GN summer 2022

Grammar News

BGS COMMUNITY SUMMER 2022

In This Issue A world leader in understanding and overcoming COVID-19 Student wellbeing in focus – the power of connection and belonging Celebrating philanthropy – BGS Giving Day

Our Purpose Brisbane Grammar School educates boys within an innovative learning culture that nurtures their intellectual, physical, and emotional wellbeing to become global citizens 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, strengthening its global connections and building a vibrant school community among students, parents, staff, Old Boys and the broader society.

Our Values Endeavour Learning Respect Leadership Community

Our Motto nil sine labore – nothing without work

The School is committed to a liberal education philosophy.

Our major goals for each boy are: To develop attitudes, skills, and a base of knowledge as a foundation for critical intelligence, imaginative and creative powers, effective communication and the capacity and enthusiasm for independent, lifelong learning.

To develop and extend personal character and talents.

To develop a strong sense of service, community, leadership and loyalty to others.

COVER IMAGE The work of molecular virologist and BGS Old Boy Professor Andrew Davidson ’79 has been used to develop COVID-19 testing and vaccines. His breakthrough research was not by chance and his passion for science can be traced back to his time at Brisbane Grammar School. Read more in this edition of Grammar News.

Registered by Australia Post Publication No. QBN 4259 CRICOS 00489C

CONTENTS

STUDENT SUCCESS P12

STUDENT WELLBEING P14

OLD BOYS P24

PHILANTHROPY P28

INNOVATION P32

GENERATIONS P40

gn is produced by Advancement and Community Relations Brisbane Grammar School, Gregory Terrace Brisbane, QLD 4000 phone +61 7 3834 5379 email grammarnews@brisbanegrammar.com www.brisbanegrammar.com

EDITORIAL TEAM Chris Walker Director of Marketing and Communications Shannon Breen Marketing and Communications Officer

Elise Browning Marketing and Communications Officer

Inma Beaumont Executive Director Advancement and Community Relations

Andy Copeland Marketing and Communications Officer

Designed externally by: Naomi White Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTORS

Paul Brandist Graphic Designer

Angus Bale Adam Bloch

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Rebecca Campbell David Carroll Philippa Douglas Michael Forrest Carla Hardy Anthony Micallef Chris Price Peta Spence Sharee Verdon

UPCOMING

BGS EVENTS

2022

SAVE THE DATE

BGSOBA Business Breakfast 1 Wednesday 27 April

BGS Golf Day 18 March 2022 - The Brisbane Golf Club Register via brisbanegrammar.com/events

2022 Reunions

Venues, times and ticket prices to be confirmed.

Class of 1991 Reunion (postponed from 2021) - Saturday 5 March Class of 1981 Reunion (postponed from 2021) - Saturday 7 May 2002 & 2012 Milestone Reunions - Friday 29 July 1972, 1982, 1992 Milestone Reunions - Saturday 30 July 1962 Milestone Reunion - Sunday 31 July

Art Show Gala Friday 6 May Open Day Saturday 7 May BGSOBA Band Battle ’22 Saturday 21 May BGSOBA Business Breakfast 2 Wednesday 8 June Nil Sine Live (BGS/BGGS Young Alumni 2015 – 2021)

Sunday 28 August BGSOBA Business Breakfast 3 Wednesday 14 September P&F Auxiliary Spring Luncheon Friday 21 October

Reunion Champions Wanted BGS Advancement and Commununity Relations will coordinate the reunions; however, we are looking for Old Boy Champions from each milestone group to assist us in reaching out to fellow classmates to encourage them to attend. For more information contact Carla Hardy at the email below.

Visit our events page at brisbanegrammar.com/events Further information: contact BGS Alumni and Community Relations Manager at carla.hardy@brisbanegrammar.com 4

H E A D M A S T E R ’S M E S S A G E

Focusing on student wellbeing Anthony Micallef The COVID-19 pandemic continued to heavily impact the BGS community in 2021 – with a two-week quarantine in August testing the resolve of our students, staff and family members.

Our Music and Drama programs again overcame interruptions linked to COVID-19 to perform superbly – read more on pages 20 and 21.

The support we showed each other during quarantine and in the weeks that followed demonstrated the strength of the BGS community.

The cover story of this edition of Grammar News (pages 24-25) showcases the impact a BGS Old Boy has had in understanding and overcoming COVID-19. Based in his Bristol University laboratory, molecular virologist Professor Andrew Davidson ’79 is at the front line of COVID-19 research. His work has been used to develop COVID-19 testing and vaccines.

BGS Old Boys continue to innovate and Riley O’Donnell ’14 teamed with Michael Moore ’14 to develop new software for engineering companies to modernise some of their processes (page 26). The pair epitomise the ideal BGS graduate, who refuses to do things the way they have always been done – if they can develop a better way.

Learn about the first BGS Giving Day (page 29) and the generosity of our community, including Old Boy Tom Strachan ’90 who gave $500,000 to the School (pages 30-31).

His company aims to show the world that cattle grazing can be done differently, using regenerative agriculture to improve the soil; and benefit, rather than damage, the environment.

Our 2021 Speech Day guest speaker, Old Boy Dr Sean Parsons ’97 is also innovating to overcome COVID-19.

He developed COVID-19 tests that can be completed in less than 15 minutes and his company signed a $300M contract to build a facility in the US and supply 8.5 million tests.

Read more on pages 22 and 23.

A wonderful story (page 28) connects the BGS Homework Club – where our senior students tutor children from local primary schools – to an Old Boy who attended BGS on a needs-based bursary. Omar Shinwarie ’19 was a new arrival from Afghanistan when he began attending the Homework Club. After being offered a bursary to attend BGS, he was then able to volunteer at the Homework Club to support students like his younger self.

A six-page feature in this edition (pages 14-19) focuses on Student Wellbeing, which complements the Academic and Cocurricular programs as the three key pillars of a BGS education. The feature unpacks how we focus on student wellbeing at the School and why establishing a sense of belonging and connection is vital for every boy.

The Generations (pages 40-41) and Reflections (pages 42-43) stories highlight some of the School's legacy families.

You can also read a story by Year 8 student Angus Bale (page 18) on his initiative to help others. An inspiring story on BGS Old Boy Alan Wu ’01 (page 19) details his lifetime of contributing to the global community.

The Class of 2021 overcame two difficult years of COVID-19 restrictions and interruptions. A reflection story (pages 38-39) pays tribute to the adaptable cohort.

I encourage you to stay connected through the BGS social media pages.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

STAY CONNECTED

facebook.com/brisbanegrammarschool instagram.com/brisbanegrammar

Brisbane Grammar School 10 October 2021

BGS Old Boy Tom Strachan ’90 has thrown his support behind BGS Giving Day, donating half a million dollars to needs-based bursaries at the School.

The donation will support regional and Indigenous boys to attend BGS. “We need to be a school that attracts kids who come from all walks of life. The opportunity of an education can spur them on to become leaders and give back to society.

That’s why I think bursaries are so important.” Strachan said.

linkedin.com/brisbanegrammarschool twitter.com/brisbanegrammar

Brisbane Grammar School 13 August 2021

It is with much regret that the School advises the community that former Biology Master and much loved colleague Bill Stephenson passed away earlier this week. Bill joined the staff in 1967 as a teacher of Zoology and became its first subject master in 1973. He was then Head of the newly named Biology Department from 1976 to 2003 and a major contributor to science education in Queensland. Bill was passionate about his subject. He engaged his students with his enthusiasm, expertise and a truly individualistic approach in the classroom.

An officer in our Naval Cadet Unit, a long serving rugby coach and eventually Emeritus Head of Biology, Bill retired in 2008 after 42 years of exceptional service.

Our thoughts are with his family.

Samantha Edwards What an incredibly generous gift. This gift of an outstanding education to boys that otherwise would not have the opportunity will be priceless to them. Thank you Tom. April Whittam Wonderful generosity and initiative for regional and rural children.

Nerel Azra Awesome story and an even more amazing donation.

Michael Vail Packhorses and Saddlebags … that’s weighty. Congratulations. That donation will assist many remote and isolated children to get a great education.

BGS Old Boy Andrew Small ’01 is the Senior Physiotherapist for the Milwaukee Bucks who play Game 1 of the NBA Finals today. He has worked with everyone from Marvel superheroes to NBA players and was profiled in the summer 2019 edition of Grammar News.

PHYSIO TO THE STARS

$500,000 DONATION Reach 54,512

1,158 likes

49 comments

11 shares

Brisbane Grammar School 7 July 2021

Reach 26,411

LEGEND REMEMBERED

846 likes 17 comments 2 shares

Reach 39,456 883 likes

91 comments

4 shares

David Brown He was my favourite teacher at BGS and was so passionate about Biology.

Peter Sinclair You were very highly regarded by the boys you taught.

Stuart Manifold Thank you Bill for all of your teachings and more importantly life lessons and advice.

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Gabe Calvento So awesome. What a dream job.

Grant Sorensen Well done Smally.

Incredible career and achievement.

Jenny O’Neill Great work.

Brisbane Grammar School 7 September 2021

Congratulations to BGS Old Boys Stephen Moore '00, Pat Morrey '13, Alex Davies '18, and Lochie Pheely '19 for claiming the Queensland Premier Rugby Hospital Cup victory. There was great BGS representation on the field, with BGS Old Boy Jack Straker '10 on the opposing GPS Gallopers side. After the win, Wallabies great Stephen Moore declared his retirement. Captain Pat Morrey's notched his 100th cap for the Red Heavies in the win.

Brisbane Grammar School 16 September 2021

The second BGSOBA Business Breakfast, themed 'Entrepreneurship in the Digital Economy', was a success with many BGS community members and their associates networking at The Grove Rooftop yesterday. During a panel discussion and Q&A, attendees heard from some of the best entrepreneurs in the business: Steve Baxter (entrepreneur, investor, and 'Shark' on Shark Tank Australia) and BGS Old Boy Brett Clark '85 (founder of ePharmacy and managing partner of Chemist Warehouse – Queensland and Northern New South Wales). Thank you to all who attended and to the MC, Chris Titley '98.

Brisbane Grammar School 5 October 2021

Late last term, BGS Year 12 student Sean Forrest set up a campaign collecting used football boots for Indigenous girls and boys at AFL House in Cairns. More than 50 pairs of boots have been donated to the ‘We Want You’ initiative so far. If your son has grown out of his football boots, please consider donating them via the collection points at BGS.

BOOTS FOR A CAUSE Reach 17,655

UQ 'RED HEAVIES' PREMIERSHIP Reach 19,860

624 likes 5 comments 2 shares

Louise Siganto Epic afternoon for the Heavies.

Michael Dalgleish Congratulations gentlemen. Pretty reasonable rugby pedigree right there. Enjoy the celebration.

Chris Spencer Excellent result.

609 likes 20 comments 5 shares

SOLD-OUT SUCCESS Reach 19,709

421 likes 7 comments 4 shares

Rem Bruijn Awesome event! Really enjoyed it.

Simon Wong I thoroughly enjoyed the event and am looking forward to the next one.

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Toby Carrigan A fantastic initiative.

Great to see how much giving back forms part of the ethos of today's students.

Charles Margerison Good to see proactivity in action.

Nicola Rahman Well done Sean for this initiative and all those who have donated so far.

Shabira Verjee Love the creativity in giving and the artistic expression.

NEWS SNAPSHOT

SPORTMAN’S LUNCH

GENDER RESPECT

ARCHIVES DISCOVERY

Congratulations to the organising committee from the BGS Class of 1987 for their fundraising efforts at the Sportsman’s Lunch on Friday 23 July 2021. $203,500 was raised, with $148,500 going to the BGS 1987 Year Group Bursary Fund to give a boy access to a BGS education.

The remainder goes to the BGS STEAM Precinct. BGS Old Boy bursary recipients Raziq Qasimi ’14, Stephen Baronio '20 and Archie Attwooll '16 spoke about the profound impact of the BGS Bursary Fund.

The BGS Gender Respect Project Group raised awareness for inclusivity through Wear It Purple Day in August. The day aims to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ young people.

The committee developed four requisites to create an inclusive environment – inclusivity, education, support and understanding – which were shared with each Tutor Group as prompts for discussion among every class.

A discovery in the BGS Archives has revealed that a Stephen Uscinski was enrolled at the School in 1921. Deputy Headmaster Teaching and Learning Steve Uscinski’s grandfather, after whom he was named, was a BGS Old Boy. He passed away when Mr Uscinski’s father was young and the BGS connection was lost.

The Uscinski family, from Poland, moved to Manchuria in 1905 and emigrated to Australia in 1911.

Anton Uscinski, part of the Class of 2022, re-established the family link as a BGS student.

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AI-POWERED

YOUNG INNOVATOR

IVY LEAGUE

A strong science student while at BGS, Alastair Blenkin ’08 has incorporated his mathematical skills with a Law degree to set up ProcurePro – a digital platform used by construction companies to subcontract trades. Alastair is also an adjunct professor in Law and Technology at The University of Queensland, where he guest lectures to budding entrepreneurs.

ProcurePro has just raised $2.6M to expand overseas.

Old Boy McKay Whight ’12 has been awarded a High Commendation in the Land Forces Young Innovator of the Year for work on the Warfighter unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).

The Warfighter is half the weight of previous UGVs and is 100% designed and manufactured in Australia.

McKay is a Mechatronics Engineer at Cyborg Dynamics Engineering.

He received the $15,000 accolade at the Land Forces 2021 Expo in Brisbane.

Congratulations to BGS Old Boy Clancy Doe ’20 on his admission to Yale University where he will embody their vision of studentathlete. Clancy is an exceptional academic and rower who has been selected not only for his abilities but also for his promise to contribute to the wider fabric of the Yale community. Yale contributed nine rowers at the Tokyo Olympics.

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SPORTS ROUNDUP

CROSS COUNTRY

BASKETBALL

Significant talent emerged in 2021, with Middle School runners performing exceptionally well across all meets.

When combined with the talented older boys, the future looks bright for BGS Cross Country. Once again, attendance at training and meets was excellent this year.

The program creates an inclusive environment where every boy can achieve his best, from elite runners to boys building their fitness. BGS Cross Country culture was further strengthened this year by two new Head Coaches, Peter Nowill and Nick Lorenz. They brought incredible experience, including Olympic representation, to the program.

More than 530 boys were involved in BGS Basketball in 2021 through GPS competitions, intraschool ‘Blue League’ and CBSQ tournaments. While the GPS season was disrupted, boys showed great resilience to stay focused and compete each week. A highlight was our First V beating local rivals Gregory Terrace in Round 7. BGS entered two teams in the BQ CBSQ state championships, with our Years 9 and 10 boys beating BSHS in the final to become state champions.

Thank you to everyone involved in BGS Basketball in 2021.

TENNIS BGS Tennis had a very rewarding season this year, with record participation numbers and the hard work from each boy paying off. BGS finished the year as the most successful GPS Tennis program, achieving a 91% win rate and 23 premiership wins, 20 of which were undefeated.

A major highlight was the First IV bringing the GPS Premiership trophy back to the School.

FOOTBALL BGS Football continues as the largest BGS Sport program, with 620 boys representing the light dark blue in 2021.

Boys played 221 GPS games and 74 supplementary games.

In the GPS competition, BGS won 125, drew 28 and lost 68 games. Eight teams finished the season as competition leaders: 7C, 7D, 8C, 9C, 10A, 11B, 11C and the Third XI; with three undefeated: 9C, 11B and 11C. This was a fantastic achievement by all.

CHESS BGS Chess experienced another successful year in 2021, although the season was incomplete. In the 12 GPS divisions, BGS won the Senior, Open A, Open D, Open G

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and Open I divisions, finished second in the Open E division, and third in the Open F and H divisions.

The Premier Team finished fifth in the GPS championship and competed in the Queensland State Finals, where they finished in seventh place.

FENCING Fencing was fortunate to return to a less-restricted season this year as 166 fencers took to the piste. Of the 43 teams in the QFA Brisbane Schools Teams Competition, BGS won nine gold, seven silver, and eight bronze. The inaugural BGS Primary Internal Fixtures allowed BGS to include the full range of arms in the younger year levels, while Year 12 leaders hosted friendly internal fixtures during Term 3.

BGS also had pleasing results in state and national competitions.

RUGBY BGS Rugby was again impacted by restrictions, and only five weeks of rugby was possible. The program fielded 20 teams from Under 11s through to the Open division.

Pleasingly, BGS fielded a Fifth XV for the first time in recent years. Overall, the program results were an improvement on the previous season. Captain of Rugby Campbell Watchirs was awarded Senior Player of the Year and Ronan Mellick was awarded Junior Player of the Year.

TRACK AND FIELD The GPS Track and Field season was disrupted by restrictions again this year, impacting lead-up meets and the length of the season. The junior and senior teams performed admirably at their respective GPS Track and Field Championships despite a lack of preparation.

Boys gave their best efforts, with seniors placing seventh and juniors placing fourth. The determination by all team members to strive for ‘one more place’ saw numerous personal bests recorded across the 69 events.

GYMNASTICS The BGS Gymnastics team once again had great results in 2021, with strong efforts from our gymnasts and coaches.

BGS held the inaugural GPS Gymnastics Foundation Cup, which was a very enjoyable event that showcased our team, dedication, sportsmanship and competition. BGS won all three divisions, along with the overall trophy.

Many BGS students also competed in regional, state and national competitions.

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STUDENT SUCCESS

A team driving William’s success

B

GS Year 11 student William Jordan was one of the youngest competitors at the 2021 Australian Olympic Swimming Trials in June.

continuing to dedicate myself to the development of my swimming.”

The School provides support beyond the academic and curricular areas, with a focus on wellbeing another reason for his success. “Coming to BGS has completely changed my life,” William said. “I wouldn’t be who I am today or achieved what I have without the amazing people that I engage with every day.”

William described the experience at the event as ‘the most incredible swimming experience’ of his life. “The atmosphere was amazing,” he said. “The venue set up, all the cameras and media, the security, and all of the biggest names in swimming and Olympic sport. I felt so proud to be a part of it.”

“I have met a few Olympians and it was great to see BGS Old Boy Mitch Larkin competing – he always asks how I am going and wishes me luck. Being there with some of my friends BGS Old Boys Alex Fenton and Joe Jackson was really special to me.”

“Anxiety has been an issue for me both in presenting for school assessments and performing at higher level meets.

My Head of Year Mr Conway, Assistant Head of Year Mr Scholes, Form Tutor Ms Pepper-Rogers and many of my other teachers have been a wonderful support for me when I’ve felt the pressure of school or swimming.”

“I felt part of something great. It is one of my best memories being there with them on the last night, cheering as the people that we raced against were announced on the 2021 Australian Olympic Swimming Team.”

“They are very approachable and caring and are really easy to talk to for advice and support. I’ve done a lot of work on this and although the butterflies still come, I know how to keep them in check these days.”

Competing against the best swimmers in Australia cemented William’s desire to be a professional swimmer. It also highlighted the need to continue to work hard to improve.

“The most important thing that I took away from Olympic trials was a new desire for it to be me at the presentation receiving my boarding pass to the next Olympics,” he said.

William paid tribute to his dedicated mum, who manages her career around his schedule. And a demanding schedule it is.

He was inspired watching the Paralympians compete and singled out the race featuring Ahmed Kelly and Grant Patterson as his favourite moment of the trials. “They both have significant physical and personal challenges that they have to overcome every day and to watch their determination and joy as they raced was so incredible,” William said.

Alongside his goal to become a professional swimmer and compete at an Olympics, he is working hard to potentially study Veterinary Science and eventually work on projects for marine rescue and rehabilitation.

“I always try to stay organised and stay on top of what needs to be done,” he said. “I plan what I need to accomplish each day both in and out of the pool, managing my time to maximise study and training without compromising on recovery and rest.”

“Along with nine swimming sessions a week, I have a casual job at Woolworths, have guitar lessons each week through our Music Department, and I am part of Greening Grammar and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

William also acknowledged BGS Swimming Head Coach Bobby Jovanovich and Assistant Head Coach Hiromi Barnett for their invaluable support and dedication.

“My relationship with Bobby is one I hope will see us both achieve the pinnacle of this sport,” he said. “I couldn't wish to go on this journey with a better coach by my side. Hiromi has an eye for detail, and often picks up on the smallest aspects of my technique that can have a big impact in a race.”

William believes BGS provides the best opportunity for him to realise both goals. “My mum and I moved from Bangalow in the Northern Rivers of NSW for me to study at BGS and pursue my dream of being an Olympic swimmer,” he said. “BGS provided the best opportunity for me to study and be a part of such a special culture, while

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F E AT U R E

The power of connection and belonging

Student wellbeing at BGS focuses on promoting effective learning, positive mental health, good physical health, and high levels of social and emotional wellbeing for students.

protective factor for mental wellbeing is having a sense of belonging,” he said. “Student Wellbeing at Brisbane Grammar School encompasses student wellbeing structures, student wellbeing experiences, and the student wellbeing curriculum.”

Providing a safe and supportive learning environment is part of the BGS Strategy and the Student Wellbeing program plays a vital role in ensuring every student develops a sense of belonging and connection.

“Added to these three key areas of the Student Wellbeing program is the Cocurricular program. It is a vital piece of the puzzle that ensures BGS boys feel a sense of belonging.

Some of the greatest experiences that boys have at school involve playing in teams and being part of cultural, sport and activities.”

The Student Wellbeing program complements the Academic and Cocurricular programs as the three key pillars of a BGS education.

Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School David Carroll leads the Student Wellbeing Team. A formal structure of wellbeing programs combine to ensure every individual’s progress through all areas of school life is monitored.

As part of the Student Wellbeing curriculum, boys engage in programs that nurture their social, ethical, physical, intellectual and emotional development. These programs provide relevant, age-specific experiences.

BGS teachers present the vast number of wellbeing topics in the classroom, with national and international guest speakers delivering seminars on specific topics like drug and alcohol use, pornography and healthy relationships, and the importance of sleep.

The team includes the Director of Student Wellbeing Programs, Heads of Year, Student Services, Outdoor Education, Public Purpose, Boarding, and Health Services.

Mr Carroll explained that when a boy feels connected, they also feel that important sense of belonging.

Student Wellbeing experiences include public purpose, student committees, and cultural and leadership tours.

“We know through research that the most important

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Director of Student Wellbeing programs Philippa Douglas said public purpose activities offer BGS boys meaningful opportunities to volunteer in response to important humanitarian issues.

and assist students and improve each boy’s wellbeing.

Through leadership, students can positively contribute to the school community and beyond. The formal leadership curriculum is complemented by a series of developmental leadership workshops. Day and boarding students are provided with opportunities to consider their leadership style and perform leadership roles across academic, student wellbeing and cocurricular pursuits.

“Students learn and explore fundamental values of life, develop their leadership potential, and enhance their personal character,” she said.

“With compassion and community as the core principles of the Public Purpose program, the student-led committee participates in projects ranging from hands-on voluntary work to fundraising activities.”

Outdoor Education gives boys an opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, problem solving, effective communication and teamwork. The BGS Outdoor Education Centre is located on the shore of Lake Moogerah.

“Participation in immersion projects is another way BGS boys become graduates who understand personal accountability. Students are offered opportunities that encourage them to make a difference in their local, national and global communities.”

Mr Carroll said Brisbane Grammar School is committed to a fostering a culture that nurtures and encourages the ongoing development of resilient, responsible and happy individuals who are actively connected to the School and to the wider community.

Student Wellbeing structures focus on a relational model, where boys have a Head of Year and Assistant Head of Year that travel with them through the year levels, along with support from a Form Tutor and Year 12 student mentors.

Throughout each boy’s journey, data is collected to identify

“Every boy is given a place to belong and an opportunity to excel. We remain resolute in our commitment to developing thoughtful and confident young men of character who contribute to their communities.”

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F E AT U R E

Wellbeing in focus themselves and contribute in positive ways to our society.

What do you enjoy about your role?

BGS Director of Student Wellbeing Programs Philippa Douglas crafts the wellbeing curriculum and is always thinking of new exercises and experiences to extend students’ growth and development. Here she explains her role.

Why were you inspired to work in student wellbeing?

Young people’s social and emotional development is too important to be left to chance.

Throughout my time in education, I have tried my hand at different roles, and those that focus on enhancing the wellbeing of students particularly resonate with me. Student wellbeing underpins every aspect of a young person’s schooling, from understanding who they are, their ability to learn in class, to building positive relationships. Wellbeing is a fundamental component of the school experience.

By supporting the growth of every child, not just academically but also socially and emotionally, we equip them to realise their aspirations, so they can become the best version of

I’m responsible for the Student Wellbeing curriculum and associated activities. I am also responsible for the School’s Public Purpose program (community service), Global Citizenship program (immersion projects), and Leadership Development programs. I work closely with Heads of Year, Assistant Heads of Year, the Director of Boarding, and the Director of Outdoor Education to develop and implement coordinated programs and activities that enhance students’ wellbeing and create leadership opportunities.

One of the greatest enjoyments in my role has been witnessing the increasing engagement of boys in the various Student Wellbeing programs and their growth as thoughtful, caring, and reflective young men.

How do you identify concerns and support boys’ mental wellbeing?

I’m always learning to ensure our Student Wellbeing programs reflect the latest research and best practice.

At BGS, I work closely with the Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School, Head of Middle School, Heads of Year, Director of Boarding, and the Director of Counselling and Academic Services to identify social trends and concerns. Working with such diverse and incredibly knowledgeable people enables me

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to ascertain boys’ social and emotional needs at different developmental stages and create programs in response.

Data from student surveys is also instrumental in developing and reviewing programs.

What are your favourite student wellbeing initiatives at BGS and why?

One of my favourites would be our Public Purpose program. The number of boys participating continues to grow, and their leadership in this area reflects they have a greater purpose than themselves. Our future depends on a generation of thoughtful and confident young men of character ready to forge more inclusive, just, and peaceful societies for all. Through service, boys develop the capacity to appreciate and understand diverse perspectives and experiences, nurturing their ability to show empathy and compassion for others.

What is the best advice you have for students?

Be kind. Whether directly involved in an exchange of kindness or witness to it, we’re forever changed and bound to pass it on. The ripple effect of kindness can be far reaching and long lasting and can impact others in ways we can’t imagine. Kindness is contagious; pass it on. Be you.

Try not to compare yourself to others.

Be the best version of you. You are unique. Your life is different. And it’s always better that way. You belong; you matter.

Fostering Healthy Relationships International Women’s Day is celebrated at Brisbane Grammar School in March. The event highlights the role BGS boys can play in moving towards a gender-equal world through celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness against bias and acting for equality.

• The Student Wellbeing curriculum revisits these topics in more detail in Years 10 to 12. Boys engage in lessons about alcohol, drugs, parties, healthy body image, and consent. Sexual health, pornography, healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships are also discussed.

BGS takes a whole-school and evidence-based approach to developing programs that support and encourage positive masculinity.

The Student Wellbeing curriculum explicitly addresses respectful relationships and sexuality education, including consent, through an age-appropriate program. Healthy sexual decisions are grounded in awareness about healthy relationships and good decision making.

At all year levels, the School engages expert presenters to provide age-appropriate information on gender and health-related issues.

• Dr Tessa Opie follows up classroom discussions with

Earlier this year, the School invited external expert, Dr Tessa Opie from inyourskin, to evaluate respectful relationships and sexuality education components of the Student Wellbeing curriculum. Her findings and recommendations ensures BGS wellbeing programs remain best practice.

presentations on gender, sexuality and relationships, pornography, masculinity, consent and coercion, and sexual health and wellbeing.

• Paul Dillon (Years 10 to 12) focuses his presentations

on alcohol and drug education and discusses issues associated with consent.

The Student Wellbeing curriculum provides information on a range of relationship topics to enable boys to act with integrity and treat others with dignity and respect.

• Peer Power seminars address many aspects associated

with respectful relationships, peer pressure, leading self, healthy manhood and pornography.

• Our younger students (Years 5 and 6) learn about good

The BGS Gender Respect Project Group, formed in 2015, is another opportunity for young men to discuss gender issues and differences. This forum allows older students to lead their peers by modelling healthy and respectful behaviours.

manners, managing emotions, respectful interactions with others and making good decisions.

• Year 7 students learn about the management of physical,

emotional, and social challenges associated with puberty.

• In Year 8, concepts of identity and agency are introduced,

there is a heightened focus on relationship values, attitudes, and expectations. It is at this point that the issue of consent is plainly addressed, particularly in the context of substance use and parties.

and the boys are challenged to own choices and actions.

There are carefully constructed lessons about sexual identity and sexual curiosity. There are also clearly articulated details around the risks associated with sexting, and the ways in which individuals’ actions can negatively affect others.

• In Year 9, the information becomes more focused on

broadening boys’ understandings of manhood, and

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Through the School’s committed partnership with parents and caregivers, together we can equip boys with the skills they need to assist them in developing healthy, respectful relationships now and into the future.

Image: The BGS Gender Respect Project Group, formed in 2015, provides an opportunity for young men to discuss gender issues and differences. The boys in this photo from 2017 participated in the Listen to Her campaign.

F E AT U R E

Public Purpose beyond BGS Angus Bale – Year 8 I have been immensely fortunate to have the opportunity to try many sports and cocurricular activities. From rugby clubs to music groups and tennis lessons, I have been able to experience so much. Through participating in these activities, I have achieved not only physical goals, but made friends and developed a sense of achievement.

As I grow older and am exposed to more of the world, I have developed an understanding that not everyone has access to these opportunities. I believe every child should have the opportunity to play sport to help develop their own sense of self.

We are fortunate in Australia to have a very high standard of living. A few years ago, my family travelled to Kenya and I saw how poorer communities live. When I returned to Australia, it was obvious that we have so much stuff and they have so little. Some children had nothing.

I wanted to do something about it – I wanted to help the children who were the same age as me by providing them

with sporting equipment. Through Instagram, I connected with TennisAid. With tennis being a passion of mine, I thought this would be the perfect way to help.

My idea involved collecting tennis shoes and equipment no longer needed by children in Australia to send to TennisAid who then distribute to children in developing countries. The impact of the initiative has not only benefited the receiving communities, it has also benefited boys at BGS. It raised awareness of our privilege and our ability to help others. It started discussions across different age groups and prompted conversations about countries that are not as developed as Australia.

It was satisfying to bring others with me on this journey.

We have had an impact. Every racquet and every pair of shoes that we no longer need will give someone else a chance to enjoy a sport and perhaps have a better day because of our actions as a group. This project is something I will continue. We will be collecting every year through BGS Tennis.

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Helping build a more just society “I was on the verge of being kicked out,” he said. “I had come out as gay, and hadn't yet found a place to fit in.

In the midst of depression, having failed subject after subject, I fronted up to the academic board to make the case not to terminate my enrolment for unsatisfactory progress. I took eight years to get through the course.”

“I know epiphanies where one realises one’s calling make for great stories, but that never happened for me.

My pathway was unspectacular, and driven by the same, quiet things that surely drive most folks who are involved in their community: a recognition that we each have the opportunity and capacity to contribute to work that matters; a desire to be more connected to our communities; and a hope that together, we can make them better.”

Wu is committed to working towards ensuring the promise of opportunity is available to everyone.

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rom leading Australia’s peak body for young people to challenging world leaders on inequality at the World Economic Forum, lawyer and BGS Old Boy Alan Wu ’01 has been a lifelong champion for a more just and inclusive society.

“Thanks to generations who’ve come before us, we’ve made magnificent progress towards building a future we can all share,” he said.

“But this important work is unfinished. Because for too many of us, that promise remains beyond reach.”

“I’m the proud son of migrant parents from China and Africa, who knew firsthand the transformative power of education,” Wu said. “I owe them so much for raising me with that same appreciation.”

“That’s why, throughout my work, I’ve tried to help build a community where everyone has the power to make decisions that matter.”

Wu recently retired as the longest-serving member of the Board of Directors of Oxfam Australia – dedicating 11 years to the organisation. He is also a senior regional coordinator with the Open Government Partnership, a multilateral project to make governments more inclusive and accountable.

Like so many new Australians, Wu’s parents were drawn to Australia’s promise of opportunity – the idea that you can go as far as your hard work will take you.

Wu said his upbringing, together with the impact of his BGS education, led him towards a life fighting for social justice.

“I had a great time at Brisbane Grammar School,” he said.

“It was the most intensive period of emotional and intellectual development I think I’ve had.”

Previously, Wu served as Chair of Australia’s peak body for young people, where he led the successful campaign to re-establish a federal Minister for Youth position.

Internationally, as Special Envoy for Young People to the Executive Director of the UN Environment Program, Wu helped develop the agency’s youth engagement strategy, one of the first in the United Nations system.

“So many teachers made a lasting impact on the way I understand the world and my responsibilities to my community.”

Wu is the newly appointed Chair of international development agency Oaktree, and serves on the boards of racial justice initiative Democracy in Colour and LGBTQIA+ mentoring organisation Out for Australia.

While serving on the Australian National Commission for UNESCO, he delivered Australia’s first statement on youth participation to the UNESCO General Conference.

After attending the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland in 2015, Wu was asked to help grow the Forum’s Global Shapers Community, which supports young changemakers across the world. In 2019, he was named an Obama Foundation Leader.

But success wasn’t a given. A strong student at BGS, and the 2016 Young Alumnus of the Year at the Australian National University, where he completed postgraduate study, Wu had a tough time in his first degree.

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THE ARTS

Music

song Live in Living Colour. Also notable was the Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Lord of the Rings with the soaring voice of boy soprano Eric Su.

In 2021, the challenges of COVID taught us how important Music is to the fabric of life at BGS. Despite missing over a month of rehearsals mid-year, our young musicians worked in their own homes and practice studios, honing their skills for when they could rejoin their peers.

This year’s seniors have been particularly strong, showing a great deal of musical leadership across all ensembles.

Led by Music Captain Sebastian Beirne, our leaders drove the program to new heights, as shown by the series of finale concerts in Term 4. A very special event was Sing, Swing and Celebrate. This popular concert brought together almost 600 people on the transformed Multipurpose Court (renamed the Sound Shed) for our Jazz Bands and choirs to thrill the audience with some outstanding performances.

Much of the year was business as usual. For the Music Soiree in Term 1, choirs and strings shook off the cobwebs of summer holidays and thrilled a huge audience in the Great Hall for a terrific start to the performance year.

Music also returned to Centenary Hall, with termly concerts featuring the catchy rhythms and clanging sounds of a percussion ensemble, to the booming harmonies of a Concert Band. The addition of live-to-screen video to improve visibility at the back of the hall was also a hit.

The year ended with Lessons and Carols in the beautiful St John’s Cathedral. The choirs thrilled a spellbound audience with their Christmas renditions, with the addition of a chamber orchestra. The enthusiastic singing of the crowd accompanied by the organ was a suitable way to celebrate a year of Music.

The return of Grammar in Concert after a hiatus last year was a highlight. We were excited to gather in the Edmund Rice Performing Arts Complex in May to hear our elite ensembles. Appropriately titled Live Again, the concert opened with an energetic massed performance of the

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Dramatic Productions In a year of lockdowns and Zoom, the 2021 Dramatic Productions showcased exciting, resilient theatre.

SENIOR DRAMATIC PRODUCTION Integrity and a code of honour were at the heart of A Few Good Men, originally performed on Broadway in 1989. Written by Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin, the iconic characters, fast-paced dialogue and memorable one-liners – “you can’t handle the truth” – posed a challenge, particularly with a young cast. Years 11 and 12 students, with QUT artist in residence Indiah Rose, developed that mysterious alchemy of acting skills and intuition to build authentic and dynamic performances.

Students captured the American accent, mastered complex military drills and convincingly portrayed a story with mature themes. A large-scale media screen, authentic, hyper-realist set design, fast transitions and visual motifs enabled thrilling moments of drama. The pre-show performance featuring the School’s Marching Band and Firsts Rugby squad (performing military cadences) embodied the US Military context and our BGS spirit.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMATIC PRODUCTION In collaboration with Queensland Theatre, The Scene Project provided our Years 9 and 10 ensemble with the opportunity to reinterpret Matthew Whittet’s We Are The Mutable. Written in the teenage voice, each episode explores individual journeys emphasising our shared experiences.

The devising process highlighted a key message: change is inevitable.

It is often smaller moments – rather than a big event – that ‘mutate’ us into who we become. What began as a piece of political theatre morphed into a filmed documentary performance due to lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions in Term 3. The ensemble rose to every challenge, working as co-artists to reimagine the script numerous times under various restrictions.

Their creative resilience was stretched as the project shifted to a filmed performance and was a true testament to the boys’ strong artistry.

JUNIOR DRAMATIC PRODUCTION The (un)Remarkables is an original production written and directed by BGS Drama staff. The citizens of Saffron City are enjoying perpetual peace thanks to the heroic efforts of the Legion of Legends. Hero Academy’s Dean of Herology, Full Power, welcomes a new cohort of future heroes and sidekicks, including his own sons Max and Murphy Power. Trouble looms, as a dastardly villain plots to overturn the societal order. The (un)Remarkables emerged from the directorial team’s desire to write a story inspired by students in Years 5 to 8. The production challenged its audience to consider what really makes a hero. Beneath the capes and catchphrases, the pomp and pageantry, this was a tale that highlights humility, and celebrates the quiet achievers supporting from the sidelines rather than stealing the spotlight.

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S P E E C H D AY

2021 Speech Day Years 11 and 12 students and their parents gathered at QPAC in November for 2021 Speech Day. Attendees heard from Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Humphrey, Headmaster Anthony Micallef, outgoing School Captain Tom Stunden, with an inspiring address from guest speaker Old Boy Dr Sean Parsons ’97.

The event recognised high-achieving academic and cocurricular students and farewelled the graduating Class of 2021. Restrictions prevented other year levels from attending in person, but they were able to watch the live stream from school.

Dr Parsons is responsible for two remarkable medical breakthroughs in the past decade. His company, Ellume, developed an affordable test

that provides a fast diagnosis of the flu – assisting the 3500 Australians and 500,000 people worldwide who die of flu-related illness each year. The achievement was possible through harnessing fluorescent nanoparticles to detect influenza particles.

In his speech, Dr Parsons pointed out that innovations over the past few decades have brought about significant changes to the way people live their lives, and highlighted the need to be aware of the things that are likely to remain constant.

“Ellume was founded around the constant that is common infectious diseases,” he said.

“Humans are likely to be living with these illnesses indefinitely and, occasionally, a new one arrives

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that causes a global pandemic.”

Working in the ICU, Dr Parsons realised that while individual care from doctors was important, helping one patient at a time ‘did not scale well’.

“I realised that if you could enable people to test themselves, and potentially even connect them to treatment without physically presenting to a clinician, you could make a huge impact on the total number of people with the disease and the total number of people dying from illness,” he said. “Consumer diagnostics was a huge new category of healthcare delivery waiting to happen.”

In response to COVID-19, Dr Parsons developed an over-the-counter test that can be completed in less than 15 minutes. After a $40M

O L D B O Y S ' A S S O C I AT I O N

OBA President’s Message Michael Forrest

A

t the start of this year, I had high hopes that 2021 was going to be different, but the last few months have been a bit of a roller-coaster ride for the OBA, along with the rest of the country.

We had to cancel or postpone two mentoring events – Creative Industries and Medicine. BGS was closed for two weeks quarantine, and we’ve had to postpone our Band Battle at The Triffid.

US Government grant to accelerate development and build manufacturing capacity, Ellume this year signed a $300M contract to build a facility in the US and supply 8.5 million tests.

In concluding his speech, Dr Parsons encouraged BGS boys to listen to others but make their own decisions.

“You are in the early phase of your own adventure,” he said. “I wish you all the best. You should ensure you take your own path, heeding the words of others, but making your own decisions.”

In their speeches, the Chairman and Headmaster outlined a successful year despite the challenges of COVID restrictions. Both paid tribute to students, parents and staff for their resilience, efforts and achievements in 2021.

Queenslanders are looking forward to open borders and more travel, but a new COVID variant, omicron, is concerning.

Despite all this, we launched our OBA Business Breakfasts, which have been well supported, entertaining, and great opportunities to listen to thought leaders speak candidly with audiences including captains of industry and younger Old Boys just starting their journey.

In May, Phil Noble ’85 and Ross Israel ’85 discussed Economic Transition out of COVID-19, and in September Brett Clark ’85 and Steve Baxter spoke about Entrepreneurship in the Digital Economy.

In November, the focus was on the Business of Sport. The panel featured Richard Watson ’85, Clayton Cooke ’87, and Russell Wilson. These events are hosted by the OBA, but they are open to anyone connected to our community. We are planning three breakfasts for 2022.

Our Facebook group now has more than 2100 Old Boys. Our mentoring platform, brisbanegrammarconnect.com, is also growing.

We’re looking forward to a 2022 in which we can all get together again for a Band Battle at The Triffid, Nil Sine Live for young BGS and BGGS alumni, and more professional networking and mentoring events.

From the OBA Committee we wish our community a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and high hopes for the new year.

23 23

OLD BOYS

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A world leader in understanding and overcoming COVID-19 Molecular virologist and BGS Old Boy Professor Andrew Davidson ’79 is at the front line of COVID-19 research.

By growing the virus in his Bristol University laboratory, he and his team determined the genetic organisation of the virus and its proteins, enabling further work into SARS-CoV-2 at the molecular level.

MERS-Coronavirus, which meant we had to work in specialist facilities. When SARS-CoV-2 came along, we were really well placed to start work on it.”

“I’ve specialised in working on high containment pathogens and working on systems where we can make synthetic viruses – taking viruses and copying them by molecular means. That allows us to manipulate the clone of a virus by introducing mutations or taking pieces out to work out how different viruses work in combination with the host.”

The work of Professor Davidson’s team has been used to develop SARS-CoV-2 testing and vaccines. More recently, he has been studying whether vaccines are effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

His breakthrough research was not by chance and his passion for science can be traced back to his time at Brisbane Grammar School.

Professor Davidson enjoys working in synthetic biology, combining different disciplines. “It is very interdisciplinary at Bristol University; we’re not just working as virologists in our lab, I’m working with chemists, engineers, and social scientists.”

“I really enjoyed my education,” he said. “I remember the different teachers at BGS – many of them had a positive impact on me. All of my science teachers were very encouraging, and we did interesting experiments back then.”

A current project involves teaming with aerosol chemists.

“They can take microsized droplets and levitate them in an electric field, raise the temperature, change the aerosol conditions or radiate them with UV light. So we take those droplets and load them up with the virus to look at the survivability of the virus.”

After BGS, Professor Davidson went on to study a science degree majoring in biochemistry and chemistry at The University of Queensland before completing his Honours and PhD.

Professor Davidson continues to be excited to head to work each day. “My job is never boring; I still love doing research in the lab and enjoy teaching. It’s been very intense since the pandemic began but incredibly inspiring.”

Moving to Germany, he undertook postdoctoral studies ahead of attaining a Fellowship for four years, where he started plant virus research. A return to Australia saw Professor Davidson work as a lecturer at Monash University, where he furthered his research in plant viruses, dengue virus, and coronaviruses.

“It’s inspiring to know that doing a test to see how the virus can be inactivated helped a national testing centre to develop better ways of testing. Some of the work we have done in our lab has impacted policy in the UK, and we have contributed to vaccine design. We aim to translate our findings to better healthcare.”

His study of dengue virus and coronaviruses expanded following a move to the UK in the early 2000s.

“I started in a virology position at the University of Bristol – where I remain today – working on dengue viruses and coronaviruses. During the original SARS outbreak, I started working on SARS-Coronavirus.”

His final comment was on the importance of vaccines.

“Every vaccine has side effects; you just have to put the risks in perspective. But the only way to get on top of this pandemic is through vaccines.”

“In 2015, a colleague and I received funding to work on

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OLD BOYS

Effective thinking in action While studying chemical engineering at The University of Queensland, BGS Old Boy Riley O’Donnell ’14 took every opportunity to gain work experience in the booming gas industry. Hundreds of wells extracting coal seam gas are sunk in Queensland each year and several big firms work in the area.

During his placement, the laborious way the ‘completion’ is planned – what order to put the equipment down the well to optimise the gas – came as a surprise.

“I could see there was this big gap – people weren’t writing software for engineers – and designing completions is quite a complex problem,” he said. “It’s a bit like a game of Tetris, which order you’re going to put the equipment down to hit your targets.”

The software didn’t exist, so O’Donnell taught himself using resources online and wrote his own.

In that way, software start-up Endla – which means ‘make, build, create’ in the South African Tsonga language – was born.

smarts, confidence and optimism into a business.

“I thought designing completions in coal seam gas was an interesting problem that I would work on in my spare time. It turned out really well, Senex Energy paid us a little for the software and my company grew out of that.”

After graduating with a dual degree in engineering and finance last year, O’Donnell recruited fellow Old Boy and software engineer Michael Moore ’14 to join him at Endla and they attracted Origin as a client. Endla now designs completion for 20% of the coal seam gas wells in Queensland, saving millions of dollars for these companies.

“We estimate we can save $40,000 per well per year; if a company has 100 wells per year the value added is about $40 million each year, but not to the extent that this is a published study,” O’Donnell said. “It’s pretty cool.”

“A lot of people do the design in Excel spreadsheets, which works ok, but you don’t get an optimal solution because you can’t run as many simulations and there are a lot of mistakes. It also takes much longer.”

“One of the crazy things with process engineering is that it hasn’t really gone anywhere in terms of how things are simulated and designed,” Moore explained. “We’re working on the idea that you have an actual experiment in the field, with all your equipment collecting data. Our empirical models are more detailed than the lab derived ones, so you get better simulation of the process.”

Listening to O’Donnell tell the story of Endla is a masterclass in turning

Friendly and well-spoken, O’Donnell and Moore epitomise the ideal BGS

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graduate, and it comes as no surprise they both achieved OP1s or almost perfect ATARs. By identifying a problem and using digital skills to design a solution, they are putting the principles behind the School’s Effective Thinking Cultures approach into action.

O’Donnell points to the BGS Year 11 coffee enterprise as an early influence.

“Economics teacher Kate Stevenson really put me on the entrepreneurial path. The coffee business and other entrepreneur programs were good experiences.”

Having gone through UQ’s iLab Ventures program at the start of 2021, O’Donnell and Moore are actively hiring to grow internationally. A third Old Boy, engineer Luke Simpson ’15 has joined Endla, and they’re working through UQ contacts and the ‘BGS network’ before they look further afield.

“The market is really competitive for software engineers,” Moore said.

“We’re going through our networks to find two more developers that we can trust from the start and that we’re confident in their abilities and there’s a good culture fit.”

And why the South African name?

“Early in the journey, I had a South African business partner who came up with the name and ‘make, build, create’ worked for me,” O’Donnell said. “Plus, the domain name was available.”

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PHILANTHROPY

A connection fostering support and respect

E

very Thursday after school for almost a decade, a group of Brisbane Grammar School students have walked to Kelvin Grove to meet and tutor children from local primary schools as part of an initiative known as the Homework Club. Most of the children are migrants or refugees who speak English as their second language.

“The program changes children’s perceptions and creates a positive example that they can follow, helping and respecting other people from diverse backgrounds and ultimately preparing them to contribute to peace and tolerance.”

It was through the Homework Club that Omar was indentified to receive a needs-based bursary to attend Brisbane Grammar School. “At the time, it didn't really sink in, but the more I think about it, the more I realise how fortunate and lucky I was,” he said. “I am extremely grateful.”

BGS Old Boy Omar Shinwarie ’19, one of six siblings, was a new arrival from Afghanistan when he began attending the Homework Club. Offering much more than academic support, the club breaks down cultural and social barriers.

“I remember the bond you form with the BGS senior students,” Omar said. “They helped me greatly in the academic field, but the students were not only there as tutors but also friends. Having them there to talk to really boosted my confidence.”

As a student at BGS, Omar joined the Homework Club as a volunteer to give back by supporting students like his younger self. “It was an amazing experience to be able to help students, whose shoes I was once in. I could really relate to their struggles, and received satisfaction from being able to offer any type of help.”

“On some afternoons, usually towards the end of term, they would organise football games and picnics, and it was these little things that really made the Homework Club stand out.”

“The facilities, the environment and opportunities BGS provided allowed me to really flourish as a student.

The bursary had a massive impact on me, my family and where I am now. In the future, I hope I am able to give back because I truly understand how life-changing such a bursary can be.”

His father, Dr Ataullah Shinwarie, said he was grateful the Homework Club existed when his family moved to Australia. “It provides an environment based on mutual respect, where children feel safe to learn about cultural values and differences while improving their language and academic results,” he said.

Omar is studying medicine at Bond University.

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$1M raised during BGS Giving Day 2021 The first BGS Giving Day in early October was an overwhelming success – raising $1,078,351 from 322 donors.

Support for needs-based bursaries honours the School’s commitment to access and diversity, while support for the STEAM Precinct contributes to shaping the way we educate BGS boys for decades to come.

A special thanks to BGS Old Boy Tom Strachan '90 who gave $500,000 to needs-based bursaries. The donation will support regional and Indigenous boys to attend BGS. BGS Old Boy Dr Daryl Holmes '81 contributed $100,000 – split between bursaries and the STEAM Precinct.

The P&F Auxiliary – who run the Tuckshop and the Grammar Shop – gave $100,000 to the STEAM Precinct and were one of our matching donors. An anonymous donor gave $150,000 to match donations to need-based bursaries.

The School hoped to attract 200 donors but 322 contributed to the School. Thank you. Such a high number of donors is a testament to the connection of our community and its passion for Brisbane Grammar School.

Thank you to all other donors who gave amounts ranging from $25 to $20,000.

Students and teachers supported Giving Day by participating in a tug of war challenge. During the first break, Year 12 day boys got the better of their boarding counterparts. At lunchtime, Senior School teachers took on Middle School teachers. It was a close battle and quite a few sneaky tactics were employed by both sides.

It was plenty of fun and a great way to highlight BGS Giving Day. Visit brisbanegrammar.com/giving to learn more.

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PHILANTHROPY

30 25

A cowboy making a difference BGS Old Boy Tom Strachan ’90 says he’s ‘just a cowboy’ – but that doesn’t do justice to his lofty ambitions to transform the pastoral industry.

“You’ve got to get legumes in, and you’ve got to rest country,” Strachan said. “We’re putting large amounts of cattle on to land for short periods of time and then resting it, allowing animals to stimulate the plants and the microbiology of the soil.”

His company Packhorse aims to show the world cattle grazing can be done differently, using regenerative agriculture to improve the soil, and benefit, rather than damage, the environment.

Strachan is also giving back to Brisbane Grammar School.

He and wife Anna (BGGS ’91) have donated $500,000 to the BGS Bursary Fund to ensure more boys from the bush have the opportunity of a BGS education.

As Chief Investment Officer and ‘Chief Storyteller’ at Packhorse, he’s blunt about the story he’s telling. “We have ruined our soils, and we have a broken supply chain in the beef industry with an adversarial relationship between producer and processor,” Strachan said. “I’m trying to get the story out that we have a huge opportunity to feed the world with clean, grass-fed beef, and we can do that by fixing our soils and sequestering carbon.”

“I think BGS needs the kid from Cunnamulla and the kid from Ipswich; the kid from Woodridge or Cairns, who provide a different flavour to the School,” he said.

Coming from the bush himself, Strachan knows the value of boarding at BGS, but it almost didn’t happen.

“The week before school started, my father wrote a letter to Headmaster Max Howell and told him, ‘I’ve got this kid who can run a bit and play a bit of rugby league’.

Max Howell said, ‘We’ve always got room for a bush kid’, and I ended up at Brisbane Grammar School.”

Strachan adopted the Chief Storyteller title while building up his labour hire company AWX, which he sold in 2014.

The proceeds enabled him to fulfil his lifelong dream of buying his own cattle property and turn his attention to building ‘the largest land custodian business in the world’.

Packhorse recently acquired Stuart’s Creek, near Roma, the first parcel of land in its plan to acquire two million hectares over five years.

This last-minute change in plan was the right decision.

“It was fantastic. BGS was very good at producing a ‘Grammar Man’ who could read poetry during the day but could also play hard on the rugby field after class,” he said.

Strachan didn’t spruik regenerative grazing when he started seven years ago “because people would think you were strange. But it’s a movement that’s gaining momentum now – we just can’t continue to take from the land without putting something back.”

Strachan is now a current BGS parent; his son Lewis is in Year 11, and Noah finished in 2019. He believes it is vital diversity continues to play a role at the School.

“We need to be a school that attracts kids who come from all walks of life. The opportunity of an education can spur them on to become leaders and give back to society,” he said. “That’s why I think bursaries are so important.”

A recent drought illustrated the benefits – where his neighbour’s paddocks were bare, on the other side of the fence his own were lush and green.

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I N N O VAT I O N

Focusing on brain health BGS Head of Performance Development Adam Bloch

Concussion among athletes is a growing issue in world sport. A greater understanding of the brain and how it functions is critical to ensuring the best outcome for our students. Given the size and scope of the BGS Cocurricular program and the overarching endeavour to ensure the health and wellbeing of all students, our focus is to ensure our practices and procedures continually evolve and improve.

process of the Open Rugby and Basketball squads.

The annual rugby camp at Northgate provided the perfect opportunity to conduct a further 200 baseline tests for students ranging from U11 to Open.

It was the first time a school conducted this baselining process in-house, including students as young as Year 5.

It was also the first time basketball had been included in the process, indicating an understanding that a ruck or a maul is not required for a concussion to occur.

Early in 2021, BGS formalised a partnership with Neuroflex to ensure we offer students best practice baselining and clinical assessment following a suspected concussion.

The focus on brain health shows the School’s commitment to properly investigating any head trauma beyond the incident where it occurred.

After a suspected head knock has occurred, BGS staff can undertake a follow-up test with the NeuroFlex platform and provide information to the treating doctor, who can then decide whether the student has a concussion.

Annual testing of all players is possible so that we can track changes in brain health throughout a student’s time at school. Our goal is to manage and track the brain health of our student-athletes longitudinally across all sports.

The Neuroflex platform allows baseline testing of an individual in less than 10 minutes. Built into the VR goggles are two cameras with six infrared sensors in each camera. These sensors track and determine the operational quality of the vestibular and ocular functions of the individual. A carefully mapped combination of fixed and functional head movement tests allows for the precise comparison of an individual’s brain health against the calculated standard deviations approved by the system’s medical team, built upon hundreds of thousands of data points.

As staff and students become more familiar with the Neuroflex platform, the potential for brain rehabilitation through targeted performance exercises will be increasingly effective.

Feedback on this process has been positive. We are excited to continue modifying and improving our implementation to ensure the best possible outcomes regarding athlete injury management and the overall brain health and wellbeing of BGS boys.

During Term 2, BGS Performance Development staff Cat Paice and Jordan Manning oversaw the baseline testing

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Digital transformation to improve educational outcomes

Think about all the new technology you have learned to use over the past five years. It might be in the form of software, apps, streaming services and even payment methods.

• access resources 24/7 • provide reflections on their learning more easily • develop skills critical to being able to evaluate

information sources

Can you imagine the world the graduates of 2025 will emerge into?

For Parents

We are investing in our digital future to enhance our capability to optimise educational outcomes for our boys.

how their son is progressing

The School’s Digital Transformation Program will upgrade our digital capability over the next four years to support each BGS graduate to realise his potential in and beyond the classroom as he enters a digital economy.

Our ICT infrastructure will be improved to gather and use our data most effectively. As we collect and utilise information about student wellbeing, academic achievements and cocurricular involvement, we can better understand how a student is progressing and where improvements can be made.

This personalised learning approach is part of the School’s overall vision to be the best school for boys in Australia.

A snapshot of some of the enhancements for students, parents and teachers is below.

For Students • receive support quicker on aspects of progress in

their subjects • find all their administrative tasks in one place

• access real-time information for a transparent view of • view a personalised student dashboard • provide feedback on Student Learning Plans • receive proactive communication from teachers and

coaching staff about their son For Teachers • deliver technology-enabled lessons, providing variety

and interest for both them and their students’ digital literacy • design and deliver engaging learning experiences using

digital tools • view a single source of truth via a central, complete

student record • enable efficient communication with parents • consistent staff experience • automate business processes, eliminating time-consuming

administrative tasks The program is in the early stages, with various BGS staff working with external experts to create the environment for digital transformation to succeed.

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ART SHOW

2021 BGS Art Show The BGS Art Show is a special event on the School's social calendar. Inviting professional artists into our school, along with parents, distinguished guests and sponsors, builds our connection with the wider community.

The opportunity for BGS students to attend an art exhibition of such a high calibre on their own campus is exceptional. And of course, the show

enables us to raise funds, primarily for the Art Department.

all who shared their talents for a show that saw record sales.

The 2021 Art Show Embrace – The Art of Togetherness welcomed Alexandra Matthews as feature artist, presenting her beautiful locally inspired paintings and unique ceramics.

The Gala evening was spectacular, with BGS musicians opening the festivities. This year was extra special, following a year when only a virtual show was possible. Guests loved having the opportunity to catch up with each another and be present to appreciate and purchase the artworks on offer.

We staged a gallery of over 240 artworks, together with stunning jewellery. These were submitted by local, emerging and internationally acclaimed artists, BGS Art teachers, Old Boys, a member of the BGS Board of Trustees, and our 2021 BGS Emerging Artist. We thank

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We were proud to introduce new aspects this year – an ‘Artist and Friends Evening’ on the eve of the Gala, and a ‘live’ online payment platform system

for art sale transactions. We thank BGS Art Curator Stewart Service for creating a special interactive Art Trail for BGS Open Day, showcasing some of the School’s artworks.

The BGS Art Show gratefully acknowledges our Supporters of Art.

The BGS Art Support Group extends thanks and gratitude to the committee, staff and volunteers for all their enthusiasm, ideas and hard work for this year’s show.

If you have an interest in joining our team for the 2022 Art Show, please contact art.committee@brisbanegrammar.com.

Peta Spence – President BGS Art Support Group

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P &F

Celebrating our community

A most sincere thank you to all who supported Brisbane Grammar School in 2021. The School’s appreciation to those who volunteer or donate cannot be overstated. Read more about the impact of philanthropy on pages 28 to 31 in this edition.

BGS recognised the contribution of several former parent volunteers through the Betty Howell Awards in October. The awards were presented at the School’s annual volunteer

recognition function, Celebrating Our Community.

The Betty Howell Awards, established for BGS volunteers in 2011, recognise significant service and contribution to the School from all parts of the community. The awards are named in honour of Mrs Joan Elizabeth (Betty) Howell, who was a passionate volunteer with the Art Committee and Auxiliary during her 25-year association with the School as

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the wife of the Headmaster.

Congratulations to 2021 BGS Betty Howell Award recipients: Jon and Leanne Dooley, Ross Given, John and Bronwyn Jerrard, Dane Lockyer, Aida Stevenson, and Steve and Helen Wilson.

We thank these community members for their commitment and dedication to helping Brisbane Grammar School deliver a rich and rewarding educational experience for BGS boys.

2021 SPRING LUNCHEON With a Japanese cherry blossom theme, the annual P&F Auxiliary Spring Luncheon in October was once again a memorable occasion.

Over 700 BGS community members enjoyed the gathering in the Royal International Convention Centre at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

With COVID restrictions relaxed, the luncheon returned to its usual format. The new venue ensured all those who wished to attend could do so, and the community showed its spirit and enthusiasm with record attendance.

Head of Middle School Rebecca Campbell addressed the event, with the mothers of the Class of 2021 taking the opportunity to come together and celebrate their collective BGS journey.

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C L A S S O F 2021

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Time to reflect Sharee Verdon Head of Year The Class of 2021 coined the phrase ‘shoulder to shoulder’ as a guiding theme for their final year. The cohesion, connectedness, servant leadership and inclusivity demonstrated across all facets of their collective journey was testament to their commitment in this endeavour.

Integral to their success was their able leadership of and through the various senior committees – Events, Spirit, Public Purpose, Student Representative Body, and Academic Support.

The Academic Support committee showed real initiative and responsibility in tutoring younger students through the BLUE program (BGS, Learn, Unite, Excel), and by creating the ‘Grammar Gateway’ as a repository of online resources to support their peers’ learning. During the leadup to external exams, the student-led subject tutorials were outstanding.

Seniors formed the inaugural Language Immersion Group with their BGGS counterparts. Weekly meetings after school enabled them to practise their language skills together. The musical ensemble, ‘Tone Deaf’, gained enormous popularity for their entertaining performances at assemblies.

Responsible mentorship was ably applied by Form Seniors in their work with younger students who genuinely appreciated seniors joining them at lunch for handball games, leading discussions in student wellbeing and just being present to chat.

Such valuable and respectful relationships were enhanced by the work of the Public Purpose Committee who worked on vertical projects such as World’s Greatest Shave, Say No to Bullying Day and Homework Club. The Student Representative Body and Amnesty Club seniors attended a very successful breakfast with their BGGS counterparts to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The Gender Respect Project Group met regularly and led Wear it Purple Day, dedicated to inclusivity on campus.

The positivity of the cohort was evident in the respectful and celebratory tone of the Senior Formal and the Seniors’ Lunch, catered for by the School to congratulate seniors for their efforts in mock exams and the fortitude they exhibited during the sudden COVID quarantine in Term 3. Certainly, this tested many but especially our boarders, some who have not physically seen their families for up to two years.

King G and the Spirit Committee did a fantastic job keeping a positive vibe across the campus. There were some highlights to celebrate in the cocurricular sphere – A Few Good Men was a professional production, three gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards were earned by seniors, and the Senior A debating win at King of the Hill against Terrace was very memorable.

The grit and athleticism shown by our sportsmen throughout the year was remarkable; they were unrelenting in their quest for personal bests. Also noteworthy were the number of seniors who volunteered their services to coach younger teams. Such servant leadership has been a hallmark of this cohort.

I would like to extend my gratitude to our team of Form Tutors. The continuity of care they provide is invaluable, whether it be incidental banter or serious Learning Plan Conversations; these teachers have had a profound influence over four years.

After checking their kit bag and forming a support team at ‘base camp’ (their year of entry), the Class of 2021 has now summitted their Everest. They navigated their external exams in a measured and logical manner.

It has been my absolute pleasure to guide this group of 285 young men for the past six years. I am incredibly proud of every single one of them. Their legacy is strong, and I know their impact on the future will be noteworthy.

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G E N E R AT I O N S

Founding family In recent years, Prue Galley has visited BGS while researching her family history. Her family connections with the School stretch back to its founding years and through four generations. This article reveals some of the stories behind these connections, touches on her remarkable career and acknowledges a splendid gift to the BGS Archives.

Ms Galley gained international recognition as one of the leading advocates to change the status of the physiotherapy profession. The Australian Physiotherapists Association recounts that she wrote three seminal articles, including ‘Patient referral and the physiotherapist’ (1976), which presented a visionary model to allow physiotherapists to act as primary contact professionals.

Up to that point, the profession was bound by a self-regulated ethical code, meaning physiotherapists could not treat patients unless they were referred by a medical practitioner. Removing this barrier fundamentally changed the recognition and responsibilities of all physiotherapists.

Ms Galley’s brother, Robert Galley, arrived at BGS from Eagle Junction Primary School in 1961. His strong academic results in the Senior Public Exam of 1964 allowed him to study medicine at The University of Queensland. Their father, William Robert Galley, arrived at BGS in 1922, having won a state scholarship. He went on to win an extension scholarship and then further study at Gatton. William was a Lieutenant Colonel in the AIF and his name is on the BGS WWII Honour Board.

He married Nellie Lawrence Griffith Oxley in 1940.

It is through Ms Galley’s mother, Nellie, that the BGS family connection goes deeper. She was the daughter of Edward

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4.

5.

Griffith Oxley, who attended the School from 1889 to 1893.

Edward’s father was Henry James Oxley, a long-serving BGS Trustee and Treasurer from 1886 to 1908.

in 1903, Griffith was a passionate believer in the power of education. He drafted the Education Act (1875), which provided for free, compulsory and secular education.

Henry’s financial acumen helped to steer the School through tough economic times in the 1890s. He is recognised in the BGS Annals for his valuable service over 22 years and his faithful support of his brother-in-law, Sir Samuel Griffith, in the ‘executive management of the institution’. Henry died in 1916, and his name was among the first installed on the Distinguished Service Honour Board in the BGS Great Hall in 1938.

Griffith served two terms both as Premier of Queensland and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at BGS. He also wrote a translation of The Inferno of Dante Alighieri, an original copy of which has been generously donated to the School by Ms Galley from her collection.

The stories of Prue Galley’s family connections to Brisbane Grammar School reflect the themes of aspiration, hard work and excellence – words that aptly describe her distinguished career.

Henry Oxley had married Sir Samuel Griffith’s sister, Alice, making her Ms Galley’s great grandmother.

This remarkable union of the Griffith and Oxley families in the 1890s and early 1900s played a significant role in the development of BGS.

Main Image: Edward G Oxley and his son Henry James (Jim) Griffith Oxley pictured with Arthur and Charles Roe (the son and grandson of second headmaster R H Roe) in the Fathers vs Sons tennis fixture of 1935

Sir Samuel Griffith is one of the titans of Australian history.

Instrumental in steering the nation toward federation and eventually becoming the first Chief Justice of the High Court

Insert left: Sir Samuel Griffith (Chairman of Trustees) Insert right: Henry J Oxley (Trustee and Treasurer)

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REFLECTIONS

What’s in a name?

I

n its 153-year history, Brisbane Grammar School’s students and Old Boys have lived through world wars, economic depressions and, most recently, a second global pandemic. Three generations of the Davies family, also known as Swiss-Davies, illustrate how this sweep of history plays out in ordinary lives.

Dr Davies said both brothers had eventful war experiences and careers. “Dad worked in army hospitals in Port Moresby under intense bombing and flew into Kokoda just after its capture by the Australians. He had an extraordinary escape when his Field Ambulance unit suffered a bombing attack on 27 November 1942.”

“No doubt we are only one of many families with generations of young men who went from a rich education at BGS, to interesting lives and careers,” Old Boy Dr Llewellyn Davies OAM ’64 said.

“He was posted to Concord Military Hospital in 1943, where he met my mother, Sister Joyce Henry. In 1945 he set up a plastic surgery unit on Morotai Island, off Borneo.

After VJ Day (Victory over Japan), Dad worked on the backlog of reconstructive surgery at Greenslopes Hospital until mid-1946.”

Dr Davies has made his life and career as a doctor and medical educator in Mackay and Rockhampton, following in his father’s footsteps – also Llewellyn Davies (BGS 1927-31) – who pioneered plastic surgery in Queensland after service as an army surgeon in New Guinea and Borneo in WWII.

“Uncle Owen was in the armoured corps and went to Japan with the occupation forces. He later worked for the Snowy Mountain engineering corporation,” Dr Davies said.

Making up the third generation at BGS, Dr Llewellyn Davies ‘64 and his younger brother Doug ’70 were day boys. “I was studious, involved in debating and science activities. Sports were largely out because of congenital heart disease (repaired after I left school), and a lack of talent! My only sporting achievement was being the only rugby linesman to have his leg broken during a match (in 1964). My brother Doug did degrees in arts and education. After starting as a secondary teacher, he went on to working for Hewlett-Packard and then as an IT professional in the tertiary sphere.”

“I think Dad’s story is of particular interest,” he said.

“There are now more than 60 plastic surgeons in Queensland, and much of their work is cosmetic. In Dad’s army days it was blast and gunshot wounds; later in life, children’s congenital abnormalities and car accident injuries.”

Llewellyn senior’s nickname was “Swiss” – an unusual family middle name, springing from the family’s emigration from Wales in 1855. His grandfather, David Swiss Davies, was born on the ship Switzerland en route to Western Australia and the Victorian goldfields; his birth was registered at Pennyweight Flat near Castlemaine with a nod to his nautical birthplace.

“We had a pretty bright cohort in science at BGS. Roy Curry, who won the science competition went on to a brilliant career at University of California, and my debating mate John Fuerst became a Professor of Microbiology at UQ.”

After a childhood at Prior’s Pocket on the Brisbane River, David became a wine and spirits merchant, and he sent his son, the impressively named Cecil Beauchamp St Andrew Stuart Swiss Davies, to BGS as a boarder in 1898. Cecil’s address in the BGS Annals is Golden Age Hotel, Gympie.

Dr Davies received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service as a general physician and to medical education in 2004. He retired from clinical practice in 2015 and from teaching in 2018.

Cecil (BGS 1898-1900) would enter the arguably more respectable legal profession and practice as a solicitor in Bowen – then considered the up-and-coming town of North Queensland. His two sons, Llewellyn and Owen (BGS 1934-36) boarded, with Llewellyn described as “Keen and intelligent. A useful House Prefect.” Both appear on the World War II Honour Board in the Great Hall, though Owen is incorrectly listed as Owen Swiss-Davies.

“My wife Marian, whom I married in 1972, has been an enormous support to me and a wonderful mother of four.

For various reasons, I was not able to provide another generation at BGS, but the School gave me a wonderful base for a fulfilling career.”

“I am very happy to stay engaged with BGS, and I enjoy hearing about the School whenever a community function is held in Rockhampton.”

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