COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard has deemed that schools are no longer high-risk settings for COVID-19. Consequently, staff, contractors, volunteers and service providers are no longer required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend schools in Queensland. The above decision will not affect our focus on maintaining high standard hygiene measures.

An exemption to this update is health staff working in schools. The Healthcare Setting Direction mandates COVID-19 vaccinations requirements for workers in a ‘healthcare setting’, which will apply to staff in the BGS Health Centre.

The School continues to encourage staff, students and family members to get vaccinated.

BGS students and staff must continue to:

• Maintain good hygiene practices, including regular hand washing, use of hand sanitiser and containment of coughing and sneezing. This helps to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and influenza.
• Stay home if they feel unwell – even with mild symptoms such as a sore throat, low grade fever (above 37.0 degrees) and a slight runny nose.
• Positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts should follow Queensland Health advice outlined below.

 

What to do if you have COVID-19

If you get COVID-19, follow the steps below. These important steps protect yourself and others.

• If you get COVID-19, you need to immediately isolate yourself at your home or other accommodation for seven full days from the date you tested positive.
• Tell the people that live with you that you have COVID-19. If they are close contacts, they must follow the steps for close contacts.
• Manage your symptoms and health. Most people who are fully vaccinated will be able to care for themselves at home, as they would for other viral infections.
• Tell BGS. It is possible you may have spread the virus to others in the two days before you had symptoms or found out you have COVID-19.
• Follow the steps on what to do after having COVID-19.

 

Infection Control

The current heightened cleaning regime will continue at BGS.

Classrooms will continue to be well ventilated, air purifiers will operate where windows don’t open, and pedestrian flow signage will remain in some areas of the School.

Staff and students are encouraged to wear masks to and from School where social distancing is not possible (e.g. on public transport). At school, masks are optional and may be worn by any staff member or student.

Cold and flu

Cold and flu viruses continue to impact students across all year levels. I encourage you to ensure your sons maintain good hygiene practices. Please continue to keep your son at home if he is unwell.

COVID-19

• COVID-19 cases remain low at BGS.
• All cases of COVID-19 must stay at home for at least seven days from the date the test was taken. More information here.
• Close contacts with symptoms must stay home and get tested for COVID-19.
• Close contacts without symptoms may return to school but must wear a mask for seven days after the case’s test date if over the age of 12.
• Staff and students over the age of 12 returning to school after isolating due to COVID-19 must wear a mask for seven days post-isolation indoors and outdoors when they cannot socially distance.

Vaccination

Staff and students are encouraged to vaccinate for both influenza and COVID-19.

Assessment and absence from school

If your son is absent for a prolonged period due to illness or isolation, the information below outlines arrangements to support the continuation of learning and assessment.

• Arrangements and adjustments to schedules can be made to enable students to fulfil their assessment commitments
• Submission of an AARA application will enable the School to manage extensions (go to MyGrammar and search ‘AARA’; this will link the form)
• Where extended absences seriously impact a student’s progress, alternative arrangements can be explored; in the first instance, contact the relevant Head of Year (and Head of Middle School Curriculum, Ian Grice for Middle School students)
• Whenever a student is absent, encourage him to stay in touch with his learning and his teachers through Teams, OneNote and Canvas; this will make for a smoother return to school

Cold and flu

While the School’s COVID-19 numbers remain low, cold and flu viruses are impacting students across all year levels. I encourage you to ensure your sons maintain good hygiene practices. Please continue to keep your son at home if he is unwell.

COVID-19

• All cases of COVID-19 must stay at home for at least seven days from the date the test was taken. More information here.
• Close contacts with symptoms must stay home and get tested for COVID-19.
• Close contacts without symptoms may return to school but must wear a mask for seven days after the case’s test date if over the age of 12.
• Staff and students over the age of 12 returning to school after isolating due to COVID-19 must wear a mask for seven days post-isolation indoors and outdoors when they cannot socially distance.

Vaccination

Staff and students are encouraged to vaccinate for both influenza and COVID-19.

Assessment and absence from school

If your son is absent for a prolonged period due to illness or isolation, the information below outlines arrangements to support the continuation of learning and assessment.

• Arrangements and adjustments to schedules can be made to enable students to fulfil their assessment commitments
• Submission of an AARA application will enable the School to manage extensions (go to MyGrammar and search ‘AARA’; this will link the form)
• Where extended absences seriously impact a student’s progress, alternative arrangements can be explored; in the first instance, contact the relevant Head of Year (and Head of Middle School Curriculum, Ian Grice for Middle School students)
• Whenever a student is absent, encourage him to stay in touch with his learning and his teachers through Teams, OneNote and Canvas; this will make for a smoother return to school

Masks Now Optional at BGS

Wearing masks will be optional for BGS students and staff from Tuesday 3 May 2022. Close contacts should continue to wear masks at school for seven days as explained below.

 

Isolation Requirements Ease

Isolation requirements have been removed for close contacts who are asymptomatic. Close contacts who have COVID-19 symptoms will be required to test and isolate until these symptoms resolve, even if they return a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result.

The change to requirements allow BGS students, teachers, business and services staff to return to school as close contacts providing they are well and return a negative RAT result. Under the new arrangements, asymptomatic close contacts will need to wear masks outside their home for seven days and receive a negative RAT result every second day during that period since becoming a close contact.

 

Infection Control

The School continues to monitor COVID-19 related issues in the wider community and track specific patterns of infection at BGS. Our infection control measures focus on personal hygiene, pedestrian flow, CO2 monitoring, social distancing and classroom ventilation.

Please continue to keep your son at home if he displays any COVID-19 symptoms. If your son is away from school but well enough to participate in lessons from home, it is important that he advises his class teachers via Microsoft Teams chat or email.

 

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children

Vaccines reduce potential disruptions to learning, allowing children to continue to attend school and cocurricular activities. You can find a participating clinic and make an appointment by visiting the Vaccine Clinic Finder here.

Infection Control 

Compulsory wearing of masks will continue for BGS students and staff. We will re-evaluate whether masks will be required beyond next week. Please continue to keep your son at home if he displays any COVID-19 symptoms.

 

COVID-19 Isolation and Returning to School 

If a person has isolated as a positive case and is then identified as a close contact within 12 weeks of isolation, they are not considered a close contact and do not need to quarantine. 

For seven days after ending isolation or quarantine, staff and students (12 years and over) who return to their school or workplace after having COVID-19 or as close contacts are required to wear a face mask anywhere indoors or outdoors where they are unable to physically distance. 

If your son is away from school, but well enough to participate in lessons from home, it is important that he advises his class teachers via Teams chat.

 

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 

The Chief Medical Officer has written to schools to encourage families to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. He outlines that COVID-19 vaccines are a safe way to protect children, their families and friends from getting sick. Click here for more information on how to speak to children about COVID-19 vaccines. 

Vaccines reduce potential disruptions to learning, allowing children to continue to attend school and cocurricular activities. You can find a participating clinic and make an appointment by visiting the Vaccine Clinic Finder here. 

Student COVID-19 Cases

The number of COVID-19 cases continues to fall at the School.

 

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children

The Chief Medical Officer has written to schools to encourage families to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. He outlines that COVID-19 vaccines are a safe way to protect children, their families and friends from getting sick. Click here for more information on how to speak to children about COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccines reduce potential disruptions to learning, allowing children to continue to attend school and cocurricular activities. You can find a participating clinic and make an appointment by visiting the Vaccine Clinic Finder here.

 

COVID-19 Isolation and Returning to School

An update has been made to the Isolation for Diagnosed Cases of COVID-19 and Management of Close Contacts Direction. If a person has isolated as a positive case and is then identified as a close contact within 12 weeks of isolation, they are not considered a close contact and do not need to quarantine.

For seven days after ending isolation or quarantine, staff and students (12 years and over) who return to their school or workplace after having COVID-19 or as close contacts are required to wear a face mask anywhere indoors or outdoors where they are unable to physically distance.

 

Infection Control

BGS reintroduced the compulsory wearing of masks for the last two weeks of Term 1 2022. The School will reevaluate that direction over the term break and communicate with BGS families as to whether masks will or will not be required to start Term 2 2022.

 

Thank you

I want to reiterate my appreciation to staff and parents for their commitment to establishing safe COVID-19 practices throughout the term.

Student COVID-19 Cases

A total of 5.5% of students currently have COVID-19.

 

Infection Control

BGS reintroduced the compulsory wearing of masks on Monday this week. The School continues to monitor COVID-19 related issues in the wider community and track specific patterns of infection at BGS. Our infection control measures focus on personal hygiene, pedestrian flow, CO2 monitoring and classroom ventilation.

Our Boarding community continues to implement its COVID-19 plan, which involves Rapid Antigen Testing, twice weekly.

Please continue to keep your son at home if he displays any COVID-19 symptoms.

 

Thank you

I want to offer my appreciation to staff and parents for their commitment to establishing safe COVID-19 practices. I also want to acknowledge the students for their understanding and support of our procedures. For those unable to be at school, I remind you to contact your teachers if you are well enough to engage in learning.

The most significant change to COVID-19 restrictions in place from Monday 7 March 2022 is that masks are no longer mandatory. Students and staff may continue to wear masks if they wish. Masks must continue to be worn on public transport and any school-related bus trips. More information here.

Some of the other changes to restrictions include:

• The Pick-up Zone will revert to its normal procedures.
• Restrictions on parents, carers and visitors to campus will be eased – anyone who is working or volunteering at BGS must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• External events can resume on the BGS campus with COVID Safe plans in place.
• Student assemblies can now occur on campus and will be phased in.
• Academic excursions can resume.
• Residential camps can resume at the BGS Outdoor Education Centre.

All other hygiene protocols that have been in operation at BGS will remain in place. Classroom ventilation protocols, pedestrian flow restrictions, and good hygiene are important components being used to enhance the safety of all staff and students.

If your son is unwell, please keep him home. Click here to view a summary of what to do if a student feels unwell or tests positive for COVID-19. BGS will continue to supply RATs to staff and students who become symptomatic at school throughout Term 1.

We encourage parents and caregivers to vaccinate your sons against COVID-19 if eligible.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Infection control is a significant focus at BGS to minimise the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible. BGS Staff are closely monitoring mask use and pedestrian flow around campus to ensure students follow the relevant protocols and directions. Classroom ventilation protocols and hygiene are also important components being used to enhance the safety of all staff and students.

Students are checked each morning at Tutor Group to ensure they are not displaying any symptoms that indicate they may be unwell. Any student deemed to be displaying unwell symptoms is sent to the BGS Health Centre and their parents or caregivers are asked to collect their son. I understand the challenges that go along with this direction and appreciate your support.

Further students have tested positive to COVID-19 this week and we continue to ensure appropriate measures, in accordance with Queensland Health guidelines, are taken to minimise the risk of further infections at school.

Click here to view a summary of what to do if a student feels unwell or tests positive for COVID-19. We encourage parents and caregivers to vaccinate your sons against COVID-19 if eligible.

The below information was shared with BGS parents and caregivers via email on Tuesday this week. I have included it as a reminder for parents.
 

COVID-19 Positive Cases

Appropriate measures, in accordance with Queensland Health guidelines, have been taken to minimise the risk of further infections at school. Please continue to:

• Monitor yourself and your family for COVID-19 symptoms.
• Stay home if displaying any symptoms or feeling unwell. You should attend your local Queensland Health testing clinics where students are prioritised to get a free rapid antigen test (RAT).
• Continue to follow all Queensland Health advice. 
• If a potential positive case of COVID-19 is identified at school, the student will be isolated in the BGS Health Centre until he is able to travel home to quarantine. The student will be issued with a RAT kit to be used at home.
• If a student tests positive outside of school, they will be required to quarantine at home.
• If a household member tests positive, the student will be deemed a close contact and will be required to quarantine.
   

Student Absences

• Students and staff must not attend school if they are sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19. The usual processes for student absences continue – please email absences@brisbanegrammar.com.
• The School Marshals will send a short survey to parents of boys who are absent. This will allow the School to monitor COVID-19 cases.
• Parents should continue to send their sons to school unless he is unwell or is required to isolate.
   

Infection Control

• BGS students are required to wear masks except when eating, seated in their relevant playground area, or seated in a classroom. BGS staff will continue to be very particular that students accept responsibility for correctly following mask protocols.
• BGS teachers may remove their mask to teach.
• We encourage students and staff to use P2 or N95 masks.
• The School is implementing air quality measures to reduce the risk of respiratory infection in the classroom (e.g. ventilation protocols, air purifiers, adjustments to air conditioners, random CO₂ monitoring etc).
   

Teaching and Learning

BGS uses three technology applications to deliver curriculum and allow students to progress in their learning: Microsoft Teams (used for day-to-day lesson instructions and check-ins); One Note (used for class notes, resources and readings); and Canvas (used mainly for whole cohort outlines of units and assessment).

• Your son must open these applications every day to check for updates and directions. His class Team for each subject should be the first application he checks. 
• If your son is absent from school, it is advisable – when he is able – to check-in via Teams Chat with his teachers to let them know his progress and seek clarification as required.
• It is important for students to let their class teachers know if they are well enough to participate in learning from home.

Boarding

BGS Boarding has instigated a routine testing procedure each Monday and Thursday afternoon. There have been no cases in the boarding houses during the past week, a testament to the way the boarders have embraced mask wearing and hygiene in both Griffith and Harlin Houses.

Cocurricular Sports and Music

Please continue to check information about individual sport and cultural programs on the relevant Cocurricular pages on MyGrammar and the BGS app.

Volunteer Vaccination Requirement

In accordance with Government directives, all community members who wish to engage as a BGS volunteer this year must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Evidence should be emailed to the School using this address: vax_status@brisbanegrammar.com.

Key Staff Contacts

There may be occasions when parents are uncertain of the School's position on certain matters. I encourage parents to contact the following SLT members to seek clarification as appropriate:

• Senior School matters: David Carroll
• Middle School matters: Rebecca Campbell
• Academic matters: Steve Uscinski
• Cocurricular matters: Greg Thorne

Further Information
Stay up to date by regularly checking the Queensland Government COVID-19 website.
 

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

It has been pleasing to see how your sons have settled in to on-campus learning. I reiterate the importance of keeping your son home if he is unwell. Click here to view a summary of what to do if a student feels unwell or tests positive for COVID-19. We encourage parents and caregivers to vaccinate your sons against COVID-19 if eligible.

COVID-19 Positive Cases

We have been advised that a small number of BGS students have tested positive to COVID-19. Appropriate measures, in accordance with Queensland Health guidelines, have been taken to minimise the risk of further infections at school. Please continue to:

• Monitor yourself and your family for COVID-19 symptoms.
• Stay home if displaying any symptoms or feeling unwell. You should attend your local Queensland Health testing clinics where students are prioritised to get a free rapid antigen test (RAT).
• Continue to follow all Queensland Health advice. 
• If a potential positive case of COVID-19 is identified at school, the student will be isolated in the BGS Health Centre until he is able to travel home to quarantine. The student will be issued with a RAT kit to be used at home.
• If a student tests positive outside of school, they will be required to quarantine at home.
• If a household member tests positive, the student will be deemed a close contact and will be required to quarantine.

Student Absences

• Students and staff must not attend school if they are sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19. The usual processes for student absences continue – please email absences@brisbanegrammar.com.
• The School Marshals will send a short survey to parents of boys who are absent. This will allow the School to monitor COVID-19 cases.
• Parents should continue to send their sons to school unless he is unwell or is required to isolate.

Infection Control

• BGS students are required to wear masks except when eating, seated in their relevant playground area, or seated in a classroom. BGS staff will continue to be very particular that students accept responsibility for correctly following mask protocols.
• BGS teachers may remove their mask to teach.
• We encourage students and staff to use P2 or N95 masks.
• The School is implementing air quality measures to reduce the risk of respiratory infection in the classroom (e.g. ventilation protocols, air purifiers, adjustments to air conditioners, random CO₂ monitoring etc).

Teaching and Learning

BGS uses three technology applications to deliver curriculum and allow students to progress in their learning: Microsoft Teams (used for day-to-day lesson instructions and check-ins); One Note (used for class notes, resources and readings); and Canvas (used mainly for whole cohort outlines of units and assessment).

• Your son must open these applications every day to check for updates and directions. His class Team for each subject should be the first application he checks. 
• If your son is absent from school, it is advisable – when he is able – to check-in via Teams Chat with his teachers to let them know his progress and seek clarification as required.
• It is important for students to let their class teachers know if they are well enough to participate in learning from home.

Boarding

BGS Boarding has instigated a routine testing procedure each Monday and Thursday afternoon. There have been no cases in the boarding houses during the past week, a testament to the way the boarders have embraced mask wearing and hygiene in both Griffith and Harlin Houses.

Cocurricular Sports and Music

Please continue to check information about individual sport and cultural programs on the relevant Cocurricular pages on MyGrammar and the BGS app.

Volunteer Vaccination Requirement

In accordance with Government directives, all community members who wish to engage as a BGS volunteer this year must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Evidence should be emailed to the School using this address: vax_status@brisbanegrammar.com.

Key Staff Contacts

There may be occasions when parents are uncertain of the School's position on certain matters. I encourage parents to contact the following SLT members to seek clarification as appropriate:

• Senior School matters: David Carroll
• Middle School matters: Rebecca Campbell
• Academic matters: Steve Uscinski
• Cocurricular matters: Greg Thorne

 Further Information
Stay up to date by regularly checking the Queensland Government COVID-19 website.
 

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Thank you for your efforts to resume on-campus learning on Monday this week. I appreciate your support and patience for drop off and pick up yesterday.

Please pass on my thanks to your sons for the way they have quickly re-adjusted to the return to campus and the routines that go with that change. A strong partnership between school, parents and students has made adapting to the various changes much smoother this year.

It is important to keep your son home if he is unwell. We encourage parents and caregivers to vaccinate your sons against COVID-19 if eligible.
 

Back to School Plan

The key points from the Queensland Government’ 2022 Back to School Plan for staff, students and parents include:

• priority access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) at Queensland Health testing clinics for students and staff who have COVID-19 symptoms;
• provision of RATs to student and staff who start to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms while at school and who are send home that same day;
• suspension of school camps, excursions, assemblies and large gatherings;
• limiting visitors on campus;
• wearing of masks by students and staff, which may be removed when seated and when physical distancing is maintained;
• designation of teachers and certain other school staff as essential workers who are able to return to work if they are close contacts and test negative to COVID-19;
• the operation of school buses to continue as normal;
• limiting face-to-face staff meetings and face-to-face parent-teacher interviews; and
• continued use of the QR Check In App for all visitors to BGS.
   

Infection Control

• BGS students will be required to wear masks except when eating, seated in their relevant playground area, or seated in a classroom. BGS staff will continue to be very particular that students accept responsibility for correctly following mask protocols.
• BGS teachers may remove their mask to teach.
• We encourage students and staff to use P2 or N95 masks.
• The School is implementing air quality measures to reduce the risk of respiratory infection in the classroom (e.g. ventilation protocols, air purifiers, adjustments to air conditioners, random CO₂ monitoring etc).
   

Positive Student Cases at School

• If a potential positive case of COVID-19 is identified at school, the student will be isolated in the BGS Health Centre until he is able to travel home to quarantine. The student will be issued with a RAT kit to be used at home.
• If a student tests positive outside of school, they will be required to quarantine at home.
• If a household member tests positive, the student will be deemed a close contact and will be required to quarantine.
• As we receive notification of any positive cases in the BGS community, we will manage them on a case-by-case basis.
   

Student Absences

• Students and staff must not attend school if they are sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19. The usual processes for student absences continue – please email absences@brisbanegrammar.com.
• The School Marshals will send a short survey to parents of boys who are absent. This will allow the School to monitor COVID-19 cases.
• Parents should continue to send their sons to school unless he is unwell or is required to isolate.
   

Teaching and Learning

BGS uses three technology applications to deliver curriculum and allow students to progress in their learning: Microsoft Teams (used for day-to-day lesson instructions and check-ins); One Note (used for class notes, resources and readings); and Canvas (used mainly for whole cohort outlines of units and assessment).

• Your son must open these applications every day to check for updates and directions. His class Team for each subject should be the first application he checks. 
• If your son is absent from school, it is advisable – when he is able – to check-in via Teams Chat with his teachers to let them know his progress and seek clarification as required.
• It is important for students to let their class teachers know if they are well enough to participate in learning from home.
   

Traffic Zone

The traffic zone is particularly busy at the start of the school year. Designated year level areas have been set up in the traffic zone to assist with an orderly afternoon pick-up. Designated locations are as follows:

• Years 5 and 7 – Middle School building side
• Years 6 and 8 – Centre aisle
• Years 9 and 10 – BGGS side
• Years 11 and 12 – Foundation Stone

Students are required to wait in their designated area (or the area of their youngest sibling) for collection. Older students may wish to organise an alternative collection point, such as Roma St Parklands, Boundary Street, or Centenary Pool.
 

Volunteer Vaccination Requirement

In accordance with Government directives, all community members who wish to engage as a BGS volunteer this year must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Evidence should be emailed to the School using this address: vax_status@brisbanegrammar.com.
 

Old Boy Tutors

Old Boy tutors will not be able to tutor onsite until further notice.
 

Boarding

The BGS Boarding community is fully operational with our current students shared across Griffith House and Harlin House in a way that ensures a positive case will not result in other students being classified as a close contact. As we begin to receive quantities of RATs, we will use these tests on a precautionary basis to manage the wellbeing of the boarding community.
 

Cocurricular Sports and Music

Please continue to check information about individual sport and cultural programs on the relevant Cocurricular pages on MyGrammar and the BGS app.

Middle School Parent Information evenings:

The Middle School Parent Information evenings will be held online as Teams meetings on the following dates:

• Year 5: Tuesday 15 February
• Year 7: Tuesday 15 February
• Year 6: Wednesday 16 February
• Year 8: Thursday 17 February

Each meeting will be recorded. Following the presentations, the video recording will be made available to parents for a limited time. The associated PowerPoint slides will also be added to MyGrammar. Parents will receive an invitation to register for the meetings this week.
 

Key Staff Contacts

There may be occasions when parents are uncertain of the School's position on certain matters. I encourage parents to contact the following SLT members to seek clarification as appropriate:

• Senior School matters: David Carroll
• Middle School matters: Rebecca Campbell
• Academic matters: Steve Uscinski
• Cocurricular matters: Greg Thorne
   

Staying Safe

Brisbane Grammar School requests that all members of our community adhere to the following protocols:

• Please stay home if you are unwell.
• Practise good hand hygiene.
• Follow advice from Queensland Health, including the first steps to take if you have COVID-19.
   

Further Information
Stay up to date by regularly checking the Queensland Government COVID-19 website.
 

The Department of Education has developed a series of FAQs on the COVID pandemic website here.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Thank you for your understanding and adaptability as we start the 2022 school year.

Parent Letters

Further to the information contained in this communication, parents should click on the letter relevant to them at the links below. These letters from the Head of Middle School, and Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School contain specific information to help parents plan for the return to campus on Monday.

• Click here to read the letter to Middle School parents and caregivers.
• Click here to read the letter to Senior School parents and caregivers.

Return to Campus

All BGS students Years 5 to 12 will resume on-campus learning from Monday 7 February. The Queensland Government has announced Queensland’s 2022 Back to School Plan.

The salient points from the 2022 Back to School Plan for staff, students and parents include:

• priority access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) at Queensland Health testing clinics for students and staff who have COVID-19 symptoms;
• suspension of school camps, excursions, assemblies and large gatherings;
• limiting visitors on campus; and
• limiting face-to-face staff meetings and face-to-face parent-teacher interviews.

Mask Wearing

• BGS students will be required to wear masks except when eating, seated in their relevant playground area, or seated in a classroom.
• BGS teachers may remove their mask to teach.

Student Positive Cases at School

• If a potential positive case is identified at school, the student will be isolated until he is able to travel home to quarantine. The student will be issued with a RAT to be used at home.
• If a student tests positive outside of school, they will be required to quarantine at home.
• If a household member tests positive, the student will be deemed a close contact and will be required to quarantine.

Student Absences

Students and staff must not attend school if they are sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19. The usual processes for student absences continue – please email absences@brisbanegrammar.com.

Student Arrival to Campus on Monday 7 February 2022

To ease traffic congestion, there will be a staggered start to the return to campus. 

Year Level	Start time on Monday 7 February
Years 5 to 7	Start school at 9.30am. Classroom supervision for students available from 8.15am. Supervision will operate in the Middle School Library for students in Years 5 and 6 who arrive earlier than 8.15am. Year 7 students will be supervised in the Year 7 social space from 7.45am.
Years 8 to 12	Start school at 8.20am – students may arrive as normal

 

Traffic Zone

The traffic zone can be particularly busy at the start of the school year. Designated year level areas will be set up in the traffic zone to assist with afternoon pick-up. Designated locations are as follows:

• Years 5 and 7 – Middle School building side
• Years 6 and 8 – Centre aisle
• Years 9 and 10 – BGGS side
• Years 11 and 12 – Foundation Stone

Students are required to wait in their designated area (or the area of their youngest sibling) for collection.

Older students may wish to organise an alternative collection point, such as Roma St Parklands, Boundary Street, or Centenary Pool.

Volunteer Vaccination Requirement

All community members who wish to engage as a BGS volunteer this year must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Evidence should be emailed to the School using this address: vax_status@brisbanegrammar.com.

Grammar Shop

• The Grammar Shop is open from 7.30am to 11.00am on weekdays until Thursday 3 February and no appointments are necessary.
• On Friday 4 February the Grammar Shop will be open for new boarding students only.
• From 7 February 2022 the Grammar Shop will be open from 7.30am to 11.00am. For updates, check MyGrammar | P&F Auxiliary | Grammar Shop Location and Trading Hours.

Supervision of Children of Essential Workers

A reminder that supervision of children of essential workers and vulnerable children is currently available at BGS until Friday 4 February.

Old Boy Tutors

Old Boy tutors will not be able to tutor onsite until further notice.

Boarding

• BGS Boarding will reopen for new boarders on Friday 4 February and to the wider boarding community on Sunday 6 February.
• The operation of BGS Boarding will comply with the Australian Boarding Schools Association COVID-Safe Charter directive, and to the requirements of the Public Health Metro North endorsed Risk Assessment of facilities and practices. Details of these process have been provided to all BGS Boarding families.
• The Queensland Government has announced a program to supply Rapid Antigen Tests to boarders. The School expects to receive its allocation of tests for boarders by the end of this week.

Cocurricular Sports and Music

• Most scheduled Cocurricular training or activities continue.
• Please continue to check information about individual sport and cultural programs on the relevant Cocurricular pages on MyGrammar and the BGS app.
• The GPS Association released this statement last week, which outlined the plan for GPS Sport in Term 1 2022 and the postponement of the GPS Music Showcase.

Middle School Parent Information evenings:

The Middle School Parent Information evenings will be held online as Teams meetings on the following dates:

• Year 5: Tuesday 15 February
• Year 7: Tuesday 15 February
• Year 6: Wednesday 16 February
• Year 8: Thursday 17 February

Each meeting will be recorded. Following the presentations, the video recording will be made available to parents for a limited time. The associated PowerPoint slides will also be added to MyGrammar. Parents will receive an invitation to register for the meeting in the week beginning 7 February.

 Key Staff Contacts

There may be occasions when parents are uncertain of the School's position on certain matters, I strongly urge parents to contact the following SLT members to seek clarification:

• Senior School matters: David Carroll
• Middle School matters: Rebecca Campbell
• Academic matters: Steve Uscinski
• Cocurricular matters: Greg Thorne

Staying Safe

Brisbane Grammar School requests that all members of our community adhere to the following protocols:

• Please stay home if you are unwell.
• Wear a mask indoors and when you cannot physically distance.
• Practise good hand hygiene.
• Follow advice from Queensland Health, including the first steps to take if you have COVID-19.

Further Information
Stay up to date by regularly checking the Queensland Government COVID-19 website.

The Department of Education has developed a series of FAQs on the COVID pandemic website here.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

 

Dear BGS Community,

Thank you for your understanding and adaptability as we start the 2022 school year.

I appreciate we are sharing a considerable amount of information below. Please work through the headings and read the content relevant to you.

We will continue to provide regular updates.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

 

Home-based Learning

• Home-based learning will commence for students in Years 7 to 12 on 31 January.
• There is currently no home-based learning planned for Years 5 and 6. These students are scheduled to commence classroom-based learning from 7 February.

Home-based Learning Handbooks

• The Parent Handbook and Student Handbook, provide guidelines to assist in implementing home-based learning.
• Year 7 students should refer to page 3 of their Home-based Learning companion for a summary of the home-based learning protocols.

Essential Advice for Students for Home-based Learning

• Be ready to learn: Each morning, before checking-in with Tutor Group, students should look over their Teams and One Notes for each subject on their timetable that day. Students should establish the key topic for each lesson.
• Participate in lessons: Students must listen carefully to their teachers, completing set work and participating in activities to the best of their ability. Starting the year well will set the foundation for a successful academic experience in 2022. If students experience technical issues, follow the advice in the handbook and catch up via Teams, One Note or Canvas later. All the resources necessary for continuing learning are available.
• Use consolidation and preparation time: It is important that students use their Consolidation time each day to contact their subject teachers via Teams Chat or email to clarify any issues and to check their understanding of topics. The time can also be used well to prepare for upcoming lessons by reading and researching.
• Check assessment requirements and timelines: Every subject will set out in Teams, One Note and Canvas the type of assessment required for Term 1. Students should be clear whether they are working towards an exam, an assignment, a practical piece or a performance.
• Due dates for assessment will be confirmed and published in the Assessment Calendar on My Grammar.
• The assessment block for Year 12, the IA1 mid-terms, will commence on 7 March.
• Variations to assessment dates will be communicated via Teams and Canvas and the Assessment Schedule will be updated accordingly. Students should check MyGrammar > Academic > Assessment each week.

 Orientation Process for New Students in Years 8-11

• On Friday 28 January, new Years 8 to 11 day students and available boarding students will be onsite from 8.30 am 11.00am.
• Students will gather in The Lilley Centre Forum for Tablet Induction and a short Orientation process.
• New Years 8 to 11 boarders unable to attend on Friday 28 January will work with boarding staff to ensure they are able to engage in home-based learning.

Boarding

• Our position remains that BGS Boarding will open for our residential community on Sunday 6 February and that our new boarders will return for their Orientation Program on Friday 4 February. Details of the revised Orientation Program will be sent to new boarding families following this communication.
• As details of the COVID-Safe operation of boarding becomes clearer, and once the Queensland Government publishes details of the return to school protocol, we will write to all BGS Boarding families with precise information regarding the operation of our facilities once the term commences.

 Cocurricular Sports and Music

• Most scheduled Cocurricular training or activities continue.
• Please continue to check information about individual sport and cultural programs on the relevant Cocurricular pages on MyGrammar and the BGS app.
• The GPS Association released this statement last week, which outlines the plan for GPS Sport in Term 1 2022 and the postponement of GPS Music Showcase.

Supervision of Children of Essential Workers

A reminder that supervision of children of essential workers and vulnerable children is currently available at BGS until Friday 4 February.

Grammar Shop

• The Grammar Shop will be open from 7.30am to 11.00am on weekdays from Thursday 27 January to Thursday 3 February, no appointments necessary.
• On Friday 4 February the Grammar Shop will be restricted to only fit uniforms for new boarding students.

Middle School Parent Information evenings:

The Middle School Parent Information evenings will be held as Teams meetings on the following dates:

• Year 5: Tuesday 15 February
• Year 7: Tuesday 15 February
• Year 6: Wednesday 16 February
• Year 8: Thursday 17 February

Each meeting will be recorded. Following the presentations, the video recording will be made available to parents for a limited time. The PowerPoint slides will also be added to MyGrammar. Parents will receive an invitation to register for the meeting in the week beginning 7 February.

Events

All social and community events originally planned to be held indoors will not proceed in the period up to Monday 7 February 2022. 

Staying Safe

• Please stay home if you are unwell.
• Wear a mask indoors and when you cannot physically distance.
• Practise good hand hygiene.
• Follow advice from Queensland Health, including the first steps to take if you have COVID-19.

Further Information
Stay up to date by regularly checking the Queensland Government COVID-19 website.

The Department of Education has developed a series of FAQs on the COVID pandemic and the educational impacts on their website here.

 

Dear BGS Community,

Supervision of Children of Essential Workers

• A reminder that supervision of children of essential workers and vulnerable children will be available at BGS from Monday 24 January up to and including Friday 4 February. Please click here to complete a survey by 12.00pm tomorrow (Wednesday 19 January) indicating you require supervision for your son/s.
• Students will be supervised by members of the Senior Leadership Team and School Marshals. A separate email will be sent by this Friday 21 January to those who have indicated they require supervision for their sons.
• Note the supervision will be provided from 8.00am to 3.00pm.

Home-based Learning

• Home-based learning will commence for students in Years 7 to 12 on 31 January. These students will attend online Tutor Group at 8.15am. During Tutor Group and Period 1, students will attend a brief virtual assembly and be guided through the home-based learning protocols.
• Students in Years 8 – 12 will commence regular classes from Period 2.
• Information relating to the tablet induction for new day and boarding students in Years 8 to 11 will be emailed later this week.
• An email will be sent to Year 7 parents later this week outlining the tablet induction process and information relating to home-based learning.
• There is currently no home-based learning planned for Years 5 and 6. These students are scheduled to commence classroom-based learning from 7 February.

Cocurricular Sports and Music

• Most scheduled Cocurricular training or activities continue until further notice. The GPS Association released this statement today, which outlines the plan for GPS Sport in Term 1 2022 and the postponement of GPS Music Showcase.
• Further clarity will be provided in due course for the individual sport and cultural programs on the relevant Cocurricular pages on MyGrammar.
• Program leaders will be posting more detail for their specific programs.

Grammar Shop

• The Grammar Shop will be open from 7.30am to 11.00am on weekdays from Thursday 27 January to Thursday 3 February, no appointments necessary.
• On Friday 4 February the Grammar Shop will be restricted to only fit uniforms for new boarding students.
• From the start of on campus learning, the Grammar Shop's usual opening hours of 7.30am to 11.00am will resume. For updates, check MyGrammar | P&F Auxiliary | Grammar Shop Location and Trading Hours.

Orientation Program

On Monday 7 February, all students will participate in an Orientation Program on campus as outlined in the table below:

Year level	Orientation	Regular classes commence
Year 5	Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 February at 9.30am	Wednesday 9 February
Year 6	Monday 7 February at 9.30am	Tuesday 8 February
Year 7	Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 February at 9.30am	Wednesday 9 February
Years 8 to 12	Monday 7 February at 8.15am for Periods 1 and 2	Monday 7 February, Period 3

• The Year 5 and Year 7 Orientation Day sessions for parents will be shared virtually this year. A link to watch the Headmaster and Head of Middle School parent information presentations will be made available on Monday 24 January.

Middle School Parent Information Evenings

The Middle School Parent Information Evenings for Years 5 to 8 hosted by Heads of Year will be recorded and made available to parents in the week beginning 14 February.

Events

All social and community events originally planned to be held indoors will not proceed in the period up to Monday 7 February 2022.

Student Arrival to Campus on Monday 7 February 2022

To ease traffic congestion, there will be a staggered start to the return to campus. 

Year Level	Start time on Monday 7 February
Years 5 to 7	Start school at 9.30am. Classroom supervision for students available from 8.15am. Supervision will operate in the Middle School Library for students in Years 5 and 6 who arrive earlier than 8.15am. Year 7 students will be supervised in the Year 7 social space from 7.45am.
Years 8 to 12	Start school at 8.15am – students may arrive as normal

 

Staying Safe

• Please stay home if you are unwell.
• Wear a mask indoors and when you cannot physically distance.
• Practise good hand hygiene.
• Follow advice from Queensland Health, including the first steps to take if you have COVID-19.

Further Information
Stay up to date by regularly checking the Queensland Government COVID-19 website.

The Department of Education has developed a series of FAQs on the COVID pandemic and the educational impacts on their website here.

We will continue to provide regular updates.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

BGS academic program to begin 31 January for Years 7 to 12 with home-based learning
Years 5 and 6 academic program to begin on campus on 7 February.

Dear BGS Community,

Plan for Start of Term 1 2022

Year Level	Learning Method and Dates
Years 8 to 12	Home-based learning begins Monday 31 January 2022. On campus learning begins Monday 7 February 2022.
Year 7	Modified program of home-based learning begins Monday 31 January 2022. Arrangements for tablet collection will be communicated to parents next week. On campus learning begins Monday 7 February 2022.
Years 5 and 6	On campus learning begins Monday 7 February 2022. No home-based learning.

The Queensland Government plan we shared with the BGS community on Sunday afternoon is not mandated for independent schools. BGS has planned the start of Term 1 2022 in the best interests of our students and staff.

End of 2022 School Year

BGS will not invoke the Government’s approach to extend the school year by one week in Term 4 to compensate for a delayed start to Term 1. The BGS school year will conclude on Friday 25 November 2022 for students and Friday 2 December 2022 for teaching staff as previously planned.

Key Term 1 2022 Dates

Dates	Activity
Monday 24 January to Friday 4 February	Supervision of students of essential workers
Tuesday 25 January	Orientation video will be shared with new students and parents. More information will be provided for all new families in separate communications.
Wednesday 26 January	Australia Day public holiday
Monday 31 January	Home-based learning for Years 7 to 12 begins
Monday 7 February	Years 5 and 6 will begin school year on campus. All year levels return to campus unless the Queensland Government advises otherwise.
Monday 7 February Tuesday 8 February	Years 5 and 7 Orientation Program
Monday 7 February	Year 6 Orientation Program Years 8 to 12 – Periods 1 and 2 Tutor Group Regular classes commence in Period 3.

 

Student Arrival to Campus on Monday 7 February 2022

To ease traffic congestion, there will be a staggered start to the return to campus. 

Year Level	Start time on Monday 7 February
Years 5 to 7	Start school at 9.30am. Supervision for students available from 8.15am.
Years 8 to 12	Start school at 8.15am – students may arrive as normal

Preparation for home-based learning

Specific information to prepare students for the start of the school year, including new student orientation and the provision of laptops, will be provided next week.

From 24 January 2022

Supervision of children of essential workers and vulnerable children will be available at BGS from Monday 24 January up to and including Friday 4 February.

Please click here to complete a survey indicating you require supervision for your son/s.

An essential worker is someone who provides essential services and who is unable to work from home. More information is available here.

Students will be supervised by members of the Senior Leadership Team and School Marshals.

Boarding

The health, wellbeing, and continuity of learning for boarding students during this phase of the pandemic is a major focus of our discussions with Government. At this stage, we continue to work with authorities to determine when BGS boarders can return to campus.

Events

All social and community events planned indoors will not proceed in the period up to Monday 7 February 2022. Decisions will be made on each individual event and whether it is cancelled or postponed – this will be communicated in due course.

Cocurricular

Most of our scheduled Cocurricular training or activities will continue until further notice, as advised by the Queensland Government.

Wellbeing
We are entering challenging times as the Omicron wave increases. With this in mind some people may experience heightened anxiety. Please look after your own wellbeing and that of those around you who may require support and advice.

Staying Safe and What to do if you Test Positive

• Please stay home if you are unwell.
• Wear a mask indoors and when you cannot physically distance.
• Practise good hand hygiene.
• Follow advice from Queensland Health, including the first steps to take if you have COVID-19.

Further Information
Stay up to date by regularly checking the Queensland Government COVID-19 website.

The Department of Education has developed a series of FAQs on the COVID pandemic and the educational impacts on their website here.

We thank you for your support during these challenging times. We will continue to provide regular updates.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

The Premier’s announcement that community sport may resume from 4.00pm on Friday 20 August is welcome news for Queenslanders.

The GPS Management Committee met yesterday to consider the easing of restrictions. This statement from the GPS Association of Queensland outlines the updated information resulting from those discussions.

The decision has been made for BGS not to resume participation in the GPS competition this weekend due to our managed transition out of quarantine. While most GPS member schools will compete this weekend in modified Basketball, Chess and Track & Field programs, BGS students will not contest or participate in any competitive GPS sport or activities this weekend.

As you are aware, BGS recently completed two weeks of strict quarantine while other schools completed one week of lockdown. The protocols and measures in place at BGS ensure we safely manage our transition out of quarantine and provide our students with adequate time to prepare and train after they were unable to leave their homes for 14 days.

The safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount. BGS will provide additional training and preparation for sport and competition next week, while continuing to maintain comprehensive protocols and safety measures. These protocols contribute to keeping our community and our fellow GPS communities safe.

Following a full week of training and match preparation next week, we anticipate a return to GPS competition in Round 7 against St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace next weekend.

We are also investigating opportunities for additional fixtures for some teams, utilising the GPS bye round in Week 8, to give our students as many opportunities as possible to compete for BGS this term.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef 
Headmaster 

The School is working with the GPS Association of Queensland to consider and respond to the easing of community sport restrictions announced by the Queensland Premier today (Wednesday 18 August).

We will update our community tomorrow on our plan to safely return to sport and competition as soon as possible.

 

Dear BGS Community,

I reiterate my thanks to everyone in the BGS community. The dedication of our students, parents, teachers, business and services staff, and household members to quarantine and follow Queensland Health directives has helped keep our state safe. We understand many of the challenges of the past few weeks and we are grateful that most students and staff returned to campus today.

The return to school involved a significant amount of work to ensure the campus is as safe as possible. BGS has developed comprehensive return to school protocols informed by Queensland Health and our own safe practices that include an intense ongoing cleaning regime, mask-wearing, hygiene requirements, directional pedestrian movement, signage, visitor restrictions and social distancing for staff. Please see photos below showing some of the safety measures in place on campus.

It has been pleasing to see all students wearing their masks around campus and adjusting to the new normal.

The School is in regular contact with the BGS families who continue to be directly affected by COVID-19. We are providing as much support as possible to these families.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

 

Dear BGS Community,

We have just been informed that about 600 BGS community members have mistakenly received a text message or email from Queensland Health today (Sunday 15 August) instructing them that they cannot attend school tomorrow.

As long as you have met the quarantine exit requirements outlined below, please disregard that message/email.

• You have completed a Day 12 negative COVID-19 test result.
• No one in your household has tested positive for COVID-19.
• You have no COVID-19 symptoms.
• You have completed the 14-day quarantine period.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

We were advised yesterday afternoon that the Metro North Public Health Unit is reconciling BGS community data on contact tracing and COVID-19 testing. We were informed that the Quarantine Release Form assists Queensland Health with that process.

If you haven’t already, please complete the Quarantine Release Form here. The form should be completed for each and every member of your household.

I confirm that while staff and students do not need the confirmation letter to return to school, completing the Quarantine Release Form will reduce the likelihood of Queensland Health contacting you tomorrow (Sunday 15 August) as part of their reconciliation process. Note, the confirmation letter is not generated instantly and may take until the end of the weekend to come through to your email.

We again apologise for the confusion around this process, but we are relying on information provided to us.

Thank you.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Correction to Queensland Health advice in previous communication

 

Dear BGS Community,

Queensland Health has just advised that, contrary to their written advice earlier today, you do not need a letter to exit quarantine at 11.59pm tonight (Friday 13 August), so long as you meet the other exit requirements:

• You have completed a Day 12 negative COVID-19 test result.
• No one in your household has tested positive for COVID-19.
• You have no COVID-19 symptoms.
• You have completed the 14-day quarantine period.

The School encourages you to complete the Quarantine Release Form, but it will not be a requirement to return to the campus for staff or students. We apologise for the confusion.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Please note, this communication has been updated.

 

Dear BGS Community,

Please read the below information carefully, particularly the information on what is required to exit quarantine and return to BGS. You must complete the Quarantine Release Form.

END OF HOME QUARANTINE

BGS will reopen on Monday 16 August. The release date for the majority of the BGS community is tonight (Friday 12 August) at 11.59pm. Please note, some community members need to stay in quarantine until tomorrow (Saturday 13 August).

To return to school, you will need to ensure that all the following points have been adhered to:

• You have completed a Day 12 negative COVID test result.
• No one in your family has tested positive.
• You have no COVID-19 symptoms.
• You have completed the 14-day quarantine.

A Quarantine Release Form from Metro North Public Health Unit has been made available for you to complete and confirm the above. Click here to complete the online form. The form is not mandatory.

RETURNING TO SCHOOL

• Parents and carers will not be able to come on site. BGS has arrangements in place to support all student’s transition back to campus.
• Everyone on school premises is required to wear a mask.
• All staff will wear a face mask at all times, including when teaching.
• Some students may experience anxiety or sensory sensitivities with regards to wearing a mask. Staff will work these students and parents to make the necessary adjustments.

THANK YOU

Thank you to the BGS community – students, parents, teachers, business and service staff, and household members – for your support and efforts during the quarantine period. We understand it has been a challenging period.

It was wonderful to hear of parents gaining insight into classes and students showing maternity, adaptability and engagement. BGS is nothing without community, and the support we show each other during these times demonstrates our real strength.

Our thoughts remain with the BGS families directly affected by the Delta strain. The School will continue to work with those families to make sure they are supported.

We will continue to send regular email communications, with this information also available on the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community page on the BGS website.

Thank you for your support.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Please read the below information carefully, particularly the information on how to exit quarantine.

BGS AND BGGS WEBINAR – watch video and read Q&As

• For those who were unable to attend the Grammar Schools Webinar on Tuesday night this week, you can view it here. More than 200 questions were submitted live during the event and not all questions could be answered.
• Please click here to view a Q&A of the many questions. We again thank Chief Medical Officer Metro North Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook and Public Health Physician Dr Candice Holland for participating in the webinar.

HOW TO EXIT QUARANTINE

• BGS will send a link to our community tomorrow afternoon with instructions on how to exit quarantine. Queensland Health will also send the link via email and/or SMS to all persons they have identified on their lists in association with BGS.
• The link will take the user to an online portal where all persons in the household must fill out the form and give a declaration to say they have met the conditions for exit from quarantine. The conditions will include completing a negative Day 12 COVID test by the primary contact, and a declaration that no one in their family has developed any COVID symptoms since undertaking their Day 12 test.
• This will then generate a PDF form that will serve as a Quarantine Release Form.
• You will only be permitted to leave quarantine once you receive this form.

COVID TESTING

• Please note, the BGS testing centre at Centenary Hall will be open from 8.00am to 12.00pm tomorrow (Friday 13 August).

 

I reiterate my thanks to the thousands of BGS community members who turned out yesterday and over the past two weeks to be COVID tested. Your commitment to Queensland Health directives has been commendable.

Our thoughts remain with the BGS families directly affected by the Delta strain. The School will continue to work with those families to make sure they are supported.

We will continue to send regular email communications, with this information also available on the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community page on the BGS website.

In tomorrow’s communication, I will outline some of the additional measures the School has implemented in order to bolster safe practices at each of the BGS campuses and the back-to-school procedures for next week.

Thank you for your support.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

I thank the thousands of BGS community members who turned out today and over the past two weeks to be COVID tested. Your commitment to Queensland Health directives has been commendable.

I also pass on my thanks to many of you who attended the Grammar Schools Webinar with Queensland Heath last night. We thank Chief Medical Officer Metro North Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook and Public Health Physician Dr Candice Holland for answering many of the questions. More than 200 questions were submitted live during the event and not all questions could be answered. BGS and BGGS are working through the questions and will provide responses this week.

We have commenced preparing the campus and introducing heightened protocols to optimise the COVID safe operation of BGS. There will be a raft of safe practices implemented to support our staff and students as they transition back to campus. Details about these arrangements will be provided on Friday 13 August. All students (Years 5 to 12) will be required to wear a mask when they return to campus. Please see the below information from the Queensland Government about wearing masks:

• How to wear a mask
• Will a face mask protect me from COVID-19?

Our thoughts are with the BGS families directly affected by the Delta strain. I pass on the well wishes from community members who have reached out to the School enquiring about the wellbeing of our affected families and offering to provide support.

We will continue to send regular email communications, with this information also available on the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community page on the BGS website.

Thank you for your support.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Today’s communication focuses on the Grammar Schools Webinar with Queensland Health tonight (including the link to join the online meeting) and COVID testing tomorrow (including a revised QML registration form for Centenary Hall).

BGS AND BGGS WEBINAR TONIGHT

The Grammar Schools Webinar with Queensland Heath will start at 7.30pm tonight (Tuesday 10 August) and run for 45 minutes. It will be a Zoom event open to families and staff from both Grammar schools.

Click here to log on a few minutes before 7.30pm.

The webinar will follow the below format:

• 7.30pm: Introduction from BGS Headmaster Anthony Micallef, BGGS Principal Jacinda Euler, and Queensland Health representatives.
• 7.35pm: Discussion answering questions submitted in advance.
• 8.00pm: Q&A responding to questions that have been submitted during the webinar.
• 8.10pm: Concluding comments and what’s next. An FAQ will be compiled and sent to all BGS and BGGS families.
• 8.15pm: End webinar.

COVID TESTING SITES TOMORROW – Wednesday 11 August

 The majority of people in the BGGS and BGS communities are currently in home-based quarantine, which is due to end at 11.59pm this Friday 13 August. Some households may have been directly instructed by Queensland Health that their particular quarantine period ends at a later time due to circumstances applicable to that household.

To exit quarantine, Queensland Health requires all close contacts to return two negative COVID-19 test results, with the second test to be performed strictly on Day 12 of your quarantine period (the first test should have been performed early last week). Queensland Health also recommends secondary contacts (household members of close contacts) undergo Day 12 testing. To understand whether you are a close or secondary contact, please read this Queensland Health letter. For households due to exit quarantine on Friday, their Day 12 is this Wednesday (11 August 2021).

In anticipation of significant demand for Day 12 testing, BGGS and BGS have collaborated to arrange the following options, which may be accessed by community members of both schools. You may also choose to use any other testing site that is more convenient to your household.

Please note: Online classes will be suspended on Wednesday 11 August to allow staff, students and parents to get tested.

Drive-through Testing Site: RNA Showgrounds

This drive-through testing site will be operated by Sullivan Nicolaides in the main arena of the RNA Showgrounds at the following times:

• Wednesday 11 August from 8.00am to 7.00pm;
• Thursday 12 August from 8.00am to 7.00pm; and
• Friday 13 August from 8.00am to 12.00pm.

This testing site should be accessed via Gregory Terrace, approaching from Bowen Bridge Road (ie Gate 3, 600 Gregory Terrace).

Walk-in Testing Site: BGS Centenary Hall with overflow to BGGS Barbara Fielding Room

These walk-in testing sites will be operated by QML, primarily in the BGS Centenary Hall and also in the Barbara Fielding Room at BGGS if and when queues become excessive. Any overflow will be managed by testing site personnel.  The number of testing stations within Centenary Hall will be increased for Wednesday. The operating times for these sites are:

• Wednesday 11 August from 7.00am to 5.00pm;
• Thursday 12 August from 8.00am to 3.00pm; and
• Friday 13 August from 8.00am to 3.00pm.

* QML may extend the closing time depending on demand

The BGS staff car park on Oval No. 2 will be open and can be accessed via Kalinga Avenue (the lane between the two schools). When the car park is full, people will need to park on neighbouring streets.

Traffic controllers and SES volunteers will be onsite to help manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Registration Process

To expedite the testing process, each individual person using either testing site is requested to bring a completed and printed copy of the applicable attached pathology request form. The form may be completed electronically (form-fillable PDF) before printing, or it may be completed by hand. If you are unable to print the form at home, hard copies of the form will be made available for completion by hand at the testing sites and we recommend that you bring a pen.

Please instruct the pathologist that you are having your 12-day COVID test. Use the corresponding pathology request form for the applicable sites, as follows:

• RNA Showgrounds registration from – Sullivan Nicolaides
• BGS Centenary Hall with Overflow to BGGS Barbara Fielding Room – QML

 * Queensland Health has also requested that students being tested should indicate their school and their year group in the box at the top right called “File No.” on the QML form.

Masks and Social Distancing

All persons attending our testing sites (drive-through and walk-in) must wear masks at all times, except when being tested. Households who queue for the walk-in testing site must socially distance from other household groups.

We sincerely thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as we manage the Day 12 testing process for our school communities.

Please be particularly respectful to all personnel – who are working or volunteering in trying circumstances – operating the testing sites.

 REQUIREMENTS TO EXIT MANDATORY HOME QUARANTINE

1. Return two negative COVID tests:

• First test ASAP on notification; and
• Second test on day 12 of quarantine.

2. Strict adherence to the time of release on the Queensland Health letter.

3. You must also be symptom free, if not please contact Queensland Health for advice.

 

We will continue to send regular email communications, with this information also available on the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community page on the BGS website.

Thank you for your support.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

To the best of our knowledge, 19 BGS community members have tested positive for COVID-19, including boys and teachers, and their family members. Our thoughts are with the individuals and their families.

BGS AND BGGS WEBINAR

The Grammar Schools Webinar with Queensland Heath will start at 7.30pm tomorrow (Tuesday 10 August) and run for 45 minutes. It will be a Zoom event open to families and staff from both Grammar schools. Log on details to be confirmed. If you have specific questions, please send them to headmaster@brisbanegrammar.com by 12.00pm tomorrow. The webinar will follow the below format:

• 7.30pm: Introduction from BGS Headmaster Anthony Micallef, BGGS Principal Jacinda Euler, and Queensland Health representatives.
• 7.35pm: Discussion answering questions submitted in advance
• 8.00pm: Q&A responding to questions that have been submitted during the webinar
• 8.10pm: Concluding comments and what’s next. An FAQ will be compiled and sent to all BGS and BGGS families.
• 8.15pm: End webinar

COVID TESTING SITES – Wednesday 11 August

 The majority of people in the BGGS and BGS communities are currently in home-based quarantine, which is due to end at 11.59pm this Friday 13 August. Some households may have been directly instructed by Queensland Health that their particular quarantine period ends at a later time due to circumstances applicable to that household.

To exit quarantine, Queensland Health requires all close contacts to return two negative COVID-19 test results, with the second test to be performed strictly on Day 12 of your quarantine period (the first test should have been performed early last week). Queensland Health also recommends secondary contacts (household members of close contacts) undergo Day 12 testing. To understand whether you are a close or secondary contact, please read this Queensland Health letter. For households due to exit quarantine on Friday, their Day 12 is this Wednesday (11 August 2021).

In anticipation of significant demand for Day 12 testing, BGGS and BGS have collaborated to arrange the following options, which may be accessed by community members of both schools. You may also choose to use any other testing site that is more convenient to your household.

Drive-through Testing Site: RNA Showgrounds

This drive-through testing site will be operated by Sullivan Nicolaides in the main arena of the RNA Showgrounds at the following times:

• Wednesday 11 August from 8.00am to 7.00pm
• Thursday 12 August from 8.00am to 7.00pm
• Friday 13 August from 8.00am to 12.00pm

This testing site should be accessed via Gregory Terrace, approaching from Bowen Bridge Road (ie Gate 3, 600 Gregory Terrace).

Walk-in Testing Site: BGS Centenary Hall with overflow to BGGS Barbara Fielding Room

These walk-in testing sites will be operated by QML, primarily in the BGS Centenary Hall and also in the Barbara Fielding Room at BGGS if and when queues become excessive.  Any overflow will be managed by testing site personnel.  The number of testing stations within Centenary Hall will be increased for Wednesday.  The operating times for these sites are:

• Wednesday 11 August from 7.00am to 5.00pm
• Thursday 12 August from 8.00am to 3.00pm
• Friday 13 August from 8.00am to 3.00pm

* QML may extend the closing time depending on demand

The BGS staff car park on Oval No. 2 will be open and can be accessed via Kalinga Avenue (the lane between the two schools). When the car park is full, people will need to park on neighbouring streets.

Traffic controllers and SES volunteers will be onsite to help manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Registration Process

To expedite the testing process, each individual person using either testing site is requested to bring a completed and printed copy of the applicable attached pathology request form. The form may be completed electronically (form-fillable PDF) before printing, or it may be completed by hand. If you are unable to print the form at home, hard copies of the form will be made available for completion by hand at the testing sites and we recommend that you bring a pen.

Please use the corresponding pathology request form for the applicable sites, as follows:

• RNA Showgrounds registration from – Sullivan Nicolaides
• BGS Centenary Hall with Overflow to BGGS Barbara Fielding Room – QML

* The QML form indicates a closing date of 11 August 2021 which may be ignored

Masks and Social Distancing

All persons attending our testing sites (drive-through and walk-in) must wear masks at all times, except when being tested. Households who queue for the walk-in testing site must socially distance from other household groups.

We sincerely thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as we manage the Day 12 testing process for our school communities.

Please be particularly respectful to all personnel – who are working or volunteering in trying circumstances – operating the testing sites.

VACCINATIONS

All school staff (including volunteers) have been prioritised in the 1B vaccination category. We understand that staff who have previously registered will not be automatically flagged as 1B and should therefore re-register to be prioritised. Re-registering requires the use of an email address that is different to that already registered in the vaccination queue. Register to be vaccinated here.

RETURN TO CAMPUS AND MASKS

We have commenced preparing the campus and introducing heightened protocols to optimise the COVID safe operation of BGS. Details about these arrangements will be provided soon. All students (Years 5 to 12) will be required to wear a mask when they return to campus. Please see the below information from the Queensland Government about wearing masks:

• How to wear a mask
• Will a face mask protect me from COVID-19?

BOARDING

As we prepare for the return to classroom-based learning, BGS Boarding is well-advanced in its planning for the ongoing operation of the residential community with increased student numbers. As we finalise details of the operation of boarding, and the requirements for boarders and boarding staff with the Metro North Public Health Unit, we will continue to liaise directly with the wider boarding community.

 

We will continue to send regular email communications, with this information also available on the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community page on the BGS website.

Thank you for your support.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

The South East Queensland lockdown ended at 4.00pm today; however, the Brisbane Grammar School community continues its 14-day strict home-based quarantine.

We are not aware of any additional COVID cases in our community since our most recent communication. Our thoughts are with the individuals and their families who are presently dealing with the virus.

Queensland Health requires two negative tests for any BGS community member to return to campus from Monday 16 August (including staff, students, parents and volunteers). The second COVID test from Wednesday 11 August is compulsory, with a negative result required to exit quarantine. The exit time from quarantine for most community members is after 11.59pm on Friday 13 August. However, some of you may have been directly advised by Queensland Health to exit quarantine at a later date due to circumstances in your household.

BGS classes will be suspended on Wednesday 11 August so that families and BGS staff can get tested.

I will provide more information prior to Wednesday about additional COVID testing options for our community, which will continue to include Centenary Hall at BGS. We are collaborating with Brisbane Girls Grammar School in this regard.

The BGS and BGGS communities will have the opportunity to have their questions answered as part of a webinar this Tuesday evening, which has been arranged by Ms Jacinda Euler and me, and will be facilitated by Queensland Health. If you have specific questions, please send them to headmaster@brisbanegrammar.com by 12.00pm on Tuesday 10 August.

We are pleased that the Premier announced today that all school staff (including volunteers) have been prioritised in the 1B vaccination category.

We have commenced preparing the campus and introducing heightened protocols to optimise the COVID safe operation of BGS. Details about these arrangements will be provided soon.

We will continue to send regular email communications, with this information also available on the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community page on the BGS website.

Thank you for your support.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

The strength of a community is shown in challenging times, and I commend our students, parents and staff for your efforts and resilience this week.

At this stage, 14 BGS community members have tested positive to COVID-19, including boys, teachers and parents. Our thoughts are with the individuals and their families. This is an emotionally, physically and psychologically challenging period for these families and support from the community is vital. I am sure that all in our community have had to deal with an incredibly stressful past week, with little certainty amid changing freedoms.

The support we show each other currently demonstrates the real strength of the BGS community. I have seen the messages of support on social media, questions being asked and answered, and information shared. I encourage you to read my article about the strength of our community in the BGS Newsletter published today.

Next week, I will share information about the process for exiting quarantine and the steps we are taking to prepare the School for a safe and smooth transition back to classroom-based education.

Click here to view COVID-19 information for parents, students, and the broader community provided by the Department of Education.

We will continue to send regular email communications, with this information also available on the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community page on the BGS website.

Please take care of yourself and your family over the coming week, and do not hesitate to ask for any assistance.

Thank you for your support.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Staff,

The update below aims to clarify and summarise some of the key messages from the past few days. Please read carefully.

COVID Cases

At this stage, the COVID cases for the BGS community is now eight students, two teachers and two parents.

Quarantine and Testing

• Click here to view the contact tracing (exposure sites) for COVID-19 (in Queensland) and the relevant Queensland Health directives for those impacted. If affected, you must get a COVID test immediately if you haven’t already.
• Click here to find your nearest COVID testing centre.
• BGS community members quarantining must stay in their homes until 11.59pm on Friday 13 August – irrespective of exposure dates. You may not leave home during quarantine except for testing and medical purposes.
• You must continue to quarantine even after receiving a negative COVID test result prior to the end of the defined isolation period.
• A further COVID test on Wednesday 11 August is compulsory, with a negative result required to exit quarantine after 11.59pm on Friday 13 August.
• Classes will be suspended on Wednesday 11 August so that families and BGS staff can get tested.
• All students, staff, parents, visitors (and others who live in their homes) who visited the relevant exposure sites must follow the Queensland Health quarantine directive.
• The COVID testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS remains in operation including on Wednesday 11 August. You must wear a mask when visiting this clinic.

All BGS communications are accessible on the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Thank you for your support.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Over the past 24 hours, Queensland Health has been investigating whether multiple BGS students who tested positive for COVID-19 attended school-related events held between 29 July to 31 July 2021. The students were not aware they were infectious at the time.

Late yesterday the School was asked to supply information about:

• A rugby training session at BGS on 29 July between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. The training session was attended by Year 7 students.
• A gymnastics training session in the BGS Indoor Sports Centre on 30 July between 3.15pm and 6.20pm.
• A rugby match on 31 July (BGS 12B v Gregory Terrace 12D Team) at Churchie. The student then watched the next game between Gregory Terrace and BGS.

Queensland Health advises that all players, coaches and family members who may have been at these events are now considered close contacts and must quarantine at home for 14 days. Household members of staff, students and visitors are secondary contacts (contacts of close contacts) and must also quarantine at home for 14 days.

In the situation of Brisbane Grammar School, the quarantine period for the School community and any visitors to the School finishes at 11.59pm on Friday 13 August 2021 – irrespective of exposure dates.

The School will continue to publish information that is confirmed by Queensland Health and will continue to assist Queensland Health with its comprehensive contact testing process.

Please click here to see the latest letter from Queensland Health to BGS received last night.

I can this morning confirm there are now eight students, two teachers and one parent who have returned a positive COVID-19 test. Our thoughts are with those families during this stressful period.

All BGS communications are accessible on the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Thank you for your support.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

This scenario continues to evolve and I will continue to provide information when available.

Please carefully read through the important information below.

Change to Exposure Days at BGS

Queensland Health has determined that a previously identified COVID case at BGS was infectious during the entire school week beginning Monday 26 July.

Queensland Health has requested that we provide details of staff, students, visitors, and cocurricular activity lists for the dates 26 to 30 July. The School is currently compiling these lists. This development may impact some of our families who have been in lockdown and not in quarantine, particularly families of Year 6 students, who had previously been exempt from quarantine because they were in Cairns. They will now need to quarantine and be tested.

COVID Cases

At this stage, the COVID cases for the BGS community is now six students, two teachers and one parent.

Quarantine and Testing Update

Queensland Health requires the BGS community members quarantining to be tested again on Wednesday 11 August. Classes will be suspended on that day, so that staff and students can get the required COVID exit test. The COVID testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS will be in operation primarily for the BGS community on Wednesday 11 August.

Home-based Learning Parent Handbook

An updated version of the Home-based Learning Parent Handbook with FAQs is available here for parents.

Assessment

The assessment schedule for all year levels has been reviewed and changes made. These changes are now visible in students’ calendars.

The Year 12 Assessment Schedule has been updated. The revised submission and examination dates are available for students and parents via MyGrammar – Academic – Assessment. It is important that students continue to study and work each day towards meeting the new assessment dates. Teachers will continue to provide advice on student progress and update any relevant checkpoints. The School is in regular contact with the QCAA to ensure that no BGS students are disadvantaged throughout this time.

Student Wellbeing

The BGS Performance Development team launched GrammarFit 2.0 this morning (Wednesday 4 August) morning. New content will be available for students each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, via the Cocurricular Teams channel, throughout the quarantine period. GrammarFit was developed in 2020 as an innovative way to keeps boys, staff, parents and siblings active during the home-based learning period. The 2020 sessions proved popular, with the 27 initial episodes gaining over 4000 views. The program prompted a 7% increase in physical activity compared to normal.

Students are also encouraged to access GrammarWell, our online wellbeing portal. The platform was launched by the Student Wellbeing Team in 2020 to help students cope with isolation. It remains a well-used resource, with tips, guides and mindfulness programs under themes of mental fitness, peak performance, learning optimisation, positive choices, respectful relationships, public purpose, connecting with community and student wellbeing.

On behalf of BGS staff, I want to express my gratitude to the community for the incredible support. We miss our students and will continue to support them for as long as required.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Queensland Health has today confirmed more Brisbane Grammar School community members have tested positive for COVID-19. BGS now has seven confirmed COVID cases – five students, one teacher and one parent. This development does not change the Government directives already in place, which have been previously communicated to you.

BGS has also been notified of a confirmed COVID-19 case in a person who attended a debating event at St Peters Lutheran College between 7.20pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 29 July. The specific details of that matter are outlined at the contact tracing link.

I would like to commend the community for following the Queensland Health directives that Brisbane Grammar School has shared in recent days.

It is important to understand that BGS must adhere to Queensland Health directives and Queensland Government privacy laws. Under those laws, we are not permitted to share the names of community members who may have tested positive for COVID-19 and Queensland Health is prohibited from disclosing that information to the School.

Queensland Health, QML and SES have been very supportive during this difficult period. I will continue to share all relevant information received from Queensland Health with the BGS community as quickly as possible.

The latest Queensland Health directives are accessible on the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Please read the latest updates from key areas of the School outlined below:
 

COCURRICULAR

An update from the GPS Association of Queensland is available here.

The BGS Performance Development team is ready to launch GrammarFit 2.0 tomorrow (Wednesday 4 August) morning. New content will be available each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, via the Cocurricular Teams channel, throughout the quarantine period. More information will be shared with students directly.
 

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Timetable

The regular timetable will continue to operate for this week and next. There are eight days of lessons to work through and this will keep our students on track and the timetable cycles in sync for the return to campus.

The alternate online learning timetable with longer lessons and afternoon Consolidation & Preparation sessions is designed for periods of home-based learning of one month’s duration or longer.

We know from last year that learning online is slower than in the classroom, particularly with transitions between activities and lessons. Teachers will finish Periods 1, 3 and 5 about 3-5 minutes before the scheduled end of lesson. This will allow for setup for the next lesson and students to virtually ‘move’ to their next class.

Assessment

 Year 12

The School is in daily contact with the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) which is supporting us with adjustments to dates for Internal Assessments (IA) and any Access Arrangements & Reasonable Adjustments processes. Importantly, the QCAA has provided the reassurance that no BGS student will be disadvantaged.

• Students should continue to maintain a good routine of study each day and stay in contact with their teachers and classes.
• Students should refer to Canvas, Teams and One Note for updates and resources.
• Students must continue to prepare for any upcoming assessment items.
• IA3 submission dates for assignment and performance tasks will be extended.
• IA3 examinations will be rescheduled to dates later in the term.
• A revised assessment schedule will be published later this week.

Years 5 to 11

• Students should continue to maintain a good routine of study each day and stay in contact with their teachers and classes.
• Students should refer to Canvas, Teams and OneNote for updates and resources.
• Students must continue to prepare for any upcoming assessment items.
• Some assessment might be adjusted to better accommodate home-based learning and allow students to show their learning progress.
• Dates for some assignment-based assessment will be extended as required.
• Some examination dates will be rescheduled but exams will go ahead.
• A revised assessment schedule will be published later this week.

Thank you for your support and understanding. I will continue to keep you updated via email and the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Please continue to support members of our community, particularly those families who are not only disrupted by the quarantine but also confronted with a family member who has contracted this virus.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Queensland Health has tonight confirmed two further Brisbane Grammar School students have tested positive for COVID-19. BGS now has four confirmed COVID cases – three students and one parent. This development does not change the directives already in place, which have been communicated previously by the School.

______________________________________________________

Note, the following information has been explained in previous communications. The only new information is the first paragraph above.

Queensland Health directives:

1. Immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine.
2. Get tested at your earliest opportunity.
3. Complete the contact tracing form online. If you are unable to complete the contact tracing form please call 134 COVID (134 268).
4. Continue to quarantine even after receiving a negative result. After you complete the contact tracing form you will be contacted by Queensland Health.
5. Continue to monitor for symptoms, if you become symptomatic get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.
6. As you are a close contact, you are required to quarantine for 14 days from the time you were at the venue.

The above information was taken from the Queensland Government contact tracing website here.

• Note, the quarantine directive applies to all household occupants – not just those who visited campus.

• A COVID testing clinic has been established in the BGS Centenary Hall operating from 8.00am to 3.00pm. The clinic will remain in operation until everyone in our community, who wants to be tested, has done so during the immediate future. You should complete an online registration form here and bring that to the clinic at BGS. Limited parking will be available via the temporary BGS staff car park on No.2 Oval accessible via Kalinga Avenue, which runs between Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Please proceed to the front of Centenary Hall and follow the instructions from SES and QML staff. You must wear a mask at all times. Note: members of the BGS community are encouraged to get tested at a location convenient to them.

• Persons visiting the testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS are not permitted to access other areas of the School. Wearing a mask is mandatory. The School will undergo a rigorous deep cleaning program in accordance with directives from the Public Health Unit.

Brisbane Grammar School will suspend classes tomorrow (Tuesday 3 August) to allow the BGS community to undertake COVID-19 testing as per Queensland Health requirements.

Today (Monday 2 August), provided an opportunity for staff and students to reacclimatise to home-based learning, which will fully resume on Wednesday 4 August.

We understand the anxiety around student assessment and will provide information in the coming days.

I encourage students to access GrammarWell, our digital student wellbeing platform, which remains active and updated.

We will soon launch GrammarFit 2.0 to keep the students and the community engaged physically.

Thank you for your support and understanding. I will continue to keep you updated via email and the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

The COVID testing clinic operating in Centenary Hall at BGS will be open from 8.00am to 3.00pm tomorrow. A reminder that the clinic will remain in operation until everyone in our community, who wants to be tested, has done so during the immediate future. You should complete the online registration form here and bring it to the clinic at BGS.

Limited parking will be available via the temporary BGS staff car park on No.2 Oval accessible via Kalinga Avenue, which runs between Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

Please proceed to the front of Centenary Hall and follow the instructions from SES and QML staff. You must wear a mask at all times. Persons visiting the testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS are not permitted to access other areas of the School. Members of the BGS community are encouraged to get tested at a location convenient to them.

Please see the update directly below for more detailed information.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Brisbane Grammar School will suspend classes tomorrow (Tuesday 3 August) to allow the BGS community to undertake COVID-19 testing as per Queensland Health requirements.

This is a reminder that a COVID testing clinic is now in operation in the BGS Centenary Hall – more information below.

Today (Monday 2 August), provides an opportunity for staff and students to reacclimatise to home-based learning, which will fully resume on Wednesday 4 August. We appreciate your understanding in these challenging times as we rely on directives from Queensland Health and plan the best approach for the coming days and weeks.

We understand the anxiety around student assessment and will provide information in the coming days.

I encourage students to access GrammarWell, our digital student wellbeing platform, which remains active and updated.

We will soon launch GrammarFit 2.0 to keep the students and the community engaged physically.

Please see the below important reminders and updates from my email last night.

Queensland Health directives:

1. Immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine.
2. Get tested at your earliest opportunity.
3. Complete the contact tracing form online. If you are unable to complete the contact tracing form please call 134 COVID (134 268).
4. Continue to quarantine even after receiving a negative result. After you complete the contact tracing form you will be contacted by Queensland Health.
5. Continue to monitor for symptoms, if you become symptomatic get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.
6. As you are a close contact, you are required to quarantine for 14 days from the time you were at the venue.

The above information was taken from the Queensland Government contact tracing website here.

• Note, the quarantine directive applies to all household occupants – not just those who visited campus.

• A COVID testing clinic has been established in the BGS Centenary Hall operating from 9.00am to 3.00pm. The clinic will remain in operation until everyone in our community, who wants to be tested, has done so during the immediate future. You should complete an online registration form here and bring that to the clinic at BGS. Please proceed to the front of Centenary Hall and follow the instructions from SES and QML staff. You must wear a mask at all times. Note: members of the BGS community are encouraged to get tested at a location convenient to them.

• Persons visiting the testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS are not permitted to access other areas of the School. Wearing a mask is mandatory. The School will undergo a rigorous deep cleaning program in accordance with directives from the Public Health Unit.

Thank you for your support and understanding. I will continue to keep you updated via email and the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

After a number of lengthy conversations with Brisbane Grammar School throughout the day, Queensland Health has directed BGS to quarantine (close) for 14 days. At 6.00pm today, Queensland Health confirmed the below directives for BGS. This communication was received at 6.14pm.

The Queensland Public Health Unit has provided the below directives that apply to anyone who visited the Brisbane Grammar School Spring Hill campus or were involved in any cocurricular sport or activity on the Spring Hill campus on Thursday 29 July and Friday 30 July.

1. Immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine.
2. Get tested at your earliest opportunity.
3. Complete the contact tracing form online. If you are unable to complete the contact tracing form please call 134 COVID (134 268).
4. Continue to quarantine even after receiving a negative result. After you complete the contact tracing form you will be contacted by Queensland Health.
5. Continue to monitor for symptoms, if you become symptomatic get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.
6. As you are a close contact, you are required to quarantine for 14 days from the time you were at the venue.

The above information was taken from the Queensland Government contact tracing website here.

Note, the quarantine directive applies to all household occupants – not just those who visited campus.

Please read the following important updates:

• A COVID testing clinic will be established on the BGS Spring Hill campus tomorrow and operate from 9.00am to 3.00pm. The clinic will remain in operation until everyone in our community, who wants to be tested, has done so during the immediate future. You should complete an online registration form here and bring that to the clinic at BGS. Please proceed to the front of Centenary Hall and follow the instructions from QML staff. You must wear a mask at all times. Note: members of the BGS community are encouraged to get tested at a location convenient to them.

• Persons visiting the testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS are not permitted to access other areas of the School. Wearing a mask is mandatory. The School will undergo a rigorous deep cleaning program.

• The BGS boarding students who remained at school have been tested today (Sunday 1 August).

• Home-based learning will operate from tomorrow (Monday 2 August) until at least Friday 13 August. The regular timetable will operate and period by period roll marking will occur. All students are expected to attend their classes on Teams. Any student who cannot attend classes virtually should follow the usual procedure for absences. Note: Consolidation and Preparation lessons will not be supervised by teachers during home-based learning. Students will be required to operate independently and use the lesson to revise work or prepare for subsequent lessons. Information regarding student assessment will be provided in coming days.

• Parents and students will receive a further communication tomorrow regarding home-based learning and assessment.

• BGS Supervision (Years 5 and 6) will not operate during the school quarantine.

• All events and activities for the next 14 days are cancelled or postponed – more information about specific events and activities will be provided in due course.

• All cocurricular events, training and rehearsals for the next 14 days have also been cancelled or postponed.

I reiterate my appreciation of your support during these challenging times and will continue to keep you updated via email and the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

 

Dear BGS Community,

The Queensland Public Health Unit has tonight confirmed that a Brisbane Grammar School student has tested positive for COVID-19. I ask parents to share this update with their son/s.

I have been advised to notify the community that those who were on the BGS Spring Hill campus on 28, 29 and 30 July (Wednesday to Friday) should isolate at home until further advice is provided by Queensland Health.

As you know, South East Queensland is already in lockdown until at least 4.00pm on Tuesday 3 August 2021. No staff or students, other than those who are the children of essential service workers, and key personnel, are permitted on campus.

The Public Health Unit is assessing the extent of this case and they will provide the School with further instructions tomorrow.

Specific information for our boarding community will be provided in an email from the Director of Boarding.

If you or your child is unwell, Queensland Health urges you to call your doctor or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and get tested.

We appreciate your support during these challenging times and will continue to keep you updated via email and the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

The Queensland Government has announced South East Queensland will begin a three-day lockdown from 4.00pm today (Saturday 31 July) due to community transmission of COVID-19. The lockdown is scheduled to end at 4.00pm on Tuesday 3 August but may be extended.

Please note the following important information:

• BGS will be closed to staff and students on Monday and Tuesday except to students of essential workers. Children of essential workers should report to The Lilley Centre on Monday morning where they will be supervised by Senior Leadership Team (SLT) members. Masks are mandatory for the students of essential workers who attend school on Monday or Tuesday. Students who use public transport to attend school must continue to wear a mask.
• BGS Boarding will continue to operate but only for boarders who cannot be safely transported home or to their guardians prior to the lockdown beginning today. Masks are mandatory for staff and students who remain in boarding. A more detailed email will be sent to BGS Boarding families shortly.
• Home-based learning will operate on Monday and Tuesday. The regular timetable will operate and period by period roll marking will occur. All students are expected to attend their classes on Teams. Any student who cannot attend classes virtually should follow the usual procedure for absences. Note: Consolidation and Preparation lessons will not be supervised by teachers. Students will be required to operate independently and to use the lesson to revise work or prepare for subsequent lessons.
• Students who do not have their device/tablet can collect them between 1.30pm and 3.00pm today, or Monday morning between 7.00am and 8.30am. Please bring your BGS ID with you to campus. Security of the BGS campus will operate 24/7.
• BGS Supervision (Years 5 and 6) will not operate during the lockdown period. Middle School libraries will not be open before or after school.
• All events or activities on Monday and Tuesday have been cancelled or postponed. This includes the Extended Day Study Program (cancelled) and Year 10 Subject Selection evening (postponed). Outdoor Education for 9H has been rescheduled to Wednesday 4 August, at this stage.
• All GPS sports and activities were cancelled as of 10.30am today. All cocurricular events, training and rehearsals for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday have been postponed.

The School will continue to update the community as required.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that Greater Brisbane will go into a three-day lockdown from 5.00pm today (Monday 29 March) due to community transmission of COVID-19. All Queensland schools will close from tomorrow (Tuesday 30 March).

Students whose parents are in essential services may attend school.

Click here for the latest updates from the Queensland Government, including the nearest testing centres and tracing alerts.

Please read on below to learn about how the closure will impact the different areas of Brisbane Grammar School.

Student Wellbeing

Students are expected to attend Tutor Group via the Teams meeting scheduled by their Form Tutor from 8.20am to 8.30am each morning. If boys are not present at this time, an SMS will be sent home as per our usual absence procedures. Boys are not expected to be in school uniform at this time.

Academic

Students are particularly busy with assessment in the final week of term. The following reassurances about academic continuity are important for everyone to understand:

• Tonight’s Year 12 Parent Tertiary Information Sessions will be rescheduled to a date to be announced early in Term 2.
• Exams will be rescheduled to suitable dates in Term 2 and students should continue with their revision.
• Over the next three days, students will continue to work on assignments and will be advised of adjusted submission dates.
• All subjects will make study materials and activities available in Teams and OneNote for students to work on.
• Learning will continue remotely, and teachers will respond to student ‘check-ins’ and questions via Teams at agreed times during the day.
• There will not be scheduled online lessons, but continuing work will be set for every subject.

Cocurricular

From 3.00pm today, all Cocurricular training, rehearsals and trial fixtures scheduled for this afternoon and the rest of this week have been cancelled. All Cocurricular events scheduled for this week have been postponed – this includes the Sailing function.

The viability of planned Cocurricular holiday activities, including camps, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, remaining consistent with the directives from Queensland Health. More information will be provided in due course.

Cocurricular program leaders will provide updates on their activities via the Cocurricular pages on MyGrammar.

Middle School

• BGS Libraries will close at 3.00pm today. BGS Supervision for Years 5 and 6 students will close at 4.00pm.
• Years 5 to 7 Parent-Teacher Interviews: Parent-Teacher interviews scheduled this week will be postponed to Term 2. Information regarding the new dates will be communicated early next term.
• Years 5 and 6 students will be permitted to take their school laptop home today.

Boarding

BGS Boarding will be required to cease operations once all our boarders can be safely transported home or to their guardians.

BGS Boarding would be grateful if parents or nominated guardians could make arrangements to collect boy(s) at the end of the school day today.

If parents or nominated guardians are unable to collect boy(s) today, BGS will remain open until suitable arrangements can be made. Please communicate your intended action to Boarding staff.

Contact with Mr Byron or with Mr Power can be made as follows:

• Mr Byron: Harlin House - boarding.harlin@brisbanegrammar.com
• Mr Power: Griffith House – boarding.griffith@brisbanegrammar.com

Should you have any questions, please contact Director of Boarding Berian Williams-Jones via email at berian.williamsjones@brisbanegrammar.com.

General

Children of essential workers may continue to attend school for the remainder of Term 1. Students attending school will need to wear a face mask, per Queensland Health guidelines. Please congregate at The Lilley Centre each morning at 8.00am. Please note, any students on campus will need to bring their own food as the Tuckshop will be closed.

Further advice will be communicated to families as required.

Regards,
Anthony Micallef

If you would like up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit the Que​ensland Health website.

People cannot attend any BGS site if in the last 14 days they:

• have been overseas
• have been in a COVID-19 hotspot
• have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
• have COVID-19 or any symptoms, no matter how mild

BGS has increased its health and hygiene practices to amplify infection control, through:

• targeted cleaning in public and shared spaces, with a focus on hard surfaces;
• additional hand sanitiser units; and
• communication campaigns to raise awareness of healthy hygiene habits.

The School has purchased a mechanical fogging machine to sanitise student social spaces, lockers, and other larger areas.

To minimise the risk of spreading infection, we request all persons at our sites to adopt the following practices:

• social distancing measures have been put in place;
• any member of the community exhibiting flu-like symptoms instructed to seek medical advice;
• regularly clean hands with soap or alcohol-based hand rubs;
• cover nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing; and
• avoid contact with anyone who has fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, or laboured breathing.

Persons affected by self-isolation can return to BGS after 14 days isolation and without presenting any symptoms of the virus.

The BGS Health Centre (07 3834 5222) and your local GP can provide guidance if required. Below are some key contacts to note:

• Queensland Health advice and information
• Metro North Public Health Unit (07 3624 1111)
• 24/7 National Coronavirus Health Information Line (1800 020 080)
• 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)