Newsletter
Week 9 Term 3

Lessons in Leadership

In past articles I have mentioned Director of Student Wellbeing Programs Ms Philippa Douglas’ work in the area of student leadership development. The School is developing a Student Leadership Framework to help boys understand the attributes and leadership styles that will enable them to become a positive influence in society.

I have also mentioned the enjoyment I have gained from coaching the Rugby Third XV team this term. The trials and tribulations of schoolboy sport combined with the delight of forming closer relationships with the boys and their families has been a highly enjoyable aspect of a tough year.

I would like to make a link between leadership, the senior boys in the Third XV who are about to graduate, and my observations about the BGS Old Boys that I have worked with this year.

I have written in the past about the importance of humility in leadership. Listening, being transparent, being aware of your limitations and appreciating other’s strengths and contributions are characteristics of the most effective leaders. People are more likely to trust a humble leader’s vision and are more likely to be receptive to their ideas. Humble leaders will always leave you with a feeling of your own greatness.

Last week, I was part of a workshop with 15 BGS staff conducted by Ms Douglas. We explored the key aspects of a Student Leadership Framework. During the workshop, I thought about the boys I have engaged with since joining the BGS community. I thought about the boys in the Third XV and the wonderful group of school captains that I have dealt with during my time at BGS.

At that point, my love of data started to play its part. I wanted to consider whether past students had developed these leadership traits. I'm coaching the Third XV with two Old Boys, Will Hain ’17 and Jack Bowden ’17. I am also working with Tim Weber ’19, Director of Rugby Phil Mooney ’82 and Vince Edmondston ’87. From working with these Old Boys, I realised that authenticity and humility have been part of the leadership training for an extended period. All of these men:

• Focus on listening to others;
• are honest;
• understand that they have limitations and work with others who are better suited to a specific task; and
• desire to leave others with a positive sense of self.

The most important learning and the reason for writing this article is that these Old Boys understand the importance of humility. Their role is to make the boys feel great about their experience at BGS.

I extend a big thank you to Phil, Vince, Jack, Will, Tim and all the other Old Boys and staff coaches who role model humility for our current students. Your impact is clear, and it has been happening at BGS for a long time. There is no doubt that the work of these five men will be included as part of the development of the Student Leadership Framework.

It is incredibly important that we continue to nurture these traits in current BGS men. BGS graduates who develop into men such as these Old Boys is our legacy. I look forward to sharing the Student Leadership Framework with you and implementing it across Years 5 to 12 in the academic, cocurricular and wellbeing programs.

Queensland Child Protection Week

6-12 September 2020

This week the school community has focused on raising awareness about the important issue of child protection.

The digital screens around campus have displayed key themes to remind the boys of two crucial messages: they have a right to feel safe, and they should communicate with someone they trust if they have any concerns. 

For our staff, we have re-emphasised the role we play in providing a safe environment for students. Staff must understand what constitutes appropriate behaviour and reporting requirements, and act as the eyes and ears of the School. This was our focus for presentations to BGS volunteers in 2019 and with Old Boy coaches again this year.

We have also developed a proactive response. The framework below is crucial to creating a child safe school environment. Policies and practices are important for managing issues that arise, but creating a child safe school environment that focuses on people and culture is essential. This was our key message this week to staff and students and I also want to share it with the wider community.

Promotion refers to the importance of communication in clarifying roles and responsibilities – all members of the community must understand how they can help provide a safe environment for our boys. Perennial refers to the ongoing nature of this work.

I wish to acknowledge the work of the Child Protection committee in supporting the School’s development in this area. The committee is made up of staff, parents, external experts and students. In partnership with the Australian Childhood Foundation, the committee is currently reviewing our practices.The BGS website provides a copy of the School’s Child Protection Policy as well as several brochures that assist our students and parents understand our approach. Click on the relevant links below to access these documents.

• Child Protection Policy and Child Risk Management Strategy
• Creating a Safe School Environment (Parents)
• Creating a Safe School Environment (Students)
• Creating a Safe School Environment (Parents of Boarders)
• Creating a Safe School Environment (Boarding Students)

Dealing with the dangers of social media

This week, you may have become aware of a distressing video circulating on social media. I would like to remind parents and guardians that BGS provides access to a range of resources to support you and your sons deal with bullying and issues that may arise on social media.

• Click here to visit the BGS SchoolTV portal.
• Click here for a resource on the risks of social media for children and teenagers.

Director of Student Wellbeing Programs Philippa Douglas covered the topic of cyberbullying in her most Newsletter article last week. Click here and scroll down to Student Wellbeing in the Students section of the Newsletter.

Should you have any concerns about your son’s wellbeing, please contact your relevant Head of Year.

Support services are also available – contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. More information is available at Beyond Blue.org.au and lifeline.org.au.

Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones

Boarders' choice

Week 9 is ‘Boarders' Choice’ in the Dining Room. Over the past term, the Boarders Council have gathered the thoughts and opinions of their year groups to generate a menu for this week.

Several parents suggested to me that I should expect an increase in the amount of chips and ice cream consumed. I am delighted to report that this has been true! In the penultimate week of the term, this has given boarders and staff a boost.  

In all seriousness, the boys and our dietician, Mrs Warth, have devised a menu that reflects the desires of the different year groups. We have devoted one day to the wishes of each year group and produced a combination of dishes on the weekend.

It has been heartening to see many well-established favourite items appear on the menu along with some new dishes, including corn fritters, chicken quesadillas, tacos and refried beans. My favourite to date has been the Year 10 Mexican night with minced beef and all the trimmings – great work Sam!

This term, we introduced a comments book and five star rating for boarders to provide feedback regarding the meals. I have been delighted by the positive feedback and the catering staff have been encouraged in their efforts. Credit also to the boys for their sharp insight and feedback of where we can further improve what we offer in the Dining Room.

 

Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis

The Year 9 Outdoor Education program is focused on ‘leading self’. The activities are designed to develop the concepts of independence, self-discipline, responsibility, self-reflection and initiative. The high ropes course allows students to take responsibility for their own safety system; paddling single kayaks provides opportunities for critical self-reflection; and students manage their own equipment and resources independently while hiking on Mt Greville. Alongside these objectives the boys develop outdoor skills in preparation for their peak experience in Year 10.

In 9E, Ed Rimmington proved to be very capable in the outdoors. He maintained an excellent attitude that reflected the concept of 'leading self' and had a positive influence on his peers. Rex Bennett engaged fully in the program and took on every opportunity. Rex embraced the challenges to make the most of his time at Moogerah.

Ned Johnston proved to be a mature and thoughtful participant. He demonstrated a clear understanding of the concepts of ‘leading self’ and his behaviour reflected this. Jock Horton embraced the outdoor environment – he challenged himself on the high ropes course and helped lead others during the day bushwalking on Mt Greville.

Jonathan Minchinton was enthusiastic about the day on Mt Greville and showed a genuine interest in the lessons on Indigenous culture and early European exploration of the Fassifern Valley. Angus Hume was a keen and willing participant. He took on all the challenges and showed initiative assisting both teachers and his peers.

Nick Finch had a genuine interest in the outdoors. His interest and enthusiasm for the program put him in a great position to offer support to his peers. Harry Steedman maintained a high level of energy and enthusiasm for everything the experience had to offer. Harry went out of his way to assist his peers during the high ropes course and his energy on the bushwalk had a positive impact on the group.

Year 11 Outdoor Education Leaders Alex Kennedy and Will Jessup joined the class to guide them through the program. They proved to be great mentors for the Year 9 boys and provided excellent leadership.

A short movie of the boys' experiences can be viewed via the 9E Video link.

Outdoor Education photos are now be available via the School’s photo management system, Pixevety. The platform helps the School safely manage and share our photos. This user guide provides instructions on how to access, navigate, search and download photos. The system uses single sign on and must be accessed via MyGrammar > Useful Links > Pixevety. Once activated, you will be prompted to enter a login email and password, but please do not attempt to login this way. Instead, go back to MyGrammar and click on Pixevety again. You can then view the photos by clicking on the Year 9 folder in Pixevety.

Director of Student Wellbeing Programs
Philippa Douglas

R U OK? Day

On Thursday 10 September, the Year 10 Public Purpose Committee led the BGS community in raising awareness for R U OK? Day. The day provides an important reminder to check in with your friends and family. The theme was “There’s more to say after R U OK?” and to promote this, the Public Purpose boys decided to organise a touch football game on the oval to encourage students across all year levels to come down and be involved, either by playing or spectating, to support their mates. This activity was chosen as at times it can be difficult to ask the question R U OK? and through spending time with one another, you can also support and check in with your mates. The Public Purpose boys handed out conversation cards to students, which provided useful tips on how to ask R U OK? and what to do after you have asked the question. These resources also provide several support groups boys can contact to seek help if they are experiencing depression or feelings of anxiety.

We encouraged our peers to use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen to what they have to say. Be comforting and don’t judge others for what they say, otherwise they may feel put down, making it harder to reach out to others for much needed help.
3. Encourage action. Direct them towards up to 10 free counselling sessions with their GP, or direct them towards companies with online and physical spaces such as Headspace and Beyond Blue.
4. Check in. If this is someone you know, check in regularly with them and monitor their progress. Sometimes it’s harder to monitor your own mental health than for someone close to keep an eye on you.

Alex Thakur, Will Motley, Edward Boorer
Year 10 Public Purpose Committee

Accelerated Reader Success

Congratulations to Oscar Kim in Year 5 for his outstanding Accelerated Reader achievement. Oscar has accrued 500 points by completing 48 quizzes on books he has read this year. He loves to read fantasy books and stories with lots of action – the Percy Jackson series is a favourite.

Arthur Young in Year 6 continues to power ahead with his amazing quota of Accelerated Reader quizzes and points. To date, he has taken 135 quizzes and accumulated 1217 points. Arthur received a special award on Year 6 Assembly last week to celebrate his success.

All boys in Years 5 and 6 participate in the Accelerated Read program as part of their English course.

Vicki Palmer
Middle School Teacher Librarian

With one round of GPS sport remaining for most teams, it is time to say thank you. In his section below, the Director of PE, Sport and Activities pays tribute to those involved in leading and facilitating our busy sports program.

I wish to focus my gratitude on our students, who have shown great pride in representing BGS in Tennis, Football, Cross Country, Fencing, Basketball, Rugby, Chess and Gymnastics. They have done this while adapting to a challenging Academic program and balancing a range of Cocurricular and social pursuits.

Our Student Leaders have been superb – leading from from the front and supporting those around them, exemplifying our values: Learning, Leadership, Endeavour, Respect, and Community.   

This week, team captains were busy organising ‘thank you’ cards for their coaches to present after the final game. As a coach, these gifts of a few brief remarks on a card mean so much. I cannot speak for others, but I keep these in a folder in my office, for those moments when I need a tangible reminder of our vision. Each card represents a special shared experience between like-minded individuals, learning about and with each other. For those captains who have not organised these yet, this is your reminder.

To all our students who committed themselves to their many and varied Cocurricular pursuits this term, thank you and congratulations on your achievement.

In recent weeks, we have sought student contributions to program newsletters for Football and Rugby. The words of Year 12 student Michael Mullany are another reminder of why our work here is so important.

What is your favourite thing about rugby and why?

My favourite part of rugby is not the stereotyped physicality it is perceived to have, but rather, the camaraderie and mateship it forges through victory and defeat.

After my first game of footy at BGS in the under 12s, I quickly learned that despite our team not being the fastest, the biggest, or the strongest, we had plenty of heart.

But what makes Grammar Rugby? When you cross the white picket fence of Northgate, donning the Cambridge jersey worn by previous generations of proud Grammarians, we become a team. A team with varying backgrounds and differing personalities. But when we step on the field, we become part of a team bound by mateship, and by the desire to play your heart out for the bloke next to you.

This is what I love about footy.

Michael Mullany, Second XV

Director of PE, Sport and Activities
John Clancy

This weekend concludes our Term 3 Cocurricular program, apart from our First XV Rugby who play their last round next Friday. We have come a long way since Term 2 home-based learning, and it has been extraordinary to see the boys engage in sports and activities this term. I wish to congratulate everyone involved – from ground staff, COVID-19 registration staff, coaches, program leaders, administrative staff and the boys themselves. This term was all about the boys engaging with their peers and enjoying the competition and friendly rivalry.  

BGS finished with a resounding victory at the last GPS Gymnastics Championship on Saturday. The School won all three divisions, providing a tremendous example of individuals working together as a team to produce a superb outcome. Well done to all boys involved and to Head Coach Jack Coates and his coaching staff. Through the 101 years of GPS Gymnastics, BGS has won 64 championships, including the last 10 years straight.

We will soon distribute a survey to boys, parents and coaches to provide feedback about our programs. We continue to strive for improvement. This simple survey will help us improve the boys Cocurricular opportunities, so please take the time to complete it.

A reminder to stay up-to-date with the BGS app and the BGS Cocurricular Facebook and BGS Cocurricular Instagram.

 

War of the Worlds: Cyborg Edition | Recording day has arrived!

This week marked the final rehearsals for the production, leading up to our ambitious recording day on Friday. Professional videographer, Justin Harrison, was onsite to capture some of the behind the scenes footage for the microdocumentary. The cast were put through their paces – both physically and vocally – as they rehearsed and prepared for recording day by scribbling annotations on their scripts. Year 9 student Rahul Kumar captured some of these moments (below).

More secrets were revealed this week and now some cast members have the weighty responsibility of keeping them.

Belinda Lindsay
Director

Virtual Concert #2

We are pleased to present the next event in our Virtual Concert series featuring Corelli Consort, Philharmonic Orchestra, Basie Jazz Band, Boom Percussion Ensemble and Williams Concert Band.

You can listen here.

BGS Festival of Music

We are excited that the BGS Music community will be able to celebrate an array of performances in Term 4. From bands to choirs, jazz to Christmas music – with the hope of some live performances – the talented boys of the Music Department are ready to entertain. We have endured the necessary COVID-19 restrictions and in Term 4 we are encouraging students, parents and staff to come together by celebrating Music. While some details are to be confirmed, please note these events in your diaries and plan to be a part of them.

Grammar in Concert | Saturday 10 October at 7.30pm

The recordings are complete and the final concert will be streamed for your viewing pleasure. This will be a FREE event, plan to sit back and enjoy the music! Details of how to access the link will be shared closer to the time.

Music Celebration| Saturday 10 October at 6.30pm, The Greek Club, South Brisbane

Families and supporters will gather at Grammar in Concert to celebrate the efforts of our BGS musicians. In previous years we have held a Music Dinner to present awards to prize-winning students. This year, we will celebrate the work of our Year 12 students – after the year they've had they deserve special recognition of their entire BGS journey. As places are limited, priority will be given to Year 12s and their families with a link being sent to them directly by email. Bookings for other families will be possible from next Friday 18 September.

The evening will begin at 6.30pm with some senior awards, an address by the Music Captain Sebastian Vu, and the opportunity (under the COVID Safe Plan of the venue) for the community to recognise the work of our musicians. We will then sit down at 7.30pm to enjoy the streaming of Grammar in Concert. All guests will enjoy a two-course meal and a drink on arrival with a cash-bar remaining open. The cost will be $95 per person. More details on MyGrammar.

Showcase Concerts

These end-of-year performances will be live-streamed events. The boys will have the experience of performing live, which is different to the pre-recorded concerts we are currently enjoying. They will begin at 6.00pm and last somewhere between 50 and 60 minutes. The boys will enjoy some celebratory refreshments before and after the concerts with parent pick-ups occurring at 7.20pm for Middle School boys and 7.30pm for Senior School boys.

To help the fundraising efforts of the Music Support Group, there will be a small charge of $10 per family/device to be given access to the link for each of these live events. Details will be supplied closer to the time.

date	event	ensembles
Tuesday 13 October	Bands Showcase	Sousa, Holst, Williams, Grainger, All Percussion Ensembles, Saxophone and Double Reed Ensembles
Wednesday 14 October	Strings Showcase	All string ensembles, Clarinet and Flute Ensembles
Thursday 15 October	Orchestras Showcase	Symphonic Band, Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras

Sing and Swing | Sunday 18 October at 3.00pm, Roma Street Parklands (To be confirmed)

This is a tremendously popular concert featuring our Jazz Bands and Choirs. We are negotiating to have this as a live event in the beautiful surrounds of the Parklands, depending on the approval of a COVID Safe Plan. It will be a ticketed event ($5 per person) with strict COVID Safe protocols for us all to follow. If this proves not to be possible, it will also be live-streamed event. We will share more details in next week’s newsletter.

Save the date

• Middle School Concert | Tuesday 17 November: Likely to be a live-streamed event featuring the Year 5 Orchestra and Junior Band.
• Lessons and Carols | Late November TBC: We hope to hold this much-loved traditional celebration of Christmas music featuring our choirs in one of Brisbane's magnificent cathedrals.

We need each other, so let's come together and celebrate through music!

Peter Ingram
Head of Music

 

The GPS Gymnastics Championship last Saturday was a very enjoyable day of great performances, with respect and good sportsmanship shown by all the schools taking part.

Our Division 3 team started the day, led from the front by Alex Jerrard. In a close competition BGS managed to hold out a talented TSS team, with Seth McBride taking out first place. Division 2 came next and didn’t put a foot wrong for an impressive win over a very well organised BBC team. In a high-scoring competition, BGS had Daniel Allison finish third, Lachlan Russell finish second and Joshua Wong take out first place. This allowed Division 1 to head into their competition full of confidence and all the gymnasts put on a fantastic display. Our Captain, Kristian Russell took out second place with our Vice-Captain, Aiden Frick in first place. In the end, BGS took out all three Divisions along with the Jim Young Cup, making it the 10th straight GPS Championship for the School.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone for making this event so enjoyable for the gymnasts.

Jack Coates
MiC and Head Coach of Gymnastics

The final major photo day is Thursday 8 October, Week 1 of Term 4. Please see schedule below.

Boys are to wear summer uniform, unless directed by the MiC or coordinating teacher.

Congratulations to the 13As who beat Nudgee 33-10 and were in excellent form!

This weekend against State High will be the last game of rugby for many players this year. I am sure this is of special significance to those Year 12s who have been a part of BGS Rugby for much of their school career. On behalf of the Normanby Blues I wish each of you a special final Northgate experience on the field.

I have reflected on what the Normanby Blues has achieved in this unusual year and our sponsorship of the First XV live stream has been very visible. Behind the scenes, we have also sponsored video analysis of those games and wider video recording across multiple age groups to aid coaching. Most significantly, the Normanby Blues also supported the Director of Rugby’s initiative to procure a set of GPS tracking/data loggers for use by the First XV in games and training. I mention this to give insight into the level of sophistication at play behind the scenes of BGS Rugby.

I truly hope Saturday is the last ever Northgate rugby event where the Normanby Blues cannot add to the festivities by competing for the reputation of ‘best GPS burger’.

We too believe in blue.

Jonte Lowe
Normanby Blues President

The P&F Auxiliary is a subcommittee of the P&F Association that facilitates fundraising and fosters parent fellowship and the sense of strong community at Brisbane Grammar School. All profits are returned to the School to enhance the experience for students and families.

The Tuckshop and Grammar Shop are currently operating cash-free, so please plan accordingly. Safety guidelines regarding social distancing and hand sanitising will continue in both locations. 

Tuckshop

Open weekdays before school, during breaks and at lunchtime.

The Tuckshop provides a selection of hot food, fresh salads, wraps, rolls and drinks. Please recharge your MSA cards here.

Grammar Shop

Open weekdays from 7.30am to 11.00am.

Open school days from 7.30am to 11.00am.​​

Year 11 students are welcome to come to the Grammar Shop to purchase their Units 3 and 4 textbooks in readiness for the start of Term 4. You can also buy your senior tie.

Year 8 students should plan to come to the Grammar Shop either this term or next to purchase their Senior School uniform of blue shirt, trousers, trouser socks and tie. It’s not necessary to make an appointment, just come on in either before school or at morning tea.

Senior students wear summer uniform from Week 1 Term 4 so now is a good time to check whether your short-sleeved blue shirts still fit.

New redesigned BGS car stickers are now in stock. Add a display of school pride to your vehicle for only $5.

The Grammar Shop has recently relocated to the basement level of The Lilley Centre and we look forward to showing you our new premises. Staff need to maintain social distancing parameters of 1.5m, but students are welcome to try on uniforms themselves, or parents may wish to come to the shop to fit their son/s if they prefer. Please call us on 07 3834 5347 to discuss your needs and we’ll do our best to help.

Joanne Villiers
P&F Auxiliary

Tuckshop +61 7 3834 5229
Grammar Shop +61 7 3834 5347
Roster Secretary Wendy Smith - wsmith@visis.com.au

Grammar Shop hours
Weekdays 7.30am – 11.00am

Tuckshop hours
Weekdays 7.00am – 2.00pm

Due to social distancing, we can only have three volunteers for breakfast and six volunteers for morning tea and lunch.

Notice of Art Support Group AGM

The Art Support Group invites you to attend our Annual General Meeting on Friday 9 October 2020 at 9.30am in the Woolcock Room. 

All voluntary positions will be declared vacant. Nominations must be received by Monday 5 October 2020.

For further information and nomination forms please contact Art Support Group Secretary Kylie Tolhurst by email at kylietolhurst@bigpond.com or 0431 165 857.

Term 3
Tuesday 14 July – Friday 18 September

Term 4
Tuesday 6 October – Friday 27 November

Click here for more information on upcoming events.

Light Dark Blue: 150 Years of Learning and Leadership at Brisbane Grammar School is available for purchase. The beautiful 500-page hardcover book updates the BGS story with previously untold anecdotes, rare photographs and illustrations. With a limited print run, it is sure to become a sought after collector’s item. Standard edition and limited editions are available.

Click here to view all BGS150 merchandise – limited stocks remain.