COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community

Dear BGS Community,

This scenario continues to evolve and I will continue to provide information when available.

Please carefully read through the important information below.

Change to Exposure Days at BGS

Queensland Health has determined that a previously identified COVID case at BGS was infectious during the entire school week beginning Monday 26 July.

Queensland Health has requested that we provide details of staff, students, visitors, and cocurricular activity lists for the dates 26 to 30 July. The School is currently compiling these lists. This development may impact some of our families who have been in lockdown and not in quarantine, particularly families of Year 6 students, who had previously been exempt from quarantine because they were in Cairns. They will now need to quarantine and be tested.

COVID Cases

At this stage, the COVID cases for the BGS community is now six students, two teachers and one parent.

Quarantine and Testing Update

Queensland Health requires the BGS community members quarantining to be tested again on Wednesday 11 August. Classes will be suspended on that day, so that staff and students can get the required COVID exit test. The COVID testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS will be in operation primarily for the BGS community on Wednesday 11 August.

Home-based Learning Parent Handbook

An updated version of the Home-based Learning Parent Handbook with FAQs is available here for parents.

Assessment

The assessment schedule for all year levels has been reviewed and changes made. These changes are now visible in students’ calendars.

The Year 12 Assessment Schedule has been updated. The revised submission and examination dates are available for students and parents via MyGrammar – Academic – Assessment. It is important that students continue to study and work each day towards meeting the new assessment dates. Teachers will continue to provide advice on student progress and update any relevant checkpoints. The School is in regular contact with the QCAA to ensure that no BGS students are disadvantaged throughout this time.

Student Wellbeing

The BGS Performance Development team launched GrammarFit 2.0 this morning (Wednesday 4 August) morning. New content will be available for students each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, via the Cocurricular Teams channel, throughout the quarantine period. GrammarFit was developed in 2020 as an innovative way to keeps boys, staff, parents and siblings active during the home-based learning period. The 2020 sessions proved popular, with the 27 initial episodes gaining over 4000 views. The program prompted a 7% increase in physical activity compared to normal.

Students are also encouraged to access GrammarWell, our online wellbeing portal. The platform was launched by the Student Wellbeing Team in 2020 to help students cope with isolation. It remains a well-used resource, with tips, guides and mindfulness programs under themes of mental fitness, peak performance, learning optimisation, positive choices, respectful relationships, public purpose, connecting with community and student wellbeing.

On behalf of BGS staff, I want to express my gratitude to the community for the incredible support. We miss our students and will continue to support them for as long as required.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Queensland Health has today confirmed more Brisbane Grammar School community members have tested positive for COVID-19. BGS now has seven confirmed COVID cases – five students, one teacher and one parent. This development does not change the Government directives already in place, which have been previously communicated to you.

BGS has also been notified of a confirmed COVID-19 case in a person who attended a debating event at St Peters Lutheran College between 7.20pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 29 July. The specific details of that matter are outlined at the contact tracing link.

I would like to commend the community for following the Queensland Health directives that Brisbane Grammar School has shared in recent days.

It is important to understand that BGS must adhere to Queensland Health directives and Queensland Government privacy laws. Under those laws, we are not permitted to share the names of community members who may have tested positive for COVID-19 and Queensland Health is prohibited from disclosing that information to the School.

Queensland Health, QML and SES have been very supportive during this difficult period. I will continue to share all relevant information received from Queensland Health with the BGS community as quickly as possible.

The latest Queensland Health directives are accessible on the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Please read the latest updates from key areas of the School outlined below:
 

COCURRICULAR

An update from the GPS Association of Queensland is available here.

The BGS Performance Development team is ready to launch GrammarFit 2.0 tomorrow (Wednesday 4 August) morning. New content will be available each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, via the Cocurricular Teams channel, throughout the quarantine period. More information will be shared with students directly.
 

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Timetable

The regular timetable will continue to operate for this week and next. There are eight days of lessons to work through and this will keep our students on track and the timetable cycles in sync for the return to campus.

The alternate online learning timetable with longer lessons and afternoon Consolidation & Preparation sessions is designed for periods of home-based learning of one month’s duration or longer.

We know from last year that learning online is slower than in the classroom, particularly with transitions between activities and lessons. Teachers will finish Periods 1, 3 and 5 about 3-5 minutes before the scheduled end of lesson. This will allow for setup for the next lesson and students to virtually ‘move’ to their next class.

Assessment

 Year 12

The School is in daily contact with the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) which is supporting us with adjustments to dates for Internal Assessments (IA) and any Access Arrangements & Reasonable Adjustments processes. Importantly, the QCAA has provided the reassurance that no BGS student will be disadvantaged.

• Students should continue to maintain a good routine of study each day and stay in contact with their teachers and classes.
• Students should refer to Canvas, Teams and One Note for updates and resources.
• Students must continue to prepare for any upcoming assessment items.
• IA3 submission dates for assignment and performance tasks will be extended.
• IA3 examinations will be rescheduled to dates later in the term.
• A revised assessment schedule will be published later this week.

Years 5 to 11

• Students should continue to maintain a good routine of study each day and stay in contact with their teachers and classes.
• Students should refer to Canvas, Teams and OneNote for updates and resources.
• Students must continue to prepare for any upcoming assessment items.
• Some assessment might be adjusted to better accommodate home-based learning and allow students to show their learning progress.
• Dates for some assignment-based assessment will be extended as required.
• Some examination dates will be rescheduled but exams will go ahead.
• A revised assessment schedule will be published later this week.

Thank you for your support and understanding. I will continue to keep you updated via email and the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Please continue to support members of our community, particularly those families who are not only disrupted by the quarantine but also confronted with a family member who has contracted this virus.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Queensland Health has tonight confirmed two further Brisbane Grammar School students have tested positive for COVID-19. BGS now has four confirmed COVID cases – three students and one parent. This development does not change the directives already in place, which have been communicated previously by the School.

______________________________________________________

Note, the following information has been explained in previous communications. The only new information is the first paragraph above.

Queensland Health directives:

1. Immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine.
2. Get tested at your earliest opportunity.
3. Complete the contact tracing form online. If you are unable to complete the contact tracing form please call 134 COVID (134 268).
4. Continue to quarantine even after receiving a negative result. After you complete the contact tracing form you will be contacted by Queensland Health.
5. Continue to monitor for symptoms, if you become symptomatic get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.
6. As you are a close contact, you are required to quarantine for 14 days from the time you were at the venue.

The above information was taken from the Queensland Government contact tracing website here.

• Note, the quarantine directive applies to all household occupants – not just those who visited campus.

• A COVID testing clinic has been established in the BGS Centenary Hall operating from 8.00am to 3.00pm. The clinic will remain in operation until everyone in our community, who wants to be tested, has done so during the immediate future. You should complete an online registration form here and bring that to the clinic at BGS. Limited parking will be available via the temporary BGS staff car park on No.2 Oval accessible via Kalinga Avenue, which runs between Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Please proceed to the front of Centenary Hall and follow the instructions from SES and QML staff. You must wear a mask at all times. Note: members of the BGS community are encouraged to get tested at a location convenient to them.

• Persons visiting the testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS are not permitted to access other areas of the School. Wearing a mask is mandatory. The School will undergo a rigorous deep cleaning program in accordance with directives from the Public Health Unit.

Brisbane Grammar School will suspend classes tomorrow (Tuesday 3 August) to allow the BGS community to undertake COVID-19 testing as per Queensland Health requirements.

Today (Monday 2 August), provided an opportunity for staff and students to reacclimatise to home-based learning, which will fully resume on Wednesday 4 August.

We understand the anxiety around student assessment and will provide information in the coming days.

I encourage students to access GrammarWell, our digital student wellbeing platform, which remains active and updated.

We will soon launch GrammarFit 2.0 to keep the students and the community engaged physically.

Thank you for your support and understanding. I will continue to keep you updated via email and the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

The COVID testing clinic operating in Centenary Hall at BGS will be open from 8.00am to 3.00pm tomorrow. A reminder that the clinic will remain in operation until everyone in our community, who wants to be tested, has done so during the immediate future. You should complete the online registration form here and bring it to the clinic at BGS.

Limited parking will be available via the temporary BGS staff car park on No.2 Oval accessible via Kalinga Avenue, which runs between Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

Please proceed to the front of Centenary Hall and follow the instructions from SES and QML staff. You must wear a mask at all times. Persons visiting the testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS are not permitted to access other areas of the School. Members of the BGS community are encouraged to get tested at a location convenient to them.

Please see the update directly below for more detailed information.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Brisbane Grammar School will suspend classes tomorrow (Tuesday 3 August) to allow the BGS community to undertake COVID-19 testing as per Queensland Health requirements.

This is a reminder that a COVID testing clinic is now in operation in the BGS Centenary Hall – more information below.

Today (Monday 2 August), provides an opportunity for staff and students to reacclimatise to home-based learning, which will fully resume on Wednesday 4 August. We appreciate your understanding in these challenging times as we rely on directives from Queensland Health and plan the best approach for the coming days and weeks.

We understand the anxiety around student assessment and will provide information in the coming days.

I encourage students to access GrammarWell, our digital student wellbeing platform, which remains active and updated.

We will soon launch GrammarFit 2.0 to keep the students and the community engaged physically.

Please see the below important reminders and updates from my email last night.

Queensland Health directives:

1. Immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine.
2. Get tested at your earliest opportunity.
3. Complete the contact tracing form online. If you are unable to complete the contact tracing form please call 134 COVID (134 268).
4. Continue to quarantine even after receiving a negative result. After you complete the contact tracing form you will be contacted by Queensland Health.
5. Continue to monitor for symptoms, if you become symptomatic get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.
6. As you are a close contact, you are required to quarantine for 14 days from the time you were at the venue.

The above information was taken from the Queensland Government contact tracing website here.

• Note, the quarantine directive applies to all household occupants – not just those who visited campus.

• A COVID testing clinic has been established in the BGS Centenary Hall operating from 9.00am to 3.00pm. The clinic will remain in operation until everyone in our community, who wants to be tested, has done so during the immediate future. You should complete an online registration form here and bring that to the clinic at BGS. Please proceed to the front of Centenary Hall and follow the instructions from SES and QML staff. You must wear a mask at all times. Note: members of the BGS community are encouraged to get tested at a location convenient to them.

• Persons visiting the testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS are not permitted to access other areas of the School. Wearing a mask is mandatory. The School will undergo a rigorous deep cleaning program in accordance with directives from the Public Health Unit.

Thank you for your support and understanding. I will continue to keep you updated via email and the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

After a number of lengthy conversations with Brisbane Grammar School throughout the day, Queensland Health has directed BGS to quarantine (close) for 14 days. At 6.00pm today, Queensland Health confirmed the below directives for BGS. This communication was received at 6.14pm.

The Queensland Public Health Unit has provided the below directives that apply to anyone who visited the Brisbane Grammar School Spring Hill campus or were involved in any cocurricular sport or activity on the Spring Hill campus on Thursday 29 July and Friday 30 July.

1. Immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine.
2. Get tested at your earliest opportunity.
3. Complete the contact tracing form online. If you are unable to complete the contact tracing form please call 134 COVID (134 268).
4. Continue to quarantine even after receiving a negative result. After you complete the contact tracing form you will be contacted by Queensland Health.
5. Continue to monitor for symptoms, if you become symptomatic get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.
6. As you are a close contact, you are required to quarantine for 14 days from the time you were at the venue.

The above information was taken from the Queensland Government contact tracing website here.

Note, the quarantine directive applies to all household occupants – not just those who visited campus.

Please read the following important updates:

• A COVID testing clinic will be established on the BGS Spring Hill campus tomorrow and operate from 9.00am to 3.00pm. The clinic will remain in operation until everyone in our community, who wants to be tested, has done so during the immediate future. You should complete an online registration form here and bring that to the clinic at BGS. Please proceed to the front of Centenary Hall and follow the instructions from QML staff. You must wear a mask at all times. Note: members of the BGS community are encouraged to get tested at a location convenient to them.

• Persons visiting the testing clinic in Centenary Hall at BGS are not permitted to access other areas of the School. Wearing a mask is mandatory. The School will undergo a rigorous deep cleaning program.

• The BGS boarding students who remained at school have been tested today (Sunday 1 August).

• Home-based learning will operate from tomorrow (Monday 2 August) until at least Friday 13 August. The regular timetable will operate and period by period roll marking will occur. All students are expected to attend their classes on Teams. Any student who cannot attend classes virtually should follow the usual procedure for absences. Note: Consolidation and Preparation lessons will not be supervised by teachers during home-based learning. Students will be required to operate independently and use the lesson to revise work or prepare for subsequent lessons. Information regarding student assessment will be provided in coming days.

• Parents and students will receive a further communication tomorrow regarding home-based learning and assessment.

• BGS Supervision (Years 5 and 6) will not operate during the school quarantine.

• All events and activities for the next 14 days are cancelled or postponed – more information about specific events and activities will be provided in due course.

• All cocurricular events, training and rehearsals for the next 14 days have also been cancelled or postponed.

I reiterate my appreciation of your support during these challenging times and will continue to keep you updated via email and the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

 

Dear BGS Community,

The Queensland Public Health Unit has tonight confirmed that a Brisbane Grammar School student has tested positive for COVID-19. I ask parents to share this update with their son/s.

I have been advised to notify the community that those who were on the BGS Spring Hill campus on 28, 29 and 30 July (Wednesday to Friday) should isolate at home until further advice is provided by Queensland Health.

As you know, South East Queensland is already in lockdown until at least 4.00pm on Tuesday 3 August 2021. No staff or students, other than those who are the children of essential service workers, and key personnel, are permitted on campus.

The Public Health Unit is assessing the extent of this case and they will provide the School with further instructions tomorrow.

Specific information for our boarding community will be provided in an email from the Director of Boarding.

If you or your child is unwell, Queensland Health urges you to call your doctor or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and get tested.

We appreciate your support during these challenging times and will continue to keep you updated via email and the COVID-19 Advice page on the BGS website.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

The Queensland Government has announced South East Queensland will begin a three-day lockdown from 4.00pm today (Saturday 31 July) due to community transmission of COVID-19. The lockdown is scheduled to end at 4.00pm on Tuesday 3 August but may be extended.

Please note the following important information:

• BGS will be closed to staff and students on Monday and Tuesday except to students of essential workers. Children of essential workers should report to The Lilley Centre on Monday morning where they will be supervised by Senior Leadership Team (SLT) members. Masks are mandatory for the students of essential workers who attend school on Monday or Tuesday. Students who use public transport to attend school must continue to wear a mask.
• BGS Boarding will continue to operate but only for boarders who cannot be safely transported home or to their guardians prior to the lockdown beginning today. Masks are mandatory for staff and students who remain in boarding. A more detailed email will be sent to BGS Boarding families shortly.
• Home-based learning will operate on Monday and Tuesday. The regular timetable will operate and period by period roll marking will occur. All students are expected to attend their classes on Teams. Any student who cannot attend classes virtually should follow the usual procedure for absences. Note: Consolidation and Preparation lessons will not be supervised by teachers. Students will be required to operate independently and to use the lesson to revise work or prepare for subsequent lessons.
• Students who do not have their device/tablet can collect them between 1.30pm and 3.00pm today, or Monday morning between 7.00am and 8.30am. Please bring your BGS ID with you to campus. Security of the BGS campus will operate 24/7.
• BGS Supervision (Years 5 and 6) will not operate during the lockdown period. Middle School libraries will not be open before or after school.
• All events or activities on Monday and Tuesday have been cancelled or postponed. This includes the Extended Day Study Program (cancelled) and Year 10 Subject Selection evening (postponed). Outdoor Education for 9H has been rescheduled to Wednesday 4 August, at this stage.
• All GPS sports and activities were cancelled as of 10.30am today. All cocurricular events, training and rehearsals for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday have been postponed.

The School will continue to update the community as required.

Regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

Dear BGS Community,

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that Greater Brisbane will go into a three-day lockdown from 5.00pm today (Monday 29 March) due to community transmission of COVID-19. All Queensland schools will close from tomorrow (Tuesday 30 March).

Students whose parents are in essential services may attend school.

Click here for the latest updates from the Queensland Government, including the nearest testing centres and tracing alerts.

Please read on below to learn about how the closure will impact the different areas of Brisbane Grammar School.

Student Wellbeing

Students are expected to attend Tutor Group via the Teams meeting scheduled by their Form Tutor from 8.20am to 8.30am each morning. If boys are not present at this time, an SMS will be sent home as per our usual absence procedures. Boys are not expected to be in school uniform at this time.

Academic

Students are particularly busy with assessment in the final week of term. The following reassurances about academic continuity are important for everyone to understand:

• Tonight’s Year 12 Parent Tertiary Information Sessions will be rescheduled to a date to be announced early in Term 2.
• Exams will be rescheduled to suitable dates in Term 2 and students should continue with their revision.
• Over the next three days, students will continue to work on assignments and will be advised of adjusted submission dates.
• All subjects will make study materials and activities available in Teams and OneNote for students to work on.
• Learning will continue remotely, and teachers will respond to student ‘check-ins’ and questions via Teams at agreed times during the day.
• There will not be scheduled online lessons, but continuing work will be set for every subject.

Cocurricular

From 3.00pm today, all Cocurricular training, rehearsals and trial fixtures scheduled for this afternoon and the rest of this week have been cancelled. All Cocurricular events scheduled for this week have been postponed – this includes the Sailing function.

The viability of planned Cocurricular holiday activities, including camps, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, remaining consistent with the directives from Queensland Health. More information will be provided in due course.

Cocurricular program leaders will provide updates on their activities via the Cocurricular pages on MyGrammar.

Middle School

• BGS Libraries will close at 3.00pm today. BGS Supervision for Years 5 and 6 students will close at 4.00pm.
• Years 5 to 7 Parent-Teacher Interviews: Parent-Teacher interviews scheduled this week will be postponed to Term 2. Information regarding the new dates will be communicated early next term.
• Years 5 and 6 students will be permitted to take their school laptop home today.

Boarding

BGS Boarding will be required to cease operations once all our boarders can be safely transported home or to their guardians.

BGS Boarding would be grateful if parents or nominated guardians could make arrangements to collect boy(s) at the end of the school day today.

If parents or nominated guardians are unable to collect boy(s) today, BGS will remain open until suitable arrangements can be made. Please communicate your intended action to Boarding staff.

Contact with Mr Byron or with Mr Power can be made as follows:

• Mr Byron: Harlin House - boarding.harlin@brisbanegrammar.com
• Mr Power: Griffith House – boarding.griffith@brisbanegrammar.com

Should you have any questions, please contact Director of Boarding Berian Williams-Jones via email at berian.williamsjones@brisbanegrammar.com.

General

Children of essential workers may continue to attend school for the remainder of Term 1. Students attending school will need to wear a face mask, per Queensland Health guidelines. Please congregate at The Lilley Centre each morning at 8.00am. Please note, any students on campus will need to bring their own food as the Tuckshop will be closed.

Further advice will be communicated to families as required.

Regards,
Anthony Micallef

The Queensland Government COVID-19 restrictions have eased somewhat in recent weeks, but it is important BGS boys continue to remain focused on good hygiene practices. We have updated all COVID signage across the School to ensure the key messages are clear.

I encourage you to read through the important updates below.

Health and Wellbeing

Parents must continue to keep their son home from school if he is unwell, even with mild symptoms. Symptoms that may suggest a contagious illness include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or diarrhoea. Parents will be required to collect their son from school if he presents with any of these symptoms.

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education programs are due to commence in Week 1 in Term 4. Year 10 classes will participate in a residential camping experience in tents including bushwalking, rock climbing and abseiling activities over three days. Classes will attend according to the revised Semester 2 Outdoor Education calendar found here on MyGrammar.

The revised calendar provides the opportunity for each Year 10 class to participate in a final expedition at Moogerah with a strong focus on ‘leading others’ and operating independently in the outdoors. These outdoor activities will operate under the approved COVID Safe Industry Plans for Outdoor Education and Outdoor Recreation activities and the BGS COVID Management Plan.

Boarding

The ongoing easing of border restrictions has been a welcome development for BGS boarders. The trans-state exemption for boarding students to travel to and from BGS provides certainty for the term ahead and for the summer break.

Boarders who live overseas continue to face challenges. Our boarders who are Australian citizens would need to quarantine on their re-entry to Australia if they travel overseas, while our international students, those on visas to study in the country, would not be able to re-enter Australia if they return home as it stands. There is a sizeable lobby from tertiary institutions and schools regarding an exemption for international students and we hope for greater clarity in the coming weeks.

A reminder that the Boarding Dinner is on Saturday 14 November for Year 12 boarders and families.

Term 4 Events

BGS has been proactively working with venues, the Queensland Government and the local Public Health Unit to ensure as many of our scheduled Term 4 events go ahead in some form. We have had to be flexible with how we proceed with all events, but through extensive planning we continue to be able to deliver events for the boys and our community.

Please see the below table, which contains upcoming events and their status.

Event	status	Contact	Details
Signature Programs	Proceeding	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	6-9 October Change to normal routines. Students work on a collaborative task with other members of their year group.
Year 11 Charity Social	Proceeding	Deputy Headmaster – Students	17 October Royal International Convention Centre
Interwing Swimming Carnival	Proceeding	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	23 October Student-only event with modified schedule
Year 8 Tie Ceremony	Proceeding in revised format	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	8B, C, D, E & F - 26 October 8A, G, H & I - 27 October 8.30am to 10.00am Centenary Hall Student-only event live streamed to parents
Year 5 Camp	To be confirmed	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	2-4 November
Harlin House Dinner	Proceeding in revised format	Director of Boarding	14 November Venue TBC
Speech Day	Proceeding in revised format	Deputy Headmaster – Teaching and Learning	18 November QPAC for Year 12 students and parents of Year 12 students only
Valedictory Dinner	Proceeding	Deputy Headmaster – Students	19 November Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Middle School Presentation Afternoon	Proceeding	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	25 November Student-only event held in Centenary Hall live streamed to parents

The Queensland Government tightened COVID-19 restrictions last weekend. The changes mainly relate to gatherings in private homes and public spaces and have not had any further impacts on BGS.

I encourage you to read through the important updates below.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The current monitoring and contact tracing for COVID-19 in Brisbane is a timely reminder for us to maintain a heightened sense of awareness around the way we operate at BGS and elsewhere in the community. BGS staff and students have been instructed to continue to wash and sanitise their hands frequently and cough or sneeze into their elbows.

Queensland Health is maintaining a list of places, dates and times in the Brisbane area where contact tracing is presently focused. The current advice is that anyone who has been to the listed locations at the prescribed times should monitor their health and, if they develop even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms, get tested. Tested persons are required to self-isolate until their test results determine their next course of action. The locations and times for contact tracing are updated by Queensland Health here.

Parents must continue to keep their son home from school if he is unwell, even with mild symptoms. Symptoms that may suggest a contagious illness include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or diarrhoea. Parents will be required to collect their son from school if he presents with any of these symptoms.

COCURRICULAR

Early last Saturday morning, with GPS fixtures already underway, there was an update from the Queensland Government regarding COVID-19 and further restrictions. In consultation with the GPS Association, we ascertained that these restrictions did not apply or impact our fixtures and that play could continue under our collective COVIDSafe Plan. Within minutes, a notification was posted on the BGS App advising our community that fixtures could proceed. One external tennis venue made the decision to close, and this impacted a small number of students who were preparing to contest supplementary games.

This week, further consultation has occurred between BGS, the GPS Association and the Queensland Government. I can confirm that the restrictions announced by the Premier last weekend do not impact the GPS Association’s COVIDSafe Plan. GPS Sports & Activities will proceed as planned for all boys this weekend.

In the event of further updates or changes, we will notify our community via the BGS App in the first instance. In the meantime, please continue to Arrive, Play and Go, in support of all our students representing the light dark blue.

EVENTS

BGS has been proactively working with venues, the Queensland Government and the local Public Health Unit to ensure as many of our scheduled Term 3 events go ahead in some form. We have had to be flexible with how we proceed with all events, but through extensive planning we continue to be able to deliver events for the boys and our community.

Please see the below table, which contains upcoming events and their status.

Event	status	Contact	Details
Student Wellbeing Programs Mental Health Seminar	Proceeding	Director of Student Wellbeing Programs	31 August Year 9 students will attend at Mental Health Presentation by Batyr.
Grandparents’ Day	Revised Format	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	1 September Students will connect with their grandparents via Microsoft Teams.
Parent-Teacher Interviews	Revised Format	Years 9 to 11: Dean of Administration  Years 5 to 8: Head of Middle School Administration and Events	Will be held via Teams for all year levels on: ·     Friday 4 September: 8.30am to 3.00pm (all staff except QCAA confirmers) ·     Monday 7 September: 4.00pm to 7.00pm (all staff) ·     Wednesday 9 September: 8.30am to 3.00pm (QCAA confirmer staff only)
Student Wellbeing Series: Internet Safe Education	Revised format	Director of Student Wellbeing Programs	7 September Webinar on the topic of Clever Digital Choices for Year 10 boys.
Year 12 Formal	Proceeding	Deputy Headmaster – Students	18 September Communicated to Year 12 families.
Concerts	Revised Format	Head of Music	Read event information in the Music article below.
Drama Productions	Proceeding	Head of Drama and Dramatic Productions	More information available in the Drama article in the Newsletter each week.
Support Group Meetings	Online	Various	Online meetings will continue in Term 3 until further notice.
Year 11 Semi-Formal	Proceeding	Deputy Headmaster – Students	17 October Format will be determined following Government guidelines.
Father’s Day Breakfast	Postponed	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	Likely to be held at a date to be determined in Term 4 following Government guidelines.
Valedictory Dinner	Proceeding	Deputy Headmaster – Students	19 November Format will be determined following Government guidelines.

COVID-19

Key staff across the School continue to meet regularly as we continue our work to manage potential issues in connection with COVID-19.

We are currently updating COVID-19 signage across the campus to ensure students and staff remain vigilant to the potential of an outbreak.

I encourage you to read the below updates from different areas of the School.

ACADEMIC

Virtual parent teacher interviews for all year levels will be held via Teams on the following dates in September:

• Friday 4 September: 8.30am to 3.00pm (all staff except QCAA confirmers)
• Monday 7 September: 4.00pm to 7.00pm (all staff)
• Wednesday 9 September: 8.30am to 3.00pm (QCAA confirmer staff only)

Appointments will be made via MyGrammar, and a notification email will be sent to parents when the booking system is open. The email will provide more information about how to use the online booking system and how to access your meeting via Microsoft Teams. 

Year 10 Subject Selection information is now accessible for parents and students via MyGrammar.

COCURRICULAR

We are grateful for the ongoing support of our parent community, which has enabled a comprehensive return to play for BGS students this term. The use of the EVA Check-in at sporting venues across the GPS has proven successful in managing and tracking attendance. As we continue to provide fixtures over the coming weeks, under the current COVID-19 protocols, we seek your ongoing support of the “Arrive, Play, Go” approach.

In a regular year, we would be looking forward to many End of Season events, which in the present environment are not viable. Program leaders are working to ensure the most important element of these events, student recognition, is not lost. There will be a range of approaches to this, from low-key acknowledgements at the end of final games, through to gatherings of students during school hours.

In the Performing Arts, our students and staff have persevered, and after many months of rehearsals in a range of modes, they finally have the chance to perform. This week saw the production run of The 39 Steps, the Senior Dramatic Production. Over the coming weeks, we will hear and see performances from our musical ensembles who have been recording their performances for us all to enjoy.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

The Outdoor Education department has been conducting day trips for Years 8 and 9 students during Term 3. The students have made the most of their time at Moogerah and developed key skills to prepare them for their next Outdoor Education experience in 2021.

The Year 10 program will commence in Term 4. In an exciting development, these students will benefit from the recommencement of residential programs for their final Outdoor Education experience. Each Year 10 class will attend Moogerah for a three-day expedition visiting Bitenbar and Pulpit Rock.

The department is also conducting a residential expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in the September holidays. The students will be based at Pepperina Hill, camping in tents and cooking on expedition stoves. They will be hiking the surrounding peaks over the four-day program to satisfy the adventurous journey component of the award scheme.

These outdoor activities will operate under the approved COVID Safe Industry Plans for Outdoor Education and Outdoor Recreation activities and the BGS COVID Management Plan.

BOARDING

During the current phase of COVID-19, the challenges posed to any residential community continue to be significant. At BGS Boarding, we are delighted to be able to re-introduce more flexible arrangements regarding Leave – to both near the campus and home. We continue to focus on hygiene and test and check each boarder daily to ensure they remain well.

The most significant hurdle we face is that of travel restriction, particularly as more than 30 of our current boarders do not live in Queensland. With that in mind, we are currently exploring the feasibility of remaining open between Term 3 and Term 4 to look after the boarders who are not able to return home or would prefer to stay at School in these circumstances.

UPDATE FROM HEADMASTER
Monday 13 July 2020

Dear BGS Community

It was exciting to return to my position as Headmaster over the past three weeks after missing most of the last term on medical leave. I commend my fellow Senior Leadership Team members for their work in my absence, including Deputy Headmaster – Students David Carroll for filling in as Acting Headmaster. Thank you to all staff who stepped up during a challenging term in the School’s history.

I look forward to students returning to school for the start of Term 3 tomorrow. It is sure to be a busy term as students juggle their academic and cultural commitments with a packed cocurricular calendar. It is important boys return ready to engage in the teaching and learning process, and wearing their uniform proudly with an appropriate hairstyle.

I encourage you to read through the important updates below.

Health and Wellbeing

BGS families must adhere to Queensland Government directives regarding border restrictions.

Term 3 coincides with the cold and flu season, and parents must continue to keep their son home from school if he is unwell, even with mild symptoms. Symptoms that may suggest a contagious illness include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or diarrhoea. Parents will be required to collect their son from school if he presents with any of these symptoms.

Social Distancing

Restrictions around social distancing in Queensland schools continue to be relaxed. BGS will maintain separation between teachers and students, but classrooms will be set up to maximise collaboration between students.

Teachers will continue to remind students about the importance of good hygiene. Social areas and playground equipment will continue to be cleaned after each break. The existing social distancing guidelines will remain at the Tuckshop, with signage and School Marshals on hand to explain the process to students.

Traffic and Congestion

The same pick-up and drop-off process from Term 2 will continue in Term 3. Parents are asked to remain patient during the pick-up and drop-off periods and to respect the directions of our traffic control staff, whose priority is the safety of our students. Parents are kindly requested not to use the Park Hotel, located diagonally opposite BGS on the corner of Gregory and Wickham Terraces, for drop-off or pick-up. A recent article in The Courier-Mail indicated Brisbane City Council will launch a parking blitz around several Brisbane schools this week, including BGS.

Academic

Students and parents will have invested time over the break reviewing report results and, more importantly, using the feedback from teachers to plan for improved study and revision routines for Semester 2. The School is planning to offer parents the opportunity to speak with their son’s teachers via the online platform Teams. Details about the timing and arrangements for bookings will be provided later this term.

Year 10 students will soon commence the important process of subject selection for their senior years. Information and resources, including video presentations from key staff explaining the essentials of the QCE and the ATAR, will be provided to parents via MyGrammar.

The assessment calendar will be finalised and published to the community by Monday 20 July.

Cocurriculum

Cocurricular leaders have developed extensive plans for training, rehearsals, performances and competition. GPS Sports & Activities have been amended to see all Term 2 competitions (Tennis, Football, Cross Country) and Term 3 (Rugby, Basketball, Chess) sports competing concurrently during Term 3.

To limit the scale of competition days, the principle of “Arrive, Play, Go” will apply. Students need to arrive in playing attire, just before their warm-up. After they have played, students will be asked to leave the venue without changing into uniform. Program leaders will provide more details specific to their sport this week.

Outdoor Education

Students will be able to visit the BGS Outdoor Education Centre during Term 3. Year 8 students will attend the centre during Weeks 1 to 5, and each class will participate in two individual day trips to Moogerah. The Year 9 Outdoor Education experience will begin in Week 6. The department is preparing to resume residential Outdoor Education programs for Years 9 and 10 this year.

Boarding

Boarding house restrictions were adapted over the term break. The new guidelines now allow all BGS boarders to live on campus in our boarding houses. There are extensive plans in place to ensure the safety of the boarding community and to maintain the highest hygiene standards.

Term 3 Events

Please see the below table, which remains the same as communicated at the end of last term. ‘In- person’ events are subject to Government guidelines for venue capacity. COVID-19 restrictions have forced changes to some important Term 3 events. Some events have had to be cancelled or postponed until a later date, while others will continue under a revised format. The following table outlines these changes.

Event	Status	Contact	details
Parent-Teacher Interviews	Revised Format	Years 9 to 11: Dean of Administration Years 5 to 8: Head of Middle School Administration and Events	Parent-teacher interviews will be rescheduled for later in Term 3.
BGS Art Show	Virtual	BGS Art Support Group	Friday 24 July Online exhibition of 2D works.
BGS Open Day	Virtual	BGS Communications	Saturday 25 July Live Q&A sessions with key BGS staff.
Year 11 Semi-Formal	Postponed	Deputy Headmaster – Students	17 October Format will be determined following Government guidelines.
Year 12 Formal	Possible Revised Format	Deputy Headmaster – Students	18 September Format will be determined following Government guidelines.
Year 8 Quest	Revised Format	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	The Quest will run as an internal activity only.
Concerts	Revised Format	Head of Music	Term 3 concert formats will be communicated by the Music Department.
Drama Productions	Revised Format	Head of Drama and Dramatic Productions	Limited audience numbers and recorded performances.
Grandparents’ Day	Revised Format	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	Format will be communicated at the beginning of Term 3. Likely to be an online event.
Father’s Day Breakfast	Postponed	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	Likely to be held at a date to be determined in Term 4 following Government guidelines.
Year 6 Canberra trip	Cancelled	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	Cancelled due to health concerns.
Year 10 Subject Selection Evening	Online	Dean of Administration	Online information and department-specific presentations.
Student Wellbeing Series: Tess Opie	Revised Format	Director of Student Wellbeing Programs	Sexuality and relationships education information session for students as scheduled. Information session for parents cancelled. Possible webinar being investigated.
Student Wellbeing Series: Internet Safe Education	Online	Director of Student Wellbeing Programs	Webinar for Year 8 students. Information session for parents cancelled. Possible webinar being investigated.
Support Group Meetings	Online	Various	Online meetings will continue in Term 3 until further notice.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

UPDATE FROM ACTING HEADMASTER 
Wednesday 17 June 2020 

Dear BGS Community

My aim in this communication is to provide parents with clarity on a range of important matters ahead of Term 3. As the Queensland Government provides further COVID-19 updates, the School will continue to keep its community informed. The education of your sons, delivered in a safe environment, remains our priority.

I would like to remind you that Headmaster Anthony Micallef will return from medical leave to resume his role leading the School on Monday 22 June. He has made a full recovery from the pulmonary embolism that threatened his health and is looking forward to once again leading the community.

Health and Wellbeing

I would like to acknowledge the wonderful effort of parents in keeping their sons away from school this term when unwell. It is evidence of the priority placed on the safety of the community. Term 3 coincides with the cold and flu season. Parents must continue to keep their son home from school if he is unwell, even with mild symptoms. Symptoms that may suggest a contagious illness include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or diarrhoea. Parents will be required to collect their son from school if he presents with these symptoms.

Boarding

Amid the challenges brought about by COVID-19, BGS Boarding has made a significant advancement in the opening of Griffith House, a new facility for Middle School boarders. While Griffith House is already full and has a waiting list, Queensland Health directives mean we are only able to use half the beds, as is the case in Harlin House.

We intend to be able to offer accommodation to all our boarders from the start of Term 3. If there is no change to the Government directives, we have a plan in place to secure a temporary boarding facility. We will communicate these details, if required, directly to parents in due course.

Academic

Student reports will be available from Friday 26 June. Parents will be notified via email when reports go live on MyGrammar.

Year 10 subject selection will be conducted online in Term 3. From Monday 3 August, a range of resources that include coverage of QCAA assessment requirements, QTAC tertiary entrance pre-requisites and descriptions of all senior subjects, will be available for students and parents.

Regular parent-teacher interviews will not proceed as published in the calendar at the start of 2020. The School is examining alternative ways of providing feedback opportunities to parents.

Virtual Assemblies will continue for the foreseeable future during Term 3.

Parent Survey

During the home-based learning period, parents provided valuable data via surveys to inform our decision-making processes through what were unprecedented challenges. As this term ends, I once again invite you to provide feedback on your son’s transition back to the on-campus setting, and your reflections on your son’s school experience over this entire period. The survey is short and should take a few minutes to complete. It can be accessed via this link and will be available until midnight on Sunday 21 June.

GPS Sport and Activities

Planning for Term 3 GPS competitions continues to progress in accordance with the GPS Return to Play plan and the Queensland Government Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions. We anticipate changes as the Government restrictions move from Stage 2 to 3, over the upcoming term break. Program leaders will keep students and parents informed of any changes in planning, should it be necessary. The latest information for each program will be updated to the Cocurriculum pages on MyGrammar.

GPS Basketball, Football, Tennis and Chess fixtures will commence in Week 1 of Term 3. In GPS Rugby, the first four weeks of the term have been allocated to preparation, trials and grading games. The first GPS Rugby fixture will be held on Saturday 8 August (Week 4). The First XV (only) will play on Friday 18 September (Week 10). The GPS Cross Country Championships will be split into Junior (10 - 12 years) and Senior (13 years - Open) events, held over Weeks 4 and 5, with dates to be confirmed. The GPS Gymnastics Championships will take place in Week 8.

Arrangements for our return to GPS sport and activities will challenge us in many ways. The spectator experience will be very different, as we maintain our focus primarily on the boys competing. It would be premature to state these differences with certainty at this stage; however, we anticipate spectator limits at each venue, limited spectator amenities, set windows for entry and exit according to game times, and a GPS Association-wide application of the principles of Arrive, Play, Go.

Outdoor Education

The Outdoor Education department is prepared for a return to programs to start Term 3. A set of program options are in place accounting for the level of restrictions at the time. The options include Outdoor Education activity days based at BGS or Northgate Playing Fields, day trips to Moogerah or Moogerah residential programs. The revised calendar allows each class to participate in an Outdoor Education program this year. The experiences have been shortened to ensure every student can participate.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Adventurous Journeys conducted by Outdoor Education teachers have also been rescheduled in the calendar. There is an expedition planned for the September and December term breaks. The Semester 2 Outdoor Education calendar is available on MyGrammar. A short video explaining the calendar, program and activity outlines is available here.

Traffic and Congestion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not surprising that we have observed a substantial reduction in the number of students using public transport to travel to and from school. This is obviously contributing to an increase in traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up. Parents are requested to remain patient during this challenging period and to respect the directions of our traffic control staff whose priority is the safety of our students.

The Park Hotel is located diagonally opposite BGS on the corner of Gregory and Wickham Terraces.  The operators of the hotel have reported an increase in the incidence of parents using its property for drop-off and pick-up, which is impacting the hotel’s operations. Parents are kindly requested not to use The Park Hotel for drop-off or pick-up.

Cross River Rail Impact on BGS

The Queensland Government’s Cross River Rail Project includes 5.9km of twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and Brisbane CBD. The northern tunnel will run beneath the north-west boundary of Brisbane Grammar School and will emerge directly behind Brisbane Girls Grammar School adjacent to the Inner City Bypass. The cycle and pedestrian path that runs along the rear boundaries of both schools will be closed from 22 June 2020 to early 2021. Cycle traffic will be diverted to College Road and Gregory Terrace.

Both schools have formally communicated to the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority their concerns of the cycle traffic detour decision, including risks of injury and additional congestion. Both schools have also expressed similar concerns to our local Council member. Parents are requested to be aware of increased cycle traffic during drop-off and pick-up.

Term 3 Events

‘In-person’ events are subject to Government guidelines for venue capacity. COVID-19 restrictions have forced changes to some important Term 3 events. Some events have unfortunately had to be cancelled, others will be postponed until a later date, while others will continue but under a revised format. The following table outlines these changes.

Event	Status	Contact	details
Parent-Teacher Evenings	Revised Format	Years 9 to 11: Dean of Administration  Years 5 to 8: Head of Middle School Administration and Events	Parent-teacher interviews will be rescheduled for later in Term 3. Further details provided at the beginning of next term.
BGS Art Show	Virtual	BGS Art Support Group	Friday 24 July Online exhibition of 2D works.
BGS Open Day	Virtual	BGS Communications	Saturday 25 July Live Q&A sessions with key BGS staff.
Year 11 Semi-Formal	Postponed	Deputy Headmaster – Students	17 October Format will be determined following Government guidelines.
Year 12 Formal	Possible Revised Format	Deputy Headmaster – Students	18 September Format will be determined following Government guidelines.
Year 8 Quest	Revised Format	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	The Quest will run as an internal activity only.
Concerts	Revised Format	Head of Music	Format for Term 3 concerts will be communicated by the Music Department.
Drama Productions	Revised Format	Head of Drama and Dramatic Productions	Limited audience numbers and recorded performances.
Grandparents’ Day	Revised Format	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	Format will be communicated at the beginning of Term 3. Likely to be an online event.
Father’s Day Breakfast	Postponed	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	Likely to be held at a date to be determined in Term 4 following Government guidelines.
Year 6 Canberra trip	Cancelled	Head of Middle School Administration and Events	Cancelled due to health concerns.
Year 10 Subject Selection  Evening	Online	Dean of Administration	Online information and department-specific  presentations.
Student Wellbeing Series:   Tess Opie	Revised Format	Director of Student Wellbeing Programs	Sexuality and relationships education information session for students as scheduled.  Information session for parents cancelled. Possible webinar being investigated.
Student Wellbeing Series: Internet Safe Education	Online	Director of Student Wellbeing Programs	Webinar for Year 8 students.   Information session for parents cancelled. Possible webinar being investigated.
Support Group Meetings	Online	Various	Online meetings will continue in Term 3 until further notice.

I acknowledge the length of this communication; however, it is important to provide early information about the many activities scheduled for Term 3. More detailed information will be provided about specific events closer to them occurring.

I reiterate my thanks for your ongoing support of the School during Term 2. I look forward to students returning to school for the start of Term 3 on Tuesday 14 July.

David Carroll
Acting Headmaster | Deputy Headmaster – Students

UPDATE FROM ACTING HEADMASTER
Wednesday 20 May

Dear BGS Community

We are excited to welcome Years 5 to 10 students back to campus on Monday 25 May. The School will return to the normal (pre-pandemic) timetable in Week 6. Home-based online learning will end on Friday 22 May. This will be explained to all students, along with further important information about the transition back to school, as part of a Virtual Assembly on that day.

We understand some students may remain home due to concerns about COVID-19. We ask that you please contact your son’s Head of Year if that is the case for your family. Students who are unwell or unable to attend school will be directed by their teachers to where they can access relevant learning materials to ensure they are supported and maintain access to the curriculum.

Interim reports outlining your son’s engagement and progress in learning across all his subjects will be published this week. An email from the Deputy Headmaster – Teaching and Learning will advise parents when these are available.

Health and Wellbeing

Parents must keep their son home from school if he is unwell, even with mild symptoms. Symptoms that may suggest a contagious illness include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or diarrhoea. Parents will be required to collect their son from school if he presents with these symptoms. We appreciate your support to assist in maintaining the wellbeing of the BGS community.

Dean of Students

As you are likely aware, Headmaster Anthony Micallef’s medical leave has been extended by the Board of Trustees until the end of Term 2. With this certainty, it is important for me to be able to focus primarily on the position of Acting Headmaster until Anthony’s return.

I will continue to have oversight of the Deputy Headmaster – Students portfolio, with a member of the Student Wellbeing Team assigned to a temporary role as Dean of Students to focus on the practical aspects of my usual position. Due to his previous experience acting in my position, Simon Conway has agreed to step into this temporary role for the rest of this term. Brad Scholes will step into the Head of Year 10 role, and Jon Hopes will provide him with support as Assistant Head of Year 10, for the remainder of the term.

Week 6 Timetable

All students Years 5 to 12 will be on campus and in classrooms.

• Form Class each morning will revert to an 8.20am start.
• Years 5 to 8 Period 6 will finish at 3.00pm (to facilitate a staggered pick-up).
• Years 9 to 12 Period 6 will finish at 3.10pm (we will move to a 3.00pm finish in Term 3 when Northgate training is expected to resume).
• Please also note that the Independent Study Afternoon ISA on Thursday 11 June has been cancelled.

Outdoor Education

The Outdoor Education Department is anticipating a return to outdoor programs in the coming months. The decision will be dictated by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), Queensland Government recommendations, and BGS leadership. The goal for 2020 is to provide an outdoor experience for every student in Years 5 to 10. Fortunately, Years 5 and 7 boys completed their Outdoor Education experience pre-pandemic. The Year 8 cohort has been participating in a set of outdoor related tasks during Term 2, and each class in the Year 9 cohort will have an Outdoor Education lesson at school in Term 2.

In Terms 3 and 4, we anticipate providing an outdoor experience for all Years 6, 8, 9 and 10 students in line with recommendations from the authorities. This could be in the form of a Northgate day trip, a Moogerah day trip or a residential Moogerah experience. The decisions will be made as the health authority recommendations are received. We hope to have students back at Pepperina Hill, embracing the chance to join their friends in reconnecting with nature as soon as possible.

GPS Sports and Activities

The Great Public Schools Association of Queensland (GPS) provided a statement yesterday with an update on the planning for a return to competition in Term 3. Further updates will be provided over the coming weeks, as we prepare to recommence training while observing all relevant directives. Please click here to read the full statement.

Boarding

The number of students returning to the residential community continues to grow and by the start of next week we expect to be accommodating most of our boarders across both Harlin House and the recently created Griffith House. The operation of BGS Boarding continues to be shaped by directions from Queensland Health, but we remain ever hopeful that restrictions on leave and activities will soon be eased and we can return to more familiar routines.

Mobile Phones

To accommodate the COVID-19 Safe App, all students will be temporarily permitted to carry their mobile phone in their pockets. Middle School parents need to contact their son’s Form Tutor should they wish for their son to carry his mobile phone. Phones must remain on silent and not be used during the school day.

Pick-up Zone

The Pick-up Zone now opens from 3.10pm. Students are required to wait in designated year level areas to minimise physical contact. Brothers should wait together in the zone of the youngest sibling. Click here to view the Pick-up Zone map.

Parent Meetings

To minimise the number of visitors on campus, any parent meetings that would normally occur on campus need to be conducted online. This decision has been made in the interest of community safety. The School will be guided by health authorities as to when face to face meetings can resume on campus.

For the latest updates from the School, please visit the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community section on the BGS website.

David Carroll
Acting Headmaster | Deputy Headmaster – Students

UPDATE FROM ACTING HEADMASTER
Wednesday 13 May

Dear BGS Community

It was wonderful to see Years 11 and 12 students back on campus to start this week. They were certainly excited to see each other in person. The boys were as enthusiastic as I’ve seen them to return to school. We are equally excited about the expected return of Years 5 to 10 students on Monday 25 May.

Update on Headmaster Anthony Micallef

On Wednesday 29 April, I wrote to the BGS community to advise that our Headmaster Anthony Micallef was taking leave for treatment of a recent medical condition, unrelated to COVID-19. The Headmaster has asked that I share with you the following additional information about this health matter.

Mr Micallef experienced a medical episode which saw him hospitalised for treatment of a physical condition. He is now at home recuperating and will continue to do so throughout this term. He’s receiving excellent medical attention and although the recovery period is slower than anticipated, he is making good progress.

As a result of his ongoing recuperation, the Headmaster’s medical leave has been extended by the Board of Trustees until the end of Term 2.

I have been in regular contact with Mr Micallef throughout this period. While he is frustrated that he could not be on campus to welcome the return of Years 11 and 12 students on Monday or for the return of the rest of the student body in a fortnight, he is excited for the boys and the School.

Mr Micallef has also expressed his pride to be part of the BGS community during this difficult period. He has greatly admired the commitment and hard work of students and staff and the support of parents in meeting the challenges.

I will remain Acting Headmaster for the duration of Term 2 until Mr Micallef’s expected return at the beginning of Term 3.

Social distancing and movement around campus

Social distancing measures have been implemented at BGS. This is explained to students through comprehensive signage, floor markers and seating labels. Some of the usual and more direct routes between our buildings, classrooms and offices are now unavailable. These measures are in place for the safety and wellbeing of all on campus. It is important students follow these directives.

Boarding

It has been heartening to welcome back more than 30 boys to boarding at the start of this week. They have brought a welcome energy to the residential community. The constraints surrounding the operation of boarding facilities in this period are significant, but we are hopeful that in due course we will be able to offer on-campus accommodation to all our boarders.

Academic

Monday 18 May is the start of Week 5, which marks the mid-point of Term 2. This is a transition week for the School as we prepare for the anticipated return of Years 5 to 10 students on Monday 25 May (Week 6).

The essential information about Week 5 is as follows:

• The whole school returns to the six periods per day regular timetable.
• Years 11 and 12 students will be in classrooms engaged in face-to-face learning.
• Years 5 to 10 students continue with home-based learning for the week.
• There will be 10-minute breaks between periods to enable lesson and teacher changeovers.

All students will receive their Week 5 timetable by email from the Dean of Curriculum by the end of this week.

Parents are reminded that the assessment calendar is live and that many due dates are imminent.

GPS Sports and Activities

The Great Public Schools Association of Queensland (GPS) released a statement on Friday 8 May outlining a plan for a staged return to Sport and Activities. Click here to read the full statement.

To progress our planning, students have now been invited to register their interest in Terms 3 and 4 sports and activities, under a modified competition plan. Students may access the register via the 'Register Term 3 & 4' tab in the Cocurricular Activities channel in Teams.

Once registration selections are collated, we will work with the GPS Association to build competitions. If we are unable to accommodate all interests, we will offer alternative Cocurricular involvements through a second registration round. Registrations close at 3.00pm on Thursday 14 May.

Parent surveys

I wish to offer my appreciation to parents for taking the time to complete our weekly parent surveys. They provide valuable information to allow for evidence-informed decisions. Thank you for your pleasing feedback about the work of BGS staff in the most recent parent survey.

For the latest updates from the School, please visit the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community section on the BGS website.

David Carroll
Acting Headmaster | Deputy Headmaster – Students

UPDATE FROM ACTING HEADMASTER
Wednesday 6 May 2020

Dear BGS Community

The Queensland Government has announced that from Monday 11 May 2020 students in Years 11 and 12 will be able to return to school. We are looking forward to the return to campus of those students next week and the added connection that the face-to face environment enables.

We understand that some parents of Years 11 and 12 students may choose to keep their son at home due to concerns about COVID-19. If parents choose to do this, I ask that you get in touch with your son’s Head of Year.

To safeguard all students and staff, it is important that students who are unwell remain at home. The BGS Health Centre will communicate with families of vulnerable students to provide direction around a return-to-school plan.

The Education Minister is expected to announce on Friday 15 May 2020 whether all other year levels (Years 5 to 10) will return to school on Monday 25 May 2020 (Week 6), as is currently planned. The current home-based learning arrangements will remain in place for Years 5 to 10 students until that time. Students of essential workers and vulnerable children in Years 5 to 10 will continue to be able to attend school for supervision.

The planning of resources and lessons for the next seven school days up until Friday 15 May have been completed and continuity of learning is the priority. The following summary outlines essential information about the transition back to on-campus teaching and learning:

Week commencing Monday 11 May. The current timetable will continue for all students until Friday 15 May in order to complete the pre-planned 10-day cycle.

• Year 11 and 12 students will have their lessons delivered in classrooms.
• Years 5 to 10 students will continue to receive their lessons online.

Week commencing Monday 18 May. The School will transition to a six-period timetable cycle.

• Years 11 and 12 students will have their lessons delivered in classrooms.
• Years 5 to 10 students will continue to receive their lessons online.

Week commencing Monday 25 May. The School will move to the regular timetable.

• All students will be back on campus (pending confirmation by Queensland Government).
   

Specific information for Years 11 and 12 students

BGS recognises the critical importance school activities and routines play in restoring feelings of normality and social equilibrium. Consequently, time to re-establish social connections and learning routines will be factored into the transition process as our Year 11 and 12 students return to campus. Social distancing will be required and explained to students. This week we are installing additional signage, floor markers and seating labels to promote social distancing. The School’s cleaning and sanitation processes have been intensified.

The School continues to have high expectations for Years 11 and 12. The boys are to return to school in their full winter uniform with their hat and with a hair style that meets school protocols.

Tutor Groups will commence at 8.15am on Monday 11 May. Period 1 will be a Student Wellbeing Curriculum lesson that includes a virtual year level assembly, ahead of boys moving into their academic classes for the remainder of the day. Classes will conclude at 3.00pm.

All Years 11 and 12 students will be emailed in the coming days with their individual timetable and room allocations for next week. Note the additional details below:

• Additional sessions in English and Maths have been timetabled, in recognition of the Internal Assessment priorities in these subjects, particularly for Year 12.
• The extensive support available for students via Teams and Canvas will continue.
• Heads of Year will be closely monitoring and tracking students. Parents are encouraged to make contact should any concerns arise during the transition process.

The Tuckshop will be available for students with measures in place to practise social distancing. There will also be additional measures implemented to control student movement around the campus and our cleaning regimes increased, especially in high traffic and practical activity zones.  

Changes to the pick-up process will be communicated in due course in preparation for the anticipated return of all Year levels.

Student Services will be available to provide support and guidance as required.
 

Thank you

As we transition to a return to campus, I would like to thank parents and guardians for their support. I also commend our students for their engagement during this difficult period.

It will be important over the coming weeks that students remain committed to their studies as we transition back to the traditional mode of teaching. For Years 5 to 10 students, I encourage you to remain focused over the coming weeks and continue to use GrammarFit and GrammarWell.
 

For the latest updates from the School, please visit the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community section on the BGS website.

David Carroll
Acting Headmaster | Deputy Headmaster – Students

UPDATE FROM ACTING HEADMASTER
Wednesday 29 April

Dear BGS Community

Firstly, I wanted to inform you that Headmaster Anthony Micallef is currently taking leave for treatment of a recently diagnosed medical condition, unrelated to COVID-19.

I have been in regular contact with Anthony, and he is in good spirits and unsurprisingly focused on the School. I wish him a speedy recovery on behalf of the BGS community. I will be Acting Headmaster until he returns and will keep you updated as appropriate.

Tuition Fee Discount

The Board of Trustees has decided to discount Term 2 tuition fees by 10%. The decision reflects a desire to support the BGS community in a financially responsible manner in these difficult times.

A reminder to please click here and complete the survey, which will inform us how you wish the discount to be applied in respect to your son/s. Note, you must complete a separate survey for each son you have at BGS. For example, if you have two sons, complete two surveys. Please confirm your discount option by completing the survey by Friday 15 May 2020.
 

Parent Feedback

Before the term break, parents were invited to provide feedback via a survey on perceptions of their son’s experience of home-based learning. The data collected proved valuable in helping to shape our timetable, curriculum and wellbeing planning for Term 2. As part of our commitment to an evidence-informed approach to ongoing decision making as we navigate this period of home-based learning, I invite you to provide feedback again.

Please click here to provide feedback on the first two weeks of Term 2. The data will assist us in making adjustments to our current home-based educational program. It will also inform our thinking about the curriculum post-pandemic. The survey will close at 7.00pm on Saturday 2 May.
 

Academic

The Term 2 Assessment Schedule has been finalised and is now available via MyGrammar. Using this schedule as a regular reference point will assist students and parents in planning priorities and managing time efficiently.

While all subjects have adjusted their courses and assessment to better align with online curriculum delivery and the home-based learning environment, the essential knowledge and skills will still be assessed and student progress reported on.

Parents of Year 12 students will have noted that most IAs this term are research or report based, with only a small number of exams scheduled. Meeting the defined checkpoints is essential to student progress. Parents are encouraged to monitor these dates and submission requirements across their son’s subjects.
 

Student Wellbeing

Parent Contact

A reminder that Form Tutors will contact parents over the coming weeks to check the progress of students’ home-based learning and ensure they are managing with the change. Parents of boys in Years 9 to 12 will be contacted in Weeks 2 to 4, and parents of boys in Years 5 to 8 will be contacted in Weeks 2 to 5. Calls will predominately be made on Thursday afternoons.

Please continue to contact your son’s Head of Year if you wish to speak to someone before the Form Tutors contact you.
 

GrammarWell

GrammarWell, the School’s new digital Student Wellbeing Platform, is now available via MyGrammar. Students can explore the platform and discover wellbeing resources to keep them happy, healthy and get the most out of school and life.

Please click here to watch our Director of Student Wellbeing Programs explain GrammarWell in more detail.

 

Boarding

The BGS Boarding community continues to actively care for a small number of boys who are living in Harlin House, and a far greater number who are learning at home or with their guardians. We thank all of our families for their continued support and engagement.

Please click here to watch our Director of Boarding provide a summary of what BGS Boarding plans to achieve by 22 May.
 

For the latest updates from the School, please visit the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community section on the BGS website.

David Carroll
Acting Headmaster | Deputy Headmaster – Students

UPDATE FROM HEADMASTER
Friday 24 April

Dear BGS Community

As we commence Term 2, the Board of Trustees acknowledges the challenging circumstances presented to us all by the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank all our parents, guardians and students for your cooperation and enthusiasm in preparing for the new term.

We also acknowledge the hard work undertaken by BGS staff to deliver a high-quality home-based learning experience for our students in line with the directive from the Queensland Government.

Extensive work has also been undertaken to meet the Federal Minister’s directive that the School remains open for onsite learning for students of essential workers and others where appropriate.

As a result, we believe there will continue to be a smooth delivery of the curriculum, albeit under different circumstances to normal. We will continue to invest a tremendous amount of effort to enrich the online delivery of academic, wellbeing and cocurricular programs for our students.

The Board of Trustees has been closely monitoring educational developments and considering how the School can best support our community and help to ease the unprecedented impact imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There remains a high level of uncertainty as to how we will be required by the State Government to deliver educational programs going forward.

I am pleased to advise that as part of the School’s interim response to the pandemic, the Board of Trustees yesterday approved a 10% reduction in the level of Term 2 tuition fees. Details of how this reduction will be implemented will be outlined in a separate communication from the Chief Financial Officer in the coming days.

The School will continue to monitor the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on the School’s operations through the remainder of Term 2 and assess whether any further reduction in tuition fees will be offered in respect of Terms 3 and 4. An announcement in this regard will be made prior to the commencement of Term 3 when we have further information.

We again want to thank all our parents, students, staff and leadership for the way everyone has responded so positively and cooperatively in these difficult times.

The wellbeing of all students, along with maintaining our high standard of education, remain the priorities of Brisbane Grammar School.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

COVID-19 UPDATE FROM HEADMASTER
Wednesday 22 April

Dear BGS Community

The COVID-19 pandemic ensured an interrupted end to Term 1, but through the dedicated work of BGS staff, the School was prepared to begin home-based learning for Term 2. The boys will continue to learn from home until at least Friday 22 May.

What happens after Week 5 is still unclear. My hope is that students return to school, and we can get on with the business of learning on campus and enjoying the benefits of being at BGS.
 

Parent and Student Information

The School remains committed to ensuring the physical, intellectual and emotional wellbeing of our students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more via the BGS Home-based Learning Parent Handbook, which can be accessed here. A student version of the handbook has also been produced. Please encourage your son to read the handbook, available here.

I want to praise all students, but particularly our Year 12s, who have made an extremely positive start to the year. The Class of 2020 has led with distinction, despite the challenges.

There is much to look forward to the while the boys learn from home, particularly our first Anzac Day virtual assembly, which will be available to students on Monday morning.
 

BGS Together

During this unprecedented and uncertain time, one practical thing we can all do is support BGS families and their businesses. Many of us feel helpless with the news of constant closures and would welcome an opportunity to make a difference.

For that reason, we are offering to promote the goods and services offered by BGS families to the BGS community. The BGS Together initiative is now live on the BGS website.  Please use this resource to support the BGS community. If you wish to promote your goods or services to the community, please click here.

The Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees are fully cognisant of the many difficulties, including financial issues, that the COVID-19 pandemic presents. As we have done in the past, the School will work on a case-by-case basis with anyone experiencing hardship as a result of loss of employment, extended unpaid leave or a decline in business due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
 

Academic

Term 2 Parent-Teacher Interviews
Having considered a range of options and alternatives, the Senior Leadership Team has determined that conducting parent-teacher interviews in the current circumstances is not viable. Instead, we will provide parents with an interim report outlining student progress in the home-based learning phase of this term. A suitable reporting format will be developed, and the School will aim to provide this report by the mid-term point. We will also provide the usual end of semester report in June.

Year 12
Just before term break, the QCAA issued subject-specific direction on the nature and timing of the next internal assessment in General and Applied subjects for each learning area. This information has been supplemented with an extensive list of answers to frequently asked questions that BGS will use to make informed decisions that support our senior students.

The QCAA continues to respond to the concerns about changes to learning and senior assessment by regularly refreshing the FAQs webpage for parents and students. The myQCE team is also available to respond to queries via the ‘Ask us a question’ form on the myQCE website. I encourage parents and Year 12 students to access these links.
 

Student Wellbeing

GrammarWell
An initiative we are excited to launch this week is GrammarWell – our digital Student Wellbeing Platform. Within the six key areas – mental fitness, peak performance, connecting with community, the great indoors, acts of kindness and beautiful news – the boys will find activities to spark their curiosity, information aimed to support their wellbeing, and opportunities to interact with their peers.

Many boys enjoyed participating in class challenges towards the end of last term and we received a large number of entries in our BGS Learning From Home photo competition. Within the Connecting with Community section on GrammarWell, boys will continue to find fun and challenging activities aimed to keep them connected and engaged with our BGS community.

It is also important to note that Student Services will remain available to support students. Contact information for each of our School Counsellors is included in the BGS Home-based Learning Parent Handbook.

Weekly parent and student surveys will continue to be conducted this term to provide us with valuable information regarding student engagement and wellbeing. Data gathered from the surveys informs both our communication and curriculum planning.

To learn more about how the Student Wellbeing program is continuing to support students, hear from the Deputy Headmaster - Students and Head of Middle School here.
 

Cocurriculum

GrammarFit
To provide, regular physical activity for all our students during this period of home-based learning, the Performance Development team has launched a new initiative, GrammarFit.

At 7.00am each weekday morning our staff will stream a 30-minute general workout, catering for students of all ages and levels of fitness. These commenced yesterday. Students can access the initiative via the GrammarFit channel in Teams.

To learn more about how the Cocurriculum program is continuing to support students, hear from the Deputy Head – Cocurriculum here.

For the latest updates from School, please visit the COVID-19 Advice for BGS Community section on the BGS website.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

COVID-19 UPDATE FROM HEADMASTER
Wednesday 15 April

Dear BGS Community,

On Monday 13 April 2020, the Queensland Government announced that schools will continue providing home-based learning for the majority of students. School campuses will remain open to children of essential workers, and other children whose parents need to send their children to school due to the nature of their employment. This mode of curriculum delivery will commence on Tuesday 21 April 2020 and continue until at least Friday 22 May 2020.

Given this announcement and the recent direction of Federal Education Minister the Hon Dan Tehan, that all independent schools remain open, BGS will continue to deliver home-based learning to all students. We have and will continue to invest a tremendous amount of effort to enrich the online delivery of academic, wellbeing and co-curricular programs to our students. BGS teachers and support staff will work from school to facilitate the continuity of learning for the boys, whether they are at home or supervised at BGS.

In relation to boarding operations, Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) contacted the Queensland Chief Health Officer late last week through the Director General of Education. As of Thursday 9 April, the Chief Health Officer’s view was that boarding should not re-open fully at this stage. We are conscious of our obligation to families of essential workers, and to our international and Indigenous communities. We will look to provide a truncated boarding program within Harlin House, should it not be possible for these boarders to study from home or under the direct supervision of their parents. As ever, we invite other boarding families to contact our boarding community directly to explore what further support can be offered at this time.

If you intend to send your son to school commencing Tuesday 21 April 2020, it is important you complete the survey here so that we can arrange the appropriate supervision.

BGS is committed to making the next five weeks of learning as smooth as possible for parents, students and teachers. The School will continue to support student learning outside the traditional face-to-face setting. BGS has developed a digital parent handbook that provides further information on home-based learning and outlines the School’s expectations of its students. The handbook includes frequently asked questions, so that parents can easily access important information. Click here to access the BGS Home-based Learning Parent Handbook. I have also provided an overview of the Term 2 academic, student wellbeing and co-curricular programs delivery below.

In closing, I wish to extend the Board of Trustees’ and Senior Leadership Team’s united praise for the exceptional work of BGS teachers and school staff throughout this situation. Despite the challenges, staff have and will continue to provide stability and confidence for our students.

As this situation continues to develop, I ask for your patience as we endeavour to navigate new territory in the weeks ahead.

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster
 

BGS Academic Program Delivery Term 2 2020

Academic / Online Timetable

Every student will receive a new timetable designed to optimise home-based learning experiences and to provide a set routine for each school day. Students will continue to study the same subjects, but these will be differently arranged. The online timetable runs on a 10-day cycle, meaning that students study their subjects in three longer blocks each day. The longer sessions of 75 minutes better suit the pace and structure required for effective home-based learning.

• Each school day begins with a wellbeing check-in with Tutor Groups at 8.15am – an important point of connection and a daily readiness check for students.
• The short breaks in between lessons enable students to recharge, stretch and move, set up for the next class and resolve minor technical issues.
• Students will also have Consolidation and Preparation Study Sessions timetabled each day, with set routines and checklists of essential learning activities.
• These sessions also provide opportunities for students to contact their teachers outside of regular class time to ask follow-up questions and receive feedback on drafts.  

Assessment will be adapted to better suit the home-based learning environment and a revised assessment schedule will be published early in the term. All assessment tasks are structured so as to provide markers, called checkpoints, for students and parents to monitor and track progress through units of study.

The opportunity for each boy to stay engaged with his studies and demonstrate his learning progress is fundamental to our curriculum design and delivery.   
 

BGS Student Wellbeing Program Delivery Term 2 2020

The Student Wellbeing team is focused on developing practices that can be implemented while students are engaged with home-based learning. The focus is centred on four key themes:

• Student and parent connection;
• Individual care;
• Positive behaviour management; and
• Community engagement.

Data will be collected by the School’s data team, which will be analysed, evaluated and communicated to ensure our practices become more effective in supporting students, staff and parents.

Each section of the wellbeing portfolio (Wellbeing Programs, Student Services, Boarding and Health Centre, and Outdoor Education) has developed a plan to be implemented from the commencement of Term 2.

Every effort will be made to connect with students and their parents during the boys’ absence from the campus. The model of individual care will have staff making contact on a regular basis with students and parents. Our actions will focus on connecting boys to the community in ways familiar to them and providing opportunities for new activities. The Student Wellbeing team believes opportunities exist to build stronger links with students and their families during this time.

Another exciting innovation is the BGS Student Wellbeing Platform - a space for students to remain connected with their friends and get involved. This new platform will become an important source of information for students and parents on ways to stay happy, healthy and connected to each other.
 

BGS Cocurriculum Program Delivery Term 2 2020

For all Terms 2 and 3 Sports and Activities, program leaders are providing weekly training programs, throughout the home-based learning period. These will be accompanied by supporting videos, where applicable. Program leaders will also be tracking engagement in these programs. Students can access these programs via MyGrammar.

Head Coaches will work directly with flagship squads and development team members to ensure they are undertaking more specific home-based training.

To cater to the needs of our BGS community, the Performance Development team will provide GrammarFit, each school-day morning throughout the home-based learning period. These 30-minute general workouts, for all ages and levels of fitness, will be available at 7.00am each morning, commencing Tuesday 21 April. Details on accessing GrammarFit will be available via the MyGrammar Cocurriculum page on Friday this week.  

Instrumental and vocal tuition, as well as selected ensemble rehearsals, will continue online throughout the home-based learning period, as will rehearsals for our dramatic productions. Program leaders have communicated with these students and will continue to do so.

A comprehensive Cocurriculum program overview, including the list of Activities (internal clubs and special interest groups), which have transitioned to online delivery, is available here.

COVID-19 UPDATE FROM HEADMASTER
Friday 3 April

Dear BGS Community,

We have experienced an extraordinary past few weeks. At our first virtual Senior School Assembly this morning, I spoke to an empty Centenary Hall, and I must say I missed the usual cacophony of boys’ voices that traditionally starts the assembly. I also introduced the virtual Middle School Assembly to connect with our youngest members of the community. I hope all boys listening and watching from home still felt a sense of inclusion and belonging.

During both assemblies, I encouraged boys to monitor their health closely. I explained that the purpose of this isolation is to keep as many Australians as safe and healthy as possible, and I urged them to take care of themselves and each other (from a safe distance, of course). No matter what happens this year, they should be proud of themselves, their resilience, and their ability to adapt to extreme circumstances. I am proud of the way BGS students are coping with this crisis.

I sincerely hope our BGS families are safe and well and that each student has adjusted to studying and learning online from home. We have all been heavily impacted by the measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am grateful for your support and understanding, and I thank everyone for their hard work and patience as we transitioned to remote schooling. The positivity shown across our community has been outstanding, and I appreciate how everyone has worked together to get the job done.

The School is preparing for several scenarios next term. Our first preference is to celebrate the students’ return to campus on Tuesday 21 April. If that cannot happen, boys and their teachers will transition to a more wide-ranging online teaching and learning environment. It will be challenging, but we will support students and inform parents.

The Studies Directorate has liaised with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) to confirm the revised assessment requirements for Years 11 and 12. They have also formed a revised Term 2 timetable, should the delivery of online curriculum continue beyond the holiday period. A revised assessment calendar for all year levels is being developed, and we will advise students and parents in due course.

I assure you the School is doing everything it can to minimise the impact on the boys’ studies and to keep them socially connected to the School by offering continuity of curriculum, access to teachers and modified assessment, among other measures.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your son’s Head of Year. If your son needs assistance, he can contact his Form Tutor, Head of Year, Assistant Head of Year or one of the School Counsellors in Student Services. Boys are encouraged to make use of our confidential counselling and wellbeing services. The School is here to support our students.

The Australian Government has launched an official ‘Coronavirus Australia’ app you can download for accurate advice. More information is available here. Throughout the term break, I will continue to take advice from government authorities and will update the community of any developments.

I hope you stay well and safe. My very best wishes for the coming weeks. We continue to be here for the students today and in the days ahead.

To read the School’s latest updates on the issue, please continue to visit the COVID-19 Advice for the BGS Community page on the BGS website.

Kind regards,

Anthony Micallef
Headmaster

If you would like up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit the Que​ensland Health website.

People cannot attend any BGS site if in the last 14 days they:

• have been overseas
• have been in a COVID-19 hotspot
• have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
• have COVID-19 or any symptoms, no matter how mild

BGS has increased its health and hygiene practices to amplify infection control, through:

• targeted cleaning in public and shared spaces, with a focus on hard surfaces;
• additional hand sanitiser units; and
• communication campaigns to raise awareness of healthy hygiene habits.

The School has purchased a mechanical fogging machine to sanitise student social spaces, lockers, and other larger areas.

To minimise the risk of spreading infection, we request all persons at our sites to adopt the following practices:

• social distancing measures have been put in place;
• any member of the community exhibiting flu-like symptoms instructed to seek medical advice;
• regularly clean hands with soap or alcohol-based hand rubs;
• cover nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing; and
• avoid contact with anyone who has fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, or laboured breathing.

Persons affected by self-isolation can return to BGS after 14 days isolation and without presenting any symptoms of the virus.

The BGS Health Centre (07 3834 5222) and your local GP can provide guidance if required. Below are some key contacts to note:

• Queensland Health advice and information
• Metro North Public Health Unit (07 3624 1111)
• 24/7 National Coronavirus Health Information Line (1800 020 080)
• 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)