Newsletter
Week 10 Term 3
Friday 16 September 2022
In this issue:
- Acknowledging the impact of our quiet contributors
- The importance of gratitude
- Public Purpose Term 3 summary
- BGS sailors to represent Australia
- BGS Future Problem Solvers to attend nationals
Lead Article
Acting Headmaster | David Carroll
BGS values
As Term 3 draws to a close, I reflected at Assembly today on the quiet contributors – the boys whose contributions are hard to measure but vital in building the culture of our school.
When we stop and think about what each of us contributes to Brisbane Grammar School, we see the importance of our individual actions. This idea is not new. A scan through some of the editorials in our BGS Magazine reveals a focus on individual actions and positive contributions has long been valued at BGS.
In 1962, School Captain Howard Stack – who went on to be a long-serving BGS Chairman – wrote, “We must enter wholeheartedly into school life and grasp for ourselves the benefits it offers. By entering fully and unselfishly into the life of the School, we learn a loyalty to something bigger than ourselves… we learn to give and take and to appreciate viewpoints other than those of our own.” He encouraged everyone to play their part.
Other Magazine editors and School Captains reminded us that “we cannot expect something for nothing” and that “when there is a harmonious interaction of responsibility and respect within the School, we become a living community”.
The late 1950s and early 1960s – when these statements were written – was a time of rebuilding and renewed growth for BGS. Student leaders recognised that everyone could play a part in building a strong culture.
As we continue to grow and meet new challenges in 2022, it is up to all of us to continue to build and sustain a strong culture and live the BGS values.
Students who engage in classroom activities, contribute to a discussion, help a friend with his work, or stretch themselves to attempt a task, are contributing to a positive culture of learning. These students respect themselves, their peers and their teachers.
Students who attend early morning training, irrespective of the cold or rain, or who put in that extra rehearsal, practice their debating speech one more time, and support and encourage their friends in those activities contribute positively to our culture. These students value endeavour and build community.
Students who pick up rubbish around campus without being asked, maintain pride in their uniform and appearance, or extend a friendly greeting to colleagues and staff contribute positively to our culture. These students show leadership by taking the initiative.
As we continue to grow as a school, we must nurture our culture. We must make conscious decisions about how we act. If we think about every action we make and every word we speak and ensure that they are positive, then the rewards for ourselves and our school community are endless.
I commend the many BGS students who go about their daily business without fuss and often without recognition. You are the bedrock of our culture and with that our future is bright.
Staff acknowledgments
Thank you to Mr Conway, Mr Scholes and Mr Howard for stepping into important acting roles during Term 3. Your commitment has been clear during a busy time of the year for staff and students.
I offer my best wishes to the following staff on leave during Term 4 – Ms Auld, Ms Douglas, Ms Kettle and Mr Carmichael. I hope you have a restful break.
As a result of Mr Carmichael’s absence, Mr Hales will be Acting Head of Year 9 and Mr Howard will be the Acting Assistant Head of Year 9. Thank you both for assuming added responsibility during Term 4.
New public holiday
BGS will be closed for a newly announced public holiday on Thursday 22 September as a memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. Year 12 tutorials scheduled on this day will be moved to the next day on Friday 23 September.
I wish the BGS community a restful term break.
Notices
Grammar Bus Pilot to continue to Term 4 2022
BGS and BGGS will continue with the Grammar Bus Pilot for Term 4 2022 to provide an opportunity for more families to trial the service before a decision is made late this year on whether to continue the service in 2023.
The uptake of the Grammar Bus Pilot has been low, despite some alterations to timetabling and routes following feedback.
One of the key reasons for the initiative is to reduce traffic congestion within our Spring Hill community and support a reduction of our carbon footprint over time.
We encourage families to consider trialling the service in Term 4 if you have not already done so.
Details of the bus routes and timetable can be found here.
Students
- Acting Head of Senior School | Simon Conway
- Boarding
- Outdoor Education
- Public Purpose
- STEAM Precinct Welcome to Country
- BGS Library Book Fair
Acting Head of Senior School | Simon Conway
I would like to thank all parents and caregivers for your productive partnering with the School to support your sons throughout Term 3. The cadence of the term certainly increases significantly in these later weeks. I appreciate that boys and their families are looking forward to a break from school routines and an opportunity to recharge their batteries.
Yellow blazer slips have been distributed to all students this past week. Boys must ensure that their blazers are submitted for embroidery in time to be returned prior to Speech Day. The key dates are as follows:
- Friday 14 October – Years 9 to 11 students who wish to submit their blazer to be returned for Speech Day need to do it by this date. It should be noted that academic awards will NOT be finalised by this date, so students in these year levels have every opportunity and are encouraged to submit their blazers before this date. It should also be noted that Track and Field awards will not be confirmed before this date as the season is still underway. Students in these years may submit their blazers after this date, but they will not be completed for Speech Day.
- Tuesday 25 October – Year 12 students only may drop off their blazer for embroidery of any academic awards received up to this date. Academic awards for all year levels will be awarded during the Senior Assembly on Friday 21 October.
Additionally, I ask parents to ensure their sons return in Term 4 dressed in the correct summer uniform, including hat and with an appropriate hair style. The guidelines for the appropriate hair style are in the Year Level sections on MyGrammar.
I wish all families a safe and restful September holiday period.
Boarding
Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones
Gratitude
As we conclude the term, we are privileged to have an opportunity to reflect on all that has happened within the community. The many events and activities have enabled a rich and deep experience for every BGS boarder.
Term 3 is the backbone of the school year. With two major winter sports and a formal Assessment Block, the 10 weeks naturally deliver challenges and growth opportunities. I am delighted by how the boys have responded to these challenges and for all of the wonderful role models we see across each year group.
Throughout my tenure in Boarding, I have made no secret of the importance of gratitude. This includes our own sense of gratitude for all we have, and the capacity and awareness to appreciate those around us who do so much for the community.
It was therefore my delight to engage the boarders in thanking each Boarding Tutor, Residential Supervisor and those who lead the program, along with our ever-supportive Health Centre, with a carefully selected delivery of donuts.
The boys in Boarding are increasingly aware of the wisdom of my late grandmother, passed on to us from my native Wales. She reminded me that it costs nothing to appreciate other people but that it does say a great deal about you. I trust this is one of those qualities boys will embrace and take with them on their journey at BGS and beyond.
Outdoor Education
Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis
10C attended their final Outdoor Education experience as a class at Moogerah. The program focus of ‘leading peers’ gives each student numerous opportunities for prescribed and volunteer leadership roles and the option to plan and coordinate their three-day expedition along the Teviot Range. The students collaborated on coordinating their expedition teams, height activities and bushwalking options to create a bespoke final expedition for each group.
Connor Fitzpatrick was recognised by his peer group for his excellent navigation during the most challenging sections of the expedition. He demonstrated excellent attention to detail when reading the map, and took a lead role with group management over the three days. Rohan Barlow was a strong leader in his group, taking a proactive approach to group tasks, problem solving and decision making. Rohan maintained his enthusiasm all week and was a great contributor when reflecting and facilitating the final height activity, the giant swing on Friday.
Kobi Griffiths and Otto Dwyer maintained excellent engagement in the program. Kobi and Otto stepped up to confidently lead sections of the hike and provided support to their peers by collaborating on navigation decisions. Jim Curley and Edward Nelson were valued members of their groups, taking on volunteer leadership roles and showing initiative, particularly during expedition cooking and campsite management.
John Robertson was a great contributor with a good work ethic. John worked hard for his group and was a positive influence during the challenging sections of the hike. John demonstrated a sense of empathy for his fellow classmates and consistently took opportunities to support and assist his peers.
10C parents joined their sons on Friday for their final meal at Moogerah. Parents were taken on a tour of the site, visiting the activities the boys had completed over their six-year Outdoor Education journey at Moogerah. Connor Fitzpatrick described his reflection to parents and his classmates and spoke of the many positive experiences, what he has learned about himself and his friends and the way he has developed a clearer understanding of the Indigenous history of the area.
A short movie of the boys' experiences can be viewed via the 10C 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 10 folder in Pixevety.
Public Purpose
Public Purpose Term 3
Public Purpose has had yet another busy term in our Project Groups and Days of Significance Groups.
Days of Significance Group
Students in the Days of Significance Group this term joined with the Gender Respect Project Group to celebrate Wear it Purple Day on Friday 26 August. Students raised awareness of the need to provide supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for young people. The Days of Significance Group also hosted a purple spider stall for students to enjoy, and funds raised were donated to Wear It Purple.
During Child Protection Week, from 4 to 10 September, students in the Days of Significance Group posted messages in the Daily Bulletin to educate others about how to ensure they feel safe. Messages included identifying trusted adults in their safety network they feel comfortable with, and trusting their instincts and body signals to help protect themselves. These notices fostered class discussions and conversations in Tutor Groups about safety in the online world as well.
To raise awareness for RU OK? Day on Thursday 8 September, the Days of Significance Group ran a friendly game of touch football on the oval, inviting students across the School to join in and check in with each other. Thanks to Mr Bloch for refereeing the game, which saw over 60 students in Years 5 to 12 take turns on the field. Through this initiative to bring our BGS community together, students were encouraged to recognise signs of change in their mates and loved ones, and start a conversation to check in with them. It is a message that remains important each day to ensure we all look after one another.
MS Readathon
August also saw our MS Readathon Group taking up the challenge of reading as many books as they could to raise funds to support families living with multiple sclerosis. Well done.
Guide Dogs Youth Ambassador Group
Our Guide Dogs Youth Ambassador Group participated in PAWGUST to continue to support their partnership with Guide Dogs Queensland. Together this group managed to add to their fundraising efforts. As this group has raised over $10,000 so far this year, they have been invited to name a Guide Dog puppy and visit Guide Dogs Queensland at their training facility in Bald Hills. We look forward to this in Term 4.
RSPCA Project Group
Our RSPCA Project Group ran a ‘guess the gummy bears’ competition this term, and will continue selling Freddo chocolates at break times at the beginning of next term to raise funds to support ‘all creatures, great and small’.
Homework Club
The Homework Club has continued to support Junior School students from Kelvin Grove State College in partnership with Communify throughout Term 3. This project sees Years 10, 11 and 12 students from BGS attend the Kelvin Grove Exchange each Thursday afternoon to volunteer an hour of their time. BGS students support younger students with their homework and assignments. I would like to thank the Year 12 Homework Club students for their contribution over the past three years.
If you are in Year 10 and would like to be involved in Homework Club in Term 4, please contact me at crystal.thompson@brisbanegrammar.com.
Patients in Need Project Group
The Public Purpose Patients in Need Project Group would like to thank the wider Brisbane Grammar School community for their generous donations of items this term.
This project group works in partnership with the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital to provide patients experiencing major life stressors, such as sudden illness, homelessness or crime, with necessities such as clean clothes, footwear or toiletries. These items allow the hospital to assist patients with meeting their basic needs while promoting dignity and respect for all.
Last Friday, the BGS community was encouraged to wear crazy socks to school in exchange for a gold coin donation towards Patients in Need. Thank you to our community for their support.
If you did not get the chance to donate to this project but would like to, please visit the Patients in Need Program Fundraising Page.
Click 'Donate' to make a secure online donation.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible and you will be issued with a tax-deductible receipt via email as soon as you make your donation.
Crystal Thompson
Public Purpose Leader
STEAM Precinct Welcome to Country
Reconciliation at BGS
For a brief period this week, the sounds of construction fell silent across the campus as the BESIX Watpac construction team paused to pay their respects to the traditional custodians of the land on which our STEAM Precinct stands, the Turrbal people. The event coincided with the completed construction of the last suspended slab on the top level of STEAM.
BGS First Nations students, representatives from the Student and Staff Reconciliation Action Groups, Acting Headmaster Mr David Carroll, and CFO Mr Mark Corgat had the privilege of attending this meaningful ceremony. For some of our students and staff, this was the first time they had the opportunity to participate in a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.
Turrbal Elder Aunty Kathy Fisher warmly welcomed us to her country, asking the ancestor spirits of the Turrbal people to protect those present and allow us to share the land. Aunty Kathy also shared the significance of smoking ceremonies to cleanse the land and those present of troubled spirits, and bless the land and people for the future.
The students appreciated the opportunity to talk with Aunty Kathy after the ceremony and enjoyed a delicious morning tea of bush-infused food, provided by Nattassia Rohtjarv of Native Sweetness. Ms Rohtjarv shared with staff and students her knowledge of Indigenous bush ingredients and foods.
STEAM education has a strong connection to First Nations history and culture. 70,000 years ago, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were one of the most technologically advanced societies at the time. Their survival in Australia depended on constant ingenuity and diversification, to create significant inventions and tools to survive the harsh environment.
The reconciliation staff and students would like to thank BESIX Watpac for inviting us to share this special event.
Crystal Thompson
Chair of the Student and Staff Reconciliation Action Groups
BGS Library Book Fair
Middle School
Head of Middle School | Rebecca Campbell
Today we concluded Term 3 with our Interwing Track and Field Carnival at Northgate. Our interwing events significantly contribute to building a positive culture within the Middle School. The boys enjoy the opportunity to represent their wing in a variety of physical challenges. Highlights of the day include the tug-of-war and ball games, alongside traditional athletic events including 100m and 200m sprints, long jump, high jump and shot put. Thank you to Mr McFarlane for organising this end-of-term event.
In staffing news, we bid farewell to Ms Kettle as she embarks on an exciting adventure teaching in South Korea. We are grateful for the energy Ms Kettle has brought to the Middle School and we look forward to welcoming her back to BGS in the future. We welcome Mrs Bobbie Porter to the Middle School as the 7J Form Tutor.
As Term 3 draws to a close, we wish all families a safe and relaxing holiday break. A reminder that Term 4 commences Tuesday 4 October.
Centenary Library
Centenary Library Medal Competition
The Year 7 social space is abuzz with excitement after last Friday’s launch of the Centenary Library Medal.
Each Year 7 class has selected their favourite fantasy novel and has been hard at work promoting it to their peers using posters, videos and bookmarks.
On Friday, students also presented some fantastic speeches at assembly persuading undecided voters that their chosen book should be the one to win. Students will this week vote for their favourite novel, aside from their classes, and the 2022 winner of the Centenary Library Medal Competition will be announced before we finish for the term.
Thank you to all the staff and students for not only embracing this challenge in such a busy time of the year but also approaching it with such enthusiasm and creativity.
Good luck to all and may the best book win!
Dani Smith
Teacher Librarian
Cocurricular
Head of Performance Development | Adam Bloch
As we complete Term 3, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all boys who participated in the Rugby, Basketball and Chess programs. You should be proud of your commitment to training, your efforts during fixtures and your weekly pursuit of performance improvements, irrespective of which program you participated in. Please ensure that every effort is made this week to thank your coaches and program directors for their planning and preparation across the season.
It is important to rest and recover during the holidays. In a school with so many opportunities to engage in academic or cocurricular offerings, it is pertinent to ensure that time is scheduled in your year to switch off and recover. Find a hobby, explore something new, read a book or simply enjoy a leisurely walk. Taking time to refresh is critical to recharge your batteries prior to a busy Term 4.
With that in mind, should you wish to engage in some strength training over the break as part of your routine, the BGS Weights Room will be open from 10.00am to 12.00pm from Monday to Friday over the two weeks. The timetable is accessible via the Performance Development tile on the Cocurricular page of MyGrammar.
Recently, the Performance Development Department hosted a successful Parent Information Evening to outline the strategic rationale and logic of the department framework and discuss the importance of safe, well-coached strength and conditioning in adolescents to ensure long-term development. Successful communication and collaboration are key to achieving positive student outcomes within the program. This event was recorded and is available for viewing via the Performance Development page on MyGrammar. We thank those parents who joined us and look forward to hosting further events of a similar nature in the future.
Looking ahead, Term 4 is a fantastic opportunity for boys to engage in the various programs of the Performance Development Department to ensure they are best prepared for their cocurricular engagement in 2023. The absence of weekend fixtures and, in many instances, weekday training sessions presents a fantastic, multi-week block of uninterrupted physical preparation designed to increase muscle strength and bone integrity, decrease injury risk and increase preparedness to perform in 2023. If you have managed a bump or a niggle, reach out to our team so that we can rehabilitate in a safe, supervised and effective manner to ensure it does not become a chronic nuisance for you and your sporting participation.
Again, I wish to thank all BGS students for their continued engagement in the cocurricular programs across the School. To those students who have been tirelessly preparing for the looming Track and Field Championships in Term 4, maintain your eye on the prize and continue your commitment to training over the holiday break. As always, if you have questions concerning the BGS Performance Development Department programs, please get in touch.
Drama
Middle School Dramatic Production | Tickets on sale now
Preparations continue for this year’s Middle School Dramatic Production of Journey to Awedon, premiering Wednesday 19 October. It has been another busy week of rehearsals as the cast and crew work to put the finishing touches on the production with the introduction of costumes, props and tech.
Click here to purchase tickets to this year’s Middle School Dramatic Production.
- Venue: BGS Theatre
- Dates: Wednesday 19, Thursday 20 and Friday 21 October
- Time: 6.00pm
- Ticket prices: Adults – $30, Students – $20
Follow BGS Drama on Instagram (@grammarplay.bgs) for rehearsal snapshots.
Jeffrey Lewis, Ben Newth, Chloe Aldred and Carly Wilson
Middle School Dramatic Production Creative Team
Music
As we reach the end of a busy term of Music activities, we are all anticipating an exciting Term 4 of performances. There will be a frenzy of activity in Week 2 with a series of final Showcase Concerts featuring most of our 2022 ensembles.
Part of this Festival of Music will be the ever-popular Sing and Swing event and our annual awards night, the Music Celebration. To encourage families to attend a range of events in Term 4, and to make it a little more affordable, we are offering an Early Bird Bonus for these events. Details are below. These events will also be an opportunity for the BGS community to show their appreciation to Jim Noble, who will be retiring at the end of the year.
Of course, music will feature at the significant Term 4 school ceremonies, Speech Day and Middle School Presentation Afternoon. The musical year will conclude in spectacular fashion when we gather at St John’s Cathedral on Saturday 26 November for Lessons and Carols. Some spectacular music is planned with rehearsals well underway already for this event which you won’t want to miss.
Specific details will be shared next term but set the date aside!
Strings Showcase Concert
Tuesday 11 October (6.00pm, Great Hall)
- Featuring all of our String Ensembles
- Booking Link - www.trybooking.com/CCHWL
Bands Showcase Concert
Wednesday 12 October (6.00pm, Centenary Hall)
- Featuring all of our Concert Bands, all our Percussion Ensembles and Double Reed Ensemble
- Booking Link - www.trybooking.com/CCHWP
Orchestras Showcase Concert
Thursday 13 October (6.00pm, Centenary Hall)
- Featuring our two Orchestras as well as Flute Ensemble and Clarinet Ensemble
- Booking Link - www.trybooking.com/CCHWR
Sing and Swing
Sunday 16 October (5.00pm, BGS Multipurpose Courts)
- Featuring all of our Choirs and Jazz Bands in a relaxed outdoor venue where you can catch up with friends, enjoy some wonderful music and indulge in scrumptious refreshments from the visiting food truck
- Pre-order your Antipasti Boxes here
- Booking Link - www.trybooking.com/CCPNI
Music Celebration
Friday 28 October (7.00pm, Hillstone St Lucia)
- A formal two-course dinner in a gorgeous venue providing an opportunity to catch up with friends
- Recognition of Performance Award placegetters (certificate ceremony)
- Reflection of 2022 BGS Music Program including farewelling the graduating Music seniors
- Celebration of Jim Noble’s contribution to BGS Music
- Booking Link - https://payments.brisbanegrammar.com/onestopweb/music2022
- EARLY BIRD BONUS - Book for the Music Celebration Function before the end of September and receive a FREE CONCERT TICKET valid for any of the Showcase Concerts or Sing and Swing
Lessons and Carols
Saturday 26 November (7.00pm, St John’s Cathedral)
- Traditional celebration of the Christmas season featuring readings and reflections interspersed among performances from all of our Choirs as well as communal singing of popular Christmas carols
- Enjoy the amazing acoustics and surrounds of this beautiful cathedral with its wonderful pipe organ
- The 2022 theme of Love at Christmas will provide the opportunity for us as a BGS family to show our support for those in the wider community who are struggling
- Tickets and more information available early Term 4
Peter Ingram
Head of Music
Chess
The BGS Chess squad entered the final rounds of the season with many teams in contention for first-place finishes.
In Round 8, BGS faced Churchie in the toughest fixture of the season. Our Premier Team unfortunately left with a 2.5-1.5 loss, but took pride in the fact that they were the only team to have taken points off Churchie at that stage of the season. The rest of the squad put in a sterling effort, and we came away with 29 wins out of a possible 44.
The final Spirit round was held at BBC with eight of the nine GPS schools in attendance. A draw for our Premiers against BBC was enough for them to secure second place overall. We congratulate the Premiers on a great season.
We also achieved outstanding results in many of the Open divisions. Our squad achieved first place finishes in Open, A, B, D, E, F, G, H and I divisions. These results reflect the growth of the program and the strength in depth of the squad. Congratulations to all BGS Chess players for their achievements this year.
Liam Herne and Jay Taylor
Chess Co-Directors
Sailing
BGS sailors head to New Zealand this October to represent Australia and BGS
After finishing third at the Australia School Team Racing Championships, BGS sailors qualified for the international sailing event to be held in New Zealand from 3 to 7 October 2022. The Scots College (NSW) Peninsula Grammar (VIC) and BGS (QLD) form the Australian Sailing Team and will take on the best of New Zealand’s school sailing.
With time on the water an essential part of preparations, the team trained most Sundays in Term 3 on Waterloo Bay off RQYS in Manly, coached by BGS Sailing Old Boys. It has been 21 years since the School has sent a sailing team to an international event. We wish the boys and their coaches the best of luck.
A special thanks to Director of PE, Sport and Activities, John Clancy, for standing in to organise the trip with Sailing Director Paul Kobez away.
BGS Representative Sailing Team
Skippers - Isaac Schotte (C) (Year 12), Michael Murray (VC) (Year 12), Ethan Harcourt (Year 11)
Crew - Alex Sampson (Year 8), Ethan Ai (Year 8), Levi Phun (Year 7)
Reserves (for either skippers or crew), Ozair Rahman (Year 11), George Lee (Year 11)
Coaches - Rowan Purcell (BGS Old Boy 2017), Hugo Ghandi (BGS Old Boy 2021)
Future Problem Solving
Recently we received notification that one of our Future Problem Solving teams has qualified for the National Finals in October. Congratulations to Middle School students Jake Parker, Dinura Gallage, Thomas Scott and Eric Su. Two other boys, Nicholas Blanch and Adam Chua, have also been selected to support the team and to compete in their own separate competition.
Only three teams from Queensland qualified in this division, so our team will be proudly representing our school and state. We thank our team members and coach from Brisbane Girls Grammar School for training and preparing with us for this competition during the year.
The National Finals topic is ‘Mining in the future’. Big questions our boys will have to respond to include:
- With environmental protections varying greatly from country to country, how can the world collaborate on the best way to extract and share geological materials?
- With mining as the foundation of countless communities, how will they be impacted by the changing landscape of mining?
- In the future, are there new areas that might be mined for resources?
FPS is an academic competition in which students apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to hypothetical future situations. The program looks at current technological, geopolitical, and societal trends and projects those trends 20–30 years into the future to train students to develop solutions to challenges they may face as adults.
We wish the boys all the best for their preparations leading up the finals in Melbourne next month.
Simon Canfield
Queensland Future Problem Solving Convenor
Community
- P&F Auxiliary | Tuckshop and Grammar Shop
- Spring Luncheon
- Celebrating Our Community | Tuesday 11 October
- Year 10 Father and Son Breakfast
- Art Support Group
- Hardwood Club Basketball Support Group | Raffle winners
- Willow Club Cricket Support Group | Gala Day Festival
- Upcoming Events
- 2022 Calendar
P&F Auxiliary | Tuckshop and Grammar Shop
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.
Blazer Embroidery Information
Students wishing to submit their blazer for embroidery may do so at the beginning of Term 4. Term 4 cut-off dates for blazer embroidery to be returned prior to Speech Day are as follows:
Years 9 – 11 Friday 14 October 2022 (end of week 2)
Year 12 Tuesday 25 October 2022 (mid-week 4)
The later cut-off date for Year 12 students is to allow these boys to have any academic awards embroidered by Speech Day and Valedictory.
Years 9 to 11 students who achieve academic awards will have to submit their blazers after Speech Day or in 2023 to have them embroidered.
Students not requiring their blazer for Speech Day can submit their blazer any time in Term 4 for return in 2023.
Any questions on blazers and embroidery should be forwarded to the Grammar Shop.
Grammar Shop
Open weekdays from 7.30am to 11.00am.
PAYMENT and ONLINE ORDERS
Grammar Shop 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).
The online store can be accessed by entering the BGS Card system and then clicking the ‘Grammar Shop Online’ link at the top of the screen.
A significant number of students are still coming to the Grammar Shop without sufficient funds on their BGS Card. 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.
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 you collecting these items as soon as possible.
STYLUS PENS
The Toshiba stylus pens are no longer being sold in the Grammar Shop. However, we are selling the HP G3 stylus pens for $130. These pens can be used on all tablets, including Toshiba tablets.
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
Spring Luncheon
Celebrating Our Community | Tuesday 11 October
Members of the BGS community are invited to join us for Celebrating our Community on Tuesday 11 October 2022.
The annual event acknowledges the significant time and effort volunteers give to Brisbane Grammar School.
Volunteers are vital to a thriving school community and BGS is fortunate to have the support of so many hardworking groups and individuals.
An important element of this occasion is the presentation of the Betty Howell Awards, named in honour of Mrs Joan Elizabeth (Betty) Howell.
During her 25-year association with the School, Betty Howell was a passionate volunteer with the Art Committee and P&F Auxiliary.
The Betty Howell Awards are presented by the Board of Trustees to recognise volunteers who exemplify selfless service and contribution to BGS.
Click here to RSVP by Thursday 6 October.
Year 10 Father and Son Breakfast
Art Support Group
Guided tour of Selected Artworks from the Brisbane Grammar School Art Collection | Tuesday 18 October at 5.00pm
The BGS Art Support Group (ASG) invites you to join us on a special guided tour by Stewart Service, BGS Curator and former Head of Art, of selected art works from the BGS Art Collection. The School's significant collection is a result of generous donations of artworks made to BGS, as well as pieces purchased with the support of the ASG, over many years. Every day, students, staff and guests to the School have the opportunity to appreciate these incredible artworks within the buildings of BGS and in its grounds. The boys also have the unique opportunity to enhance their Art education journey, as they are used in classroom teaching. This is a tour not to be missed!
Numbers for this tour are strictly limited.
RSVP by Friday 14 October to art.committee@brisbanegrammar.com.
Drinks and nibbles will be served at the conclusion of the tour. Guests are invited to stay on for the Art Support Group's AGM (details below) and an informal chat and exchange of ideas about the 2023 BGS Art Show.
Art Support Group (ASG) AGM | Tuesday 18 October at 6.30pm
The BGS Art Support Group warmly invites all interested parents to attend our Annual General Meeting.
The meeting will be held in The Lilley Centre Function Room on Tuesday 18 October from 6.30pm - 8.00pm (Week 3 Term 4).
All positions will be declared vacant.
Executive roles
At the AGM, nominations will be received, and voting will take place for President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
Art Committee roles
There are a variety of other ongoing roles within the ASG Committee such as Art Show Curators, Marketing & Communications, Logistics, Sponsorship, Event Styling and Catering. There are also many volunteer opportunities for parents who would like to assist closer to the time of the Art Show and Gala event. These roles will be filled once the new committee has been formed. Expressions of interest are welcomed. Come along to the meeting to find out more!
Please contact the ASG at art.committee@brisbanegrammar.com to RSVP for the AGM, obtain a nomination form, or for further information about any aspect of the BGS Art Show or Art Support Group.
We look forward to welcoming new and returning members to the BGS Art Support Group for 2023.
Peta Spence
Art Support Group President
0419 906 706
art.committee@brisbanegrammar.com
Hardwood Club Basketball Support Group | Raffle winners
The raffle prize winners of the recent Hardwood Club Basketball Raffle, which was drawn on Tuesday 13 September, are:
- Geoff de Jager
- Troy Harry
- Bronwyn Labagnara
- Jacinta Amies
- David Hilford
Congratulations also to the prize winners of the most tickets sold per year level:
- Year 5: Tony Chin
- Year 6: Ben Bendell
- Year 7: Ethan Hilford
- Year 8: Ashton Parsons-Pope
- Year 9: Ollie White
- Year 10: Otto Dwyer
- Year 11: Angus Norris
- Year 12: Hamish Moss
Thank you to everyone who supported the Hardwood Club’s fundraising this season.
Willow Club Cricket Support Group | Gala Day Festival
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