Newsletter
Week 2 Term 1

If serving is below you, then leadership is beyond you.

We celebrate several important Year 12 leadership events at the beginning of each year. On the first day of school, every Year 12 boy stands at an assembly to recite the senior oath, confirming their commitment to act as leaders within the community. At the first Middle School Assembly, Form Seniors are inducted into their very important role as the younger boys’ mentors. During the Week 2 assembly, we acknowledge the School and Harlin House Prefects.

While the celebration of specific leadership roles such as Prefect and Form Senior is an important and essential part of our school culture, our overriding belief is that every Year 12 student is a leader at BGS. This leadership can be displayed within classroom settings, during rehearsals, on the playing fields, and in the yard. The Year 12 cohort’s role in establishing the School’s tone and culture cannot be overstated.

The Class of 2021 has made a wonderful start to the year. Their leadership has been essential during the implementation of many important changes to routine, and they have set a particularly pleasing example for Consolidation and Preparation (CP) time. They have embraced the opportunities that CP time provides, and have demonstrated to the younger boys how to develop the habits required to be self-regulated learners.

Of course, it is no accident that BGS boys begin Year 12 with the skills and dispositions necessary to lead. There is an immense amount of hard work undertaken by parents and by the boys themselves, and a large number of BGS staff ably supports them through these endeavours. Thank you to Head of Year Ms Sharee Verdon, Assistant Head of Year Mr Ged Hales and the Year 12 Form Tutors for the efforts they have made in preparing the boys for this important year.

Congratulations to School Captain Tom Stunden, School Vice Captains William Staib and Harry Anstey-Walsh, Harlin House Captain Aly Sultan, and Harlin House Vice Captain Campbell Watchers on their appointments. At today’s Assembly, Tom shared the Class of 2021’s theme: Belong to the Blue. He eloquently described how a connection to each other and the School’s history allows each boy to uniquely contribute to the fabric of this community.

I encourage you to read Tom’s explanation of the Class of 2021’s theme in this week’s Captain’s Corner below. I have no doubt the appointed student leaders, and the entire Year 12 cohort, will lead the community with humility and courage this year.

Observations and Reminders

From my conversations with boys and staff over the last two weeks, it seems that most boys have made a very positive start to the year. They have adapted well to the new timetable structures, are embracing the opportunities offered by CP time, and have settled into positive routines.

All community members are reminded of a few matters. Boys are not to carry their phones during the day. For parents, this means that if you need to contact your son urgently, you will need to contact his Head of Year or email your son directly using his BGS email account.

Boys are reminded of the School’s expectations of behaviour in the pick-up and drop-off zone, as some boys have been seen running between cars. This is a significant safety issue, and we ask parents to encourage boys to make good decisions in this area.

Thank you again for all of the efforts you have made in facilitating the boys’ smooth return to a new academic year.

2021 Fee Accounts

Fee accounts for 2021 were emailed to all parents on Friday 14 December 2020. Please check your junk folder if you do not recall seeing it.

First instalments are due on or before Monday 15 February 2021. If you are paying your account in full to receive the 4% discount, payment must be received by this date. Your account will be adjusted accordingly if payment is not received.

If you have any questions, please contact BGS Accounts at accounts@brisbanegrammar.com or +61 7 3834 5283.

Kay Goodwin
Director of Finance

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

Trustees’ Scholarships are awarded on the basis of demonstrated academic excellence to boys commencing Years 7 and 10 in 2022, based on their performance in the annual ACER Scholarship Exam and a willingness to contribute to the wider school program.

The ACER Scholarship Examination will be held at the School on Saturday 27 February 2021. Registration is available here until midnight AEDST Monday 8 February 2021. The cost of registration is $130.

Jamie Smith
Director of Enrolments

I had the privilege of watching the campus spring to life as students began repopulating social spaces and classrooms over the last three weeks. I commend everyone on the seamless transition from holidays to Term 1.

This year, the Class of 2021’s vision, Belong to the Blue, stems from our strong sense of community at BGS. We aim to redefine how we perceive our collective identity by fostering inclusive and respectful relationships. Our differences are celebrated and protected, with the recognition that we do not have to be the same for all of us to belong.

We may live in divisive times, but we are united in the light dark blue.

Belong to the Blue is a means for each boy to find purpose through engagement and pride and, in doing so, unite us all.

Deputy Headmaster Teaching and Learning
Steve Uscinski

Welcome

Each week, the newsletter will include a short academic update, relevant and timely to student progress in the year, or responses to questions that we have been asked.

This week, I have asked the Director of Counselling and Academic Services, Ms Dale Nicholas, to share information about ATARs. Students with specific questions about tertiary pathways should speak with one of the counsellors in the Student Services area on Level 4 of The Lilley Centre.

All Year 12 students have received their academic calendars and should be investing in comprehensive and regular preparation for the upcoming mid-terms. This week, I spoke with them about the importance of maintaining the cohort’s academic culture and using their study time to full effect.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their sons about their study and revision routines and how they are making the most of their learning time each day.

Director of Counselling and Academic Services
Dale Nicholas

What is an ATAR?

ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank.

The ATAR is a rank indicating a student’s position relative to other students in the state. Note that an ATAR is not a score; students also receive scores /100 for each of their subjects in December.

An ATAR is expressed on a 2000 point scale from the highest rank of 99.95 down to 0, in decrements of 0.05. There is a fixed number of Queensland students assigned to each rank. In 2020, there were 30 students at each rank.

ATARs are used to ration university places, as for most courses there are more applicants than places available.

To be eligible for an ATAR at Brisbane Grammar School, students must have:

• satisfactorily completed an English subject (at BGS this means at least a ‘C’ in either English or Literature); and
• completed five general subjects (students at BGS typically study six academic subjects, all of which are classified under ‘general’ syllabuses).

ATAR Fast Facts

• The ATAR is calculated by QTAC.
• It is a measure of a student’s overall position compared to all other Year 12 students in Queensland.
• It is recognised throughout Australia.
• ATARs can be calculated based on results from five consecutive years for students who need to extend the time to achieve an ATAR.
• It is not possible to include a general language subject and the external senior examination subject in the same language in the ATAR.
• ATARs will be based on the best five scaled subject results achieved by students in Units 3 and 4.
• Adjustment factors (formerly referred to as ‘bonus ranks’) will continue to be applied after the ATAR is calculated.
• Adjustment factors are institution-specific.
• Year 12 students will access and print their ATAR result notice via a secure online facility in mid to late December.

Where do I find out more about ATARs?

For information on the ATAR and how it will be calculated, visit this website. The site also includes a useful video on the scaling process. Please note, Year 12 students cannot register to receive their ATAR at this stage; registration will become available later in the year.

Information on the ATAR and other aspects of the new system of assessment will continue to be uploaded to the Student Services social media accounts on a regular basis. These can be accessed at:

• Beyond Grammar: Facebook
• Beyond Grammar: Twitter
• Beyond Grammar: Instagram

Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones

With the term well underway, it is pleasing to see a rhythm to the day emerging in Griffith House and Harlin House. The routines of roll calls, Prep, and mealtimes are now well established, and it is great to see new and returning boarders comfortable in their surroundings.

The start of the year has been impacted by a range of minor ailments and cold-like symptoms. While this is nothing new at the beginning of the year, it has presented some significant issues given how we are expected to operate under our COVID Safe plan.

I thank all parents for their prompt return of the necessary agreement form and their support of BGS Health Centre staff when they request the temporary relocation of boys to quarantine. I understand and appreciate the challenge this poses, but it is a challenge being faced by all boarding programs at this difficult time.

I sincerely thank the Health Centre for their incredible dedication and care of your sons. Since January 2020, all nurses have gone above and beyond to care for the boarders. I particularly thank Nurse Manager Mrs Karen Bramley for her wise and insightful leadership in caring for the boys.  

In parallel, senior boarders have been working with equal focus and determination on providing their vision for the year. I challenged them to consider the culture we want for our community and summarise it in three or fewer words. This process is essential, and it has been enlightening to have many conversations with boys about what boarding should be, and what it is to them.

I shared my vision with them: to be a Boarding Family in all that we do. The boys have supported this vision as it encapsulates the essence of boys celebrating the community they are proud to be a part of together. A small way we do this is coming together to celebrate birthdays as a community. 

Director of Student Wellbeing Programs
Philippa Douglas

Cape York Indigenous Immersion Information Evening | Years 11 and 12

Tuesday 23 February 2021 | The Lilley Centre Forum 6.00pm – 7.00pm

BGS will be offering a service immersion to Cape York from Saturday 26 June to Sunday 4 July 2021. The immersion is open to students in Years 11 and 12. We are partnering once again with Red Earth.

The eight-night/nine-day trip to remote Indigenous homelands involves working on projects chosen by Traditional Owners and spending time with local children. On arrival, boys are welcomed by traditional clans and families on private lands that have been locked away for decades and are not accessible outside of this setting. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. More details about the immersion can be found here.

Please note that due to number restrictions, not every student who applies will be successful. Information about the selection criteria will be explained during the parent information evening. Successful applicants are required to participate in pre and post immersion activities.

If you wish to attend the information session, please complete this registration form. Your attendance at this evening does not commit your son to going, nor does your inability to attend exclude his involvement.

Parents and boys are welcome to attend the Cape York Immersion information evening. Note that a non-related Year 11 parent information session will also be held in the room, where boys are not able to attend.

Public Purpose

A reminder that boys wishing to be involved in Public Purpose activities are required to complete the relevant sign-on surveys. This includes Closing the Gap and Homework Club. Sign on surveys can be accessed via MyGrammar (Wellbeing > Public Purpose).

Artist-in-Residence program

Towards the end of 2020, six artists were selected to work alongside Year 12 2021 Visual Art students, engaging them in an authentic experience to gather new understandings of the theme of Connections.

The two-day Artist-in-Residence program, held at the BGS Outdoor Education Centre, drew on past and present experiences. Artists were able to elicit artistic responses from the students informed by the concept of Art As Knowledge.

Artists included Jacqueline Scotcher, Lily Karmatz, Henri van Noordenburg, BGS mother and 2021 Art Show feature artist Alexandra Matthews, past BGS Middle School Teacher of Art Karen Hannay, and current Middle School Teacher of Art Ms Amanda Stuart who is also a practicing artist.

The artists were able to use an open-ended approach, which allowed for a more engaging experience. Boys worked in small groups with their artist to generate new meanings, apply new ideas and solve problems. Students were eager to participate and contribute their understandings and insights, producing very diverse responses.

The program culminated in the gallery spaces at the School, where students proudly displayed their artwork. Students will continue to communicate with their artists as they seek feedback on their artistic practice.

The Artist-in Residence program is generously supported by the BGS Art Support Group. The program facilitates active learning, encouraging boys to exercise their creative thinking skills while reflecting on their past and present experience at Moogerah. Students were able to make personal connections to the subject matter while gaining valuable knowledge from the artists.

The Art Department thank the Art Support Group for their continued support, and welcomes the 2021 Art Support Group committee.

We also welcome our newest teaching member, Mr Liam Herne. Mr Herne comes to us with valuable experience. From the UK, where he was a practicing artist, Mr Herne has worked at Gregory Terrace for some time and now joins the BGS Art Department’s senior teaching team.

Amanda Stuart
Middle School Teacher of Art

Kimberley Kovacevic
Acting Head of Visual Art

This week, we hosted our parent information evenings, where parents had the opportunity to learn more about supporting their sons at BGS. The PowerPoint presentations will be made available on the year level pages of MyGrammar early next week for those who were unable to attend.

The year level pages on MyGrammar are an important communication platform. Heads of Year will regularly post year-level specific information and updates. A push notification will be sent via the BGS app when a new Head of Year message has been posted. Please ensure you have downloaded the app and subscribed to your year level to receive these notifications. MyGrammar also contains the Middle School Parent Handbook as well as useful information regarding the Cocurricular program.

The first round of GPS fixtures commenced last weekend, and I have been delighted by the high levels of engagement already demonstrated by our Middle School students. I know many boys are looking forward to competing in Week 2 fixtures. At last Friday’s Middle School Assembly, Mr Glenn McFarlane outlined our expectations regarding uniform, behaviour and sportsmanship. Key messages included:

• respecting the traditions of the game being played;
• respectfully acknowledging good play;
• thanking match officials and the opposing team; and
• assisting coaches with chores such as packing up the gear and managing the scoreboard.

All boys are required to uphold these expectations when representing BGS.

Outdoor Education commenced this week for our Year 7 students. Attending Pepperina Hill in the early stage of the year allows the boys to form connections and get to know their new classmates. Year 7 parents will receive information regarding Outdoor Education closer to their son’s scheduled dates.

A reminder that safety is paramount in the pick-up and drop-off traffic zone at the front of the School. Boys are asked to cross at the zebra crossing and to follow the direction of the traffic controllers. Please refrain from attempting to pick up or drop off your son before your car has crossed the zebra crossing and is parked safely at the curb. Your support in ensuring our boys remain safe is appreciated. 

Director of Digital Learning
Greg Dabelstein

Tablet PCs | Year 7

This week, Year 7 students were provided with their Tablet PC devices. Each class received a full day of training and were shown how to use their device during different classes.

From today, students can take their devices home for a trial period. We encourage students to show their new tablets to their parents, including some of the resources they will be using in the classroom.

Boys are to provide their parents with their username and password and pair their Bluetooth stylus at home. The device must be brought to and from school in their school bag, and should be charged each night to be ready for the next day at school.

Each student must complete a series of tasks by Friday 26 February to receive their Tablet Passport, which allows them to continue to take the device home past that date. The passport tasks check their understanding of appropriate use and knowledge of the School's Tablet PC program.

As the boys start to settle into their routines, it is timely to remind the BGS community of the extensive range of Cocurricular clubs and activities available to boys. Sign-up and meeting information is available via the Cocurricular section of MyGrammar, and meeting details are announced in the Daily Bulletin.

Team	Won by
5A	Tie
5B	BGS
5C	TSS
5D	GT
6A	BGS
6B	BGS
6C	BGS
6D	GT
7A	BGS
7B	TSS
7C	TSS
7D	BGS
7E	BGS
7F	GT
8A	BGS
8B	TSS
8C	TSS
8D	GT

Team	Name
5A	Devam Shah
5A	Noah Sriskandarajah
5B	Luka Rodins
5C	Jamie Ma
5D	Noah Wu
6A	Mitchell Spence
6B	Archie Slatter
6C	George Hooper
6D	Oscar Vanderstoep
7A	Oliver Dauber
7B	James Worthley
7C	Jake Miller
7D	Priyan Bhende
7E	Harrison Corser
7F	Darcy Mill
8A	Hugo Spencer
8B	Michael Dore
8C	Kody Goss
8D	Oscar Small

Team	name
10 years	Lachlan Donaldson
11 years	Joshua Spiez
12 years	Hudson Slater
13 years	Cashy Luo

Team	Won By
8.1	BGS
8.2	BGS
8.3	BGS

Glenn McFarlane
Head of Activities
 

Orientation in the Centenary Library

This week, Year 7 students visited the Centenary Library during their English lesson to learn about their new space for the next two years.

During their visit, boys played Library Smarts – an informative and engaging hands-on activity where students work as a team to explore the library’s resources and facilities.

Teams moved their way around a game board, landing on spaces that asked them to complete set challenges created to get students up and exploring the space. They were also tasked with making their own Centenary Library guidelines with the help of ‘Grammar Man’ and ‘Grumpy Cat’ cards. Students then completed a pop quiz at the end of the lesson to investigate how much they had learned during their activity, with a winning group being crowned.

It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm, competitiveness, teamwork and problem-solving approach displayed throughout the activity. We look forward to a year of reading, learning and fun in the Centenary Library.

Follow the BGS libraries on Instagram @bgslibrary.

Dani Smith
Teacher Librarian

Senior Dramatic Production: A Few Good Men

The Code: Unit, Corps, God, Country.  

Involvement in a wide range of cultural and sporting activities is vital to the BGS journey. It is great to see the BGS Theatre alive again after a long holiday hiatus.

This week, many Years 11 and 12 students auditioned for roles in the senior ensemble. The Creative Team was impressed with their preparation, talent and American accent attempts.

With the likes of Hollywood icons such as Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise who shaped the high-powered roles of Colonel Jessep and Lieutenant Kaffee in the 1992 film, the thought of filling such big shoes may feel very daunting. However, the seniors have risen to the challenge by interpreting their character, making it their own, and creatively portraying Sorkin’s dynamic roles for young men.

We are looking forward to casting and beginning rehearsals next week. Well done to all students who participated this week, particularly with such a busy start to the year.

Tanya Neilsen and Patrick Last
Senior Dramatic Production Creative Team

GPS Music Showcase

Our finest musicians will be involved in the GPS Music Showcase next Thursday (11 February). The non-competitive event brings together the best musicians from all GPS schools for a day of music-making.

The schools will form four ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Big Band and Choir. Our young musicians will have the opportunity to share their music with like-minded students and have the privilege of working with some outstanding guest conductors.

The boys have been busy preparing since last year. They will come together for a day of intensive rehearsals culminating in a final concert at the magnificent Queensland Conservatorium Theatre.

The BGS community is encouraged to support our musicians by attending the spectacular concert. I hope to see you there. The free concert will start at 7.00pm. Tickets must be pre-ordered here.

Group Tuition

A reminder that group tuition will start next week (Week 3). Students who have not enroled must do so as soon as possible on MyGrammar here (Music > Tuition); boys cannot attend until enrolment is complete.

Peter Ingram
Head of Music
 

Music Support Group

Are you a parent who is passionate about music? Does your son love singing or playing an instrument? Are you looking for an enjoyable and rewarding school committee to be part of? We would love to hear from you!

Last year the Music Support Group presented an innovative reinvention of music performances when faced with the logistical challenges of COVID restrictions with online concerts and recordings. We look forward to an exciting year of Music performances and are seeking new members as well as nominations from our BGS community for the positions of President, Treasurer and Secretary. In particular, we are seeking someone to fulfill the role of Treasurer. The role is not complex and we will provide assistance in the handover and understanding of role responsibilities.

The Music Support Group Annual General Meeting will be held Wednesday 24 February from 6.00pm to 7.00pm, followed by our normal meeting. To make it a social occasion, we will be providing some nibbles and drinks. If you have any questions or if you are interested in learning more about the Music Support Group or the committee roles, please contact the Music Support Group at Support.Music@brisbanegrammar.com .

Tanya Graves
Music Support Group President

Director of PE, Sport and Activities
John Clancy

BGS Sports and Activities had a busy and successful start to the GPS season last weekend with fixtures against The Southport School.

BGS Debating had a tremendous round, wining 11 out of 13 debates, including a win from the Senior As. Well done, boys.

BGS Cricket also had a good outing, with 16 wins and a draw across 26 matches. The A teams won five out of eight matches, with a thrilling tie for the 5As.

BGS Swimming hosted the first invitational meet at Chandler, and the BGS Rowing community was busy preparing for their upcoming regatta at the BGS Rowing Sheds and the Spring Hill campus.

I was fortunate to see our Volleyball and Sailing boys prepare for their upcoming competition seasons. At today’s assembly, we presented the First VI Volleyball team ahead of their first round against Ipswich Grammar School tomorrow. We congratulate them and wish them all the best in defending their GPS Volleyball Premiership.

Correct physical and mental preparation is essential – whether you are training or competing, winning or losing. This outlook should become second nature to BGS students across all academic, wellbeing and cocurricular endeavours.

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” – Thomas Jefferson

Aligning with the School’s Effective Thinking Cultures, we encourage boys to reflect on their actions – successful and unsuccessful – and their thought processes that lead them to those actions to continue the feedback loop of action (reflection – adjustment – action). I challenge boys to actively engage this process throughout the year.

Boys are reminded of Cocurricular participation goals set for all students, being at least two programs per year for Years 9 to 12 and at least three programs per year for Years 7 to 8.

Good luck to all boys competing this weekend.  

Last weekend, the 2021 GPS Cricket season commenced with fixtures against The Southport School. It was a tough round, with wins recorded in 16 out of 26 matches, and five out of eight A level matches, along with a tie in the 5A match.

It was a positive start to the season with wins for all Years 6 and 10 teams, as well as our first century scored since 2017, and a five-wicket haul equalling last year’s tally already.

Round 1 notable performances:

• Brad Mackintosh (10A) – 140 runs (109 balls)
• George Labrom (11A) – 5/11 (7 overs)
• Lachlan Huntley (10D) – 64 runs
• Hugo Spencer (8A) – 53 runs
• Binupa Ilangamage (10B) - 4/21
• Hugh Mowbray (11C) 27 runs (28 balls) and 2/13
• Archie Slatter (6B) – 17 not out and 2/2

This weekend, BGS takes on Ipswich Grammar School in Round 2. I have been very impressed with the application shown at training this week despite the wet weather, and I am confident we can continue building on a great start to the season.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our Willow Club Season Launch this Friday night at the Victoria Park Golf Complex.

Good luck to all teams this weekend.

Note: an extended Cricket Newsletter is available via the Cricket page on MyGrammar here.

Trevor Irvine
Cricket Director

Fencing sign-on

The 2021 Fencing sign-on form will be available via MyGrammar and the Daily Bulletin on Monday 8 February and will close on Friday 5 March. Students must sign on using their BGS login details. Parents are not able to do this on their behalf.

Assistance for Middle School students

Ms Melanie Chin will be in the Middle School Library during Break 2 on the following dates to assist any Years 5 to 8 students who are having trouble with the sign-on form.

• Wednesday 10 February
• Monday 15 February
• Tuesday 16 February

First IV and Year 10A Fencing Trials

Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 March | BGS Indoor Sports Centre

More information will be provided to students who wish to trial once sign-on closes. 

Important dates

• Whites Hire will be available from Monday 15 March to Thursday 18 March in Classroom 1 (ISC). 
• Fencing Easter Camp will be held in the ISC from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 April.

We are working with Queensland Fencing Association to make sensible judgements about Fencing fixtures and the Brisbane School Teams Competition (Term 2). Parents and fencers will be notified as information becomes available.

Melanie Chin
Fencing Director

This weekend, BGS rowers will compete in the first regatta of the GPS season. They will continue to do so over the next six weekends, with the culminating regatta in the form of in the Head of the River on Saturday 13 March.

The boys prepared well over the holidays, with successful camps held at Noosa and in Brisbane. They enjoyed mixed conditions at Noosa, with on and off wet weather throughout the week. The calmer mornings and afternoons produced some magical moments on the water; the types of sessions you can only experience on a rowing camp.

I would like to commend the boys on near-perfect attendance at these camps, and their outstanding effort across the four to six days of their respective camps. It was impressive to see the team in full swing.

These camps take a large amount of work to plan and execute; thank you to our coaches and staff for their commitment to BGS rowers' success.

The rowing team is in a good position ahead of the regatta this weekend, and we are looking forward to enjoying some positive racing.

GPS Rowing Season 2021

• Regatta 1 – Host: Brisbane State High School (6 February)
• Regatta 2 – Host: The Southport School (13 February)
• Regatta 3 – Host: Brisbane Boys’ College (20 February)
• Regatta 4 – Host: Gregory Terrace (27 February)
• Regatta 5 – Host: Nudgee College (6 March)
• GPS Head of the River – Host: Brisbane Grammar School (13 March)

Matt Marden
Rowing Director

The GPS season has started well with excellent attendance at training sessions over the past two weeks. Swimmers are competing at the second GPS lead-up meet of the season at Chandler today.

All swimmers are reminded that regular attendance at training and lead-up meets is essential if we are to maximise our chances of competing well at the GPS Swimming Championships this year.

Any students who are thinking about joining the swimming team, who may not have started training yet, are encouraged to begin training as soon as possible and sign up for the BGS Swimming Championships.

BGS Swimming Championships (Years 5 to 12)

Nominations are now being taken for the annual BGS Swimming Championships, which will be held after school at the Chandler Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 10 February.

Buses will transport swimmers to and from Chandler. Parent spectators are permitted for this event; however, parents must complete the parent spectator survey via MyGrammar to be allocated a seat at Chandler. Please complete the parent spectator survey by 5.00pm Monday 8 February if you wish to attend.

All swimmers from Years 5 to 12 who wish to compete at the BGS Swimming Championships must complete the survey via MyGrammar by 5.00pm Monday 8 February.

The championships are a great opportunity for the swimming team to practice their racing skills and record times that will be used for team selection later in the season. Trophies are awarded on Speech Day to boys who attain the most points in their age group.

For Years 5 and 6 boys who are involved in the City District Trials next Wednesday (and are unable to attend the BGS Swimming Championships), we will calculate Age Champion by using times recorded at lead-up Meets 1 and 2 and City District Trials.

Transport to and from Chandler – BGS Swimming Championships

• 3.10pm Boys meet at the front of the School
• 3.20pm Bus leaves for Chandler
• 3.50pm Boys arrive at Chandler
• 7.30pm BGS Swimming Championships conclude
• 7.45pm Boys depart Chandler

Matt Logan
Swimming Director

Future Problem Solving | 2021 Sign on

In 2021, BGS will again compete in Future Problem Solving (FPS). This international academic competition challenges students to find creative solutions to problems the world may face in the future. Brisbane Girls Grammar School students will be working with us for this activity.

Meetings will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 3.15pm to 4.15pm in CB101/2, starting in Week 3. FPS will run during Semesters 1 and 2. 

We are seeking Year 8 student applications, but experienced FPS students from Years 7 to 11 are also encouraged to apply. Places are limited and competitive.

Interested students should visit the FPS Australia website and explore the Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) program for more details.

All applicants must complete the application form here.

If you have any questions, please contact me at Simon.Canfield@brisbanegrammar.com.

Mr Simon Canfield
FPS Coach
FPS Queensland Convenor

2021 FTC Robotics sign on | Years 7 to 12

Students in Years 7 to 12 are invited to apply for the 2021 Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge. FTC Robotics is a competitive activity, and we aim to have teams compete at the national finals again this year.

Students will work in teams to design, build and drive robots following competition guidelines. Teams will prepare for MegaBot Madball during Semester 1 and FIRST Tech Challenge during Semester 2.

Sessions will be held on Wednesdays during lunchtimes in H301, and again after school until 4.15pm in the Robotics Lab (former Uniform Shop in the staff car park). All prospective members are invited to join us in Week 2 during lunchtime (H301) for an introductory session.

All interested students must complete the online sign-on form here.

If you have any questions, please ask them during the Week 2 introductory session, or email me at Simon.Canfield@brisbanegrammar.com.

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.

Volunteers

The Auxiliary is very thankful to the amazing parents who regularly give their time so generously to feed and clothe BGS students.

Any parents who wish to enjoy the camaraderie of the Tuckshop and/or Grammar Shop are very welcome to join our friendly team. There are a range of days and times for parents who wish to be involved and we’d love to hear from you. For more details see the P&F Volunteers information on MyGrammar.

Tuckshop

Open school days 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. 

The Tuckshop has a new 'Breakfast of Champions' menu below.

Grammar Shop

Open school days from 7.30am to 11.00am.

Pre-loved Uniforms and Textbooks

The BGS P&F Auxiliary has an exciting new initiative – the Grammar Shop is trialling the sale of preloved uniforms. 

If you have any BGS uniform items that you no longer use, please consider donating them to the Grammar Shop. We will accept preloved items in very good to excellent condition. Complying items will be gratefully accepted at the Grammar Shop during opening hours. Bags of preloved items must not be left outside the door.

BGS Car Stickers

The BGS car stickers have been redesigned and are available at the Grammar Shop for $5. 

Payment 

Grammar Shop staff appreciate parents arranging payment for their sons prior to their arrival. Students can pay using their student ID cards (log into My Student Account via MyGrammar to top up the balance), using funds on their account with the Grammar Shop or by credit or debit card.

Please call the Grammar Shop on 07 3834 5347 to discuss your needs.

Joanne Villiers
P&F Auxiliary

The P&F Auxiliary AGM will be held on Wednesday 3 March in the Great Hall, starting at 9.00am.

All voluntary positions will be declared vacant. Nomination forms are available from Main Reception and need to be returned to the P&F Auxiliary Office by Thursday 25 February. Morning tea will follow in the Woolcock Room. All current BGS parents are welcome to attend.

Further enquiries may be directed to Auxiliary Secretary Kate Rutter at katerutter@optusnet.com.au.

Kate Rutter
Auxiliary Secretary

Tuckshop +61 7 3834 5229
Grammar Shop +61 7 3834 5347
Roster Secretary: Lana Szumowski auxiliaryvolunteers@brisbanegrammar.com

Grammar Shop hours
School days 7.30am – 11.00am

Tuckshop hours
School days 7.00am – 2.00pm

Term 1
Wednesday 27 January – Thursday 1 April

Term 2
Tuesday 20 April – Friday 18 June

Term 3
Tuesday 13 July – Friday 17 September

Term 4
Tuesday 5 October – Friday 26 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.