Newsletter
Week 10 Term 3

BGS COVID-19 Vaccination Statement

With the recent emergence of positive COVID cases in schools – including BGS – we were pleased to see the prioritisation of teachers to receive the vaccine and the extension of vaccine eligibility to children aged 12 to 15 years. This is an important step in protecting not only the BGS community but the broader community as well.

We know some of our parents have already arranged for their sons to receive the COVID vaccine over the upcoming holiday break, and other students have already had their first dose. We encourage parents to continue to organise to vaccinate their sons through existing vaccination clinics or their GPs. If you have not and wish to access a vaccination, the Bowen Hills Medical Centre is offering a COVID vaccine clinic (Pfizer) from 8.00am to 5.00pm each Sunday that BGS staff and students can attend. Book via 07 3252 7775 or online at http://www.bowenhillsmedicalcentre.com.au/.

Please click here to read the Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young’s letter to parents and guardians regarding the vaccination of children aged 12 and over.

At this stage, vaccinations are not mandatory for teaching staff in Queensland schools, though we expect this may happen at some stage, given other states and sectors (such as aged care and health) have declared the vaccine mandatory.

While the decision to be vaccinated remains a personal choice for those in our community who are currently eligible to receive a vaccination, Brisbane Grammar School sees the vaccination of staff and students as an important measure in providing a safer environment for all. We will continue to work closely in consultation with staff to support them to become fully vaccinated. We strongly encourage our families to vaccinate their sons if they are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Further advice from Queensland Health about child vaccination eligibility is available here: https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/.

Teacher-student partnership

The critical partnership of this school is the one between student and teacher – not merely in the physical or virtual classroom but also across the Cocurricular and Wellbeing programs. BGS students and staff live this three-way model: academic learning, cocurricular involvement and student wellbeing. It is remarkable to recognise the impact and endurance that an effective student-teacher relationship can have.

Next term, Australians will celebrate World Teachers’ Day on Friday 29 October 2021. It will provide an important opportunity for BGS students to thank their teachers and for our community to acknowledge the incredible contribution teachers make to their students’ development.

Valuing hard work

Pushing the limits of your ability and getting involved across the board are key traits for BGS boys. There were many examples of each on display this term.

The Year 12 cohort set a great example with the seriousness of their academic efforts in preparing for the mock exams. That model of scholarship permeates the school.

I particularly admired the efforts of our debaters, rugby, basketball, and chess players who never lost confidence in their ability through a disrupted season. Through hard work and self-belief, we saw some exciting victories this term.

Our cultural program was disrupted by the COVID quarantine, but we are hopeful that Term 4 gives our musicians and thespians the opportunity to showcase their talents.

I am grateful to so many people in this school who go about their business with a minimum of fuss. They don’t seek accolades, nor do they complain when things don’t go their way, rather they do their best in their chosen interests and in doing so make valuable contributions to the character of this school.

I look forward to welcoming students back for the last term of the year early next month.

Why did you choose BGS for your son?

Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) runs a longitudinal research study into how parents choose a school for their children. Their anonymous survey What Parents Want provides BGS with important information about what you, as a parent, value in a school. The survey also helps us to better understand and support prospective and new families in our community.

We encourage current BGS parents to take this 10 to 15 minute survey. It closes today.

Click here to take the survey.

Reconciliation at BGS

Last week, I spoke to students at Assembly about our vision for reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians.

Brisbane Grammar School has a Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, and we have been working hard to update our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our RAP was recently approved by Narragunnawali, the branch of Reconciliation Australia that focuses on schools. Reconciliation Australia is an organisation that builds relationships, respect and trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan talks about deepening our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and knowledge. This starts with understanding our history.

You may have heard the expression, “White Australia has a Black history.” The corollary is also true. Aboriginal Australia has been impacted by white history – the stories we tell ourselves about Europeans exploring and settling Queensland.

The way these first settlers colonised Queensland had an impact on the Aboriginal people who lived here. Our BGS Old Boys here in Spring Hill had an impact on the Aboriginal people who lived here.

Many of the people who lived here were exploited for their labour and were made sick by disease and alcohol. Many were forcibly removed from their lands and made to live on missions and reserves.

We live with the legacy of these historical facts. It is one reason why every year we talk about closing the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Historical injustice has led to present day disadvantage. This is a historical legacy we now work to address and the School’s Reconciliation Action Plan is a part of that.

To update our plan, we worked with Ben Wilson, who is a Jagera man and BGS Old Boy who graduated in 2002. Ben is now an Assistant Professor in Education at the University of Canberra and he helped us build on the progress the School has already made. I would like to thank the staff connected with the Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, in particular Mr Byron and Mrs Thompson.

Based upon Uncle Ben’s advice, our RAP aims to:

• Develop and foster a relationship with Country among BGS boys and staff at the Spring Hill Campus
• Develop relationships with the local Indigenous community
• Further develop the Indigenous Boarding Program
• Continue to develop our Indigenous connections and connections to Country through the Pepperina Hill Outdoor Education Centre, to foster a relationship with Country for BGS boys and staff.

I spoke to the boys about reconciliation to encourage them to support the We Want You – Boots collection initiative, which involves collecting boots for Indigenous children in Far North Queensland – both boys and girls – who are connected to AFL House. Many kids in Far North Queensland love playing footy, but many of them do not have footy boots and find it hard to participate.

Earlier this year a group of students travelled to FNQ as part of the Indigenous immersion. One of these boys, Sean Forrest, came up with this practical idea to do something for Indigenous kids.

Thank you all those that have supported this project. Many more children will be able to play next season as a result.

Start of Term 4

I ask parents they ensure their son returns to Term 4 dressed in the correct summer uniform, including hat and with an appropriate hair style. The guidelines for the appropriate hair style are in the Year Level sections on MyGrammar.

Director of Digital Learning
Greg Dabelstein

The COVID pandemic has driven a move to online meetings – initially to work around restrictions. However, the ability to discuss and collaborate at a distance is an advantage we can continue to benefit from.

Next term, the School will continue online parent-teacher meetings. Some parents have already met with their son’s teachers via Microsoft Teams this term and these meeting continue until 19 October.

The system for booking meetings will not change. Parents will continue to be sent instructions when bookings are open. We hope this alleviates any anxiety about moving to online meetings.

Parents and teachers will use a number of features on Microsoft Teams during their meetings. Teachers can share student work on the screen for parents to review. Parents can limit their interaction using audio and video and even add chat messages if required. Teachers will always have their video feed on during the meeting.

While our staff are familiar with the operation of Teams from their regular duties, many are still getting used to the nuances of hosting online meetings and we ask for your understanding should any troubleshooting be required. Microsoft Teams is regularly updated so navigating setting changes and feature updates often is necessary.

The School will continue to use online meetings such as these for key presentations and interviews in the future.

Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones

Virtual Boarding Night success

Our community engagement program for Term 3 concluded with the hugely successful BGS Virtual Boarding Night 2021. With more than 140 registered attendees, and over 1000 views of the recording, we are delighted by such exceptional engagement. The opening of Griffith House last year, the current redevelopment of Harlin House, and what we know are excellent Boarding programs have generated a great deal of interest in the residential community.

Virtual Boarding Night is just one event we hold over the year to connect with former, current and prospective families. In Term 3, during a disrupted and challenging of time for us all, we held events on the Gold Coast, Darwin, Cairns and Longreach, as well as attending the Westech Field Day in Barcaldine.

I thank BGS staff across a variety of areas for their insightful input and support delivering these key events.

Click below to view a recording of Virtual Boarding Night. You can also share it with friends or family.

Angela Dunn

It is with a heavy heart that I communicate to the Boarding community the retirement of Mrs Angela Dunn as our Houseparent and Indigenous Liaison Officer.

Mrs Dunn has been a member of the Boarding community for the best part of a decade as the Indigenous Liaison Officer, and as the BGS Boarding Houseparent since the start of 2020.

Angela has been a wonderfully supportive presence in Boarding to countless boys. She has given freely of her time and care to aid so many boys on their journey through the residential program. We are truly indebted to her for her significant contribution in Griffith House, and especially in Harlin House. She will leave a sizeable void in our community, and we trust she will continue to visit us from time to time.

We wish her well in retirement.

Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis

10C had a wonderful week of Outdoor Education at Moogerah. Excellent weather conditions allowed the class to make the most of every opportunity. Some expedition groups chose to spend extra time rock climbing at Pulpit Rock, while others took on the long and difficult bushwalk to the summit of Mt Moon.

Ben Bryant has been an excellent participant at Moogerah over the years. In Year 10, Ben proved to be a mature and enthusiastic leader willing to step up into the role and facilitate group decisions in the field. Sebastian Bae was highly celebrated by his expedition group. Sebastian took control and maintained strong leadership and composure during group decision making, navigation and campsite living.

Myles Houghton was nominated by every member of his expedition group as a standout leader and navigator. He made excellent contributions to the expedition by paying attention to the detail on the map and organising his peer group. Ned Weightman was a valued member of his expedition group. Ned worked hard cooking, cleaning, setting up tents and navigating. His peers recognised and celebrated his effort during the expedition.

Jo Gehrmann demonstrated his ability to lead. Jo stepped up to lead on the final day of the expedition and did an excellent job getting the group home by paddling with a full canoe of expedition packs and leading the final sections of the journey when everyone was tired. Lachie McCoy was recognised by both teachers and peers as an excellent leader. He demonstrated initiative and stepped up on multiple occasions displaying all five points of engagement of an effective leader.

At the end of Oliver Cavaollo Brittain’s journey through outdoor education at Moogerah he came to the conclusion that, “I will miss not being able to have these Moogerah experiences again, but I will now keep looking for unique opportunities to go outside my comfort zone, both as a potential Outdoor Education leader next year, which could evoke some nostalgia, and in adventures and day to day activities for the rest of my life as a result of what I have learned over the last six years of Outdoor Education.”

A short movie of the boys' experiences can be viewed via the 10C Video link.

Outdoor Education photos are now available via the School’s photo management system, Pixevety. The platform helps the School safely manage and share our photos. This user guide provides instructions on how to access, navigate, search and download photos. The system uses single sign on and must be accessed via MyGrammar > Useful Links > Pixevety. Once activated, you will be prompted to enter a login email and password, but please do not attempt to login this way. Instead, go back to MyGrammar and click on Pixevety again. You can then view the photos by clicking on the Outdoor Education Year 10 folder in Pixevety.

Last week, our Year 5 students attended a three-day camp at Emu Gully, where they participated in the ‘Challenge’ program. Leadership, collaboration and communication were key dispositions required to complete the various challenges. The boys were exceptional in supporting and encouraging each other, enabling many students to complete an activity they initially thought was unachievable. The highlight activity was the Kokoda Track where the boys worked collaboratively to navigate a series of muddy pits and hills. Thank you to Mr Glenn McFarlane, Mr Paul Kenny, Mr Peter Hunter, Ms Stella Gardner, Ms Kim Child, Mr Logan Hawkins, Mr Gregory Tier and Ms Karen Bramley for accompanying the boys at camp. 

At today’s Middle School Assembly, we congratulated Year 8 students Dennis Zhou and Benjamin Li for their achievements in the Australian Mathematical Olympiad Senior Contest. Benjamin achieved an Honourable Mention for his performance and Dennis achieved a Bronze award. The Australian Mathematical Olympiad Senior Contest brings together some of the finest young problem solvers from around the country. Invitations are restricted to 100 entrants and while students from all year levels are permitted to compete, most invitations are offered to Years 11 and 12 students.

We also commended Lucas Lu (Year 8) and Thomas Scott (Year 6) for their achievements in the annual IEUA-QNT Literary Competition. Lucas achieved a Highly Commended in the Years 7 to 8 Short Story Category and Thomas achieved second place in the Years 5 to 6 Poetry category.

Throughout Term 3, our Middle School boys participated in a variety of activities aimed to promote reading for pleasure, including Bookopoly and the MS Read-a-thon. As we begin our holiday break, I strongly encourage all boys to minimise their screen time and engage in some quality reading.

I wish all families a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

Team	name
5A	Churchie
5B	Churchie
5C	Churchie
6A	Churchie
6B	Churchie
6C	Churchie
7A	Churchie
7B	Churchie
7C	Churchie
7D	Churchie
7E	Churchie
8A	Churchie
8B	Churchie
8C	Churchie
8D	Churchie
8E	Churchie

Team	name
5A	Luka Rodins
5B	Will Ludlow
5C	Lachlan Euston
6A	Raul Selva
6B	Nikkhil Jain
6C	Tomos Johnston
7A	Charlie Miller
7B	Luke Carter
7C	Magnus Gislason
7D	Ashton Parsons-Pope
7E	Elliott Gillman
8A	Marcus Forbes
8B	Jackson Leong
8C	Vishnu Kangatharan
8D	Vikram Kumar
8E	Luke Telford

Team	name
11A	Churchie
11B	Churchie
11C	Churchie
12A	Churchie
12B	Brisbane Grammar School
13A	Churchie
13B	Brisbane Grammar School

Team	name
11A	Noah Sriskandarajah
11B	Harry McDonald
11C	Max Gatehouse
12A	Ned Horton
12B	Jack Brown
13A	Lincoln Dalton
13B	Richard Wheeler
14B	-

Team	name
10 Years	Jordan Redburn
11 Years	Alexander Donaldson
13 Years	Oliver Mellick
14 Years	Hugo Spencer

Cocurricular updates

At today’s Senior Assembly, I expressed the School’s gratitude to the many people whose commitment and dedication have enriched our community.

I thanked all students and staff who committed to and endured the highs and lows of their Cocurricular involvements this term across Basketball, Chess, QDU Debating, Drama, Music, Rugby, Track and Field and our Activities and extension programs. These programs were impacted by quarantine and COVID restrictions this term, but they have returned in almost full stride. It is a great credit to all involved; the scope of commitment is truly extraordinary. Few school communities in Australia could achieve what we have, and I am very grateful for this.

On Wednesday evening, the Headmaster and I attended the QDU Debating finals at Sommerville House. Congratulations to the two BGS teams who won their finals, and the outstanding teaching staff who have sacrificed much to enable and guide those students, especially over the last few weeks. These staff model and represent the commitments of our wider staff, who make decisions each day and put our students first. For this, I say thank you.

Our gratitude extends to our Student Leaders, especially those who have sacrificed time to benefit others this term. They may have gone to a venue early to support a younger team, led a warm-up, or helped teammates manage their emotions at a crucial time on the field. For these student leadership contributions to our community, we say thank you.

I also thank and acknowledge those young men who, in the busyness of the term, sought to serve others by nominating for Track and Field Captains. I am delighted to announce, on behalf of the Headmaster, the following appointments shared with our students on Senior Assembly today.

• Tom Stunden will lead the program as Track and Field Captain.
• James McCoombes and Elijah Wong will support Tom as Vice Captains.

Congratulations, gentlemen.

I also thank parents and Parent Support Groups who work behind the scenes to support students and our Cocurricular programs. Your tireless efforts are valued and appreciated.

My final remarks focus on one staff member who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to her Cocurricular involvements over many years. Ms Ainslie Hunter was a BGS Debating Coach within our program for several years before taking on the role of MiC of Debating (now known as Debating Director) in 2016 ahead of the 2017 season. Her responsibilities in this high-profile Cocurricular role have been significant.

Debating involves a large number of students and staff, including external and Old Boy coaches. Collectively, the GPS and QDU competitions run throughout most of the year. This year, COVID has seen an extension of our involvement.

Overseeing our Debating program is a task that involves commitment, generosity and genuine care for our students and their development. Our Debating Director is a valued member of the Cocurricular program leadership team, working closely with leaders of other programs to optimise the Cocurricular experience for our students across each year.

Ms Hunter has been a tireless and committed program leader who has well and truly served our community through her leadership. Ms Hunter has indicated her wish to step out of the Debating Director role this year. As she takes some well-deserved long service leave in Term 4, we will not have another opportunity this year to publicly acknowledge her and her commitment to our Debating students and program.

We will advise our community on the future leadership of Debating at the start of Term 4, but for now, I wish to reiterate my heartfelt thank you to Ms Hunter for her extraordinary service.

Filming We Are the Mutable

The Junior Dramatic Production cast and crew had an epic day ‘on set’ on Sunday filming scenes for our creative devising of Queensland Theatre’s The Scene Project: We Are the Mutable. Due to ongoing COVID restrictions, our live theatre performance is now a micro documentary and filmed archive. Our new focus made it possible to ‘storyboard’ the show in sections and then film and edit the performance. Not only can we now share what the boys have created, but this also highlights how much the cast has developed. We are incredibly proud of what the cast and crew were able to produce on Sunday; they learned unique skills in this format and will now have a special memento of this experience. We look forward to premiering our filmed performance in Term 4. Special thanks to Production Assistant Jack Woolrych for coming on board as Media Consultant and Director of Photography; and Head of Dramatic Productions Tanya Neilsen for being our resident on-screen acting coach.

Amy Irvine, Michael Moloney and Naomi Russell
Creative Team

Follow @grammarplay.bgs on Instagram for further updates

A message of thanks from the Music Support Group

As we near the end of 2021, we have found that this year has presented us with continued challenges. Music seemed particularly tricky given the challenges of social distancing in rehearsals and the restrictions placed on concerts. On behalf of the Music Support Group and the BGS Music Community I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank everyone for their continued support this year.

Congratulations to the following prize winners of our 2021 Online raffle: George Mellick (#886), Florence Ong (#932), Rowena McIntosh (#1083), Andrea Kennedy (#83), Clare Burcham (#618), Kelvin Choo (#502), Matthew Holmes (#120), Geosephina Parry (#796) and Rebecca Begley (#18).

Thanks to this raffle and money raised at concerts, we have raised approximately $20,000 this year – enough to complete our music library project. We now have a collection of wonderful pieces, some commissioned especially for BGS. The money has also replenished and refreshed resources and equipment which helps the boys manage their music more efficiently. We have also been able to purchase new pianos for student practice rooms in the Music department.

The Arts play a vital role in our lives – they help build vibrant communities and are a catalyst for learning in new ways. They entertain us and allow our imagination to grow. Thank you again for helping us do this.

Tanya Graves
President Music Support Group
 

Term 4 Music Events

Tuesday 12 October | Bands Showcase Concert

• Featuring all Concert Bands & Percussion Ensembles
• 6.00pm in Centenary Hall

Wednesday 13 October | Strings Showcase Concert

• Featuring all Chamber String Ensembles
• 6.00pm in Centenary Hall

Thursday 14 October | Orchestras Showcase Concert

• Featuring both Symphony Orchestras with several featured solo concerto players
• 6.00pm in Centenary Hall

Saturday 16 October | Sing, Swing & Celebrate

• Celebration of 2021 blending performances by our choirs and Jazz Bands with award presentations
• Venue - Multipurpose Courts (ie. cricket nets)
• Time – late afternoon/early evening (TBC)

Thursday 18 November | Middle School Concert

• Featuring the Year 5 Immersion Music orchestra and ensembles + Vocal Group

Saturday 27 November | Lessons & Carols

• 7.00pm at St John’s Cathedral
• Traditional BGS Christmas celebration featuring Grammar Singers, Chamber Choir, Grammarphones, Grammar Voices, Grammar Vocal Ensemble & instrumentalists

Peter Ingram
Head of Music

Friday 10 September saw BGS take on a strong Anglican Church Grammar School chess team. Churchie has several of the top players in the state, but the depth of talent at BGS shone through. BGS won 21 out of 37 games played, with a further four games being drawn. Special mention must be made of Alex Carter, who drew with an opponent with a Queensland Junior rating 327 higher than his own. Well done to all players for this wonderful team performance.

Peter Brunckhorst 
Chess Director

 

team	result
Premier	BGS 0 v ACGS 4
Senior	BGS 3 v ACGS 1
Junior	BGS 1 v ACGS 3
Open A	BGS 3 v ACGS 1
Open B	BGS 2 v ACGS 2
Open C	BGS 2.5 v ACGS 1.5
Open D	BGS 3.5 v ACGS 0.5
Open E	BGS 3 v ACGS 1
Open F	BGS 4 v ACGS 0
Open G	BGS 4 v ACGS 0

Do the right thing

Greening Grammar students have had a busy time in the second half of Term 3. The Containers for Change initiative was gaining momentum when the two-week quarantine derailed us – but it didn’t slow us down for long!

Every Thursday for an hour after school, keen Greening Grammar students get to work. It is smelly, it is dirty, but it is also rewarding, and the sense of achievement is amazing. We sort through the content of the yellow bins to isolate containers for recycling, but we are still disappointed by the amount of rubbish that ends up in the yellow bins. It would be a more pleasant, less time consuming job if everybody made an effort to put only eligible containers in the yellow bins. Thanks to Jun Han, Simon Gong and Aditya Pradeep Rao who have helped twice this term, and Mitchell Bellamy, Gavin Sun and Aiden Catakovic for their support last week. As Aiden said so fittingly, “Greening Grammar is not about the badge, it is a commitment for life”.

The Ashgrove Bushcare group met last Sunday morning, and Alex Sims and Vijay Hari Kannan helped plant native lomandra plants along the creek. We hope to have more helping hands at the last gathering for 2021 in early November.

Beate Poida
Greening Grammar Coordinator

Queensland Fencing Association competition results

The QFA Open Circuit 3 State Competition was held last weekend. Congratulations to all fencers who placed.

Men’s Foil

Silver: Hanbi Seo (Year 9)

Bronze: Tom Strooper (Year 12)

Men’s Epee

Bronze: Jonathan Patchen (BGS Old Boy ’20 and Coach)

Men’s Sabre

Silver: Will Beckey (Coach)

Bronze (tie) : Lucas Lu (Year 8) and David McFadyen (Coach)

Women’s Epee

Silver : Alexandra Patchen (Coach)

It is a significant achievement for our Years 8 and 9 fencers to participate in the Open category against adults and older students. Well done to all fencers who competed. 

Melanie Chin
Fencing Director

BGS Track and Field

Well done to all boys who competed in the Churchie invitational event at QSAC last week. 

At the meeting this week, we spoke about holiday training and competition opportunities and the need for students to attend all trainings in Term 4. These sessions are used to prepare for competition and help us select the team. With only one Invitational meet in Term 4 and the QA meets over the holidays, it is important that we build towards the championships as a team.

Holiday Trainings

Week One (20 – 24 September)

Sessions for runners, hurdlers and long and triple jumpers at Northgate on Tuesday 21 and Thursday 23 September from 8.30am to 10.00am.

High Jumpers, Discus and shot putters will have a program posted to My Grammar to follow.

Javelin – Sessions at UQ on Tuesday 21 and Thursday 23 September with coach Luke Graham from 3.30pm to 5.00pm. Please bring $5 for track hire costs.

Week Two (27 September – 1 October)

Training for all disciplines at Northgate on Monday 27 and Wednesday 29 September, and Friday 1 October from 8.30am to 10.00am.

If any students would like to have a competitive run, jump or throw during the holidays, then Queensland Athletics are offering meets. Athletes competing in these carnivals need to become school-based members of QA to enter – details available on QA website Queensland Athletics (qldathletics.org.au).

The next three weeks are crucial to ensure boys are well prepared for the GPS Championships. Boys should attempt to make as many sessions as possible.

All information relating to Track and Field can be found on MyGrammar.

Mr Tim Holzgrefe
Track and Field 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 weekdays before school, during breaks and at lunchtime.

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

Grammar Shop

Open weekdays from 7.30am to 11.00am.

The Grammar Shop will be closed during the school holidays, reopening at 7.30am on Tuesday 5 October.

PAYMENT 

Grammar Shop staff appreciate parents arranging payment for their sons prior to their arrival. The simplest way for students to pay is by using their BGS Card, which can be topped up online (MyGrammar > BGS Card).

The Grammar Shop can no longer hold separate credit for planned purchases, nor can it hold credit card details for later purchases. The BGS Card is a great alternative. While we can accept phone orders or order forms for specific items, if you're unsure of the size required, please add funds to your student's BGS Card instead.

RETURNED 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.

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

Joanne Villiers
P&F Auxiliary

Betty Howell Volunteer Awards 

Nominations for the Betty Howell Volunteer Awards are now open. 

The Betty Howell Awards were established in 2011 to recognise the actions and achievements of individuals who have gone above and beyond normal expectations for students, parents, Old Boys, and friends of BGS.

The Award is named in honour of Mrs Betty Howell, wife of former Headmaster Max Howell. During her 25-year association with the School, Betty was a passionate volunteer with the Art Committee and P&F Auxiliary.

The award acknowledges community members who have given outstanding service through:

• voluntary assistance to BGS;
• active participation in school life;
• initiation of new programs or activities to benefit BGS; and/or
• support for the School’s vision through encouragement and personal endeavour.

Any BGS community member who is no longer a current parent or employee of the School can be nominated for a Betty Howell Award. Nominations close Friday 17 September 2021. Download a nomination form here.

Awards will be presented at the annual volunteer recognition function, Celebrating Our Community.

For more information, contact Advancement and Community Relations at communityrelations@brisbanegrammar.com or +61 7 3834 5741.

The P&F Auxiliary is delighted to invite all members of the BGS Community to join us at our annual Spring Luncheon. This year the luncheon will be at the Royal International Convention Centre on Friday 22 October from 11.30am to 3.00pm.

Tickets for the luncheon are on sale now. Click here. 

Guests will be seated at tables of 10. As always we will endeavour to accommodate seating preferences for this event.

There will be three seating preference options to choose from at the time of booking. Your preferred option can be selected in the “Seating Preference” field when you pay for your ticket.

Seating Preferences

1. Buy a ticket. In the seating preference field nominate which Year level you wish to sit with at the lunch.

2. If you have pre-agreed a table of 10 with friends but wish to pay individually, nominate a Table Captain and list that person in the seating preference field when you book your ticket.

3. Pre-agree a table of 10. One person from that group can book and pay for the table of 10 and confirm table guest names at a later date.

The Auxiliary is very excited to be holding the Spring Luncheon again this year. We look forward to seeing you there!

Art Support Group (ASG) AGM | Thursday 7 October at 6.00pm

The 2021 BGS Art Show, themed Embrace - The Art of Togetherness, was a great success with some record-breaking results! It was wonderful to bring the school community together following a year where only an online show was possible. We now look forward to planning the 53rd Annual BGS Art Show in 2022.

The BGS Art Support Group warmly invites all interested parents to attend our Annual General Meeting.

The meeting will be held in the Woolcock Room (above the Main Reception in the Administration building) on Thursday 7 October at 6.00pm (Week 1, Term 4).

All positions will be declared vacant. 

Executive roles

At the AGM, nominations will be received, and voting will take place for President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. 

Art Committee roles

There are a variety of other ongoing roles within the ASG Committee and volunteer opportunities for parents who would like to assist closer to the time of the Art Show and Gala event. These roles will be filled once the new committee has been formed. Expressions of interest are welcomed. Come along to the meeting to find out more!

Please contact Art Support Group President Peta Spence (art.committee@brisbanegrammar.com or 0419 906 706) to RSVP for the AGM, obtain a nomination form, or for further information about any aspect of the Art Show or Art Support Group.

We look forward to welcoming new and returning members to the BGS Art Support Group for 2022.

Peta Spence
Art Support Group President
0419 906 706
art.committee@brisbanegrammar.com
 

Wembley Club Football Support Group AGM | Thursday 7 October

The 2021 Wembley Club Football Support Group AGM will be held on Thursday 7 October at 7.30pm via Teams.

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

As per the P&F Constitution, nominations for the Support Group Committee close on 30 September. For more information contact Susan McLeod at 0402 128 183, susanmcleod@westnet.com.au.

Susan McLeod
Wembley Club Committee Member

Don't miss the next BGSOBA Business Breakfast following the first and second events being sold out! 

The BGS community is invited to join the below upcoming BGSOBA Business Breakfast at The Grove Rooftop, 480 Queen Street Brisbane. Community members are encouraged to invite their peers and business associates from beyond the BGS community for this networking opportunity. Join the below event to hear from reputable speakers in the field:​

• The Business of Sport | Thursday 11 November, 7.00am to 8.30am. Panellists announced shortly.

Year 6 Casual Morning Tea… take two!

You are warmly invited to meet for a casual coffee at Buzz Bistro at Gasworks.

• Date: Friday 15 October
• Time: 8.15am to 10.30am
• Venue: Buzz Bistro, 76 Skyring Terrace, Newstead

This will be a great opportunity to catch up, especially for parents who are not able to join us at the Spring Luncheon the following week. We will have a section reserved.

RSVPs are required by the venue, so please email me at cathyandgeoff@gmail.com by Tuesday 12 October to secure your seat.

Cathy Findlay
Year 6 Parent Representative

Note, these events are subject to the latest Queensland Health directives.

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.

Term 3
Tuesday 13 July – Friday 17 September

Term 4
Tuesday 5 October – Friday 26 November