BGS Annual Review 2019

2019 Annual Review

Our Purpose Brisbane Grammar School educates boys within a strong learning culture that is innovative yet respectful of its traditions, by nurturing their intellectual, physical and emotional wellbeing to become thoughtful and confident men of character who contribute to their communities.

Our Ambition Brisbane Grammar School aspires to be the best school for boys in Australia, and an international leader in teaching and learning.

The School is committed to offering premium educational and leadership opportunities for boys of all backgrounds, to strengthen its global connections, and to build a vibrant school community among students, parents, staff, Old Boys, and the broader community.

Our Values • • • • •

Endeavour Learning Respect Leadership Community

Our Motto nil sine labore — nothing without work

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From the Headmaster In governing a large school for boys, we create a healthy school culture that will help students navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As educators, we know that young people need to develop digital fluency, creative skills and scientific reasoning if they are to thrive.

Critical thinking – skilfully analysing and applying ideas – has long been a BGS strength.

Understanding the elements of complex systems and applying that information in different contexts – or systems thinking – is also fixed in BGS learning.

Also of relevance today is enterprise education, which encourages students to reinvent and repurpose; and cultural agility, which enables young people to function successfully in cross-cultural situations.

Both aptitudes are reflected in the BGS curriculum. Of equal importance is teaching the boys to lead with character. Through the student wellbeing curriculum, BGS staff nurture purposedriven, future leaders who demonstrate civic responsibility, moral conviction and practical leadership principles.

Student involvement in the

Public Purpose program builds social and human capital.

Projects such as The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Patients in Need Program, the Homework Club, and regular visits to the Nursery Road State Special School focus on the needs of others and generate a culture of altruism.

The School’s focus on creating global citizens furthers boys’ cultural agility. During 2019 overseas leadership courses in America, Indonesia and Singapore nurtured cultural diversity and social entrepreneurship. The Year 10 Cambodia Immersion enabled boys and BGS staff to contribute to important infrastructure projects. Similarly, the Kokoda Expedition gave boys the chance to retrace the footsteps of brave Australian soldiers.

As a school, BGS honours the past, addresses present needs, and intentionally looks forward to a preferred future.

Our leadership continually interprets, reviews and reinforces the School’s mission and farsighted vision. The School’s Effective Thinking Cultures is at the core of leading through

transformation. We are prepared to redesign structures and processes to achieve our aim of being the best school for boys in Australia, and an international leader in teaching and learning.

The Cocurriculum program plays a vital role in educating boys. In 2019, BGS recorded victories in GPS Chess and Gymnastics, and won the TriGrammar Cricket Twenty20 trophy and the Queensland School Sport Championships in Cross Country. BGS boys won the Queensland School Fencing Competition; secured medals at the Australian Interschools Snowsports Championships; and recorded podium finishes in GPS Debating, Cross Country, Sailing, Swimming, Tennis and Volleyball.

BGS sailors and cross country runners qualified for national championships and several boys represented state and national teams in a variety of sports.

The 2019 theatre season continued to raise the bar of artistic excellence. The Senior

As educators, we know that young people need to develop digital fluency, creative skills and scientific reasoning if they are to thrive.

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Dramatic Production was a ground-breaking adaptation of Richard III by award-winning playwright Daniel Evans. 10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse helped our younger actors in the Middle School to build dramatic skills and stage confidence. The final showcase, Trick or Treat, involved Years 9 and 10 students collaborating with specialist staff and mentors from Backbone Theatre Company to devise an original piece.

Highlights of our Music program included Christmas in July, the popular (and loud) Bang the Drum, a Sing and Swing afternoon of Jazz repertoire, and the annual music showcase, Grammar in Concert. We brought together Queensland’s most accomplished players at our string festivals; our singers collaborated with talented girls schools; our best musicians featured in the Australian Combined Schools Music Festival; and our top

To ensure ongoing student diversity, the BGS community has rallied together to support Campaign 2020.

singers worked with members of The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra to present a wonderful program of Baroque anthems.

Likewise, BGS Art provides the boys with the richness of human experience. Student exhibitions, the Annual Art Show, Artists-in-Residence, the Art Trail, the BGS Art Collection and the newly opened David Malouf AO Art Gallery are all palpable examples of how art permeates our community.

To ensure ongoing student

diversity, the BGS community has rallied together to support Campaign 2020. Our aspiration is for a sustainable Bursary Fund, with the capacity to provide needs-based support for 10% of students. The School has also made a commitment to improve the educational outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and build relationships that ensure an inclusive school community.

Some of the projects outlined in the School’s masterplan were completed in 2019.

The Northgate canteen was expanded and refurbished, and a new amenities block built, supported by the Football, Cricket and Rugby support groups. The School also planted 150 mature trees throughout the Northgate complex to commemorate 150 years of BGS education.

In 2019, the Outdoor Education program expanded with the acquisition of land

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Design for the highly anticipated STEAM project is almost complete

near Mount Alford. The annual Moogerah Support Group working bee helped establish new campsites, develop improved road access, and start an environment sustainability program to ensure this area, now known as Bitenbar, is enjoyed by BGS students for generations to come.

BGS Boarding has also received a boost, with the Board approving plans to build a new junior house – Griffith House – and refurbish Harlin House as funds become available.

Looking to the future, design for the highly anticipated STEAM Precinct is almost complete, and the project control group is working through the development application phase. The benefits of a STEAMrich education are increasingly recognised as vital to a wellrounded school experience and development of important life skills. The project will integrate the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics across an entirely new precinct. 2020 will

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see efforts devoted to complex town planning, detailed design, traffic engineering, and securing funding.

Like all independent schools, BGS continually invests parent contributions in new infrastructure and maintenance of existing facilities.

This continuous process is intergenerational, with current students enjoying resources funded by parents of previous generations. The School is grateful to the many donors who continue to support the School’s development.

I acknowledge the valuable contributions of outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mr Howard Stack, who led the Board with distinction for 29 years. BGS School Captain in 1962, Mr Stack has never stopped advocating for this great institution. He has been a most passionate and generous of BGS Old Boys. During his tenure much has been achieved – capital works, community building, financial stability. He also fulfilled a commitment to

give victims of abuse a voice.

In 2019, we welcomed Professor John Humphrey as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees and I thank him for his strategic direction and commitment to the educational purpose of Brisbane Grammar School.

I also thank Director of Sport Mr Ron Cochrane for his almost-40 years of service to the School.

Mr Cochrane’s knowledge of everything BGS is extraordinary; his investment in boarding, sport, is BGS community esteemed; and his commitment to the personal development of young men noble.

It is a privilege to lead this school. To quote Donna Orem, if “deep self-knowledge, emotional regulation, responsible decision-making, empathy and perspective-taking” are to be important for the digital economy, then I am confident that BGS is uniquely placed to prepare men of character for the future.

Anthony Micallef Headmaster

2019 academic profile A total of 36 students, 17.6% of the cohort, achieved an OP1, an excellent figure consistent with our historical norms. This number increases to 58 OP1 equivalent students, when combined with students who earned bonus ranks. The maximum possible ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of 99.95 was

achieved by two 2019 BGS students, with a further two students achieving an ATAR of 99.90.

The consistency of the Class of 2019 was evidenced by the median OP5 as well as the percentage of students achieving above our historical benchmarks.

The percentage of students in

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boys received scholarships totalling

$1.25 million

Median

OP 5

58

the range 1-15 was 95.1%, another strong outcome.

Benchmarkconfirm that BGS students performed exceptionally well in 2019 and BGS can reasonably be ranked as the best performing school in the state.

students achieved the maximum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of 99.95

51.7% of students achieved an OP 1-5

students achieved OP1 or equivalent when bonus ranks included

BGS achieved the highest QCS Test mean score in the State

77.4%

of BGS students received an A or B on the Queensland Core Skills Test

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Year 12 outcomes Comparison of 2019 BGS results and State results Academic Achievements 2019

BGS and State OP distribution 2019

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p Foundation Day 2020 scholarship winners: Noah Rosemann, AJ Mason Scholarship; Nicholas Miller, RH Roe Scholarship; and Timothy Weber, AS Roe Scholarship.

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University placements 2019

111

60

54.7%

graduates accepted places at

7

8

29.5%

graduates accepted places at

graduates accepted places at

17

3.4%

graduates accepted places at other Queensland universities

4%

8.4%

graduates accepted places at interstate or overseas universities

Most popular courses at universities for 2019 graduates Architecture and Design

Information Technology

2%

Management and Commerce

3%

Creative Arts

3% Medicine and Health Science

13%

30%

14%

Natural and Physical Science

18% 17%

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Law Society and Culture

Engineering

NAPLAN highlights NAPLAN is an annual assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. The tests cover reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy.

In 2019, the school’s NAPLAN results relative to state and competitor benchmarks remained strong. In Years 5, 7 and 9 BGS performed well above the state and national average, with 100% of BGS students at or well above the National Minimum Standard.

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A well-rounded education The rich cocurricular life at Brisbane Grammar School embraces sport, the visual and performing arts, chess, debating and special interest clubs.

Cocurricular involvement reinforces a student’s place within the BGS community, promoting connectedness, teamwork and leadership.

The School encourages high levels of participation, achievement and the pursuit of excellence by boys who have talents in specific sports and activities. Such involvement allows boys to develop a range of skills as part of a broad liberal education.

94%

Programs of boys involved in at least one sport or activity

30%

BGS

was one of only two schools to take part in every GPS activity

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of boys involved in cocurricular music, singing or playing each week

dramatic productions: Richard III, Trick or Treat, 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse GPS team achievements

Sport/Activity

Percentage of games won

Percentage of ‘A’ games won

Basketball

50

24

Chess

69

72

Cricket

49

43

Debating

65

65

Football

70

56

Rugby

32

33

Tennis

93 83

95 76

Volleyball

GPS Basketball Chess Cricket Cross Country Debating Football Gymnastics Rowing Rugby Union Sailing Swimming Tennis Track and Field Volleyball

Other sports Fencing Chang Hong Wu Shu

30 specialist clubs, student committees and activities Aristotle Club Art Extension Astronomy Athene Club Aviation Chess Closing the Gap Coding Cooking Club Doctor Who Society Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Enterprise Program First Technology Challenge Gender Respect Committee Greening Grammar Inside Story Book Club International Physics Olympiad Inter-School Christian Fellowship

GPS championship outcomes Activity

Result

Cross Country

3

Gymnastics

1

Rowing Old Boys Cup O’Connor Cup

5 6

Sailing

2

Swimming

2

Track and Field

5

Lapidary Club Lunchbox Club Mechatronics Public Purpose Robotics Club The Shed Snowsports Strategic Games Club Student Representative Body Titration

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Middle School The BGS Middle School caters for boys in Years 5 to 8, providing a safe and supportive environment in which to nurture the academic, social, emotional and physical development of each boy. The purposebuilt classrooms are inviting, and the tablet program provides a multimodal learning platform. Teachers are committed to providing a curriculum that fosters 21stcentury skills. In the Middle School, boys are encouraged to develop independence and self-regulation, which ensure a successful transition to the Senior School. Boys enjoy broad participation in the Cocurriculum program across both sporting and cultural areas. Various clubs catering to a range of interests and special activities throughout the year make the Middle School an exciting and engaging place to learn.

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Special activities • • • • • • • • • •

Interwing sports carnivals Public Purpose Signature Programs Year 6 Canberra trip Presentation Afternoon Grandparents Day Father’s Day Breakfast Mother’s Day Morning Tea Savvy Scientist evening Tie Ceremony

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Student Wellbeing Brisbane Grammar School’s goal is to develop in each boy the attitudes, skills and knowledge that will lead to independent, lifelong learning.

A BGS education develops a strong sense of service and loyalty to others, in line with the School Values of endeavour, learning, respect, leadership and community.

Care for each member of the community is an integral part of the BGS mission. Our aim is to support boys to be happy, confident and resilient, at school and beyond.

A dedicated team implements the School’s formalised Student Wellbeing program, which aims to monitor every aspect of an individual’s progress. Additional case management is available for boys with particular needs.

Student retention The School monitors the rate of student retention from Year 10 to 12, and found over 95% of students remained at BGS over Years 10 to 12.

Student attendance rates Teachers use an electronic roll to mark student attendance each period, with follow-up notification to parents (by text message or telephone) of student absence. This system recorded an average attendance rate of 96%.

Wellbeing audit Psychological wellbeing and safety audits are undertaken each year. The focus of the wellbeing audit is on transition periods, as students prepare to leave the Middle School (Year 8) or commence their senior

Leadership programs As well as learning about leadership as part of the School's Student Wellbeing curriculum, students had the opportunity to practise leadership skills in 2019.

At every year level, boys are given an opportunity to take on the challenges of a leadership role, with the theme of ‘lead self, then lead others’. From taking on the role of Middle School Class Captain to attending one of the International Leadership Programs available to senior students, boys learn leadership is an action, rather than a position.

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phase of learning (Year 10). BGS uses the ACER Socio-Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) survey, in which students are asked to respond to 94 statements.

Students with high overall levels of SEWB typically have more positive and fewer negative emotions and behaviours, higher levels of emotional, social and learning skills, and feel more connected to their school, family and community. BGS students exhibit significantly higher levels than the national average.

The data collected in the wellbeing audit and safety audit is analysed and forms the basis of recommendations implemented to address identified issues.

Public Purpose In 2019, the BGS Public Purpose program continued partnerships with community groups to support several causes. In line with the 2019 senior cohort’s vision As One, boys from across year levels worked together on several projects: • School-wide flood appeal for rural Queensland • Student-led ‘trackies and thongs’ drive for the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Patients in Need Foundation • Tutoring at the Exchange in Kelvin Grove • Year 11 World’s Greatest Shave • Middle School backpack challenge, Clean Up Australia Day, RSPCA Donation drive • Year 10 R U OK? Day • Immersion programs in Cambodia and Cape York Indigenous communities • Rosies - Friends on the Street • Christmas hamper drive with St Vincent de Paul

Indigenous program BGS is proud of its Indigenous program and the influence of our Indigenous students in educating our community on the importance of reconciliation. In 2019, the Indigenous program: • developed a draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan • visited Indigenous communities and hosted Hope Vale State School at BGS • developed a Years 5-10 Indigenous curriculum within the Outdoor Education program • expanded partnerships with Cape York Leaders Program and the Transition Support services • developed a leadership program for Indigenous students • celebrated important Indigenous rituals at formal assemblies and invited guest speakers to address the assembly.

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Boarding BGS Boarding entered an exciting phase in 2019, with designs completed for a new junior boarding house for 18 boarders. Construction at Griffith House will be completed in 2020, and junior boarders are expected to move into their new accommodation in May 2020.

Further redevelopment of the senior boarding house will be completed in phases, with the timeframe dependent on fundraising. The plans include an individual room for each boy, which will provide students with modern living quarters and spaces for learning and social activities.

Our academic enrichment program continues

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to assist boys to manage their school work, with dedicated tutors and teachers supervising study and providing assistance in The Lilley Centre each evening.

The success of our 2019 Boarders reflects the value of our structured academic enrichment program. The 19 boarder graduates of 2019 have chosen a diverse range of post-school paths, studying university courses as diverse as aviation, finance and economics, construction, business, exercise and nutrition, public health, commerce/ law, engineering, science and IT.

Outdoor Education The Outdoor Education Centre at Moogerah supports the School’s aim to develop confident young men willing to take on challenges and lead.

Activities and programs are designed to be age and skill appropriate. Hiking, abseiling, kayaking and obstacle courses are all designed to teach resilience and foster teamwork.

In 2019 Outdoor Education officially opened and named the new property Bitenbar, a local Ugarapul name for pillar box stone on Mount Alford. Staff

have developed challenging new vertical activities on Pulpit Rock, and have constructed overnight camping areas on the new property for our Year 10 students.

Given the new Senior assessment system introduced in 2019, a plan to include a Year 11 leadership program in 2020 was also developed.

Year 11 students will be given leadership opportunities, accompanying junior students to their year level camp at Moogerah.

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A giving community In 2019, Brisbane Grammar School continued to champion Our 2020 Vision – with the objective to raise $20M by 2020 for the Bursary Fund. Our goal is to provide 10% of the student population with needs-based bursaries in perpetuity.

To achieve this, Old Boys and parents were invited to support their own, or their sons’ Year Group Bursaries (YGB) in 2019.

At the time of writing, we have raised approximately $15.5M. Among 70 generous donors to YGB program in 2019, one

anonymous donor gifted $2m.

Two named-bursaries were established in 2019: The Rodney Thorburn Bursary – which will be funded by a generous Bequest pledge of $500,000 from Old Boy Rod Thorburn ’54, and The Ron Cochrane Bursary – established by former Director of Sport Ron Cochrane.

Between 2017-2019 Harlin House received $668,303 towards refurbishments. Old Boy Matt McLennan ‘86 spearheaded this upgrade in 2017 with a US$500,000 pledge over five

years. In 2019 the P&F Auxiliary contributed $250,000 to Harlin House while honouring their 2017 pledge of $500,000 over five years for a P&F Bursary.

In 2019, former BGS Chair Howard Stack ’62 donated $299,500 to the STEAM Precinct, continuing his $1.5M pledge.

The STEAM Precinct will be completed in 2022 and requires $10M in philanthropic support.

In addition to our donors, the School thanks our dedicated volunteers for investing their time, treasure and talent.

2019 fundraising report $735,881 infrastructure projects

$3,536,042 bursarial support for boys in financial need

$8,041 new library resources

$9,925 BGS sports

In 2019, $4,289,889 received from 466 gifts by 299 donors.

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Significant Gifts An anonymous Old Boy donor gifted $2,807,000 to needs-based bursaries.

Former BGS Chair Howard Stack ’62 donated $299,500 to the STEAM Precinct, continuing to honour his $1.5M pledge.

The P&F Auxiliary donated $250,000 towards Harlin House refurbishments and continue to honour their 2017 pledge of $500,000 over five years for a P&F Bursary.

10 BGS community members set The Ron Cochrane Bursary in motion donating $32,043.

Old Boy Rod Thorburn ’54 will fund the Rodney Thorburn Bursary through a Bequest of $500,000

Donor Demographics Donor Range Oldest: 99 Youngest: 17

BGS support groups, future parents, staff, grandparents

Old Boys

20 gifts

Give Now

young alumni

Current Parents

(under 30 years)

123

43

Past Parents

donations made through new fundraising website giving.brisbanegrammar.com

Community Giving

Current Parents

donated $122,089 through Voluntary Contributions

$2,982,601 Received for Year Group Bursaries

$250,000 received for bursaries through bequests

Harlin House

$668,303 received for refurbishments 2017-19

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STEAM The future is here In 2019, The Board of Trustees approved plans for the STEAM precinct.

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The acronym STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics – refers not just to these standalone disciplines, but to a way of thinking. STEAM represents the skills required to learn Science, Technology, Arts and Mathematics, and how Engineering and design processes and principles are used to achieve an outcome.

Our vision is to replace our Science classrooms with a new STEAM Precinct – creating an environment that excites, engages and inspires both our students and their teachers, and promotes deeper and richer learning. More than a new building, the STEAM Precinct will be a hub for ideas, for innovation and for growth.

Given the rapid emergence of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, DNA mapping, robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing and biotechnology, business and industry leaders demand graduates who can collaborate and communicate, and think critically and creatively. It is these skills that will enable our graduates to adapt to the changing professional landscape and prepare them for the jobs of the future.

The STEAM Precinct will be a physical extension of Brisbane Grammar School’s educational philosophy to develop critical, reflective and creative thinkers with the capacity and enthusiasm for independent, lifelong learning.

STEAM will exemplify our commitment to educational innovation and will shape the way we educate BGS boys for decades to come.

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From the Chair It is honour to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, taking over from Mr Howard Stack. The Board thanks Howard for the significant contribution he made during his 29 years of service as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

As the new Chair, I would like to provide a short summary of my vision for the School.

I am a passionate believer in the benefits of education, and my time as a member of the Executive team at QUT has given me a detailed understanding of the current Australian tertiary education system and a good look at emerging trends in education and the associated technology.

We exist today in an increasingly complex and competitive educational environment, and nothing can be taken for granted. My vision for Brisbane Grammar School is for it to become the best boys’ school in Australia.

To do this, we will need to maintain our position as the top-performing academic school in Queensland, as judged by a range of measures.

My experience in the tertiary sector has convinced me that the best way to do this is by maximising the personal learning achievement of each BGS student.

We will further develop our ability to tailor education to fit an individual’s strengths, skills

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and interests. Key to this will be the School’s early diagnosis of an individual student’s learning challenges and effective personalised remedial action.

The School’s move to developing its own Effective Thinking Culture, where our boys are encouraged to develop a critical mindset, is one aspect of personalised learning. As we move further into the 21st century, our graduates need to be flexible, critical thinkers.

We will invest in the training and professional development of our teaching staff to keep them at the forefront of a fast-changing educational environment. Research continues to show that quality teaching is the biggest school-based factor in learning outcomes.

We will continue to offer and deliver a broad range of quality cocurricular activities to balance a student’s learning experience, with a view to producing wellrounded graduates.

As for the School’s infrastructure, the Board’s major focus is the STEAM project, which will combine the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics in a new learning precinct. The design for this exciting project is being finalised, and we are excited by the educational potential of this cutting-edge facility.

The School is also working on

Professor John Humphrey BCom, LLB (UQ), LLM (Cantab), FINSIA, MAICD

Trustee 2018– Chair

Professor John Humphrey has over 30 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer and is a trusted advisor to several boards.

Prior to joining QUT in January 2013, Professor Humphrey was a Senior Partner at the leading law firm King & Wood Mallesons where he specialised in corporate mergers and acquisitions and general commercial work including equity capital markets. Professor Humphrey is a Director of a number of listed public companies and a former member of the Australian Takeovers Panel. He is a BGS Old Boy ’71 and his son is also an Old Boy.

boarding house renovations, to create separate junior and senior boarding houses. The first phase has begun, with the planned development of the new Griffith House.

The second stage of renovations of Harlin House will provide high quality, contemporary boarding for our senior students, with details to be finalised.

The Board thanks the Headmaster and staff of Brisbane Grammar School for their dedicated efforts in 2019. I serve with my colleague Professor Doune Macdonald on the Board’s Education Committee, and we see all staff put in a tremendous effort to constantly improve BGS.

The Board of Trustees

Dr John Fenwick

Mr Stephen Lonie

Ms Sue Palmer

Ms Megan Houghton

Professor Doune Macdonald

Mr Warren Traves

Mr Christopher Morton

Mr Howard Stack

Dr John Fenwick

boards of New Hope Corporation, RCR Tomlinson, Qube Holdings and Charter Hall Retail. Her son is a BGS Old Boy.

Deputy Chair Dr John Fenwick attended BGS from 1958 to 1961, gained an Open Scholarship, and studied Civil Engineering at UQ before taking up a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford in 1967. In 1988, he took charge of bridge engineering with Main Roads. He currently works as an independent consultant. John’s three sons attended BGS, as did his father and brother. He has served on several other boards including the Senate of The University of Queensland.

Mr Warren Traves

BE (UQ) DPhil (Oxon), DEng (UQ), FIEAust, RPEQ, AM Trustee 1999–

Mr Stephen Lonie

BCom MBA (UQ), FCA, FAICD, FINSA Trustee 2003–2019 Stephen Lonie was a Chartered Accountant, working for over 30 years with KPMG, with seven years as Managing Partner of Queensland.

Since 2002, he was self-employed as a Chartered Accountant and Management Consultant. Stephen was an experienced Company Director and held a number of current board positions. He was a BGS Old Boy, as is his son. Mr Lonie sadly passed away in November 2019.

Ms Sue Palmer

BCom (UQ), CA, FAICD Trustee 2011– Sue Palmer has had an executive career spanning more than 30 years in senior financial and commercial roles across a range of diversified industries, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of Thiess. Sue is now a professional non-executive director, and sits on the

BE(Hons), MEngSc, FIEAust, CPEng, RPEQ, GAICD Trustee 2018– Warren Traves is a civil engineer with over 30 years’ experience in engineering and management. He has been with leading Australian professional services firm GHD for three decades and is a past director of the company. Warren is a past director of the Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority (Seqwater) and has also been involved in a range of research bodies including the Advanced Water Management Centre at The University of Queensland, the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities and the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence. He is a BGS Old Boy, along with his father, brother and son.

Ms Megan Houghton

BCom, BA (Econ) (UQ), GAICD Trustee 2018– Megan Houghton has over nine years’ experience as a non-executive director on public and private company boards, including chairing several board committees, as well as 22 years’ experience in CEO, senior executive and management consultant roles working for listed companies, government, and professional service firms. Megan is a recognised business leader with accolades including Queensland Telstra Business Woman of the Year in 2010 and named as an Australian Financial Review ‘100 Women of Influence’ award 2012. She currently has a son at BGS and a daughter at BGGS.

Mr Christopher Morton

BCom, LLB (UQ), LLM (Cantab), FINSIA, MAICD Trustee 2003– Chris Morton was a partner of international legal firm Phillips Fox prior to moving into funds management. He was the founder and Managing Director of Property Funds Australia Limited and was Managing Director and Deputy Chairman of ASX Listed Trinity Limited from 2009 until 2016. Chris is a BGS Old Boy and was School Captain in 1973. His four sons are also Old Boys.

Professor Doune Macdonald

BHMS (Ed) (Hons) (UQ), PhD (Deakin), FNAK, FAIESEP, GAICD Trustee 2011– Professor Doune Macdonald was the Head of the School of Human Movement Studies at The University of Queensland from 2004 and is currently Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) at UQ. She also serves on the board of QCAA, and has previously held directorships with UQ Sport Ltd and St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.

Mr Howard Stack BA, LLB (UQ) Trustee 1991–

Howard Stack is a lawyer and experienced company director with both listed and unlisted companies, including several as Chair. He was a partner of the leading national law firm Allen, Allen & Hemsley until 2001, and before that a partner with predecessor firm Feez Ruthning from 1969 to 1996. Howard is a BGS Old Boy and was School Captain in 1962. His son also attended BGS and his daughter attended BGGS.

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Finance Financial goals The School includes among its ongoing financial objectives: • maintaining the financial capacity to provide for continuing operation • c ontinuously improving infrastructure and human resourcing to operate at the forefront of contemporary educational practices that secure the School’s leading position in the marketplace • p erforming well-considered master planning to accommodate the Board’s plans for infrastructural developments • s etting tuition fee levels that are affordable, competitive, and allow high quality to be maintained and improved • regularly monitoring the financial and regulatory environment in which the School operates • protecting and expanding the financial resources of the School to sustain its long-term future.

Underlying financial performance The School reported a headline operating surplus for the year ended 31 December 2019 of $7,556K, which incorporates various non-operating items (e.g. donations and earnings of the bursary, library and building funds). The School’s operating result for the year ended 31 December 2019, excluding the effect of these non-operating items is a surplus of $4,911K (2018: $4,619K) .

Brisbane Grammar School operates as an autonomous economic unit without the financial backing of a broader educational system. Being a not-for-profit institution, all funds generated must be used to fulfil and further the School’s education mission to its students.

The School generates underlying income principally from tuition and boarding fees.

Tuition fees are set to allow the School to trade in a solvent position and over time generate

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capital to sustain the fabric of the School to support contemporary educational needs. The School also receives funding from the Commonwealth and State Governments in accordance with their respective funding models.

The School’s largest operating cost is employee expenses, which accounts for in excess of 70% of cash operating costs.

Energy, insurance and regulatory compliance costs are significant overheads, and they continue to rise at a rate well above inflation.

From year to year, the School’s operating surplus or deficit may vary due to debt interest and other expenses, depending on what stage the School is at in its long-term strategic building and curriculum-planning cycle.

Having recently repaid the debt associated with The Lilley Centre, the School is presently in a cash accumulation phase in preparation for its next major capital project, the STEAM

Precinct. The STEAM Precinct is considered to be an important strategic element in continuing to maintain the School’s position as a leader in educational outcomes.

Like all independent schools, Brisbane Grammar School is continually investing contributions received from parents over many years in new infrastructure and maintenance of existing infrastructure. This process is continuous. All current students enjoy the benefit of the School’s existing infrastructure, much of which was originally funded by contributions from the parents of past generations of students.

A surplus in the independent school sector is considered good financial practice. It gives parents and the community confidence that these schools are financially viable and responsibly managed.

Sources of income Other income

5%

State funding

6% 7%

Donations

11%

School fees

72%

Commonwealth funding

Cash expenditure*

2%

Legal

7%

Administration

10%

Property

11%

Personnel

Tuition and Co-Curriculum

70%

* excluding depreciation and fair value adjustments

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