Newsletter
Week 2 Term 1
Friday 3 February 2023
In this issue:
- 2023 BGS student leaders formally welcomed at the Prefect Induction ceremony
- School Captain Ronan Mellick reveals the senior students' vision for 2023
- Head of Middle School Rebecca Campbell on the importance of routines
- Read Grammar News Summer 2023 online
Lead Article
Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School | David Carroll
Prefect Induction
At today's assembly, we acknowledged the senior Class of 2023 and inducted the 2023 School and Boarding Prefects. This is an important event in the BGS calendar.
The School and Boarding Prefects were presented badges by Head of Year 12 Mr Lobascher and Director of Boarding Mr Williams-Jones, before the boys recited the Prefects’ Oath. School Captain Ronan Mellick then delivered his inaugural address.
Leadership is one of Brisbane Grammar School’s five core values. It is characterised as a form of service to others. By inducting the Prefects, we acknowledged the entire senior class for their commitment to a service model of leadership in our community.
Headmaster Anthony Micallef, in his address to the assembly, pointed out that an effective leader is "part visionary, part communicator, part enabler."
I believe the influence of the senior students underpins our success as a school community, as it is the senior boys who provide an example for younger students to follow.
I have great confidence that the Class of 2023 will set an exemplary standard.
Cultural Projects
Earlier this week, I shared with new staff key aspects of the School’s wellbeing programs.
This is important as we shape our new staff approach to suit the principles that underpin BGS. We do the same with new students as part of the orientation process to help them to understand how BGS values should guide their actions.
The parent information evenings which began this week are very important for new parents to understand the workings of the School.
One aspect I have asked Heads of Year to cover with parents is the work occurring as part of our Cultural Projects.
These critical projects have allowed leaders in the wellbeing domain to collaborate with external leaders in associated research areas to enhance our understanding of how a healthy and vibrant school culture is nurtured through explicit attention to bullying, student leadership development, respectful relationships and healthy sexuality.
BGS will continue to communicate the progress of these Cultural Projects. I am happy to answer any questions that may arise from the information shared by Heads of Year.
I have found using tag lines with new staff and students helpful when communicating our approach to wellbeing at the school.
I have used the expression “High Expectation, High Care,” which I believe underpins our work. It helps new staff and students live our values and create a safe and secure environment at BGS.
Notices
- 2023 ACER Scholarship Exam (Years 7 and 10, 2024)
- Grammar News | Summer 2023
- Student Pick-Up and Drop-Off
2023 ACER Scholarship Exam (Years 7 and 10, 2024)
Brisbane Grammar School 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 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
Grammar News | Summer 2023
Read Grammar News online
The latest edition of Grammar News includes a feature on Brisbane Grammar School's global outlook and growing international reputation, highlighting the School’s desire to develop global citizens who are engaged in the world beyond Brisbane.
The cover story showcases BGS Old Boy David Malouf AO '50, an internationally celebrated poet and novelist. There are articles about students Jasper Chin Moody and Rahul Kumar succeeding on the world stage, and profiles of fashion entrepreneur Ben Nothling ’94, veteran Australian diplomat Ian Biggs ’80 and Olympian David Weightman ’88.
Former Socceroo and current BGS Football coach Matthew McKay ’00 writes about playing at a FIFA World Cup, and retiring American-born Music teacher Jim Noble looks back on 37 years at BGS.
Student Pick-Up and Drop-Off
We ask BGS families to be patient and supportive of staff while they move traffic through the drop-off zone at the front of the School.
Please adhere to the following procedures to ensure the safety of the BGS community:
- The front entrance between the traffic lights and the passenger loading zone is to be kept clear. It is not to be used as a waiting area before 3.15pm pick-up.
- Cars can enter the passenger loading zone to pick-up and drop-off passengers before 8.30am and after 3.15pm.
- Do not exceed the 5km speed limit in the pick-up and drop-off zone.
- Pay attention to traffic controllers and security guards – they keep our community safe and deserve our respect and cooperation.
- Exercise patience and courtesy towards other drivers.
- Please move as far as possible into the pick-up and drop-off zone to ensure efficient traffic flow.
- For safety reasons, please do not pick-up or drop-off your son before the pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the zone.
- The pick-up and drop-off zone has a two-minute parking limit. Drivers must stay with their vehicle during this time.
- The staff car park on off of Kalinga Avenue is not a designated drop-off or pick-up zone for students.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Students
- Captain's Corner
- Boarding
- Counselling and Academic Services
- STEAM and Related Learning
- Student Wellbeing
- Public Purpose
- Library
Captain's Corner
At Friday’s Prefect Induction ceremony, I had the opportunity to do two important things.
Firstly, to express, on behalf of Brad, Seb, Doug and the greater prefect body, how humbled and privileged we feel to have been elected to positions of responsibility to serve the School in 2023. We are excited to serve this great community which has opened so many opportunities and pathways for us.
Secondly, to outline our vision for the School this year. With the opening of the STEAM Precinct later this year, I highlighted the importance of 2023 in the story of BGS. New doors will open, both literally and figuratively.
That’s why our focus, our theme and our vision for 2023 is ‘Above and Beyond’.
After unpacking this theme through the lens of our school tagline, ‘In Pursuit of Excellence’, and our school motto nil sine labore – nothing without work – I asked the boys to consider how they could play their part in going above and beyond, while also looking to bring others with them.
Finally, I reminded the boys that talk is cheap, and that actions speak loudest. Success in 2023 is a shared responsibility for all of us.
Major GPS events are creeping up fast and we look forward to a positive start to 2023 by attracting large and supportive crowds to Swimming and Rowing events.
These events, along with supporting flagship BGS teams on Friday (Debating) and Saturday (Cricket and Volleyball), provide an enormous boost for the student body and the School as a whole.
Going above and beyond this year extends to boys stepping out of their comfort zone in Cocurricular.
As we settle into the year, I would like to offer my best wishes to all fellow students, parents and staff for the term ahead.
Ronan Mellick
School Captain
Boarding
Having worked for almost 35 years at schools in both Australia and England, I recently found myself thinking about the considerable changes to student leadership over that time.
As we induct our Boarding Captain and Boarding Prefects today, it is evident that our expectations of these boys are very different to what was the norm in my first year of teaching.
For Boarding Captain Doug Chapman and the four Boarding Prefects – Xavier Leung, Harro Schultz, Ngailu Thompson and John Treacy – their role in Boarding is very much to set the tone, to provide guidance, and support to their fellow and younger boarders.
They are the custodians of the incredible culture that has evolved in our residential community and are charged to enhance the sense of camaraderie and cooperation that has been so evident to date.
Today’s ceremony, where they were inducted formally before the assembled school, is a significant moment and a wonderful rite of passage for these boys.
It is important to highlight their contribution to the community to date, and equally that we acknowledge their courage and aspiration in applying for a leadership role at BGS.
However, today is most certainly not the end of a journey. It is the start of an incredible opportunity to serve the School and their fellow students, to contribute in a multifaceted way in numerous areas of daily life, and to be challenged and to grow, both personally and professionally.
To us an analogy from the Roman Legion, our Captain and Prefects are our advance guard. When the Roman army marched, they did so in a well-choreographed manner in the form of a column or agmen.
At the head of the column was the agmen primum, who in a Boarding context are the Captain and Prefects. They lead from the front, they protect the column, and they set the standard.
I applaud all five of these young men for their incredible contribution to Orientation Weekend. It was many things to many people but for our senior students it was an incredible opportunity to lead.
I was delighted by the way in which they grasped that opportunity and for the wonderful start they have made in Griffith and Harlin House.
That same opportunity exists for all of the senior cohort, and we look forward to seeing them take the lead when that opportunity is presented.
Berian Williams-Jones
Director of Boarding
Counselling and Academic Services
I would like to take this opportunity to remind students in Years 5 to 12 about the importance of self-care and mental fitness.
It is well-known that academic success and mental fitness are closely linked. According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), "students with higher levels of emotional well-being tend to have better academic outcomes" (Henderson & Mapp, 2002).
Furthermore, a recent report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in America determined that "students who reported higher levels of stress had lower grade point averages (GPAs) than students who reported lower levels of stress."
In order to maintain good mental health, it is important that students engage in activities such as appropriate exercise, healthy eating and prioritising quality sleep.
Additionally, it is important to seek help when needed. Our counselling service is available to all students, and we encourage those who may need assistance to make an appointment to talk to one of our counsellors via the relevant Head of Year.
Appointments are brief in nature and referral to appropriate external providers may be made where appropriate.
Dr Nathan Simmons
Director of Counselling and Academic Services
STEAM and Related Learning
Future Problem Solving
Future Problem Solving (FPS) is an international academic competition for Years 7-12 students. In October, Brisbane Grammar School will host the 2023 National Finals.
Participants work in teams of four to solve problems set in the future using a six-step model. Places are limited and competitive.
CLICK HERE for more information.
All participating students complete the application survey.
CLICK HERE to access the survey.
Weekly meetings commence on Tuesday 7 February from 3.10pm-4.15pm in CB013/4. Topics include E-waste, Digital Realities, Robotics Workforce, and Throw Away Society.
Sign up for 2023
In Semester 1 and 2, BGS Robotics will design, build, and drive robots for POWERPLAY, a FIRST Tech Challenge game. We may also enter RoboRAVE’s MegaBot Madball. The goal is to again qualify for the national finals.
Students in Years 7-12 are invited to nominate for a place in the FTC Robotics competition.
An introductory session will be held on Wednesday 1 February at lunchtime in CB103/4. Regular sessions will be on Wednesdays after school at Bread House, concluding at 4.30pm.
For more information, contact Mr. Canfield at simon.canfield@brisbanegrammar.com.
All students participating in FTC Robotics must complete the application survey.
CLICK HERE to access the survey.
Simon Canfield
Robotics Coordinator
Student Wellbeing
Years 8 and 9 students this week participated in two important initiatives in Student Wellbeing.
The first was the ‘Leading a Legacy’ seminar, which was attended by Year 8 students prior to their trip to Moogerah.
This seminar, facilitated by Peer Power, is designed to empower students with effective leadership techniques.
Using the School’s Student Leadership Framework as a guide, the workshop focuses on practical relational communication skills.
This seminar will equip students with the skills to connect with their peers, which in turn will result in a more enjoyable experience at Moogerah and when they return to school.
The second initiative was for Year 9 students, who are embarking on their Senior School journey.
The boys participated in the first unit of the year, ‘Transition to Independence’, which is designed to help them develop the skills they need to make a smooth transition.
This unit focuses on topics such as managing and prioritising time, taking personal responsibility for their learning and choices, and developing positive habits. It also covers important issues such as bullying prevention and responsible technology use.
The unit commenced with a meaningful and engaging lesson, ‘If Colours Could Talk’, where boys selected colours from an emotions wheel to express their feelings about the upcoming school year.
This activity was the catalyst for meaningful and engaging discussions with the boys about their expectations and concerns for their first year of Senior School.
On Monday 6 February, Year 9 boys will experience a theatrical production by Shock Therapy titled ‘The Apology’, which explores decision-making and the consequences of bullying.
In Week 4, Year 8 boys will witness an engaging performance by Action Education titled ‘Mentally Sound’, which emphasises the significance of good mental health.
Both presentations align with Brisbane Grammar School’s cultural project addressing bullying.
Phillipa Douglas
Director of Student Wellbeing Programs
Public Purpose
Eat Up
Eat Up is a sandwich making event which will run once per term at Brisbane Grammar School. During each event, you will learn about food security in Australia and see the impact your volunteering has on others.
This project is a parent engagement project, where parents are invited to join their sons to volunteer an hour of their time to help make sandwiches for the one in eight students who arrive at school experiencing hunger in Australia each day.
The sessions are fast, fun, and high impact, where many hands make light work.
- Term 1 Eat Up: BGS Tuesday 14 February, 3.30 – 4.30. Sign up here
- Term 2 Eat Up: BGS Tuesday 23 May, 3.30 – 4.30. Sign up here
For more information, please email Mrs Benson Kerry.Benson@brisbanegrammar.com
Year 10 BGS Island Survival Leadership Immersion
We are excited to offer Year 10 boys the Island Survival Immersion once again in 2023. The Immersion will take place during the June holiday period.
Island Survival is a seven-day program, held from 15-22 June, aimed at developing boys’ leadership, teamwork, and resilience skills. The program is offered through Infuse Travel – an organisation BGS has a long-standing relationship with.
Students will travel to North West Island: a coral cay 75 kilometres northeast of Gladstone.
For further information please view the flyer here.
Students can pre-register their interest here.
Year 11 and 12 Indigenous Immersion: Central Australia or Top End
Top End: Students fly into Darwin where they will travel to Adelaide River region to spend time with a local Indigenous family, before traveling out to the Daly River to spend time on country supporting community projects in Woodycupaldiya. The group will then travel to Litchfield National Park and observe the ancient landscape and beautiful county.
Students can pre-register their interest here.
Crystal Thompson
Public Purpose Leader
Library
Year 7 boys this week participated in a fun board game to learn about the Centenary Library. This turned what some may see as a 'boring' lesson into a challenge for the boys, who love competition.
After forming teams, each team was given a board, dice, cards, whiteboard and iPad. They had to move around the board, answering questions or taking photos for each square of the game that they landed on.
The photos were of specific items, such as finding and photographing a book about astromony after finding it in the library catalogue, or photographing the location of the two book returns boxes.
The team that recorded the highest number of guidelines and correct photos was the winner. Each boy in the team received a small prize, but the greater benefit was that each boy in the class learned about the library while having fun.
Middle School
Head of Middle School | Rebecca Campbell
Start of Year Routines
At the start of each school year, considerable time is spent establishing effective classroom routines and procedures. Consistent routines positively impact student learning, wellbeing and behaviour.
As we know, the middle years can be a time of great change and uncertainty, as boys are navigating the physical, emotional and social changes that come with adolescence.
Having consistent routines can help students to feel more in control and less overwhelmed by these changes. Academically, consistent routines reduce cognitive load, freeing up ‘brain space’ to focus on more complex challenges.
Establishing learning routines at home at the start of the school year is equally important. Devising a homework and revision schedule can help boys stay on track with their schoolwork and prevent them from falling behind and becoming overwhelmed.
Furthermore, routines can help boys to build self-discipline and self-esteem by helping them to set and achieve manageable goals and create productive habits.
Helping your son develop a daily planner – where he sets aside time each day to complete homework activities, manage his Cocurricular commitments and participate in physical activity – is one simple way to help your son develop effective routines. Including daily reminders and checklists may also prove useful.
Ensuring routines are in place around the use of technology and sleep is also encouraged for Middle School students.
Parent Information Sessions
This week, we hosted our Middle School parent information sessions. Presentations will be available on MyGrammar for parents to access until the end of Week 3.
Cocurricular Uniform
The Term 1 Cocurricular season is now in full swing. It is wonderful to see that participation levels among Middle School students remain strong.
At last week’s assembly, Mr McFarlane reminded the boys of expectations regarding uniform and conduct. As ambassadors for BGS, it is expected that boys represent the light dark blue by presenting in correct uniform and demonstrating high levels of sportsmanship and fair play.
I look forward to seeing the boys participating in various fixtures this weekend.
Sports and Activities
It was wonderful to see so many boys proudly wearing the BGS colours for the first time last weekend.
Middle School teams performed very well against teams from Brisbane Boys College in Cricket, Volleyball and Debating.
Last Saturday morning’s sporting fixtures were played under challenging conditions due to the heat and humidity. Unfortunately, the forecast for this weekend is for similarly oppressive conditions and it is important to remember the School’s hot weather processes and protocols (see more below in Greg Di-Losa’s article).
Clubs and Activities
As we approach Week 3, our Term 1 clubs and activities will begin routine operation.
Please visit the bottom of the Cocurricular section of MyGrammar here to find out more regarding what we have to offer our Middle School students in academic support, academic extension or special interest.
Representative Sport
There are currently trial notices for City District AFL, Basketball, Rugby League and Touch on the Representative Sport page of the Cocurricular section of MyGrammar.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Glenn McFarlane
Assistant Head of Middle School - Sport and Activities
Cocurricular
Acting Director of Sport and Activities | Greg Di-Losa
Over the weekend, BGS boys returned to action for the first time in 2023.
In Cricket, Debating and Volleyball, BGS teams were up against Brisbane Boys' College while our swimmers, rowers and sailors competed in BGS-hosted meets and regattas.
While results over the weekend were mixed, they provided our programs with clear evidence of the necessary indicators for improvement. With high temperatures forecast for this weekend, it is important to remember the School’s hot weather processes and protocols.
BGS applies its own standards of safety when looking after our students and community. While participating in GPS competitions, BGS adheres to guidelines set out by the GPS Association, which determines risk in conjunction with Sport Medicine Australia's Guidelines, the Bureau of Meteorology's forecast conditions and Queensland Government advice.
Although exertional heat stroke is rare, sporting bodies and event organisers are encouraged to undertake measures to minimise heat injury or illness.
The School will always endeavour to provide our students an opportunity to play. Fixture cancellations and abandonments are the last resort and are only used under extreme circumstances.
All students, parents and supporters should wear appropriate attire for the conditions including a hat. Sunscreen and a water bottle are essential.
The School’s facilities have plenty of shade and water refill stations, and trained medical staff are on hand to provide the necessary assistance if required.
Depending on the specific nature of the sport or activity, our program directors will explore ways to mitigate risk, including adjustments to the game schedule, duration of each fixture with intense activity, increased drinks breaks and so on.
I have no doubt that all fixtures and competitions this weekend will be able to run in the usual safe and controlled environment. However, program leaders will communicate early and clearly to BGS families when necessary.
Parents are encouraged to use MyGrammar and the BGS App for the latest information throughout the week and during competition days.
Cricket
With a comprehensive preseason preparation behind us, and blazing sun and blue skies above, the BGS Cricket program was ready for Round 1 against Brisbane Boys' College.
What many of our boys weren’t prepared for, though, was the searing heat! This weekend is also forecast to bring high temperatures, so a reminder to remain hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
On the field, our performances were very impressive, with 15 wins from 23 GPS fixtures. BGS was also triumphant in six of the remaining 10 supplementary matches played.
Of the eight ‘A’ level matches played, we won five – including a comprehensive win for the 9As who managed to dominate with both bat and ball.
A special mention to the Years 5, 7, 8 and 10 cohorts who won all their GPS fixtures. For many of the Middle School teams it was a great way to commence their cricketing journeys.
First XI
Our First XI had a tough encounter in their opening fixture, with many opportunities created but not taken. This allowed BBC to post a healthy 230 from 50 overs.
Our run chase began shakily as we lost several of our top-order players to runouts. Consequently, we were unable to strangle back any momentum, finishing 9/121. I’m sure our boys will gain plenty from their first match and will bounce back in Round 2 versus Churchie.
Team of the Week
The 9As are our team of the week after they defeated BBC by more than 100 runs.
The match started well with a strong opening partnership of 47 before several quick wickets put our innings in jeopardy at 4/74. However, Matthew Yannarakis (37*) and Armaan Timblo (81*) steadied the ship, before accelerating nicely finishing with an unbeaten partnership of 140 that saw us post a formidable total of 214.
Armaan was particularly impressive plundering the BBC bowlers to all parts of Miskin Oval hitting 10 fours and four sixes in his 69-ball innings.
Our bowlers and fielders then went about strangling the BBC batsman, taking wickets at regular intervals. Some excellent catching combined with partnership bowling kept BBC to 107 runs. Congratulations boys on an excellent start to the season.
Player of the Round
The decision this week was a very difficult one after several boys put in excellent individual performances.
Elijah Breen (10B) belted 87 runs off 47 balls with 14 fours and three sixes, and Harry Langdon (10A) battled through heat exhaustion and vomiting to compile a match-winning 74 runs.
Luke Telford (10C) was unfortunate not to achieve our first hattrick for the season, capturing three wickets in four balls. Luke single-handedly destroyed the BBC top order to pick up the scalps of their top four batsman. At one stage, BBC were 3-0. Luke finished with the amazing figures of 4/3 off three overs. His achievements helped the 10C team bowl BBC out for just 38.
However, Tom Siganto (11B) stole the show with 81* runs off just 36 balls. He smashed six fours and eight sixes in his amazing innings, and took 2/12 with the ball. Well done, Tom!
Pre-season Launch
This Friday night is our pre-season launch at the Victoria Park Function Centre. I look forward to meeting many of our new and continuing BGS parents.
Best of luck to all of our teams this weekend.
Trevor Irvine
Director of Cricket
Fencing
Fencing Sign-on
Sign-on will be released from the Cocurricular Office next week. Parents should look out for this communication.
Parent Information Evening
The Parent Information Evening will be held online via Teams on Wednesday 8 February at 7.00pm.
Register HERE or using the link on MyGrammar.
The meeting will be recorded for any parent who is not able to attend. This will be made available on MyGrammar soon after the event.
First IV Fencing Trials
Those who wish to trial will get more information about dates and bout times once sign-on closes. Not all students need to trial to participate in Fencing. Only students who nominate to trial are required to attend.
Other Important Dates
Whites Hire will be held on 6-10 March.
Fencing Easter Camp will be on 12-14 April.
Melanie Chin
Director of Fencing
Music
Young people playing an instrument showed greater progress and better academic outcomes than those not playing with the greatest impact for those playing the longest
Hallam, S, and Rogers, K, The Impact of Instrumental Music Learning on Attainment at Age 16: A Pilot Study, 2016
The beginning of the year is an exciting time in BGS Music as lessons commence and many students begin their musical journey.
As the research statement above makes clear, the earlier you start, the better! We applaud the many students who commenced private lessons this week and commend the students who will be taking group lessons commencing this week.
Don’t miss out on the many benefits of playing an instrument or taking voice lessons. Go to My Grammar or contact the Music Office for more information music@brisbanegrammar.com.
Music Ensembles
It was delightful to wander around the Music Building this week and hear the sweet sounds of instruments playing and voices singing.
Most rehearsals commenced this week with final auditions taking place also. Choirs will be starting up next week. Remember, no audition is needed for the Grammar Vocal Ensemble.
If your voice has changed and you’re keen, just turn up to the Music Auditorium at 7.00am on Monday. The same applies for our younger singers with unchanged voices. Vocal Group awaits you on a Thursday afternoon at 3.15pm in the Music Auditorium.
GPS Music Showcase
Good luck to the many BGS boys involved in this significant GPS event this Thursday 9 February at the Old Museum. They are in for a busy but exhilarating day of music-making.
The final concert should be spectacular with the Concert Band, Orchestra, Choir and Big Band. While tickets for the evening concert are officially sold out, some may become available closer to the time. Please contact the Music Office.
Peter Ingram
Head of Music
Rowing
The GPS Rowing season commenced on Saturday 28 January, with excitement already building for the Head of the River race in March.
BGS boys put in a strong opening performance, with 20 of 41 races resulting on the podium and another seven resulting in close fourth place results. We achieved:
- 6x First Places
- 9x Second Places
- 5x Third Places
A special mention to Year 9 boys, who performed well at their very first GPS regatta. Congratulations to the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th quads who placed second in their divisions in Round 1.
The Year 10 boys continued on from the Year 9s, with 3rd, 6th, 7th and 8th quads placing on the podium. Congratulations to the 8th quad who won their division!
Year 11 and Opens put together good performances across both rounds in tough fields. Congratulations to the Open 1st VIII on finishing in third place in both rounds.
Upon return to the rowing shed, Captain of Boats Sam Forbes and Vice-Captain of Boats John Morrissey presented their Captain’s awards for the regatta. Congratulations to all recipients of these awards.
The season is long and there is much work to be done. We encourage the boys to continue to maintain a front-foot approach; be diligent in training and remain committed to individual and crew improvement. Do not be complacent.
I look forward once again to seeing the BGS boys out at the regatta on Saturday.
Finally, we’d like to thank Tipperoo and our wonderful parent supporters for their efforts on Saturday hosting GPS Regatta 1. It takes an enormous effort from many to host a regatta of this scale. Our parent group handled this wonderfully, setting a very high standard for the 2023 GPS season.
The draw for GPS Regatta 2 (4 February) can be found on MyGrammar.
Matt Marden
Director of Rowing
Swimming
GPS Swimming
The GPS season has started well with excellent attendance at training sessions over the past two weeks.
It was pleasing last Friday to see some fast times posted by Junior and Senior boys at their first swim meet for the season at Chandler. All swimmers will be competing at the second GPS Lead-up meet of the season today, Friday 3 February.
With all students back on campus next week, boys are reminded that regular attendance at training and the lead-up meets is essential if we are to challenge at the 2023 GPS Swimming Championships.
Students who have not commenced training but are still considering joining BGS Swimming are encouraged to begin training as soon as possible.
Nominations for GPS Lead-up Meet No. 3 will open early next week. Please see My Grammar for further information.
2023 Metropolitan North Swimming Trials (Years 7-12)
The Met North Swimming Trials will be held on Monday 27 February at the Chandler Aquatic Centre.
To be considered for nomination, please complete the survey below by Monday 6 February 2023. Only very strong swimmers should apply. Boys must be involved in GPS Swimming to nominate.
BGS swimmers who are selected will receive further information at a later date.
CLICK HERE to nominate.
Starlight Super Swim
Matt Logan
Swimming Director
Important Swimming Dates | February
date | event | years | location |
---|---|---|---|
Friday |
GPS Swimming Lead-up Meet #2 |
Years 5-12 |
Chandler Aquatic Centre and BGS |
Friday |
GPS Swimming Lead-up Meet #3 |
Years 5-12 |
Chandler Aquatic Centre |
Wednesday |
BGS School Swimming Championships |
Years 5-12 |
Chandler Aquatic Centre |
Friday |
GPS Swimming Lead-up Meet #4 |
Years 5-12 |
Chandler Aquatic Centre |
Friday |
BGS Swimming Grammar Only Night |
Years 5-12 |
BGS Great Hall and Aquatic Centre |
Community
- P&F Auxiliary | Tuckshop and Grammar Shop
- Volunteer Roster
- P&F Auxiliary AGM | Wednesday 1 March
- MAGS Support Group
- Hardwood Club Basketball Support Group
- Year 8 Parent Morning Tea
- Year 8 Parent Social Function
- Year 9 Parent Welcome Function
- Year 11 Parent Social Evening
- Year 12 Parent Welcome Function
P&F Auxiliary | Tuckshop and Grammar Shop
Grammar Shop Trading Hours
OPEN: Monday - Friday 7.30am–11.00am
CLOSED: All public and school holidays.
Payment and Grammar Shop Online Orders
Grammar Shop purchases can be made in-store and online using Visa, Mastercard or the BGS Card account, which can be accessed (MyGrammar > 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. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours before coming to the shop to collect your order.
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.
Returned Embroidery
Please 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. Click HERE to see the list.
Stylus Pens
The Grammar Shop sells HP G3 stylus pens for $130 for Years 7-12 and the Dell tablet pen. 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 (MyGrammar > MyStudent > BGS Card).
Volunteer Roster
Tuckshop +61 7 3834 5229
Grammar Shop +61 7 3834 5347
Roster Secretary Lana Szumowski - auxiliaryvolunteers@brisbanegrammar.com
Volunteer Roster | Week 3 Term 1
tuckshop breakfast 7.00am - 8.30am |
tuckshop Morning tea / lunch 8.00am - 2.00pm |
grammar shop 7.30am - 11.00am |
|
---|---|---|---|
Monday |
Helene Li |
Cathy Findlay |
Robert Williams |
Tuesday |
Huong Phan |
Karen Randall |
Annalise Incani |
Wednesday |
Karen Boorer |
Shona Brice |
Maria Hirschfeld |
Thursday |
Anne Clifton |
Ceri Jury |
Catherine Kumar |
Friday |
Jody Bendell |
Cindy Dean |
Melanie Battaglia |
P&F Auxiliary AGM | Wednesday 1 March
The P&F Auxiliary AGM will be held on Wednesday 1 March 2023 in the Great Hall, commencing at 8.45am.
All current BGS parents are welcome to attend. Please RSVP by email to P&F Auxiliary Secretary Lynda Dunglison at auxiliarysecretary@brisbanegrammar.com by Monday 27 February.
All voluntary positions will be declared vacant. Nomination Forms are available on request from Lynda. Completed forms are to be returned no later than Thursday 23 February to the above noted email address.
Please send any other enquiries by email.
Lynda Dunglison
Auxiliary Secretary
MAGS Support Group
Parents of BGS Gymnasts are warmly invited to attend our first meeting of 2023 for the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Supporters (MAGS) Group.
The meeting will be held in the Indoor Sports Centre (in the classroom opposite the weights room) at 5.45pm on Monday 13 February 2023.
To RSVP or for any general enquiries, please contact President Karuna Hoole or Secretary Arianne Nucifora at mag.support@brisbanegrammar.com.
Hardwood Club Basketball Support Group
Please join us for the next general meeting of the Hardwood Club on Tuesday 21 February 2022 at the Indoor Sports Centre, Level 2, Classroom 1,
Please arrive by 5.45pm for 6.00pm start. The meeting is expected to conclude by 7.30pm. Parking is available in the Staff Carpark. Enter via Kalinga Avenue and walk across the oval and footbridge to the ISC.
We look forward to seeing you there.