Newsletter
Week 1 Term 2

Dear Staff, Parents, and Students, 

Welcome to the start of Term 2.  We have a lot of exciting things planned for this term, including an engaging curriculum, enriching cocurricular activities and many other inspiring events. We look forward to a successful and enjoyable Term 2 and hope that all students make the most of the opportunities this term has to offer! 

 

STEAM 

We are all eagerly anticipating the opening of the STEAM Precinct.  It is hard to believe that the construction of STEAM commenced three years ago.  Watpac is working hard to complete and hand over the STEAM Precinct in Term 4 of this year, so the regulatory certification process to commence.  The certifications will ultimately determine when we may safely occupy the new precinct; although the timeframe remains uncertain at this stage.  We will provide clarification as soon as we can.  In the meantime, our staff are making all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth transition into STEAM, particularly in relation to curriculum, pedagogy, and logistics.  Although the matter is in the hands of Watpac and various building certifiers, we sincerely hope our current Year 12 students will have some experience in the new building.

 

ANZAC Day 

Anzac Day is a day of remembrance and tribute to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought and lost their lives in the Gallipoli campaign during World War I. It is observed on the 25th of April each year and is a national public holiday in Australia and New Zealand. It is a day to honour the bravery and sacrifice of all Australian and New Zealand military personnel, who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Anzac Day is an important part of the national identity and Brisbane Grammar School will commemorate the occasion at school assemblies on Monday 24 April. 

 

Art Show 

Tickets are still available to the 54th BGS Art Show. The event will start will with the Opening Gala Evening on Friday 5 May 2023, and continue throughout BGS Open Day on Saturday 6 May 2023.  

This very special two-day event in the BGS calendar is an occasion for students, family and friends of the school – and the wider community – to come together is a celebration of art. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy and purchase more than 200 works from local, national and international artists; ranging from paintings, drawings and ceramics to mixed media, sculpture, jewellery and more.  

Open Day 

BGS Open Day will be held on Saturday 6 May 2023, 12-3pm on the Spring Hill Campus. Open Day is an excellent opportunity for our school community to interact with the public and showcase our services, activities, and facilities. It is an important event for building strong relationships between the School and the wider community while also offering valuable information about the School's culture, services, people and mission. 

 

Staffing  

There have been a number of teaching staff changes. I wish to welcome the following people to the BGS teaching staff, some of whom are returning teachers.   

Mrs Natalie Berndt	Economics
Mr Todd Davis	Middle School
Ms Marnie Hunt	Art
Mr David Maskell	Outdoor Education
Ms Tanya Shegog	History
Ms Dani Smith	Librarian
Mrs Jenn Reed	Science
Mrs Julie Tremble	English and Academic Services

 

The following teachers assume positions of added responsibility: 

Mr John Atkins	Acting Director of Assessment and Reporting
Mrs Noel Chan	Acting HoD Science
Mrs Megan Marshall	Acting HoD Economics
Mrs Julia Vedelago	Acting HoD Physics
Mr Nick Walton	Acting Assistant HoD PE

 

I wish all BGS families a rewarding Term 2. 

Anthony Micallef - Headmaster 

Rowing Pontoon

You may be aware, our new rowing pontoon at West End has been partially disassembled. The new facility has suffered from the continual motion of the Brisbane River and the provider of the pontoon has been instructed to rectify the structure to ensure it is safe and sustainable.  Regrettably, this development has necessitated the 2023 Brisbane Girls Grammar School rowing season to temporarily operate from an alternate rowing shed.

Footbridge

Queensland Rail and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority have informed us that the footbridge which links the BGS Tennis Centre to both BGS and BGGS, is to be permanently demolished.  Queensland Rail had recently closed the bridge due to structural concerns attributed to the Cross River Rail tunnel constructed beneath it.  Queensland Rail has advised the overhead electrified zone has been deemed unsafe in proximity to the footbridge and the bridge will subsequently be demolished. We are currently in discussion with various authorities to ascertain what may be done to re-establish a practical link between the two schools and the BGS Tennis Centre. We will provide information as soon as available. 

 

Volleyball AGM 

The inaugural AGM for the Volleyblues is on Wednesday 3 May 2023.  

AGM Details:

BGS Tennis Centre 

Wednesday, 3 May 2023, 6pm to 7pm

Parking available at the Tennis Centre

 

Welcome to Term 2!

Firstly: Thank you!
Thank you for ensuring your son returned with the correct uniform and hair style this week. The boys have returned ready to learn and are settling into the new term. At assembly today I reminded the boys of the importance of re-creating good routines at school and home. Both are crucial as Term 2 is only 9 weeks. Any delay in getting back into school-mode can impact learning outcomes. 

Please note: Boys spectating the flagship team on Saturday are required to wear their school uniform. Students will transfer to the winter uniform on Tuesday 2 May. 

International Experiences for Current Year 9 and 10 Students in 2024 
COVID-19 impacted international travel for everyone, so we are very pleased to confirm that our current year 9 and 10 students will have the opportunity to experience two unique tours in 2024. Firstly, the Case Space Program (Houston, San Francisco and Silicon Valley) will be available to year 10 and 11 students in 2024. This excellent experience will take place from June 22 – July 5, 2024 (mid-year break). Secondly, we have our parent/student (Year 10 and 11) Kokoda Trek during the September holidays in 2024. Each of these programs provides a unique experience for learning, growth and broadening our boys' horizons. Further information will be provided within the coming weeks.

Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis

Class 8I spent the final week of Term 1 at Moogerah. For our Year 8s, the outdoor activities are focused on creating challenges that allow students to explore community building, teamwork and communication skills. The boys of 8I did not only have our planned challenges to content with, they also were faced with extreme weather conditions that tested their patience, adaptability and resilience. They took shelter in the huts at Bitenbar when a thunderstorm warning delayed their hike to Mt Alford and didn't shy away from playing some active games in the rain. Thankfully, out final day of camp was clear and sunny, allowing the boys to paddle across Lake Moogerah under perfect conditions. 

Special Mentions:

Thomas Elliott - for his effort during the week and through the challenges. Thomas was a very positive participant, engaged in every activity and showed initiative during duties. 

Joseph Arthur - for demonstrating empathy when his peers found the program challenging. Joseph was consistently looking out for his classmates and putting others first.  

Lachlan May - a great participant who demonstrated some excellent skills and knowledge about the outdoors. Lachlan put his experience to use at the campsite when setting up tents and camping out. 

Alex Wong - an excellent member of the group, who led by example and approached all situations with a positive attitude. 

Charlie Wang - for outstanding effort throughout every outdoor activity this week. Charlie was a positive and encouraging class member and his enthusiasm was celebrated by his class and teachers. 

Ms Sabrina Wall joined the class for the week at Moogerah. It was a great opportunity to see the class come together outside the classroom setting and Ms Wall took every opportunity to get involved. Ms Wall brought her drama expertise to the program and engaged the boys in drama games around the fire and when waiting out the storm in the hut. 

A short movie of the boys' experiences can be viewed via the 8I 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 - 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 5 or Year 8 folder in Pixevety. 

Director of Student Wellbeing Programs
Philippa Douglas

 

Drug and Alcohol Education

This week, Mr. Paul Dillon, from Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), gave presentations to students in Years 10, 11, and 12. The topics covered in each presentation can be found here. Paul has also created a series of podcasts that are specifically designed to educate young people about harm-minimisation related to drug and alcohol use. Students will have the opportunity to listen to and discuss these podcasts during their wellbeing lessons. 

Parent Virtual Seminar with Paul Dillon 

Monday 24 April 6pm – 7.30pm 

BGGS and BGS Parents are invited to a virtual seminar with Mr Paul Dillon—an expert with more than 25 years' experience in drug and alcohol education. 

Adolescents have a biological need for belonging, and the opportunity to socialise with their peers. Paul Dillon's presentation -Teens, parties, gatherings and alcohol: What do parents need to know? -  will provide simple strategies to reduce the risk of underage drinking, and empower parents with positive messages for open and honest family discussions around this complex topic. 

During registration, we welcome parents to pre-submit questions for Mr Dillon to address as part of the virtual session. 

For any enquiries, please contact Community Engagement and Events Coordinator at BGGS, Ms Sonya Waters events@bggs.qld.edu.au  

 

Director of Counselling and Academic Services |
Nathan Simmons

 

US College Connections 

Recently, I had the pleasure of engaging with a visiting party from the US Consulate, Sydney, to discuss opportunities for consulate support of BGS students considering an American college pathway. We are planning an information session with the consular later in the year; students will be advised of times and dates as soon as we can.

 

Australian National University (ANU) 

Please be aware, that direct entry applications to ANU for 2024 close soon.   

Further information is available here: Apply directly | Study (anu.edu.au) 

  

Beyond Grammar Small Group Workshops for Year 12 Students 

Our Beyond Grammar workshops let our Year 12s explore tertiary study options for next year.   

Sessions are offered to explore ‘big picture’ application issues relating to the study areas of: 

• Business, Management, & Commerce 

• Law, Society & Culture 

• Medicine and Health Sciences 

• Engineering & IT 

• Natural & Physical Sciences 

• Architecture and Design, & Creative Industries 

Due to the number of interested students, we will offer sessions throughout Term 2 and 3. Booking links have been provided via our Teams channel to all Year 12 students. Please note: Booking and attendance are the students' responsibility and we recommend early booking to ensure your son can participate in his session(s) of choice.

 

Date Claimer: Year 12 Parents and Students QTAC Evening

Our QTAC information evening will be held via Zoom on Wednesday 26 July between 6:30 and 7:30pm.  This session is dedicated to the application process for tertiary entry in Queensland in 2024. Zoom links will be provided to students and parents closer to the date.   

 

UQ Medicine Information Evening

Attend UQ's information session to learn about studying medicine at UQ. Hear from Faculty of Medicine staff, UQ alumni and current students about the changing medical climate, how to apply for medicine at UQ, and tips for success. To find out more and to register visit UQ Medicine Information Evening

 

 

 

After a restful break, it has been great to see all members of the BGS community hit the ground running with the commencement of term two. As I walked through the campus throughout our first week back, I have been consistently reminded of the mateship and inclusivity that I believe is unique to the culture at Grammar. Reflecting on this notion, I felt that it would be a good idea to remind the boys that they have an opportunity to go above and beyond in their support for one another, be it socially, or in academic and co-curricular pursuits. I used the John Wooden quote: “It isn’t what you do, but how you do it” in relation to a team environment and how as a member of the Brisbane Grammar community, every boy should take ownership of their learning and cocurricular pursuits, to push yourselves to new heights, and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. With the first major round of Term 2 sports commencing on the weekend, I look forward the support our boys show for our flagship teams.

Ronan Mellick - School Captain 

 

Welcome to Term 2!

Last week you received a letter from the Head of Middle School, Rebecca Campbell, containing important information regarding start of term arrangements. We understand that correspondence can go missing at inconvenient times, so a digital copy of the letter is available here.

The standard of dress upon the start of the term has been excellent. Please remember that winter uniform commences on Tuesday 2 May. Boys will be required to wear their school jumper to and from school and to Middle School assembly. Jumpers can be removed once students have arrived at school.  

Term 2 commenced with Year 6 students participating in a Signature Program – Who Wants to be an Entrepreneur? This program allows students to work collaboratively to operate a successful business. Next week, all Year 8 students will participate in the Innovation Summit. Each student will be allocated to one of nine STEAM related programs. Boys will then work together to tackle a range of ‘real life’ problems and devise creative solutions.  

This week saw our last Year 8 class attend camp at Moogerah. The Year 7 Outdoor Education program will be held throughout the remainder of the term, commencing with 7A in Week 2.  

On Saturday 6 May, the School’s Open Day will take place from 12pm – 3pm.  Some Middle School students will be involved in musical performances or as volunteers in one of the Middle School display rooms. Information regarding student participation at Open Day will be provided to students next week.  

A list of upcoming events can be found in the Middle School Term 2 Date Claimers which is located on MyGrammar.  

 

On Thursday 30 March, a collection of avid readers boarded a bus to Somerset College for the annual Sommerset Storyfest. This festival is an opportunity for the Year 6 boys to connect with authors of their favourite books, expand their reading horizons and play around with their own writing prowess. The boys had a fantastic day and enjoyed recommending different books to one another whilst discussing the ideas that different Authors presented to them. They were entertained by Somerset College students, with their interpretation of a Tristan Bancks novel. Louisa Park showed the boys what it was like in World War I on the cliffs of Gallipoli during a snow storm, whilst Nat Amoore spoke of blood and gore during her time in the circus. The day finished with Craig Silvey speaking about his shortlisted book ‘Runt’, a favourite of the boys. Ms Child and Mrs Lusink were impressed by how wonderfully the boys represented Brisbane Grammar at Storyfest 2023.

 

The BGS Art Show Gala Evening is fast approaching! This highly anticipated event is a favourite on the Term 2 BGS Calendar. Be sure not to miss this limited ticketed event.

BGS Art Show Gala Evening 

Date: Friday 5th May 20 23

Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm 

Venue: Centenary Hall

Ticket Price: $85 per person (includes canapes, drinks and entertainment)

Tickets can still be purchased via this link.

 Purchase Art Show Tickets

 

We would like to acknowledge our generous sponsors who have provided an exciting array of raffle prizes. Tickets can be purchased via Rafflelink. https://rafflelink.com.au/bgs-art-show-2023

 

Visit the BGS Art Show website for more information and stay up to date by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

 

AN EXPERIMENT WITH: THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE 
2023 Senior Dramatic Production 

We hit the ground running this term as bump-in happened over the holiday period. Our set designer, Josh McIntosh, has transformed the BGS Theatre once again, creating another incredible set. The Drama Team would like to thank our Maintenance Department for their hard work over the holidays. We can’t wait for our audiences to see the scope and scale of your efforts.  

With four weeks until show time, our production team have begun the final preparations for the show. Our Lighting Designer, Sidney Younger, has been working with Jack Woolrych (Stage Manager) and Cameron Quagliotto (Lighting Programmer) to perfect the lighting and make the ensemble truly ‘shine.’ We are thrilled to have these three young men working on the show; all of them are BGS Old Boys, another example of the close relationships created at BGS Drama.   

Adapted from Bertolt Brecht by Marcel Dorney,  An Experiment with The Caucasian Chalk Circle  challenges audiences to question their own morals throughout this satirical play, within a play, within a play. 

It's Brecht, but for the here and now. 

 Venue: BGS Theatre 

Date: Wednesday 17, Thursday 18 & Friday 19 May 

Time: Pre-show drinks: 6.00pm | Doors: 6.30pm 

Ticket Prices: Adults: $30 | Students: $20 

Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase during our pre-show drinks. 

Tickets: Grammar Play | Instagram | Linktree 

 

 

 

BGS Musketeers Welcome Function Raffle 

Raffle tickets for the Musketeers are still available for purchase! Don't miss out on your chance for one of our many exciting prizes, to be drawn at our Welcome Function. All winners will be notified regardless of attendance.
 
Use the following link to purchase raffle tickets.  
Brisbane Grammar School Fencing Support Group Fundraising Raffle | RaffleLink 
 
To purchase tickets for the Welcome Function, use the link below. 
https://payments.brisbanegrammar.com/SpecialActivitiesPayment/booking?UDS_ACTION_DATA=Z1tcBkdGLwpOXSF3MUJDBF1XQgxNXUIbKDRAXQNFJ0oMNyxR 
 
Your support of BGS Fencing is much appreciated.   

 

Brisbane School Teams Competition for Years 7 to 12 

QFA have confirmed the following competition dates in Term 2. 

Fixtures Round 1 : 6 May 

Fixtures Round 2 : 13 May  

Fixtures Round 3 : 20 May 

Fixtures Round 4 : 27 May 

Fixtures Round 5 : 3 June 

Fixtures Round 6/Finals : 10  June 

The schedule is now available on MyGrammar.  Please check this carefully and contact Ms Chin if there are any issues.   

 

BGS Primary Internal Fixtures for Years 5 & 6 

All Year 5 & 6 fencers will compete on these dates through Term 2.   

Fixtures Round 1 : 5 May 

Fixtures Round 2 : 12 May  

Fixtures Round 3 : 19 May 

Fixtures Round 4 : 26 May 

Fixtures Round 5 : 2 June 

Fixtures Round 6 : 9  June 

 

Whites & Other Fencing Gear 

Whites have been ordered and are on their way. Any students, who have not received their whites yet, thank you for your patience - not long now.  All other fencing gear - including fencing shirt, socks, and glove - should be with the boys now.  Please contact Ms Chin if this is not the case.   

 

Training 

Training has started, as per the schedule on MyGrammar.   

 

Monday Make Up Training Sessions 

Make up training session for Tuesday of Week 2 (ANZAC Day Public Holiday) is on Friday 28th April.  

No make up training session for Monday of Week 3 (Labour Day Public Holiday).   

 

What to bring to each training session : 

* PE shorts, sport shoes 

* fencing shirt or PE shirt 

* whites – jacket & breeches 

* fencing glove 

* fencing socks – one white, one blue 

* water bottle 

Please ensure all gear is labelled with your name, especially your fencing glove and water bottle.   

 

Gear that the School provides :  

* fencing mask 

* weapon 

* lame 

* body wires 

* piste electrics 

 

All fencers: Please treat all equipment with respect.  Put your mask, weapon, lame, and body wires back when you are finished.  Do not leave them on the floor for someone else to pick up.  Offer to help the coaches pack up whenever possible.   

While next season might seem a long way off our inaugural AGM for the Volleyblues is on Wednesday 3 May 2023.  

AGM Details: 

BGS Tennis Centre, 

6pm to 7pm Wednesday, 3 May 2023

Parking available at the Tennis Centre

In the meantime, I would be grateful if you would please consider the following official roles for our 2024 campaign. Please check MyGrammar for more details and nomination forms.

·       President;

·       Vice President;

·       Secretary;

·       Treasurer;

·       Senior Canteen Coordinator; 

·       Middle School Canteen Coordinator; and

·       Merchandise Coordinator.

Rhys Cox - Director of Volleyball 

Winter Uniform

Winter uniform commences on Tuesday 2nd May 2023 (after Labour Day long weekend).  

Returned Embroidered Blazers 

Please go to MyGrammar | P&F Auxiliary | Embroidery Pick Up List  to find out whether your blazer has been returned, as well as the cost for embroidery. Please ensure you have the necessary funds available on your BGS student card or have alternative means of payment when collecting your blazer. Some blazers may not be available for collection until Week 2 of Term 2; so please check the Embroidery List regularly.     

Important Reminder for Year 9 Winter Uniform Purchase

Year 9 students who have not purchased a blazer need to do this as soon as possible.  If your son is planning to purchase the blazer using his Student ID Card, please top up your son’s ID card and remove any daily limits prior to them coming to the shop. The blazers are priced at $315 for sizes 32 – 44 and $325 for sizes 46 – 52. The white shirts are priced at $30.   

Payment and Grammar Shop Online Orders

The online store can be accessed by entering the BGS Card system and 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.  

Uncollected Online Orders Policy

In the event that items are not collected within 3 months of their online purchase date, the items will be returned to the warehouse. The value of the uncollected purchases will be transferred to the student's BGS Card .   

Pre-Loved Uniforms for Sale (Including Blazers)

The Grammar Shop has a good selection of pre-loved uniforms, including: Middle School shorts and shirts, senior blue shirts, trousers, PE polo shirts, jumpers and blazers.  Parents are encouraged to browse our pre-loved section.  If you have clean, quality used uniforms you’d like to donate, please drop them at the Grammar Shop. We appreciate your kind donations. 

Grammar Shop 2023 Trading Hours

OPEN: Monday - Friday 7.30 am – 11 am 

CLOSED: All public and school holidays. 

Tuckshop 

OPEN: Weekdays before school and during breaks. 

Tuckshop 3834 5229      Grammar Shop 3834 5347         

Volunteer Roster commencing Monday 24th April 2023 

WEEK FOUR	TUCKSHOP  BREAKFAST  7AM-8.30AM	TUCKSHOP  M.TEA / LUNCH  8AM–2PM	GRAMMAR SHOP  7.30AM-11AM
Monday  24 April	Breakfast volunteers required	Naomi Chambers  (Team Coordinator)	Joanna Yesberg
Tuesday   25 April	ANZAC Day	ANZAC Day	ANZAC Day
Wednesday   26 April	Heather Norris  Helen Webster  Lena Xing	Katie Hume  (Team Coordinator)	Justine Neep
Thursday   27 April	Catherine Savage	Rosalind Creedon  (Team Coordinator)	Susan Fuller
Friday  28 April	Melissa Daly	Alicia Klumpes  (Team Coordinator)	Nadine Kattan

 

For more information or to volunteer your time, please contact Emma Kelso (Roster Secretary) auxiliaryvolunteers@brisbanegrammar.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NORMANBY BLUES RUGBY SUPPORT GROUP

Dear BGS Rugby Community

Now a regular feature in the calendar, the BGS Rugby Family & Friends Reds match is locked in for Friday 19 May, 7pm - Queensland Reds vs Auckland Blues.

It is a wonderful way for the BGS community to come together while enjoying a game of rugby, so all friends and family are welcome. 

Save the date and get your tickets now. We want to make section 334 a sea of BGS blue!!!

BOOK REDS TICKETS HERE

Yours in Rugby,

Jonte Lowe - Normanbyblues.support@brisbanegrammar.com