Light Dark Blue: The Wellbeing Series

The second series of the BGS podcast is titled The Wellbeing Series and is made up of 10 episodes.  

The series takes a deep dive into the significant effort being made in the student wellbeing space as BGS strives to offer a holistic education that goes beyond academics.  We look at the school-wide efforts being made in building respectful, connected and resilient young men who have the skills to overcome adversity and ability to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, as they continue living in a world moving at an unprecedented pace. 

The podcast explains the relevance of the School’s social initiative known as Protect and Connect, which covers three topics; Bullying Prevention, Respectful Relationships and Healthy Sexuality, and Student Leadership Development, and how it is creating a culture of inclusivity, diversity and kindness at BGS.  

Staff and teachers from a range of areas, such as Middle School, Boarding, Cocurricular and Student Services, share their experiences on the importance of teaching the boys about taking care of their mental health and taking care of each other, and how this sets them up for success in a multitude of ways. 

We invite parents and carers, and anyone interested in learning about developments of student wellbeing in education, to subscribe to Light Dark Blue: The BGS Podcast.  

Ep 10: View from the Boys: Wellbeing Series wrap-up

In the final episode of our Wellbeing Series, we hear from five BGS boys about their lived experience at the School. We find out who they turn to when things get challenging, what the BGS culture means to them, and how the range of student Wellbeing programs have helped them thrive.

Ep 9: Support and Guidance Builds Resilient Young Men, with Nathan Simmons

What is key to the students at BGS emerging as happy and successful young men? Nathan Simmons, Director of Counselling and Academic Services, discusses the pillars that support the boys to thrive during their time at BGS, some of the common wellbeing issues he sees in his role, and some advice for parents to support their boys. 

Ep 8: Wellbeing for BGS Boarders, with Tim Holzgrefe, Head of Griffith House Boarding

Student wellbeing is crucial for every BGS student — none more so than our boarders. We talk to Tim Holzgrefe about how much boarding has changed over the years, the challenges young boarders can face on arrival, and the bespoke program that supports the BGS boarders to feel protected and connected right through their journey at BGS. 

Ep 7: All the World’s a Stage: Drama and Belonging with Mr Patrick (Paddy) Last

If a student feels like he belongs, he thrives. That is the message from Paddy Last who is an Assistant Head of Year 10 and Drama Teacher. Mr Last’s role is to ensure boys find a sense of belonging and connection with others — whether that is through a combination of sport, academics or on stage in one of the School’s dramatic or musical productions. He explains why students should keep an open mind and try a range of cocurricular activities, to avoid pigeonholing themselves.   

Ep 6: Giving Back and Feeling Good: Public Purpose at BGS with Crystal Thompson

Each week, BGS boys help tutor students at neighbouring schools, make sandwiches for kids without school lunches, help raise money to train guide dogs…and so much more. With 14 Public Purpose programs going strong across the school, the popularity of what used to be called ‘community service’ has never been greater. We speak to Crystal Thompson, who leads Public Purpose about why the program is beneficial not only to the community and school, but to the boys themselves.

Ep 5: Student Wellbeing and Technology with Mr Craig Timms, Head of Year 12

As Head of Year, Craig Timms accompanies students on an extraordinary journey supporting the same cohort from Year 9 through to graduation. In this episode, he discusses his experience of working with students as they grow and mature year-on-year, and how the wellbeing programs help navigate challenges, including those posed by technology.

Ep 4: Wellbeing at Moogerah: Building Skills and Connection with Derek Jervis, Director of Outdoor Education

Days kayaking on the lake and nights listening to Dreamtime stories over a campfire, Moogerah provides fond memories for many BGS students. Derek Jervis chats to Light Dark Blue about the Outdoor Education program, and how the practical skills – while undoubtedly important – are secondary to the sense of connection and wellbeing gained from “going bush”. 

Ep 3: Protect and Connect: It Takes a Team, with Adam Bloch, Head of Year 9

What is Protect and Connect, and why does it take everyone — teachers, parents, staff and student leaders— to make this model work? We chat with Adam Block about helping boys navigate the shift between junior and senior schools and the importance of connection during this momentous and foundational time in a boy’s life. 

Ep 2: How to get boys to open up, with Philippa Douglas, Director of Student Wellbeing Programs

From insufficient sleep and tech dependence to body image and friendship issues, the impact on students of today is significant. We talk to the Director of Student Wellbeing Programs, Philippa Douglas, about how the School is helping students to manage social pressures in a healthy way and how parents can support their sons.

Ep 1: Why the Student Wellbeing Program matters, with Rebecca Campbell and Simon Conway

Why has Brisbane Grammar School put so much emphasis on student wellbeing in recent years? In this episode, we talk to the heads of the Middle and Senior schools about the ongoing, school-wide efforts in building connected and resilient young men who are ready to face the challenges of a changing world.