Term 4 Week 6 Friday 10 November 2017

Volume 27 | Number 35

Newsletter

2

Chief Financial Officer

Mark Corgat

Balancing the Budget

Brisbane Grammar School has a long and proud tradition of producing remarkable educational and social outcomes. At BGS, we measure our success by the all-round quality of the young men who graduate from our institution.

Recently the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees articulated the BGS value proposition as follows:

• A BGS education today provides the best start in life for the thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.

• The BGS culture is distinctive in balancing the highest academic standards with a rich array of sporting and cultural activities in an environment that nurtures the social and emotional wellbeing of every boy.

• Our graduates go to the world’s leading universities, lead their chosen careers and professions, and make their own futures.

The delivery on our value proposition is founded on five strategic intents, one of which is financial sustainability.

When discussing financial sustainability in the independent school sector, the subject invariably turns to tuition fee levels, and how those fees are spent.

Determining the level of school fees at BGS is a complex and serious matter. In its simplest form, school fees are set to cover the operating costs of the School, after allowing for modest government funding, and generating some reserves to upgrade campus facilities.

Our single most significant investment is in our staff. To produce the best academic, extracurricular and wellbeing outcomes, BGS seeks to attract and retain high calibre

staff. Consequently, personnel costs constitute almost three quarters of our total operating budget. A sizable portion of this amount is applied to the ongoing professional development of our teaching staff in contemporary teaching methods and practices. We also employ a substantial and capable team dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our boys. This team includes specialists in counselling, academic services, public purpose, student support and nursing, to name a few.

Our second largest outlay is for resources used in our teaching, extracurricular and wellbeing programs. Whether it be state of the art technology, musical instruments, sports equipment or outdoor education apparatus, these resources amount to almost ten per cent of our operating budget.

Coming in third are our property costs. BGS has amassed an enviable portfolio of infrastructure, providing an environment which is a key enabler of our value proposition. These include the Northgate Playing Fields, the iconic rowing shed on the Brisbane River, our unique Outdoor Education Centre at Lake Moogerah (including the recent additions of Pulpit Rock and Mt Alford), the new BGS Tennis Centre in Kelvin Grove, and of course, our magnificent Spring Hill campus reflecting a blend of the architecture of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Maintaining, enhancing and protecting these facilities is an important undertaking. Consequently, we are constantly looking for opportunities to contain and reduce property costs, with energy consumption reduction high on our list of priorities for 2018.

The final and smallest category of costs relates to our administration and compliance. Like any organisation operating in a highly regulated environment, administration

Brisbane Grammar SchoolGregory Terrace Brisbane QLD 4000

P +61 7 3834 5200 E reception@brisbanegrammar.com

www.brisbanegrammar.com

3

costs are unavoidable. This covers typical functions such as finance, human resources, marketing and information technology. It also includes specialist functions such as enrolments, advancement and community relations. It should come as no surprise that the compliance obligations in the independent school sector are onerous, and even more so for the state’s eight grammar schools.

Brisbane Grammar School necessarily operates with a long term view. Part of our yearly budget aims to accumulate some cash reserves to enable us to continue investing in minor and major capital projects. The School operates with a long-range masterplan, and current BGS families are enjoying the benefit of this with the more recent additions being The Lilley Centre, Tennis Centre and Lake Moogerah properties. The School is poised to embark on its next major capital project which will see the western corner transformed into a contemporary educational precinct that will integrate the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics in the ‘STEAM’ building. We believe the seamless merger of these disciplines is essential to equip our boys for the jobs of the future, many of which don’t currently exist.

I have written several times this year on the subject of government funding, and in particular, on the topic of the new Gonski 2.0 model introduced in Federal Parliament. As I have said previously, one upside of the new Commonwealth funding model is that it provides the certainty for independent schools to confidently plan for the future. The matter of state funding is less predictable. Both funding arrangements in their basic form reflect the socio-economic profile of our BGS families. This means that BGS receives one of the lowest levels of government funding per student in Queensland.

This brings us to the final piece of the financial puzzle, that is, the School’s fees contributed by BGS families from hard-earned after-tax earnings. Knowing the sacrifices that families make to give their boys a BGS education, we are very mindful of containing our fee levels to balance this equation carefully. We also aim to minimise surprises through our all-inclusive tuition fee and technology level structures, rather than bolting on numerous supplementary charges.

I hope this article has provided some helpful insight on the complex topic of finance at BGS, and our commitment to balance the budget to deliver on our value proposition.

4

The past week has represented that peculiar occurrence in a school year when we farewell our seniors and simultaneously commence the process of naming our student leaders for 2018.

Last week I had the distinction of naming the Prefects and school leadership team and this week Form Seniors and Activities Leaders have been published in this edition of the Newsletter.

It gives me immense pleasure to share with the community the names of the boys who will lead our sporting and cultural activities in term 1 2018.

I wish these young men, who have been identified to perform positions of added responsibility, along with all students moving into their senior year, much success in their final year of secondary schooling.

Activity Captain Vice-Captain

Cricket Will Sanders Tom Nicholson

Debating William Power Benjamin Ganko

Fencing Wylie Raymond Ulric Nieminen

Music Anton Vellnagel Choir Matthew Adi Bands Josh Leung Strings Richard Munro

Rowing Harry Lusk David Weightman

Sailing Nicholas Purcell William Power

Swimming Alexander Grant Gregor Stewart

Volleyball Harry Wilson Jason Lin

From the Headmaster

Anthony Micallef

5

Deputy Headmaster – Students

David Carroll

Final Assembly Year 12

This week’s senior assembly was a significant one for the 2017 Year 12 cohort: it was their final school assembly. I am sure they are relieved they don’t have to sit through another hot summer of assemblies but the significance of the moment was not lost on the boys. Our gathering each week is a significant ritual and shapes our school culture enormously. Our wonderful culture is emphasised through the words and actions during this important time each week.

This was certainly the case on Wednesday, as students heard three wonderful addresses from three key leaders in our community. Headmaster Anthony Micallef spoke first outlining the thanks and appreciation the School has for this senior cohort and the work they have done this year. School leaders Joshua Grice, Philip Groves, William Ramsay, Toby Buckley and Hugo Perchard then responded on behalf of the senior students. The 2017 Captains are all incredible speakers and their authenticity was again on display for all to see.

The seniors also presented a $55,265 cheque to the Headmaster as a starting point for the 2017 Year Group Bursary. This year the seniors and their families have raised this amount to support the BGS Bursary Fund as their senior gift. School Captain Joshua Grice challenged future groups to do the same and raise even more money to support future bursarial students. Joshua also presented Marcus Ray, 2018 School Captain Elect, with the framed

Honour Pocket symbolising the handover from the 2017 seniors to the 2018 seniors. Marcus then delivered a wonderful speech praising the work of the 2017 senior cohort. It was a fitting tribute to the exiting seniors and a wonderful introduction to the 2018 School Captain Elect.

Each year the highlight of this special assembly is the spirited applause saved for each of the Year 12 Tutor Groups as they are called to leave Centenary Hall for the final time. They are led by their Form Tutor who has for most groups been with the boys since Year 9. While many schools face the challenges of poor behaviour from the departing senior cohort, it was wonderful to witness a community offering gratitude for the work of a group of selfless leaders.

Thank you and congratulations to the Class of 2017.

IN THIS SECTION

Deputy Headmaster – Students

Director of Outdoor Education

Director of Boarding

6

Last week I announced to the community the School and Harlin House Prefects for 2018. This week I wish to inform you of the students who will fill the position of Form Seniors in 2018. This important leadership role has our senior students interact each week with the younger students in the School. I offer my congratulations to the boys listed below and wish them well as they commence this important leadership opportunity.

Form Senior Announcement

Year 5

5ABrassil, AidanBrolly, SullivanVan De Graaff, James

5BBrady, LachieShapland, JackFowler, Gus

5CBartley, JackO’Grady, ConnorTilley, Fergus

5DRussell, HarryElliott, LiamSimpson, Angus

Year 6

6AAppleyard, JamesMoudgil, RahulBrooke, Will

6BCleland, TomFison, MaxYounger, Sidney

6CLumley, DougWilson, Harry

6DCho, ConradRaymond, WylieWilkinson, Freddy

Year 7

7ADavies, AlexKim, FrancisTrappett, Josh

7BAnderson, FynLuck, CurtisParker, James

7CBarton, FraserHolzgrefe, JacobRinaudo, Luka

7DTennyson, CharlieLeung, JoshThew, Hugo

7ECockburn, TomHastie, ThomasSwart, Tiaan

7FCronin, EdwardMedek, OscarWest, Hamish

7GDykes, MalachySaggers, AmosWithers, George

7HDi Iorio, JordanQuin, ZacharySimmers, Anthony

7IEccleston, ThomasCoyne, LachieScott, Nicholas

Year 8

8ABodla, HarshaGreen, HarrisonShim, Min-Gyu

8BBriggs, JackKapetanakos, LachlanLin, Jason

8CBrunckhorst, TomMcNaught, MaxSu, William

8DChua, JeremiahNieminen, UlricMacintosh, Hamish

8ECorreia, JulianGreening, TomTaylor, Harry

8FCounsell, MontyLauder, MatthewGibbons, Theo

8GDooley, WillNugent, JacksonGnanavel, Nagulan

8HGehrmann, SandyMooney, TomEglesfield, Joshua

8IDonaldson, BlairBlack, HarrySanders, Will

Year 9

9:01Boyce, CameronBebb, Samuel

9:02Castrisos, AlexanderWomal, Riley

9:03De Alwis, RuveenWeier, Luke

9:04Choudhury, JoydipWeightman, David

9:05Duncan, SamEmaldi, Eros

9:06Duncan-Banks, DannyMoriarty, Ruairc

9:07Eu, SeanLawrence, Joey

9:08Grant, AlexanderQiu, Bill

9:09Jaisinghani, PranayShue, Oliver

9:10Jones, MichaelBogossian, Dan

9:11Kelly, DeclanEghtesadi Araghi, Armin

9:12Liu, StanleyLusk, Harry

9:13Angus, DavidHogg, James

9:14Martinenko, HarrisonKuo, William

9:15Hine, EamonSuffell, Seth

9:16Premraj, LavienDavis, Calum

9:17Robinson, BrendanKumar, Jonathan

9:18Ryals, TomWoods, James

7

Arrangements for Years 9 to 12 students for Speech Day on Wednesday 15 November 2017:

• Not required to attend school that morning.

• Meet with their Form Tutors at QPAC for roll marking at 11.55am (except for prize winners and performing musicians).

• The map below shows details of relevant meeting points.

Frank McClatchyDean of Administration

Speech Day 2017

8

Director of Outdoor Education

Derek Jervis

The 10G class has completed their final BGS Outdoor Education experience. The boys learned a lot about themselves and each other throughout the week. The class showed their willingness to take on the challenges and help out their friends. Each student got a chance to lead during the expedition, giving them the opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice.

Parth Mehta showed his understanding of leadership styles and his ability to role model. Both his peers and teachers recognised his efforts for both supporting and leading his classmates. Chris Sole was also a strong leader with a great understanding of the objectives of outdoor education.

Louis Cardell-Ree put in a huge effort this week. Louis was willing to push himself both physically during the expedition and mentally on the high ropes course. He took on the core motto at Moogerah “it’s the effort put in that counts”.

Adam Taib, Chris Sole, Luke Graham, Lochie Pheely and Nick Athanasiou have set a new all-time record for the orienteering course. The boys used precise navigation and physical endurance to finish the three-hour course with a record breaking 130 points!

Jude Forrest was recognised for his efforts during the week and his reflection is a great message to take away:

“Outdoor Education is valuable because it teaches us things we couldn’t learn in the classroom. Things like teamwork, physically and mentally challenging yourself and how to cope with tough living conditions. I think I will always remember the feeling of ‘there’s no going back’ on the high ropes course and having to tough it out through difficult and challenging times, because quitting is not an option. Add to this the skills of campfire lighting, outdoor cooking, kayaking and canoeing and challenging my fear of heights, and you have a collection of fun memories I will cherish. On this trip I have learned much about how leadership works; some leaders are quieter than others but all can work well when they are leading.”

Click to view the 10G photos and 10G video.

9

Director of Student Services

Dale Nicholas

Release of QCS Test results

Individual student QCS Test results will be released prior to senior certification in December. From 9.00am on Wednesday 15 November 2017 students will be able to access their individual QCS Test grade — from A to E — in their learning account on the Student Connect Website.

Release of Year 12 results OPs and FPs

From 9.00am on Saturday 16 December, all results contributing to the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), OPs and FPs will be available in student learning accounts on the Student Connect website. From Monday 18 December, students will begin receiving their Senior Education Profiles in the mail. Depending on individual circumstances, a student profile will comprise one or more of the following documents: QCE; Tertiary Entrance Statement; Senior Statement.

In order to access Student Connect for results, Year 12 students must click here to activate their accounts.

Posting of Subject Achievement Indicators

Assessments for all Year 12 subjects have been finalised over the last few weeks, and as part of the process which culminates in the awarding of OPs, QCEs and Senior Statements, there are some important checking procedures. For each subject students have an opportunity to review their achievement profile and to sign-off on the Level of Achievement (LoA) they are to receive.

At the end of the year, all OP-eligible students in Year 12 are allocated a Subject Achievement Indicator (SAI) for each Authority subject they have studied. The SAI is a number which shows one student's achievement in relation to the achievement of other students in a subject in a school. The group of students studying a particular subject in a particular school is called a 'subject-group'. For large subject-groups (14 students or more studying that subject in that school) SAIs range from 400 (highest performing student in that subject in that school) to 200 (lowest performing student in that subject in that school). This range of numbers is used simply to compare the achievement of students in the subject group.

This year SAIs will be available for students to review at the School on Wednesday 22 November from 11.00am until 2.00pm in The Lilley Centre Seniors Room. This is the day nominated by the QCAA. As SAIs are indicators of relative achievement and need to be viewed in context to have meaning, boys who wish to review their SAIs will need to attend the School on that day. Please note, photography or other recording of data is not permitted.

10

Last week hundreds of students poured into The Lilley Centre forum for two lunchtime events: our Year 8 Slam Poetry competition on Tuesday and our inaugural Great Debate on Friday.

As part of their poetry unit, each Year 8 boy was required to write a slam poem. These were then performed and judged in class, with the winners progressing to perform for the whole Year 8 cohort in the forum. Abineash Mayooran, our 2016 champion, was invited back to open this year’s competition by performing his winning poem from last year, ‘Real Leaders’. He then became one of the judges, along with Assistant Head of Year 8 Mr Haydn Murray, Assistant Head of English Mr Paul Kobez and visiting author Mr Brian Falkner. There was much anticipation as each of the four judges delivered their scores, but no one could surpass Aly Sultan’s perfect score, with each judge awarding him 10/10 for his poem, Blame it on Time.

On Friday the forum was full to overflowing with students from all year levels as excitement mounted in the leadup to our first ever Great Debate between the Year 12 Senior B debating team, consisting of Louis Backstrom, Harry Tod and Berkeley Cox, and brave debating teachers Miss Sally Birks, Mr Dan Celm and Head of Year 12 Mr Jon Hopes. The topic they were contesting was That Gen X have ruined everything for the Millennials with the outcome, not surprisingly, being that it’s the Baby Boomers who have, in fact, created all of the problems. Wit and sarcasm were the order of the day, making the event extremely popular, and our MC, Deputy Headmaster - Extracurricular Mark Brusasco, stated that he hoped this event would become an annual occurrence.

Cathy Oxley Director of Information Services

Library News

11

ICAS English CompetitionIn term 3, BGS once again participated in the ICAS English Competition. This competition prompts students to read a range of texts and then respond to questions that assess reading comprehension and language skills. All students in Years 5 to 10 compete; it is optional for boys in Years 11 and 12.

Overall, the School’s performance was noteworthy. We are very proud to acknowledge the following boys who received high distinctions.  In particular, we congratulate Andrew Yang (Year 9) and Lachlan Maddock (Year 10) for achieving the highest scores in Queensland in their respective year levels. They will both receive a medal at a special ceremony later this year.

Year 5 Ed CooperLucas Waite

Year 6Daniel Johnson

Year 7Thomas ChenAlex GuDJ LiTom MacphersonBen Zacharyga

Year 8Jaden FangSimon GongJustin LiangCheng Bin Saw

Year 9Lleyton LaoAndrew Yang

Year 10Matthew King-KoiLachlan Maddock

Year 11Douglas HarrodUlric NieminenWilliam Power

Year 12Edmond ChangCalum Kirkwood

We also congratulate the following Year 6 boys who received high distinctions in the ICAS Writing Competition: Jacob Coburn, Christopher Lui and Henry Wang.

Greg HowesHead of English

Students in Years 5 to 11

Please be advised that the School’s annual literary journal, The School Window, will be available to students electronically from the beginning of the 2018 school year.

Helen JohnstonDean of Teaching Development

School Window

12

Design17 – ‘Perspective’

As Year 12 Technology Studies students engage in the final stage of their BGS design journey, you can see that these young men will be the ‘big picture’ thinkers in the ensuing years. They embrace the issues and opportunities of the present and propose solutions for a better future. Working beside these young men makes it abundantly clear that they all have several things in common – a positive attitude to life, an inquiring mind and a point of view. They have perspective!

What did we discover this year? Ideas, meaningful interrelationships, disposition of relevant data, solutions, prospects, failures, reworking, evaluation. These are the hallmarks of a profitable year of design.

Design17 is a celebration of design thinking. It centres on the students ability to create, innovate, invent and problem solve – from their perspective. We celebrate the questioner, the original thinker, the communicator, the tinkerer, the doer and the dreamer.

We are very excited to be able to invite you to the annual Design and Technology Showcase – Design17. This is a night when parents and friends can see and understand design from a student perspective.

When 6.30pm, Monday 13 November 2017Where The Lilley Centre Learning Commons

The display will be open during the day until the Friday 17 November.

Jamie FoulgerHead of Design and Technology

Design and Technology

To apply for a place for your son for the 2018 Cambodia Immersion, please click here to review the terms and conditions and complete the online application by Friday 1 December. The application includes a series of questions for your son to answer. 

Please note that due to a number restrictions, not every student who applies will be successful.  If your son is not accepted to this program, please rest assured there will be several other cultural and leadership immersion tour opportunities throughout their senior years. Should your son be successful, he will receive written advice from Rustic Pathways early in 2018.

Philippa Douglas Coordinator of Public Purpose

Cambodia Immersion 2018

Cambodia 2018 Enrolment Information

13

Loudoun International Youth Leadership Summit

Our school has again been invited to take part in the annual Loudoun International Youth Leadership Summit (LIYLS). The seventh edition of the event will be held from Saturday 7 April to Wednesday 18 April 2018 in Loudoun County, Virginia, USA. This prestigious event features 25 international delegations from countries around the word.

The summit will provide a forum for students to discuss a number of current global issues and to develop actionable plans based on their dialogue and experience for local implementation once delegates return home. The goals of this summit are to engage students in exploring different perspectives on important issues facing the world and develop plans to address these issues in their communities. During the summit, participants will hear from guest speakers, participate in discussions on global issues and visit key landmarks and institutions in Washington DC.

Student delegates will enjoy a home-stay experience with Dominion High School students and their families. In addition to bringing money for souvenirs, participants should bring US$100 or more to cover costs of meals during the visit to Washington DC. Total cost of the trip is expected to be around $2,500.

This is a wonderful opportunity for four students to develop leadership skills (leading self and leading others). Interested current Year 10 students who would like to represent the School as Year 11 students at the 2018 LIYLS, will need to complete the ‘global leaders application form’ on MyGrammar. Your completed application form must be submitted to me via email at matthew.smith@brisbanegrammar.com and also as a hard copy. The due date is Monday 13 November. Please contact me if you have any further questions.

Matt SmithCoordinator of Wellbeing Curriculum and Leadership

Global Leadership Opportunity in 2018 for Year 11 Students

Applications Open

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

Trustees’ Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of demonstrated academic excellence to boys commencing Year 7 in 2019 based on their performance in the annual ACER Scholarship Exam and a willingness to contribute to the wider school program.

The ACER Scholarship Examination will be held at the School on Saturday 24 February 2018. Registration is only available online and may be made via our website. Registration will close at midnight AEDST Monday 5 February 2018. The cost of registration is $130.

Full details of the scholarship and bursary programs are available on the School’s website. For any further questions please call the Enrolments Office on (07) 3834 5200.

Jamie SmithDirector of Enrolments

2018 ACER Scholarship Exam

14

In mid-December the School will be emailing 2018 fee accounts.

If your circumstances have changed and you wish to amend your payment method for next year, please complete the fee instalment nomination form and return it to BGS Accounts before the end of the school year.

For example if you wish to change:

• From annual upfront instalment to monthly or quarterly;

• From monthly to quarterly or annual upfront; or

• From quarterly to monthly or annual upfront.

The fee instalment nomination form can be downloaded here. Instalments may be changed by 28 November this year, without charge. However, an administration charge of $160 will be made for changes notified after this date.

Direct debit from your savings account is also available on monthly accounts. This form can be downloaded here.

Please contact BGS Accounts if you have any questions regarding this matter on (07) 3834 5283.

Payment Dates for 2018

Instalment type Issue Date Payment Date

Annual December 2017 15 February 2018

Quarterly

Term 1 December 2017 15 February 2018

Term 2 17 April 2018 1 May 2018

Term 3 17 July 2018 31 July 2018

Term 4 8 October 2018 22 October 2018

Monthly

February 2017 December 2017 15 February 2018

March to November

1st of each month 15th of each month

School Fees can be paid on the Parent Portal

All fee statements that have been issued to parents this year are available for viewing and downloading from the Parent Portal. Your receipt history and transaction history are also available on the parent portal.

Additionally, you can make payments towards your school fees from the parent portal by selecting the ‘Make a Payment’ button. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted, with no surcharge.

You can, if you choose, securely store your card details on your account for future use. Your card details will only be visible to our bank, not to school staff.

We have developed an ICT knowledge base article that explains how to gain access to these via MyGrammar, which can be downloaded by clicking here.

If you experience any difficulties in accessing this information, please contact our ICT staff by email on helpdesk@brisbanegrammar.com or by phoning (07) 3834 5777.

Kay Goodwin Director of Finance

Fee Accounts for 2018

Deputy Headmaster – Extracurricular

Mark Brusasco

15

At the time of writing, Year 12 boys are preparing for the final time they will sit in a school assembly with all other members of the Senior School student community and teachers. This is always a time of mixed emotion, with much reflection on the part of all.

I wish to extend my thanks to all departing boys for the outstanding range of contributions and achievements they have made to the extracurricular program over time. Many of their fondest memories in five, ten, 20 or even 50 years, will emerge from this program and will be the source of much joy when they gather to reminisce in groups, small or large. I also thank, the Year 12 boys who have led programs as captains or vice-captains so ably and well. A defining feature of this departing cohort has also been their desire to support others; a measure of a connected and concerned group. I wish them well, one and all, and look forward to seeing many of them reconnect with the School quickly as 2018 Old Boy coaches within the many and varied programs on offer.

IN THIS SECTION

Deputy Headmaster – Extracurricular

Drama Department

Music Department

Sport Department

16

MusicI’d like to congratulate all of our musicians and staff who contributed to the spectacular success of a number of important concerts during a busy week. It is so gratifying that what we present to our audiences has been so enthusiastically received.

Last Thursday evening we were delighted to present a brief, but very entertaining Bands Concert – the final one for 2017. A large number of well-tuned ensembles charmed the crowd in what was a musically successful event. Last Sunday afternoon at the Roma Street Parklands, another large audience was entertained by our more senior ensembles (Parker, Morrison and Basie), as well as the Grammar Big Band as they performed a selection of popular jazz classics. A highlight of the afternoon was the final performance of Rock this Town which featured Sam Loewenthal thrilling the audience with his fine singing.

The past Tuesday evening witnessed the final Orchestra Concert of the year. It was a truly monumental event which saw three boys in particular, Nicholas Ooi, Thomas La and Matthew Adi, dazzle the large audience with their talent. I pointed out to the audience just how impressive their playing, their musicianship and their bravery in performing such difficult repertoire was: music that is not often heard in a secondary school setting. I congratulate all boys on what could only be described as commanding performances.

I’d like to congratulate Charlie Stewart, who has been selected to perform in the upcoming Carmen in Concert at QPAC as part of the Voices of Birallee Children’s Chorus. I’m sure that many of you would be delighted to attend this concert.

Turning to events that are imminent, the annual Music Dinner is occurring this Friday 10 November, at Hillstone, St. Lucia. It will be an entertaining evening for staff, students and parents in celebrating what has been another successful year of BGS music. Next week sees three of our ensembles perform at Speech Day. I’d like to congratulate all our staff and musicians on their musical contribution to this important event. We know that the entire school community very much values the efforts of GVE, Grammar Symphony Orchestra and Grammar Symphonic Band.

Finally I’d like to remind you that auditions for bands are occurring at the moment. Good luck to all boys. If you require further details regarding this, please contact either Mr Noble in the brass department, or Mr Secomb in the woodwind department.

Newsflash: Tickets for Lessons and Carols are now available from the Music office. They are limited to five tickets per family and must be collected in person. No ticket reservations are possible.

Upcoming Events

Friday 10 November Music Dinner

Monday 13 November Chamber Music Concerts

Wednesday 15 November QPAC

Thursday 16 November Middle School Concert

Monday 20 November Chamber Music Concerts

Sunday 26 November Lessons and Carols

Michael AllportActing Head of Music

IN THIS SECTION

Drama Department

Music Department

17

Just like the Australian Cricket Team have been preparing for the first Ashes Test against England at the ‘Gabba, the BGS cricket community has also been in preparation mode, ahead of the annual Powderfinger Cup clashes against rivals Gregory Terrace. The pre-season has been extensive with trial matches against Geelong Grammar and New Zealand’s Hamilton Boys High in the September holidays, as well as specialist and development sessions across all age-groups.

The format for this season has changed from previous years with teams in Years 5 to 10 as well as the First XI all playing matches.

I am pleased to report that BGS has got off to a strong start in their quest to win back the cup with victory in the 10A match. Excellent fielding and a solid batting performance from our top order contributed to their success.

BGS 10A 6/112 (19 overs) def GT 10A 10/108 (18 overs)

Standout performers: Daniel Athanasellis 37* (49); Nick Miller *26 (23); Archie Halliday 3/20 (4 overs)

The 9A match at the halfway point, with BGS needing to defend 92 runs for victory. Mitch Labrom 31 (36) and Angus Pearn 29 (30) were the star performers with the bat.

The remaining matches in the Powderfinger Cup are listed below.

Date Team Venue Time

Saturday 11 November 5A and 6A Northgate #9 and #8 1.30pm – 4.30pm

13 and 14 November 7A BGS #1 – Spring Hill 3.30pm – 5.00pm

16 and 17 November 8A BGS #1 – Spring Hill 3.30pm – 5.00pm

The First XI also played the Wanderers XI at their annual clash at Northgate this week, with our boys finishing victorious, winning on the last ball of the match.

BGS bowled first and restricted the Wanderers to 180 runs in 48 overs. A tight opening spell between Cooper Davis and Stirling McAvoy laid the foundation for the team to squeeze through the middle overs, regularly picking up wickets which helped keep the scoring rate in check. Cooper with 2/9 from 7 overs and Bailey Curran 2/23 from 9 overs, were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, the BGS run chase got off to a slow start and the team were guilty of losing wickets in clusters at crucial stages as the pressure built. A good partnership of 36 between Will Sanders and Stirling McAvoy followed by another partnership of 39 between Bailey Curran and Blair Donaldson got the reply back on track. However, it was the last wicket stand of 36 between Bailey Curran (47*) and Elliot Hunt (13*) that enabled the team to scramble to a hard-fought win off the last ball of the game.

Cricket

IN THIS SECTION

Basketball

Cricket

Football

Rugby

18

Track and FieldGPS Championship

The senior GPS championship was held on Friday 27 October and saw the team finish in fifth place on 352 points – just nine points short of fourth place.

Congratulations to James Tyrrell as Captain and Vice Captains Tavis Reeves and William Ramsay. We wish all the Year 12 athletes the best of luck in the future with all their endeavours.

The 2017 squad put forward a solid performance across the disciplines. The Throws family is to be commended for their efforts. For future improvement to occur, application to training from the start of the season is needed. Athletes with multiple events need to listen carefully to the very highly qualified BGS coaches and compete with the “team ethos” in mind. Reserves should focus on the one event and apply themselves energetically to enhance their selection opportunities and put pressure on individuals in 2018. In this way, we can aim to create a collaborative and competitive environment within the team. Remember: nothing without hard work.

For boys or parents who want more information regarding the 2017 season please visit the track and field section on MyGrammar.

John ClancyMiC Track and Field

Tickets are selling fast for what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining morning at Tattersalls Club for the Willow Club’s annual Test Match Breakfast. This year the function is on Friday 24 November and coincides with the second day of the first Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Gabba. Our guest speaker for this year is former England test player Mike Atherton. The support has been phenomenal with nearly 100 people registered to attend already. I would like to thank Carla Hardy, Caroline Nicholson and Justin Beirne for all their work behind the scenes in getting the event organised and special mentions to Lachlan Furnell from the Queensland Cricketer’s Club and Keith Dudgeon from KD Sport for providing the major raffle prizes. To register please contact Justin Beirne at jbeirne@qmtlaw.com.au.

A reminder to all BGS cricketers that age-group musters for 2018 have commenced. The schedule for each year level is available on MyGrammar. The annual cricket camp invitation for 2018 is also available on MyGrammar and you can register by completing the following survey here.

Please keep checking the cricket page for more information on upcoming sessions and events.

Best of luck to all teams competing in the upcoming matches and go the Aussies!

Trevor Irvine Director of Cricket

19

Year 5 student Chris Yesberg is the proud recipient of the latest Accelerated Reader Hall of Fame award. He has been a keen reader since arriving at BGS and is often found in the library with his nose in a book. With his love of reading Chris is an excellent role model to other boys.

During the year, Chris has earned 700 points by taking 59 quizzes on the books he has read. This means that he has read a staggering 4,554,118 words!

The Accelerated Reading program is part of the English course for Years 5 and 6 students. Boys are expected to read books and take quizzes on them. When certain point targets are reached, boys are rewarded and encouraged with certificates and small items.

Vicki Palmer Teacher Librarian

MS Library

Christopher Yesberg

Chris has earned 700 points, taken 59 quizzes

and read 4,554,118 words.

Accelerated Reader

Hall of Fame 2017

Interwing Swimming Carnival

The interwing swimming carnival will be held on Friday 17 November at Centenary Pool. This is the last of the major interwing events for the year and we are looking forward to another day of spirited competition and fun. A letter outlining the details of the day will be sent home this weekend and we hope you can join us to support and cheer on the boys.

GPS Track and Field

This week at assembly we presented our track and field colours in recognition of outstanding performances at the Years 7 to 12 GPS championship. Sebastian Pherous capped off an outstanding GPS campaign, receiving full colours for winning three individual events. Sebastian won the 13 years hurdles and the long and triple jump events. Tom Stunden was the other Year 8 boy to win an individual event at the championship. Tom, competing in the 14 years division, won the shot put and came a close second in the discus. Well done to both boys.

Met North Swimming

Congratulations to Josh Anderson and Ronan Mellick on their selection in the Queensland school sport swimming team. The boys will participate in the Pacific Schools Games in Adelaide during the Christmas break. A great achievement boys.

GPS Cricket

There are a number of key cricket events happening over the next few weeks, with screening trials for new and existing players, as well as some Powderfinger Cup matches against Gregory Terrace. Please check the cricket section on MyGrammar or details, and make sure you don’t miss these very important dates.

Glenn McFarlaneDirector of Middle School Sport

Middle School Sport

IN THIS SECTION

Head of Middle School

Middle School Sport

20

2017 Term Dates

Term 4: 3 October – 1 December

Please see MyGrammar for the full list of dates for 2017.

Events:

10 NovemberMusic Dinner

15 NovemberSpeech Day

16 NovemberMiddle School Concert

17 NovemberYear 12 students finish Year 7 Casual Morning Tea Year 10 Casual Morning Tea

24 NovemberWillow Club First Test Breakfast Years 9 to 11 students finish

26 NovemberLessons and Carols

28 NovemberMiddle School Presentation Afternoon Years 5 to 8 students finish

10 – 13 JanuaryBGS Swimming Camp – Years 7 to 12

15 – 17 JanuaryBGS Swimming Camp – Years 5 to 7

Commencing Monday 13 November 2017

Tuckshop (07) 3834 5229 Grammar Shop (07) 3834 5347 Roster Secretary, Kate Rutter – email katerutter@optusnet.com.au

Grammar Shop hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7.30am – 11.00am Tuesday, Thursday 7.30am – 9.00am Tuckshop hours 7.00am – 2.00pm

Volunteer Roster

WEEK THREETUCKSHOPBREAKFAST

7-8AM

TUCKSHOPM. TEA / LUNCH

8AM – 2PMGRAMMAR SHOP

Monday 13 Jo Beach Rose Panidis Jude Mertiny

Tuesday 14 Helpers Required (please contact me)

Renai Ridley (Team Captain)

Elizabeth Giles

Wednesday 15 Natasha Morris Karen Campbell

Janine Atherton (Team Captain)

Merissa Seymour

Thursday 16 Ceri Jury Simone Muller (Team Captain)

Jodee Kendall

Friday 17 Helen Armstrong Cindy Dean (Team Captain)

Susan Deuchars

COMMUNITY

IN THIS SECTION

Volunteer Roster

This Week’s Calendar

Saturday 3 March 2018

BGS looks forward to bringing our community together; Parents – present and past, Old Boys and Staff, on the evening of Saturday 3 March 2018 to celebrate BGS150.

Our BGS150 Gala Dinner at Brisbane City Hall will be a black tie event to Celebrate our Community and take you back in time. The evening will include friendships that bridge decades, extraordinary entertainment and music, sound, light and glamour.

If you would like to attend this event, individual tickets ($250) or tables ($2500) can be purchased here.

Over 400 tickets have been sold so we recommend you get in quickly.

If you are interested in partnering with BGS through sponsorship of our BGS150 celebrations, including table sponsorship for this event, please contact Heather Watson or call +61 7 3834 5212.

Funds raised through sponsorship will help support needs-based bursaries.

Invitation to BGS Sailing, 2018 (and BGS Sailing Clinic, January 2018)

Calling all continuing BGS sailors, and other current or NEW BGS students (Years 7-12, 2018)

with an interest in sailing as a BGS school sport!

You can sail with BGS in 2018… in teams and/or fleet racing, or in our training squad, learning to sail and preparing for racing when ready.

2018 BGS students are invited to:

Sign on to register their intention to sail/try sailing in 2018 attend the optional (recommended) BGS Sailing Clinic to be held at RQYS, Manly in January, 2018

For specific information about the upcoming clinic: BGS-Sailing-clinic-2018-details (Print & keep if registering)

For general information about BGS Sailing: Sailing-BGS-webpage

For information and links to the BGS Sailing program: MyGrammar-Sailing (Click through to Sports/Sailing)

***To register your interest in BGS Sailing 2018…

(and—optionally—to sign up for the January 2018 clinic): Clinic & 2018 SIGN ON HERE NB: Please be aware that an online “Microsoft Forms” instrument is being used to receive these expressions of interest and sign-ons.

Here is the school’s Standard Information Collection Notice

Date

Friday 17 November 2017

Time

8.00am – 10.00am

Venue

Tumbling Stone Restaurant and Bar The Johnson Hotel

477 Boundary Street Spring Hill QLD 4000

RSVP

Monday 13 November 2017

For all enquiries and to RSVP contact:

Helena Castrisos Year 7 Parent Representative

E helena@castrisos.com

Year 7

Morning Tea

Date

Friday 17 November 2017

Time

8.00am – 10.00am

Venue

Buzz Bistro Gasworks 76 Skyring Terrace

Newstead QLD 4006

RSVP

Monday 13 November 2017

For all enquiries and to RSVP contact:

Jo Mower Year 10 Parent Representative

E jomower@mac.com

Year 10

Morning Tea

Willow Club First Test Breakfast

Date

Friday 24 November 2017

Time

7.00am – 8.30am

Venue

Tattersall’s Club 215 Queen Street

Brisbane QLD 4000

Dress

Coat and tie

Cost

$55pp

RSVP

Friday 17 November 2017

For all enquiries contact:

Justin Beirne

M 0412 708 682 E jbeirne@qmtlaw.com.au

** Please note that this event is not open to children of school age.

BRISBANE GRAMMAR SCHOOL SWIMMING CAMP 2018

10-13 January 2018.Runaway Bay, Gold Coast.$625The annual swimming camp will again be held at the Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre, a purpose designed sports training centre established by former Olympian Ron Clarke. Information on the centre is available at http://www.sportssupercentre.com.au/.

The camp is an essential part of preparation for boys who are interested in trying out for the 2018 GPS Swimming Team. All swimmers in years 7-12 (in 2018) should be attending. The camp will involve pool swimming, beach visits and a range of other activities. On Saturday, swimmers will compete at the Churchie Sprint meet held at Anglican Church Grammar School.

The cost of the camp this year is $625; this includes 3 nights’ accommodation, food, transport, activities and BGS Swimming Uniform. Swimmers new to BGS Swimming will need to purchase the BGS togs from the BGS uniform shop, to use for training throughout the season.

REGISTRATION FOR THE CAMP IS REQUIRED – USE LINK BELOW or QR CODE

https://goo.gl/1gokGL If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Matt Logan – (07) 3834 5337.

Payment is due by 10 November 2017. Cash or Cheque Cash or Cheque payments can be given or posted to Ms Lynda Kerridge at the Extracurricular Office. Cheques are to be made out to “Brisbane Grammar School”. EFT EFT payments can be made using the following; Account Name: BGS Special Activities Account Number: 364210017 BSB: 014-002 Reference: Student ID / SWIMC / Payee Initial & Surname e.g. 123456/SWIMC/A.Smith

Please complete the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM

at the link below, before making payment

https://goo.gl/1gokGL

BGS SWIMMING 5, 6 & 7 SWIM CLINIC

15-17 JANUARY, 2018

BGS INDOOR POOL $150

The annual Year 5, 6 & 7 GPS swimming clinic will be conducted on 15, 16 & 17January 2018. Monday 15 January 6:30am – 8:30am Pool Session Only Tuesday 16 January 6:30am – 8:30am Dry Land Session & Pool Session Wednesday 17 January 6:30am – 8:30am Pool Session Only The clinic is open to all boys who are in Year 5, 6 & 7 at BGS in 2018. The intensive swimming week is an excellent opportunity for boys who are interested in trying out for the Swimming Team and kick starting their preparations. It also gives any new boys coming into the BGS community, a chance to familiarize themselves with the school and some of the staff and students. The sessions will involve stroke technique work in the pool, dry land training and race practice. Breakfast will be provided for all the swimmers at 8.00am each morning. If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Matt Logan – (07) 3834 5337.

DATE 15-17 January 2018 TIME 6:30am – 8:30am VENUE BGS Indoor Pool Drop Off/Pick Up Gregory Terrace Entry COST $150

WHAT DO YOU GET? Cap, T-Shirt, Swim/Gym Sessions and

Breakfast Daily

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING? Togs, Towel, Goggles, Water Bottle and P.E

Uniform (including Joggers)

COMPLETE REGISTRATION SURVEY HERE

PAY ONLINE NOW CLICK HERE or Enter Address Below

https://goo.gl/DXZvAK

The BGS Music Support Group has once again organised the delivery of…

Fresh and Premium Tasmanian Smoked

Salmon

Special Price - $49 per pack Each re-sealable pack contains a salmon fillet of

exactly 1kg that is pre-sliced and vacuum-sealed to ensure absolute freshness. Salmon can be

refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or frozen for up to a year

Orders fresh from Tasmania.

ORDER FORM

Name ___________________________________________ No. of packs __________ Address ___________________________________________ Cheque Enc. $__________

___________________________________________ or Direct Debit Paid Phone _________________Email ____________________________________________ Signature:__________________________________________________________________ RETURN YOUR ORDER FORM WITH PAYMENT OR REMITTANCE TO: BGS Music Support Group Salmon Drive in the Box outside the Music Block Office OR EMAIL to tamal@bigpond.com DIRECT DEBIT:- BSB: 484 799 Acc: 000160631 Acc Name: BGS P&F Music Support Group Reference: your Name

ORDERS CLOSE SUNDAY 12th November

Payment by direct debit or include a cheque with your order made

payable to ‘BGS Music Support Group’

COLLECT

TUESDAY 21st November FROM BGS TUCKSHOP

3PM to 6PM

ENQUIRIES Tammy 0409 032 047 tamal@bigpond.com

OR Karen 0437 551 861

ktseifert@hotmail.com

BRISBANE GRAMMAR MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

Christmas 2017 SALMON DRIVE