BMG 2020 Grammarian Issue 3

23 FROM 300 TO MORE THAN 2,600 STUDENTS Say it as you want, but this is how it goes... 20 plus magnificent years of witnessing Bacchus Marsh Grammar develop into the best independent school, west of Melbourne. In 1999 I enrolled my first born into Year 9 with just over 300 students from Prep to Year 12. It was a close knit family back then. Teachers, parents, students and staff were all known to each other. I joined the PFA, (Parents and Friends Association) in early 1999. I spent a few vigorous years fundraising, then I was encouraged to join the School Council as a Committee Member in 2002, to now, current Chairperson of the Board. The PFA raised much needed funds to help towards keeping the school afloat. Back then there was little or no government funding. Parents volunteered to run the uniform shop. Families attended picnics to meet each other whilst fundraising on the school grounds. There were loads of community efforts to ensure this school grew and remained a viable one. Working bees were organised to assist with maintenance around the school. This is how the school grew and survived in its infancy. Wilson Hall was the main assembly building. This Hall also catered for functions including the Annual General Meetings, and class lessons were taught there over many years. Classrooms were quite basic, but teaching staff managed. All those classrooms are now a memory having been gradually upgraded over the years. There was an open playground with neatly manicured grass located where the current oval is now. Students would travel down to Maddingley Park oval to participate in Physical Education activities. In 1998, the appointment of Mr Andrew Neal as Principal saw the sound establishment of a positive direction in both curriculum and administration. An excellent relationship with the School Council journeyed together to make for the absolutely brilliant school it is today. Gone are the days of a simple business bank account at the local branch and a wish list that included ovens to make a basic cooking classroom, and the Principal teaching one child a Year 12 subject! BMG in 2020 is a well managed school, with prudent Strategic Planning enabling three thriving campuses (Maddingley, Staughton Vale and Woodlea) and more than 2,600 students from Prep Reception to Year 12. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of this amazing journey. Achieving many great results even through this turmoil of COVID-19, with online teaching at its best. Well done Bacchus Marsh Grammar, “Education for Life”. I look forward to watching the next chapter. – Ms Moira Berry, School Board Chairperson MOIRA BERRY REFLECTION