Newsletter
Week 4 Term 4

2021 Academic award winners

Our Year 12 students are now well into their external assessment block, having completed the first week of examinations today (Thursday). The mood among our seniors is positive and I am regularly delighted to hear students saying, “I’m actually looking forward to this exam, I feel really ready for it”. The academic culture that is unique to Brisbane Grammar School – where every student works to achieve their personal best – has never been more on display than in The Lilley Centre this week, which has been abuzz with collaborative and student-led learning.

Announcing the academic award winners has been another pleasurable duty for me this week. When addressing different year level assemblies, before reading out the various prizes and their recipients, I have referred to the great polymath Francis Bacon, one of the figures of learning featured prominently on the main stained-glass window in the Great Hall. In his Essays, Bacon advises that we “read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.”

As I explained to the boys, the central message in this aphorism is that we should value learning because it enables us to ‘weigh and consider’, that is, to think well. Learning is wasted when it is used simply to argue, or to absorb facts uncritically, or merely to show off. BGS is committed to a culture that prioritises every student learning to be an effective thinker. It is this primacy of thinking in our design of curriculum and pedagogy that sees our students so well prepared for the challenges, sometimes unpredictable, of external examinations.   

I congratulate our award winners for 2021, who have demonstrated sustained effort in their studies. In particular, I acknowledge the duces for the breadth and depth of their academic commitment: Year 12 Jaguar Ngo; Year 11 Alexander Donald; Year 10 David Sun; Year 9 Nick Silverston. The term dux comes from the Latin ducere, meaning to lead or to guide. In education, the term dux refers to the leading student in a cohort. An effective leader or a good guide shows others the way. We celebrate what the achievement of dux represents and models: a way or a path to fulfilment and success.

Prize winners in Years 11 and 12 will be presented with their awards on Speech Day, to be held on Wednesday 17 November at the QPAC Concert Hall. Years 9 and 10 prize winners will receive recognition at a special awards ceremony held in the Great Hall on the morning of Friday 19 November; this event will be recorded and made available to BGS families. Award winners in Middle School (Years 5 to 8) will receive their prizes at Middle School Presentation Afternoon on Wednesday 24 November at QPAC.

I wish all students the best for their upcoming assessments and ask that parents encourage their sons to maintain good study routines to the end of the year.

The School would like to inform BGS parents and guardians of key upcoming dates relating to 2022 fee accounts, as well as some incoming improvements to the way fee instalment nominations are made (annual/ quarterly/ monthly), and the addition of new payment methods via credit card and direct debit.  

A new online Fee Nomination Portal is in the final stages of testing, and all going well, parents and guardians will be able to do the following via MyGrammar for their 2022 fees:

• Nominate your payment structure – annual (with 4% discount), quarterly or monthly.
• Nominate your payment method – direct debit or ‘pay as you go.’
• If you have selected direct debit, instantly set up your credit card or bank account for payments to be made throughout 2022. We know parents and guardians have been asking for the ability to set up direct debits on their credit card, which we are happy to offer soon, free of transaction fees. 

In the first week of November 2021, we will be emailing all BGS families with detailed instructions on the above process, including the dates that the portal will be open to make these nominations. If any issues are experienced in final testing for the portal, a rollback process using simplified versions of the usual Nomination Forms has been designed and is ready to be deployed as usual.

Date (2021)	Milestone
First week of November	Email sent with detailed instructions for fee nominations via the portal, assuming final testing is successful
Wednesday 17 November	Chairman’s announcement of 2022 fees
Monday 22 November	Target date for opening of portal
Sunday 5 December	Target date for closure of portal (all changes to fee nominations after this date will incur a fee)
Mid December	Final 2022 Fee Statements issued, based on fee nominations submitted

Just Photography sells photos of BGS sports teams and events, such as the Formal and Semi Formal, through an online gallery on its website. Only Term 1 sports are available now, but they will post Term 2, 3 and 4 sports before the end of the year. Purchase photos here.

BGS has been informed of changes to Translink bus services in early 2022 that may impact boys’ journey to and from school. Please visit Translink’s Journey Planner two weeks before school starts in 2022 for updated information and to plan your journey.

Any questions related to school travel can be directed to Translink at 13 12 30 or online here.

Frank McClatchy
Director of School Operations

Brisbane Grammar School Magazine goes digital

At the beginning of each new school year, Years 6 to 12 students take home a copy of the Brisbane Grammar School Magazine, an annual review of school events and cocurricular activities from the previous school year.

We have identified that many parents prefer to read BGS publications online. This is a more environmentally sustainable option.

In January 2022, the 2021 School Magazine will be available to all parents as a free downloadable PDF. A limited number of hard copies will be printed, primarily for Year 12 students who will receive a copy at their home address in January 2022.

We encourage all other parents to read the School Magazine in the new paperless digital format. If, however, you still wish to receive a hard copy, please opt in here before Friday 26 November. Print copies will not be available after this closing date.

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

Academic Scholarships (Trustees’ Scholarships) are awarded on the basis of demonstrated academic excellence to boys commencing Year 7 or Year 10 in 2023, based on their performance in the annual ACER Scholarship Exam, an interview with the Headmaster, and a willingness to contribute to the wider school community.

The ACER Scholarship Examination will be held at the School on Saturday 26 February 2022. Registration is only available online here until midnight AEDST Monday 7 February 2022. The cost of registration is $140.

Jamie Smith
Director of Enrolments

Tie Ceremony – Year 8 Transition

I was delighted to be part of the Year 8 Tie Ceremony, which marks the Year 8 boys’ transition to the Senior School in 2022. While the messages shared were important, the gathering of parents and boys made the occasion meaningful. Although BGS has a separate Middle School and a Senior School, we focus on forging a connection between the two. This allows us to create a more seamless journey for the boys as they grow through adolescence.

Modern education is a partnership, and rituals such as the Tie Ceremony allow parents to take part in important school milestones. In the final week of classes this term, Year 11 parents will be invited to attend the presentation of senior badges to the senior Class of 2022. This is an important transition for our Year 11 students, as they take charge of the School's student leadership following the graduation of the 2021 seniors.

Head of Year 11 Mr Simon Conway will be in contact to outline the arrangements for Year 11 parents. We hope to see you here to witness this important step in your son’s BGS journey.

Director of Boarding
Berian Williams-Jones

Transition

'Transition' is a word often used at BGS to refer to the progression of students from one year group to the next; in particular, from Middle School to Senior School at the end of Year 8.

Griffith House has established programs and protocols to assist boarders currently in Year 8 with their progression to Harlin House when it reopens in January 2021. While we will replicate our newly established tradition of formally welcoming boys into Harlin House, our program contains a number of initiatives designed to assist and support boys as they move residences.

At the same time, we have another transition taking place. Our senior cohort has been a wonderful group of young men throughout their time with us and I am much indebted to each of them for the leadership they have offered. However, their time with us has almost come to an end. With our thoughts now turning to 2022, it has been heartening to see the Year 11 boys begin to take up the mantle of leadership.

Their first and perhaps most significant task is welcoming the new boarders in Term 1. The last few weeks of this term will see tour leaders, House Seniors, Boarding Prefects, Boarding Vice Captain and Boarding Captain take part in important training sessions under the guidance of Michael Knight at Peer Power. We have also been progressing a practically orientated review of our induction program to enable the student voice to shine through. Each and every boy has made a great start and I commend them for the energy and enthusiasm they have brought to their new role.

Director of Outdoor Education
Derek Jervis

With three days of severe weather, 10G had a very dynamic week of Outdoor Education at Moogerah. Rain, hail, wind, and thunderstorms changed the program format. The 10G students adapted to the conditions and alternative program showing their willingness to make the most of their final week at Moogerah.

Tharuka Perera and Kiran Patel were celebrated for their energy and enthusiasm in the difficult conditions. They had a positive influence on their expedition groups during the long expedition day and when managing the weather conditions. Will Sciacca and Dylan Conway proved to be considerate and helpful students. They volunteered to use their time to move canoes from the lake before the storm and showed initiative during the expedition.

Bayden Kohn volunteered to help belay in the rain during the giant ladder height activity to ensure his classmates could fully participate. Alex Roe was a mature and empathetic group member who relished the challenge of expedition day and provided great support to his peers when leading. Ronit Relan and Harry Steedman were excellent group members. They put effort into all aspects of the program and were willing to put the needs of the group before their own.

Jonty Davis was a strong leader in his group. He paid attention to the detail on the map to make good navigation decisions and motivated the group to push on. Nick Hirschfeld decided to take on the most difficult expedition option. Nick was celebrated for his effort during the hike up Mt Moon and his willingness to challenge himself.

Oliver Spence excelled on the expedition and was aware of others’ needs while maintaining a high level of energy and enthusiasm. Oliver reflected on what he will take away from the Year 10 program. "During this year’s program, my ability to understand the critical traits of a leader has enhanced my social skills, after going through a physical and mental struggle to get myself and my group up Mt Moon. Empathy has become a significant trait for me to focus on this week because of the different capabilities of my expedition group.”

A short movie of the boys' experiences can be viewed via the 10G 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.

 

Director of Student Wellbeing Programs
Philippa Douglas

World Teachers' Day

Today we celebrated World Teachers’ Day. In the Middle School, the Public Purpose team, including the Class Captains, wrote heartfelt letters to their Form Tutors and teachers, and delivered them during Tutor Group this morning. From their letters, it is clear the boys are very appreciative of their dedicated and enthusiastic teachers. Here’s a glimpse of what the boys had to say:

"Today, on World Teachers’ Day, we want to thank you a million times for teaching us and helping us have a great first year at BGS."

"You are a kind and wonderful teacher who puts a smile on everybody’s face. Every day you come to Tutor Group with a positive and joyful attitude. We all really appreciate this. Your patience is immeasurable."

"Looking back on this year, we will remember your funny jokes and how you always answer our questions in a way that we can understand. It is easy to learn in your class, and we are so grateful."

"We really like your amazing and highly creative art projects. We’ve learned from you that some things in life always need a touch of creativity … You will stay in our hearts throughout our journey through Brisbane Grammar School."

"Your contributions to our class and the school are of the utmost importance. You are the best of the best. But words like these don’t come anywhere near to expressing the gratitude we feel for your kindness and compassion. What you do for us is beyond words."

Public Purpose – Middle School Christmas Hampers

The Middle School will once again be supporting families in need through our annual Christmas hamper drive. Form Classes are invited to contribute a selection of items to be collected by our friends from St Vincent de Paul and distributed to families over the festive season.

The below flyer outlines items to include and avoid. The hamper drive will run from the start of Week 4 to the end of Week 8. I hope you will join us in showing kindness to those in need.

QETA UQ Students Economics Competition

During Term 3, our Economics students participated in the QETA UQ Student Economics Competition. This year, more than 1900 students across Queensland from 45 schools entered the competition.

The students were required to respond to 40 multiple choice questions in 45 minutes. The questions related to current economic events and issues together with questions assessing content from the QCAA Economics Senior Syllabus.

We have recently celebrated the achievements of four Year 12 students. Congratulations to Robbie Frew who achieved second place in the competition. Congratulations also to Sam Bizzell, William Kim and Jaguar Ngo, who achieved equal third place.

Each of the boys recently attended a presentation ceremony at The University of Queensland where they were awarded a cash prize and certificate for their efforts. 

Kate Stevenson
Head of Economics

On Monday, we announced the Academic Prize winners for 2021. Students receiving a General Merit or subject prize will be formally recognised at Presentation Afternoon on 24 November. General Merit prizes are awarded to students who achieve in the top 10% of each cohort. Subject prizes in Years 7 and 8 are allocated to the highest achieving student in each subject. Congratulations to all students who have achieved these outstanding results. 

In addition, many more students who achieved commendable results were announced as recipients of Certificates of Merit and Certificates of Academic Endeavour (Years 5 and 6). These will be presented on year level assemblies during the next few weeks.

I wish to take this opportunity to also recognise those students who have made significant improvements in their learning this year. While there will be many students who are disappointed to miss out on an academic award, it is important that our boys focus on their individual progress and take time to celebrate the wins they have experienced throughout the year. 

Presentation Afternoon will return to QPAC this year. Students in Years 5 and 8, as well as performers and prize winners, will attend. Parents of prize winners will receive information regarding tickets for the event after Cocurricular prizes have been announced at the Week 5 assembly. Middle School Presentation Afternoon will be live streamed to students in Years 6 and 7.  A link to the live stream will also be provided to parents.

This week, our Year 8 boys participated in their Tie Ceremony. We were delighted to see so many parents join us for this special occasion, highlighting the significance of ‘community’ in supporting the boys as they progress through adolescence. The Tie Ceremony symbolises the end of a boy’s Middle School journey and his transition to the Senior School. During the ceremony, the boys heard from the 2022 leaders, as well as Year 9 students. The older boys reflected on what the School tie means to them and provided sound advice to our Year 8 boys.

Middle School Dramatic Production

This time next week, we will be welcoming our first audience members to the premiere of this year’s Middle School Dramatic Production,
The (Un)Remarkables. There are a small number of tickets available for the Wednesday and Thursday evening shows which can be purchased via the BGS Events page or the link in the bio on @grammarplay.bgs.

It’s time to iron your capes, don your marks, and buy tickets now to avoid missing out!

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.

online shopping

The BGS P&F Auxiliary is excited to announce a new initiative: online shopping! Grammar Shop uniform, book, stationery and memorabilia items are now available to purchase online using Visa, Mastercard or your BGS Card balance. All items will be available to collect in-person at the Grammar Shop on the second school day after placing your order.

Once logged into your BGS Card account on your computer, click the “Grammar Shop Online” link at the top centre of the screen to explore the new system.

Senior School Uniforms

Year 8 students should plan to visit the Grammar Shop this term to purchase their Senior School uniform (blue shirt, trousers, trouser socks and tie). It is not necessary to make an appointment, just come in either before school or during Break 1.

Year 11 students are welcome to come to the Grammar Shop to purchase textbooks for Units 3 and 4 and senior ties.

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
Weekdays 7.30am – 11.00am

Tuckshop hours
Weekdays 7.00am – 2.00pm

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

The Hardwood Club Basketball support group invites you to attend our Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 4 November at 6.00pm in the Indoor Sports Centre.

All voluntary positions on the support group committee will be declared vacant.

Nominations for the following positions must be received by Wednesday 3 November 2021:

• President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• members

To make a nomination for a position or RSVP for the AGM, please email hardwood.support@brisbanegrammar.com.

For more information about the Hardwood Club or the AGM, please contact Harwood Club President Nicole Hastie via the above email or 0448 733 566.

Nicole Hastie
Harwood Club President

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 – The Business of Sport – 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 include:
  • BGS Old Boy Richard Watson '85 
  • BGS Old Boy Clayton Cook '87
  • Russell Wilson 

Purchase tickets here.

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 4
Tuesday 5 October – Friday 26 November