Newsletter
Week 3 Term 2

ATARs and NAPLAN

I have spoken recently with several Year 12 parents at the very well-attended tertiary information evening last week and parent-teacher interviews. A common theme in our conversations was assessment.

In all my presentations and meetings, I emphasise the importance of making decisions based on accurate information. I find two aspects may ease concerns about ATARs: a clear explanation of the scaling process and an understanding that a student’s daily routines of study and revision will determine his outcome.

Similarly, knowing that subject grades are not arbitrarily assigned according to the apocryphal ‘bell-curve’ distribution enables students to focus on applying feedback to improve learning. When students prioritise and work consistently to make incremental improvements, outcomes will be optimal.

As a leading school, we apply three essential principles – validity, reliability and accessibility – in assessment design and delivery across all subjects and year levels. As students mature and move through school, assessment becomes increasingly complex; more challenging assessment requires more independence to respond to the challenges.

I remind students regularly that assessment results (that is, ‘marks’) are determined by the process of informed and collaborative professional judgement, where each individual response is independently matched to the syllabus standards. Our quality control practices include calibration, moderation, cross-marking and blind-marking. These are important mechanisms to prioritise fairness and consistency in the marking process.

The message to all students remains the same: control the things you can control, such as organisation, good study habits and openness to feedback.

Students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will soon be undertaking NAPLAN. Rather than being a source of anxiety or regarded as an unwanted imposition on time, seeing NAPLAN as it was intended – a useful diagnostic tool that provides simple markers of progress in mastery of literacy and numeracy – enables students, parents and teachers to improve teaching and learning. The reality of assessment remains with us through school and into university and should be embraced. I encourage students sitting NAPLAN next week to practise the skills of concentration, time management and examination strategy. This is an opportunity to actively manage and apply different ways of thinking for different types of tests. This mindset – seeing assessment as an opportunity for growth and improvement – can be developed and refined through deliberate practice.

Scientific American recently reported a University of Virginia study that showed most people, when confronted with a problem, “tend to choose additive solutions … even when subtracting would clearly be better”. That is, our tendency is to over-complicate solutions and situations, rather than simplify them by removing unnecessary elements or tasks. When preparing for assessment, students should work to continually refine and distil their revision to what is most necessary and valuable.

I encourage students to consciously work across two modes of thinking, the macro and the micro. Some problems, particularly those involving planning and synthesising, require ‘big picture’ thinking and making broad connections. At other times, a task requires an intense focus on precision and accuracy, working with small detail. The capacity to prioritise what is important, quickly adapt our thinking and then simplify our practice is a sure key to success now and into the future.

Year 9 Blazer Assembly

While it doesn’t always make me popular with the boys, I am unapologetic about maintaining standards when it comes to wearing the BGS uniform.

It was wonderful to see students arrive earlier this week in their winter uniform. Thanks to parents for ensuring this transition.  

I also appreciate the number of students and their standard of dress at Northgate last Saturday. It was excellent given the challenges we faced with the weather.

Earlier this week, under the guidance of Mr Craig Timms and Ms Sarah McDonald, the Year 9 cohort gathered to celebrate the ritual of wearing their blazer for the first time. It was an excellent assembly where the boys were addressed on the significance of the blazer, and its role in identifying their growth into young men.

The session focused on positive masculinity. Year 9 students were encouraged to build their knowledge, question societal expectations, and forge their own path toward a positive masculine identity. To do this, boys are working towards being connected, motivated and authentic. These terms were explained, as was how accepting responsibility for their actions helps to develop a positive masculinity.

I also challenged them on the importance of being involved in the Cocurricular and the Public Purpose programs. I would appreciate you speaking with your son about how serving others as part of the Public Purpose program, or with an external organisation, is critical to positive masculinity and leadership growth.

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.

Director of Counselling and Academic Services
Dale Nicholas

University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ)

Students who are planning to apply to Medicine, Dentistry and Clinical Science degree programs starting in 2022 at these Universities in Australia and New Zealand must sit the UCAT ANZ 2021 (between 1 July and 11 August 2021). The UCAT ANZ is a two-hour, computer-based, multiple choice test. Candidates sit the test at Pearson VUE test centres located in Australia, New Zealand and at some overseas centres. For information about where test centres are offered, see Test Centre Locations.

Eligibility

The UCAT ANZ test is only available to a candidate who is currently undertaking or has completed the final year of secondary schooling, or higher. For example, candidates registering for UCAT ANZ 2021 should have completed, or plan to complete, their final year of secondary schooling in 2021 – Year 12 in Australia or Year 13 in New Zealand.

Students in Australian Year 11 or lower are NOT eligible to sit the UCAT ANZ. This includes Year 11 students undertaking one or more Year 12 subjects. Year 12 students completing Year 12 over two years are only eligible to sit the UCAT ANZ in their final year.

Only a limited number of UCAT ANZ Consortium universities require international students to sit UCAT ANZ and, if so, it will only be required in specific circumstances. Candidates are advised to check the UCAT ANZ Consortium university websites for further information.

Where do students book?

Bookings are open at the UCAT ANZ website and will close on 17 May 2021 at 11.59pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time). Late registrations are accepted until 31 May at 11.59pm AEST and incur an additional late fee. No bookings are accepted after the late booking deadline.

Please note the following important information available at the UCAT ANZ website:

• Concession Scheme
• Access Arrangements
• Photo Identification and Test Day
• Results

Free official UCAT Preparation Advice and Practice Tests are available at the UCAT ANZ website.

Note that the UCAT ANZ Consortium does not work with or endorse any commercial preparation providers offering UCAT preparation.

Validity of Results

UCAT ANZ 2021 results are valid for the 2021 university admissions cycle ONLY (for entry to university in 2022).

UCAT ANZ website and social media

Please refer to the UCAT ANZ website for all information regarding the test: ucat.edu.au

Follow UCAT ANZ on social media for updates and reminders:

• facebook.com/UCATofficialANZ
• instagram.com/ucatofficialanz
• twitter.com/UCATofficialANZ

Director of Digital Learning
Greg Dabelstein

With the lockdown at the end of Term 1, the School again relied on technology to maintain a connection with students and continue operations. In these uncertain times, there are several applications we rely on to ensure good communication and deliver curriculum.

The popular Office 365 suite is the core of the School’s systems. Students and staff use applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and OneNote each day, with an increasing use of newer applications such as Teams, Forms, Stream and Power BI. The ability to store files in a cloud environment such as SharePoint/OneDrive has made working from home or school seamless. These products are updated regularly with features specific to educational institutions, providing even greater functionality.

Canvas, our Learning Management System (LMS), delivers resource materials for whole subject cohorts. In a large school, we strive to maintain a level of consistency of access and equity between classes. Canvas also provides greater personalised learning through branching of content and quizzes. This can be augmented by plugins such as Respondus Lockdown Browser, which allows us to hold examinations in a secure environment.

Microsoft Teams has been integral to class operations for the past few years. While it came into its own with online meetings, the School was already using Teams prior to the COVID lockdown. Each class has its own Team, providing a forum for communication, collaboration, and access to resources. Questions can be asked and answered, polls and quizzes conducted, and links direct to third party resources made available. The Class Notebook, with both individual and reference areas, is at the heart of this system. Each Team can be curated to feature link access to Canvas, appropriate data analytics and library resources.

Outlook is a key organisational tool for staff and students. In addition to the ubiquitous email, students rely on this program to manage their tasks, activities, and provide access to their class timetable.

Technology will continue to be a major part of the School’s focus for improvement. The School, with the help of external experts, has recently completed a technological innovation strategy. Digital Strategy 2020 – 2024 will guide decision making to provide value for the boys, teachers and community. ​This document will outline the School’s plans to develop and improve on its already strong foundations for the next few years.

Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones

Boarding Tour

I have spent this week on the road, or more accurately in a show pavilion or function room, sharing the Brisbane Grammar School story and strengths of our boarding community.

Over the long weekend, we held two community events to coincide with our visits to the Goondiwindi Show and Agrotrend at Bundaberg. Several boarding schools were on show at Goondiwindi, reflecting the large number of local families with children at boarding schools across South East Queensland.

It was wonderful to meet Old Boys (some of whom are in their 90s!), current parents and several prospective families. They were excited to hear of the recently established Griffith House and the current transformation of Harlin House into a residence of 79 individual rooms, which includes two larger accessible rooms. 

This week, BGS attended Beef Week 2021 – our first visit as an exhibitor for several years. Over five days, we met several Old Boys drawn to Rockhampton by the beef industry and allied services. It was a privilege to listen to Old Boys' memories of BGS, and it was equally rewarding to share the news of the boarding redevelopment and transformative STEAM Precinct.  

Thank you to all staff who took time from their long weekend and usual duties to attend the shows and host our events. I am especially grateful to Enrolments Manager Mrs Alison Walters for her management of our Goondiwindi Show stand and for hosting prospective parents, and to Senior Boarding Tutor – Griffith House Mrs Debbie Power, and Alumni and Community Relations Manager Ms Carla Hardy for leading our Bundaberg Agrotrend stall and hosting the gathering of past, current and prospective families.

Our time at Beef Week was a team affair, and I thank Deputy Headmaster Cocurricular Mr Greg Thorne, Executive Director Advancement and Community Relations Mrs Inma Beaumont, Director of Philanthropy Mr Stuart Fitzpatrick, and Director of Enrolments Mr Jamie Smith for contributing. It was a long but fruitful week for building all-important community relations, none of which would have been possible without this team.

In closing, I wish to recognise the great deal of time and effort that has also been spent in planning for these events. Thanks to the Advancement and Community Relations team for event planning and publicity.

We now look forward to our events in Toowoomba and Emerald, as well as the ICPA Conference in Cunamulla.

Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis

8F completed their Outdoor Education program demonstrating the program’s focus of community. The boys worked well together during the teamwork tasks, including initiative activities, team height activities, setting up tents, cooking and navigating during hiking.

Sebastian Hazzard was an excellent student. He was recognised by his peers for his contributions to the expedition group, activities, and leadership. Sebastian showed a willingness to lead and the ability to motivate others. Michael Bryon was a positive student whose energy had a great influence on his group. Michael was willing to give everything a go and help at every opportunity. Lachlan Anastasia put in a great effort hiking Mt Alford. Lachlan navigated with confidence while supporting and motivating his group.

Johnny James was an enthusiastic and active participant. He made the most of the program by getting fully involved and engaging in every task and activity. Dennis Zhou proved to be an excellent navigator. He paid attention to the details on the map and made good decisions about where to lead his group. Dennis was also recognised by his peers for showing support and being helpful. Antonio Hasselmann was a mature and helpful student. He made excellent contributions to team tasks, embraced the challenges, and worked well with others.

Ryan Zand made the decision to run an extra lap on the morning run. Ryan completed the track to earn himself a place on the leaderboard for the 4km run. Alvin Wang demonstrated a clear understanding of the objectives of the Outdoor Education program. Alvin took the lead during his group's reflection on the program and showed an awareness of the value of outdoor education.

Year 11 Outdoor Education Leaders Dylan Stewart and Gabe Hogarth Howes were great role models for the Year 8 boys. They got to know the Form Class and were able to guide and support them through the challenges of the program.

Mr Casey Walker joined the class on Wednesday to complete the expedition and activities for the rest of the week, and Ms Carla Salmon joined the class for the bushwalk up to Mt Alford.

A short movie of the boys' experiences can be viewed via the 8F video link.

Director of Student Wellbeing Programs
Philippa Douglas

SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a good annual reminder to say thanks to the mums and other special carers who play an important role in our lives, but it is essential we mark the day with love and sincerity. This year is especially important due to the pandemic, where mothers played multiple roles over recent months, providing care and support to those they love under difficult circumstances. Mothers will often put the needs of others above their own, so it is paramount to remind them to take care of themselves also, especially when it comes to mental health.

Research has shown that women experience some mental health conditions more than men and at much higher rates. There are many factors that can impact a woman’s wellbeing physically and emotionally. Seeking effective treatment can enable her to engage more readily in everyday activities and fulfil the needs of her children and family.

This Special Report highlights the role mothers play in the developmental growth of their children and the importance of self-care for good mental health. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. 

Click here to access your special report.

This week, we hosted our Year 5 Mother’s Day Morning Tea. Our Year 5 mums enjoyed a high tea and concert in Centenary Hall. It was a wonderful opportunity for our boys to acknowledge and to thank their mums for all they do. Thank you to our Year 6 parent helpers for their assistance at this special event. We wish all Middle School mums a very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday. 

Please see instructions to view all photos from the event at the bottom of this article. 

As I observe Middle School classes during daily Consolidation and Preparation time, I am pleased to note the increasing levels of engagement. Developmentally appropriate scaffolding has been incorporated into the planning of CP time to ensure the boys are using this time effectively and developing their self-regulatory capacities. Middle School boys are provided with a Consolidation and Preparation matrix that offers suggestions for how the time might be used to support learning. Teachers may also periodically provide their classes with specific CP suggestions. I encourage parents to check in with their son to see how they are using this designated time. 

Parents are encouraged to check the year level pages on MyGrammar for updates from your son’s Head of Year. Heads of Year use this portal to communicate cohort news and information. It is recommended that parents check MyGrammar each week.  

Who Are You?

The study of Visual Art challenges us with different points of view and compels us to empathise with others; additionally, engaging with art provides many intrinsic benefits. The public art displays at BGS encourage students to take pride in their unique cultural identity.

Every year in Year 5 Visual Art, the class collaborates to develop and assemble a ceramic totem sculpture that represents the essential aspects of their character. Students were asked to identify different animal traits in their personality to choose an animal for their totem. Totem animals are believed to be the animal we feel a strong connection to and may influence us throughout our lives. The students used artist Peter Cromer as their inspiration, taking note of his ability to give animals endearing human qualities and his skill when simplifying and stylising form, colour and pattern.

Students individually identified traits relevant to their personalities and made sketches. The classes brainstormed and added to their drawings as they visualised the animal traits they identified with, answering the question "Who am I and what am I like?"

The totem project has become 'rite of passage' for all Year 5 students and is proudly displayed in the Middle School Social Space. The artwork is displayed for two years and returned to the students when they reach Year 7.

The Year 5 totem project provides the opportunity for students to be creators with integrity, share a message about themselves with the community, and more importantly, it fosters a better understanding of others. It encourages students to respect and take pride in their contributions to the School’s culture.

This year, our students were joined by Artist-in-Residence Ms Karen Hannay. Karen previously worked at BGS for 16 years as a Middle School Teacher of Art and now works full time in her ceramic art studio. The Art Department was excited to be reunited with Ms Hannay, and the boys benefited greatly from her wisdom. She has left her mark on BGS, being the founder of the Middle School totem project and creator of the wonderful ceramic mural in the Years 5 and 6 Social Space.

Amanda Stuart
Teacher of Art

City District Cross Country

Last Friday, 13 Middle School boys competed in the City District Cross Country Championships at Northgate. It was a very good day for BGS with 10 years runner Isiah Mazzocchi (second place), 11 years boys Alex Donaldson (third place), Hamish Campbell (seventh place) and Thomas Campbell (eighth place), and 13 years runners Sam Kelley (second place) and Liam Duncan (eighth place) all qualifying to represent City District at the Met North Regional Cross Country Championships later this month.  

Team	Won by
5A	Brisbane Grammar School
5B	Ipswich Grammar School
5C	Brisbane Grammar School
6A	Ipswich Grammar School
6B	Brisbane Grammar School
6C	No Game
6D	The Southport School
7A	Ipswich Grammar School
7B	Brisbane Grammar School
7C	Brisbane Grammar School
7D	Brisbane Grammar School
7E	Gregory Terrace
7F	Nudgee College
8A	Draw with Ipswich Grammar School
8B	Brisbane Grammar School
8C	Brisbane Grammar School
8D	Draw with Toowoomba Grammar School
8E	No Game

Team	Name
5A	Oliver Elphinston
5B	Digby Harpham
5C	Clancy Menzies
6A	Angus Cooper
6B	Oliver Harris
6C	NA
6D	Samuel Prasad
7A	Hamish O'Sullivan
7B	Martin Grant
7C	Joel Wu
7D	Jed Siganto
7E	Ben Foulger
7F	Edward Douglas
8A	Harvey Gatehouse
8B	Julien Anderson
8C	Luke Saywell
8D	Lachlan Russell

Team	Won By
5A	Brisbane Grammar School
5B	Brisbane Grammar School
5C	No Game
5D	No Game
6A	Brisbane Grammar School
6B	Brisbane Grammar School
6C	No Game
6D	No Game
7A	Brisbane Grammar School
7B	Brisbane Grammar School
7C	Brisbane Grammar School
7D	Brisbane Grammar School
8A	Brisbane Grammar School
8B	Brisbane Grammar School
8C	Brisbane Grammar School
8D	No Game

Year Level	Name
5 A/B	Morris Grant
5 C/D	No Game
6 A/B	Quinn Goodall
6 C/D	No Game
7 A/B	Adam Chua
7 C/D	Max Nakasato
8 A/B	Christian Ma
8 C/D	Ryan Lam

Technical department update

T-minus 19 days, 11 rehearsals and 300m of gaffer tape until the opening of this year’s Senior Dramatic Production, A Few Good Men.

The Technical Department, helmed by student crew – Cameron Quagliotto (Year 12), Ashton Tucker (Year 12), Theo Dickey (Year 11) and Rahul Kumar (Year 10) – have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the Creative Team’s ambitious vision to life. This year’s production has prompted a range of challenges:

• Change of performance venue – Centenary Hall
• 22 computer-controlled LED lighting fixtures
• 40m² projector capacity, and
• Surround sound… Just to name a few.

We have enlisted the assistance of a range of industry professionals – lighting designer Jason Glenwright, set designer Josh McIntosh, media consultant Craig Wilkinson, and audio engineer Josh Newth.

This week, the Tech Team extended their skills by jumping into the workshop to construct 30 model M1 Garand Rifles. The students whittled wood, drilled barrel holes, and varnished the faux weapons under the guidance of prop extraordinaire and Teacher of Design and Technology Mr Andrew Kennedy.

Next week, the Drama Department will commandeer Centenary Hall to commence the final stage of the rehearsal process.

Stay tuned with the show’s progress and more updates via @grammarplay.bgs on Instagram.

Ben Newth
Technical Director

Grammar in Concert – Live Again

Details

• Sunday 16 May, 4.00pm
• Edmund Rice Performing Arts Complex, St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane
• Tickets are available here (adults $35, concessions $20, family $90). BGS students can purchase tickets for $5 from the Music Office.

The most significant musical event of the year at Brisbane Grammar School, Grammar in Concert, is quickly approaching. This year it is being held on Sunday 16 May at 4.00pm in the Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre at St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane. This is a magnificent venue which will be most suitable for our concert. The show is titled Live Again and will celebrate being able to gather together for a live music event after all had to endure in 2020. The boys are excited to be presenting their music and we hope as many people as possible will join in this celebration. Highlights include:

• The beautiful voices of our student choirs including Vocal Group, Grammar Vocal Ensemble, Grammar Singers and Grammarphones (including a spectacular combined opening number)
• The power and colour of Grammar Symphony Orchestra (with a cinematic classic on the program)
• The rhythms and melodies of Grammar Symphonic Band and Senior Percussion Ensemble
• The fun and toe-tapping variety of the Grammar Big Band.

We look forward to seeing you there with family and friends.

Music Support Group meeting change of date

The next meeting will be this Tuesday 11 May at 7.00pm in the String Room of the Music Building. This will be an important meeting to finalise arrangements for Grammar in Concert and other upcoming events. Everyone is welcome.

Peter Ingram
Head of Music

Director of PE, Sport and Activities
John Clancy

Given the range of Cocurricular opportunities for boys at Brisbane Grammar School, many students have very full weekly schedules. With increased academic demands, senior students and their parents may question the value of time spent in Physical Education or sport. However, the School’s aspiration – to be the best school for boys in Australia – promotes a holistic approach to student development, incorporating academic, student wellbeing and cocurricular activities. All three of these areas enable our student to develop the BGS values of learning, leadership, endeavour, respect and community.

The Academic and Cocurricular programs are complementary, with PE and sport adding value, rather than detracting from a student’s ability to learn. A growing body of research backs this up. In a recent study, Professor Francisco Ortega of the University of Granada’s Research Institute of Sport and Health used brain scans to see if there was a positive relationship between physical activity and cognition.

"The answer is short and forceful: yes, physical fitness in children is linked in a direct way to important brain structure differences, and such differences are reflected in the children's academic performance." (Sports and Health Institute (2017). Teach Physical Education every day because it boosts the brain. University of Granada.)

Similarly, an article published in the Journal of Sport Sciences concluded:

"…this meta-analysis demonstrates that there are positive effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive outcomes …. However, chronic physical activity interventions seem to have larger effect sizes on a broader range of cognitive outcomes…. it is recommended to implement chronic physical activity when possible.” (Effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive outcomes and academic performance in adolescents and young adults: A meta-analysis. Barbara Franca Haverkamp, Rikstje Wiersma, Karen Vertessen, Hanneke van Ewijk, Jaap Oosterlaan and Esther Hartman).

In this article, “chronic” refers to regular and consistent activity. Students who engage in ongoing physical activity experience a longer-term benefit.

Physical activity also has a positive impact on student wellbeing. A three-year study of HSC students in NSW published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed the value of including physical activity into the curriculum.

"One of the psychological stress responses is the body’s release of cortisol… If you are experiencing a lot of stress over time, you are accumulating cortisol – your body is not processing it. That leads to impairments in mental health and also in learning. The exercise helped students process the cortisol and manage the stress. They’re paying attention, they’re not being distracted. Ours is the first study to ever [show] that in senior school students. That’s nothing new for primary school students. I can say with absolute confidence, you give up some class time, you get better quality from your students." (Professor David Lubans, quoted in Baker (2021, April 20). Brief, intense exercise helps students cope with HSC and life stress. Sydney Morning Herald.)

In addition to the social and emotional benefits, regular physical activity gives students lifelong capabilities and skills. For these reasons, the School continues to encourage boys to engage in regular physical activity from Years 5 to 12.

My takeaway messages for our students:

• To enhance academic performance, engage in physical activity
• To increase student health and ensure a balanced approach, ensure physical education and activity is regular and ongoing

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

Good luck to all boys competing this weekend.  

Term 1 Cocurricular photos now available

Team and action photos for Swimming, Volleyball and Cricket are now available via Just Photography’s online gallery here. Team photos are available for $20 (plus $10 postage and handling). Hundreds of action photos are also available to download free of charge.

Parents can order after each term or wait until the end of Term 4 when the gallery is updated with all sports. 

The GPS Cross Country Championships will be held on Thursday 20 May (Week 5). With less than two weeks to go, it is essential that all squad members are training well, maintaining a healthy diet and getting sufficient sleep. We want all of our runners to be in the best possible condition come race day.

GPS scoring system

Each school enters a fixed number of runners in each age group:

Age Group	Maximum number of competitors
10 and under	20
11 and under	20
12 and under	20
13 and under	15
14 and under	15
15 and under	15
16 and under	15
Open (18 and under)	20

However, on the day, only the top six BGS runners in each age group will contribute to our team score. We don’t know who will score for us on the day, so it is essential that every boy runs at his best to maximise the team’s chances.

Selections and team announcement

Team selection will be based on performance at lead up meets and time trials, as well as attendance at training sessions across the season.

On the morning of Monday 17 May, we will have a light training session before heading to The Lilley Centre Forum to announce the team, including reserves. There are still a number of opportunities for boys to post fast times before selections are made, so we encourage all boys to race hard at every meet and to prepare well for the time trials to be held on Monday and Tuesday of Week 4.

The season so far

We have had large numbers of boys attending training sessions throughout the season. In recent weeks, we have regularly had 70 to 90 boys turning up each day. Our regular sessions with the girls from BGGS have really motivated the boys, and our community runs earlier in the season were a great opportunity for parents and boys to catch up on weekends.

We have also had some outstanding results. At the City Districts trials last week, six of our Middle School boys qualified for the City Districts team. There were outstanding performances from Sam Kelley, Alex Donaldson and Isiah Mazzocchi who each scored podium finishes in their respective age divisions. A special mention must also go to our Cross Country Captain, Charlie Sprott, who has finished first in the Open division in each of the lead up meets so far, and Archie Boorer who has had a number of wins in the 13 Years races. While we are extremely proud of our elite boys, the performances of our sixth to tenth runners will have a significant impact on where we place at the GPS Championships – cross country really is a team event.

AFC #1 DH Mackenzie Tournament

This national tournament took place last weekend in Yeronga. 

Senior Men’s Epee

• 8th: Jonathan Patchen (coach)
• 33rd: Justin Lowe (Year 10)
• 44th: Sean Forrest (Year 12)

Senior Men’s Foil

• 16th: Thomas Kwan (Year 11)
• 29th: Tom Strooper (captain)
• 32nd: Hanbi Seo (Year 9)
• 33rd: Jude Forrest (coach)

Senior Men’s Sabre

• 7th: Ian Wong (Year 11)
• 8th: William Beckey (coach)
• 16th: Jackson Xu (Year 11)
• 17th: David McFadyen (coach)

Senior Women’s Epee

• 20th: Alexandra Patchen (coach)
• 20th: Elisabeth Chua (coach)

Our coaches Jim Hill, David McFadyen, Paul Crook, and Donghwan Kim also attended. It is great to see some of our fencers challenge themselves by competing against the best in the country. 

QFA Brisbane Schools Teams Competition

Round 1 is on Saturday 8 May. Fencers should arrive 30 minutes before their bout time. Check in with Ms Chin on arrival. 

BGS Primary Internal Fixtures

Round 1 is on Friday 14 May.

Melanie Chin
Fencing Director 

BGS Tennis saw a delayed start to the second round of the GPS competition against Ipswich. The boys, parents and coaches woke to soaked courts but were determined to get on court as quickly as possible. With some squeegeeing efforts from the Year 7 boys at Ipswich, we were underway, as were the Years 9 and 10 boys at UQ.

Once we were on court, each age group focused on getting a result before more rain fell. Awesome doubles play by the Years 7 and 8 boys gained an early lead on the competition. Years 9 and 10 listened to the inspired words of coach Chris Fancutt to get the job done quickly, and the Year 5s continued their dominant start to the season with the A and B teams winning for a combined game score of 96-0!

First IV

Enjoying their first home match for the year, BGS started the day well.

The team of Alex Patane, Kanika Jayathilake, Sam Fancutt and Charlie Hume won all their singles matches to jump out to a 4-0 lead. Brisbane Grammar were looking strong in the doubles but were interrupted by the rain. To avoid a draw, it was time to try everything to dry out the courts. With the help of squeegees, fans and blowers the boys were able to resume play around 3.00pm. BGS quickly won both doubles matches to finalise a 6-0 victory.

Last Thursday, four Year 8 students participated in the Eco Marines Ambassador training day on Moreton Island. The aim of the day is to provide networking opportunities and share ideas about environmental initiatives at school that raise awareness and get other students involved. The program included a scavenger hunt on the beach, brainstorming and presentations about ocean pollution, as well as Tangalooma’s wild dolphin feeding program. The highlight of the day was the dolphin feeding at sunset. The boys will work together to establish a clean-up initiative at BGS during the school terms.

Several Senior School students were involved in the Ashgrove Bushcare group on Sunday mornings over the past months. We meet every first Sunday of the month and tackle weeds along the creek. With the heavy rain in the past months, the students had to work hard to give the native flora room to grow. Last Sunday was an easier session that involved planting lots of young Lomandra plants along the water’s edge. Year 12 student Max Wagland was thrilled that his brand-new pruning tool finally saw some action.

Physics Olympiad Qualifying Exam Training

The annual National Physics Olympiad Qualifying Exam is open to all students in Years 10 and 11. It is the first step in the selection of the Australian Team that will compete at the International Physics Olympiad.

The two-hour online exam consists of multiple-choice questions and extended problems focusing on kinematics, dynamics, energy, electricity, waves, optics, and experimental setup.

This year, the exam will be held on Sunday 27 July.

Students interested in taking part in the examination are encouraged to attend regular training sessions with Ms Noel Chan in Terms 2 and 3. Training sessions will cover essential content and skills as well as problem solving strategies. 

For more information and to sign-up for the training, please contact Ms Chan at noel.chan@brisbanegrammar.com.

Noel Chan
Head of Physics

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.

Year 8 senior hats

In preparation for Senior School, Year 8 students will be fitted for their senior hats on Monday 17 May. Year 8 parents are asked to make payment for the hats by Thursday 20 May via the link they received by email on Tuesday.

EMBROIDERY

Families who are waiting for returned embroidery should check here (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

Art Show Gala Night | Tickets Now On Sale!

The Art Support Group is excited to announce that the 52nd BGS Art Show Gala Night tickets are now on sale via the new BGS Art Show webpage.

The spectacular Gala Night, themed Embrace – The Art of Togetherness, will be held on Friday 11 June. The Art Show will continue through BGS Open Day on Saturday 12 June.

The event is restricted due to social distancing, so the Art Show Gala Night is sure to be a sell out!

The BGS Art Show is a very special event in the BGS community calendar. It is an occasion for all students, family and the wider community to come together through art.

This year’s Feature Artist, Alexandra Matthews, was recently shortlisted as a finalist in the Inaugural Lethbridge Landscape prize. Matthews is exhibiting several works alongside other talented artists to present a show of spectacular 2D and 3D art, photography, and jewellery for your enjoyment, appreciation, and purchase.

This fabulous social event provides an opportunity to raise funds for the Arts and other support groups at Brisbane Grammar School while enjoying art and having some fun in the process!

We hope you will join us, and we look forward to your support.

MAGS Meeting

Parents of BGS Gymnasts are warmly invited to attend the next meeting for the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Supporters (MAGS) Group meeting. The meeting will be held in Classroom 1 (opposite the weights room) in the Indoor Sports Centre on Tuesday 11 May at 5.30pm.

For further information about the supporter’s group and this meeting, please contact Karuna Hoole – MAGS Group President on 0422 818 505 or karuna.hoole@gmail.com

Karuna Hoole
MAGS Group President

BGS Rugby Community

Who would have thought it – we can attend a home game final for BGS Old Boy Fraser McRreight and the Reds this weekend against the Brumbies in the Super Rugby AU Final!

The Normanby Blues are extremely pleased with the enthusiasm for our inaugural BGS Queensland Reds Family and Friends Match on Saturday 22 May against New Zealand's Crusaders in the Trans-Tasman fixtures.

Our ticket allocation has already been increased due to over 100 tickets selling in the first few days. Please buy your tickets as soon as possible (RSVP by Thursday 13 May unless sold out prior). Come along and bring a friend to cheer for Fraser.

Please also keep the evening of Saturday 5 June available for our official Rugby Launch Function at Wests Rugby Club. Keep an eye out for the invitation which will be out soon.

Have you seen the new Brisbane Grammar Rugby Instagram page? Find it here.  

Jonte Lowe
President, Normanby Blues
+61 (0) 411 476 472
normanbyblues.support@brisbanegrammar.com  

Rowing Support Group (Tipperoo) AGM

The 2021 Tipperoo AGM will be held on Monday 24 May at 6.00pm in The Lilley Centre Function Room.

All parents are welcome to become members of the support group.

As per the P&F Constitution, nominations are open for the Support Group Committee. If you wish to nominate, please lodge the person, position, the proposer, and seconder to the Tipperoo Secretary (tipperoo.support@brisbanegrammar.com) by Monday 17 May.

Click here for more information on upcoming events.

Open Day 2021
Saturday 12 June. Click here for details. Registration is required. 

BGS/BGGS Young Alumni Event (BGS Old Boys 2015 – 2020)
Saturday 19 June

Virtual Open Day 2021
Wednesday 14 June. Click here for details. Registration is required. 

Sportsman's Lunch | Friday 23 July
Friday 23 July — purchase tickets here.

BGS Old Boys Business Breakfasts
Economic Transition out of COVID — Wednesday 19 May. Purchase tickets here. 
Thursday 9 September (Topic TBC)
Thursday 11 November (Topic TBC)

BGS Golf Day
Friday 20 August

BGSOBA Band Battle ’21
Saturday 21 August

Milestone Reunions
Class of 1970 (50 year reunion) | Friday 8 October — purchase tickets here.
Class of 1980 (40 year reunion) — purchase tickets here.
Classes of 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001, and 2011 | Saturday 9 October (invitations to be sent in early August)
Class of 1961 | Sunday 10 October (invitations to be sent in early August)

BGS Regional Events — Boarding and Community Tour

Click here to RSVP.

Toowoomba | Wednesday 9 June
Emerald | Thursday 24 June
Gold Coast | Thursday 12 August
Sunshine Coast | Thursday 19 August
Darwin |Tuesday 31 August
Cairns | Wednesday 1 September
Townsville | Thursday 2 September
Mackay | Friday 3 September
 

For information about the BGS events, please contact Alumni and Community Relations, Carla Hardy on 3834 5206 or carla.hardy@brisbanegrammar.com

 

BGS is excited to confirm the speakers for the 2021 Sportsman’s Lunch – former Wallaby and Old Boy Greg Martin '80 and All Blacks legend Andrew Mehrtens.

Join the pair at the Brisbane Hilton Hotel for an afternoon of stories, banter and World Cup analysis on Friday 23 July (12.00pm). There will also be some fantastic auction items and raffle prizes available on the day, including: 

• One week in a luxury six-bedroom ski chalet in the Yellowstone Club, Montana, USA (valued at over $30,000).
• Four SCG member’s platinum five-day tickets at the 2022 Sydney Test.
• Private suite and drinks voucher for 10 guests at the Brisbane Racing Club.
• Signed Mick Fanning surfboard.
• Calile Hotel and Hellenika restaurant voucher.

Stay tuned for the growing list of Sportsman’s Lunch auction items. All funds raised will go towards a bursary to give a boy access to a BGS education. All community members are invited. Tables of 10 and individual tickets available here. 

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.