anthony!
Woodlea
Congratulations to Ishaan Menghani and his father Amit on their Nomination!
We are proud to share that Ishaan and his father Amit, were nominated for the Young Australian and Australian of the Year awards. While Ishaan’s application didn’t progress to the State selection, he received encouragement to continue developing his life skills. This is a fantastic achievement, and we congratulate them both on this well-deserved recognition!
Mrs Sally Savic – Head of Junior School Woodlea
Year 3 Woodlea
The Year 3 Woodlea students have settled well into the new school year, forming positive connections with their peers and teachers. They have shown enthusiasm for learning, actively participating in class discussions and hands-on activities. With strong classroom routines in place, students are developing independence and responsibility in their daily tasks.
We are excited to share with you that our young Year 3 scientists have just begun their journey into the world of Science at BMG and received their first Science booklet for the year. This term, they will focus on Biological Science and learn what makes something living, non-living and once living.
Zara Vaaulu-Andrews – Head of Year 3 Woodlea
Year 4 Science
In Term 1, our curious Year 4 students have officially embarked on their laboratory adventures, discovering the wonders and features of our school labs.
Our budding biologists will be investigating how living things depend on each other for survival, while also learning how to work safely with materials and equipment. Through engaging activities, we are introducing essential safety practices—because great scientists always put safety first!
By learning and practising safety skills, our young scientists are developing responsibility, teamwork and confidence in the laboratory—key skills that will support them as they explore the interconnectedness of nature. Understanding food chains and ecosystems helps students appreciate the delicate balance of life!
How You Can Support at Home
Ask your child about their safety rules in their science booklets and encourage discussions about food chains in nature. You might even set up a simple “backyard ecosystem” observation, watching how insects, plants and birds interact, and have them explain the roles of producers, consumers and decomposers!
We can’t wait to see our Year 4 biologists explore, experiment and uncover the secrets of nature—all while staying safe! Stay tuned for updates on their amazing discoveries!
Ms Lisa Crossley – Teacher
