Newsletter
Week 4 Term 2

Reflecting on BGS Open Day 2022

BGS Open Day provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase our leading facilities, programs and staff – but there is no doubt our students are the stars of the event.

An estimated 4500 visitors made it to campus on Saturday and the most popular part of the day was the student-led tours. Our Prefects led campus tours every five minutes and they were packed with families eager to learn about BGS and hear from the student leaders.

BGS students also played key roles in providing tours of the Indoor Sports Centre and boarding facilities. Our boarding tours attracted unprecedented interest from those wishing to see the new facilities and learn about the program.

Headmaster Anthony Micallef delivered two presentations for the first time, and both were packed in The Lilley Centre Forum.

Community is one of the BGS Values and Open Day provides a wonderful example of how important our people are to the success of the School.

Parent involvement through the Parents and Friends Association is extensive – the support groups provide vital assistance to each activity. The BGS Old Boys’ Association supports the School in many constructive ways.

There was an army of parent and Old Boy volunteers behind the food stalls – cooking curries, barbecuing sausages and selling sweets.

This year, the layout changed for Open Day, with hubs created for each area. A food and drinks hub was created near the Tuckshop, a Cocurricular hub was created on the Boarders’ Lawn and a Boarding hub was created in the area down the front stairs from The Lilley Centre. Academic displays were again set up in the Middle School and The Lilley Centre.

It was exciting to see the next generation of BGS students enthusiastically taking part in Open Day and discovering the endless opportunities a Brisbane Grammar School education provides.

Mid-Term Focus

I was delighted with the support provided by staff and parents at last Saturday’s Open Day. It is an important day for our community and all involvement was truly appreciated.

I also want to acknowledge all students who supported the event – they are wonderful ambassadors and set the tone for the event. I want to make particular mention of our Year 12 tour leaders and Middle School boys. Your work assisting our future students was crucial on the day, but you managed to create a fantastic impression on these young boys and their parents.

We needed to make some location changes this year due to the construction of our STEAM Precinct. I want to thank the wonderful Boarding parents who were relocated from the Boarders’ Lawn to The Lilley Centre Bunker. Thank you for being so understanding.

We will review the event to improve for next year, and I am open to you sharing your thoughts directly with me as well.

As this is the Week 4 newsletter, it means that we are almost halfway through the term. If you have a concern with your son’s progress now is the time to make contact with the School. I am aware that Parent-Teacher Interviews are occurring, but it may be necessary to reach out to your son’s Form Tutor or Head of Year. As you know, I believe that the partnership between parents and the School is one of the secrets to success for your son.

Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones

Open Day

Last weekend, Brisbane Grammar School opened its doors for our annual Open Day, welcoming what estimates suggest was an incredible attendance of over 4000 people.  

Open Day remains a highlight of the BGS Boarding calendar. Our students get to show off their home, with our recent renovations providing some truly spectacular facilities. It is also a wonderful opportunity for our parents to come together as the Boarder Support Group (BSG) to run a coffee and cake stall.

In my brief address to visitors who gathered to tour Harlin House and Griffith House, I shared my firm belief that our boarders are by far our best advocates. The feedback that our guests have since offered has reinforced this view. Comments have clearly shown the pride that the young men have in their home away from home, and the appreciation of our guests for the quality of their tours.

I am especially grateful not only to the tour guides, but also to those who manned the boarding stall, and to those who assisted with making coffee. I am delighted by the way our boys volunteered their time and the contribution that they make, not only to the day, but also to the continued growth of our community.

I am equally indebted to our wonderful Boarder Support Group. Each representative makes an incredible contribution to ensure all our parents feel part of the community, including running the coffee and cake stall. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who either assisted on the day or who baked in advance of Open Day. I am especially appreciative of our Year 12 parents, many of whom have served on the BSG for a number of years, and wish to take this opportunity to particularly thank Barb and Don Madden for their 10 years of service while firstly James, and now Ned, have boarded at BGS.

Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis

8F embraced the opportunities of the Outdoor Education program. The class took on the program focus of community and developed their understanding of teamwork through an Indigenous Lore story about the sand goanna. The boys were supportive, inclusive, and maintained a positive attitude towards the week's challenges.

Arthur Young was a keen and enthusiastic student. He helped motivate his peers by creating a song for every occasion, and some were even recorded in the class Outdoor Education video! Arthur maintained his energy during the week and had a positive influence on his peers.

William McDade and Daniel Dai both proved to be confident and capable navigators during the bushwalk. These skills will be important as the boys move into more independent navigation in Years 9 and 10. Daniel also managed to perfect the art of toasting bread over an open flame, finding the right amount of heat and having enough patience to wait.

Eamman Conomos stepped up to coordinate his team during the group initiative challenges. Eamman showed great leadership potential by facilitating the problem-solving conversation and finding a solution. Jonathan Chambers was a great participant. He had an excellent attitude and enthusiastically engaged in every part of the program. He set the example when cleaning up, packing, and getting involved in activities.

Charles Nelson was an excellent student. Charles was always willing to help his group get tasks completed and was consistently seen doing extra jobs. He showed great initiative and was a valuable group member ready to help at every opportunity. Max Nakasato took charge of his leadership section of the bushwalk up Mt Alford. Max led through a steep and challenging section, leading with confidence and demonstrating empathy towards his peers.

Year 11 Outdoor Education Leaders Ben Weier, Jock Horton and Jack Whittam joined the class and provided support and guidance to the boys during activities and duties.

Mr Casey Walker attended with his class and participated in all activities. Mr Walker provided great pastoral care and embraced the opportunity to be in the great outdoors.

A short movie of the boys' experiences can be viewed via the 8F Video link.

Outdoor Education photos are now available via the School’s photo management system, Pixevety. The platform helps the School safely manage and share our photos. This user guide provides instructions on how to access, navigate, search and download photos. The system uses single sign on and must be accessed via MyGrammar > Useful Links > Pixevety. Once activated, you will be prompted to enter a login email and password, but please do not attempt to login this way. Instead, go back to MyGrammar and click on Pixevety again. You can then view the photos by clicking on the Outdoor Education Year 8 folder in Pixevety.

Director of Counselling and Academic Services
Dale Nicholas

Update for Years 11 and 12 Parents regarding Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA)

Illness of the day of an examination or assessment

Years 11 or 12 students who become ill or experience an adverse event at the time of an assessment must obtain appropriate medical documentation to support any extension or application for AARA. This includes requests for a load reduction due to illness. The School requires students to apply for AARA using the AARA form available on MyGrammar with attached medical documentation sent to aara@brisbanegrammar.com.

Extensions

In the case of extensions, students and parents must indicate specific information about the subject for which they are requesting an extension.

For example:
Year 12 English IA1 – due 17 May

Medical Documentation Requirements

The QCAA requires appropriate medical documentation from an independent AHPRA registered medical professional that includes the following details:

• the illness, condition or event (including details of a diagnosis, where applicable)
• date of diagnoses, onset or occurrence
• symptoms, treatment or course of action related to the condition or event
• explanation of the probable effect of the illness, condition or event on the student’s participation in the assessment.

Please note:

• It is not sufficient for the medical practitioner to simply state that the student had a medical condition. This will result in the AARA application being rejected.
• In all circumstances, the medical practitioner must not have a close personal relationship with, or be related to, the student.
• Applications without the appropriate documentation will be referred back to the student/parent.

Year 12 Scholarship Information Evening | Monday 16 May 2022

Brisbane Girls Grammar School (BGGS) has extended an invitation to Brisbane Grammar School Year 12 students and parents to attend a Scholarship Information Evening, hosted at BGGS. This evening will give students information about how to apply for scholarships offered by tertiary institutions.

Representatives from The University of Queensland and QUT will detail the general requirements for scholarship applications and provide information specific to their institutions.

Event Details:

DATE:   Monday 16 May 2022
TIME:    6pm to 7pm
VENUE: Gehrmann Theatre, Brisbane Girls Grammar School
COST:    There is no cost to attend. However, tickets are limited to three per family

Please register for this opportunity here: https://events.humanitix.com/scholarship-information-evening-2022

Saturday 28 May GPS Indigenous Round – Community Day

The Student Reconciliation Committee are raising funds to supply and install an Indigenous Garden and three flagpoles to fly the Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander flags at our Northgate Playing Fields.

Please support the committee by visiting their stall at Northgate on the day and by purchasing a prepaid picnic box using the QR code in the attached flyer. Gluten-free options are also available. Picnic boxes can be ordered via MyGrammar and will be ready for pick up from 11.00am on the day. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy lunch on the hill while watching the First XI on Oval 1 at 1.15pm.

Crystal Thompson
Public Purpose Coordinator

BGS Open Day

Open Day was a great success this year. Visitors to the Senior Library participated in a range of fun activities, including badge making, droid racing and stop-motion animation. Library staff were also happy to talk to parents about recommended reading and the various cocurricular Library clubs on offer at the School.

Elsa Larsen
Library Communications Officer

You Choose Youth Road Safety Presentation

During their Student Wellbeing lesson on Monday, Year 11 students listened to an emotional presentation outlining the risks associated with reckless driving.

Melissa McGuinness, founder of ‘You Choose’ Youth Road Safety, shared with students the insurmountable pain suffered following the horrific loss of her 18-year-old son due to reckless driving.

The presentation relayed to students some harsh realities about the risks associated with driving. It reminded students that they choose how they drive, and under what circumstances they choose to drive.

The You Choose mission is to facilitate a youth-led social movement to change Australian driving culture from the passivity of ‘luck’ to the accountability of choice.

More information about the You Choose Program along with driving tips by Paul Dillon, can be found on GrammarWell under Positive Choices > Smart Driving Choices.

Student surveys are conducted throughout the year to allow us to gauge how year groups, classes and individual students are tracking from a wellbeing perspective. Over the past week, all students have completed several surveys. Heads of Year will collaborate with our Student Services Department to identify strengths, areas of concern and trends within their cohorts. This data is instrumental in helping us shape wellbeing practices and our Student Wellbeing Curriculum to ensure we are addressing student needs.

The pulse check surveys, conducted in Terms 1, 3 and 4, allow us to identify and address any bullying issues that might arise throughout the year. At today’s assembly, I took the opportunity to speak to the boys about bullying, the negative impact it has on others, and their role in ensuring our community is a safe and supportive environment for all students. Boys were reminded of their rights and responsibilities as members of the BGS community and the important role they play in supporting the wellbeing of others. 

Parents and caregivers are also instrumental in helping us to address bullying. Encouraging your son to report issues to a staff member is the first step. Contacting your son’s Head of Year or Form Tutor if any issues arise is a further way you can help us to mitigate bullying. 

While our survey data reveals that BGS bullying rates are low compared to national averages, we are relentless in our pursuit to ensure BGS is a safe and respectful community for all students.

Director of PE, Sport and Activities
John Clancy

As we progress through a busy Term 2, it is important to ensure we are all still able to prioritise tasks.

The Principle of Priority states (a) you must know the difference between what is urgent and what is important, and (b) you must do what’s important first.Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle
As part of a well-rounded education, we should always ensure that time is devoted to studying for exams and completing assignments. At the same time, we need to continue preparing for upcoming cocurricular fixtures and pre-season training.

Program leaders have been working hard to ensure that the important work of preparing for weekend fixtures is possible. When dealing with large numbers of teams and sports, clashes will undoubtedly occur. Training programs have been designed to ensure in-season sports are well prepared and at least one stand alone session for pre-season looks to the future. If you have concerns, please speak to the program director or a member of the cocurricular team who will be able to provide clarity.

When the competition environment is challenging, as it is likely to be this weekend, it’s key that we all maintain our focus on the game plan and coaching instructions.

Your son’s coach or the program leader should be the first point of contact for all queries. MyGrammar is continually updated with the latest information.

Involvement in BGS Sports and Activities

What you can do:

• Ensure you and your son stay up to date by checking MyGrammar > Cocurricular
• Install the BGS app on your phone so that push notifications can advise of any program changes such as wet weather
• Boys will experience setbacks, and when they do please encourage them to seek advice and guidance from those who are looking after them within the Cocurricular program
• Encourage, encourage, encourage  

What we do:

• Support your son’s cocurricular ambitions and involvement through high-quality programming and coaching within our educational context
• Provide a fair and reasonable selection process that is ongoing and allows boys to compete in teams according to merit, throughout their cocurricular journey

A reminder to stay up-to-date with the BGS Cocurricular Facebook and BGS Cocurricular Instagram.

Good luck to all boys competing this weekend.

Tickets selling fast – Lord of the Flies

Senior Dramatic Production tickets are on sale now for William Golding’s Lord of the Flies.

Performances will be held Wednesday 1, Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June in the BGS Theatre.

Venue:               BGS Theatre
Dates:                Wednesday 1 June | Thursday 2 June | Friday 3 June 2022
Time:                 Pre-show drinks: 6.30pm | Show: 7.00pm
Ticket Prices:  Adults: $30 | Students: $20

Tickets can be purchased through the BGS payment portal. Please ensure you have selected the correct date for the show that you wish to attend. Confirmation will be emailed to the attendee making the booking, and you will need to print your receipt to show on entry.

BGS Senior Dramatic Productions sell out quickly, so don’t delay.

Tickets available here

Ben Newth, Patrick Last and Naomi Russell
Senior Dramatic Production Creative Team

Grammar Community in Concert - Cinematic
Saturday 28 May, 7.00pm, Conservatorium Theatre (South Bank)

We are excited to report that rehearsals are reaching a climax as we move towards a wonderful Cinematic experience at this year’s Grammar Community in Concert. On show will be our very finest ensembles:

• Grammar Symphonic Band
• Senior Percussion Ensemble
• Grammarphones
• Vocal Group
• Grammar Vocal Ensemble
• Grammar Singers
• Grammar Big Band
• Grammar Symphony Orchestra
• Grammar Chamber Strings
• Grammar Community Choir

Some of the featured movie soundtracks include The Empire Strikes Back, Toy Story, Westside Story, How to Train Your Dragon, Schindler’s List, Amadeus and Avatar, just to name a few. There will be something for everyone so don’t miss out.

Tickets are selling fast. Get in now to secure your seats.

Peter Ingram
Head of Music

Australian Youth Circuit #2

We had two fencers travel to Canberra for the Australian Youth Circuit competition this past weekend. 

U15 Boys Foil
Silver: Hanbi Seo (Year 10)
5th: Daylin Johnson (Year 8)

Congratulations Hanbi and Daylin.

IOC, AOC and Premier visit Yeronga

This past weekend, the International Olympic Committee and Australian Olympic Committee chairs, the Queensland Premier, and several current Olympians visited the QFA Round 1 competition as part of the ‘Olympics Unleashed’ program. Some students were selected to fence in exhibition matches. News coverage of the event can be viewed here. IOC President Thomas Bach, former fencing gold medalist for Germany, picked up a foil for the first time in many years. 

The International Olympic Committee attended the Saturday fencing fixtures to inspire kids to become Olympians. Three Olympians, two rowers and one swimmer, spoke of their journeys from being 10 years old to becoming pro athletes. They achieved this through setting small goals, as trying to tackle a huge goal like ‘being an Olympian’ is overwhelming. Many fencers found this inspiring and motivating. Afterwards, the top brass of the committee learned to fence with the district’s Firsts fencers. In all, the day was fantastic and inspiring.

Tom Chan (Year 10)

Brisbane School Teams Competition for Years 7 to 12

Fixtures Round 2: 14 May

Check the draw on MyGrammar. Please contact Ms Chin if you are not able to fence at your allocated time.

BGS Primary Internal Fixtures for Years 5 and 6

Fixtures Round 2: 13 May
Fixtures Round 3: 20 May
BGS ISC Cricket Nets

• 4.00pm - 5.00pm: all Year 5 fencers
• 5.00pm - 6.00pm: all Year 6 fencers
• Weapon focus: Foil

Check MyGrammar for more details.

Melanie Chin
Fencing Director

GPS Gymnastics Lead-up Meet 2

Last Saturday 7 May, the second GPS Gymnastics Lead-up Meet took place at BBC. This meet was the final competition within the series and another opportunity for our gymnasts to gain competition experience and feedback leading into the GPS Gymnastics Foundation Cup.

Once again, all BGS gymnasts performed well on the day, with some fantastic results and great improvements across levels. All gymnasts contributed to the result, with BGS winning the Lead-up Meet series. Congratulations to all gymnasts and coaches on their efforts. The team now looks forward to training hard over the next few weeks to continue building momentum into the GPS Gymnastics Foundation Cup, which will be held Saturday 11 June at BGS.

A special mention to a pair of our Division 1 athletes, Alistair Hoole (Captain) and Oliver Waterhouse, who head to the Gold Coast next week to compete at the Australian Championships. We wish them all the best with their preparations and hope it is a successful outing for both.

Jack Coates
Gymnastics 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.

Grammar Shop

Open weekdays from 7.30am to 11.00am.

PAYMENT and ONLINE ORDERS

The Grammar Shop is currently operating cash free.  Purchases can be made in-store and online using Visa, Mastercard or your BGS Card account, which can be accessed here (MyGrammar > MyStudent > BGS Card).  

When the Grammar Shop is busy, it is difficult to stop and make calls to parents for payment.

Please ensure funds are available for students before they come to make purchases. If you have selected a 'daily limit' for the BGS Card account, this will need to be removed prior to the student making the purchase. 

The online store can be accessed by entering the BGS Card system and then clicking the ‘Grammar Shop Online’ link at the top centre of the screen.

Safety guidelines regarding social distancing and hand sanitising will continue in the Grammar Shop. 

Returned embroidery

Please click here or go to MyGrammar | P&F Auxiliary | Embroidered Blazer/Item Pick up list to check whether your blazer or other embroidered items are ready to be picked up. We appreciate your collecting these items as soon as possible.

Tuckshop

Open weekdays before school and during breaks.

The Tuckshop provides a selection of hot food, fresh salads, wraps, rolls and drinks.

The Tuckshop is currently operating cash free. Therefore, the BGS Student ID Card is the only payment method. Please add funds to your Student ID Card here (MyGrammar > MyStudent > BGS Card).

Safety guidelines regarding social distancing and hand sanitising will continue in the Tuckshop.

P&F Auxiliary

Tuckshop +61 7 3834 5229
Grammar Shop +61 7 3834 5347
Roster Secretary Lana Szumowski - auxiliaryvolunteers@brisbanegrammar.com

Grammar Shop hours
Weekdays 7.30am – 11.00am

Tuckshop hours
Weekdays 7.00am – 2.00pm

Record-breaking BGS Art Show

A big thank you to the parents, family, friends, and our artists for attending last Friday’s 53rd annual Brisbane Grammar School Art Show. This year’s show was a record-breaking year in all areas - attendance, art and raffle ticket sales!

With your attendance and purchases, the BGS Art Support Group has been able to acquire two new artworks from the Art Show which have been donated to the BGS Art Collection. The Art Support Group has further donated approximately $2000 to contribute towards maintenance of the collection.

We couldn’t be prouder of these results and even more excited to announce our raffle winners:

1. A clover pendant, inspired by four leaf clover and Russian Faberge clover jewellery, contains Waylon red sapphire (.35 carat) kindly donated by Vergil Jewellers
   Keren Vij
    
2. One nights accommodation at Halcyon House, including dinner and breakfast at Paper Daisy for 2
   Niki Rose
    
3. Free tuition for one year with Jules McMenamin from Communication in Action x 2 each valued at $1080.
   Danyal Fitzgerald, Georgina
    
4. James Street shopping vouchers donated by Jason Adcock Prestige Real Estate 3 x $500
   Geoff Clarke, Sue Laracy, Angie Ryan
    
5. 4 x $200 vouchers for any restaurant at Howard Smith Wharves
   Allison McKelvie, Penny McBride, Geoff Bell, Tania Davey
    
6. 3 x packs of Veuve Champagne and fresh honey and honeycomb from Lockerbie Gold valued at $225 each
   Andrew Hay, Sarah Van der Westhuizen, Dave Small
    
7. 1 x $100 voucher donated from Brisbane Grammar School P&F Association
   Matt Purcell

Grateful to our Supporters of Art

It has been a challenging year for many of us and we want to sincerely acknowledge and thank the local businesses who sponsored the Art Show. Without their expertise, contributions, and support, we simply couldn’t hold an event as good as we do. Thank you Entelsoft, Jubilee Framers, Gerbino’s Pasticceria and Bakery, and BCL Production Services. Our raffle donations were also spectacular, thank you to Vergil Jewellers, Halcyon House & Paper Daisy, Jason Adcock at Adcock Prestige, Communication in Action, Howard Smith Wharves, Lockerbie Gold, and the BGS P&F Association.

Without both financial contributions and in-kind support, our Art Show would not have been as amazing as it was. If you can support these companies who support us, we would greatly appreciate it.

Finally, a big thank you to our BGS Art Support Group committee members! This group of amazing parent volunteers work tirelessly for months and without this amazing and supportive group of hard-working volunteers we simply wouldn’t have an Art Show.

Photographs from the 2022 BGS Art Show will be posted on our social media in the coming weeks. Stay tuned and follow the Art Show on our Instagram or Facebook pages:
https://www.facebook.com/bgsannualartshow/
https://www.instagram.com/bgsartshow/

We also welcome you to the BGS Support Group Annual General Meeting which will be held in Term 3. Details and dates will be advertised in the newsletter.

If you have any interest or enquiries regarding the Art Show or Art Support Group, feel free to contact art.committee@brisbanegrammar.com.

Book now for the 2022 Rugby Season Launch - Saturday 4 June

Click here to book now

Please join us to officially kick off the 2022 GPS Rugby season as we celebrate three of the seven premiership-winning sides that are having significant anniversaries this year. On the night we will be honoured by the chance to hear directly from a section of players from these teams; as well as a panel of representatives from the 2022 coaching team.

• 1972 BGS Rugby GPS Premiership 50-year anniversary
• 1992 BGS Rugby GPS Premiership 30-year anniversary
• 2012 BGS Rugby GPS Premiership 10-year anniversary

It was good to see so many of you at the recent BGS Rugby Family and Friends event, where the boys cheered QLD Reds player and Old Boy Fraser McReight '16 as they took on the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium. These events are all about school spirit so we thank King G for his participation and look forward to hosting again next year.

We look forward to seeing you at our 2022 Rugby Season Launch - all welcome!

Jonte Lowe
President Normanby Blues
0411 476 472
Normanbyblues.support@brisbanegrammar.com

The Willow Cricket Support Group invites you to attend our Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday 25 May 2022 at 6.00pm at BGS in The Lilley Centre Function Room, Level 1.

All voluntary positions on the support group committee will be declared vacant.

Nominations for the following positions must be received by Tuesday 24 May 2022:

President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer

To make a nomination for a position or RSVP for the AGM, please contact Jason Beikoff, Willow Club Secretary, on jason@retaillogic.com.au or 0421 078 133.

For more information about the Willow Club or the AGM, please contact Willow Cricket Support Group President, Sean Rothwell, on rothwell.sean@gmail.com or 0417 761 281.

Click here for more information on upcoming events.

Term 2
Wednesday 20 April - Friday 17 June

Term 3
Tuesday 12 July - Friday 16 September

Term 4
Tuesday 4 October - Friday 25 November