Weekly eNews

Thursday 3 August 2023

Preserving our School’s culture and values entails embracing both tradition and innovation. It is crucial to honour the past while remaining open to new ideas and approaches to learning, fostering a culture of high performance.

Last Thursday, Head Coach of the Wallabies Eddie Jones delivered a compelling presentation on high performance to our students, parents and staff. His stories and experiences provided valuable insights that can be applied not only in sports and academics but also in our daily lives. To summarise Eddie Jones’ high-performance magic: continuously strive to improve, bring energy and enthusiasm (as one person can uplift an entire room), and inspire others to do the same.

This week, our Prep students celebrated the significant milestone of 100 days of schooling. It’s incredible to see their growth and progress throughout this time. Additionally, our VCE Physics students had the opportunity to visit the Australian Synchrotron, a renowned research hub for scientific innovation. As we reflect on the past, I look forward to attending the upcoming reunion of our Class of 1993, marking 30 years since their time at BGS.

We cherish the individuals and events that have (and will continue) to shape our school.

Have a great week.

The corridors and playground have certainly felt different our Year 6 boys and staff travelled to Canberra last week. They visited many sights: Embassy/War Memorial Drive, Electoral Centre, Old/New Parliament House, Australian Institute of Sport, National Museum of Australia, National Archives of Australia, Australian Mint, Government House, Australian War Memorial, Mt Ainslie and Questacon.

A highlight of the week was the opportunity to participate in the Last Post ceremony. James McCallum and Eddie Wang laid a wreath in honour of the fallen and Thomas Black recited the Ode of Remembrance with Myles Burchell responding for the group with ‘Lest we forget‘. Canberra offers a variety of educational programs focusing on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. 

As the boys visited the various sites, many compliments were made to staff in regard to our boys’ presentation, knowledge and behaviour. I was also impressed with the boys’ depth of knowledge and excellent responses to questions they were asked throughout the trip. 

I appreciate the overall coordination and leadership from Rob Bater, the great support from Jamie Cooney, Monica Le Couteur, Henry Jenkins, Joanne Davies, Jane Lowe, Claire Clarke, Chester Lord and Carly West.  

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, we are fortunate the Government contributes funding under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs.

Wilson House Happenings & Reminders

• We appreciate the support from all BGS families who have made donations to the St Kilda Mums’  winter clothing and coat drive, thank you for your generosity. Collectively, we filled three large trolleys. The clothing was gratefully received with thanks by the volunteers at the warehouse and will be sorted and delivered to the many families who receive assistance from this wonderful charity.

• Thank you to all Junior School parents and Homeroom teachers for their commitment to our Parent/Teacher Discussions this week. 

• Our Prep – Year 6 boys will welcome their dads into the classroom for activities and to celebrate Father’s Day from 8.15am – 9.15am as below:

Prep – Tuesday 29 August

Year 1 – Wednesday 30 August

Year 2 – Wednesday 6 September

Year 3 – Monday 28 August

Year 4 – Monday 4 September

Year 5 – Tuesday 5 September

Year 6 – Thursday 31 August

• This year’s Book Week theme is Read, Grow,  Inspire. The Book Week Parade will be held on Friday 25 August. See BGS app for further details.

Where does the time fly with another week almost complete. The boys have certainly carried their inspiration over from last week watching the Australian Rugby Union team training on the Crowther oval by wanting to get out onto the Junior School oval and play a variety of ball sports. We have had soccer, football and rugby games in our morning and afternoon programs with our keen athletes practising their skills and working in teams to try and play short games on the oval.

It’s wonderful watching how far the boys have come from Term 1 where we couldn’t take the ELC3s out onto the oval as it would take 15 minutes to round them back up, to now where they are focused and following the rules of the games being played. Well done boys!

Our Bandicoot boys excitedly welcomed back Liz Dendrinos from her amazing holiday in Greece and enjoyed seeing her beautiful photos of some of the places she visited. I’m sure it felt like a distant memory once 22 boys had given her 2 weeks’ worth of love and attention before lunchtime on her first day back!

It is great to see how many parents are regularly accessing Schoolbox to see our updates from the boys’ programs. The teachers also upload programs and journals for you to enjoy and provide feedback on. We would also welcome parent and/or grandparent participation in our programs so if you have a hobby or interest area you would like to share, or simply like to come in and read a story please let us know!  

Parenting tips

Neurodiversity
I spent time in some of the Lower Primary classrooms this afternoon talking to the students about neurodiversity and how individual brains function differently. We had discussions about the importance of using respectful language, promoting inclusivity, as well as accepting & celebrating the unique ways that people do things, including how they learn and communicate.

Parents are encouraged to learn more about neurodiversity, which will help foster empathy, compassion and understanding to better support young people with diverse neurological profiles.

Olivia Tims 
Junior School Psychologist/Head of Psychological Services

JPG News

2023 JPG Father’s Day Gift Fundraiser
This Father’s Day give Dad, Grandpa or a special friend this ultimate BBQ 5-in-1 multi tool companion for the home or outdoors. Featuring a stainless steel grill spatula, meat fork and a silicone basting brush that swings out from the handle. The other side of the handle offers corkscrew, wine lever plus an integrated bottle opener that has been specially engraved to celebrate Father’s Day 2023. Gift cost $30. 

Orders now open via trybooking and close on Wednesday 9 August. Any queries, please contact the JPG.

Diary Dates

• Wednesday 16 August BGS Business Breakfast
• Friday 25 August Prep - Year 6 Book Week Parade