Newsletter
Week 3 Term 3

Last week I was invited to speak at the annual Big Ideas Summit held by Independent Schools Queensland. My brief was to talk to school leaders representing dozens of independent schools in South East Queensland about the Brisbane Grammar School STEAM project. While the construction of the precinct increasingly dominates the BGS vista, I focused instead on sharing the rationale for STEAM and the thinking and planning that has shaped all our decisions.

A 2022 OECD study on the international trends shaping education identified that “the labour market is rapidly shifting its demand from routine skills to complex, high-order cognitive and attitudinal competencies”. The current generation of school students must be prepared for a world where linear, single-track careers will not exist and where the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances, take advantage of new opportunities and solve unforeseen problems is the norm. Affording students opportunities to problem solve, collaborate, create new knowledge and have strategies for dealing with the unexpected are not optional extras in a robust education but are essential to the student experience.   

Brisbane Grammar School has always made important decisions about educational strategy, planning and policy based on rigorous research and the gathering and testing of evidence. The acronym STEM was first developed in the USA in the late 1990s in response to declining PISA scores. The STEAM concept, emerging about 15 years ago out of the Silicon Valley entrepreneurial culture and advanced by leading universities like Stanford emphasised the essentialness of developing cultures of creative thinking and problem solving if organisations were to continue to grow and thrive into an uncertain future.

One influential engineering paper made the case by demonstrating that “STEAM doesn’t merely add art to STEM … it changes STEM’s focus from better test scores … to better quality of inclusive thinking and from focus on the development of a larger, technically competent workforce … to one that is also more innovative”. The congruence with Brisbane Grammar School’s commitment to providing a broad liberal education and to preparing our students for being the leaders of the future is clear.

The STEAM concept explicitly aligns with our commitment to being a ‘thinking’ organisation, just as the ‘A’ overtly values the creative and the innovative in the balanced education our students undertake. Our commitment to STEAM has been a key driver of our shifting professional conversations to the refinement of pedagogy and instructional practice, particularly in terms of visibility and intentionality. Our commitment to continually improving the quality of the student experience is realised not only in the inspiring new facility itself but in the targeted feedback and advice for growth and improvement that our teachers provide.

As our Year 12s complete their final IAs and begin in earnest their preparation for the External Assessments in October and November, managing and regulating their thinking and being confident in dealing with the unanticipated will be dispositions essential to success. Similarly, our Year 10s are in the process of subject selection, where making well-informed decisions and constructing a balanced course of study that provides options and opportunities is central to a fulfilling Senior experience. Finally, our Year 8s recently engaged in a highly challenging and enjoyable Innovation Summit, working in teams to solve an array of real-world problems using cross-disciplinary skills.   

At Brisbane Grammar School we see STEAM as a mindset, and not simply a building.

BGS is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for our community to participate in our programs, events and activities. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in upholding the BGS culture and the standards of behaviour we expect of our community. The School has developed BGS Parents and Caregivers Guidelines to make community expectations clear.

Learn more in the below video and view the guidelines via the year level section on MyGrammar.

Core Values in Action

Last week’s lead article positioned the role Respectful Relationships education plays in supporting the implementation of the School’s Cultural Projects. Additionally, the students’ capacity to carry such lessons learned into real-world contexts sees the manifestation of our Core Values in action. Recently, BGS Years 11 and 12 students engaged in activities with BGGS that not only enhanced their sense of community, but also provided the opportunity to demonstrate respect and leadership as a result of their learning.

It was wonderful to witness our Year 12 students collaboratively plan and execute a suite of BiGrammar activities that recently saw students from BGS and BGGS engage in Battle of the Bands and Touch Football competitions. The consensus was that BGS won the Touch Football whereas BGGS were victorious in the Battle of the Bands; both cohorts now keenly await a tie-breaker event in the weeks to come.

Last Saturday evening, the annual Year 11 Charity Social took place at Victoria Park Golf Club. The excitement among our Year 11 students was palpable in the lead-up and the event certainly did not disappoint. While students from both schools were somewhat nervous entering the venue, this quickly dissipated, with hours of fun and good-natured frivolity ensuing. Staff attending from both schools were full of praise for the students.

The maturation of our students is easy to see at distinct points separated by time but more difficult to notice from day to day. Events like those mentioned above allow us to reflect with great pride on the fine young men that represent our community.

Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones

Attention to Detail

On Tuesday, I had an opportunity to address our boarders on the topic of developing attention to detail and how valuable that can be in achieving our very best. It is a capability of great value and is highly relevant in the residential setting as we look to embed the concept of ‘Sweeping the Shed’ in BGS Boarding.

In my address, I shared with the boarders a brief article I had come across in a book containing excerpts from The High Performance Podcast. The article tells the story of Toto Wolff, then the Executive Director of Williams Formula 1 racing, visiting the headquarters of the somewhat ailing Mercedes Petronas team in 2013. Wolff shares his experience of sitting in the reception area and coming across a week-old newspaper and two used coffee cups on the table. He used this as a metaphor for the culture of complacency or acceptance at Mercedes that he sensed had pervaded the organisation.

In acquiring control and taking responsibility for daily operations at Mercedes Petronas, Wolff used that first experience as a driving force for change and to set a new culture for the company. He unashamedly set the very highest of standards and expectations, bringing attention to detail to his work, which facilitated the company’s growth. This led to Mercedes becoming one of the leading Formula 1 teams, with drivers such as Lewis Hamilton winning the championship on several occasions.

We also explored how paying close attention to detail plays a role in the boarding setting. From how we look after our rooms to our ability to manage our transportation on a Saturday and how effectively we plan for Prep, we know that having highly attuned attention to detail is beneficial as we seek to grow and mature as members of the residential community.

I also made use of my duty evening in Griffith House to explore how we could make that attention to detail a reality with our younger boarders. As we work through this term, it is a topic we will visit again as we seek to embed a culture where we have real attention to detail and know that our 1% gains can make a real difference. 

Boarding Parents’ Dinner

Thanks to all of you who have responded already to the invitation to our gathering on Saturday 20 August. Please refer to the email for the RSVP details.

I have been asked about the dress code for the evening. While I will be wearing a suit and tie, the expectation is that this will only be a smart casual gathering. We hope a meal spent with fellow parents will allow you to form those connections that are so important as we share this boarding journey.

Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis

9F have been widely celebrated for their engagement and effort during their Outdoor Education program. The Outdoor Education teachers and services staff recognised the boys’ willingness to take on the program’s challenges, support each other, and demonstrate the behaviours associated with the program focus of ‘Leading Self’.

The class started their experience with a windy experience on Lake Moogerah. The boys paddled through the wind and waves to make it across to Lake Moogerah Gorge and see the last of the flood water trickling down Sandy Creek Waterfall. They completed their three-day expedition to Mt Greville with excellent navigation and made the most of their time around the campsite at Bitenbar.

Luke Saywell proved to be a mature and thoughtful participant. Luke embraced the opportunities to lead and took on the challenges that came with it. Luke consistently volunteered and along with most of the class, continued to the summit of Mt Greville. Matteo Boccolacci was a great participant whose sense of humour kept the boys’ spirits high during the program’s challenges. With his great attitude and smiling face, Matteo was a valued group member.

Liam Cook proved to be a mature and considerate group member. Liam was willing to put his peers’ needs before his own and take opportunities to demonstrate independence and initiative. Finnian Mann was an enthusiastic and motivated outdoorsman. Finnian was engaged in all aspects of the program and spent the time to learn the knots for the knot-tying competition. Finnian proved to be the number one challenger in the class giving the teachers some great competition. Luke Duncan was a capable and energetic participant. Luke put effort into every aspect of the program and managed to set the cohort record for the morning run!

Year 11 Outdoor Education Leader Euan Kearney took on the leadership role by himself this week. Euan demonstrated the dispositions of a BGS leader and was an excellent role model. Nothing was too much trouble when he supported the boys and Euan showed great initiative when assisting the Outdoor Education staff.

A short movie of the boys’ experiences can be viewed via the 9F 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 9 folder in Pixevety.

Director of Counselling and Academic Services
Dale Nicholas

Tertiary Studies update

Term 3 is the season of Open Days at universities across Queensland and Australia. Student Counsellor Jo Baxendell has prepared a summary of upcoming open day events. This is attached here for your reference. The summary includes links to the relevant details about each event. Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to attend.

This term sees the commencement of our Friday Lunchtime Careers sessions organised by Dr Nathan Simmons. Over the next four weeks, students will have the opportunity to hear representatives from QUT, Griffith University, University of Melbourne and UQ discuss their admission and scholarship opportunities. These will be online events and students will be emailed the relevant login details prior. These sessions are essential for those students interested in studying at these institutions.

On Wednesday night, the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) presented an online session for our Year 12 students and parents providing them with essential information about the process of applications via QTAC.

The Grammar Literary Competition is open to students in Years 9 to 12 and aims to encourage and acknowledge student writing. There are categories for narratives, poetry, biographies and essays. The winner of each category will receive a Speech Day prize and will potentially have his work published in The School Window.

More information about the competition and its categories is available in an announcement in each year level’s English course.

Entries must be submitted to the relevant dropbox by Tuesday 4 October.

Greg Howes
Head of English

This week, 13 Year 11 Economics students had the opportunity to compete with students from BGGS in the annual ECOMAN competition. ECOMAN is an internationally designed program that simulates the operation of a medium-sized manufacturing company over a four-year period. This program bridges the gap between business and education with real-world relevance. Students operate as teams of co-directors in an established company fulfilling the roles of CEO, CFO, Production Director, Sales Director and HR Director.

This year, their fictional businesses took on coffee machine distribution. Students competed for market share by making decisions that responded to forecast market trends, including managing inventory levels, advertising spend, employee training, level of borrowing accessed, level of dividends paid and much more. The culminating event was a group pitch presentation, where all directors reported to shareholders on their company’s success. Through this experience, students learned the central role and contribution that enterprise plays in our society while operating in a competitive but supportive environment. The boys reported they found the experience engaging, challenging and fun. They enjoyed the opportunity to work in a collaborative office environment and complete tasks in an environment with real-life applicability. 

Congratulations to all teams who were part of the challenge, and to the BGS students on the winning team: Ryan Khan, James Randall and Corbin Jenvey.

Other BGS students involved included Brad Mackintosh, Ben Bryant, Will O’Sullivan, Sze Yong Ng, Axel Hinds, Dion Coroneo, Isaac Bassingthwaighte, Aidan Murphy, John Morrissey and Rahul Kumar.

Tanya Neilsen
Principal Project Officer – STEAM and Related Learning

At last week’s Middle School Assembly, we presented our Semester 2 Class Captain badges. Class Captains are elected by their peers each semester to lead and represent their class.

Congratulations to those who have been elected to this position of responsibility, and thank you to those who served their class community throughout Semester 1. In the coming weeks, we will host our Class Captain lunches where the boys gather and share ideas on how we can improve our Middle School. Previous ideas implemented from our Class Captain lunches include: installing a clock in the Year 5 and 6 social space, painted handball courts in the Year 7 courtyard, the sports shed and the additional umbrella in the Year 8 social space.

We were delighted to welcome parents and friends to this week’s Book Week festivities. The Book Week Breakfast and Trivia Night provided opportunities for families to come together and share their enjoyment of reading. Boys thoroughly enjoyed hearing from children’s author Pat Flynn and we were thrilled to have Richard Yaxley attend the Years 7 and 8 Trivia Night to talk to the boys about his writing. Thank you to our Teacher Librarians for organising and hosting these special events.

Savvy Scientist is always a highlight for our Year 5 students; this year was no exception. Assuming the role of scientists from history, the boys showcased their learning as they shared their most renowned scientific accomplishments and responded to thought-provoking questions posed by parents and friends. It was wonderful to see the boys engage so enthusiastically with our visitors and show true enjoyment of learning.

Book Week Celebrations

The Middle School community has been enjoying Book Week this week.

Tuesday morning was a highlight for Years 5 and 6 with the Book Week Breakfast providing an opportunity for boys and parents to come together to celebrate reading. Author Pat Flynn shared some of his life journey, as well as reinforcing the importance of reading. The Chamber Choir opened with a beautiful performance, and everyone enjoyed a hot breakfast on the cool winter morning.

Pat entertained each year level during the day while sharing stories and author tricks for writing short stories.

Tuesday evening saw author Richard Yaxley host the Years 7 and 8 Trivia Night for boys and parents. The competition was eagerly contested by attendees who participated in a number of rounds. It was certainly a most enjoyable evening.

A new initiative for Year 5 boys was the Bookmark Challenge which offered budding artists the chance to design a bookmark in the theme: Dreaming with eyes open. Congratulations to Ilan Finn and Fraser Bell.

Lunchtime activities proved popular with origami, trivia Kahoots, Book Week bingo and book cover competitions seeing the Middle School and Centenary Libraries buzzing. Thanks to everyone who supported our events. Happy reading!

Reading Challenge 2022

Years 5 and 6 boys are participating in a Reading Challenge this term. Each student has been given a passport which explains how the challenge works. The required challenge will see boys and parents (or a significant adult) read a book together. There are further optional challenges as well. One of these involves visiting a bookstore or a library together. Boys and parents are invited to visit the Middle School Library on Friday afternoons (29 July and 12 August) from 5.00pm - 6.30pm. Both Mrs Sarah Lusink and Ms Michelle Ragen will be on hand to assist. Please contact sarah.lusink@brisbanegrammar.com or vicki.palmer@brisbanegrammar.com if you have any questions.

Click here for the Reading Challenge guide.

Vicki Palmer
Teacher Librarian

As the season of competitive fixtures within the Chess, Basketball and Rugby programs has commenced, students continue to apply themselves diligently within the Cocurricular domain to their preparation via the Hercules, Foundations and Senior PD Programs. I wish all those participating in fixtures against Gregory Terrace this weekend the best of luck for the training week.

With the introduction of different sports each term, boys become exposed to a different physical stimulus in terms of both the type, and intensity of activity. Through the Performance Development Department and the physical preparation programs on offer, boys are well placed to cope with the demands of their chosen sport. Irrespective of how prepared one may be, the potential occurrence of injuries does go hand in hand with sporting participation. This article presents as a good opportunity to outline the resources on offer to care for your son and return him to the playing environment as quickly as possible.

Accessible on MyGrammar via Performance Development under the Cocurricular tab is a series of documents to aid you in the unfortunate event your son becomes injured. Irrespective of the location or mechanism of injury, it is essential to seek medical assessment through a qualified Doctor or Allied Health Professional should you deem it necessary as a parent. Once an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is devised, we are well positioned to provide expert support to the rehabilitation and return to play through Sophie Pidcock, our PD Coach specialising in Injury Management and Rehabilitation. In communicating the injury and diagnosis, please access the BGS Injury Self-Reporting Form on MyGrammar via Performance Development under the Cocurricular tab. This is a confidential way to communicate the information directly to Sophie and initiate the process for the relevant weighted or dryland rehabilitative practice.

In the event of a head knock, it is important again to seek medical assessment from a qualified Doctor or Sports Physician. Each sport has their own protocols, set out by their governing body (Rugby Australia, Basketball Australia etc) that governs the appropriate return to play for that sport. The GPS falls in line with these protocols to ensure best practice management of a head injury, or incidents of suspected concussion. Please refer to the BGS Concussion Management Flow Chart, accessible via MyGrammar, to assist in guiding you through this process.

Finally, there are the usual bumps and bruises that come with participation in any sport. The BGS Soft Tissue Injury Management Guidelines document provides relevant advice and information regarding what, and how, you can manage a mild soft tissue injury (eg light sprain, mild cork) during the acute phase. This is also accessible via MyGrammar.

It is important to stress that, despite the contents of this article focusing on the management of injuries, their prevalence within sport and their rate of incidence is not at a concerning level. Our students are well prepared physically, and the benefits of playing in a team sport are many. It is, however, important to ensure that we are continuing to provide the necessary support to ensure the boys return to their chosen sport as soon as possible, with a smile on their face.

Any questions regarding any of the above, please make contact. Enjoy the upcoming week of fixtures!

Junior Dramatic Production

With two weeks to go, the cast and crew have been using rehearsal time to fine-tune their performance of DNA. Last Sunday, the morning was spent workshopping with Director of Dramatic Productions and Principal Project Officer STEAM and Related Learning, Ms Tanya Neilsen, whose critical feedback and fresh perspective have reinvigorated the cast and creative team for the final weeks of rehearsals.

If you haven’t purchased tickets yet for the production, please click on this link. For those who are unfamiliar with the DNA narrative, here is a sneak peek from the show’s author, Dennis Kelly:

“A group of teenagers do something bad, really bad, then panic and cover the whole thing up. But when they find that the cover-up unites them and brings harmony to their once factious lives, where’s the incentive to put things right?”

We look forward to sharing performances with the BGS community soon.

• Venue: BGS Theatre
• Dates: Thursday 11 August and Friday 12 August
• Time: 6.00pm
• Ticket prices: Adults $30, Students $20

Follow BGS Drama on Instagram (@grammarplay.bgs) for updates and snapshots during the final weeks of rehearsals.

Dominic Russell, Sarah McDonald, Sally Loane and Michael Moloney
Junior Dramatic Production Creative Team

Latin Fiesta

Thursday 4 August
6.00pm (students to arrive no later than 5.45pm)
Centenary Hall

It will be a treat to complete our season of term concerts with our Jazz Bands and Percussion Ensembles. Come along for a fun night of musical entertainment.

Adults $10, Students/Concession $5 - Book Online

Students to wear performance uniform (white shirt and tie). Ensembles include Basie Jazz Band, Morrison Jazz Band, Parker Jazz Band, Grammar Big Band, Junior Percussion Ensemble, Boom Percussion Ensemble, Crash Percussion Ensemble, Senior Percussion Ensemble.

String Fest 2022

Congratulations to all involved in this week’s spectacular String Fest concert. Over 120 of the finest student string players in South East Queensland came together for a short series of intensive rehearsals under the guidance of our very own maestro, Stephen Chin. They prepared a wonderful program of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons followed by a contemporary setting of the same concept by South American composer Piazzolla. The featured soloist was the incredibly talented Courtenay Cleary. Together they weaved some musical magic which absolutely transfixed the audience. The first half of the concert featured performances by individual string ensembles from participating schools including our own Chamber Strings who were outstanding.

For those of you who missed the concert, or if you want to re-live what was a memorable night, here is a link to an edited version of the concert. Click here.

Performance Awards

Term 3 is the season of Performance Awards, where our young musicians have the opportunity to prepare and present their finest repertoire. There are sections for all ages and for all levels of experience. Experienced external adjudicators provide valuable feedback to all performers with place-getters also recognised at the end-of-year Music Dinner. Entry is open to all students, whether they take lessons at the School or not. Entries are now open in the following categories:

Music Performance Awards​

The Performance Awards for each studio (Brass, Strings, Woodwind, Vocal, etc.) will be conducted in Weeks 6 - 7 this term. More information here.

Students in group tuition will be automatically entered in the Awards for their instrument/voice. Students in private tuition or external tuition will need to complete the Online Entry Form by Thursday 11 August.

Concerto Performance Awards

The Concerto Awards will be held on Sunday 28 August in the Great Hall from 9.00am.​

Online Entry Form | More information here.

Chamber Music Performance Awards

The Chamber Music Awards will be held on Sunday 28 August in the Great Hall from 12.30pm.​

Online Entry Form | More information here.

Composition Awards

​Submissions are due by Friday 9 September.

Online Entry / Submission​ | More information here.

Peter Ingram
Head of Music

Musketeers Support Group AGM – Thursday 11 August, 7.00pm

The Musketeers Support Group for BGS Fencing will hold its Annual General Meeting via Teams on Thursday 11 August at 7.00pm, followed by a short Ordinary meeting.

All voluntary positions on the support group committee will be declared vacant. Please consider nominating for these positions as we need them filled to continue providing whites hire and fundraising for our fencing boys.

Nominations for the following positions must be received by Thursday 4 August 2022:

• President
• Vice-President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

To make a nomination for a position, please email Musketeers Secretary Rebecca Lowe (musketeers.support@brisbanegrammar.com) for a completed Position Nomination Form or Ordinary Membership Form. These forms can be found on the Fencing page on MyGrammar. 

To RSVP to the Teams meeting, please email Fencing Director Melanie Chin at fencing@brisbanegrammar.com. A Teams invite will be forwarded to your email address.

For more information about the Musketeers Support Group or the AGM, please contact President Julia Lim at musketeers.support@brisbanegrammar.com.

Term 3 Internal Fixtures

The second round of Term 3 Friendly Friday Fixtures saw everyone have a go at fencing foil. Thank you to the fencers who volunteered to referee matches. The third round of Term 3 fixtures is tonight for all Years 9 to 12 students who signed on for this activity. Check Teams for the sign-on list. 

These are informal internal fixtures and out of season. Any students wishing to fence who have other sport or activities in Term 3 should honour their in-season commitments as a priority.

Coaches Corner

Some of our coaches have been busy since the season has ended. 

Jonathan Patchen '20 (former BGS Fencing Captain) and Alexandra Patchen have been representing Australia in the Men’s and Women’s Epee at the Asian Championships in Seoul, Korea and the World Championships in Cairo, Egypt. As a result of these competitions, Jonathan, at 19 years old, is ranked the 306^th male epeeist in the world, and Alexandra is ranked 516^th amongst the world’s women epeeists. Paul Crook travelled with them as the team’s Epee Coach. Additionally, Donghwan Kim was also there overseas to coach the Sabre team. 

It is an honour to have internationally ranked fencers on our coaching team here at Brisbane Grammar School, not only those who actively compete but also those who coach at that elite level. 

We wish them all the best for continued success at the Commonwealth Championships in London from 9 August. 

Melanie Chin
Fencing Director

Future Problem State Resource Day

Recently, 25 of our Future Problem Solving (FPS) boys attended the annual State Resource Day. FPS is an academic competition that asks competitors to consider solutions to problems humanity may face in the future. Each week, Years 7 to 10 BGS boys work alongside girls from BGGS to prepare for the upcoming competition on various topics. This year's practice topics have included Water Supply and Building Green. The qualification problem topic this year is insects.

Over 100 students from South East Queensland attended this event, which focused on the role insects will play in our future – as protein and pests. We had three experts in the field presenting their research findings: Dr Anthony Young, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences from The University of Queensland; Dr Natalie Nicholas, an ER doctor studying a Masters of Public Health and Tropical Medicine through James Cook University; and Professor Michael Good from the Institute of Glycomics at Griffith University.

Our boys took notes, asked pertinent questions, and had the opportunity to write a practice response to a future scenario where Minilivestock, insects, are the future for protein production. Teams had to identify challenges we could face through the introduction of this new agricultural format. Our qualification competition takes place in a two-hour lockdown scenario on Tuesday 9 August. Our teams will only have two hours to read the unseen scenario on the topic of insects, identify potential challenges and, using research, devise potential solutions.

Simon Canfield
Queensland FPS State Convenor

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

In less than perfect conditions, our community of sponsors, Old Boys, parents, volunteers and staff gathered at The Brisbane Golf Club last Friday to support the BGS Bursary Fund.

We would like to thank all participants for their enthusiasm and good nature, despite the competition being reduced to nine holes due to the wet and windy weather.

Thank you to all our sponsors and prize donors for their generous contributions.

Congratulations to all players and coaches who opened their 2022 GPS Rugby campaign with a victory. Wins by all four of the Open teams speak to the depth in this age group and the hard work put into preparing for the season.

The buzz around Northgate last Saturday was palpable from a supporter’s perspective. We sense a big build-up for this Saturday’s matches against Gregory Terrace. It is important to mobilise our whole community to support the boys in the traditional King of the Hill round against Terrace. 

We support the mantra - You Play, You Stay! The passion and school spirit on offer is an unrivalled BGS experience for players, their schoolmates and spectators alike.

These events are always better with boys from all age groups cheering in the stands. I would encourage all boys to get used to bringing their uniform, enjoying a burger from the barbecue and hanging out with their mates while watching some of the best schoolboy rugby in the world at an incredible rugby venue. King G also always adds to the experience.

The Normanby Blues will be offering up the best burgers and ‘rugby rolls’ for what we anticipate to be one of the biggest days of the season. However, this takes volunteers. The atmosphere in the canteen and barbecue pit is a lot of fun. Ben Driessen has added more to his increasingly popular playlist, and you can be sure to be working alongside somebody interesting. Please sign up here for an hour before and after your son’s game. For your convenience, the game day schedule is available here.

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

Since Brisbane Grammar School was established in 1868, volunteers have made outstanding contributions to the wellbeing and future of the School through their support and participation.

The School could not provide the same opportunities to students without the support provided by volunteers in the Grammar Shop and Tuckshop, and the groups and individuals supporting sport and activities at the Indoor Sports Centre, Northgate Playing Fields, Rowing Shed and BGS Tennis Centre.

Betty Howell Awards, established in 2011, recognise the actions and achievements of individuals each year who have gone above and beyond normal expectations for students, parents and friends of BGS.

The Award is named in honour of Mrs Joan Elizabeth (Betty) Howell, wife of former headmaster Maxwell A Howell. During her 25-year association with the School, Betty Howell was a passionate volunteer with the Art Committee and P&F Auxiliary.

The award acknowledges community members who have given outstanding service through:

• voluntary assistance to BGS;
• active participation in school life;
• initiation of new programs or activities to benefit BGS; and/or
• support for the School’s vision through encouragement and personal endeavour.

Traditionally, Betty Howell Awards are presented at the annual volunteer and donor recognition function, Celebrating Our Community.

Click here for information about the award nomination procedure. Nominations close Friday 10 September 2022.

Friends of Grammar Gala Gatho | Saturday 27 August

The P&F and Old Boys' Associations are excited to co-host the 'Friends of Grammar Gala Gatho' on Saturday 27 August at the iconic Fortitude Music Hall. Bring friends and family along to enjoy a three-course meal and a four-hour beverage package along with great live music and dancing. Thank you to Catchment and Fortitude Breweries, and Brisbane Gastro for your support of this event.

Venue Fortitude Music Hall
Time 7.00pm to 11.00pm

Click here to register.

Business Breakfast | Wednesday 14 September

Themed 'Property: Current trends in a disruptive market'
Venue The Grove, 480 Queen St Brisbane (7.00am)
Purchase tickets here

 

Click here for more information on upcoming events.

Term 3
Tuesday 12 July - Friday 16 September

Term 4
Tuesday 4 October - Friday 25 November