Newsletter
Week 8 Term 4

In the future, we’ll look back at 2021 as a memorable year. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to shape our lives, with the quarantine in August impacting all of the BGS community.

The community rallied, and I was heartened to see the countless messages of support on social media and the way our students continued their academic, cocurricular and social interactions online.

Although our Term 3 sports and activities were heavily impacted, the Cocurricular program enjoyed many successes. BGS recorded victories in Debating, Fencing, Gymnastics and Tennis, with podium finishes in Sailing, Swimming and Volleyball. Innovation and adaptability also ensured many of our students performed brilliantly in Music and Drama through a variety of virtual and live performances and exhibitions.

2021 showed us the importance of scientific discovery, with the COVID-19 testing advancing and the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines. BGS Old Boys have had a role to play in this area.

Molecular virologist and BGS Old Boy Professor Andrew Davidson ’79 is at the front line of COVID-19 research. By growing the virus in his Bristol University lab, he could determine the genetic organisation of the virus and its proteins. His work and the work of his team has been used to inform COVID testing and vaccines.

Our Speech Day guest speaker Old Boy and doctor Sean Parsons ’97 developed rapid COVID tests through his company Ellume. These are just two examples of what you can do with a STEAM education.

Academically, there has been much to celebrate. We await with interest the achievements of the recently graduated Class of 2021. I congratulate all the students who won General Merits, Certificates of Merit and Subject Prizes this year.

BGS has a strong academic culture. These awards are challenging to win and there are many fine students with consistent results who should be proud of their all-round performance.

Next year will see other opportunities for students to commit to academic, cocurricular and student wellbeing activities. I encourage BGS boys to look carefully at their reports and plan their goals for 2022.

Congratulations to the following boys who have achieved important student leadership appointments for 2022.

Program	Captain	Vice Captain
Music	Harry DICKSON	Michael MURRAY (Bands and Orchestra) Thomas KWAN (Strings) Alden SOMMERFELD (Choirs) Robbie GILBERT (Ensembles)
Sailing	Isaac SCHOTTE	Michael MURRAY
Swimming	William JORDAN	Joshua ANDERSON
Volleyball	Lucas SHERINGTON	Kai MIZUNO
Cricket	Hugh WEIBGEN	Angus TOLHURST
Debating	Alex GRAVES	Robbie GILBERT
Rowing	Oscar AKHAVAN	Thomas DOE

I thank BGS staff – both teaching and business and services – for their dedicated efforts this year. We are very fortunate to have staff of such professional dedication and moral standing. They do an incredible job each year, but in an extraordinary year such as 2021, they continued their titanic efforts.

I also acknowledge the role you play as parents and caregivers for BGS boys. Your support of your sons and the School is vital to our collective success.

I wish everyone a very pleasant, safe and relaxing holiday season.

View the below video showing a summary of construction progress on the BGS STEAM Precinct throughout 2021. We look forward to sharing more updates with you throughout next year leading up to the precinct opening in 2023.

Brisbane Grammar School Magazine goes digital

At the beginning of each new school year, Years 6 to 12 students take home a copy of the Brisbane Grammar School Magazine, an annual review of school events and cocurricular activities from the previous school year.

We have identified that many parents prefer to read BGS publications online. This is a more environmentally sustainable option.

In January 2022, the 2021 School Magazine will be available to all parents as a free downloadable PDF. A limited number of hard copies will be printed, primarily for Year 12 students who will receive a copy at their home address in January 2022.

We encourage all other parents to read the School Magazine in the new paperless digital format. If, however, you still wish to receive a hard copy, please opt in here before Friday 26 November. Print copies will not be available after this closing date.

Brisbane Grammar School has a long and proud tradition of offering scholarships and bursaries to boys who have demonstrated they have the potential to derive great benefit from a Brisbane Grammar School education.

Academic Scholarships (Trustees’ Scholarships) are awarded on the basis of demonstrated academic excellence to boys commencing Year 7 or Year 10 in 2023, based on their performance in the annual ACER Scholarship Exam, an interview with the Headmaster, and a willingness to contribute to the wider school community.

The ACER Scholarship Examination will be held at the School on Saturday 26 February 2022. Registration is only available online here until midnight AEDST Monday 7 February 2022. The cost of registration is $140.

Jamie Smith
Director of Enrolments

Thank you

The final week of the school year was successful, and boys have maintained the School’s standards until the end. I am very proud of our students, especially how they have managed COVID-19 related matters this term. It is a credit to their resilience and adaptability. I am also appreciative of the support provided by staff and parents and the benefit this has for our boys.

I hope the holidays provide you and your family time to relax and unwind after what has been another full year of experiences for all at BGS. I know I am looking forward to some downtime on my wife’s family property outside of Toowoomba. I like pretending to be a farmer during the holidays – it is fun and rewarding to do something vastly different to my everyday work.

Congratulations and thank you to the Year 11 parents and students who attended the Senior Students Badge and Tie Ceremony on Tuesday afternoon. This was the first time this event has occurred, and its success will ensure it continues in future years. Thank you to Mr Simon Conway, Mr Brad Scholes and the Year 11 Form Tutors for their leadership and initiative.

With an eye on 2022, I will write to you in mid-January outlining return to school protocols. At that time, I will provide dates and expectations regarding uniform and hairstyle. If you wish to access this information prior, please check MyGrammar.

Please accept my final thanks for the year. I wish you and your family all the best for the upcoming festive season.

Director of Student Wellbeing Programs
Philippa Douglas

SPECIAL REPORT: Having the Alcohol Discussion

With the impending festive season and end of school celebrations, some teenagers may be feeling ready to party.

No matter how difficult or overwhelming it may be, parents and carers are encouraged to have the alcohol discussion to ensure our young people stay safe during this time. It is important to outline the rules and boundaries around age-appropriate alcohol consumption and its potential legal implications.

Young people are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than adults because their brains continue to develop until their mid-twenties. The safest level of alcohol consumption for teenagers is no alcohol at all, but this may be difficult to enforce and may not prevent them from experimenting. However, parents and carers can influence sensible drinking habits and help minimise the risks.

In this Special Report, a series of discussion points are offered to help make the conversation about alcohol consumption a little easier.

 

Year in review

Many wonderful experiences were afforded to boys throughout the year. In this final newsletter, I would like to showcase our recent Public Purpose projects and a collection of photos to show the diversity of the program.

Christmas Hampers

BGS Middle and Senior Schools joined forces to spread a little kindness to members of our broader community. A huge thank you to everyone for donating so generously to this year's Christmas Hamper appeal. Our storage rooms were overflowing with goodies. Our friends at St Vincent de Paul collected the donations and will deliver the hampers to families in need this festive season.

 

RBWH Patients in Need

Public Purpose students have been involved in collecting clothing for the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital’s Patients in Need program for some years now. The program assists in providing clothing to patients who have come to the hospital due to emergency situations and homelessness with little but the clothes on their back.

This semester, RBWH communicated a need for men’s clothing including t-shirts, trackpants, shorts and socks. The Brisbane Grammar School community responded generously, donating boxes of clothing and funds to purchase extras.

Public Purpose students met with representatives from RBWH’s Philanthropy and Development Department on Wednesday to hand over the donations. Social worker Rhonda spoke compellingly to students about the operation of the Patients in Need program and its benefit to patients who have found themselves in dire circumstances, including a homeless man that very morning who was very pleased to receive comfortable new clothing. The boys were inspired by Rhonda and pleased to hear about where their participation in Public Purpose can lead.

Thank you to everyone who donated to this program during the semester. It undoubtedly meant a lot to the team from RBWH and will mean a lot to the hospital’s patients.

Homework Club

Last Thursday, the Homework Club held its annual break up party with the students from Kelvin Grove State College (KGSC). This year, BGS boys continued to offer tutoring each Thursday afternoon to students who speak English as a second language (ESL), in partnership with Communify Queensland. The Homework Club has now been running for over eight years, and the number of BGS boys volunteering in this important initiative continues to grow.  

Thursday afternoon saw the participants enjoy afternoon tea and some friendly yet competitive handball and basketball games in the park. It was a great chance to have some fun and celebrate the hard work everyone has put into the Homework Club this year.  

BGS boys have assisted many ESL students in completing their homework and assignments throughout the year while also having meaningful conversations along the way. The lightning multiplication skills of some Year 4 KGSC students even showed up the BGS boys at times.

Homework Club is a fun, rewarding experience, and we highly recommend any boys in Years 10 to 12 next year to volunteer, even if it’s only for a couple of sessions. All contributions make a real difference. 

Dion Coroneo – Year 10 
Brad Mackintosh – Year 10 

Books boys should read at the end of Year 10

Over the past few weeks, we have sought recommendations from staff of books that boys should read at the end of Year 10. We are now ready to publish the initial list of suggestions, just in time for holiday reading and the gift-giving season.

What does it mean to be a reader at the end of Year 10? Typically, the boys have reached the end of the series that engaged them as younger readers and now they’re ready to look into the adult world with all its complexities. More than anything, they just want to be entertained by a memorable story that they can then talk about with others. Don’t we all?

We encourage boys, parents and staff to read from this list and then start a conversation with others about their reading. Reading is not just confined to subject English; it is for everyone to enjoy.

Click here to view the list.

Greg Howes
Head of English

International Chemistry Quiz 2021

On Thursday 29 of July 2021, 39 students from Years 11 and 12 participated in the International Chemistry Quiz. The one hour quiz consisted of 30 multiple choice questions. The students thoroughly enjoyed taking the quiz and many exceptional results were achieved.

Congratulations to Year 12 student Elijah Wong who was awarded a High Distinction Excellence for achieving a perfect score of 30 out of 30 – the only Year 12 student in Queensland to do so.

Five Year 11 students and 15 Year 12 students achieved High Distinctions (top 10% in Queensland) and a further 12 students were awarded a Distinction (top 25% in Queensland).

I am delighted that so many students performed so well and look forward to the Years 11 and 12 boys of 2022 sitting the test next year.

Courtney Rubira
Chemistry Moderator

2021 has been a busy and rewarding year, with all three libraries overflowing with boys completing assignments, studying for exams, reading books and enjoying the spaces. BGS Libraries continue to be important social and learning hubs in the School.

Numerous studies have shown that children who read for pleasure from a young age are much more likely to do well throughout their academic life. Reading is an important and enjoyable activity that our boys can continue throughout the holidays to prevent the ‘summer slide’ in reading achievements gained during the school year. Books given as gifts show the value that parents place on reading, while audiobooks are a wonderful way for the whole family to enjoy a road trip.

Our digital libraries never close and students have access to ebooks and audiobooks 24/7. Please encourage your boys to browse the wonderful range of titles available through OverDrive and ePlatform from our BGS Library website.

Thank you to all who attended Middle School Presentation Afternoon on Wednesday. It was a wonderful celebration of academic and cocurricular achievement. Once again, we were entertained by high quality performances, highlighting the boys’ talents across a range of activities. Thank you to all staff involved in organising the event.

Middle School Music Concert

Last Thursday, Year 5 parents were invited to attend the Middle School Music Concert – the culminating event for the Year 5 Music Immersion Program. The highlight was the final performance, where boys gathered to form the Year 5 symphony orchestra. It was pleasing to see the number of students who intend to continue learning a musical instrument next year. Thank you to the BGS Music staff for making the Year 5 Immersion Program such a success.

Over the past few weeks, we have enjoyed hosting various community events. We were delighted to welcome many Year 6 families to our family picnic at Northgate on Saturday 6 November. Parents and boys participated in a variety of games including volleyball and modified cricket. Thank you to Mr Glenn McFarlane, Mr Paul Kenny, Mr Gregory Tier, our Year 6 Form Tutors and Year 6 Parent Representative Cathy Findlay for hosting this enjoyable morning.

Last Friday evening, we had over 200 people attend the Year 7 trivia night, hosted by Head of Year 7, Mr Jon Hopes. It was an evening filled with laughter and friendly competition as the boys and parents navigated their way through a series of trivia challenges. Thank you to Mr Hopes and Year 7 Parent Representative Rachel Dauber for organising the trivia evening.

2022 Class Lists

Heads of Year are currently finalising 2022 class lists. Current Years 5 and 6 students will receive a letter during the holidays indicating their 2022 class placement. Our current Year 7 students will be advised of their Year 8 class placement on the first day of school.

I wish all families a safe and relaxing festive season and look forward to welcoming the boys back to school in 2022.

Director of PE, Sport and Activities
John Clancy

After a busy 2021 GPS Sports and Activities calendar, our year comes to a close.

I wish the Class of 2021 the best in achieving their dreams. I hope they continue to engage in physical activity and remain connected to the School.

For new and ongoing students, I hope your preseason camps are enjoyable and prepare you well for next year’s fixtures. 

A reminder that Cocurricular information is available via MyGrammar. The 2022 GPS calendar is located under the Director of PE, Sports & Activities heading.

I wish the BGS community a happy, safe, relaxed and rewarding break.

Lessons and Carols – On Christmas Night

Saturday 27 November, 7.00pm | St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Ann Street

The final 2021 BGS Music event is almost upon us. It will be a delight to gather as a school community to celebrate Christmas. It has been a challenging year, so let’s come together to enjoy some beautiful music while celebrating Christmas. If you have not yet secured your free tickets for this event, please do so as soon as possible. Only a few tickets remain.

Final message

I sincerely thank the BGS Music community for making this year one to remember. Our musicians have excelled while manoeuvring around some COVID-enforced challenges. They have worked together to produce some outstanding performances and have become better young men along the way. Thank you to the boys for your resilience, dedication and enthusiasm; it has been a pleasure.

Thank you also to our incredible teaching staff who have guided and encouraged boys in their music journey this year. We are lucky to have them as part of our team.

A final thank you to our wonderful parents who have been our audience, fan-club, caterers and all-round support team. The boys and staff could not to do it without you. A special mention to our outgoing Music Support Group President Tanya Graves for her amazing work leading our parents. You will be missed, Tanya.

Finally, I wish you all a wonderful Christmas, a restful break and a successful 2022. I look forward to working with you in the new year. 

Peter Ingram
Head of Music

The Term 4 preseason Cricket program finished this week. Congratulations to all cricketers for their training application and willingness to actively listen and take on the advice given.

Thank you to all coaches involved – the boys have gained valuable experience from your input and encouragement.

The below BGS Cricket events will take place over the holidays. Details are also available via MyGrammar.

BGS Cricket – specialist skills clinic 2022

The Specialist Skills Clinic will be held at the BGS Spring Hill campus outdoor cricket nets (Multipurpose Courts) and ovals on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 January 2022. The days will be split into two sessions with junior boys (Years 5 to 7) training from 8.00am to 10.30am and senior boys (Years 8 to 12) training from 11.00am to 1.30pm.

Registration is required for the Specialist Skills Clinic. Please follow the below links.

• Junior (Years 6 to 7) Specialist Cricket Clinic
• Senior (Years 8 to 12) Specialist Cricket Clinic

Year levels	time	batting	Fielding - Oval 1	Bowling
Years 5 – 7	Session 1 (8.00 – 8.45)	Year 5	Year 6	Year 7
	Session 2 (8.50 – 9.35)	Year 7	Year 5	Year 6
	Session 3 (9.40 - 10.25)	Year 6	Year 7	Year 5
Years 8 – 12	Session 1 (11.00 - 11.45)	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10 – 12
	Session 2 (11.50 - 12.35)	Year 10 – 12	Year 8	Year 9
	Session 3 (12.40 - 1.25)	Year 9	Year 10 – 12	Year 8

Annual Cricket Camp 2022

The annual BGS Cricket Camp will be held at the Northgate Playing Fields from Monday 17 January to Wednesday 19 January 2022, with trial matches on Wednesday at BGS and The Southport School fields (schedule TBA). The first two days will focus on technical, tactical and team organisation. This is a good opportunity to get some final preseason training in before the 2022 GPS Cricket season starts on Saturday 29 January.

The day will be split into two sessions with junior boys (Years 5 to 7) training in the morning (9.00am – 12.00pm) and senior boys (Years 8 to 12) training in the afternoon (12.30pm to 3.30pm). Junior cricketers are requested to meet at the Canteen Building at the BGS Northgate Playing Fields at 8.45am each morning and senior cricketers at 12.15pm respectively.

Note: There will be buses departing from BGS Spring Hill before each session and returning to the School at the completion of each session. Registration for bus transportation is required via the camp sign-on form. Click here to sign on for the junior camp (2022 Years 5 – 7), or here to sign on for the senior camp (2022 Years 8 – 12). Click here to pay by Monday 3 January 2022.

I wish everyone a safe and merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Trevor Irvine
Cricket Director

BGS swimmers have been busy preparing for the upcoming State Championships in December and the highly anticipated 2022 GPS Swimming season. Many swimmers who trained over the cooler months have performed well as individuals and members of our relay teams at recent meets. All swimmers are encouraged to continue training over the break but to also enjoy some well deserved rest with family and friends.

Holiday training

Swimming training will continue during the holidays until Thursday 9 December 2021. Sessions will resume on Tuesday 11 January 2022. Training is available for all boys who wish to start preparing for the 2022 GPS Swimming season and those who have been training throughout the year. All GPS swimmers should attend holiday training sessions.

Holiday training times are:

• Tuesday morning | 7.00am to 9.00am | swim/gym at BGS
• Thursday morning | 7.00am to 9.00am | swim/gym at BGS

Please arrive by 6.50am for a 7.00am start.

Swimming Clinic 2022 (Years 5, 6 and 7)

The Years 5, 6 and 7 swimming clinic will be held at the BGS Indoor Sports Centre during the last Friday of the school holidays (21 January 2022). The intensive swimming clinic is an excellent opportunity for boys interested in trying out for the BGS Swimming team to kick start their preparations. It also gives new BGS boys a chance to familiarise themselves with the School, staff and students. Sessions will involve stroke technique work in the pool, dry land training, race practise, and fun team-building activities. Please see the below flyer to register.

GPS Swimming

The official GPS Swimming season commences in Week 1, Term 1 2022, with the first GPS lead-up meets being held at Chandler Aquatic Centre on Friday 28 January 2022 for all swimmers in Years 5 to 12. The GPS Championships will be held in Week 6, Term 1 (Friday 4 March). Being a very short season, all swimmers must begin training as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact the BGS Swimming Director at matt.logan@brisbanegrammar.com.

Matt Logan
Swimming Director

The P&F Auxiliary is a subcommittee of the P&F Association that facilitates fundraising and fosters parent fellowship and the sense of strong community at Brisbane Grammar School. All profits are returned to the School to enhance the experience for students and families.

The Tuckshop and Grammar Shop are currently operating cash-free, so please plan accordingly. Safety guidelines regarding social distancing and hand sanitising will continue in both locations.

Tuckshop

Open weekdays before school, during breaks and at lunchtime. The Tuckshop reopens on Tuesday 25 January when students begin Term 1 2022.

The Tuckshop provides a selection of hot food, fresh salads, wraps, rolls and drinks. Please recharge your BGS Card here.

Grammar Shop

Open school days from 7.30am to 11.00am.

The Grammar Shop will be closed during the school holidays until the week before school returns.

January 2022 Trading Hours

• Monday 17 January: 7.30am to 12.30pm​
• Tuesday 18 January: 7.30am to 12.30pm​
• Wednesday 19 January: 7.30am to 12.30pm
• Thursday 20 January: CLOSED for international and interstate uniform fittings
• Friday 21 January: CLOSED for international and interstate uniform fittings
• Monday 24 January: 7.30am to 11.00am
• Tuesday 25 January: 7.30am to 11.00am
• Wednesday 26 January: CLOSED for Australia Day
• Regular hours will resume from Thursday 27 January

2022 BOOKLISTS

BGS 2022 Booklists are now available for online purchase through Sequel Books here. Delivery will occur approximately 7 – 10 working days after the order date. All continuing families would have received an email with further details.

online shopping

Grammar Shop uniform, book, stationery and memorabilia items are available to purchase online using Visa, Mastercard or your BGS Card balance. 

Once logged into your BGS Card account on your computer, click the “Grammar Shop Online” link at the top centre of the screen to explore the system.

Online shopping will be open during the school holidays with items purchased available to collect in-person at the Grammar Shop from Tuesday 18 January 2022 onwards.

Joanne Villiers
P&F Auxiliary

Note, these events are subject to the latest Queensland Health directives.

Click here for more information on upcoming events.

Term 4
Tuesday 5 October – Friday 26 November

Light Dark Blue: 150 Years of Learning and Leadership at Brisbane Grammar School is available for purchase. The beautiful 500-page hardcover book updates the BGS story with previously untold anecdotes, rare photographs and illustrations. With a limited print run, it is sure to become a sought after collector’s item. Standard edition and limited editions are available.

Click here to view all BGS150 merchandise – limited stocks remain.