Newsletter
Week 6 Term 1

We observe International Women’s Day at Brisbane Grammar School on Monday 8 March. The 2021 theme is Choose to Challenge. We work towards a gender-equal world by celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness against bias and acting for equality. Collectively, we can help create an inclusive world.

Recent media stories about a petition highlighting the sexual assault of teenage girls by boys from single-sex schools in Australia are disturbing. I am appalled by these accounts.

While every school has programs to educate students about respectful relationships, drugs and alcohol, and the issue of consent, every parent and educator fears that young people may still make terrible decisions that have lifelong consequences. The traumatic experiences the young women describe in the online petition, and the behaviours perpetrated by young men, suggest this issue is ongoing and must be addressed.

At BGS, we ensure our Student Wellbeing curriculum explicitly addresses respectful relationships and sexuality education, including consent, through an age-appropriate program. We continuously update and improve the program. Healthy sexual decisions are grounded in awareness about healthy relationships and good decision making. The Student Wellbeing curriculum provides information on a range of relationship topics to enable boys to act with integrity and treat others with dignity and respect.

• Our younger students (Years 5 and 6) learn about good manners, managing emotions, respectful interactions with others and making good decisions. 
• Year 7 students learn about the management of physical, emotional, and social challenges associated with puberty.
• In Year 8, concepts of identity and agency are introduced, and the boys are challenged to own choices and actions. There are carefully constructed lessons about sexual identity and sexual curiosity. There are also clearly articulated details around the risks associated with sexting, and the ways in which individuals’ actions can negatively affect others.
• In Year 9, the information becomes more focused on broadening boys’ understandings of manhood, and there is a heightened focus on relationship values, attitudes, and expectations. It is at this point that the issue of consent is plainly addressed, particularly in the context of substance use and parties.
• The Student Wellbeing curriculum revisits these topics in more detail in Years 10 to 12. Boys engage in lessons about alcohol, drugs, parties, and consent. Sexual health, pornography, healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships are also discussed.

At all year levels, the School engages expert presenters to provide age-appropriate information on gender and health-related issues.

• Dr Tessa Opie follows up classroom discussions with presentations on gender, sexuality and relationships, pornography, masculinity, consent and coercion, and sexual health and wellbeing.
• Paul Dillon (Years 10 to 12) focuses his presentations on alcohol and drug education and discusses issues associated with consent.
• Peer Power seminars address many aspects associated with respectful relationships, peer pressure, leading self, healthy manhood and pornography.

The BGS Gender Respect Committee, formed in 2015, is another opportunity for young men to discuss gender issues and differences. This forum allows older students to lead their peers by modelling healthy and respectful behaviours that value women and girls.

The disclosures by brave young women show there is a real need to do more. As parents and educators, we need to be more explicit about boundaries – what is acceptable and what is not – and address it more regularly. At upcoming year level assemblies, Heads of Year will again address this issue with students in Years 9 to 12, and Heads of Year in the Middle School will present more age-sensitive versions to Years 7 and 8 students.

Having conversations with your son about healthy/respectful relationships, particularly on more delicate subjects, may not always be easy, but they are essential conversations that must be had. Through the School’s committed partnership with parents and caregivers, together we can equip boys with the skills they need to assist them in developing healthy, respectful relationships now and into the future.

Brisbane Grammar School is excited to announce that two of the most significant infrastructure projects in the School’s 153-year history will commence in the coming weeks.

After seven years of planning, design and research, the School has partnered with Watpac Constructions to build the STEAM Precinct. Watpac will commence the 18-month build at the end of Term 1 2021. At the same time, a complete redevelopment of the School’s senior boarding facility for Years 9 to 12, Harlin House, will commence under an accelerated program that will compress the upgrade from 18 months to an impressive six months. The School’s new junior boarding facility for Years 5 to 8 students, Griffith House, opened in 2020.

Read on to learn how our students will benefit from a transformed school environment that will confirm BGS as the best school for boys in Australia.

STEAM Precinct

The construction site for STEAM will be established and temporary classrooms ready for BGS boys in April 2021.

Demolition of four existing buildings on the site, and foundations for the new building, will be completed in May 2021.

The STEAM Precinct will open early in 2023.

STEAM information evenings for the BGS community will occur throughout April 2021.

The acronym STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics – refers not just to these standalone disciplines but to a way of thinking.

STEAM education instructs students in critical thinking and shifts the STEM concept into the contemporary world of innovation and entrepreneurship. Instead of teaching subjects in isolation, STEAM disciplines can be taught in a way that combines scientific inquiry with technological implementation, engaging the problem solving of engineering, the creativity of art, and mathematical modelling to support student comprehension and understanding of the real world.

The STEAM Precinct will be a physical extension of the BGS educational philosophy – to develop critical, reflective, and creative thinkers with the capacity and enthusiasm for independent, lifelong learning.

The STEAM Precinct will provide:

• Hands-on learning opportunities – from artistic and technological exploration to designing, prototyping, 3D printing, and dissections.
• A world-class environment which will closely resemble the modern, dynamic, professional, and collaborative spaces that BGS graduates will encounter at university and in industry.
• A lively corridor, connecting the north-west corner to the heart of the School while leaving heritage buildings undisturbed.
• Green initiatives, which will provide a living laboratory, harvesting energy through solar cells; and a weather station, and energy and water usage meters visible to students for real-time monitoring.
• A grand space for embracing the BGS community – parents, Old Boys, and industry. It will be a space where we can gather for educational and social events.

The contemporary spaces in the STEAM Precinct include:

• Environments to optimise teaching and learning and enact the principles of Brisbane Grammar School’s Effective Thinking Cultures pedagogy.
• Co-laboratories created for the sciences that will maximise time on tasks and enable students to transition seamlessly between theoretical and practical ways of learning.
• Design and art spaces that will challenge students to think and work creatively and flexibly and generate innovative solutions to problems.
• Mathematical and maker spaces that will provide students with opportunities to develop and practice logical and abstract thinking.
• A substantial incubator space that will provide an innovation hub for student ideas and inventions and host displays, exhibitions, educational conferences, and community events.

STEAM is the School’s most substantial project in its 153-year history. When the development is complete, the BGS community will be the beneficiaries of this extraordinary educational venture.

 

Harlin House

The School’s long term commitment to promote student diversity and access to a BGS education underpins the Board of Trustees’ decision to introduce best in class accommodation for BGS Boarding students.

Responding to parent and student survey feedback, the School has embarked on a two-stage transformation of its boarding facilities.

The first stage of this process was the establishment of Griffith House in May 2020, providing modern accommodation that meets the needs of junior boarders in Years 5 to 8.

The second stage is the rebuild of Harlin House’s interior to provide boys in Years 9 to 12 with exceptional living, communal and recreation areas. Following the generous support of the BGS Parents and Friends Auxiliary, and BGS Old Boy Matthew McLennan ’86, we are now able to commence these works.

Demolition of the dated dorms will start during the upcoming Easter holidays. We anticipate the boys will return to the new Harlin House at the start of Term 4 2021.

During the construction period, our senior boarders (Years 9 to 12) and Harlin House staff will be relocated to 89 Gregory Terrace, which is located directly opposite Brisbane Girls Grammar School, one-minute walk to the School's front gates. Access to this facility enables us to provide our boarders with as close to an on-site boarding experience as possible, in quality accommodation.

We will keep you updated as these two incredible projects rapidly unfold in the coming months.

Year 12 Assessment Preparation

This week, the Year 12s ended their Quarantine period, during which they completed the majority of their first round of QCAA Internal Assessment items (IA1s). The way the boys approached their revision and completed their exams and assignments was impressive.

While many schools allow students to study from home during assessment periods, we believe that the best outcomes are achieved when boys are at school, surrounded by their friends, with access to their teachers. This approach is adopted during every Year 12 assessment period, including the crucial end of year External Examinations.

The excellent results of the Class of 2020 and cohorts before them are a strong endorsement of this practice.

Interim Reports

All students in Years 9 to 12 will soon receive an Interim Report. The report is not based on academic grades, but instead is a snapshot of how each boy is engaging with the learning process.

For the majority of boys, the report will be an endorsement of the positive habits they have displayed so far. For a small number of boys, it will be a reminder that they must quickly increase their efforts.

Whichever category your son falls into, we encourage you to see the report as an opportunity to initiate a conversation with him about his learning.

Director of Counselling and Academic Services
Dale Nicholas

AARA are practical adjustments made to student programs or assessment conditions for students who have specific educational needs and/or exceptional circumstances that may affect their participation in assessment or prevent them from demonstrating their current knowledge or skills. This was previously known as Special Provisions, and we have adjusted our processes and language to be consistent with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) in the new QCE system.

The School must ensure that AARA does not provide unfair advantages to any student and that actual achievement is assessed, not perceived ability or potential. In making a decision about AARA, the School is required to consider what adjustments to student programs and assessment conditions are reasonable in the circumstances.

To be considered, students and parents must complete, sign and email this form to aara@brisbanegrammar.com. The form must be accompanied by appropriate documentation and cannot be assessed without this information. Examples of appropriate documentation are those provided by external practitioners holding Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registration (e.g. doctors, specialists, psychologists).

When students reach Year 11, a formal application for AARA has to be made to the QCAA for adjustments to any assessment in Units 3 and 4. This application is made by the School and requires up to date documentation, as outlined in the QCE policy and procedures handbook. Currency of documentation depends on the specific condition. Applications to QCAA require statements from the School and AHPRA registered practitioners. We are also required to provide functional evidence that students have previously required and used AARA for long-term conditions.

In Unit 3 and 4 of Year 12, requests for extensions must be accompanied by a detailed medical certificate. The School can make a decision, and this is then reported to the QCAA as a Principal approved decision.

Students must sit the external examinations at the end of Year 12. It is important to note that any absence from an external examination will require the submission of an illness and misadventure application to the QCAA, which must be accompanied by a detailed medical report.

Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones

Harlin House redevelopment announced

Since joining BGS in 2016, I have encouraged boarders to actively shape the Boarding program and their community. Both the boarders’ and their parents’ views affirm what we do well and help us identify what we could do differently.

I am pleased that recent surveys reflect significant satisfaction with the Boarding program and experience. However, the feedback has also raised concerns about physical infrastructure and student accommodation.

In response, the School has reviewed the boarding operation and has planned the redevelopment of our accommodation.

The first stage established a separate facility for our junior boarders. Opened at the start of Semester 2 in 2020, Griffith House is home to our Middle School boarders and provides state-of-the-art accommodation alongside our Senior Boarding Tutors. Each of the 18 boys has a private area within a larger dorm, offering both privacy and mateship. 

The second and most significant stage is the renovation of Harlin House.

I am delighted that this redevelopment will commence during the Easter holidays and will be completed by the start of Term 4 2021, construction permitting.

Harlin House was first opened in 1972. It no longer offers the quality of accommodation, bathrooms or recreation spaces that are needed.

The 24-week building project will transform Harlin House’s current shared dormitories into 81 single rooms across the building’s three floors. Soon, all of our boarders will have their own private rooms and space. Based on the innovative pod structure already used in Griffith House, each area will be a space boys can truly call their own.

As you can see from the architect’s images, the boarders will return to what will be an entirely new facility. Bathrooms will be extended and fully renovated. Each floor will be provided with a small break out space or social lounge, while the main entrance to Harlin House will be located on the ground floor.

The works will create a modern precinct for the residential community. There can be no doubt that this is an exciting time for BGS Boarding.

Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis

7G and 7H participated fully in the Outdoor Education program. They experienced heat and rain during their stay, but these challenges did not curb their enthusiasm for the activities.

In 7G, Ben Rothwell was active and enthusiastic. He engaged in every challenge and took on the motto at Moogerah of it’s the effort put in that counts. Yahya Hussain was a helpful and positive student. He enjoyed the social aspect of the program and helped to bring the class together during free time.

Jake Parker put in a huge effort. Despite being challenged, he was willing to extend himself and demonstrated great resilience and endeavour to keep going. Henry Kerrigan was an excellent Outdoor Education student. He got involved in all aspects of the program, took every opportunity, and his enthusiasm had a positive impact on the class.

Year 11 Outdoor Education Leaders Ollie Taylor, Toby Logan and Ben Mooney were wonderful mentors for the boys. They worked hard during every activity and facilitating the centre duties.

In 7H, Chris McManus was fantastic on the exploration walk on Mt Edwards. The group continued their bushwalk to the mouth of Lake Moogerah Gorge with views of Sandy Creek waterfall. Chris supported the other boys and contributed to all the discussions.

Nick Hinchy was a pleasure to have on the program. Nick was interested in all aspects of the program and enjoyed feeding the rainbow lorikeets by hand. Nick also put in a great effort during the paddle and bushwalk and made some great contributions to the navigational discussions.

James Worthley approached every part of the program with positivity and a smile. He showed excellent determination on the rock climbing and abseiling activity. Jack Love was an excellent group member and demonstrated empathy towards his peers on several occasions. He encouraged his mates and was willing to use his free time to help other boys.

Year 11 Outdoor Education Leaders Leo Stavrianos, James Swart and Max Fuller were a fun and energetic team of leaders who got to know the Year 7 students well and did a great job in their role.

A short movie of the boys' experiences can be viewed via the 7G Video and 7H Video links.

Director of Student Wellbeing Programs
Philippa Douglas

Cape York Indigenous Immersion update

Boys who have submitted a deposit will soon be informed about whether they have been selected to attend the Cape York Indigenous Immersion. Numbers are limited to 26, and there is a likelihood that not all who applied will be selected. No paperwork is required by families at this stage. Once the selection process has been finalised, the required paperwork will be emailed.

A peek inside Year 9 Student Wellbeing lessons

During Student Wellbeing lessons this term, Year 9 boys are learning about developing independence – essential for the journey into adulthood. Boys are working out their identities and finding where they fit in the world. While it is natural for boys to want more control over things such as behaviour, socialising, and appearance, it is equally important they recognise the balance between independence and responsibility.  

Visit the Student Wellbeing section on GrammarWell to see boys engaging in an activity with their Form Seniors. During this lesson, boys discussed the characteristics of independent and dependent people and considered how to develop the effective habits and virtues of independent learners.

The last few weeks have been frenetic for the entire school, particularly the Year 12 cohort with mid-term exams. With ongoing support from peers, parents and teachers, everyone performed exceptionally in our first internal assessment pieces.

The announcement of spectators returning to GPS events, namely today’s BGS Swimming Championships, has ignited palpable excitement throughout the campus. This has fed into a renewed energy among the student body and has undoubtedly had a positive impact on performance in the classroom. We commend all boys on their commitment to Cocurricular pursuits while remaining on top of heavy academic workloads.

Looking ahead, events such as International Women’s Day and Harmony Week are approaching. These events are perfect opportunities for the wider BGS community to come together as one and celebrate both the importance of our individual uniqueness and our common identity with dignity and respect. Look out for announcements in the Daily Bulletin and from Year 12 committees for more information on how to get involved.

Tom Stunden | School Captain
Aly Sultan | Boarding Captain
Harry Anstey-Walsh | School Vice Captain
William Staib | School Vice Captain

Curriculum redesign

On 12 June 2020, the Minister for Education agreed to review the 2015 ‘Foundation – Year 10’ Australian Curriculum. The Art Department simultaneously started refining and realigning the Middle School Visual Art curriculum to ensure we continue to meet students' needs now and into the future.

Teachers were reinvigorated by the opportunity to design and reflect on the scope and sequence of our specialised craft. We are one of the few areas with complete ownership of what we teach and how we teach it. With that freedom comes a great deal of responsibility.

We have been careful in selecting our standards and have used the Australian Curriculum as a benchmark. The School’s STEAM and Effective Thinking Cultures projects have also driven our curriculum redesign and elevated our programs.

The Australian Curriculum is consistent with some of the best curricula internationally and is well-regarded by teachers. BGS Visual Art teachers agreed our curriculum needed refining and updating to align with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, the School's vision, and to facilitate a smooth transition into the new ATAR system in Years 11 and 12.

Our first task was to review and develop our inquiry for each year level. These questions will be highly visible in each classroom using large banners. The Inquiry for the Middle School art units are below.

Year 5

How can you use visual conventions to communicate ideas about yourself through artworks? 

Students will explore the artwork of contemporary Australian artist Peter Cromer and past master Pablo Picasso to create artworks that abstract, simplify and exaggerate human features and qualities. This unit culminates in a collaborative ceramic totem to be displayed in the Year 5 social spaces. 

Year 6

How does science allow artists to represent the hidden wonders of the natural world using different perspectives? 

Exploring the natural environment leads us to an appreciation of its beauty, encourages an inquiry into its structures and creatures, and develops our respect for its cycles. This unit allows you to discover how scientists and artists have created images that examine the ordinarily unseen and unknown forms of nature.

Year 7

Is there a relationship between popular culture and fine art?

The unit will explore the notion that creative work can inspire an event in the real world — life imitating art — by unpacking the enduring influence of pop art as mass culture and fine art, and the blurring lines between them.

Year 8

How do artists use the concept of journeys to inspire art-making?

This unit will explore representations of ideas and concepts related to the themes of personal journey and map making. Students explore abstraction, stylisation and symbols through painting, printmaking and working with clay.

Stay connected with the exciting and creative activity of our classrooms via our Instagram page below.

Amanda Stuart​
Teacher of Art

Entries for the annual BGS Photography Competition close next Friday 12 March, so get your entries in quickly. Submit your photograph via the Library website for your chance to win a JB Hi-Fi voucher. There are three entry categories: Middle School students, Senior School students and Staff. A maximum of three photographs per entrant will be accepted.

The theme is GENERATIONS, which could be represented in people, animals, technology, structures, places, or anything that evolves or gives new life through the generations. Make the most of this weekend to capture the perfect shot.

More details are available on the Library website. Good Luck!

Elsa Larsen
Communications Officer   Library
 

I took great interest in Dr Judith Locke’s latest Sunday Mail article, titled Let your child be the one to climb the mountain.

In the article, Dr Locke outlined the risks of parents ‘sherpa’ing’ their children through school. Examples of ‘sherpa’ing’ included carrying school bags to and from school, taking on the majority of assignment work, over-editing, and relieving children of their household chores during the school year. Dr Locke identified the potential pitfalls of these unhelpful behaviours and encouraged readers to support their children through care and presence while resisting the urge to do everything for them.

There were also many takeaways for me as a teacher. By our very nature, teachers want to help children. However, it is important that we also avoid ‘sherpa’ing’ our students as it deprives them of the opportunity to overcome productive struggle and feel a sense of accomplishment.

It is also important that we avoid fostering a sense of learned helplessness, where boys feel they cannot attempt anything independently or think that, if they wait long enough, somebody else will do the heavy lifting for them.

We need our boys to understand that learning should be challenging and help them to feel comfortable with discomfort.

I readily admit that I sometimes jump in too quickly to help a student with a maths problem, only to remind myself to stand back, give him time to persevere, make mistakes and try an alternative strategy. Providing helpful hints or words of encouragement can often help boys get on-track without doing the learning for them or robbing them of their ‘a-ha’ moment.

Your son will find himself in challenging situations throughout his time in Middle School. As teachers and parents, our challenge is to ensure our well-intentioned support nourishes their independence and provides the opportunity for boys to learn for themselves and experience that joyous sense of accomplishment.

Middle School Activities

Each week we will highlight a club or activity group that may of interest to Middle School students.

Wordsmiths Club

The Wordsmiths Club is open to Year 5 boys in Semester 1 and Year 6 boys in Semester 2. Our weekly sessions are planned to support English units, particularly the spelling, punctuation and grammar boys are working on in class that week. Collaborative and individual activities are completed in sessions.

Sessions are held on Wednesday mornings from 7.30am to 8.15am in MS 302. If you have any questions, please contact Ms Gardner at stella.gardner@brisbanegrammar.com. ​

Team	Won by
5A	BGS
5B	BGS
5C	Tie
5D	BGS
6A	BGS
6B	BGS
6C	BGS
6D	BGS
7A	BGS
7B	TGS
7C	BGS
7D	BGS
7E	BGS
7F	-
8A	BGS
8B	BGS
8C	TGS
8D	TGS

Team	Name
5A	Aamay Wadhwani
5B	Flynn Oliver
5C	Lachlan Euston
5D	Noah Wu
6A	Hamish Mackay
6B	Ned Clayton
6C	Liam Duncan
6D	Oliver Smith
7A	Elliott Gillman
7B	Moosa Niazi
7C	James Butler
7D	Jacob Blanch
7E	William McDade
7F	Magnus Wechsel
8A	Will Driessen
8B	Jack Van der Westhuizen
8C	Ben Mowbray
8D	Josh Edwards

Team	name
10 years	Shree Bhatt
11 years	Oliver Elphinston
12 years	Hamish Mackay
13 years	Dennis Zhou

Team	Won by
7A	TGS
7B	BGS
7C	BGS
7D	BGS
7E	-
8A	BGS
8B	BGS
8C	BGS
8D	BGS

Team	Name
7A	Alexander Huang
7B	Magnus Gislason
7C	Cooper Wolski
7D	Buddy Matthews
7E	Archer Webb
8A	Anson Qiu-Tang
8B	Lachlan Russell
8C	Will Jackson
8D	-

The Years 5 to 7 Public Purpose committee is again running a donation drive to support RSPCA Queensland in their efforts to help the thousands of animals that enter their shelters each year.

We are asking for donations of clean towels and blankets, dog and cat food (tinned and packaged), as well as dog and cat toys.

Donations can be dropped into the collection bin outside the Middle School Reception between 8.00am and 8.15am every morning this term.

Help us to help the animals!

Justin Shears and Stella Gardner
Years 5 to 7 Public Purpose Coordinators

Senior Dramatic Production — A Few Good Men

“When you listen… when the relationship is strong and when the stakes are at their utmost, then the scene will fly” – Stella Adler (The Actor’s Studio)

Each year, the Creative Team of the Senior Dramatic Production have a clear goal in mind: to stage Brisbane Grammar School’s best performance. A Few Good Men, adapted by Aaron Sorkin, is shaping up to be one of our most ambitious shows to date. The grandeur of the production is not only driven by the magnitude of Sorkin’s narrative, but also the energy and commitment of the large cast. They continue to exceed our expectations through their preparation and work outside of the rehearsal room.

In realism, there is a fundamental principle that all actors must adhere to: the actor must always work towards a goal. Famously, character Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee – the fast-talking, slick, and arrogant young lawyer who is motivated by his judicial success and growing ego – wants a quick and easy plea bargain for his clients (hopefully, with very little paperwork). However, it’s not until his integrity is called into question that he puts his ego to the side and begins to make an argument for the lives of the two Marines on trial.

No longer is his objective to find the quickest route out of the courtroom, but instead to practice the law and do everything in his power to let the defendants be judged fairly.

Tickets to attend A Few Good Men will be available soon. Please check all social media platforms and the BGS website for ticketing information. Our productions sell out fast, so ensure you purchase your tickets as soon as possible. 

Patrick Last
Senior Dramatic Production Creative Team

Music Soiree and Music Support Group Welcome Function | Friday 19 March 5.00pm

We are looking forward to our first concert for the year, with performances by Grammar Vocal Ensemble, Vocal Group, Grammarphones, Grammar Singers and Chamber Strings in the Great Hall.

Following the concert, the Music Support Group will host a social function in The Lilley Centre. Everyone is invited as we welcome new families to the Music program and spend some time catching up with friends, making new contacts and generally celebrating all things musical at the start of the year. Students in the Flute Ensemble and Clarinet Ensemble will share their music with guests.

Due to ongoing COVID restrictions, these events will be strictly ticketed with limited places available. To reserve tickets for the Support Group Welcome Function and/or Music Soiree, click here. 

Date claimer: Grammar in Concert | Sunday 16 May 4.00pm | Edmund Rice Performing Arts Complex at St Laurence’s College. Set aside the date to enjoy our finest musicians in concert.

Fundraising — Salmon Drive

The Music Support Group do a wonderful job at funding important projects for the Music Program. Past fundraising initiatives have enabled the purchase of choir and band risers, large instruments and other band equipment – all invaluable contributions to our young musicians’ experiences.

Last year was a difficult year for fundraising, so the support group is eager to kickstart fundraising in 2021 with their first Salmon Drive for the year. 

Peter Ingram
Head of Music

GPS Chess | Nominate now

Students who wish to nominate for the 2021 GPS Chess Team should complete this survey, which is also available via MyGrammar. Nominations close at 11.30pm on Friday 19 March. Trials for the GPS Chess team will be held online on Sunday 18 April. Information about how to participate in the trials will be emailed to parents and boys after nominations close. 

Peter Brunckhorst
Chess Director

Round 5 recap

Last week, BGS ventured up the range to take on Toowoomba Grammar School. This mid-season round was a true test of our program, with almost all our GPS teams playing against our scheduled opposition.

Of the 29 GPS matches played, BGS won 18. The highlight was our success at A level, winning five out of the eight matches played.

Unfortunately, the First XI didn’t quite grasp their first win of the season, going down by the narrowest of margins in an epic struggle – putting in an excellent effort. The weekend’s fixtures saw our batters stand tall, posting 12 half-centuries across our matches. We also had two batting partnerships yield over 100 runs.

The Years 5 and 6 teams remained undefeated in all their matches, ensuring five of the eight teams still sit at the top of their ladders. The Year 10A team remained competition leaders with a gutsy victory, defending a relatively small total. The 10B and 10C teams also recorded victories to remain undefeated. The 6A team secured a nailbiting victory in their match, chasing down a mammoth 190 runs to win with nine balls to spare. Thanks to a second wicket partnership of 143 between Will Driessen (71) and Hugo Spencer (66), the 8As amassed 4/181 to post a dominant victory over their TGS counterparts. Both boys claimed two wickets each to complete great all-round matches.

Round 5 Notable performances:

• Charlie Bassingthwaighte (Third XI) - 83 (88)
• Will Driessen (8A) – 71 runs and 2/5
• Hugo Spencer (8A) - 66 runs and 2/14
• Oliver Kennedy (9D) – 71 runs
• Gabe Hogarth-Howes (11A) – 50 (31) and 2/16 (4)
• Noah Wu (5D) - (4/2)
• Clancy Kelly (Third XI) - 58 (58)
• Ethan Bartley (First XI) – 57 not out
• Matt Lockhart (First XI) - 52 not out
• Oli Spence (10A) 46 and 2/25
• Jock Horton (10B) – 54 runs
• Panula Jayalath (11C) – 51 not out (45)
• Nicholas Fasone (10D) – 51 (30)
• Tom Nolan (10D) – 50 not out
• Elliott Gillman (7A) - 41 not out and 1/12 (4)
• Mitchell Spence (6A) – 36 (27) and 3/21 (3)

Team of the Week: 

BGS 5D 7/66 defeat GT 5D 5/65

It was great to see the mighty 5D cricket team record their first ever victory for BGS, beating local rivals Gregory Terrace. The boys have work hard at training on their bowling accuracy and this paid dividends as they recorded their lowest extras total this season. They also made excellent improvements, scoring four times more runs off the bat than in previous matches. We congratulate the boys on (hopefully) the first of many wins.

Players of the Round:

Finding an individual player of the round was very difficult given the great all-round contributions made by many of our cricketers, so I have decided to award joint players of the round. Combining for our best partnership of the season of 143 runs, our 8A batters Will Driessen (71) and Hugo Spencer (66) completely batted TGS out of the match. Their efforts helped the team finish at 4/181 – their best batting performance ever for BGS. The boys weren’t done for the match at this stage – they also bowled seven overs for only 19 runs between them, each taking two wickets a piece — outstanding efforts, boys and congratulation to you and the 8A team on your comprehensive victory.

Round 6 | Pink Stumps Day

Round 6 of the GPS competition is Pink Stumps Day against Nudgee College. Please come dressed in your best pink outfits and keep an eye out for the online donation link to contribute to the McGrath Foundation and providing funding for more breast care nurses.

I wish all our cricketers the best of luck in what shapes to be a season-defining round for many of our teams.

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

Trevor Irvine
Cricket Director

Fencing Training Times and Squads Lists

Training times and squad lists are now available via MyGrammar. Please check these carefully and contact the Fencing Director if there are clashes or you no longer wish to participate in Fencing. Training starts in Week 1, Term 2.

Fencing Whites Hire and Equipment Information

Equipment requirements, order forms, and the whites hire schedule are now available via MyGrammar.

Whites hire will be held on Tuesday 16 to Thursday 18 March from 3.30pm to 5.00pm in Classroom 1 of the ISC.

• Tuesday 16 March: Years 10 to 12
• Wednesday 17 March: Years 6 to 9 (returning to Fencing)
• Thursday 18 March: Years 5 to 9 (new to Fencing)

Boys should come dressed in their PE uniform with the equipment order form. 

Musketeers Welcome Function 

6.00pm Saturday 27 March at Figs on Sylvan, Toowong.
We hope to see all parents at this event to welcome a new season of Fencing. Boys will not attend, and instead will look forward to their Easter Camp. Please purchase tickets here or view the invitation here. 

First IV and Year 10A Fencing Trials

Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 March | BGS ISC
Students who indicated they wanted to trial should look for an email from Ms Chin. 

Fencing East Camp

Fencing Easter Camp will be held from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 April in the ISC. More information will be available soon. 

Brisbane School Teams Competition

The Queensland Fencing Association will be hosting the Brisbane Schools Teams Competition in Term 2. Round 1 will be held on Saturday 8 May at Yeronga. Times and draws are unknown at this stage. Parents and fencers will be notified as more specific information becomes available.

Melanie Chin
Fencing Director

BGS and BGGS are the longest-serving Award Centres for The International Duke of Edinburgh in Queensland. With such an established history of award recipients, 2021 is shaping up to be the most successful to date, with five Gold awardees expected to complete their award this year. With 20 new participants this term, 75 boys continue to work on their Silver and Bronze awards.

We are very fortunate to have passionate Outdoor Education staff who contribute to the success of the award. Working hard to ensure that the boys have the opportunity to continue their Duke of Edinburgh journey, Mr Derek Jervis and his team have enabled two Adventurous Journeys during the school holidays this year.

With fewer COVID restrictions, the Adventurous Journey to Cooloola National Park will go ahead in the Easter holidays. Gold Awardees will hike through the sand dunes to qualify for their award, and boys new to the program will have kayaking opportunities.

We have recently awarded Atticus Jackson and Alexander Graves their Bronze medals, which they completed in 2020 with 18 other boys. Both young men are wonderful ambassadors for the program; Alexander has continued his journey through to the ultimate Gold Award.

When asked to reflect on their experience, Atticus wrote:

“I started Duke of Edinburgh at the end of Year 9 as a challenge and a bit of fun. The experience was great, and I ended up learning a lot about myself, especially when it came down to things like organisation and routine, which were important parts of completing the Bronze challenge as a beginner. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I recommend it.”

Kimberley Kovacevic
Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader

BGS Rowing End of Season Function | Saturday 13 March 6.00pm

Rowers and their parents are invited to the BGS Rowing End of Season Function on Saturday 13 March from 6.00pm at the Gambaro Hotel, 33 Caxton Street.

All families involved in the Year 9 to Opens are invited; this includes coxswains in Years 7 and 8. Year 8 rowers will celebrate after their regatta on Saturday 27 February.

Dress is smart casual. Students are to wear summer uniform.

Tickets are available to purchase here. Please RSVP by Monday 8 March.

Matt Marden
Rowing Director

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 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 Student ID cards here. 

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

Grammar Shop

Open school days from 7.30am to 11.00am.

Senior Winter Uniforms

Only two weeks remain to submit blazers for embroidery before the Friday 19 March deadline to guarantee blazers’ return before winter uniform starts.

From Tuesday 4 May, all Senior School students must wear winter uniforms (blazer, long-sleeved white shirt, trousers, black belt and optional navy jumper). These items are available for purchase from the Grammar Shop. 

Students who want their blazer pockets embroidered must collect a yellow Colours Award form from the Cocurricular Office. The form can be handed in at the time of blazer purchase and before Friday 19 March.

ID CARD HOLDERS

The Grammar Shop has new items for sale: ID card holders and reels which can be clipped onto belts or similar. These are proving popular with students for ease of access to ID cards during the day.

ITEMS FOR COLLECTION

PE Shirts have arrived in stock. Those that prepaid for a PE shirt have been contacted and their shirts are set aside for collection at the Grammar Shop. Many other prepaid items also await collection from the Grammar Shop.

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.

EMBROIDERY

Families who are waiting for returned embroidery should check MyGrammar > P&F Auxiliary > Embroidered Item Pick Up List to confirm whether their items are awaiting collection in the Grammar Shop.

Payment 

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

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

Joanne Villiers
P&F Auxiliary

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

Notice of Annual General Meeting | Wednesday 17 March 2021 at 6.30pm

The Brisbane Grammar School Parents’ and Friends’ Association (Inc.) (BGS P&F) AGM, will be held on Wednesday 17 March 2021 at 6.30pm in The Lilley Centre Function Room at BGS.

P&F Association parent members (all parents and guardians of students currently attending Brisbane Grammar School) and friend members (those accepted as a member following application) are entitled to attend and vote. All are eligible to nominate for positions on the Management Committee. 

The voluntary positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer will be declared vacant.

• A nomination of Justin Beirne for the position of President has been proposed by Chris Smith, and seconded by Nicola Rahman. 
• A nomination of Nicola Rahman for the position of Vice President has been proposed by Chris Smith, and seconded by Kristine Luke.
• A nomination of Kristine Luke for the position of Secretary has been proposed by Chris Smith, and seconded by Nicola Rahman.
• A nomination of Chris Smith for the position of Treasurer has been proposed by Nicola Rahman, and seconded by Kristine Luke.

Further enquiries should be directed to the P&F Management Committee Secretary at kristine.luke@gmail.com.

Kristine Luke
P&F Management Committee Secretary

COVID has heightened a need for social distancing, and in many ways our homes have become a sanctuary for our closest loved ones. This year, the 2021 Art Show, Embrace. The Art of Togetherness, features an artist who strongly captures this sentiment. The Art Support Group is proud to announce Alexandra Matthews as our 2021 feature artist. She is a well-known Queensland artist and her work is an expression of her deep connections to her local Brisbane area. “I've always had an interest in creating images with a narrative. My Urban Landscape paintings are an extension of that,” Alexandra says.

The promotional material for the Art Show features Alexandra’s work, Budgie Love (pictured below), from her current collection. Alexandra's artwork appears in the Brisbane Grammar School Art Collection and Australian and international private collections, including the Lord Mayor of Brisbane Collections. She has won many prestigious art prizes and has been Artist-in-Residence many times at BGS. Her works continue to be one of the best sellers at the BGS Art Show.

We hope you can join us for the Art Show Gala Night on Friday 11 June to view Alexandra Matthews’ artwork, as well as the work of established and emerging artists. The evening will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the BGS community.

To keep up to date on the Art Show, artworks for sale and details on ticketing, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

BGS Art Support Group

Run, Boundaries and Wicketathon

Over the last two seasons, COVID restrictions have impacted the Willow Club’s main source of funds generated via the Northgate Canteen. This means we have not raised the amount of money we had hoped for, significantly reducing the BGS Cricket program’s financial support.

On Saturday 13 March, the BGS cricketers will be taking on their arch-rivals Gregory Terrace in a series of matches across all year groups. To spur our boys on to deliver their best, and to raise funds to further support their cricketing endeavours, the Willow Club will be holding a Run, Boundaries and Wicketathon for that round.

We are asking that all players seek out sponsorship from friends, family members and neighbours using our electronic sponsorship form, available here.

Once the round is complete, members of the Willow Club Support Group will calculate the total pledges and contact sponsors via email, advising them of the amount of their pledge and how to deposit funds.

Thank you very much for supporting your son and the Willow Club in this endeavour.

BGS Willow Club Support Group

MAGS Meeting | Tuesday 9 March, 5.45pm

Parents of BGS Gymnasts are warmly invited to attend the next meeting for the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Supporters (MAGS) Group. The meeting will be held in Classroom 1 in the Indoor Sports Centre (opposite the weights room) on Tuesday 9 March at 5.45pm.

For further information about MAGS and this meeting, please contact MAGS President Karuna Hoole at 0422 818 505 or karuna.hoole@gmail.com.

Please note that any visitors to the ISC will need to sign in and out with the QR code provided at the front entrance of the ISC along with using the hand sanitiser supplied.

In line with Queensland Health, access is not allowed for anyone who has:

• COVID-19 or has been in direct contact with a known case of COVID-19 within the last 14 days;
• is awaiting a COVID-19 results;
• has flu-like symptoms or who is a high health risk (e.g. due to age or pre-existing conditions);
• travelled internationally; and
• travelled to a COVID-19 declared hotspot.

Ensure to follow any instructions or guidance given by the Indoor Sports Centre management along with social distancing and personal hygiene at all times.

Karuna Hoole
MAGS President

Click here for more information on upcoming events.

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

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.