BMG 2020 Grammarian Issue 3

18 “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.” – Robert Brault I arrived at Bacchus Marsh Grammar in 2001. There are so many wonderful memories from the early days of the school. Year level camps were always a great adventure: climbing the Pinnacle at Halls Gap, soaring on the Giant Swing in Portsea, hiking in Wilsons Promontory. I also fondly recall the early days of school productions and performances- the Year 7 Creative Arts and Performance Evening (better known as CAPE) was definitely a highlight. I have been known to enjoy a dress up day and we definitely had our fair share of fun dress ups, such as our World Cup event in 2006 and the staff Fashions on the Field competitions. BMG also enjoyed the family feel-good Harvest Festival, where we raised money for important causes within the community. There are so many events and moments that have contributed to our journey at BMG. These events and moments have shaped us, but I believe the greatest influence on our school’s culture and current practices are the people. Our wonderful staff members have forged strong professional relationships, and very close friendships. The bond between staff and students is also enduring. Many former students return to BMG employed in various roles, and many more go on to study teaching at university. This is the greatest reflection of the wonderful environment that our school has created and continues to provide for those lucky enough to be a part of it. I have loved all the little and big things that have been a part of my work at BMG for the last twenty years. It is a hugely significant part of my life and it will always feel like home. – Mrs Sarah Hunter, Assistant Principal, Deputy Head of Woodlea Campus The year is 2002. There are approximately 650 students from Prep to Year 12 and only one campus. The local radio station is housed on-site, and we have classrooms that were once used as housing for the Commonwealth Games. There is no gymnasium. There is an oval that requires a lot of work. Our buses drive through the middle of the school which continues to be a growing concern for safety, particularly with the increase in student numbers and the need for more buses. The whole school fits into Wilson Hall for assembly every Monday morning. It is also an indoor space for P.E. classes on wet weather days, creating a challenge for more than one class at a time. Drama and Music also share this space, making it even more difficult to run classes. In that year, Year 12 had a total of 73 students (3 Tutor Groups). Fast forward nearly 20 years and the physical presence of the school has grown in proportion to the increase in staff and students. With greater student enrolment came more classrooms. A new single court gymnasium was built which increased again in size in 2010 to a two court, multi- purpose venue to include Dance, Drama and a Strength and Conditioning Room. There was an increase in electives for Senior students to cater for a wide range of interests, and a variety of extra-curricular programs was on offer outside of the mainstream curriculum. So much has changed over the past 18 years, yet the true essence of who we are as a school has remained the same. Doctrina Vitae - Education for Life. – Mrs Debra Ogston, Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School SARAH HUNTER DEBRA OGSTON REFLECTIONS