BMG 2020 Grammarian Issue 3

20 KERRY OSBORN REFLECTION This has been a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my time at Bacchus Marsh Grammar; so many memories, so many friendships and so many experiences. My journey with Bacchus Marsh Grammar began as a parent when my eldest daughter, Millie commenced Prep in 1998. Andrew Neal had just commenced his position as Principal and his transformation of the school had begun. The whole school at that time had an enrolment of approximately 700 students. That is a far cry to our current enrolments. In 2000, the school introduced Prep Reception, and this was when I commenced my employment with the school, working with Chris Kerambrun in Prep Reception’s inaugural year. This position also introduced me to the Prep, Years One and Two team in which I also assisted teachers and students. My youngest daughter, Zoe also commenced Prep that year. Elizabeth O’Day was Head of Junior School and continued to be during the time I was there. Under her leadership, the Junior School continued to grow, supporting staff and students in all their endeavours. Together with Nerida Thompson, Student Services began its life in a very small room opposite the sand pit. The Junior School virtually surrounded the large round sandpit which was the playground hub during recess and lunch times. At this time, it was the responsibility of the teachers on recess/lunch duty to ring the bell to alert all (including teachers and students) that play time was over. During my time working in the Junior School, I worked with many teachers and students, accompanying them on excursions, incursions, and sporting events. With Nam-Ha Quach and Rohan Bryan, I also assisted with the permaculture garden where we involved Junior School students. Veggie gardens, seed raising, composting, aquaponics and general gardening began on the Terraces at the front of the school. This has now all transferred to Staughton Vale as part of its curriculum, where Rachel McMahon and other staff continue its journey. As the years continued so did the growth of the school. Every time we returned to commence a new year, a new building, a new playground, a new car park would appear, as well as new staff. I have worked with many staff members over the years and many are still wonderful friends. We have outgrown the staff room several times and have had several remodels. I remember the old lounge suites we would sit on huddling around the gas heater each morning before classes began. Wilson Hall was originally the hub of the school, housing whole school assemblies, the school office at one time, as well as the canteen, music department, concerts and fundraising events. Bus numbers also grew at an amazing rate. At one stage we would assist placing only 7 children (from Prep to Year 2) onto buses each afternoon. This eventually grew to a much larger number today. It was a great relief to all when the new bus turnaround was built and the buses finally no longer entered the school grounds. During my time at Student Services with Alex Ball and Wendy Green as Managers, I worked with students, and assisted in classrooms. When Alex retired, I was given the opportunity to manage the administration side of Student Services under the guidance of Wendy Green. Our team grew very quickly and outgrew the building on the hill and now Student Services is housed in a spacious facility. Five years ago, Andrew asked if I would set up and manage the Early Learning Centre at the new Woodlea campus. With the support of Elizabeth O’Day, we set up the Centre which opened in January 2017 accommodating 33 families and 8 staff. This has now grown to 15 staff and 90 families. We are now looking forward to moving to our new bigger and brighter building on the Woodlea site in 2022. I have watched the school of 700 students grow to an enrolment of 2,600 students, across 3 campuses - an amazing effort to which many people have contributed. A school this size and reputation does not operate on its own but under the direction and leadership of Andrew Neal, while staff and the school community have continued to support the growth of this amazing educational facility. And what became of my two daughters? Well, they have also continued their journey with Bacchus Marsh Grammar; Millie is our speech pathologist and Zoe is a Year 1 teacher at our Woodlea campus. I am very grateful for all the opportunities, memories, and friendships I have experienced throughout my 21 years. Thank you Andrew for your offer to me, all those years ago, to “help out in Prep Reception”. – Mrs Kerry Osborn, Director of Early Learning Services Kerry Osborn and Nam-Ha Quach