COLLEGIAN The MAGAZINE of Brisbane Boys’ College
August 2019
COLLEGIAN ISS U E 1 A U G U S T 2019 UPFRONT
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Foreword Words from our Headmaster, Mr Paul Brown
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12 All In
Year 12 Seniors share the College theme for 2019
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Be Confident
Pipe Band on the international stage
BBC is excited to announce the launch of our new campaign and website
Pipe Band look ahead to their upcoming international tours and performances
BBC NEWS
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Strive for excellence Celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2018
Published by Brisbane Boys’ College CRICOS Code 00491J Kensington Terrace, Toowong, Queensland 4066 T 07 3309 3500 W www.bbc.qld.edu.au A SCHOOL OF THE PRESBYTERIAN AND METHODIST SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
Editors Natalie Claut and Kristie Welsh Graphic Design Tracey Maree and Why Creative Photography Michael Marston ePixel Images and Jesse Smith Photography This publication is a initiative of the BBC Advancement Department, with contributions from College Staff and the wider BBC community.
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Academic achievements Acknowledging the exceptional academic achievements of our students
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Early years literacy and numeracy Fostering creative and collaborative learning environments for our Prep to Year 2 students
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A smooth transition Welcoming our incoming Year 7 students as they join our Middle School
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Moving to the ATAR system Embracing the new Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance system (SATE)
BBC NEWS
28 When workshop skills and science unite Year 9 Design and Technology Workshop Skills students design and create custom toys with their Year 2 buddies
30 Schools don't have to be purely theoretical Meaningful involvement in service activities challenge boys to engage with real-world problems and look for real-world solutions
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From blah to bloom
How positive education is helping boys to foster happiness and wellbeing COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
BBC ARTS
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Brisbane BBC boys take to the stage in the 2019 Theatre production of Brisbane by M. Ryan
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Launch of Big Green Records Worldwide release of BBC's own imprint record label
BBC SPORT
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GPS glory Celebrating our Term 1 and 2 GPS sporting victories
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Sporting short reads Acknowledging student achievements and representative sporting honours
REGULAR ITEMS
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Putting parents in touch with useful resources
Main Administration building restored to former glory
Insight
Flashback
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Snapshots Scenes from key College events
CONNECT
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Snapshots from recent OCA activities
Spotlight on the Rylance family, a fourthgeneration BBC family
Spotlight on OCA events
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Where are they now Catch up with Old Collegians
Multi-generational ties
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OCA centenary In 2020 the OCA will commemorate 100 years
EDITORS HAVE COMPILED THIS EDITION OF COLLEGIAN FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. WHILE EVERY CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THE INFORMATION IS PUBLISHED ACCURATELY, THE EDITORS CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INACCURACIES IN THE CONTENT OR AUTHENTICITY OF THAT INFORMATION.
UPFRONT | 5
Foreword
MR PAUL BROWN, HEADMASTER
Be Confident There are many competencies and qualities we desire in a BBC graduate. He should be a critical thinker and a problem solver; creative, communicative and collaborative. He should also be curious, willing to take initiative, persistent and adaptable.
A BBC graduate will have the confidence to ask the difficult questions and to be discerning in his judgements.
He should possess leadership qualities along with social and cultural awareness.
We want our graduates to have the confidence to act ethically and honourably no matter the circumstances; to do the right thing even if it may not be the popular thing to do.
He should be able to love and be loved. To be all of these things, he must first be ‘Confident’. What is confidence? To be confident is to have an optimistic outlook on life. It is not arrogant or selfish but self-assured and self-aware. It is to be comfortable in one’s own skin and in the company of others. We want a BBC boy to have the confidence to talk to just about anyone, in just about any situation and on just about any topic. We want our young men to be confident that the education they have received at BBC has prepared them well to thrive and succeed in higher education and in their chosen careers. We want our graduates to be confident to have the courage to take the initiative even when experiencing anxiety and facing risk. We want our young men to have the confidence to bounce back from adversity and accept challenges with equanimity and poise.
Our young men will have the self-belief and confidence to nurture positive human relationships, show respect to all and grow their circle of concern. We desire for our young men to be confident in heart and soul and mind. And, finally, a BBC graduate will possess the confidence to face the world with hope, faith and enthusiasm. At Brisbane Boys’ College, one thing we understand above all others is that for confidence to grow, its seeds must be carefully tended, over time, to bear fruit. That is why we guide our boys to look within, to learn about their passions and pursue their goals, just as we encourage them to look outward and learn about the realities of the world beyond our College gates.
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
6 | UPFRONT
BE CONFIDENT. A BOY WHO IS CONFIDENT CAN MOVE FORWARD. STRIDE INTO THE FUTURE. COPE WITH CHANGE. CONFIDENCE SPRINGS FROM MASTERY. IT IS THE SELF-BELIEF REQUIRED TO EMBRACE THE UNKNOWN.”
UPFRONT | 7
‘ Be Confident’ campaign launch Where does confidence come from? From a boy’s parents? Teachers? Faith? Experience? It comes from all of these but, most importantly, it must come from the boy himself. There is no one way to guarantee a boy will grow into a confident young man. There are, however, many ways to ensure they have the best chance possible. At Brisbane Boys’ College, we instil in our boys the confidence to learn from their failures, and try again. Confidence to turn adversity into opportunity. Confidence to know with certainty that, while they may not be able to do it yet, they are developing the skills to find solutions and strategies for life’s many challenges. We know that our students are highly capable and will rise to a challenge that is presented to them. There is no greater joy than the feeling of accomplishment that comes from going beyond what was thought possible. For beyond the comfort zone lies the learning zone, where confidence can thrive. Our world is changing at an everincreasing rate, with burgeoning technologies disrupting almost every part of our lives. In the face of this change, it has never been more important to give boys a well-rounded approach to life as part of their education. At BBC, we refer to this approach as A New School of Thought. A New School of Thought integrates best-practice teaching and learning with the science of wellbeing, and in doing so, safeguards the most important ingredient to a boy’s success: confidence.
Brisbane Boys’ College is excited to announce a newly enhanced online presence with the redesign and relaunch of its College website. Visitors to the website are greeted with a striking moving image of a confident BBC boy striding into his future and a modern design that provides simplicity in navigation while offering a richer, more userfriendly and responsive experience. Head of Advancement, Mr Peter Franks said the new ‘Be Confident’ campaign and accompanying website were designed to give prospective families an insight into the offerings and opportunities on offer at Brisbane Boys’ College. It also provides easy access for current families and community members to the resources they require, such as Highlands. “It’s vital that we have a website that dynamically tells our story, conveys our unique BBC spirit and reflects our points of difference,” Mr Franks said. “The new website reinforces BBC’s innovative approach to education – our New School of Thought – that integrates our teaching and learning practices with the science of wellbeing, and focusses on the outcome of that approach, which is happy, confident and capable young men who strive for excellence and are prepared to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives. “Highly visual and engaging, the website was intentionally designed to be informative and provide prospective families with an introduction to the College, without overwhelming them with detailed information. “I am pleased that our new ‘digital front door’ is a genuine
reflection of BBC’s commitment to all-round excellence, our focus on wellbeing and the unique spirit of our community of students, parents, staff, Old Collegians and supporters who make this College great.” Improved features of the new website include: •
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Expanded information about our New School of Thought approach and its purpose to produce men who have the confidence and capability to change the world Responsive design that supports mobile and tablet viewing Improved news and events section with articles searchable according to category Ability for prospective families to register for College Tours, enquire and enrol online An ‘In their words’ feature that captures the uniquely BBC experiences, testimonials and highlights from a cross-section of students, Old Collegians, parents, teachers and wider community members A timeline detailing and honouring the College’s history A dedicated Old Collegians’ Association section, providing easy access for OCA members to their latest news and events.
We welcome your feedback and suggestions about the new website and 'Be Confident' campaign, which can be directed via email to communications@bbc.qld.edu.au.
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
8 | UPFRONT
UPFRONT | 9
Be Confident. Be Challenged. Be Compassionate. Be Collaborative. Be Creative. Be Courageous. Be Connected. Be Collegial. Be Captivated. Be Certain. With BBC. COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
10 | BBC NEWS
Strive for excellence At Brisbane Boys’ College, we don’t just teach our boys to answer the question correctly, we teach them to ask the correct question and discover the role they can play in the world. Each year we are immensely proud of our Senior students who walk through the Portal and journey beyond the school gates equipped with the confidence and capability to change the world. At BBC, we believe that while knowledge-based learning is important, it is no longer enough. We need to teach our students how to be critical thinkers. Not only to solve problems but to recognise them in the first place. We want our students to be curious and creative; to acquire skills, knowledge and understanding, each and every day, so that they can move confidently into the world and make a positive contribution to society in whatever field they choose. Last year, our 2018 Senior cohort achieved commendable results with 40.44 percent of OP Eligible Students securing an OP between 1 and 5 and 83.09 percent achieving a score between 1 and 10, with more than 70 percent of our OP Eligible Students achieving either an A or B grade in the Queensland Core Skills Test.
For Headmaster, Mr Paul Brown, the real success story belongs to all 2018 Seniors, who are now forging their individual journey having excelled in their pathway of choice. “Our QTAC entry statistics continue to speak to this success with 94.9 percent of our 2018 Senior cohort receiving a tertiary offer, and 81.8 percent receiving their first or second preference.” “It’s exciting to see boys opting to pursue a variety of careers from agribusiness, medicine, engineering, psychological science, music, health, environmental management, property economics and more. For us, these are the real stories; the outcomes that result from an exceptional education and we look forward to hearing of their ongoing achievements.”
BBC NEWS | 11
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We are an academic institution that strives for excellence. And while we are not an academically selective school, our academic results are outstanding and consistently rank among the very best in the State. Excellence is arrived at by teaching the academic subjects well and by engaging students personally. And we are committed to the thinking process, this comes from dedicated, hard-working and gifted teachers who build powerful working relationships with their students. In fact, in regular surveys of students, the boys saw the positive relationships they have with their teachers as one of the College’s great strengths.”
Earlier in the year BBC proudly recognised the outstanding achievements of our 2018 Scholars who achieved an OP1 and 2 at a special Scholars' Assembly. View more in Snapshots on page 60.
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
12 | BBC NEWS
ALL IN MMXIX
All In for 2019 The strength of our community has always been in its unity and, at the same time, its diversity. It is what makes our College spirit unique and brings us together. At Brisbane Boys’ College, together is how we get things done. It’s how we fulfil our potential and raise the potential of others. It’s how we achieve great things. Because when we’re ‘All in’ that’s when we’re at our strongest. ‘All in’ may be the theme set by our Year 12 seniors, but we believe its relevance holds true in everything we do. “No single person leads our great College in isolation. Our success is driven through collective effort and a culture where we utilise each other’s strengths, to grow and push each other to our limits and redefine our boundaries for success. Everything we do, we do for each other. As classmates by chance and brothers by choice we put in 100 percent for each other inside and outside the classroom. Everything we do, we are all in. We don’t hold back and we give it everything we’ve got. Everything we do, we do for a greater purpose than ourselves. That’s what BBC is all about. No words can describe what it means to be a Collegian. No one image can capture the diversity of our College, our pride for this uniform and the selfless integrity of our boys. That’s what makes me proud to be a Collegian. That’s why I am all in for the green, white and black in 2019. Why ‘All In’? Because our family, our College and our legacy is strongest when we are all in.” - Taehwan Kim, 2019 College Captain
Prep Badge Presentation Earlier this year our College Captain, Co-Vice Captains and Prefects made a special visit to the Prep Centre where they presented our youngest Collegians with their 2019 ‘All In’ theme badge and taught them the College War Cry.
BBC NEWS | 13
Leaders' Induction In Term 1 we honoured our Seniors of 2019 in a special Leaders' Induction Assembly. Whilst our College Captain, Co-Vice Captains and Prefects have specific positions to which they are appointed, all Year 12 students assume the role of leaders in the College. The portfolio model of leadership fosters meaningful participation and experiences by modelling democratic processes, enabling boys to contribute to an area of school life where they feel connected. This model draws upon the strengths, interests and curiosities of a broad range of boys within the College, encouraging them to be active citizens within the College community.
2019 Prefects and Portfolio Responsibilities Taehwan Kim, College Captain Charlie Bell, College Co-Vice Captain and Hamilton House Prefect Patrick Thygesen, College Co-Vice Captain and Sport Prefect Xavier Catford, Academic Prefect Ometh Rajapakse, Academic Prefect Brett Davidson, Birtles House Prefect Lukas Ripley, Birtles House Prefect Ben Norton, Campbell House Prefect Jordan Soldatic, Campbell House Prefect Bradley Bloom, Flynn House Prefect Max Carlyon, Flynn House Prefect Luka Boskovic, Hamilton House Prefect Aidan McWhirter, Knox House Prefect Jack Ryan, Knox House Prefect Connor Bulley, McKenzie House Prefect Thomas Campbell, McKenzie House Prefect Lachlan MacMillan, Peer Support Prefect William O’Meara, Peer Support Prefect Daniel Aziz, Performing Arts Prefect Junsung Oh, Performing Arts Prefect Benjamin Fenwicke, Rudd House Captain Bradley Altman, Rudd House Co-Vice Captain Will Stevens, Rudd House Co-Vice Captain Samuel Braithwaite, Social Action Prefect Lachlan Tonkin, Social Action Prefect Liam McBrien, Spiritual Life Prefect Ethan Waugh, Spiritual Life Prefect Flynn Brien, Sport Prefect Max Bennett, Visual Arts Prefect Toby Hobart, Visual Arts Prefect Jacob Andrews, Wellbeing Prefect Rodrigo Madrigal, Wellbeing Prefect Louie Buchan, Wesley House Prefect Thomas Goffage, Wesley House Prefect Luke Janse van Rensburg, Wheller House Prefect Ethan Rose, Wheller House Prefect View more photographs of our 2019 Leaders' Induction Assembly in Snapshots on page 61.
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
14 | BBC NEWS
BBC Pipe Band sets sights on international stage At BBC our spirit is our defining difference and our Pipe Band embodies it all - our tartan speaks of our origin, the drum line our heartbeat and the bagpipes our voice. Following their successful tour of Scotland in 2018 and ongoing achievements on home soil, it is no surprise that members of our Pipe Band have set their sights firmly on the world stage and it is with much excitement that we share news of their upcoming international tours. In 2020, two BBC Pipe Bands will return to Scotland to compete at the European Championships. Rehearsals and training are underway as the boys prepare to improve on their 2016 Championship result of seventh. In 2022, our BBC Pipe Band has accepted an invitation to return to Scotland to perform 25 shows in the world famous Royal Edinburgh
Military Tattoo. With more than 22,000 spectators, a TV audience of up to 300 million and social media exposure in excess of two billion people, participation in the Tattoo is an honour and a world class experience like no other. This tour will also see our boys compete at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships and World Pipe Band Championships. At every significant moment in the life of BBC, our pipers and drummers are there, reminding us of the brilliant cultural heritage of our great school and we wish them well as they prepare for their upcoming endeavours.
BBC NEWS | 15
FROM BLAH TO
BLOOM MS SUSIE AHERN DIRECTOR OF POSITIVE EDUCATION AND WELLBEING
How positive education is helping boys to foster happiness and wellbeing. Positive Education draws upon science to enhance core components of wellbeing and aims to produce well-rounded, resilient individuals who are capable of thriving personally, academically and professionally, while ensuring they are well equipped to contribute to society in a satisfying and meaningful way. The development and enhancement of altruistic, spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational and emotional skills that align with the principles and benefits of Positive Psychology, and the values and traditions of an institution, are the essence of a character-strengths based approach to thriving.
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
16 | BBC NEWS
Positive Education is the combination of traditional education with the study of happiness and wellbeing. It promotes the importance of training the heart, as well as the mind, to instil creativity, compassion and courage within students, staff and the wider school community. The fundamental objective of Positive Education is to promote positive mental health within a school community as a pastoral approach, to ideally prevent depression, increase resilience and life satisfaction, encourage social responsibility, promote creativity, foster learning and enhance achievement. The acceptance of mediocrity as the ‘human satisfactory default’ ignites concern and fuels ongoing research and investigation into what makes people thrive by asking ourselves questions like, “Why accept mediocre when I have the capacity to excel?” and “What is stopping me from being the best person I can be?” Research into the human condition, flourishing and associated interventions has proven to increase wellbeing and happiness. A Positive Education framework enables students to develop their own and others’ wellbeing while engaging in established curriculum. Research highlights the benefits of living a grateful and compassionate existence by introducing simple everyday habits that, in some instances, have an immediate
positive affect on wellbeing and happiness. It becomes positively addictive, habitual and ubiquitous. The goal of Positive Education is to develop and reveal a child’s ability to engage effectively with their character strengths to build and foster positive relationships, emotions, health, engagement, accomplishment and purpose. The key to positive mental health lies deep within one’s self - our strengths, our talents and our character traits. When we acknowledge and develop our capacity to consciously use our strengths, we begin to appreciate what is going well in our everyday lives and acknowledge what is going pear-shaped, while being able to draw on our resilience. Positive Education is synonymous with the exploration and development of positive character traits within individuals as well as groups of individuals. At BBC, through Mentor Groups, Year Level Forums, Assemblies, related lessons and Professional Development all staff and students are working from a character strengths-based approach where we are bringing to life the language of character to further develop our understanding of the Science of Wellbeing. At the same time, we are increasing our
individual and collective wellbeing and happiness. Strengths-based Positive Education interventions are tools and skills that can be taught, nurtured and embedded within individuals, and groups of individuals. All students and staff at BBC are exploring and practicing these interventions to broaden both their coping abilities and compassion, as well as their skills and habits.
BBC HAS IMPLEMENTED POSITIVE EDUCATION AS A WELLBEING FRAMEWORK; PROVIDING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL STAFF AND STUDENTS TO LEARN THE SCIENCE OF WELLBEING AND PRACTICE THESE INVALUABLE COPING SKILLS AND INTERVENTION TOOLS TO LEAD A MORE GRATEFUL, COMPASSIONATE, ENGAGING AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE. The College encourages a ubiquitous Benefit Mindset, as evidenced by the broad range of authentic and altruistic opportunities available to all boys across the three sub-schools and throughout the College community. These service learning and action initiatives fall beautifully into the
BBC NEWS | 17
SUSIE AHERN DIRECTOR OF POSITIVE EDUCATION AND WELLBEING
ACCORDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION “HEALTH IS NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF ILLNESS OR INFIRMITY. IT IS THE EMBODIMENT OF PHYSICAL, MENTAL, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL WELLBEING”, AND WELLBEING, BOTH ADOLESCENT AND ADULT, IS VITAL FOR OPTIMAL HUMAN FLOURISHING. AS EDUCATORS AND CARERS, WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST SOCIAL CAPITAL IN THE COMMUNITY TO LEARN AND LIVE THE PRINCIPLES AND BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE HUMAN FUNCTIONING.
College's wellbeing framework and it is my role and honour to be the person to work collaboratively with the staff, students and parents to create a wellbeing culture that is evidence-based, engaging and accessible to all. Boys entering the College today will be young adults in the 2030s and it is our responsibility to nurture and support the college community in facing unprecedented social, emotional and environmental challenges currently enforced by technological advancement and globalisation. We should view these challenges as opportunities for growth that will encourage curiosity, creativity, innovation and a love of learning within all students, staff and families and ensure, where possible - that anything is possible. We, as educators and carers, have the chance to prepare our boys for jobs that have not yet been created, for technologies that have not yet been invented and to solve problems that have not yet been anticipated. To be conscious educators who prepare engaged, productive and purposeful learners for the challenging future ahead, a respect and appreciation for BBC’s past is paramount as it offers a ubiquitous spiritual
foundation - a place of reflection and wisdom. Our values, culture and traditions need to be at the guiding force that connects the future to the past and the past to the future. The promotion and development of healthy habits of gratitude and altruism, fuelled by a belief that if we ‘appreciate the good, the good appreciates’ support the Christian ethos that underpins the culture, teaching and day-to-day life of the College. According to the World Health Organisation, “Health is not merely the absence of illness or infirmity. It is the embodiment of physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing”, and wellbeing, both adolescent and adult, is vital for optimal human flourishing. As educators and carers, we have the opportunity to invest social capital in the community to learn and live the principles and benefits of effective human functioning. The spiritual gifts and strengths of both traditional and contemporary Christian faiths are syncretic with Positive Education, an evidence-based approach to wellbeing and curriculum, that cultivates an individual’s strengths and personal motivations to promote wellbeing and learning – optimal human flourishing.
Susie Ahern joined BBC at the start of 2019 in the newly created role, Director of Positive Education and Wellbeing. Susie has been teaching for 36 years, starting her career as a Physical Education teacher and venturing into Pastoral Care, Wellbeing and School Executive. While reviewing and designing school academic, operational pastoral procedures and policies, Susie discovered an innate passion and need for authentic and individualised wellbeing support for staff, students and community. Susie went on to complete several Positive Education training courses through the Institute of Positive Education; a Certificate in whole-person Positive Psychology under the tutelage of Tal Ben-Shahar at the Wholebeing Institute in America as well as several nationally accredited Certificates in Applied Positive Psychology. Her altruistic approach towards wellbeing led her to work with a number of national and international Schools to enhance their understanding and appreciation of wellbeing literacy and the psychological benefits of a culturally aligned Positive Education Pastoral Care framework that encourages an educational community to live a grateful and purposeful life. Susie’s educational philosophy aligns perfectly with BBC's A New School of Thought as she sees her role and the role of all College staff members to • Passionately work towards enabling everyone to ‘harness their potential’ in all that they attempt • Persistently promote a ‘strong sense of family’ in all that we hope for, and • Curiously encourage everyone ‘to find their place in the world’ in all that we dream to accomplish. COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
18 | BBC NEWS
Academic achievements
Australian Maths Modelling Challenge Winners Our team of Year 12 students, James English, Ethan Waugh, Xavier Catford and Ometh Rajapakse, have been selected among Australia’s two top entries in this year’s International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IM2C), eclipsing 140 other submissions. Our boys received a ‘meritorious achievement’ award from the Australian judging panel, progressing to the international judging round. Coordinated in Australia by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), the IM2C sees students use their research, mathematical and creative abilities to develop a mathematical model to address a real world problem. This year, teams were asked to use
mathematical modelling to determine what might be a sustainable population for the Earth under current conditions, and to model a possible future sustainable global population based on projected changes to policy and environment. IM2C in Australia saw continued growth in 2019. A total of 142 teams from 49 schools in the ACT, NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia submitted reports within the competition period. ACER’s Ross Turner, IM2C Australia Director, said, “The two top teams both included students who were national finalists in 2018, suggesting that experience and practice in using mathematical modelling helps teams to improve their understanding and work. Their reports are now in the hands of the international judging panel.”
Credit: https://www.acer.org/au/about-us/media/media-releases/2019-australian-maths-modelling-challenge-winners
BBC Results First Place, Third Place and Best Innovation Award - Lightweight Soccer First Place - Lightweight Soccer Superteam First Place - Open Soccer Superteam Best Team Spirit Award - Open Soccer
Robotics World Champions Brisbane Boys’ College Robotics Club qualified three Robotic Soccer teams to represent Australia in the 2019 RoboCup Junior World Championships held in Sydney. The competition was fierce and there were many talented teams from all corners of the globe. BBC fielded two teams in the Lightweight Robot Soccer and one team in the Open Robot Soccer competitions. There were two different challenges; the first being an individual competition between two teams and the second a Superteam event. In the Superteam event, four or five teams from different countries cooperate together to compete against other Superteams. Each team can field one robot. Teams compete on a field eight metres by four metres, creating quite a spectacle to watch. Our boys performed above and beyond all expectations at this competition. They overcame all sorts of hurdles including component failure, computer glitches and even a judge accidentally standing on one of their robots during the Superteam competition. Throughout all of this, the teams worked cooperatively to ensure maximum performance of the robots regardless of the issues and there was still time to assist teams from other countries and make new friends.
Team M&A won all their individual games and had the highest total points for gameplay, poster, interview, technical challenge, team work and documentation. They are the 2019 Individual Lightweight Soccer World Champions. They also won the 2019 Lightweight Superteam World Championship with their Superteam going through the tournament undefeated, with their striker scoring more than 80 percent of their goals. Team Apex had technical issues but persisted and overcame many of their issues to be crowned 2019 World Open Soccer Superteam Champions and they also received the Best Team Spirit Award. Team Deus Vult also experienced technical issues and component failure on the first day but also overcame their issues and played well on the second and third days of competition and gained Third Place in the Lightweight Soccer Superteam Championships as well as Best Innovation Award. Overall, the talented and dedicated men of the BBC Robotics Club claimed three World Championship titles and are to be congratulated on their performance and this fantastic outcome.
BBC Crowned da Vinci Decathlon State Champions Congratulations to our team of Year 5 students who placed first in the Queensland da Vinci Decathlon. This challenging academic competition focuses on higher order thinking skills, problem solving and creativity as students compete in teams across 10 disciplines: engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and general knowledge. Our boys placed first in engineering, science and English, and second in general knowledge, awarding them enough points over all disciplines to take the Queensland title. Congratulations to Angelus, Luke, Austin, Brayden, Edward, Alex, Joshua and Cameron and best of luck for your Nationals preparation.
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
20 | BBC NEWS
Building LITERACY + NUMERACY
in the early years
MS JENNIFER WARWICK DEPUTY HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL (TEACHING AND LEARNING)
Think planes, dinosaurs, augmented
reality, speedy sounds and talking frogs! Building a strong foundation for future development and growth underpins the teaching and learning in our Prep to Year 2 Early Years' classrooms. Through targeted learning and tasks that are boy-focussed, we aim to develop students with a lifelong love of learning. We support our boys to seize problems, situations, tensions and conflicts and approach these circumstances as valuable opportunities to learn. We encourage them to inquire, to explore alternatives and constantly search for new and better ways to approach their learning. Our wish is to foster creative and collaborative learning environments where boys are eager to seize new opportunities.
BBC NEWS | 21
Learning sounds!
Speedy sounds, tricky words and a talking frog... LITERACY PROGRAM
Learning our letters!
Subtracting, sorting and matching sounds...
In our Early Years’ classrooms, we have invested in developing quality teachers and assistants who are passionate about helping boys reach their potential by striving for improvement, always growing, always learning, always modifying and improving themselves. The Read Write Inc. program introduced last year continues to be a huge success and produces great results. The boys from Prep to Year 2 participate in small group lessons every day that cater to their individual levels and needs. In small groups, simple and enjoyable mnemonics help the boys to quickly grasp the letter-sound correspondence. If you walk into any of these classrooms you can see the boys learning their speedy sounds, tricky words and Fred talking (a beanie frog that helps them to sound aloud words) to develop their phonetic knowledge. It is inspiring to see the growth the Prep boys have made in such a short amount of time. They are so excited when they realise they can read a book all by themselves using the strategies they have been taught. Our Year 1 and Year 2 boys have also flourished using this program and their comprehension and fluency shows wonderful improvement.
MUSIC EVERY DAY Our Prep to Year 2 students also have the unique opportunity to take part in Music Every Day classroom lessons. This program allows them to develop fundamental skills needed for their education - all in a fun and engaging way. Neuroscientific research has shown that music education supports the development of the auditory processing network. This vital piece of our brain is used to understand spoken language and allows for a smoother transition from reading written text to understanding the building blocks of grammar. For example, using songs and nursery rhymes in class helps to teach reading, as some students can better remember songs than spoken words. There is also a high correlation between music and spatial-temporal reasoning skills required in mathematics, helping children learn semiotics, recall and patterning. When students begin to notate music in Year 1, they recognise and create music within a numerically structured system of beats and rhythm before progressing to the graph-like structure of the music staff (five lines and four spaces). Furthermore, songs such as Ten In The Bed, This Old Man and Old McDonald Had A Farm incorporate a variety of skills. These skills include subtracting, sorting and matching sounds, and sequencing through repetitions of melodies, rhythms, and lyrics. With movement and elements of games added to these songs, we are utilising a holistic approach for our boys’ education, as they learn to better communicate and play with one another.
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
22 | BBC NEWS
Numeracy meets muffins!
Mum, you're invited! PREP
Integrating and learning about special days has been the Term 2 focus for our youngest learners which saw our Prep boys participate in some wonderful learning experiences while preparing for their Mothers’ Day Morning Tea. Each boy wrote an invitation to their mother and they were thrilled when they received a reply. In preparation for the special morning tea, the boys made muffins and slices, which was a great way to incorporate measuring, counting and other mathematical concepts. On the day they prepared a beautiful banquet table where they counted the plates, napkins, name cards, flowers and chairs as they set the table. Another highlight was making beaded necklaces for their mums and painting their nails. All of these wonderfully engaging activities help to promote social skills, improve communication and language skills and assist numeracy development.
Do the dinosaur!
Our Year 1 boys began Term 2 by finding a secret video message delivered to their classroom by a scientist. This message discussed the appearance of a new dinosaur. The boys then took a trip to the Museum to explore dinosaur bones and answer questions relating to their features. With this information under their belts, they invented dinosaurs that were used to make cards similar to PokĂŠmon cards. Their dinosaurs each had specific features and different levels of speed, strength, protection, ability and intelligence. In conjunction, they recorded a description of their dinosaur using green screen technology. These videos were accessed through QR codes and used augmented reality to bring the cards and custom-made dinosaurs to life. The wonder and excitement exhibited by each of the boys as they participated in these tasks was a joy to experience.
Making discoveries! YEAR 1
BBC NEWS | 23
PREP
Taking flight at full force... YEAR 2
Develop a passion for
learning.If you do, you
will never cease to grow. ANTHONY J. D'ANGELO
Our Year 2 boys have been investigating forces, specifically how push and pull forces act on an object to make it move. They explored how these forces move cars on the ground and how the upward force of buoyancy keeps a boat afloat.To discover the forces in the air, the boys made paper helicopters and planes and launched these from the balcony. They tested their aircraft and saw that weight and drag act in the opposite direction to the forces of thrust and lift. On their excursion to Archerfield Airport, they experienced the forces first hand, when they received a lesson in the classroom from a QANTAS pilot before venturing onto the tarmac to have a closer look at a twin engine Seminole. Inside the cockpit, our budding young pilots controlled the flaps and the rudder. An added bonus on the day was the chance to land a three-mile approach into Brisbane Airport, all from the safety of a flight simulator. Forces have been the subject of the boys' Term 2 public speeches through which they have spoken about sailboats, jet skis, submarines and paddleboats.
JENNIFER WARWICK DEPUTY HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL (TEACHING AND LEARNING) Jennifer Warwick joined the BBC Junior School team in 2019 as the Deputy Head of Junior School (Teaching and Learning). Her teaching career has spanned areas from Prep to Year 6 including teaching LOTE (languages other than English). Jennifer’s varied career has enabled her to develop an understanding of children, how they learn best and how to meet their educational and social needs. Jennifer has a passion for mathematics having taught both undergraduates and Masters of Education students as a part-time sessional academic tutor at Queensland University of Technology. Before joining BBC, Jennifer enjoyed extensive leadership opportunities through roles including Head of Curriculum, Maths Coordinator and Pedagogical Coach (technology) at various Queensland state schools. Jennifer is passionate about education and the role she can play in helping children reach their full potential. Her philosophy is based on this quote by Anthony J. D'Angelo, “Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
24 | BBC NEWS
Junior School activities Daily Dash The Junior School has launched a new active initiative inviting all members of the Junior School community (including students, parents, siblings, staff and even pets) to join a daily 444m running program around the Oakman Park track. The response to Daily Dash has been amazing so far, more than half of all Junior School boys have attended a session, with one morning attracting over 100 participants! During the first week, our community ran just over 600km, which is the equivalent of running from BBC to Gladstone. This Junior School initiative supports a fun and active lifestyle within a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Daily Dash was (and still is) inspired by Project444.4 where Mr Ashley Druve, former Director of Gymnastics at BBC, ran over 444.4km with stage IV NET cancer raising funds through Cure Cancer Australia to help researchers find a cure.
Passion and compassion combine for major community impact Elliot Clayton's Passion Project on Stroke awareness has made it all the way from BBC to Parliament House. The support of Federal Member for Oxley, Mr Milton Dick and local MP for Mount Ommaney, Ms Jess Pugh has assisted him to spread his message as a young Stroke Foundation advocate. Elliot’s sister, Sophie suffered a stroke nine years ago, when she was just four years old. As Elliot has grown, it has become his passion to make more young people and children stroke aware, including what they can do to save lives. Elliot’s Year 6 Passion Project focused on teaching the FAST facts that can help identify the most common symptoms of a stroke (F – Face, A – Arms, S – Speech, T – Time). Elliot has also been recognised by the CEO of the Stroke Foundation and has been invited to present his project to the Stroke Foundation board in August.
Passion Projects Find your passion. Is there something you love doing so much it never feels like work, even if it absorbs hours of your time? When something fascinates you, excites you and engages you, you want to learn more about it. This was the underlying philosophy of our Year 6 Passion Projects. This year, our boys were encouraged to engage individually with something deeply meaningful to them, in the expectation that they will love learning more about it and will achieve something truly remarkable. Each boy worked for the best part of two terms with an adult mentor, who guided and encouraged him, before showcasing his learnings at a special event for parents and BBC students. The range of passionate pursuits on display was remarkable and innovative. Our Year 6 boys have inspired us to see what is possible when we follow our passions and interests.
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A SMOOTH TRANSITION Starting at a new school, or even moving from Junior to Middle School, can be a daunting time for boys. At BBC we seek to make this transition as smooth as possible for our incoming Year 7 students as they join our Middle School.
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ASSISTING TRANSITION
It all starts with a letter
me o c l We le dd i M to l! oo Sch
MR DAVID BELL HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Each year, boys in Year 8 write a personalised letter to incoming Year 7 boys to share their experiences and provide real world insights into Middle School life – we like to call it the ‘Buddy Letter’. The activity provides an opportunity for Year 8 students to recognise how far they’ve come as they confidently write about their own personal journey, while providing a supportive welcome to new boys about to embark on a shared experience. To help them offer meaningful insights that work to foster connection and paint a picture of daily school life, boys are given a broad template to follow when writing the letter. Middle schooling often involves a new level of independence for many and sharing everyday details helps to demystify natural concerns and normalise the feelings of anxiety that often arise. Boys share their experiences around getting to school, what it means to be part of a House, what they do at lunch and morning tea, the things they love and why (subjects, sport, music, activities), right through to what the broader community looks like at BBC. In sharing these details, incoming boys are given insight into the diverse opportunities on offer, the culture of the school and what it means to be part of the BBC community. Importantly, boys are also encouraged to reminisce about their own experience as a new boy transitioning from Year 6 into Year 7, sharing their initial concerns, how they worked through them and what the first week of school was like. Information on the best people to contact for support is also included. While this is essentially about directing their peers towards recommended help, it is also a good indicator of a boy’s version of the efficacy of support services and personnel on campus. I can almost guarantee that operating combination locks and reading school timetables will be mentioned! Whilst there is an expectation that the cheery, informative letter, to this point, has covered almost all of the transition issues, one final and important component remains. In the sign off, the author offers his new buddy a chance to reach out and ask any further questions. It is our hope that this contact will assist the new cohort of students
to feel happy and connected which will result in a better start for the new boys and a calmer start for key pastoral staff and parents. With relationships being such an important consideration in the Middle School, the incoming Year 7 students who already have an older ‘buddy’ are off to a good start.
+ The Buddy Letter is one element of our Year 7 Orientation Program. Along with the Shepherds Program and Connect Retreat - an extension of the Outdoor Education Program - boys are offered a unique transition experience designed to forge lifelong bonds as they journey through each rite of passage. All new Years 7, 8 and 9 students also attend a Welcome to Middle School Orientation Day, providing them with opportunities to meet their classmates, their teachers, Housemasters, Mentors and Prefects, as well as learn more about life at the College. Parents are also invited to an Afternoon Tea and a Insight Evening where they are provided with tools to support their son’s educational journey.
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Q+A WITH MAXIMILIAN WINDSOR
2018 College Dux and 2019 Shepherd, Maximilian Windsor, reflects on his own Middle School transition experience and how the Shepherd Program is helping new boys to find their place at BBC.
“A LEADER… IS LIKE A SHEPHERD. HE STAYS BEHIND THE FLOCK, LETTING THE MOST NIMBLE GO OUT AHEAD, WHEREUPON THE OTHERS FOLLOW, NOT REALISING THAT ALL ALONG THEY ARE BEING DIRECTED FROM BEHIND.” NELSON MANDELA A LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
The Shepherds Program was introduced by Head of Middle School, Mr David Bell, in 2019 as a pastoral initiative designed to help new Year 7 students settle in and develop a sense of belonging. Shepherds are volunteers from the previous year's graduating class of Seniors, nominated by Housemasters, who assist boys with the ‘small things’ – finding lockers, operating the lock, getting to and from facilities, using technology, sitting with them in class and answering any questions or concerns they may have. At break time, they are out looking for boys who haven’t yet connected, making new introductions to help them to find their place in the school yard. While officially ‘on duty’ from the moment boys arrive back from the orientation camp, through to the end of week two, the program helps to foster ongoing connections and lasting friendships.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM? Having attended four different schools before BBC, I know firsthand what it is like to change schools and manage learning in a new school environment. I struggled during my first week of Year 8, as I didn’t know any other students or teachers. I didn’t know where to find my classrooms in the large BBC campus, and I was unfamiliar with the new processes, procedures and daily structure that were unique to high school. I was very keen to be a part of the Middle School Shepherds Program, as I wanted to help the new Year 7 students transition smoothly into Middle School life. I wanted to share some of the knowledge of the College that I had gained and to assist students in making a positive start to, or continuation of, their BBC journey.
WHAT WERE THE BENEFITS TO THE YEAR 7 BOYS? I think it was great for the Year 7s to have a past student as a mentor. One significant benefit was that the students were able to arrive at their classrooms across the school on time, and without getting lost. Being in a large school can be stressful when you don’t know where you're going. I was very happy to be able to take this stress away by showing the students around the campus to their classrooms throughout the week. I think the students also benefitted from having a Shepherd in the classroom, as it allowed questions and concerns to be addressed more quickly than could be done by a teacher in class setting.
DID YOU FIND THAT YOU ALSO BENEFITTED FROM THE EXPERIENCE? I certainly benefitted from being part of the Middle School Shepherds Program. I was very pleased to be able to give back to BBC in a small way, knowing that a new group of students had a positive start to their time at the College. It was also a pleasure to be able to assist the teachers throughout the week, and I hope that I made their work a little bit easier as well!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW YEAR 7 STUDENTS COMMENCING AT BBC? The most important advice I can give is to enjoy your time at the College. There is an enormous array of opportunities available to everyone. Making the most of these opportunities is sure to make one’s time at BBC fruitful. Participate in sports, join service clubs and attend many enjoyable College events like Grand Concert, the Art Show and the annual Theatre production. Furthermore, it is important to study hard and capitalise on the wonderful academic environment of BBC. Ask your teachers questions, and always have a thirst for learning. Combining a strong academic focus with an enjoyment of the culture of BBC will enable you to make the most of your time at the College.
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28 | BBC NEWS
WHEN WORKSHOP SKILLS AND SCIENCE UNITE
FOR THEIR TERM 2 PROJECT OUR YEAR 9 DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP SKILLS STUDENTS HAVE BEEN BUSY DESIGNING AND BUILDING A TOY FOR SOME OF OUR YOUNGEST COLLEGIANS. IN SUPPORT OF THIS UNIT OF WORK, OUR YEAR 9 STUDENTS MET WITH OUR YEAR 2 STUDENTS TO DESIGN A TOY THAT COULD BE PUSHED OR PULLED, FORCES THAT OUR YEAR 2 BOYS ARE LEARNING ABOUT IN SCIENCE.
For the better part of the term our Year 9 students have been manufacturing the toy according to the collaborative design and brief of their Year 2 buddy. Recently, students meet in the Hobby House for final construction and toy reveal. The level of care and workmanship on display was extraordinary and our young toy designers enjoyed assisting with the final stages of sanding, painting and attaching wheels and propellers. It was a joy to watch the interactions between younger and older Collegians as they played with a simple, yet beautifully made wooden toy. Judging by the looks on the faces of the young boys, their initial toy expectations have been met and exceeded .
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CURRICULUM OFFERINGS
“THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST EDUCATIONAL CHANGE WE HAVE EXPERIENCED AS A COHORT, HOWEVER WE HAVE BEEN PREPARED WELL AND ARE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE AND EXCITEMENT THAT THIS NEW EDUCATIONAL GRADING TRANSITION WILL BRING” - ALISTER GOMERSALL, YEAR 11
Moving to the ATAR system DR LEIGH HOBART, HEAD OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND INNOVATION
EMBRACING THE NEW SENIOR ASSESSMENT AND TERTIARY ENTRANCE SYSTEM (SATE) Brisbane Boys’ College has been focussed on ensuring our students are ready to excel with the new Queensland Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance System (SATE). 2019 has seen our Year 11 boys start their formal journey to be the first Queensland cohort to achieve their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). Preparations have seen teachers quality assure units of work and assessments to ensure they are aligned with new QCAA requirements, while students have been engaging in precursor units steeped in cognitions, deliberate subject selection processes and study preparation skills.
QCE The QCE is Queensland’s senior secondary schooling qualification. It is internationally recognised and provides evidence of senior schooling achievements. To receive a QCE, students must achieve the set amount of learning, in the set standard, in a set pattern, while meeting literacy and numeracy requirements.
ATAR ATAR replaces the Overall Position (OP) as the standard pathway to tertiary study for Year 12 students in Queensland. The ATAR is a finer grained rank order of students than the OP. It is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 with increments of 0.05, whereas the OP consists of 25 bands. ATAR is commonly used in other states and territories.
The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) will be responsible for calculating students’ ATARs. They will be based on a student’s best five General Subject results or a student’s best results in a combination of four General Subject results, plus one Applied Subject result or completed VET qualification at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate III or above. Students must also satisfactorily complete a QCAA English subject although it is not mandated for their English result to be included in the calculation of their ATAR. The ATAR will be calculated by combining a student’s best five subject scaled scores. Scaled scores will be derived from a student’s subject results as reported to QTAC by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), using a process of inter-subject scaling.
ACTIONS TO SUCCEED To prepare, boys have been encouraged to choose subjects that they enjoy, that they think they will achieve well in, and that are subject prerequisites for tertiary courses to which they will be seeking entry. In order to make informed decisions, during Year 10 and lessons each week during Year 11, the boys have been well versed in the workings of SATE. They have met one-on-one with mentors who have reviewed their current standings, to ensure they are on track and to further guide them through a process of planning their SATE journey. Within their discipline classes, engagement in high quality instruction with explicit teaching of the cognitions continues within the context of the new syllabus. Our Year 11 students have been engaging with new assessments aligned with the senior syllabus requirements. Through quality instruction, they are also well prepared for external assessments, which are formally introduced in Year 12 as part of the new SATE system. We are confident our boys are well prepared to succeed.
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30 | BBC NEWS
Schools don’t have to be purely theoretical At BBC our students are challenged to think about real-world problems and look for real-world solutions. Our boys have many opportunities for hands-on, practical, interactive learning and experiences outside the classroom. Meaningful involvement in service activities, and fundraising for various causes, encourages our boys to see that they can be a part of our changing world and truly make a difference. The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal is one of the many service and community activities that help our boys to develop compassion for those around them. In May, our boys joined thousands of volunteers as they went door to door collecting donations as part of the Red Shield Appeal in support of the Salvation Army’s humanitarian work. Their collection even took
them to the door of Queensland’s Government House where His Excellency, the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Patron of the Appeal, presented the boys with a cheque to start their collection. Our Year 9 Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) group were touched after hearing the plight of Christian women widowed as a result
of Syria’s civil war and our boys were moved to help. The boys donated $540 they raised from hosting Pancake Day to the Barnabas Fund. Ashley Saunders, Australian CEO of Barnabas said, “Even though the boys may find it hard to imagine what life must be like for widows of war in Aleppo, their hearts were opened to their plight and their faith has been strengthened as a result.”
31 | BBC ARTS
BBC ARTS
33 Launch of Big Green Records Worldwide release of BBC's own imprint record label
34 Music short reads Student achievements in music
36 Lights, camera, action Providing Film Crew students with opportunities to engage in professional film production
32
Brisbane
BBC boys take to the stage in the 2019 Theatre production of Brisbane by M. Ryan
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
e n a b s i r B
In May our boys took to the stage of the Schonell Theatre, UQ for three performances of the 2019 BBC Theatre Production of Brisbane by M. Ryan. With its rich, textured and at times very funny script this production was a celebration of a city and a childhood, a requiem for all that was lost. “The air is thick and wet and the sun burns your skin like it hates your guts... It’s 1942 and I’m fourteen, which means I face two obstacles on a daily basis. One: Entire countries that want to kill me. And two: The Cricket Boys on Mulvany Street. Danny Fisher is coming of age at a time when Brisbane faces the threat of extinction. When his beloved brother Frank is killed in the bombing of Darwin, Danny’s family is ripped apart. Ignored by grieving parents, the awkward Danny is left to fend for himself, and to try to fill the shoes left behind. Thrust headlong into the threat of war and the hope of love, Danny, like his city, is growing up fast. Aided by his potty-mouthed best friend Patty, Danny meets an American serviceman identical to Danny’s lost brother. But when the American begins teaching him how to fly, Danny comes up with a dangerous plan to prove his own worth.” Our thanks go to the passionate and gifted teachers who, under the direction of Ms Catherine Heffernan, made the production possible and also to the boys and girls from BBC and St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School who performed with such panache and distinction. "I am proud to be part of a school that offers such a diverse range of opportunities to students and one which caters for the wide range of skill sets we see in our boys” – Ms Catherine Heffernan, MIC Theatre
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IMAGES L-R: TOBY HOBART, WE BUILD SPACESHIPS (TOP) FLEET STREET BAND (BOTTOM), MITCH SALISBURY
LAUNCH OF BIG GREEN RECORDS BBC SCHOOL OF ROCK STUDENTS ARE TO BE CONGRATULATED ON THEIR WORLDWIDE RELEASE OF BIG GREEN RECORDS – OUR OWN IMPRINT RECORD LABEL. THE LABEL HAS BEEN CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRISBANE'S DIGITAL MUSIC AGGREGATOR, GYROSTREAM, AND PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR TALENTED MUSICIANS TO RELEASE NEW MUSIC TO A WORLDWIDE AUDIENCE ON DIGITAL PLATFORMS INCLUDING SPOTIFY AND ITUNES MUSIC.
The new label was launched with the coordinated release of four original student songs. In the first week the students amassed over 50,000 plays on Spotify alone, and have been featured on playlists for Universal Music, Release Radar and Triple J alongside world famous international artists. Big Green Records launch songs: We Build Spaceships: Jenny is a Nightmare Winner of the Darren Middleton Songwriting Competition and Queensland Music Awards Finalist Charlie White, Oscar White, Ben Marshall Fleet Street Band: Feel Something Queensland Music Awards Finalist Toby Hobart, Michael Bellgard, Will O'Meara Mitch Salisbury: Potent Love Highly Commended – Darren Middleton Songwriting Competition and Highly Commended – Queensland Music Awards Mitch Salisbury, Jonathon Vickers, Ben Marshall (OB 2018) Toby Hobart: Warrior
Follow Big Green Records on Spotify and Apple iTunes Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/21JfQtXPWIPsmAoqPzswzB Listen on Apple iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/playlist/big-green-records/pl.u-55D6XV5c82kmye
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34 | BBC ARTS
Music short reads VIDEO CLIP RELEASE Charlie, Oscar and Ben from the band, We Build Spaceships released the video clip to their song, Jenny is a Nightmare, which has been played over 47,000 times since its release on Spotify in April. This is the first clip release for the band who were finalists in the Queensland Music Awards and winners of the 2018 Darren Middleton Songwriting Competition. The video clip was produced in house by Film Crew students who are working closely with bands to create professional productions for Big Green Records. Congratulations boys!
DARREN MIDDLETON SONGWRITING COMPETITION BBC has a strong tradition of producing exceptional quality original recorded music, which is on display through the Darren Middleton Songwriting Competition. Our Music Department is honoured to assist boys by using the combined resources of the College community and partners to maximise the impact of original student music. Congratulations to all involved, in particular Mr Dan Pratt and student performers, on highlighting the enormous breadth of talent within our community and the unwavering commitment of our staff in nurturing those talents.
HIGHLAND GATHERING Miskin Oval was transformed as a number of Pipe Bands, Massed Pipe Bands, Drum Majors, Highland Dancers and Scottish Stalls and food outlets congregated for the 2019 Scottish Highland Gathering.
CELTIC MIST
TWILIGHT CONCERT The 2019 Twilight Concert marked the launch of the Music Department’s performance season with showcase pieces by both Senior and Intermediate ensembles including College Symphony, College Strings, Symphonic Band, Camerata, BBC Singers, Collegians, Big Band and the Pipe Band.
Our Pipe Band boys performed two shows as part of the Celtic Mist Concert alongside the Queensland Pops Orchestra, Irish Dancers, Highland Dancers, Choirs and the amazing Sarah Calderwood and Gregory Moore. It was an honour for our boys to perform to near sellout crowds on the QPAC stage and a pleasure to watch them play with discipline and precision alongside some of the best musicians in the country.
BBC ARTS | 35
INDIE ROCK CONCERT An amazed and appreciative crowd came together to witness the evolution of the Indie Rock Concert. This concert provided student rock acts with an opportunity to perform their original songs. The evening began with new artists and concluded with headline acts from Big Green Records. Towards the end of the evening, the audience got to hear live versions of songs that are racking up big numbers on Spotify and iTunes. A bagpipe infused rock performance from We Build Spaceships was a particular highlight, as were debut performances from The New McKenzies and The Rudd Boys.
2019 CONCERT CALENDAR SEMESTER 2 7 AUGUST Concerto Competition Finals and Middle School Solo Championship 5.30pm - College Hall 15 AUGUST Music Showcase 6.30pm - College Hall
FANFARE FOR YOUNG BBC COMPOSER Congratulations to Sebastian Lingane, Year 12, who has been selected as one of eight national winners of the Artology Fanfare Competition. The annual competition sees talented young composers create a 30-second work which is recorded live by the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) and broadcast at venues around Australia to replace the traditional cue bells to call audiences to their seats. As the only Queensland winner, Sebastian will fly to Sydney to attend professional development workshops with industry professionals, top composers, conductors, sound engineers and musicians and have his pieces recorded and performed at various national venues by the Australian Youth Orchestra. Following the workshops and overall winner is chosen to write a score for a musical/play/stage piece with professional teams. The last BBC student to be selected for the finals was Alexander Voltz (OB 2016).
30 AUGUST Grand Concert 7.00pm - College Hall 22 OCTOBER Junior Gala Concert 6.30pm - College Hall 26 OCTOBER Sounds of Scotland 7.00pm - College Hall For any further concert information please contact music@bbc.qld.edu.au or phone 07 3309 3520.
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36 | BBC ARTS
Lights, camera, action Film Crew provides opportunities for students to engage in a professional film production experience, within an environment free from assessment pressures.
“
Watching Senior students share their creativity and film skills with younger students, shows the generosity of spirit common to BBC students, especially as they navigate challenges and on-your-feet problem solving that occurs when on live film sets.” – MS JUDI BAUER, MIC FILM CREW
Students learn to use studio grade cameras, sound equipment and editing suites, providing an invaluable experience should they wish to pursue a career in the film or television industry beyond high school. Film Crew students learn teamwork, effective communication and problem solving skills and enjoy the opportunity to start building professional relationships and portfolios. Throughout the year, members of the Film Crew have been working on a range of projects including coverage of GPS events, promotional material for Theatre productions and Interhouse activities. In 2018, Film Crew footage was used in the GPS centenary video production, 100 Years of GPS. Recently, the Film Crew has been busy producing music videos for bands in the BBC Rock Band Program and current projects include Pipe Band and Robotics features. Film Crew productions can be found on the Brisbane Boys’ College YouTube channel and Highlands page.
BBC SPORT | 37
BBC SPORTS 38 GPS glory
Celebrating our Term 1 and 2 GPS sporting victories
40 Sporting short reads Acknowledging student achievements and representative sporting honours
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
38 | BBC SPORT
GPS GLORY
SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW THE BBC TENNIS PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH OUR FIRST IV TENNIS TEAM BEING CROWNED 2019 GPS PREMIERS.
L-R: MR ANDREW ROLPH, SAM BAJRACHARYA, FINN MACNAMARA, LIAM FRANKLIN, ERIC PADGHAM, MR CHRIS ROLPH, MR PAUL SETCH
The BBC First IV finished the season as undefeated Premiers giving the College its seventh Tennis Premiership in a row and its 11th Tennis Premiership in the past 14 years. “This is the seventh consecutive year that BBC has taken the top honour and it is a true testament to the commitment and consistency of players and coaches across the BBC Tennis Program. It is nice for our program to be recognised for State and National Tennis Awards but the true winners are our boys.” – Mr Chris Rolph, Director of Tennis.
BBC SPORT | 39
GPS VOLLEYBALL PREMIERS DIG, SET, SPIKE, CELEBRATE Congratulations to all members of our Volleyball First VI team who were crowned undefeated GPS Premiers in 2019. It has been a successful season for Volleyball, with multiple teams in contention for Premierships as they entered their final round matches. The season concluded with a fitting Awards Dinner to celebrate the achievements of the season and the hard work displayed by our boys, coaches, parents and staff.
BBC
GPS CROSS COUNTRY HARD WORK PAYS OFF Last year BBC won the Jack E. Ross trophy for the first time in College history, and in 2019 the boys went 'back to back' to be crowned GPS Cross Country Champions for the second year running. Distance running is an extraordinarily challenging athletic endeavour and the way the Championship is constructed, makes it a true team sport. In what was an extremely close final tally, our boys fought hard to ensure that every performance contributed towards the overall team result. Congratulations to all our runners, captains, coaches and managers of the team. Our College community are proud of your efforts, not only today but in your dedication to training and in your commitment to your mates in the green, white and black!
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
40 | BBC SPORT
Sporting short reads and representative honours
TRACK AND FIELD Pat Thygesen and Harry Pennington (Year 12) represented Australia at the Oceania Regional Championships in Townsville in June. Pat Thygesen: Gold - Under 18 2000m Steeplechase 6:02.50, Silver - Under 18 3000m 8:47.24 Harry Pennington: Silver: Under 20 3000m Steeplechase 10:03.18 2017 BBC Old Boy, Ash Moloney won the Decathlon with a score of 8103 points, to defeat his training partner Cedric Dubler (2016 Olympic representative and BBC coach). Ash's results include: 100m 10.59 secs, Long Jump 7.52m, Shot Put 13.48m, High Jump 1.92m, 400m 46.95 secs, 110m Hurdles 14.05 secs, Discus 42.36m, Pole Vault 5.00m, Javelin 54.38m, 1500m 4:53.73.
CRICKET During Term 1 our First XI team secured one of our greatest ever cricket victories, overcoming GPS Premiership favourites Gregory Terrace at Oakman Park in a hardfought one run victory (201 to 200), played over nearly eight hours. What a season highlight! One, you would imagine, would be hard to top. But top it, we did... for what came next, defines the green, white, black spirit. The First XI, along with the Second XI Captain became aware that our younger teams had been on the receiving end of a tough weekend of results and resolved to give of their own time to help train our Junior and Middle School cricketers – on top of their own training and senior study commitments. The following week, our leaders of the College cricket program joined our Year 5, 6, 7 and 8 cricketers at their training session, helping them with batting, bowling and fielding, all with a smile on their face and a genuine interest in their younger Collegians’ wellbeing. The fun, improvement and enjoyment experienced by these youngest cricketers as they trained side-by-side with their ‘heroes’, was a highlight of their 2019 cricket season. Our senior cricketers committed to do this each week of the season, all the while training hard for their team, and for each other; going 'All In', as they pursue their own goals. For many involved, this wonderful display of community spirit and our BBC values was the greatest highlight of all.
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SWIMMING AUSTRALIA JUNIOR EXCELLENCE PROGRAM AWARDS Congratulations to the students honoured at the recent Swimming Australia Junior Excellence Program Awards, which recognises performance, encourages development and strives to inspire the next generation of competitive swimmers. Gold Thomas Brentnall (Year 9) Alexander Cameron (Year 5) Liam McGowan (Year 10) Charlie Russell (Year 7) Ryan Sui (Year 8) Sebby Taylor (Year 7) Silver Charles Archer (Year 10) Bryce Belcher (Year 10) Keegan Belcher (Year 10) Patrick Traynor (Year 11) Bronze Curtis Fowler (Year 6). David Granzin (Year 8) William Keizer (Year 9) Jason Kwan (Year 11) Thomas Winters (Year 7) Blue Stirling Kerr (Year 6) Deeptangsu Maitra (Year 7) Archie Moore (Year 7) Hugh Moore (Year 8) Rudra Potlapaly (Year 8)
FOOTBALL Congratulations to Year 9 Footballer, Jack Warshawsky who has made the 23-man squad selected to represent Australia at the 2019 AFF Under 15 Championship in Chonburi, Thailand. Australia will take on hosts Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and Brunei Darussalam in Group B of the competition. Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Singapore, and Philippines will contest Group A, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi finals of the tournament. The Group Stage will commence in late July, with the final held on 9 August. The 2019 AFF Under 15 Championship represents the start of his age group journey to the FIFA Under 17 World Cup in 2021. Jack, a promising goalkeeper, played as part of the BBC First XI squad this season.
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42 | BBC SPORT
CROSS COUNTRY On the back of our 2018 and 2019 GPS Cross Country Championships wins, an unprecedented 18 BBC students competed in the State Cross Country Championships held in Toowoomba. Awards Flynn Pumpa (Silver: 15 Years 4000m), Pat Thygesen (Bronze: 17 Years 6000m) Top 10 placings Matthew Bennett Fifth (16 Years 6000m), Seth Mahony Eighth (13 Years 3000m), Cooper Johnson Fourth (14 Years 4000m), Matthew Deighton Eighth (14 Years 4000m), Jackson Medway Fourth (15 Years 4000m), Harry Pennington Fourth (18-19 Years 8000m) The 14 Years 5x1500m relay team was comprised of BBC students: Cooper Johnson, Matthew Deighton, Ryder Ah Fook, Freddie Ayres and Hugh Moore. Following their State Championship efforts Flynn Pumpa, Jackson Medway and Pat Thygesen have qualified for the Queensland team and will compete at the National Championships in Wollongong in August.
WATER POLO Kobe Jennison (Year 11) and James Kininmonth (Year 10) have represented Queensland at the Australian Secondary Schools Water Polo Championships in Sydney. Both players received good pool time and impressed with their efforts. Kobe showed his speed in the water and James was a physical powerhouse. At the conclusion of the Championships, James was selected in the Australian Schools Water Polo team. Congratulations boys!
IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE AND 2019 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES, NAPLES The IAAF Diamond League Series of meets are the most prestigious athletics meets on the international calendar. In 2019, these meets lead into the World Championships in Doha, Qatar later this year. 2015 BBC Track and Field Captain, Darcy Roper competed in the Lausanne Diamond League meet placing sixth in Long Jump (8.05m).
INSIGHT | 43
INSIGHT R ESEARCH
RESOURC ES
PE RSPE C TIV E
44
Parenting styles What type of parent are you? Take the quiz
45 Get connected Putting parents in touch with useful resources
45 Recommended read The importance of sleep COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
44 | INSIGHT
PARENT RESOURCE
PARENTING STYLES WHAT TYPE OF PARENT ARE YOU?
RAISING CHILDREN CAN BRING GREAT JOY AS YOU WATCH THEM GROW AND DEVELOP INTO UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS. THE RELATIONSHIP PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS HAVE WITH THEIR CHILDREN WILL HAVE A HUGE INFLUENCE ON THEIR LIVES. MOST PARENTS LEARN ABOUT PARENTING ‘ON THE JOB’ AND GROW INTO THEIR ROLE WITH EXPERIENCE. While there are several parenting styles discussed in the special report presented by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg on our SchoolTV site, children benefit most when parents are warm and loving, providing clear guidance and support. Understanding more about different parenting styles and their effects on children, will help you decide what kind of style you may want to adopt. To help you determine which style of parenting you use, visit https://bbc.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/specialreport-parenting-styles to complete the quiz. Once complete, a report can be emailed to you with your results.
INSIGHT | 45
Get Connected
Putting parents in touch with resources SCHOOLTV ONLINE PARENTING RESOURCE
RECOMMENDED READ The Complete Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep by Dr Carmel Harrington
Parents face a multitude of modern day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. While there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming. SchoolTV, the online resource, empowers parents with credible and sound information and practical support strategies. Topics and resources covering Mental Health, Cybersafety, School Survival, Healthy Body and other Special Reports are available along with factsheets, apps, books and websites. Access to SchoolTv is available through the College website.
SCHOOLTV SPECIAL REPORT - ONLINE GAME FORTNITE “The game can be problematic for those kids who play in an ‘obsessive way’. It will interfere with their sleep, it will interfere with homework, and it’ll interfere with normal relationships at home.” - Dr Michael Carr-Gregg TO READ THE FULL REPORT VISIT HTTPS://BBC.QLD.SCHOOLTV.ME/ WELLBEING_NEWS/ONLINE-GAME-FORTNITE-SPECIAL-REPORT
Australians have a problem with sleep and Dr Harrington believes we have the makings of an epidemic, but she also has solutions. Drawing on the latest research, she provides clear explanations of: • • • • •
the role of anxiety and depression in sleeplessness how lack of sleep affects our physical and mental health the adverse effects of technology sleep apnoea how to develop a plan that addresses your particular issues
This is your complete guide to putting troubled sleep behind you.
SLEEP “Children these days seem to be going to bed later and later. Distractions such as TV, computer games, internet, texting friends and social media are all having a negative impact on a child’s sleep time. Sleep is vital to a child’s wellbeing. When children sleep well, they are more settled, happier and ready for school the next day. Sleep also strengthens their immune systems, supports overall development and their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Children who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation. Recent studies have shown than many children, especially teenagers, are missing out on vital REM sleep, which is particularly important for memory and learning.” – Damon Emtage, DEPUTY HEADMASTER AND HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL.
PARENT SEMINAR SERIES The BBC Parent Seminar Series is held throughout the school year and covers a broad range of topics within the education and parenting landscape. Presentations are held on weekday mornings at the College and run for 30 minutes plus additional question time. The BBC Parent Seminar Series is open to all parents and friends of the BBC community. Further details can be found on event page of our College website and in College Newsletters. 2019 presentation topics have covered: • Strategic Direction • Motivating Boys • The Meaning of Educational Success • SATE, QCE, ATAR, VET and other acronyms • Understanding Adolescents
HTTPS://BBC.QLD.SCHOOLTV.ME/NEWSLETTER/SLEEP
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
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CONNECT O LD COLLEGIAN S
F O U N D AT ION
COM MU N ITY EV EN TS
47 From the OCA President Towards 2020, a message from Chris Humphrey
52 Where are they now Catch up with Old Collegians
54 Multi-generational ties Spotlight on the Rylance family, a fourth-generation BBC family
57 OCA centenary In 2020 the OCA will commemorate 100 years
48
Spotlight on OCA events Snapshots of recent OCA activities
CONNECT | 47
MURRAY MCNAUGHT AND CHRIS HUMPHREY
Toward 2020 CHRIS HUMPHREY, OCA PRESIDENT
In this, the 99th year of the Brisbane Boys’ College Old Collegians' Association (OCA), the OCA Executive is looking forward to ending 2019 with strong numbers at our marquee events. The 2020 Centenary event schedule will be released shortly and will include a Gala event to celebrate 100 years of the OCA. As OCA President I am happy to report that the 2019/2020 Old Collegians’ Executive Committee experienced minimal changes from the 2018/19 executive. Due to work commitments Alex Russell (OB 2015 and College Captain) and Tom Law (OB 2011 and College Captain) had to step down and were replaced by Wade Ruffin (OB 1984) and Cam Wallace (OB 2012 and College Captain). The returning committee members include: myself (OB 1990 and current parent); Vice President Murray McNaught (OB 1992 and current parent); former OCA Presidents, Arthur Palmer (OB 1970 and current parent) and Peter Dun (OB 1968 and past parent); Russell Byrnes (OB 1985 and current parent); Andrew Stephen (OB 1994 and current parent); Graham Sagar (OB 1969 and Vintage Collegians’ representative) and Grant Rynne (OB 2000 and future parent). In addition to overseeing the 2020 Centenary celebrations our focus as a committee is threefold – to lift the OCA profile across the broader College community, to increase enrolments of sons of Old Boys and encourage further OCA engagement. The remaining 2019 OCA marquee events include our annual BBC Long Lunch on Friday 6 September in the Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves, Hutchies BBC Golf Day on Friday 18 October at Indooroopilly Golf Club and Old Boys’ Day on Saturday 24 August. We are delighted to announce, thanks to Headmaster Mr Paul Brown, at the conclusion of the rugby match on Old Boys’ Day, the OCA will be hosting the BBC and TSS communities for post-match celebrations in a marquee at the far end of the P&F Oval. Capacity is in the vicinity of 500 which we hope to achieve helped by the 25 Year (1994) and 35 Year (1984) Cohort Reunions. I encourage you all to join us for at least one of these events. On the BBC community engagement front we are thrilled to announce that going forward the BBC Networking Breakfasts will be co-hosted with the P&F Association. Hamish Turner OAM (OB 1984) will be our guest speaker at the first co-hosted event confirmed for
1920 - 2020
If any Old Collegians wish to express interest in becoming part of the OCA’s Centenary Committee or would like to assist us in organising an OCA event interstate or overseas, please contact oca@bbc.qld.edu.au
Wednesday 23 October in the Old Collegians' Pavilion. I would like to thank Naren Sinnanthamby (OB 1994) who was the guest speaker at the Networking Breakfast we hosted earlier in the year. Maintaining traditions has been another focus for 2019, with continued growth of the Old Collegians’ Rowing, Basketball and Pipe Band Clubs. Each of these clubs have seen a further boost in numbers and a groundswell of support from Old Boys. These clubs are an important lifeline to the OCA as they help us in achieving our original mission of fostering relationships between Old Collegians. Our engagement within the College has also continued to steadily improve over the past year. One of the OCA’s recent initiatives was to change our constitution to permit us to allow current BBC staff to become Honorary Members of the Association. As a result, the OCA Executive are proud to announce Wayne Banks (Junior School), Mark Griffiths (Junior School), Colin Noy (Science and Robotics) and Reverend Graham Cole (Chaplin) as Honorary Old Collegians. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Rev Graham Cole all the best with his upcoming retirement. Furthermore, this year has also seen our inaugural Multi-generational Breakfast hosted by the OCA and College Executive. This event was targeted to prospective BBC families with links to the OCA the families of boys who are sons, nephews or grandsons of Old Collegians. I would like to thank Headmaster, Mr Paul Brown and Head of Advancement, Mr Peter Franks who have continued to help us improve the bridge between the College and the OCA. We look forward to that camaraderie continuing into the future. Lastly, I would like to thank Alumni Coordinator, Ms Kelly Edwards, who along with all of her duties at BBC also served as the OCA Secretary. Kelly recently left BBC after a seven years tenure with the College and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
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SPOTLIGHT ON OCA EVENTS In this edition we recap a number of events that have taken place across 2019. These events have seen people from all parts of our community come together to honour all things green,white, black.
JANUARY 30 U N I O R I E N T A T I O N
CONTINUED MARCH 25 O C A M E E T A N D G R E E T
Fifty members of the BBC community came together for the OCA’s Meet and Greet function. Representatives from each of the Support Groups, the BBC Council as well as College staff joined the OCA Executive Committee for a night of networking and renewing friendships.
On Wednesday 30 January, a group of Seniors from the class of 2018 attended a 'Beginners Guide to UQ', where Young Old Boy Representative, Alex Russell (OB 2015) shared his tips and tricks for surviving the first weeks and months of uni life. This is an annual OCA offering and we thank Alex and our newest alumni for attending.
In the wise words of Aristotle, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts".
MAY 9
M U LT I - G E N E R A T I O N A L BREAKFAST BBC welcomed over 70 guests including Old Collegians and their families to the inaugural Multi-generational Breakfast. Hosted in the Junior School Undercroft, this new event on the OCA and BBC calendars was for Old Boys and their families who are considering BBC as the school of choice for their son(s).
APRIL 2
MARCH 13 V C ' S T O O W O O M B A
Thirty Vintage Collegians were welcomed to our annual Toowoomba Luncheon. It was a sombre affair as the boys raised a toast for Ken Gold (OB 1949), who passed away unexpectedly the Monday prior. Ken attended the VC’s weekly meetings for the past 25-years and was a regular fixture at their luncheons. His laughter, love and knowledge of the College will be missed.
BBC NETWORKING BREAKFAST The OCA hosted our first BBC Networking Breakfast of the year in the newly renovated Old Collegians' Pavilion with guest speaker, Naren Sinnathamby (OB 1994). Naren is the Director of Commercial Development of Springfield City Group and is responsible for the company’s commercial assets valued at over half-a- billion dollars. Naren's personal ethos is you can inherit a name and money, but you have to earn respect.
15 V C ' S M T T A M B O R I N E
A stunning day was had by our Vintage Collegians, who came together for a luncheon at Tamborine Mountain. The men enjoyed wine tasting, a two-course lunch and a wander around the stunning Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery.
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BBC Golf Day COMMUNITY EVENT
Friday 18 October Indooroopilly Golf Club 4 Ball Ambrose . Teams of 4 . Sponsorship Opportunities
UPCOMING OCA EVENTS
Register your team
$600 per team Team Registration includes: • Four Player Registrations • Light Lunch • Complimentary use of Practice Range prior to play
REUNIONS - 09, 99, 89, 79, 69, 59, 49
• 18 Holes of Golf
Friday 23 August
• Golf Cart
OLD BOYS’ DAY AND POST-MATCH EVENT (CELEBRATING 99 YEARS OF THE OCA)
• Drinks and Meal at Presentation Function
Saturday 24 August
BBC LONG LUNCH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RAY WHITE (SHERWOOD AND GRACEVILLE) AND MAZARS
Become a sponsor
Friday 6 September
Hole Sponsorship includes:
HUTCHIES BBC GOLF DAY
• Team registration
$1200 per hole
Friday 18 October
• Exposure of your business on a selected hole
BBC NETWORKING BREAKFAST WITH HAMISH TURNER OAM Wednesday 23 October
• Recognition of your support at the presentation, within the OCA eNewsletter and Collegian Magazine, reaching more than 8,000 people
VINTAGE COLLEGIANS' CHRISTMAS FUNCTION
• Promotion of your business in all teams’ registration packs on the day
Dates are correct at time of printing, however may be subject to change.
To register a team or for more information please contact
Friday 22 November
BBC Alumni Office via oca@bbc.qld.edu.auor 07 3309 3513
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
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TOOWOOMBA
Wednesday 13 March
NETWORKING BREAKFAST Tuesday 2 April
MULTI-GENERATIONAL BREAKFAST Thursday 9 May
MEET AND GREET
Monday 25 March
MT TAMBORINE Wednesday 15 May
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR DAVID A HOOD AM (1958-1961) Years at BBC Four years.
What do you regard as your biggest achievement since
House Wesley.
leaving BBC There have been many times when I have pushed the
Where do you currently live After 36 years in Canberra we moved
boundaries, particularly attempting to deliver greater sustainability
back home to Brisbane and bought in Taringa.
outcomes from construction and operation of the built environment.
Have you travelled Certainly have. Various jobs over the years saw
The biggest challenge was introducing a Full Sustainability Rating
me travelling to Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, most of South
Scheme for infrastructure after having been at the forefront of the green
East Asia, USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Denmark, Holland, Belgium,
buildings movement since 2000. The outcome is the Infrastructure
France, South Africa, Mozambique, Mauritius, Japan, China, New
Sustainability Council of Australia, which I founded and was inaugural
Zealand, India, UAE, Bahrain, Argentina, Brazil. And today, I hate the
Chairman of from 2006 until 2011. I am also privileged to have
greenhouse gas emissions that I was responsible for. I have bought
been one of only 100 engineers elected to the position of Engineers
offsets to try and make up for it.
Australia’s National President in 2012. On Australia Day in 2013, I was
Family status I was lucky to have been happily married to my best
admitted as a Member of the Order of Australia.
friend Laura (nee Leigh McCormick) for 50 years. We first met in 1961
What do you aspire to do in the future That’s very simple, I will do
when I was selected into the University of Queensland First VIII. Laura
all I can to avoid the impending catastrophe that climate change from
died in mid 2018 after a long (16 year) and difficult battle with adenoid
burning fossil fuels will bring upon civilisation, and my granddaughters.
cystic carcinoma which first appeared in her breast. We had two boys,
Favourite pastimes/hobbies Going bush, kayaking, listening to good
Andrew and Cameron. Cameron died in a motorcycle accident in
music and enjoying nice red wines.
Canberra in 1997. Andrew lives in Canberra with his partner Bel and
What is your perfect weekend Clichéd I know, however spending a
my two beautiful granddaughters.
weekend exploring nature with my granddaughters.
Current Occupation Company and NGO Board Director and part-
Favourite holiday destination The Amazon jungle, without a doubt.
time university lecturer and researcher. I am also an active volunteer
Fondest memory of BBC Winning the Head of the River in 1961. Oh,
on climate change action, sustainability, regenerating nature, and the
and scoring a try against Nudgee College before my knee collapsed
evolution of a new economy for Australia.
and ended my potential international rugby career.
Previous occupation/s A very successful and rewarding career as
Favourite teacher That’s easy. It was Pete Lawton who made sure
a professional civil and environmental engineer. Moved into Senior
I achieved a good enough grasp of maths to eventually get through
Management, consulting, and then Board positions.
engineering. However there were many others that were amazing –
Did you study after BBC Civil Engineering at University of
and our cohort was a particularly difficult bunch of rebels.
Queensland, Urban and Regional Planning at University of Canberra and Construction Management at UNSW.
CONNECT | 53 PHOTOS COURTESY OF HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CORYTEUNISSEN/
CORY TEUNISSEN (2006-2012) Years at BBC Four years. House McKenzie. Where do you live Burleigh Heads, Queensland and Orlando Florida, United States of America. Have you travelled As a professional wakeboarder I travel to many different countries around the world. Current Occupation Athlete. Previous occupation/s I become a professional athlete from a young age. Did you study after BBC As I was travelling from the age of 13, I never had the opportunity to study post high school. Biggest achievement since leaving BBC Becoming a two-time wakeboarding world champion. What do you aspire to do in the future My personal five-year plan is to continue travelling and competing on the tour, trying to take out as many titles as possible. I want to enjoy my time and have as much fun as possible whilst setting myself up for retirement because being an athlete doesn't last forever.
Favourite pastimes/hobbies I generally enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My schedule is so busy that when I get the chance to be with them I cherish those moments and engage with them as much as possible. I also surf a lot when I am home as I live next to the beach. What is your perfect weekend It would start by going out to breakfast with the family and sharing some great food. Go straight to the boat and go for a wakeboard with good company. And finish the day off with a surf in a spot with no one out, perfect waves and a couple friends. Then bring people over to my place to have dinner, a couple of beers or glasses of cabernet sauvignon and a lot of laughs. Favourite holiday destination I've been lucky enough to travel to many different places around the world, however two places that have always stuck with me are Italy and Portugal. Fondest memory of BBC Creating strong bonds with the people I chose to surround myself with. Even though I don't keep in touch with many people from school I will always remember my friends as they shaped who I am as a person, which is very important to me. Favourite teacher Mr Alan Cheel.
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MULTI-GENERATIONAL TIES
FOUR STRONG BY CAMERON RYLANCE (OB 1991)
At Brisbane Boys’ College, we’re proud of our second, third and fourth generation families. For the current students of our multi-generational families, attending BBC must feel like a rite of passage, and, as they walk the same halls their ancestors walked many years before, the depth of pride and spirit only intensifies. The bond and relationships between sons, fathers, uncles and grandfathers are strengthened through the shared experience of being a BBC Gentleman of Honour. The Rylance family are a fourth-generation BBC family, and in the following article, Cameron (OB 1991) reflects on what that means to him and his family.
1969 DAVID DIAMOND
1920 OSCAR DIAMOND
DIAMOND
On reflection, my time at BBC was only short, and although it hasn’t solely defined who I am, it has had a positive influence on my life. There was never any question as to which school I was going to attend, it was always going to be BBC as nearly every relative of mine attended the College at some point. Relatives on both sides of the family attended both Clayfield College and BBC at various times from 1910 right through to today. And now with our son James at the school, I have been able to reflect on the family’s 100-year connection with BBC and I feel extremely proud that this tradition continues. I started at BBC in 1985, as a Year 6 student in Mr Taylor's class. At the time I remember the scale of the campus to be daunting, but quickly bonded with a bunch of mates who are still to this day my closest friends - Benno, Woody, Nath, Ant, Brycie, Morgs, Worm, Seets, Beardie, Packer, Fitzie and Woolms to name a few. It was a time in my life that contained a lot of great memories – being a part of a
BBC FAMILY HERITAGE
RYLANCE
tribe, hearing the roar of the War Cry at GPS meets, watching the First XV run on to Miskin to the sound of the Pipe Band. These memories still evoke strong emotions to this day. Looking back, one of the most valuable things I came away from BBC with was the lifelong friendships I developed during my time at the school. I feel very fortunate to have a group of genuine mates who accept each other for who they are, can have a laugh at each other’s expense and always have each other’s backs. These people are, and always will be, like family to me. We regularly catch up and reflect on many of the experiences we went through at the school, many of which were tough as in those days punishment was dished out by both teachers and students which I believe taught me the importance
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1926 WALLACE RYLANCE
1914 DOUG RYLANCE
1965 BRUCE RYLANCE
1991 CAMERON RYLANCE
2023 JAMES RYLANCE
1928 BRUCE CARLTON RYLANCE 1969 DAVID RYLANCE 1920 ZITA RYLANCE
1920 ASENATH RYLANCE
PICTURED CAMERON RYLANCE (FAR LEFT), BRUCE RYLANCE (MIDDLE), JAMES RYLANCE (RIGHT) COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
56 | CONNECT
2023 JAMES RYLANCE
1965 BRUCE RYLANCE
of grit, as being resilient is something that serves you well in the real world. We also keep each other grounded and bring each other back into line to ensure that nobody gets too far ahead of themselves. These things, along with the competitiveness instilled in me during my time at the College, have taught me to stay humble, persevere and enjoy all that life has to offer. As a proud BBC Old Boy seeing my son James in his uniform on his first day was a special occasion for both my father and I. This was made even more memorable by the fact that he was the first fourth-generation boy to attend the College. As a parent, I now fully understand the sacrifices my parents made in order for me to attend the school, something for which I will be forever grateful for. I now find myself making those same sacrifices but feel that a BBC education, along with the endless array of opportunities available to James, is a smart investment in my son and his future. Looking ahead, it is great to see that the school is in good hands and despite many of the challenges it has faced, it continues to evolve from strength to strength and is positioned as one of the leading boys' school in the country, if not the world.
1991 CAMERON RYLANCE
AS A PROUD BBC OLD BOY SEEING MY SON JAMES IN HIS UNIFORM ON HIS FIRST DAY WAS A SPECIAL OCCASION FOR BOTH MY FATHER AND I. THIS WAS MADE EVEN MORE MEMORABLE BY THE FACT THAT HE WAS THE FIRST FOURTH GENERATION BOY TO ATTEND THE COLLEGE. 1991 CAMERON RYLANCE
1920 - 2020
In 2020 the Brisbane Boys' College Old Collegians' Association will commemorate 100 years. Celebratory events will be held around Australia and select international cities with further details to follow.
58 | CONNECT
PMSA TEACHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS Several scholarships are offered each year to current and past students of PMSA schools entering an undergraduate teacher education degree course. The scholarships aim to foster a respect for the importance of teaching as a profession, foster Christian faith and values in schools and encourage future teachers who hold Christian beliefs and values. They aim to assist aspiring teachers of Christian conviction to complete an approved teacher education program to enable them to make a difference in the schools they serve. Two BBC Old Collegians, Max Clayton (OB 2018) and Jack Sims (OB 2016) are the recipients of the PMSA Teacher Education Scholarships for 2019. Along with students from Clayfield College and Somerville House, Max and Jack will receive $2,000 per year for us to four years as they undertake their teaching degrees.
PMSA Scholarship recipient graduates with distinction The PMSA is proud of the achievements of Old Collegian and one of the first PMSA Teacher Education Scholarship recipients, Edward Dobinson (OB 2015) who graduated, with distinction, from the University of Queensland in 2018 with a Bachelor of Education. Awarded the PMSA Teacher Education Scholarship in 2015, Edward achieved a grade point average of 6.0 and was thrilled to have been offered three graduate teaching positions, accepting one at Ironside State School at St Lucia teaching Year 5. In a letter to the PMSA Board, Edward thanked the PMSA for the significant assistance and support he received as recipient of the scholarship. “I wish to extend my honest thanks to you for all the wonderful and good work you do. There is a community who supports the unwavering and often thankless tasks you selflessly undertake with Christ’s message of grace, hope and peace at heart,” said Edward in his letter. “During my degree, I was also fortunate to undertake a four-week practicum at my old school BBC, under the guidance of Ms Julienne Davidson whose outstanding professional practice is a credit not only to her, but also to the calibre of the educators who are employed by you,” said Edward.
Max is studying his first choice of a Bachelor Business Management / Bachelor of Secondary Education at the University of Queensland and Jack Sims is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education (Secondary) majoring in geography and criminology at the University of Queensland. Current and past students of PMSA schools who are entering an undergraduate teacher education degree course are encouraged to apply for a PMSA Teacher Education Scholarship. Applications are advertised in early September and close in late October.
PMSA News: https://pmsa-schools.edu. au/2019/02/04/2019-pmsa-teachereducation-scholarship-winnersannounced/
https://pmsa-schools.edu. au/2018/08/13/pmsa-scholarshiprecipient-graduates-with-distinction/
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Milestones WEDDINGS 21 June Benjamin Cottrell (2005) and Monique Castle 22 June Alexander James (2008) and Prudence O'Hanlon
VALE
ALEXANDER JAMES AND PRUDENCE O'HANLON
Conrad 'CJ' Jansen (1958 - 1969) passed in May 2018 Donald Newman (1937 - 1942) passed in May 2018 James Nunan (1945 - 1947) passed in May 2018 John Waugh (1944 - 1947) passed in April 2018 John Schafer (1955 - 1957) passed in April 2018
David 'Ted' Lawson (Master 1961-2002) passed in June 2019
Donald Mecklem (1940 - 1942) passed in March 2018
Ronald Laussen (1941-1942 1944) passed in April 2019
James Slater (1946 - 1950) passed in February 2018
John Stewart AM (1946 -1953) passed in April 2019
SHARE YOUR COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
John Henderson (1961-1967) passed in April 2019 Ken Gold (1946 -1949) passed in March 2019 Ben Hobbs (1988 -1992) passed in February 2019
In each edition of Collegian, we include a number of community
Kenneth Pearson (1938 -1941) passed in January 2019
announcements including births, weddings and Vale as part of our
Chris Berndt (2004 - 2009) passed in December 2018
Milestone section. If you have an announcement you would like to
Lindsay Thomas (1953 - 1957) passed in December 2018
share with us, relating to either yourself or a fellow Old Boy, please
Peter Jones (1951 -1957) passed in August 2018
inform BBC’s Alumni Office via oca@bbc.qld.edu.au
John Hale (1948 - 1950) passed in August 2018 Douglas Brandon (1949 - 1951) passed in June 2018 Iain Sutherland (1962 - 1969) passed in June 2018 Richmond 'Lloyd' Taylor (1938 - 1940) passed in May 2018
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
60 | SNAPSHOTS
SCHOLARS' ASSEMBLY 31 JANUARY - COLLEGE HALL The event provided the College community with an opportunity to welcome back graduating scholars and to acknowledge the exceptional achievement of these young men as they look to their next challenge.
SNAPSHOTS | 61
LEADERS' ASSEMBLY 1 FEBRUARY - COLLEGE HALL Our Seniors of 2019 were honoured in a special Leaders' Induction Assembly. While our College Captain, Co-Vice Captains and Prefects have specific positions to which they are appointed, all Year 12 students assume the role of leaders in the College.
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
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GATHERING OF THE CLAN 8 FEBRUARY - JUNIOR SCHOOL GREEN Oh, what a night! More than 500 parents and staff attended our inaugural Gathering of the Clan hosted on the Junior School Green, which was transformed thanks to the creativity and hard work of our dedicated Parents & Friends’ Association. Our sincere thanks to the P&F Association, Parent Connections and Old Collegians who served behind the bar and to the parents from various support groups who served food.
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ANZAC DAY 24 APRIL – JUNIOR SCHOOL GREEN The sound of the Pipe Band and the bugle echoed throughout the campus during our ANZAC Day Commemoration Service. Students from Prep to Year 12 gathered on the Junior School Green for a moving service which provided an opportunity for our community to stop, reflect and honour our fallen Old Collegians and all the men and women who have served our country and fought for our freedom. On ANZAC Day, students took part in several services across Brisbane, from the Dawn Service in ANZAC Square to the City Parade, as our musicians, pipers and Pipe Bands continue to honour our servicemen and women and support the ANZAC tradition. "At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them."
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BOARDERS PRE-FORMAL 11 MAY - COLLEGE HALL FORECOURT Boarding Seniors swapped their weekend wear for some more dapper attire, attending a pre-formal event prior to travelling to the Sofitel Hotel for the social event of the year the Senior Formal. More than 100 people from the boarding community came together to celebrate the occasion.
FLASHBACK | 65
2019 Restored to former glory Major refurbishments to the exterior of the College’s Main Administration building are now complete. The historic building has been restored to its original state and displays painted features that replicate the appearance of the building when it was first opened on 16 March 1931 by the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency, Sir John Goodwin K.C.B, C.M.G, D.S.O. An important component of the restoration work has been the repair and replacement of gutters, downpipes, flashing, timberwork, masonry and tiles. It has been a significant undertaking to restore this iconic symbol of the College to honour the past and ensure it will be here to be enjoyed for generations to come.
GOVERNOR OF QUEENSLAND HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR JOHN GOODWIN K.C.B, C.M.G, D.S.O OPENS BBC'S MAIN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
1931
IN ATTENDANCE AND ON THE PIANO WAS... JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER, MR H. M. MIDDLETON, WHO WROTE AND COMPOSED THE SCHOOL SONG 'BOYS OF THE BBC' THAT PREMIERED AT THE OPENING.
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
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FLASHBACK HELEN JACKSON, ARCHIVIST
TIME CAPSULE TURN BACK THE CLOCK AND TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO 1991.
IMAGE TOP: 1991 CAPSULE CONTENTS IMAGE ABOVE: MR MAX BRANDT, REMOVING THE CAPSULE FROM THE CAVITY IMAGE NEXT PAGE: CAPSULE PLAQUE
IN 1991, BOYS FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL, UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THEN HEAD, MR MAX BRANDT, CREATED A TIME CAPSULE WHICH WAS SEALED AND SET INTO THE WALL OF WHAT WAS THE JUNIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY. FAST FORWARD 25 YEARS AND BBC JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS RETRIEVED IT FROM THE WALL OF THE CURRENT MIDDLE SCHOOL PRECINCT TO UNVEIL A COLLEGE TREASURE. Much like Indiana Jones, the patience and anticipation of our Junior School students was rewarded as four screws were removed and a canister exposed to provide an insight into life in the Junior School in 1991. While the canister contained no gold or jewels, it did hold an old Record Book, a copy of a newspaper format Collegian, a questionnaire completed by every boy in the Junior School, photos, cards, a report card, and also a most peculiar object used to record sound and moving pictures, a VHS tape.
FLASHBACK | 67 The time capsule and its contents are now in the BBC archives. The ephemera is in excellent condition, unharmed by its 25 year sojourn in the wall. The questionnaire, completed by each of the 200 boys in the Junior School, is most enlightening and saw two classes of Years 5 and 6 students and four classes of Year 7 students respond to the same questions. A glimpse into the lives and thoughts of these boys in 1991 provides comforting similarities and stark contrasts to the modern lives experienced by our current students. The first three questions asked for general information relating to a student’s name, year and age. Predominantly all responded with ages understandably ranging from 9 to 12 years, although some provided more specific detail including ‘11 turning 12 this year’ or ‘10 years and 9 months’, but someone with an impending birthday wrote that he was ‘9 and 99/100’. The next question asked boys to indicate their three favourite subjects. The Year 5s replied with a strong arts bias stating Visual Art and English, entailing spelling, poetry, dictation and reading, as their favourites, followed by Science, Maths, Social Studies and Sport. The Year 6s decided Maths was their favourite subject narrowly edging out Art and English, followed by Science, Sport and Social Studies. The Year 7s distinctly chose Maths as their favourite with Physical Education a clear second followed in close proximity by Science, Art, English and Social Studies with Music having the biggest visible percentage over the three year levels. When asked what their three favourite sports were there was a clear summer and winter division. Football and rugby shared the top spot, followed by cricket, tennis, swimming, basketball and athletics according to the Year 5 classes. Similarly, the Year 6s elected rugby, football, cricket and tennis in almost equal proportion with athletics and basketball having a much higher ratio per student than the Year 5 group. The Year 7s however, nominated cricket and tennis as their favourites, above rugby and football, closely followed by swimming, athletics and basketball. The Year 7s showed a greater interest in sports enjoyed outside of BBC such as fishing, ice hockey and table tennis with golf being the number one activity. When asked about their hobbies, some of the younger boys indicated that did not have any, while other groups listed many interests. Across the three year groups, 'collecting' emerged as the number one hobby for boys. The Year 5 students enjoyed collecting stickers, stamps and rocks, while Year 6 students preferred named key rings, rubbers and phone cards. Year 7 students added shells, badges and old watches to their favourite collections and spoke specifically about their football and baseball card collections. Model making was another popular hobby across all year levels with the Year 5s enjoying trains and planes, and the Year 6 students showing an interest in planes, not only making models but wanting to make them fly. Painting, drawing and creating cartoons also emerged as popular pastimes. It became clear that the Year 7s were heavily involved in sporting pursuits, identifying BMX and motor bike riding, surfing, boogie boarding, water and snow skiing as some of their favourites. Reading, computer games including Nintedo and music were chosen above the lesser named hobbies of marbles, astronomy, socialising with friends, LEGO and playing with radio-controlled cars. When asked about TV shows that they enjoy watching, The Simpsons emerged as a clear winner across all year levels. The youngest group enjoyed The Bugs Bunny Show while the Year 6s and opted for Fast Forward and Full House respectively. The oldest cohort certainly watched more TV than their younger peers with Bay Watch, Family Matters, Col'n Carpenter and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles rating among their favourites. Home Alone starring Macaulay Culkin was without a doubt a favourite of this time with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles the movie, RoboCop, Kindergarten Cop, Predator 2, Die Hard and King Ralph
all ranking highly. The Year 6 group also enjoyed Dances with Wolves while the Year 7s also enjoyed Total Recall and Death Warrant. When asked about popular culture and clothing trends of the time boys identified Nike Air Jordan and Reebok Pumps as the shoe brands to own. The Year 5s liked Simpson’s t-shirts and made general statements about surf and fluro clothing, while the Year 6s specified denim jeans, baggy shorts and brand name sporting gear, including Prince tennis rackets. The Year 7s indicated Mambo, Hot Tuna, Rusty, Billabong, Rip Curl and Quicksilver were the 'hot' labels of the time. They also mentioned baseball caps, hairstyles and rap music and considered Oakley sunglasses to a key accessory to complete a ‘cool’ look. The final and most fascinating question asked boys to consider what they would like to be doing in 25 years’ time. Many saw themselves as professional sportsmen, with numerous students wishing to excel in their chosen school sport or race cars, bikes and boats. Boys representative of each level saw themselves following in dad’s career footsteps. The ‘Arts’ oriented Year 5s hoped to be doctors, scientists and policemen, along with a potential video game designer and restaurant owner in their midst. The ‘hobby’ aeronautical Year 6s were interested in becoming pilots and not only doctors, but surgeons majoring in designated specialities. The idea of owning a restaurant grew into managing a hotel chain. Luxury lifestyles, money and a prescribed number of children were also suggested. Some boys still ‘had no clue’ what they wanted to do while others imagined they might be the future Australian Treasurer. In contrast, the Year 7s had a clear vision of their future. Many saw themselves in the legal profession and as architects, engineers and builders. However, having followed up with some of the boys from 1991, it appears that their lives have not necessarily played out as they originally envisioned as 12 year olds. In this cohort, one student who enjoyed the subjects of Physical Education, Maths and Science and identified a future career in Sports Medicine now teaches English and Legal Studies. Another student who enjoyed Maths, Physical Education and Science imagined he would become a lawyer and has made this a reality. Another student who liked Physical Education and Mathematics, with the vision of writing or acting in a movie, now uses those abilities to make professional YouTube clips relating to his medical expertise. A student who enjoyed Maths, Physical Education and Art gave themselves a selection of options but instead became a stockbroker and now is immersed in raising money for charities. Many Junior School boys may not remember what they wrote when their ideals and dreams were placed in the time capsule over 25-years ago, but unearthing this snap shot of BBC life from 1991 has provided much discussion and reminders of days gone by and experiences shared by friends.
COLLEGIAN AUGUST 2019
Confidence springs from mastery. It is the self-belief required to embrace the unknown. At Brisbane Boys' College, we integrate best practice teaching and learning with the science of wellbeing, and in doing so, safeguard the most important ingredient to a boy’s success: confidence. We refer to this as A New School of Thought.