MICHAEL YMER VISIT
A group of over 40 parents returned to school this week to join their Foundation children for a
Mathematics lesson. Parents were invited by their children to come into the classrooms to observe a
lesson taught to the children by our Mathematics Consultant, Michael Ymer.
Having observed the children in action parents were then involved in a session for parents where Michael
explained the school’s approach to the teaching of Mathematics and taught parents a few games to play
at home with their children. Parents were very enthusiastic about having this special opportunity,
describing it as awesome and I was really impressed with Michael’s session.
He had both parents and children thoroughly engaged. We are enjoying playing some of the learning
games demonstrated in the session at home. Melissa Rist (Parent)
Professor Michael Ymer’s maths lesson was very engaging. He demonstrated how important and
powerful play based learning can be, and helpful ways we can play fun math games with our children.
Melissa Broadbent (Parent)
Michael also worked in classes across the primary school demonstrating excellent teaching in
Mathematics for the teachers.
SOUTHERN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (SIS) CROSS COUNTRY
Nearly 80 of our secondary students took part in the SIS Cross Country Carnival this year. It is amazing to
reflect on the growth of our sports teams as well as the enthusiasm of our students towards events such
as this. We actually had more students wanting to participate in cross country than available places in the
team. As such our squad was rewarded with some amazing efforts. Such as:
Alyssa Spears, Willow Argus and Jack Carter winning their divisions
The U17 boys dominating their division as a team – four in the top five and six in the top 12
Ned Smith, Lachie Wegner, Jack McDonald and MacKenzie Eardley all placing in the top three.
The squad was awarded the following pennants:
U17 Girls
U16 Boys
U15 Boys
U14 Girls
U13 Girls
The squad finished second overall.
Well done to all of our runners.
YEAR 5 SPACE INQUIRY
Recently, Year 5SC’s Inquiry Unit led students into a design challenge creating a Moon Lander that
protected their marshmallow astronauts from a drop of two metres. The design process journeyed from
questioning to improving and besides having a whole lot of fun in the Primary Innovation Room, habits of
mind were embedded to guide students into intelligent dispositions to use throughout the learning.
WINTER UNIFORM POLICY
Balcombe Grammar School prides itself on its culture of inclusion and in the sense of pride and belonging
that has been developed in ten years.
The school uniform has played an important part in this through the sense of community it helps support.
The Balcombe uniform helps students look and feel ready to learn. Uniforms help develop a shared sense
of belonging as well as removing the stress of having to make fashion choices every morning. They also
serve to identify Balcombe students when they are out and about travelling to and from school.
As members of the Balcombe Grammar School community, all students are expected to wear the school
uniform appropriately at all times.
This includes the small details that can easily slip through un-noticed in a busy term, including wearing
blazers to and from school, wearing the appropriate socks, jewellery, hair not tied back or shirts not
tucked in.
I'd ask that parents take some time over the three week winter break to ensure that student uniforms are
in good order, fit properly and are complete so that students will be able to focus fully on their learning
program in Semester 2.
Balcombe students have every right to feel proud of their school and to expect that their peers will reflect
that pride in many ways, including the way they wear the uniform.
Best wishes for a happy holiday.
Warrick Wynne
Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary
VIEW BGS UNIFORM POLICY
TERM 2 WEEK 10 DATES
TERM 3 WEEK 1 DATES
Tuesday 20 June
Foundation & Year 5 Buddies Swimming Carnival
Year 11 Formal
Monday 17 July
Staff Day
Wednesday 21 June
VCE Studio Arts Excursion
Tuesday 18 July
Term 3 Commences
Wednesday 21 - Wednesday 28 June
Vanuatu Outbound Tour
Wednesday 19 July
Year 12 Retreat Pastoral Day
Homestay Info Session 6pm-7pm
Thursday 22 June
Foundation Dinner and Movie
Thursday 20 July
VCE PE Unit 3/4 Excursion
Friday 23 June
VCE Music Excursion
End of Term 2
Friday 21 July
Year 10 Forum
BGS INTRANET CALENDAR
Primary and Secondary Co-education
389 Nepean Highway Mount Martha Victoria 3934 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 5970 1100 Facsimile: +61 3 5974 2755
CRICOS PROVIDER CODE 03381B
www.balcombegrammar.vic.edu.au