Newsletter
Week 3 Term 4

During my nine years at Brisbane Grammar School, handball has shifted from being a pastime for Middle Schoolers to the unofficial sport of choice for BGS boys.

On many occasions this year I spent breaks strolling along the driveway from Centenary Hall to The Lilley Centre, energised by the sheer joy and togetherness displayed by the Class of 2022 on the handball courts.

This particular cohort are a special group. They have succeeded in many traditional areas, including sport, music, and the dramatic arts. I am confident that their academic results will also be of a high standard.

However, I will remember them for the spirited games of handball that brought so much atmosphere and energy to the School. To my mind, this is where they demonstrated their sense of fun and friendship.

Court One, on the driveway outside Centenary Hall, has been home to an incredibly tight group of boys whose handball is often as wayward as their dress sense. The enjoyment I get watching this group allows me to look past all those loose ties and untucked shirts.

The handballers on Court Two, located outside the Tuckshop, have created their own traditions. They erected a scoreboard for the top 10 players of the week and found a secret storage place for the balls in the crook of a tree.

Court Three, meanwhile, is a narrow set of squares just near The Gun and the Great Hall. This is by far the most raucous court at BGS. On any given day the Court Three boys fill the campus with laughter and activity.

Finally, Court Four is down in the bunker at the bottom of The Lilley Centre stairs. Many of the boys here will no doubt become the doctors of tomorrow – and such is their commitment to handball that I would not be surprised to find courts appearing in operating theatres. Sometimes, I’d leave my office at 5.00pm to find these boys still at it on Court Four.

I have great affection and admiration for the Class of 2022. They have brought vitality to the School, demonstrating leadership and initiative in all their endeavours.

Last week I had the chance to watch the video which will be shown at Valedictory in mid-November. It made me so proud, but I resisted the urge to share it widely as I want it to be a surprise for parents and staff. What I will say, though, is the video perfectly illustrates the special bond that has been established among an outstanding cohort of young BGS men.

I believe that when the senior cohort gets it right, they become the most influential group in the School. The Class of 2022 got it right and have left a wonderful legacy at BGS.

For that, I thank the mums and dads, teachers, Form Tutors, Mr Scholes and Mr Conway. Thank you also to the committee members, Form Seniors, Boarding and School Prefects. To Hamish, Lucas, Charlie, Sam, and Finn: you remained selfless and authentic.

It has given me immense satisfaction to witness this generous and respectful group of young men support one another through their journey at BGS. They are perfect ambassadors for the School.

Applications Open

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

A small number of Academic Scholarships (Trustees’ Scholarships) are awarded each year, based on demonstrated academic excellence, to boys commencing Year 7 and Year 10 in 2024.

The ACER Scholarship Examination will be held at the School on Saturday 25 February 2023. Registration is only available online and may be made via our website. Registration will close at midnight AEDST Monday 6 February 2023. Please note that no registrations will be accepted after the closing date.

Jamie Smith
Director of Enrolments

Brisbane City Council has advised the immediate closure of the footbridge that connects the BGS Tennis Centre with the School until further notice.

Click here to view alternative walking routes from the BGS Tennis Centre to the School.

Updates will be communicated as they are received from Council.

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

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

In January 2023, the 2022 School Magazine will be available to all parents as a free downloadable PDF. A limited number of hard copies will be printed, primarily for Class of 2022 students who will receive a copy at their home address in January 2023.

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

 Note, 2021 print opt ins will not carry over to 2022. If you wish to receive a print copy each year, a form will need to be completed each year during Term 4.

Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones

Community engagement

The Boarding Expo event in Mount Isa last weekend brought together schools from Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, representing the culmination of the School’s community engagement program. It was a delight to showcase our Boarding program to prospective families.

Following curtailed programs in 2020 and 2021, it was great to finally deliver most of the program that was planned at the end of last year. This year has seen BGS attend various fairs and shows throughout Queensland, northern New South Wales, Darwin, and Katherine and host Virtual Boarding Night with a live Facebook feed.

I am delighted to report that our promotion of BGS Boarding has attracted unprecedented interest and that boarding enquires are very healthy.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank all those who contribute to our outreach works and especially to Mr Jamie Smith, Mrs Debbie Power and Mrs Alison Walters who have been a mainstay of the various visits and events.

Director of Counselling and Academic Services
Dale Nicholas

External Examinations – Illness and Misadventure

Source: Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority

Any absence from the external examinations will require the submission of an illness and misadventure application to the QCAA which must be accompanied by a detailed medical report.

To make an informed decision about an illness and misadventure application for medical reasons, the QCAA requires a report from an independent health professional that includes the following details:

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

Illness and misadventure applications for non-medical reasons, require written evidence from a relevant independent professional or other independent third party, such as a social worker, member of the clergy, police officer, or solicitor.

In all circumstances, the person providing the supporting documentation must have specific knowledge of the illness, injury, personal trauma or serious intervening event, and must not have a close personal relationship with, or be related to, the student.

Currency of supporting documentation

Supporting documentation must cover the date of the assessment for which the application is made.

A health professional providing evidence must have examined or treated the student, or have been consulted by the student, in the period from two days before the external assessment to one day after the external assessment.

Students and parents should ensure that the attached form is completed, and that Section C related to Illness and Misadventure has also been completed. This must be submitted to aara@brisbanegrammar.com within 24 hours of the relevant exam.

AARA Confidential Medical Report

Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis

10F were excellent at Moogerah. The class organised themselves into two expedition groups with different objectives for their journey across the Teviot Range. They engaged in the challenges and leadership opportunities to make the most of their final class experience.

Zed Lee demonstrated an excellent attitude and made a great effort to support his peers by staying motivated and showing empathy. Sam Long showed his passion for the outdoors and worked hard to support his classmates. Hugo Elix set a record on the morning run on Friday, even after hiking Mt Moon, and then did a second lap at easier pace to enjoy the scenery and take it all in one more time.

Tom Chan was an energetic and enthusiastic participant, demonstrating great outdoor skills and taking every opportunity to lead and help. Dan Miller was a mature and reliable participant who was aware of the needs of his peers and had a positive influence on the group during the long expedition. Manoli Samios was a strong leader with a focus on assisting his peers. He had a great impact on the success of the group during the three-day journey.

10F were asked to reflect on what the outdoor education program meant to them. Some responses below:

“Every year at camp, except Year 10, things didn’t go to plan. Year 7 there was a heat wave, Year 8 was just day trips because of COVID and in Year 9 there was some crazy rain. I’m glad it was like that; it teaches you to just make do with what you have. I really loved coming to the same spot each year and I’ve made some amazing memories. It’s sad to be saying goodbye, I’m going to miss Moogerah.” – Manoli Samios.

“It has taught me to never give up, to try my hardest even if I don’t like it, and that memories and friendships will never fade if they are important. It’s taught me to work for what’s right and to persevere even if it’s difficult.” – Sam Long.

A short movie of the boys' experiences can be viewed via the 10F 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.

Christmas Hamper Appeal 

This Christmas, many of us are looking forward to sharing presents and enjoying the festivities with family and friends. However, this is not the case for many families who are struggling.

In partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Public Purpose group is collecting food items from the BGS community for Christmas hampers which will be delivered to families in need. These hampers may be the only gift some families receive this year.

The Christmas Hamper Appeal will run from Week 2 until Week 6 this term and we are asking each student to bring in one or two items – most of which can be found in your pantry.

Middle School boys should ask their Form Tutor about which items to bring in. In Senior School, each Form Group has been allocated specific items. Senior School boys can see below for which items to bring in, or in the Year Level Teams chat.

Thank you for your support to help families in need this Christmas.  

Stella Gardner
Teacher

Year 9

Tutor Group	Donation Items
0901	Tinned Ham (no spam)
0902	Tinned Fruit / Fruit Cups
0903	Long life Custard & Jelly Cups / Jelly packs
0904	Long life Milk
0905	Biscuits (sweet & savory)
0906	Spaghetti & Baked Beans
0907	Milo, Nesquick (chocolate/strawberry etc.)
0908	Soft drink (1L bottles) & Cordial
0909	Lollies & Chips
0910	Long life Juice
0911	Christmas Cake & Plum Puddings
0912	Tea & Instant Coffee
0913	Tinned Tuna & Tinned Vegetables
0914	Pasta Sauces, dry pasta & Gravy Power tins/packs
0915	Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
0916	Soaps & Deodorant (male & female)
0917	Spreads (Jams, Nutella, Honey, etc) & Cake Mixes/Pancake Mixes
0918	Cereals

Year 10

Tutor Group	Donation Items
1001	Tinned Ham (no spam)
1002	Tinned Fruit / Fruit Cups
1003	Long life Custard & Jelly Cups / Jelly packs
1004	Long life Milk
1005	Biscuits (sweet & savory)
1006	Spaghetti & Baked Beans
1007	Milo, Nesquick (chocolate/strawberry etc.)
1008	Soft drink (1L bottles) & Cordial
1009	Lollies & Chips
1010	Long life Juice
1011	Christmas Cake & Plum Puddings
1012	Tea & Instant Coffee
1013	Tinned Tuna & Tinned Vegetables
1014	Pasta Sauces, dry pasta & Gravy Power tins/packs
1015	Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
1016	Soaps & Deodorant (male & female)
1017	Spreads (Jams, Nutella, Honey, etc) & Cake Mixes/Pancake Mixes
1018	Cereals

Year 11

Tutor Group	Donation Items
1101	Tinned Ham (no spam)
1102	Tinned Fruit / Fruit Cups
1103	Long life Custard & Jelly Cups / Jelly packs
1104	Long life Milk
1105	Biscuits (sweet & savory)
1106	Spaghetti & Baked Beans
1107	Milo, Nesquick (chocolate/strawberry etc.)
1108	Soft drink (1L bottles) & Cordial
1109	Lollies & Chips
1110	Long life Juice
1111	Christmas Cake & Plum Puddings
1112	Tea & Instant Coffee
1113	Tinned Tuna & Tinned Vegetables
1114	Pasta Sauces, dry pasta & Gravy Power tins/packs
1115	Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
1116	Soaps & Deodorant (male & female)
1117	Spreads (Jams, Nutella, Honey, etc) & Cake Mixes/Pancake Mixes
1118	Cereals

Year 12

Tutor Group	Donation Items
1201	Tinned Ham (no spam)
1202	Tinned Fruit / Fruit Cups
1203	Long life Custard & Jelly Cups / Jelly packs
1204	Long life Milk
1205	Biscuits (sweet & savory)
1206	Spaghetti & Baked Beans
1207	Milo, Nesquick (chocolate/strawberry etc.)
1208	Soft drink (1L bottles) & Cordial
1209	Lollies & Chips
1210	Long life Juice
1211	Christmas Cake & Plum Puddings
1212	Tea & Instant Coffee
1213	Tinned Tuna & Tinned Vegetables
1214	Pasta Sauces, dry pasta & Gravy Power tins/packs
1215	Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
1216	Soaps & Deodorant (male & female)
1217	Spreads (Jams, Nutella, Honey, etc) & Cake Mixes/Pancake Mixes
1218	Cereals

Junior Engineers – Year 12 Assistant Instructors

Junior Engineers are looking to hire 20 mature and confident Year 12 students to become Year 12 Assistant Instructors to work alongside existing Instructors in their STEM classes.

These jobs are completely flexible and can be for Term 4 (after exams are finished), summer school holidays and/or in 2023 for those wishing to continue as Instructors while completing tertiary education. 

About Junior Engineers:

Junior Engineers helps children pursue their passion for technology by offering hands-on, fun and interactive after school and school holiday programs in coding and robotics.

They offer:

• $20 per hour while in Year 12 as an Assistant Instructor, increasing to $30 as an instructor
• Paid induction and ongoing professional development
• Six to 12 hours work per week during term time
• 12+ hours per week during school holidays
• Social events
• Industry connections
• Various bonus payments

To apply, send a resume with the subject title: Year 12 Assistant Instructor Application to janine@jnrengineers.com. Applications will be assessed in the order they are received. They are actively recruiting to fill vacancies now, so please do not delay!

RISE – Calling All Young, Brilliant Minds

Rise is a program that finds brilliant people who need opportunity and supports them for life as they work to serve others.

An initiative of the Rhodes Trust and Schmidt Futures, Rise is the anchor program of a $1 billion commitment from Eric and Wendy Schmidt to find and support global talent. One hundred Global Winners in 47 countries were selected in 2022 from an applicant pool of more than 120,000.

Benefits of being selected as a Rise Global Winner includes a 3 Week Residential Summit, Mentorship & Career Services, University Scholarships, and Technology Packages. Each winner can be eligible for more than $500,000 USD in benefits over the course of their lives.

Today, we are calling all young, brilliant minds determined to make a difference in their community and the world to apply to become a Rise Global Winner in 2023.

Applications are officially open and if you are 15-17 years old as of 1 July 2023, you are eligible to apply.

Please join Ms Neilsen (Principal Project Officer STEAM and Related Learning) and Year 11 Rise Global Winner Rahul Kumar on Wednesday 3.20pm @ LC310  for a short presentation on this exciting scholarship program and how to apply.

RSVP YES if you can attend: https://forms.office.com/r/pM4eMFs9HF

Tanya Neilsen
Principal Project Officer STEAM and Related Learning

Last week the Art Department was privileged to welcome award-winning contemporary artist Brian Robinson to BGS. Robinson, who grew up on Thursday Island, shared his journey and artistic process with boarders, Year 6, Year 8 and Year 11 Art students.   

Year 11 students spent the day with Robinson immersed in the process of creating beautiful sculptural blooms. The boys were mesmerised by the process of layering and manipulating materials and thoroughly enjoyed exploring traditional Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledge to create their field of blooms through a contemporary wall sculpture.

Follow us on Instagram grammarart.bgs to view more examples of students’ exciting work.

Rebecca Masciantonio
Art Teacher

Speech Day will be held Wednesday 16 November at QPAC Concert Hall for Year 9 (Prize Winners only) and all Years 10, 11 and 12 students. 

Parents of those attending can book online via QPAC, with a maximum of two seats per family. The booking link will be made available shortly.

All students in Years 10, 11 and 12 do not attend school that day and proceed directly to QPAC.

Similarly, Year 9 Prize Winners only do not attend school and proceed directly to QPAC.

All other Year 9 students not involved in Speech Day have an Independent Study Day at home. Supervision for quiet individual study will be made available in The Lilley Centre should any parents of Year 9 students wish to avail themselves of this.

Speech Day will be a normal school day with classes for Years 5 to 8.

A live stream will be available to view for all BGS community members. 

Congratulations to staff and students involved in this year’s Middle School Dramatic Production, Journey to Awedon. Over three nights, the cast entertained audiences with an original script written specifically for Middle School boys by BGS Drama staff. 

Thank you to the following staff members for their involvement:

• Ben Newth – Director
• Jeffrey Lewis – Director
• Chloe Aldred – Creative Producer
• Carly Wilson – Singing coach
• Michael Moloney – Technical Director
• Jack Woolrych – Production Assistant

BGS Public Purpose Youth Ambassadors this week visited the Queensland Guide Dogs training facility in recognition of their fundraising success this year.

Students met Guide Dog puppies, took part in guided walks, and had a blindfolded afternoon tea where they realised the importance of their work helping those who are visually impaired.  

A highlight of the afternoon was meeting a three-week-old female Guide Dog puppy that the boys had the privilege of naming. Ms Gardner and the Guide Dogs Public Purpose Youth Ambassadors will announce the name of the puppy in the coming weeks. 

Next Friday, all Middle School students will participate in the BGS Interwing Swimming Carnival at Centenary Pool. As it is a regular school day, full attendance is expected.

Boys are reminded to bring their Wing shirt for this event. Wing shirts are not to be worn when travelling to and from school. Further information regarding this event has been communicated by Mr McFarlane via email. 

Year 5 boys will venture to Tallebudgera next week for their annual three-day camp. Parents are encouraged to check the packing list carefully and to name all belongings. We wish students and staff well as they embark on this exciting adventure.

Acclaimed author visits BGS

Year 8 students were treated to an inspiring and entertaining session last week with Will Kostakis, an author of five books who received his first publishing offer at the age of 16.

Drawing on his own personal life, Will offered writing advice and shared his experience of being part of a lively Greek family. There were book giveaways to lucky recipients and it was clear that the audience was appreciative of Will’s presentation.

Reading Challenge

In Term 3, boys in Years 5 and Year 6 took part in a Reading Challenge. Run in conjunction with the Library and the English classes, boys were encouraged to read a book with a parent. There were also various optional challenges.

Boys and parents shared their thoughts:

"It was fun spending time together that wasn't homework."

"I felt a bit more connected with my dad and it was good to talk about it."

"It was enjoyable talking about which characters we liked the best and why."

"Sharing our thoughts and opinions prompted us to look at the plot and characters from a different perspective."

"How discussing the plot moved our conversation onto other topics related to the storyline, i.e., the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents. Queen Elizabeth II and her death."

Congratulations to everyone who participated. Winners were drawn on year level assemblies and the more challenges a boy completed the greater chance he had of winning a prize.

Year 6 Reading Challenge winners are: Lewis Prescott, Aadya Wadhwani, Ethan Moore

Year 5 Reading Challenge winners are: George Oliver, Anderson Han, Ashton Thompson and Felix Li

Book Fair

The Middle School Library this week hosted the Dymocks Book Fair, with a large array of books to purchase as well as great gifts and funky stationery.

The boys really enjoyed the different books and novels that we had available and eagerly awaited the opening of the Book Fair each morning. Particular favourites, such as The Treehouse Series and Avatar, walked off the shelves each day.

This year saw a large number of graphic novels available for purchase and appealed to a wider audience. The discussion amongst students at the Book Fair was lively and animated, demonstrating a clear love of reading.

Students loved perusing and purchasing their own book to take home or for a friend or family member. We look forward to hosting another Book Fair in 2023 and hope to see the students’ love for literature grow.

Sarah Lusink and Vicki Palmer
Teacher Librarians

Track and Field 2022

In 2022, BGS intends to shift the culture of Track and Field; a sport that has a rich history at the School and is vital to the ongoing improvement of other cocurricular activities. To that end, BGS Track and Field has hired new staff and experienced coaches, implemented a flexible new training routine, and challenged BGS athletes to stand up, be proud of their school and compete.

Led by Captain Alex Thakur and Vice Captains Toby Logan and Tom Macpherson, Track and Field has this year experienced a participation increase. More than 200 athletes have sought selection for the GPS Championships this Friday 21 October.

With the introduction of new Track and Field coach mentors, experienced Old Boys and a strong work ethic, the squad has a renewed sense of enthusiasm and a belief that they can achieve outstanding results.

This year, 51 BGS Track and Field athletes have competed at either district or regional meets, and as recently as last weekend we had 18 athletes compete at the QSS State Championships. Congratulations to Alex Thakur (Year 12), Max Hooper (Year 12), Alfie Sprott (Year 12), Archie Boorer (Year 8), Ethan Huang (Year 7) and Hayden Huang (Year 5) who all won medals.

Track and Field itself is sometimes seen as an individual sport. However, it is vital that, as a team, we continue to demand improvement and push one another to new personal bests. Out of the 200+ athletes, around 130 boys will compete at either the Junior GPS Carnival or the Senior GPS Championships. The support of the other 70 boys will spur them on, knowing they are accountable for how they represent the light dark blue.

I know our 16 Years and Open age groups will show resilience, pride, and fortitude, hitting the GPS competition with rejuvenated enthusiasm and energy to represent the School. I am confident they will set a shining example for the younger boys coming through the program.

The goal of the 2022 squad and GPS team is to improve on its 2021 GPS point tally. Everyone in the program is mindful that Friday represents an opportunity to lay a foundation for ongoing success. With future training goals, routine and our incredible junior athletes who will be on display in the morning, we have big plans for the next few years. Friday is the start of this exciting project.

We wish all athletes and coaches the best of luck for Friday.

The championships will be live streamed on Cluch TV. The link can be found on the Track and Field page of MyGrammar.

Music Celebration

Friday 28 October, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, Hillstone (St Lucia)

There are just a handful of tickets left for this gala night for BGS Music. We will recognise all placegetters at the recent Performance Awards, wish our Music Seniors all the very best as they head towards graduation, enjoy some entertaining performances from the Big Band, Chamber Strings and Vocal Octet and generally celebrate what has been a tremendously successful year of music making. There will also be a special recognition of Jim Noble’s wonderful service to the BGS Music program on the occasion of his retirement. It will be a very special night indeed so move fats to secure your ticket.

2023 Ensembles

Auditions continue this coming week with next year’s instrumental ensembles being initially settled by the end of Week 4. Rehearsals for these groups will commence in Week 5. While there will be no further performances for these groups in 2022, these initial activities and rehearsals are vital in establishing the groups so we ask that students be committed to rehearsals. Please remember that rehearsals take precedence over pre-season sporting activities.

Upcoming Events

• Music Celebration Dinner
  Friday 28 October (Big Band, Chamber Strings, Vocal Octet)
• Speech Day
  Wednesday 16 November (Big Band, Symphonic Band, Grammarphones)
• Middle School Concert
  Thursday 17 November (All Year 5ss, Vocal Group, Chamber Choir)
• MS Presentation Afternoon
  Wednesday 23 November (MS Choir, Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble)
• Lessons & Carols
  Saturday 26 November, 7.00pm at St John’s Cathedral
  Grammar Singers, GVE, Grammarphones, Chamber Choir, Grammar Voices
  Tickets available in Week 5 | More information next week

Peter Ingram
Head of Music

BGS cricketers have continued to work hard this week in preparation for upcoming matches in early November.

The Powderfinger Cup draw has been emailed to all players, along with the sign-on survey to register your interest. Click here for the sign-on survey and participation details and see the flyer below.

The BGS Willow Club Cricket Support Group invites the entire BGS community to the Willow Club Family Gala Day at Northgate on Sunday 6 November 2022.

Come along and participate in either the scheduled matches for students or fun activities organised by Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat players and officials.

A full canteen will be available, and half-time entertainment will see BGS Cricket staff take on an Invitational Middle School team.

Click here for the sign-on survey and registration details for the Gala Day.

We look forward to seeing as many people as possible.

Trevor Irvine
Cricket Director

FPS National Finals Success

Six BGS Middle School boys last week competed at the Future Problem Solving National Finals at Carey Grammar School in Melbourne. They earned a place in the finals after competing against hundreds of teams from around the country.

Future Problem Solving is an international academic competition that began in 1974. It asks competitors to solve potential challenges the world could face 20 or more years into the future.

The BGS team was likely the youngest in their division, as they were competing against Year 9 students. The team competed admirably throughout the gruelling two-hour booklet writing competition, responding to a question about mining in the future. The team then had a few hours to prepare for their presentation of their plan of action to explain their solutions to the problems they uncovered in the booklet competition.

While in Melbourne, the team had time for some last-minute research at the Victorian Museum’s geology exhibit and quiet study in the spectacular State Library.

At the Middle School assembly this week, the team members were presented their National Finals badge and certificate. Congratulations to Jake Parker, Thomas Scott, Eric Su, Dinura Gallage, Adam Chua and a special mention to Nicholas Blanch, who placed third in his booklet competition – an outstanding effort in his first year competing in Future Problem Solving.

BGS again worked with teams from Brisbane Girls Grammar School and had nine teams in total, the largest number yet. Places in Future Problem Solving for 2023 will be advertised early in the new year or you can get in contact with Mr Canfield for more details.

Simon Canfield
Future Problem Solving State Convenor

Blazer Embroidery Information

Year 12 students wishing to submit their blazer for embroidery may do so by Tuesday 25 October 2022.

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 need to submit their blazers after Speech Day or in 2023 to have them embroidered.

Students who do not require 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

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

The Normanby Blues will hold an Annual General meeting on Monday 21 November at 6.00pm at the Normanby Hotel in The Parlour Bar. Click here to view the agenda.

We would be delighted for interested Middle School parents to consider nominating for the committee. The younger age groups are an important stakeholder in BGS Rugby, and the work done by the committee today has the most impact on those boys coming through the Senior School in the future.

Anyone with an interest in BGS Rugby, from across all age groups, is more than welcome to attend. We are particularly keen to hear from anybody willing to take up a committee or office bearing position, in particular Secretary and Vice President. If you are interested, please contact Jonte Lowe on the email or mobile number listed below.

It will be a short meeting with an opportunity to catch up over a meal afterwards.

We look forward to a great year in Rugby fellowship and welcoming in the 2023 Normanby Blues Committee.

Yours in Rugby,

Jonte Lowe
Normanby Blues President

Mobile 0411 476 472
Normanbyblues.support@brisbanegrammar.com

BGS Sailing began Term 4 on Sunday October 16 with 11 boats in the RQYS Schools Racing at Waterloo Bay, Manly.

It was a successful start to our first week of Fleet racing with all five scheduled races completed. BGS boys from Years 7 to 12 sailed in the competition with different levels of experience, either as a Skipper or crew in the two-pax pacer racing dinghy.

Ethan Harcourt (Year 11) and crew Ethan Ai (Year 8) took an early lead with first place in race one and maintained the strong performance, holding second outright at the finish of the days racing. Will Ewart (Year 10) and crew had some great results achieving fourth in race two, with George Lee (Year 8) and crew also taking fourth in race five.

T-squad spent the morning on the bay, learning to sail the pacer dinghy and enjoying the light conditions.

It was great to see the new and returning BGS Old Boy coaches who supported the boys both in races and the T-squad. Each Sunday they launch, drive and pack away all the support vessels while maintaining the fleet each weekend, ensuring the boats make the water come race day.

Parents from the Spinnakers Sailing Support Group held a welcome barbecue to mark the start of Term 4 sailing and managed to feed all the boys bacon and egg rolls in time for the competitors briefing at 8.30am. We thank the supporting parents who turn up to support Spinnakers.

Newly appointed Sailing Master Jack Straughan did a great job standing in for Sailing Director Paul Kobez, who is on leave. Jack will look after Sailing throughout Term 4, having previously assisted Paul with 2021 sailing events. 

Click here to view the fantastic videos RQYS provides from Sunday’s racing.

Andy Harcourt
President / Spinnakers (BGS Sailing support group)

Click here for more information on upcoming events.

Term 4
Tuesday 4 October - Friday 25 November