Newsletter
Week 4 Term 3

One of the great privileges of teaching at Brisbane Grammar School is seeing our students, your sons, perform and extend themselves in other contexts outside of our regular classrooms.

While in the audience at the Around the World in 80 Minutes concert last week, I spotted a number of students from my class and, unashamedly, paid special attention to their performances. One stepped forward to the front of symphony orchestra. He then proceeded to feature, playing from memory a beautiful rendition of Morceau de Concert by Saint Saens.

That afternoon in our Economics class, we had been discussing fiscal policy. That evening, he was the rightful star of that moment in an entirely different context, leading as he does. Younger boys were also in the audience that night; perhaps our future Music leaders, being shown what is possible for a student who applies themselves, does the work and seizes the opportunity to perform at the highest standard.

Last Saturday, those at Northgate witnessed a great schoolboy rugby game between two flagship teams who displayed all the attributes we would expect at this level. The backstory to this game and the week leading up to it is worth noting, as it highlights the same themes mentioned above: application to tasks and positioning oneself to seize opportunities when they come.

The team who took to the field last Saturday was different to the week before. There is nothing unusual about that in the current climate and at this level of competition, but it is worth noting how the team took these changes in their stride. I believe they did so because of the deliberate work of the program leader and coaching staff, who prepare a squad of players (the Cambridge XV and Oxford XV) together throughout the pre-season and in-season. That preparation is physical, cultural, tactical, and social. For each boy selected in a team, at least one other is disappointed at not being selected. However, what I appreciate and value about the squad culture built within this flagship team, and many other BGS teams, is that the squad rallies around each member; whether injured or ill, selected or reserve, in-form or not. It takes character to build character in others and I am grateful for the work of all our coaches and staff who strive to do this each week.

On behalf of the Acting Headmaster, it is my privilege to announce the following Cocurricular student leadership appointments ahead of the 2022 Track and Field season and GPS Championships, to be held in October:

Captain of Track and Field: Alex Thakur
Vice Captain – Track: Tom Macpherson
Vice Captain – Field: Toby Logan

As Queensland faces another COVID wave, it is important that students continue to maintain strong hygiene practices to minimise the impact of viruses on themselves and others.

Viral illnesses are currently impacting all year levels, although COVID numbers are very low among students and staff.

A growing number of students and staff are wearing masks while on campus at BGS, particularly while indoors. We encourage students and students to wear a mask while on campus as an added layer of protection against illness.

If your son is absent from school due to COVID-19 or any illness, it is advisable – when he is able – to check in via Teams Chat with his teachers to let them know his progress and seek clarification as required. Students should let their class teachers know if they are well enough to participate in learning from home.

If your son becomes unwell while at school, parents or caregivers are required to collect him as soon as possible. We understand the disruption this can cause and appreciate your support in this area.

We are fortunate as a school community to have incredible student leaders who work tirelessly to support the student body. This week, I’ve provided our student leadership group the opportunity to write the to our senior school students.

Boys of the Senior School,

Last weekend, a sea of blue flowed through Northgate. The almost 343 Grammar boys who filled the stands for our King of the Hill round against Gregory Terrace created an unbelievable atmosphere of passionate enthusiasm and excitement for our rugby boys in the light dark blue.

It is safe to say that this passionate support from the stands was the deciding factor that got the Firsts across the line to win the round 24 – 20. And while we can all be justifiably proud of that result, we can also take pride as a community in the range of students who formed that sea of blue. From Middle School rugby players who waited hours to watch the Firsts after their own games had finished, to members of our First V Basketball team who made the mad dash across town to be part of this special moment, this was an unmistakable example of what it means to be a part of the amazing Brisbane Grammar School community: our shared pride in the light dark blue.

And, just as those boys out on the field or cheering from the stands on Saturday ‘bled blue’ for each other in a superb effort to achieve a common goal, it is important that we apply that same level of effort and dedication to our daily activities here at school. We are hurtling towards the halfway point of Term 3. Now is the time to put in that extra effort every day to ensure that we have a strong finish to the term; both in the academic and the cocurricular domains.

As the Year 12s complete the last of their internal assessments and the other year levels move towards Term 3 assessment, now is the time to dig deep and put in those extra hours of study. Now is the time to show up to your cocurricular fixture ready to compete with pride and enthusiasm. Now is the time to ‘bleed blue’ in Semester 2.

Best wishes,
Hamish, Sam, Lucas, Charlie and Finn

Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones

Connection

As we develop and refine the Boarding program at Brisbane Grammar School, alongside the establishment of Griffith House and the redevelopment of Harlin House, we have worked collaboratively with our boarding leaders to establish virtues for our residential community.

While the core school values remain our guiding principles, we have looked to complement these strong foundation statements with simple virtues that are important if boarders are to have a positive experience in the community. It is heartening to see our virtues of connection, contribution and challenge being embraced by boys and staff alike.

This weekend I found myself reflecting on the importance of connection; firstly at Northgate with the boarders to spectate the First XV game against Terrace, and later at Suncorp Stadium to watch what most of us agreed was a rather mediocre performance by the Broncos against Wests Tigers.

As the First XV linked up in front of the grandstand to lead the victory war cry, you could see the connection they shared from all their hard work since the start of Term 2. For Will, Shannon, Kody and Ned in absentia on Saturday, they have found that strong bonds are formed when you work as a team to achieve a common goal.

Our supporters more than played their part last Saturday. While they may not have achieved the goal of filling the stand with the light dark blue, they more than played their part in cheering the boys on to victory.

For boarders, being at Northgate or the ISC to support our flagship teams is nothing new; it is part of our weekly routine and is both a responsibility and privilege that comes with being considered the heart of the School. That said, it is an incredible sight to see more than 300 boys supporting their schoolmates together. This simple action helps form a connection to their schooling experience with immeasurable benefits.

My day ended with a walk to Suncorp with 30 boys to enjoy an evening of sporting entertainment. It was a time to sit in the stands, chat, laugh and, as boys do, eat some fast food! The game was nothing to write home about but in attending activities together and in sharing that experience it helps promote and develop the connection that underpins a successful boarding experience.      

As the American novelist Herman Melville once said, “We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibres connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibres, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.”
 

Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis

Class 9G demonstrated behaviours associated with ‘leading self’ during five days of expedition hiking, camping, navigation, water and height activities at Moogerah. Students showed initiative, organisation and the ability to take responsibility and manage their own safety.

Noah Lauder was recognised by his peers and staff for the way he provided support, took on leadership opportunities and demonstrated empathy. Noah was a strong leader during the expedition, navigating and managing the expedition group. Noah volunteered to demonstrate the high ropes safety system and then continued to support his peers as they moved through the course.

Thierry Kwok was a great participant, engaging in every activity, taking on new challenges and putting in great effort during the height activities. Thierry also volunteered his free time to help Ms Baker prepare meals and manage the kitchen at every opportunity.

Xavier Karmel demonstrated empathy towards his peers when they found the activities difficult. Xavier was a considerate and positive participant and his singing around the campfire created a great atmosphere with the whole class singing along.

Nicholas Howarth was widely celebrated this week. Nicholas worked hard at the campsite, pushed himself on the most challenging climbs and provided great support to his peers. He stepped up to compete against the staff in the knot-tying competition and was one of the few students each year to win the challenge. He spent the time learning the knots and did not falter in the heat of the competition!

Shaun Li got involved in every aspect of the program. He took on the morning run challenge and set the cohort record for both the 2km and 4km options. With only two Year 9 programs to go, Shaun may find he holds the record for the 2022 Year 9 cohort!

Year 11 leaders Daniel Johnson and Will Dwyer did a great job at mentoring the class through activities and duties all week.

A short movie of the boys’ experiences can be viewed via the 9G 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 Student Wellbeing
Philippa Douglas

Gender Respect Project Group

BGS students in the Gender Respect Project Group recently volunteered their time assisting RizeUp to create a new beginning for a family leaving refuge.

During the day, students assembled flatpacks, stocked cupboards with food and linen and tapped into their creative side to furnish a home. You can see more of their work on the Rize Up Facebook page here.

We invited students who were involved in Home Program to share their thoughts on the experience.

"It felt good to know that we were helping people in need and that we were creating a safe space for them to make a fresh start."

“Looking back on the work we'd completed, it was rewarding to see how we could help people in less fortunate positions than ourselves. Hopefully we can partake in more service projects like this in the future.”

“The Rize Up Home Program was an extremely fulfilling experience. It was a rewarding feeling to know that at the end of the day, we left having done everything possible to provide support and dignity to a mother and child in need.”

"Working with RizeUp to fulfill a mother and child’s wish of a safe, comfortable and personalised living space was extremely gratifying and worthwhile to say the least. The process of starting with an empty room, working alongside my peers to build and construct the interior, and then leaving with a fully furnished house was incredibly rewarding."

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Over the next couple of weeks, Year 9 and 10 students will attend mental health presentations by batyr. Batyr’s programs are evidence-based and youth-led mental health initiatives that support young people. Through storytelling, batyr dispels the myths surrounding mental ill-health and empowers young people to reach out for support.  Students can access further resources on how to support their mental health on GrammarWell.

Thirty students represented Brisbane Grammar School in the Mathematics Teams Challenge, held virtually on Monday 1 August.

Students performed exceptionally well, with BGS achieving second overall out of the 12 participating schools. Thanks to Mr Fardon and Year 11 volunteers Tom Richards, Jonty Davis, Ned Johnston and Ishan Bose for assistance on the day.

Team members and results are listed below:

Junior Team A – 10th Place

• Oliver Mellick (8), Ben Rothwell (8), Kevin Lee (8), Alexander Jiang (7), Lukas Liu (7)

Junior Team B – 5th Place

• Tony Deng (8), Rohan Morris (8), Maxey Tho (8), Severin Yong Gee (7), Henry Fan (7)

Intermediate Team A – 1st Place

• Morgan Gao (10), Daniel Luo (10), Oliver Schnitzerling (10), Dennis Zhou (9), Benjamin Li (9)

Intermediate Team B – 4th Place

• Manoli Samios (10), Arun Shanmuga Anandan (10), Isaac Chua (10), Sam Ong (9), Chris Zhu (9)

Senior Team A – 4th Place

• Jacob Duncan (12), David Beetham (12), Nadula Tennakoon (12), Jaden Teow (11), Sze Yong Ng (11)

Senior Team B – 1st Place

• Tyler Pearn (12), Lehan Ling (12), Punula Jayalath (12), David Sun (11), Dylan Park (11)

Rebecca Mills
Senior Maths Extension Coordinator

Greg Dabelstein
Director of Digital Learning

Brisbane Grammar School will continue to trial parent access to their sons’ courses on the learning management system, Canvas.

Feedback indicated that some parents received many email notifications regarding their sons’ course activities. These were also not clearly identified as originating from the School. From this point forward, parents will not receive these notifications unless they elect to do so. Notifications can be adjusted by each parent. Instructions how to adjust notifications are available here. Further, these emails will now be more clearly identified as coming from ‘Brisbane Grammar School – Digital Learning’.

Regardless of notifications, parents can continue to access their son’s courses by logging into MyGrammar and selecting the MyClasses link. The School hopes that parents continue to find this access useful to help support their son’s academic endeavours.

The 2022 GPS Chess season began with a bye round for BGS, which gave our players a chance to practice in preparation for the tough season ahead.

The extra preparation seemed to pay off in Round 2 as the BGS Premier team beat Brisbane State High School 3.5-0.5 at home. BGS got the win overall, with our students winning four, with four draws and three losses.

The BGS boys followed up in Round 3 with an even better result against Gregory Terrace. The Premier team repeated the 3.5-0.5 score from Round 2, while BGS picked up 11 wins overall and just one loss.

Well done to all players for the effort they have put into training to achieve such outstanding results.

The BGS Chess team is aiming to continue its fine form this Friday in the first away game against Ipswich Grammar School.

Liam Herne and Jay Taylor
Chess Directors

As we approach the Quarter Finals for the Queensland Debating Union secondary schools’ competition, BGS has five teams from Years 8, 10, 11 and 12 still in the competition, including our Senior A team.

We would also like to congratulate all 26 teams from Years 5 to 12 who have participated in QDU this year.

Most of our teams from Years 5-7 have now completed their first two rounds of debates, and it has been a pleasure to see their enthusiasm, commitment and strong performances in each debate. We wish them all the best for the last two rounds and look forward to celebrating with our debating community at the Debating End of Season Function on Tuesday 30 August.

Thank you to all parents and coaches for your continued support.

Dana Schottlaender
Debating Director

Junior Dramatic Production

It’s show time! The cast and crew of DNA are looking forward to welcoming audiences to see the production next Thursday 11 and Friday 12 August at 6:00pm.

There are a handful of tickets available for each evening, and to help encourage our student audience, we have introduced a ‘BGS student rush’ ticket for just $10!

Hurry, because these tickets will be snapped up quickly.

Final tickets are available via this link.

• Venue: BGS Theatre
• Dates: Thursday 11 August and Friday 12 August
• Time: 6.00pm
• Ticket prices: Adults $30, Students $20, BGS student rush tickets now just $10

Follow @grammarplay.bgs on Instagram for further updates and snapshots of the final weeks of rehearsals.

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

Queensland Junior (U20) State Championships

BGS Year 10 student Hanbi Seo placed first in the Junior Under 20s Queensland Men’s Foil State Championships last weekend despite competing many years above his age level. Also on the podium in third place was former BGS Fencing captain Tom Strooper ’21. 

In Sabre, Year 9 student Lucas Lu placed second with Year 7 student Aiden Seo in third place.

In Men’s Epee, former BGS Fencing captain Jonathan Patchen ’20 finished second. 

Congratulations also to all the other fencers who competed. 

Foil

5th: Theo Chan (Year 10)
7th : Daylin Johnson (Year 8)
8th: Oscar Zhong (Year 8)
9th: Owen Zhong (Year 7)
10th: Armand Hamilton (Year 8)
11th: Benjamin Anderson (Year 8)

Epee

5th: Sansith Warusamanna (Year 10)

Sabre

5th: Vikram Kumar (Year 9)

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 third round of Term 3 Friendly Friday Fixtures saw everyone have a go at fencing epee. Senior fencers who would still like to participate need to sign on in Teams. The fourth round of Term 3 fixtures is on tonight for all Year 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.

Melanie Chin
Fencing Director

Intermediate Strings Festival

Hundreds of students from across Brisbane will descend on Brisbane Grammar School next week for the BGS Intermediate Strings Festival.

Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of excellent clinicians as we encourage some of our younger, less-experienced string players in their musical journey. They will collaborate with other like-minded boys and girls to explore some fun repertoire and develop their technique. We wish them all the best.

Everyone is invited to the final concert at 6.30pm on Tuesday 9 August at Centenary Hall. It is rare to see so many string players in one at one time, so don’t miss out!

Term 3 Concerts

Don’t forget that photographs from this term’s series of concerts are all available on the Music page of MyGrammar. There are some beautiful images of our young performers in action, so make sure you check them out.

Music Dinner 2022

There has been a change of date for this significant end-of-year event. It will now be held on Friday 28 October, commencing at 7.00pm at Hillstone, St Lucia. This event was formerly on the calendar for Saturday 22 October. More details will come later, but at this stage, please note the change of date in your family diaries.

In the coming decade, the hosting of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will deliver unprecedented sporting opportunities for our state's most talented athletes.

The Queensland Academy of Sport is on a mission to systematically unearth and develop Queensland's most talented athletes and prepare them for success in 2032 via Australia's largest talent identification program, Youfor2032.

Anyone aged between 13-23 (Olympic Sports) or 13-30 (Paralympic Sports) is eligible to apply.

All that's left to do is register online today. This could be the first step in your Olympic or Paralympic journey.

Visit: qld.gov.au/youfor2032

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

Congratulations to the First XV on making it two from two in the 2022 GPS competition so far. With King of the Hill bragging rights over Terrace also under their belt we all have plenty of reasons to “believe in blue”. 

Thank you to all who stayed back after their game or made a special journey out to Northgate to support the mighty effort witnessed. It makes a big difference to the team to play in front of such support. I am sure everyone who was there to see the Firsts can only agree it was another example of just how good the GPS Rugby competition is.

To those teams who did not get the results you strived for, we offer our encouragement to persist and double down on the commitments you made to each other at the start of the season. Time and time again we see the payoff for such persistence and hard work. Often it is just incremental weekly improvements but over multiple seasons the growth and success can be very dramatic and personally rewarding.

We want to make a special mention to all our wonderful volunteers! It was the biggest post COVID day yet for the Northgate Canteen and barbecue. Thanks to the large numbers of volunteers it was also our most seamless and enjoyable day so far.

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.

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