BMG 2020 Grammarian Issue 3

34 ALEX BALL When I commenced at Bacchus Marsh Grammar as Head of Student Services in 2004, I had no inkling that I was embarking upon the happiest and most fulfilling nine years of my teaching career. From the very first day I was impressed, and continued to be impressed, by the friendliness and dedication of the members of staff and administration, and the attitude and behaviour of the students. Throughout my time at BMG, I witnessed many examples of acceptance and kindness on the part of students, at all levels of the school, towards students who had special needs and found school work challenging. I was also very fortunate indeed to work with a wonderful team consisting of Kerry Osborn, Nerida Thompson, Lindy Harwood and Lauren Majewski who, with professionalism, expertise and understanding, supported students with learning difficulties across the school. In 2004, our amenities were somewhat basic to say the least. We worked out of one small room that also served as a sports cupboard but we were afforded an excellent view of all the buses driving through the school groundbeforeandafter school each day. We later moved into a larger building which had been part of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village and, although we were impressed by the extra space, separate rooms and toilets at the time, it was nothing like the current building now housing Student Services. I found it a very difficult decision to retire, and my final week was an extremely sad one; however, as it turned out, my involvement with the school did not end there. I, along with Ron Noonan, have had the pleasure and privilege of an ongoing relationshipwith the school as markers of practice examessays and proofreaders of school publications and student reports. It is always a pleasure to return to BMG, an institution that means a great deal to me and has provided so much to many others. – Alex Ball TWENTY YEARS OF BMG As I approach my twentieth year at Bacchus Marsh Grammar, it gives me a chance to reflect on my time here, and how much things have changed, but also how much some things stay the same. When I started here, the school finished at the Nblock and behind this were just paddocks. We actually used to do our Geography excursion in the paddocks behind the N block by just climbing over the fence and going for walk around to look at the landscape and the features of Bacchus Marsh. Now the same walk would see us in more classrooms or on the bus turn around. I also remember the time Mr Richardson and I had to move cows off the oval one morning so a PE class could commence. The cows had taken their own excursion to the school from the farm across the road; not something that could happen now with all the new development. When I think about all the staff offices I have had in my time here I feel as if I have done a tour of BMG and its ever changing and developing spaces. I started at the top of the Junior Library – it was actually the Drama Room when I had an office there – a very loud office when Year 7 Drama was held. Then the N block, to P Block, then to the building affectionately known as the ‘Pizza Hut’ (named for its roof line) adjacent to the Year 12 Common Room. I am sure there may be more offices in my future as the school continues to grow and spaces get redeveloped and change for our needs, but what remains the same, is the amazing staff who share these spaces with me and our wonderful students who make these spaces more than just an office, but a place of purpose and hope. And when I think of what has stayed the same over my time here, it is the spirit of the school and the students who attend here. Twenty years ago when I came to BMG for an interview, I became a little lost on my way to the Administration Building. A student saw me in the yard, asked if I was ok and where I needed to go. This student then walked me to the Administration Office and wished me well. It was then that I decided this is the school I wanted to work at and this was the community I wanted to be a part of. And clearly nothing has changed since that decision. I continue to be proud of our students and the way they conduct themselves, and this has again been highlighted with their amazing transition to online learning. Also the endeavour of the staff has not changed in my time here; the staff continue to strive for the best for their students and try to help each and every one of our students achieve their very best. I look forward to seeing what the next twenty years bring. – Mrs Erin Thornton, Assistant Principal, Deputy Head of Senior School ERIN THORNTON REFLECTIONS