GN Winter 2025

Winter 2025

A Vision

of

Health

In this issue Global Pathways Chaos Across Continents Coded For Curiosity

Editorial Team Nikita Blom Editor, Director of Community Relations Cassandra Houghton Writer, Communications Coordinator Kloe Phelan Writer, Communications Coordinator Ella Begg Junior Writer and Editor Karoline Fjeldsbo Graphic Designer

Front Cover In a world increasingly shaped by transnational challenges, Old Boy Aly Sultan is building a life of purpose at the intersection of health, development and service.

Photographed by Luis Lopez

Acknowledgement of Country We acknowledge the Jagera people and the Turrbal people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our school is located and where we meet, work, play and learn. We pay our respects to Jagera and Turrbal Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge their deep connections to culture, country and waterways.

Grammar News

CONTENTS

Page

14 A Vision of Health

Stanford University student and Old Boy, Aly Sultan ’21, shares the personal impact of restoring vision and transforming the eye health industry in his home country of Papua New Guinea.

Page 19

Books and Beyond

Page

The teaching talent authoring textbooks, novels and more

28

Chaos Across Continents Three friends, three bikes, and 18 months of magnificent chaos

Page 12

Global Pathways Trends driving international study pathways

Page 40

Coded for Curiosity Old Boy brothers Tim and Miles Cederman-Haysom ’97 are leading people and systems in Silicon Valley

Page 26

A Remarkable Life Old Boy, Jim Truesdale celebrates his 100th birthday this year

Grammar News is produced by Community Relations at Brisbane Grammar School, Gregory Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4000.

Telephone +61 7 3834 5200 Website brisbanegrammar.com Email communications@brisbanegrammar.com Registered by Australia Post Publication No. QBN 4259

CRICOS Provider Number 00489C

Winter 2025

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Global Citizens An education at BGS equips boys with the confidence, curiosity and character to harness their potential on the global stage. Whether studying at world-leading universities, contributing to impactful organisations, or pursuing creative and adventurous paths abroad, our Old Boys lead bold, well-rounded lives often enriched by international experiences.

Anthony Micallef Headmaster’s Message

A World of

Possibilities Written by

Anthony Micallef Headmaster

One of the greatest privileges of leading Brisbane Grammar School is witnessing the inspiring journeys our young men embark upon after school.

In this edition of Grammar News, we celebrate the many extraordinary and entertaining international pursuits of our Old Boys – a testament to the enduring impact of a BGS education.

Our cover story takes us over to the United States where recent graduate Aly Sultan, studies at Stanford University, while maintaining a strong connection to his home of Papua New Guinea.

As Jim Truesdale approaches his 100th birthday, he reflects on a remarkable life, filled with cherished memories of school and mateship.

We jump in the passenger’s seat of the exhilarating 18-month motorbike journey with Old Boys Jordan McNamee and Ben Cichero - an odyssey defined by bold decisions, and a search for something greater.

In an ode to the life’s work of the late Brian Hirschfeld, we explore the story of his dedication to improving healthcare in Australia, starting with a legacy of gratitude that stems back to his family’s emigration to Australia during the Second World War. Living at the pulse point of the technology revolution, we check in with the CedermanHaysom brothers in Silicon Valley, who remind us that purpose and empathy remain central in even the most cuttingedge industries.

I am proud to see a rise in the number of globally-minded students stepping out into the world each year, sharing tales of their journey with us.

As always, please get in touch with our Community Relations team if you have a story to share.

Winter 2025

7

News Snapshot

News

Snapshot BGS Art Show 2025 In its 56th year, the BGS annual Art Show continues to be a cherished highlight in the School’s fundraising and social calendar, bringing together students, families, Old Boys and the wider community.

This year, more than 500 guests attended the coveted social event eager to acquire pieces from the catalogue of 300 works including paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, mixed media, sculpture, and jewellery.

The BGS Art Show proceeds directly support the development and maintenance of the BGS art collection, funding the BGS Emerging Artist Awards, as well as art resources and projects within the BGS Art Department and School.

Smooth Sailing Isaac Schotte ‘22, has charted an inspiring path in competitive sailing since graduating.

Learning to sail at the tender age of six in Dubai, Isaac began racing at age eight and has showcased exceptional talent ever since. Currently training with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, he recently placed first in U21 ILCA 7s at the 2025 Oceania & Australian

Championships, earning a spot on the Australian Sailing Futures Team. Balancing his Olympic dream alongside a

small business venture, Isaac exemplifies determination and passion in the world of sailing.

Snapshot News

Year 7 Innovation Summit:

Igniting Possibilities In Term 2, Year 7 took part in an exciting three-day Innovation Summit — an immersive program designed to explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) through hands-on, real-world challenges.

During the Summit, students had the opportunity to engage in a variety of dynamic STEAMbased programs in fields such

as forensic science, marine conservation, the rise and fall of civilisations, and more. Each program applied a ‘design thinking’ approach to solving genuine problems.

Director of STEAM Education, Tanya Nielsen said “Students were working in new teams across their cohort to embrace challenges, take risks and explore a universe of possibilities.”

Light Dark Blue:

Happy and Healthy

Bond Young Alumni Old Boy Dr Nikhil Dwivedi ’13 has been awarded the Bond University 2025 Young Alumni Award for his advocacy for students and junior doctors, as well as his work with Indigenous communities in dermatology, particularly in the treatment of skin cancer.

Nikhil originally studied law before discovering his

passion for medicine and pursuing a career in the field.

We commend Nikhil for his leadership, service to others and commitment to advancing healthcare.

Hosted by the vibrant and insightful Peta Ellis, the new season of the Brisbane Grammar School’s Light Dark Blue Podcast, aptly themed “Health and Happiness,” delves into the critical elements that shape a joyful and healthy educational journey.

Joining Peta each week are experienced and influential guests including BGS teachers, staff and industry experts, who discuss the significance of fostering purpose, passion, and connection in students.

These weekly episodes shed light on how student wellbeing, cocurricular, and outdoor education programs serve as the cornerstones of holistic development at Brisbane Grammar School.

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News Sport

Gymnastics There was no backing down for BGS Gymnastics this season, with the School taking the Foundation Cup title for the 15th consecutive year. Following a series of successful meets in the lead-up to the event, the boys were well prepared and came out firing. Three students were also selected into the Queensland team off the back of their performance at State Championships. Congratulations to Caden Williams, Aedan Perel and Sebastian Ashby-Cliffe for this acheivement.

Cross Country The GPS Cross Country season began with strong participation and encouraging results. At the GPS Championships, our 10–12 Years team placed second overall, with Patrick Reid and Elliot Stannard finishing first and second in their age group. Despite

the heat, our senior runners showed determination, also securing second place. In recognition of consistent performances across all meets, BGS was awarded the GPS Cross Country Shield, a fitting conclusion to a successful season.

Swimming The 2025 BGS Swimming season delivered record-breaking success, with more than 150 boys involved and nine new records set. Max Cunningham claimed four GPS wins and a record, while Juniors placed third — our best since 2016. The Seniors secured podium finishes in 8 of 10 relays, earning a hardfought second place overall.

Sailing BGS Sailing enjoyed another strong 2025 season. At the Brisbane Schools Team Sailing Championships, the BGS A team secured 14 wins to finish third overall, while the

B and C teams also enjoyed several podium victories.

In Fleet Racing, the boys achieved multiple individual wins, with George Lee taking out the silver medal.

Sport News

Volleyball

Debating

The 2025 BGS Volleyball season marked a significant milestone, with the highest participation numbers in the School’s history. 288 players represented Brisbane Grammar School across 30 teams during the GPS season.

BGS teams achieved an impressive overall win rate of 74%, securing 108 victories from 146 GPS fixtures.

Notably, 24 of the 28 eligible teams finished on the podium, with seven teams emerging as overall competition leaders.

BGS achieved an impressive 75% win rate across all debates this season. Of the 20 teams, 11 secured Premiership titles, while six others placed second or third.

A special congratulations go to all Years 5 and 6 teams, who completed the season undefeated.

The Senior A team delivered an outstanding performance, finishing second overall with six wins from seven debates—narrowly missing the Premiership to Brisbane State High School.

In the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) competition, most teams have completed their first or second rounds, with debates continuing into Term 2. The Senior A team remains undefeated in QDU—a noteworthy achievement.

This outstanding season reflects the depth of talent, dedication and teamwork within the BGS Volleyball program.

Rowing The 2025 Rowing season was studded with rising talent. With 200 boys involved, BGS secured 13 podium finishes at Head of the River, including silver in the O’Connor Cup and gold in the Year 11 First VIII. Nationally, the squad claimed three silver

medals and five Queensland pathway selections, while Oliver Kent captured a State Championship in the U19 Single Scull.

Cricket Over 415 boys across 35 teams delivered a strong 2025 cricket season, rounding out the term with a 53% win rate and many GPS teams finishing top three. Standout achievements included eight centuries, 10 five-wicket hauls, a 225-run stand, and multiple undefeated teams. A very special vote of thanks to our community for their ongoing support this year.

Feature School

Global

Pathways Written by Steve Uscinski, Deputy Headmaster, Teaching and Learning and Dr Nathan Simmons, Director of Counselling and Academic Services

Brisbane Grammar School graduates pursue a remarkable range of post-school pathways in Australia and abroad, supported by the expertise and care of our professional Counselling and Academic Services team.

Global Ambitions We are seeing an upward trend in students looking to undertake international study, with recent applicants showing a preference for destinations such as:

United Kingdom (UK) London School of Economics, University College London, King’s College London, London College of Fashion (UAL), University of Cambridge, University of Oxford

United States of America (US) Stanford, Yale, UCLA, University of South Carolina, Boston University, Purdue Northwest

Japan Keio University

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Grammar News

Each year, around 20 students apply to UK and US universities.

The School supports our applicants with targeted advice for applications, and guidance on essays, interviews, and scholarships.

Our students continue to be strong international candidates, thanks to the broad experiences BGS fosters across academics, sport, cultural activities and community service.

Medicine: A Competitive Pathway Medical programs remain a top choice for many graduates; • 45 offers were made to students nationwide in 2024 (some receiving multiple offers) • Entry pathways vary significantly across Australia, and our team provides comprehensive support, including joint information sessions with Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Advance Finance and Economics: A Popular Pathway Recent reports from the University of Queensland indicate that, for the previous five-year period, the most popular program in which BGS students enrolled was the Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics.

School Feature

“We take pride not only in where our students go, but in how they get there: thoughtfully, courageously, and with a sense of purpose that reaches far beyond the School’s gates.”

Supporting Every Step These outcomes reflect the steady work of our student counselling team, who support each student through their decisions with a blend of expert advice and genuine academic care. Thanks to their efforts,

students are not only wellinformed but also ready to make the most of the right opportunity when it comes along.

At Brisbane Grammar School, we take pride not only

in where our students go, but in how they get there: thoughtfully, courageously, and with a sense of purpose that reaches far beyond the School’s gates.

Winter 2025

13

A Vision

of

Health

At just 21 years old, Old Boy Aly Sultan ‘21 is the definition of a global citizen.

Written by Cassandra Houghton and Kloe Phelan

“[My parents] built their lives around improving healthcare in Papua New Guinea, and growing up around their work taught me the value of service, resilience and purpose.”

Old Boy Feature

Few people in their early twenties can claim to have worked with the World Health Organisation, studied at Stanford and Oxford Universities, and helped restore sight in remote communities.

Then again, few are as worldly and purpose-driven as Old Boy Aly Sultan, ‘21.

Now a rising senior at Stanford University, where he studies International Relations with a specialisation in Economic and Social Development, Aly divides his time between the United States and his home country of Papua New Guinea (PNG) - a nation whose needs, strengths and future remain central to his ambitions in health, development and service.

“I grew up in Papua New Guinea, a country that I am proud to call home,” Aly shared.

“Life there was vibrant and full of contrasts. From the warmth of tight-knit communities to the very real challenges of limited access to healthcare and infrastructure; that experience is at the heart of why I do what I do.”

It was within that environment—rich in community but marked by systemic gaps— that Aly’s sense of duty began to take root. However, it was the

Above Aly at Stanford University

sudden loss of his father in his senior year of school that gave his calling a deeper sense of meaning and urgency.

In 2021 Aly was in the thick of Year 12 studies when his father, Mohammad Sultan OBE, tragically passed away from COVID-19.

“Losing him changed everything,” he said.

The sorrow felt by Aly and his mother, Amyna—Doctor and Director at the Laila

Below Laila Foundation Cataract Outreach Courtesy PNG Post Courier

Foundation—became a shared motivation to deepen their commitment to the Foundation – a family-run initiative established by Mohammad 30 years ago in memory of his sister.

The Laila Foundation is committed to making eye health services accessible to underserved communities.

Through mobile outreach and surgical interventions, the Foundation brings life-changing care to those who would otherwise go without.

While celebrating 30 years of the Laila Foundation in February, Mohammad’s visionary efforts were posthumously acknowledged. Not only was he the Founder of the Laila Foundation, but also the Founder of the Pacific International Hospital in PNG – the first private tertiary care facility in the country.

Winter 2025

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Feature Old Boy The Sultan family are renowned for lovingly delivering advanced care to tens of thousands of people.

It is easy to see where Aly draws his inspiration. “[My parents] built their lives around improving healthcare in Papua New Guinea, and growing up around their work taught me the value of service, resilience and purpose,” he said.

And inspiration is not in short supply. Aly shared an experience he’ll never forget, from a recent cataract outreach in Hela Province, PNG: “Joane Simons, a brave eight-year-old girl, had lived in darkness since the age of four due to bilateral cataracts. I was assigned as her chaperone, walking beside her as she entered the clinic – cautious, uncertain, and unable to see more than shadows,” he recalled.

Below Aly as the Boarding Captain at BGS

Above Aly’s father Mohammad, and Prince Charles

“After her surgery, I stood nearby as she opened her eyes, blinking in the sunlight. A smile slowly spread across her face and then came the moment that truly lit up her world. She turned, looked up, and saw her father’s face clearly for the first time she could remember.”

The work of the Sultan family

was recognised by members of the British royal family during a Commonwealth engagement.

Both Mohammad and Amyna were made Officers of the Order of the British Empire.

Aly notes that his mother, even following the passing of her husband, “never wavered in her commitment to service… despite

Old Boy Feature

“Jump at the opportunity. It broadens your perspective, builds resilience, and helps you discover what you’re capable of.” an even greater workload.” Her example, he says, “shaped the kind of leadership I aspire to.”

At BGS, Aly was Boarding Captain and participated in many clubs and activities, including the Gender Respect Committee. He says the skills gained in these clubs and activities continue to inform his approach to running outreach camps in PNG today.

Aly’s first contributions to the Laila Foundation saw him use his proficiency in interpreting Tok Pisin to connect locals and visitors. Then, during the school year, he would stay connected to his hometown through a not-forprofit initiative of his own.

Artists back in PNG would receive emails from the young philanthropist asking if they were interested in having their work purchased and displayed in eye care shops in Port Moresby.

Any money raised would fund his parents’ sight restoration projects.

Since graduating from BGS, Aly has interned with the World Health Organisation, completed a stint studying healthcare economics at Oxford University, and worked on public health initiatives across several provinces in PNG. When asked what sustained

him during difficult periods, he cites the grounding of his Ismaili Muslim community, as well as football, golf, squash and latenight conversations with friends where they debate everything from politics to technology and start-ups.

“These moments not only keep me grounded,” he said, “but

constantly broaden my thinking beyond the classroom.”

Aly encourages anyone considering international pathways to take the leap.

“Jump at the opportunity.

It broadens your perspective, builds resilience, and helps you discover what you’re capable of.”

“Service has always been a core value in my family - it’s the rent we pay for our time on this Earth.”

Winter 2025

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The

Power

of Persistence Written by Nikita Blom

During the 2024 Christmas holidays, senior student Benjamin Li spent two weeks at the Australian National University (ANU) as part of the Australian Science Olympiad’s (ASO) Summer School. He was one of only 24 students selected from around Australia and the first Brisbane Grammar School representative for chemistry.

The two-week intensive program was an invitationonly opportunity for students who excelled in the notoriously difficult ASO chemistry exam.

Summer School immersed them in advanced theory and practical experiences under the guidance of esteemed ANU academics, providing a taste of university life.

“It was great to attend lectures and ask questions about advanced problems,” Benjamin said. “Sharing ideas with other students after class was invaluable.

“Being able to spend time with the other students after class was great because everyone was from somewhere different and we all brought different strengths and ways of thinking.”

After attempting the program in Year 10, Benjamin was even more determined, so he and a small group of peers embarked on another 12-month self-led journey, knowing it would take time, persistence, and creativity to succeed.

“If it matters to you, challenges you and makes you excited for the future, you have to work hard and let failure push you forward.”

18

Grammar News

Head of Chemistry at BGS, Courtney Rubira, applauded Benjamin’s determination and knew he could achieve his goal.

“Benjamin is very driven and passionate. He made it happen for himself,” she said.

In Year 11, Benjamin faced even more complex tertiarylevel content in topics like stoichiometry, redox, and kinetics. “Consistency became very important,” he noted.

His hard work paid off when he achieved an excellent outcome on the 2024 exam and received the invitation to Canberra. Now considering university applications and informed by his ASO Summer School experience, Benjamin advocates for the program alongside Head of Science at BGS, Noël Chan.

“It was an excellent experience I’d recommend to anyone willing to put the time in. It prompted me to consider different possibilities, especially in medicine,” Benjamin said.

Staff Feature

Books and Beyond Staff Achievements

It is often attested that teaching is the best way to learn a topic. Another way to add to the student learning experience is by becoming a subject matter expert, stimulating high-level academic conversation both in the classroom and beyond.

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of three passionate subject matter experts who have dedicated their time to improving Australian education resources.

Congratulations are extended to Melanie Chin for her contributions to General Mathematics for Queensland

Above Melanie Chin

(2nd edition - Cambridge University Press); to Natalie Berndt for her contributions to Economics for the Real World (5th edition – Nelson); and to Susan du Rand for

her contributions to Senior Modern History for Queensland (2nd edition - Cambridge University Press.)

Below Susan du Rand and Natalie Berndt

Winter 2025

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Feature Staff

Drama teacher Chloe Aldred was recognised earlier this year as one of The Educator’s 2025 Rising Stars. In April, Chloe was also named in The Educator’s ‘Top Teachers and Educators in Australia Under-35’ list. This accomplishment highlights Chloe’s enthusiasm and dedication to student engagement.

“As a Drama teacher, being a leader for tomorrow means

nurturing the creative spirit and emotional intelligence of my students. It is incredibly rewarding to see students develop confidence in their abilities, particularly when they overcome challenges and experience those ‘lightbulb’ moments of understanding, and this recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of my inspiring colleagues and students,” says Chloe.

Left Chloe Aldred

“ It is incredibly rewarding to see students develop confidence in their abilities, particularly when they overcome challenges and experience those ‘lightbulb’ moments of understanding,” - Chloe Aldred

Creating space in the curriculum for inspiration is an essential ingredient for student performance according to Assistant Head of English, Jeffrey Lewis.

In February, Jeffrey joined Host Julie Arnold on her podcast, ‘Hoops of Steel’ in an insightful conversation that

explored the way that units can be specifically tailored to empower students to exercise agency in their learning and increase students’ connection to purpose.

Right Jeffrey Lewis

Scan QR to listen to the full episode Agency in the Age of Accountability with Jeffrey Lewis Hoops of Steel | Podcast on Spotify

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Grammar News

Staff Feature

BGS Teacher Publishes Debut Young Adult Novel Congratulations to Middle School English teacher, Carla Salmon, on the release of her debut novel, We Saw What You Started, published by Pan Macmillan.

Set in the sandy, adrenalinefilled world of a surf lifesaving club, Carla’s novel is a fastpaced teen mystery for readers aged 11-15. Drawing inspiration from her own coastal upbringing, experience in the classroom, and life with her own young adults, the story blends adventure, friendship and high-stakes drama with age-appropriate themes that resonate with young teens.

After hearing the call for something new and exciting, Carla began avidly writing during the September holidays in 2022, working after school and on weekends to complete

her manuscript while continuing to engage her students with a love of reading and writing.

She says, “Parents were looking for exciting, realistic stories that act as a bridge into Young Adult fiction—this is my answer to that call.”

More than a passion project for Carla, her students are also reaping the benefits of insider knowledge into the professional writing, editing and publication process in her classes.

“While this obviously absorbs much of my personal time, the strategies I gain as a writer are transferred in my English

classroom to enhance engagement.

In my lessons, students are authors who apply authentic industry techniques from ideation to editing,” she said.

“I also love offering an insight into the publishing world: the excitement of the auction process that led to signing with my wonderful publisher; the reality of many rounds of forensic edits; the complexities of book cover designs; and my plans for book two!”

“Parents were looking for exciting, realistic stories that act as a bridge into Young Adult fiction—this is my answer to that call.”

Winter 2025

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Feature Old Boy

In Their

Elements From the wilderness to the workshop, two brothers with a soft spot for rocks take two very different paths Written by Nikita Blom and Kloe Phelan

Growing up, brothers Jon ’83 and Ben ‘90 Hodges were surrounded by Queensland’s wilderness, with an abundance of time for exploration and play.

Today, Jon is a beloved fixture on the BGS Outdoor Education team, having worked as both a teacher and Director of the program, and now as

a groundsman. Considered a veteran and industry leader in the field of outdoor education, Jon is widely acknowledged for his respect for land, cultural awareness and conservation efforts.

Meanwhile, Ben happily divides his time between his personal project and home

“Mum didn’t want her kids to pursue something mundane, boring, or just to pay the bills.”

- Ben Hodges

studio —Ben Blue Jewellery— and working with BrownHaus at their immersive bespoke jewellery studio which recently opened in Newstead.

In the early days, an age gap of nearly seven-years saw Jon and Ben pass like ships in the night for most of their school years. However, there was always a closeness, a tether of trust that reminded Ben of his brother’s protective, energetic spirit, and that reminded Jon of his brother’s considered, creative soul.

Old Boy Feature

“[Jon’s] too humble to admit it, but he was my most significant mentor,” Ben says, reflecting on their relationship.

Their mother, Jennifer Hodges reinforced the notion that good opportunities often came from a good education and worked tirelessly to ensure her sons had a chance at a Grammar education.

“Mum didn’t want her kids to pursue something mundane, boring, or just to pay the bills,” Ben said. “She was a very special lady. Fierce in some ways and fiercely loving in every other way,” Jon agrees.

While healthy competition spurred success in their pursuits, their interests saw them take different routes after graduating from BGS. “I can’t sit still for five minutes, so I have huge respect for my brother, who can focus on minute details for hours on end,” Jon shared, when discussing their contrasting careers.

“Anyone will tell you I was way more interested in getting outside - running onto the oval with the First XV and heading out to Pepperina Hill were my

Above Jon kayaking

“I can’t sit still for five minutes and have huge respect for my brother, who can focus on minute details for hours on end.”

- Jon Hodges

favourite memories.”

It comes as no surprise that when an offer to join the Outdoor Education program at BGS came from his friend and mentor, Jim Johnson, Jon accepted his “dream job” without hesitation.

Having spent time as the Director of Outdoor Education at St Joseph’s and Gregory Terrace, as well as at Maroon Education Centre, Jon’s love of the BGS Outdoor Education program remains. “I was always grateful for the way Grammar values outdoor education. It really is the best program out there and a privilege to be a part of each day.”

Jon maintains a deep connection to the purpose of Pepperina Hill, saying “It is an incredible spot to learn at.

We are very fortunate to be connected to and endorsed

by Indigenous Elder, Uncle Paul Gordon, and some of the local Ugarapul people out at Pepperina Hill.”

Left Ben in his home studio Winter 2025

23

“Don’t live your life vicariously through other people’s adventures on your screen.

Put your phone down and go do it.”

- Jon Hodges

Above Jon crossing the Simpson Desert in Australia

“I am grateful for Uncle Paul’s input on cultural matters,” Jon shares. “I think it is our duty to continue enabling people to connect with the land around them and do something that improves sustainability.”

Beyond BGS, you’ll find Jon on one of his many thrill-seeking pursuits which includes sea kayaking unsupported across the Bass Strait, completing a 300km descent through the remote Katun River in the heart of Siberia, or competing in the

Race to Alaska—a 750 nautical mile boat race—with no motor, to name just a few.

Currently campervanning through Northern Australia with his wife on the last leg of his long service leave, Jon leaves us a valuable reminder.

“Don’t live your life vicariously through other people’s adventures on your screen. Put your phone down and go do it.”

Spending less time in the mountains and more time engrossed in creating and experimenting, Ben’s interests skewed more towards science and the arts. His fascination with melting points, metal manipulation and executing elaborate illustrations at school meant he was often more still and solitary.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Gold and Silversmithing from Queensland College of

Left A unique diamond bridal set Ben created in his days with Hardy Brothers 24

Grammar News

Art, Ben struggled to find work in Brisbane’s sparse jewellery market of the late ‘90s. Despite his willingness to start from scratch, he was told bluntly that his formal training made him unemployable - a harsh blow that revealed the gap between academic learning and industry expectations.

Following a visiting family member’s suggestion, Ben flew to London for a break.

Captivated by the city, he wandered into Hatton Garden’s historic jewellery district where a handwritten noticeboard ad led to his first jeweller’s job the very next day.

What was intended as a “break” quickly became three years and one steep learning

Old Boy Feature

curve. Under the wing of a fast-paced crew of wholesale jewellers with attitude, Ben had to pick up his pace and adapt in his new environment.

“These guys were rough around the edges. Great jewellers and good hearts, but the work was often kept secret,” he said.

“One of the few clients we did know we were working for though was Ringo Starr, from The Beatles. It was a gaudy Below An 18-carat white gold headpiece set with dozens of diamonds

ring with every different type of precious gem on it you could imagine.”

Living off a modest apprentice wage and sharing a cramped bed-sit in Marble Arch, Ben surprised himself by staying in London for several more years.

With an exceptional eye for detail and a dedication to his craft, Ben began quietly building a name for himself.

Returning to Brisbane, he spent 13 years with Hardy Brothers, working under Stuart Bishop—son of Wallace Bishop— specialising in VIP clientele. In 2015, the Bishop family invited

him to design a piece for the Harper’s Bazaar Design Awards.

His creation, an 18-carat white gold headpiece set with dozens of diamonds, was named a top-three finalist in the ‘runway’ category.

Now equipped with 30 years of experience, Ben is recognised as one of Australia’s leading jewellers.

From the wilds of Pepperina Hill to the ateliers of London, Jon and Ben Hodges show that pursuing passions can become careers, and the world rewards those bold enough to follow their curiosity.

“[Jon’s] too humble to admit it, but he was my most significant mentor.”

- Ben Hodges

Feature Old Boy

A Remarkable Life Written by Nikita Blom

As Jim Truesdale approaches his 100th birthday, we reflect on his extraordinary life journey.

From his early days as a student at Brisbane Grammar School to his remarkable contributions in the professional world and beyond, Jim’s story is one of dedication, mateship and lifelong connection to the School.

Jim joined BGS in the early 1940s after earning a scholarship during the early years of World War II. He vividly recalls arriving in Brisbane just Below Jim at School

26

Grammar News

as the Story Bridge was being joined, marking the beginning of his formative years at the School. “There’s something unexplainable in the school, which poet George Jordan called ‘the school spirit’,” Jim shares. “It’s still with me.”

At school, Jim’s love for sport and aeronautics fuelled his passions—he played in the First XV and spent hours poring over books about planes, a fascination that led him directly from the classroom to the cockpit. “I was going to join the Air Force as soon as I’d done the matriculation exam, much to my mother’s disappointment.”

Three days after completing his final exams in senior school in 1943, Jim enlisted and was soon piloting Liberators during WWII. Stationed in the Philippines, he was preparing for a mission to Japan when the war abruptly ended following the atomic bombings. “War is a dreadful business,” he says quietly. “I try not to think about it.”

Though on reflection, Jim says “I probably would join up again, but not with the enthusiasm that I had 80 years ago.”

Post-war, Jim’s journey took him to South Australia to find work, where he studied accounting at night. After

Old Boy Feature

“The spirit of the school, the friendships—that’s what stays with you”

transferring to Melbourne, a chance encounter with a local girl in the office became the start of a 72-year marriage to Lorraine, his beloved wife.

“She made the rules, and so in Melbourne we stayed,” he quips.

Jim had a successful business career as a financial director that saw him chair multiple public companies and travel the world, but never lost touch with his BGS roots and schoolmates.

He fondly recounts memories of mischievous pranks, rugby tackles from his mate Errol Noble, and betting on which master would bolt for Melbourne Cup recess first.

“We all used to line up between the ground floor classroom and the toilet, and we’d all have had a bet on who’d be the first master to go to the 11 o’clock break,” he says.

Even now, Jim keeps his mind and body sharp, by still enjoying swimming in the surf, plenty of walking and following the stock exchange daily.

He is still very interested in history, particularly ancient history, which was his favourite

Above Susan Micallef, Jim Truesdale, Melinda Truesdale and Anthony Micallef

subject at school and has been a lifelong passion, reflecting his curiosity and desire to learn.

“Your brain’s like a muscle. If you don’t use it, it wastes away.”

Now, as Jim approaches his centennial milestone, his daughter Melinda is busy making plans for a celebration with friends and family in Melbourne—a momentous occasion that will not only mark a significant personal achievement for Jim but also serve as a testament to the rich and fulfilling life he has led.

From his formative years at Brisbane Grammar School to his impactful professional career, his life is a tapestry of accomplishments. Jim

remains a cherished part of the Grammar community—a living embodiment of its enduring spirit.

“The spirit of the school, the friendships—that’s what stays with you,” he says.

Jim’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence those who have had the privilege of knowing him. We celebrate a century of wisdom, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to BGS. “I might invite myself back for Foundation Day,” he jokes, still sharp, warm, and ever loyal to the school that helped shape his remarkable life.

“There’s something unexplainable in the school, which poet George Jordan called ‘the school spirit’. It’s still with me.”

Winter 2025

27

Chaos

Across Continents Three friends, three bikes and 18 months of magnificent chaos Written by Cassandra Houghton

Above Jordan: Following the high-altitude Pamir Highway through Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Right Polarsteps overview of total trip

Three second-hand bikes, a sense of adventure, and a database of GPS maps covering northern Australia, Asia, Europe, and the United Kingdom: this was the foundation of a sprawling motorcycle journey undertaken by Old Boys Ben Cichero and Jordan McNamee ’12, and their friend Tom. 28

Grammar News

More than 10 years after graduating from BGS and seeking a new, exciting and authentic life experience, the trio embarked on an 18-monthlong bike-back odyssey that incorporated dangerous border crossings, local fauna, monsoonal mudslides, and numerous unexpected challenges.

Personal YouTube and Instagram channels, ApeVenture, acted as both a journal and an invitation into their virtual sidecars, capturing the glorious chaos of their year and a half on the road, while the interactive tracking app Polarsteps would show family and followers their

Old Boy Feature

route was anything but direct.

It was an ambitious trek from the start; with Jordan only learning how to ride a motorcycle mere weeks before departure.

“There’s nothing you can’t achieve with a little determination and YouTube,” Ben laughed.

His lack of riding experience would be only the first of many challenges.

“Tom broke his foot in the most spectacular fashion, returning to Australia for surgery then back again,” Jordan recalled.

“Our bikes often fell apart at the most inopportune times which led us to devise a sort of universal body language in order to communicate with locals for help. Oh, and I was held at gunpoint in Afghanistan.”

Jordan said despite Ben’s extraordinary amount of

planning, including routes, checkpoints, ports, transit depots, environmental factors and possible setbacks, it would prove impossible to anticipate everything. “[Ben’s planning] helped us to determine a baseline for things like health, supplies, fuel, accommodation and repairs, but ultimately there was no amount of planning that could have prepared us for this trip,” he said.

The highlights outweighed the trials, though. Meandering through Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe, there was a plethora of new aromas, flavours and terrains to experience, with each country

offering different landscapes and lessons in patience, mechanical improvisation, and cultural humility.

“Some would say that’s just the nature of such an open-ended adventure, but it’s pretty clear that we hadn’t accounted for some of the longer wait periods in some countries,” Ben recalled.

“Like border forces that are lighter on, or stricter than you can imagine.”

“Not to mention the odd bouts of altitude sickness or the need to just have a good wash and base yourself after eating so much dirt,” Jordan added.

Right Crossing a lake in far north Vietnam on a makeshift wooden raft

“Our bikes often fell apart at the most inopportune times which led us to devise a sort of universal body language in order to communicate with locals for help.”

- Jordan McNamee

Above Jordan and Tom after joining a local sports bike ride in Indonesia Winter 2025

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Feature Old Boy

Above Camping in far north Pakistan at the foothills of 8,000 meter mountains

In Timor-Leste, their clunky bikes and Aussie charm made them minor celebrities. In Turkey, they discovered the joy of tea, and the agony of navigating Istanbul traffic.

When they had moments— often forced—to refuel their adrenaline, the mountain tops, riverways and yurts increasingly became synonymous with introspection, reading, and video editing.

“Slowing down later in the trip was a good thing, in retrospect. Even though some of our waits were much longer than our imaginations, it usually

“Balance, you know? Dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to your pursuits and you’ll reap what you sow,” - Ben Cichero

happened while we were waiting for parts, waiting for Tom to return, or while we were seeking an alternative way to cross the ocean,” Jordan said.

“It allowed us to take a little extra time to not only connect with local communities on a deeper level, but also with ourselves.”

What started as an ambitious road trip quickly became something more profound: a test of resilience, resourcefulness, and the desire to experience the world with eyes (and helmets) wide open.

Ben says it became a personal journey for each of them.

There’s a lot to learn on a trip like that and you really get presented with opportunities to reevaluate who you are, what you value, and what you’re capable of,” he said.

Jordan, meanwhile, experienced a major emotional shift.

Left Ben at the foothills of the 8,126m Nanga Parbat mountain in North Pakistan 30

Grammar News

Old Boy Feature

“There were times I realised I’d got more out of buying stationery for locals or being a part of their cook-ups in their homes while they were dancing and singing than the things I thought I’d enjoy,” Jordan said.

“Frankly, I had to realise that the people who have the least often give the most, and that was such an eye-opening thing.”

As for future travels, the travellers have Africa firmly in their sights — after a period of getting back to work.

“Balance, you know? Dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to your pursuits and you’ll reap what you sow,” Ben said.

“Just get out there before it’s too late, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”

Above Assisting a rocky climb by pushing the bikes while riding Below Jordan with the Karakoram mountain range backdrop.

Less than 100km from K2

“There’s a lot to learn on a trip like that and you really get presented with opportunities to reevaluate who you are, what you value, and what you’re capable of.”

- Ben Cichero

Breakthrough

Talent Written by Nikita Blom

Above Cruz Baker at 2024 National Indigenous Cricket Championships, © Cricket Australia/Getty Images

Senior student and Dharug man, Cruz Baker has triumphed on the national stage, representing Queensland at the 2025 National Indigenous Cricket Championships held in April.

Selected for Queensland’s 13man squad, Cruz played a pivotal role in Queensland’s victory over New South Wales, winning by seven wickets.

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Grammar News

A talented all-rounder, it was Cruz’s standout performance at the crease in the semi-finals which saw him score 32 runs, propelling the team to the finals where they secured the Championship title.

Cruz’s rise through the ranks began with the Northern District Cricket Club and the Taverner’s Queensland Indigenous Under17s team, where his proficiency, resilience, and athleticism caught the eye of coaches and selectors.

The 2025 competition is not Cruz’s first time playing in the National Indigenous Cricket Championship; his consistent performances in 2023 and 2024 secured his spot in the 2025 squad. The 2023 competition saw him earn Player of the Series for his exceptional abilities both as a batsman and in ball handling.

The all-Indigenous competition aims to grow the representation

Above Cruz Awarded Player of the Series at the 2023 Championship - QLD Cricket

of Indigenous cricketers at the highest level of the sport. It serves as a platform to celebrate culture, build community connections, and inspire young Indigenous athletes to strive towards their ambitions.

Cruz’s representative achievements reinforce the significance of inclusion and Indigenous representation in sports, proving that excellence can thrive when given the opportunity. As he continues to develop both on and off the field, he remains dedicated to making a positive impact—through his sporting prowess and the pride he brings to his heritage.

Student Feature

Engineering

Excellence Written by Lachlan Ellis, Robotics Coordinator

In December 2024, 16 of our talented Robotics students travelled to Sydney to compete in the National First Tech Challenge (FTC) - a prestigious robotics competition that tests innovation, coding, engineering and teamwork. Representing Brisbane Grammar School in two teams, 14579 and 19450, our boys delivered outstanding performances against schools from across the country.

Team 14579 was awarded first place in the “Control” Award category, recognising excellence in coding and programming.

The team also progressed to the finals - a commendable achievement in a highly competitive field. Team 19450 received second place for the Outreach Award, acknowledging their impressive efforts in marketing and community engagement.

The BGS students involved were:

• Leo Armenis • Elliot Campbell • Eamman Conomos • Joshua Fletcher • Luke Jacobsen

• • • •

Henry Kerrigan James Lollback Guan-Ao Ma Sebastian McBride Malaquias • Thomas Pearce

• • • • • •

Shivum Punj Shubhang Punj Thomas Scott Finn Silverston Arnav Thapar Timothy Zhu

Adding to this success, Luke Jacobsen and Henry Kerrigan were selected to join an independent team that competed at the First Tech Challenge World Championships in Houston, USA, in April. There, they earned the Innovate Award, a remarkable achievement that placed their skills and creativity on the global stage.

Winter 2025

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Feature Generations Xxxxxxxx

A Legacy of

Care

Brian Hirschfeld’s Enduring Impact on Medicine and Community Written by Kloe Phelan

Generations Feature

Vale Dr Brian Hirschfeld, Old Boy ‘43, who embodied the values of compassion, service, and a dedication to improving healthcare in Australia throughout his life.

As a student, Brian was a vibrant member of the class of 1943. He was a passionate leader early on, representing the School Committee, Captaining Roe House, and earning Captain of Boats (including full colours for Rowing). Attending BGS during wartime, Brian was also the Platoon Commander of ‘C Company’ in the BGS cadets – strength that would serve him well in the years to come.

After graduating from Brisbane Grammar School, Brian commenced medical studies at the University of Queensland, interrupted only by his enlistment in the Navy during World War II. Following his return, he completed his degree in 1952 and went on to serve

the Queensland community as a committed physician for decades.

A pioneering figure in the fields of diabetes and endocrinology research in Australia, Dr Brian Hirschfeld was instrumental in advancing national understanding and treatment of chronic illness.

His contributions earned him Life Membership with the Endocrine Society of Australia and, in recognition of his service to medicine and the broader community, he was honoured with an official royal commendation.

The third Hirschfeld to attend BGS, Brian attributes his success to the work of his father Otto and grandfather Eugen; to their dedication to humanity and education.

Dr Otto Saddler Hirschfeld (Old Boy 1913) exemplified a life of leadership in medicine and education, serving as

Left Brian’s sons David and John and Grandson Nick proudly honouring Brian Below Dr Eugen Hirschfeld sitting bottom right

Above Otto Hirschfeld, © University of Queensland

Chancellor of the University of Queensland from 1953 to 1957.

His contributions to medical education and public health were honoured with the naming of the Otto Hirschfeld Building at UQ. Otto’s path was inspired by his father, Dr Eugen Hirschfeld (1866-1946) – a groundbreaking medical practitioner in his own right. Eugen was founding Senator of the University of Queensland, and Vice President of Brisbane Hospital.

He was a respected leader in Queensland’s civic and scientific communities, advocating for medical advancement and higher education in the early days of the state’s development.

Together, the Hirschfeld men laid the foundation for a generational legacy of service— one grounded in intellect, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.

Winter 2025

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Feature Generations Brian was deeply respected not only professionally, but personally, cherished in his neighbourhood for his up-beat demeanour, authentic sense of care, wisdom and humility.

Brian’s second son, Old Boy John Hirschfield ‘82, remembers how close his father was with his entire Clayfield neighborhood, including his exwife. “Our mum—his ex-wife— lived just down the road from here, and he remained close friends with her right until the end,” he said.

Though at times a little firmer at home than on the job, John said his father’s sternness stemmed from a sense of cultural rigour and a lifelong determination to put others first.

“He didn’t take things for granted and often considered his life in Australia an immense privilege. Sometimes that translated a little differently at home, because [David and I] had not had the same experience as him - WWII service, his father being a Chancellor at the University of Queensland, that sort of thing.

We knew where it was coming from, but I guess we were growing up in an era where we could more freely appreciate the fruits of his labour,” he said.

John’s brother, Old Boy David ‘81, said “Dad was always a

Above Brian’s bookshelf of medical journals and BGS publications

generous and well-meaning man. Admirable. He always wanted to see an improved quality of life for everyone around him and would stop at nothing to see that happen.

“He always lent his time to consult with other physicians in Brisbane – and was even called into the Grammar Boarding House to visit patients, but knowing Dad, it would be more so to cheer them up,” David recalled.

It was commonplace for Brian to describe his education at Brisbane Grammar School as liberating, and one that instilled in him the confidence and

“He always wanted to see an improved quality of life for everyone around him and would stop at nothing to see that happen.”

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Grammar News

intellectual curiosity that shaped his career and life, a sense of gratitude that endured through the years.

In accordance with Brian’s wishes, his passing was marked not with solemnity, but with joy, a marvellous ‘celebration of life’ filled with stories, laughter and nostalgia.

What remains of the celebration may at first appear to be the First VIIII rowing oar that adorns Brian’s garage wall; a shelf of medical journals on diabetes and endocrinology, and a box of carefully preserved Brisbane Grammar School publications. However, what truly endures is the legacy of a remarkable man whose love for his family and the institutions that shaped him saw him live a life of purpose, pride and profound contribution.

Now, the Hirschfeld legacy is preserved by his sons David and John, and his grandson Nick who graduated from BGS just last year. Each of them

Generations Feature

“He didn’t take things for granted and often considered his life in Australia an immense privelege”

Above Brian Hirschfeld

holds a deep respect for Brian’s lifelong pursuit of service and generosity, though they have followed very different paths.

When asked why they chose not to pursue medicine, David and John joked, “We didn’t have the grades. It was a different time – we were able to start considering more liberal careers.”

David spent his career as a commercial pilot, crossing oceans and finding peace in the view from above. John charted an entrepreneurial course of his own, from selling surfboards in Spain to now working in software. Nick, David’s son, has just returned from a ski season in Japan and intends to pursue an engineering degree. For now, he’s embracing life after school, looking after his grandfather’s house and working hard in eager anticipation of his next

Above Brian Hirschfeld sitting to the right, from 1944 November School Magazine

international adventure.

The Hirschfeld family legacy remains a defining thread in the story of Queensland’s

educational and medical excellence - a reminder that a life dedicated to the wellbeing of others is a life well lived.

Winter 2025

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Feature History

Looking Back Written by Chris Price, School Historian and Archvist

Swimming 100 Years Ago The 1925 Swimming Team won the Secondary School’s Championship Carnival in convincing style with 32 points - 20 points clear of Southport

in second place. R M Ward (seated second from left) won the 100-yards freestyle in the record-breaking time of 67 seconds. At the GPS championship, Cashy Luo swam

Below 1925 BGS Swim Team, from 1925 June School Magazine

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Grammar News

the 100m in a remarkable 52.29 seconds.

Note the variety of suits and ties in the picture - there was no official school uniform in the 1920s.

History Feature

“The Tipperoo Club… will be remembered as the beginning of a new era for rowing.”

50 Years of Tipperoo The Tipperoo Club celebrates 50 years of supporting Grammar Rowing this year.

Upon its arrival in 1975, the School Magazine said the club “…will be remembered as the beginning of a new era for rowing.” The new boatshed had just been opened the previous November, and the Tipperoo Club was one of five new support groups created as subcommittees of the P&F. Tipperoo immediately established itself as a major fundraiser and helped lay the foundation for a golden era for Rowing in the 1970s and 80s. In the first seven years of the club’s operation, $70,000 was raised for new boats and equipment. From 19761988 Grammar secured seven wins in the Head of the River.

More than funding, though, Tipperoo became an integral part of the life of the shed and the School.

To the countless volunteers of the club, we thank you.

Congratulations - 150 years of Brisbane Girls Grammar School We extend our congratulations to everyone in the Girls Grammar community as they celebrate their sesquicentenary.

Not only do we share the same motto, but the same foundation aspirations of Charles Lilley, Samuel Griffith and other trustees – to provide educational opportunities for all boys and girls in colonial Brisbane. The original School Register held in the BGS archives shows just how close the schools were.

In the Register is the school

roll for the boys’ and girls’ divisions and the initial staff list.

The girls’ branch of Brisbane Grammar School, as it was known, operated from 15 March 1875 until it separated on 30 June 1882. The staff list indicates ‘Mrs Janet O’Connor of Ballarat’ was appointed the first ‘Lady Principal’.

By the mid-1880s, both schools had moved from their inner-city locations to Gregory Terrace and, as history has shown, have gone from strength to strength. Happy 150th birthday, Girls Grammar.

Right Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Celebrating 150 Years Winter 2025

39

Feature Old Boy

Coded for

Curiosity Written by Cassandra Houghton and Kloe Phelan

For Old Boys Tim and Miles ‘97 Cederman-Haysom, success hasn’t come from simply following a plan. It has come from asking the right questions, staying curious, and seizing the right opportunities — wherever in the world they appear.

Now based in California’s Bay Area, home to the world’s leading technology companies, both brothers have built impressive careers landing somewhere between people and systems.

Miles, a former Vice President

Below Miles with wife Emilie, and daughters Lizzy and Charlie

of Engineering at SurveyMonkey and current Engineering Director at Google, has spent the last two decades scaling products used by millions of people globally.

Known for his calm, thoughtful approach to leadership, he is a respected figure in Silicon Valley’s engineering community — someone who balances high-performance with deep humanity.

“We can build the smartest system in the world, but if it doesn’t help people or make their lives easier, what’s the point?” Miles said, emphasising the human-centred purpose of technology.

Meanwhile, Tim has taken a more entrepreneurial path.

After completing a PhD in Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Queensland, he co-founded legal AI startup Paperflip which was later acquired by DocuSign, where he led their AI product team.

“If it seems scary, it probably is. But don’t scare yourself out of it before you’ve even tried.”

- Tim Cederman-Haysom 40

Grammar News

Old Boy Feature

Above Tim with wife Trudy, and sons James, Henry and Ryan

Today, Tim works at Gusto as the GM and Head of Product for their Tax Credits product.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the way people interact with technology,” Tim said. “It’s not just about innovation. It’s about usability, empathy and making sure we’re asking adequate questions and solving the right problems.”

The Cederman-Haysom brothers are not only technologists in the heart of the AI revolution, but they are also human-centred thinkers.

Throughout their careers, they’ve been guided by empathy, accessibility, and using technological innovation to genuinely improve people’s lives.

And their lives, like their work, are driven by a shared belief: opportunity doesn’t always come from following a set path,

but from spotting the right one when it appears, and having the courage to take it.

Miles says their time at Brisbane Grammar School played a foundational role in developing that mindset.

“Grammar taught us to be intellectually curious and socially aware,” he said. “It wasn’t just about grades, it was about thinking beyond yourself and believing that you had the potential to make big things happen.”

Today, as they raise their young families in the U.S., both Tim and Miles remain undeniably passionate about the impact that a Grammar education had on them.

“We know what kind of foundation it gave us,” Miles continued, “And we were

very fortunate to attend BGS and to have had leaders who enabled us to look at our global ambitions not as frivolous ideas, but as very tangible possibilities.”

Tim and Miles CedermanHaysom continue to embody the best of the Grammar ethos: curiosity, courage, and a fearless pursuit of opportunity wherever it may lead.

Below Miles, Tim and and their father, Ed Haysom

Winter 2025

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Music for all

Ages

Written by Peter Ingram, Director of Cocurricular Music

BGS Music continues to flourish with record numbers of students involved in Cocurricular Music in 2025. It would seem our Grammar families have discovered that being involved in Music is good for the

42

Grammar News

wellbeing of our students, no matter where they are in their Grammar journey.

Semester 1 has seen a myriad of opportunities for all musicians, from the youngest beginners to our seasoned performers in

Year 12. This was clearly on display in the first round of concerts held early in Term 2, with two sold-out concerts a testament to how popular Music is at BGS. The GPS Music Showcase—an annual gathering of the finest musicians from all GPS schools— saw outstanding performers come together in early Term 1 to form various combined ensembles (orchestra, band, choir and big band) to explore highly advanced repertoire with special guest conductors.

It was an opportunity for our very best to push themselves while collaborating in a non-

Music Feature

“Being involved in Music is good for the wellbeing of our students, no matter where they are up to in their Grammar journey.”

competitive environment, and the final concert was spectacular, with BGS providing the highest number of participants from any GPS school.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Young Players Wind and Brass Festival is an inhouse event, with our youngest wind players preparing a short

solo program and performing in front of their family and friends in a safe, affirming atmosphere.

A visiting adjudicator offers encouragement and positive advice on how to improve.

We look forward to more Music events in Semester 2, especially the premiere musical event of the

calendar, Grammar in Concert, to be held Sunday 24 August at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

Winter 2025

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Senior Dramatic Production

Written by Ben Newth, Head of Drama

GLOWING REVIEWS

“What an intelligent, timely, and meticulously crafted world.”

In Term 2, the BGS Drama Department presented Eugène Ionesco’s darkly comic and chillingly relevant Rhinoceros.

First performed in 1959, Ionesco’s Absurdist classic was a reaction to a world sleepwalking into fascism. In 2025, its warnings ring out again, perhaps even more loudly.

This year’s production embraced the unsettling absurdity of the text, inviting the audience to sit with confusion rather than clarity. In a world where we crave coherence, Rhinoceros demands the opposite—it asks us to pay attention to what happens when logic fractures and certainty erodes. Our staging reflected this instability: the brutalist set was transformable and stark, shifting with the psychology of the characters. Harsh lighting fractured reality, and sound design blurred the lines between internal thought and external noise.

The creative process was both rigorous and imaginative. Our student cast approached the material with intellectual and emotional bravery, devising movement sequences to explore what herd mentality might look and feel like.

Through experimentation, they developed a language for transformation—one that drew on caricature, absurdity, and

physical theatre to convey the grotesque ease with which mass ignorance takes hold.

At its heart, Rhinoceros is not about beasts—it is about people. It holds up a mirror to society and asks: What are we becoming? Are we watching closely enough? And in the face of relentless momentum, can we still choose to stand still?

This production did not aim to offer answers. Instead, it created space for reflection—for noticing the quiet surrenders, the unseen shifts, and the moments where we stop asking questions.

Amidst the absurdity, there remains a fragile but vital thread of hope: that resistance, even when uncertain and solitary, still matters.

“It [sound and lighting] was bold, cinematic, and elevated everything without ever overshadowing the performers.”

“It was electric. A brave and brilliant interpretation of a challenging text — full of vision, integrity, and heart.”

“Controlled and textured. Every moment was considered.”

Feature Staff

A Culture of Lifelong

Learners

Written by Hannah Campos Remon, Acting Director of Educational Innovation

Developing our Future Educational Leaders As a leader in education, BGS has a proud and growing tradition of pursuing improvement. Whilst we continue to make progress in refining teaching and learning, research shows that school leaders are among those who can make the greatest difference to students.

To renew our commitment to our improvement work, a new suite of programs is being developed to support the growth of our leaders. This range of programs is designed to meet established and aspiring leaders where they are in their careers, with program activities targeted to their needs. Five programs will be established to achieve this.

Below Hannah Campos Remon

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Grammar News

New to Leadership at Grammar Stepping up into a leadership position is a daunting time for any teacher. Whether pastoral or academic in nature, the leadership space presents new challenges to navigate and an ever-present tension between the urgent and important. New leaders must address immediate technical and operational problems quickly, but also respond thoughtfully to more complex, ongoing adaptive challenges.

Launched this year, the New to Leadership at Grammar program provides new academic and pastoral leaders with a network of support, with input from Senior Leader mentors and consulting staff. Early feedback shows that this approach has

been valuable to participants in supporting their transition into leadership. As this program is tested and embedded, it will be expanded to include Cocurricular and Business and Services staff.

Masters of Educational Leadership With assistance from Professor Erica McWilliam, and in partnership with Queensland University of Technology, a BGS-specific Masters program is being developed to offer university-level learning to staff in situ at school. A cohort of 13 teaching staff, comprised of both existing and aspiring leaders, is engaging with a modified coursework program to develop their research-based understandings of leadership.

The situated focus of the

Staff Feature

“Research shows that school leaders are among those who can make the greatest difference to students.”

learning supports direct application to participants’ own leadership. The scholarship of this group will serve to grow our body of knowledge about leadership in the school, and will result in a Masters qualification for participating teachers.

Leadership Growth Planning A routine aspect of teaching at BGS is to engage with a Professional Growth Plan through which targeted goals for teaching are pursued. This supports teachers to maintain and extend their expertise by challenging themselves to improve. Planning is currently underway to extend this program to address the ongoing

development of our established leaders, through further targeted leadership growth planning.

Aspiring Senior Leaders Program The step up from middle to senior leadership is a significant one, with the nature of the leadership role and the challenges that go with it changing significantly.

The forthcoming Aspiring Senior Leaders Program will give selected participants important foundational learning

in preparation for the school governance roles they aspire to.

This approach will ensure that the healthy governance of the School is assured for the future.

The BGS Leadership Library Available to all BGS staff on a needs-basis, a repository of training tools and learning modules will soon be made available, with diagnostic support and guidance available through our People and Culture department.

The development of these programs has been based on lessons learned in pursuing improvement at Grammar, and broader best-practice findings from research. As the implementation of these programs is achieved and refined, the School will continue to share its progress with the broader community.

We firmly believe that this investment in our collective leadership capacity will ensure our success and sustainability into the future, with positive outcomes both within and beyond the school gates.

Winter 2025

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OBA President’s Message

We’ve Got Your Back Connection, Community and Contribution Written by Adam Franklin ’97 BGSOBA President

When I think about what the next three years hold for the OBA, one phrase keeps coming up: “we’ve got your back”. That will mean something different to each of our 15,000 living Old Boys - but to me, it’s about connection, community and contribution.

Connection Connection has always been at the heart of BGS and the OBA. I’ve been drawn to projects like our Facebook group, now 3,500 strong, where thousands of stories and conversations have reconnected Old Boys and provided a touch of nostalgia.

Our newsletter reaches more than 8,000 people each month and keeps us connected across generations, and the connection isn’t just to each other. It links us to the rich history, traditions and heritage of BGS that Old Boys hold dear.

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Grammar News

Community The OBA is proud to play its part in the broader BGS community. We enjoy a strong working relationship with the School, especially with the Headmaster.

We’ll continue to deliver our business breakfasts and flagship lunches. We’re also reintroducing two crowd favourites: the OBA Golf Day and the Test Cricket Breakfast. This year, we’ll host inperson events for our youngest Old Boys all the way through to our most senior Old Boys.

The Grammarians Rowing Club continues to thrive, attracting more members who enjoy the camaraderie, whilst enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing.

Contribution Connection and community naturally lead to contribution.

Committee members are all volunteers who believe in giving back, whilst many other Old Boys donate their time, talent or treasure.

For the first time in living memory, the OBA is able to help fund two immediate needs bursaries to allow boys to complete their senior schooling.

A big thank you to past President Cam Feltham ’86, whose foundations we are building on. Welcome to our new committee members, and to Oscar Higgins ‘15 who steps into the Vice President role.

Wherever you are on your journey, the OBA is here for you.

Back to BGS Weekend Brisbane Grammar School v Gregory Terrace

Saturday 9 August, 2025 Northgate Playing Fields

Free entertainment for the whole family Rugby Fixtures from 8.00am-5.00pm with the First XV kick-off at 2.30pm Food and beverage including coffee cart Kids activations | Face painting | Marching band Old Boys Area (including 10 and 40-Year Reunions)

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Upcoming

BGS Events BGS Milestone Reunions 2025 Class of 2015

Class of 1985

Class of 1975

Date: Saturday 9 August Time: 7.00pm - 10.00pm Venue: QA Hotel

Date: Saturday 9 August Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm Venue: Breakfast Creek Hotel

Date: Saturday 6 September Time: 4.00pm - 8.30pm Venue: Great Hall, BGS

10-year reunion

40-year reunion

50-year reunion

Saturday 9 August | 8.00am – 6.00pm

Back to BGS Weekend Venue: BGS and Northgate Friday 12 September | 11.00am – 6.00pm

OBA Golf Day Venue: The Brisbane Golf Club

Wednesday 8 October | 7.00am – 9.00am

BGS Community Business Breakfast Venue: Blackbird Friday 31 October | 11.30am – 3.00pm

P&F Spring Luncheon Venue: The Star, Brisbane

To secure tickets, visit brisbanegrammar.com/events

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