Collegian Magazine - August 2013

Collegian The MAGAZINE of Brisbane Boys’ College

August 2013

E C A L OUR P G O A R D IN B C B B T HE

Also inside:

STO R Y

ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT

SCHOOL OF ROCK

pride of the river

a new direction

unearthing the

prepar ations

for sp orts at the

talent of s ome of

commence for bbc's

college

our youngest artists

rowing centen ary

Collegian i s s u e 1 AU G UST 2013 upfront

BBC news

10 22

6

Glad Tomorrow

Kokoda Spirit

A play about loss, confusion, expectation and hope

BBC students follow in the footsteps of our country's bravest soldiers

8

14

25

Building to one moment

As far as school years go, they don't get any bigger than the first year in Prep

The journey to manhood isn’t always easy

18

29

Last year's seniors peak in their final semester of study

Junior School students head off to camp

Headlines A few words from Headmaster Mr Graeme McDonald

Middle School Precinct

A Day in the Life of a Preppie

Scholars Pursue Career P ath

on the cover For the full story turn to page 30

The Rite Journey

Mud. Adventure.

Challenge

BBC arts

40

Twilight Concert The first major musical concert in the College calendar Published by Brisbane Boys’ College CRICOS Code 00491J Kensington Terrace, Toowong, Queensland 4066 T 07 3309 3571 F 07 3371 2679 W www.bbc.qld.edu.au A MEMBER OF THE Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association

Editor and Art Director Adele Graves Graphic Design Alison Baillie Contributors Nicole de Vries, Bren Arkinstall, Kelly Edwards, Helen Jackson Photography Michael Marston, Matt Roberts, Jesse Smith Cover BBC Boarder and Rudd House Captain, James Coe Photograph by Jesse Smith

42

School of Rock BBC's Rock Program continues to grow

Seeing Red a specia l training session w ith the q ueensl and reds

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

bbc sport

regular items

48

59 90 Insight

Flashback

A new direction for sports at BBC

The experts offer advice to navigate through the journey of parenthood

We reflect on the way we wore

56

84 91

Sport for Life

Sporting Horizon BBC receives the green light from to deliver a multi-million sporting precinct

connect

68 73 80 OCA Handover

Incoming OCA President Alex Persley

Philanthropic Endeavours

Pride of the River

Three old collegians with the desire to make a difference

Preparations begin for BBC's Rowing Centenary

Snapshots

Last word

Scenes from ANZAC Day and other events in the College calendar

Making men through music education

UPFRONT | 5

JOURNEY at BrisBan e Boys’ college from prep to year 12

experiences Tailored learning through the eyes

INSPIRE

l Precinct New Middle Schoocreatin g

Meet our teachers

Future ready

Create and cultivate

seeing the world of our students

Welcome...

ENGAGIN G THE HEArTs ANd mINds of sTudENT s

a holistic approach to learning environments

AT THE forEfroNT of EduCATIo

N

uNEArTHING BBC’s vIBrANT CuLTurE ANd THE roLE IT PLAYs IN THE LEArNING EquATIoN

the future preparing young men for By tracking progress

Explore and discover

our ProGrAms ANd INNovATIv

E PrACTICEs

As I prepared to write my editor’s

+ ProfEssIoNAL LEArNIN

G AT BrIsBANE BoYs’ CoLLEG

E

note for this bumper edition, I reflected on each of the stories, looking for an

GET ONLINE

overarching theme to focus on.

Interested in finding out more about our Junior,

Truth be told, I couldn’t find one singular descriptive to tie it all together – yes there are stories of inspiration and of great successes; we’ve featured projects that show innovation and thought leadership and provided

Middle or Senior School programs or the important role teachers play in the learning equation?

insights into the power of a collective community. Yet

Visit www.bbc.qld.edu.au and click on news

these themes in isolation seemed to oversimplify what

and events to browse through our Journey and

I knew to be something much bigger – our personality,

Inspire mini magazines.

the human side to BBC. And what did become clear is that this place packs a punch when it comes to persona, with each and every individual in our community adding additional depth and diversity.

This year in particular seems to be moving with great

New digital face

momentum. Our strategic directions continue to come to

In the coming months, BBC is set to launch its

fruition with new developments nearing completion and

new digital face. The website will provide an

new initiatives in implementation. And despite being in an

invaluable insight into College life and the

environment that naturally lends itself to events re-occurring each year, it continues to feel dynamic and ever evolving.

I believe the stories that follow speak to this

journey boys take from Prep to Year 12. Keep an eye out for our fresh new look at www.bbc.qld.edu.au

momentum and I hope they provide you with an insight into the heart and soul of BBC – its people.

Adele graves

My Information Pack

Our Approach

Let Honour Stainless Be

My BBC

Admissions

Search

Our Community

Apply online

News & Events

Contact

editor

< BBC Comes of Age >

<

< GPS Head of the River > seri quia diaspis et fa...

Our Approach

Admissions

Our Community

News

Our Approach We educate over

2000

STUDENTS

Aspirational Collegian We are located at Aspirational2013 Collegian december AUGUST 2012 Fact #1 Fact #1 Caption relates to image igende et voluptas seri quia diaspis et fa

Caption relates to image igende et voluptas seri quia diaspis et fa

6 | upfront

headlines: BALANCED EQUATION

that we maximise the potential of all our

gifted teachers in our school. The planning

phenomenal success over the past 10

students in the academic and co-curricular

for the construction of our new Middle

years. This success has come, I believe,

arena is our teachers.

School Precinct is a case in point. To

Brisbane Boys' College has experienced

because we have assembled a committed team of professionals which remains focused on delivering our vision of ‘success for every boy’.

It is exciting to work in an educational institution that is so passionate about providing an engaging and personalised

produce a state-of-the-art learning facility

We are making a huge

we have invested heavily in researching

investment in our people,

student outcomes and this has entailed

developing and implementing world-class professional

learning environment for all boys. The highly

development programs

successful one-on-one counselling program

geared to the individual

introduced in recent years, which has been a major factor in enabling us to become one

needs of our staff. Our

learning environments and their effect on us looking at best practice nationally and globally. To assist us in this important research we have developed important strategic partnerships with Cisco and Data#3, leaders in the world of technology.

In addition to looking at the potential of technology to create new possibilities for

of the top academic schools in the state, is

work in this area has been

21st century learning we have also focused

one shining example of the individualised

recognised nationally with

on learning spaces, both internal classroom

attention given to our boys.

The College prides itself on having an outstanding strategic planning process. All of the many exciting initiatives currently being instituted are built around a strong ‘data

our selection as one of only 16 schools in the country to receive a prestigious

environments and external spaces. The partnership with Wilson Architects and Hutchinson Builders, in this connection have been invaluable.

At BBC we believe our holistic approach

driven’ research base that is helping us to

Australian Institute for

to strategic partnerships and professional

respond to the demands of tomorrow.

Teaching and School

learning, coupled with our investment

BBC is aware that many parents are making a huge investment in their sons’

Leadership (AITSL) Innovation

futures and they are relying on us to deliver

grant.

the best possible outcomes for their sons.

BBC is not only a fine school, but it is also

in infrastructure provides the perfect formula for creating dynamic and engaging environments and ultimately improved student outcomes.

The other major investment we make as

a large commercial organisation. The most

a large commercial enterprise is to invest

Graeme McDonald

important resource we have in ensuring

in appropriate infrastructure to support the

headmaster

BBC NEWS | 7

bbc news 8 Building To One Moment Middle School Precinct set to open in early 2014

10 Glad Tomorrow A play about loss, confusion, expectation and hope

13 A Collaborative Learning Community PMSA schools join forces to share ideas

22 Kokoda Spirit BBC students follow in the footsteps of our country's bravest soldiers

25 The Rite Journey The journey to manhood isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always easy

Future pathways 2012 schol ars ret urn to B B C for a specia l assemb ly

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

8 | BBC NEWS

+

Building to one moment

2,100M

3

of concrete

The Level 2 pour alone used 380m3 which equates to 67 concrete truck deliveries in a single day More than 30 tradesmen on site every day

75 tonnes of reinforced steel in concrete

1890m2 or 23,625 concrete blocks

425

Just for level 2

days from start to finish Which equates to 270 working days

BBC NEWS | 9

opening beginning of 2014 Construction of BBC’s new Middle School Precinct is well underway with the project due to open at the start of next year. The precinct will be geared for 21st century learners with specialist teaching spaces and interconnected rooms for flexible teaching and learning modes.

The project has been carefully orchestrated

flexible spaces and durable flooring, the

by a team of experts, with the College

prototype rooms allow for both instant and

partnering with a number of leading

physical switching of teaching modes, from

businesses including Wilson Architects, Data

the traditional modes of didactic teaching

#3, Samsung and Cisco to ensure the precinct

and individual student work, to the more

has the flexibility to adapt in an ever evolving

collaborative small group and large group

educational landscape.

discussion modes.

The innovative nature and purpose built

Five mobile touch screens (46-55”) with

design is set to place BBC on the world stage

computers (Computer On Wheels) serve both

for middle schooling.

students and teachers alike, with wireless

BBC’s Middle School Precinct is specifically designed to build community in the areas of

connectivity from any Tablet PC in the room to the larger touch screens for group learning.

pastoral care and academics. Three main principles guided the design; community, flexibility and sustainability.

According to Headmaster Graeme McDonald the building has been designed to be flexible in all areas with every space having more than one use.

35

“Minimal fixed joinery and furniture will

McDonald said.

“The technology has been designed to be ubiquitous with outdoor teaching spaces on each level to encourage flexible and relevant

allowing for both group work and individualised learning

enable us to have a space which allows for multiple teaching delivery modes,” Mr

contemporary spaces

4

delivery for students,” he said.

levels with each level dedicated to a specific group; Years 5 and 6 will be housed on the bottom level,

The precinct also encourages sustainable

Who's INVOLVED?

habits and utilizes appropriate strategies

with Years 7 to 9 occupying

and technologies to minimise the College’s

the remaining levels

Design team: Architects, Structural Engineers,

harvesting, passive heating and cooling along

Electrical Engineers, Hydraulic Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Fire Engineers, Lift Engineer, Civil Engineers, Building Certifier

Construction team: Construction Manager; Project Manager; Contracts Administrator; Site Manager; Safety Manager; Site Foreman Sub-contractors: Earth Moving Contractors, Plumbers, Electricians, Steel Fixers, Concreters, Blockworkers, Scaffolders, Formworkers, Waterproofing Contractors

environmental footprint including water with hybrid and full air conditioning.

Precinct prototypes The Middle School Precinct exemplifies 21st century classroom design, learning practices and pedagogies. Integral to the

2

storey purpose built library. Glass walls will enable learning always to be visible - a concept central to the precinct.

success of the project is the construction of

Housemasters will be

two trial spaces for the training of staff and

centrally located enabling

engagement of current Middle School boys.

Fitted out with ergonomic furniture, state-of-the-art classroom technologies,

strong community areas to be established.

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

10 | BBC NEWS

Glad tomorrow Inspired by the stories of indigenous boarders living in Brisbane, Digi Youth Art’s (DYA) Glad Tomorrow is a play about loss, confusion, expectation and hope.

Workshopped, written and produced in collaboration with 10 young indigenous boarding school students, including BBC’s Konama Matthew, Sidney Biondi-Howarth, Silas Tamwoy, Kemuel Tamwoy and Assan Sam, the inaugural production was received to thunderous applause and a standing ovation in the Visy Theatre at the Powerhouse in Brisbane.

Set on the last day of Term 1 and incorporating traditional language, dance and song, the play explores the unique challenges that the students face as they

DYA is the brainchild of Alethea Beetson, bbc's acting indigenous education program coordinator, and is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to empower indigenous youth in Queensland through teaching, mentorship and participation in the arts.

The organisation is made up of education and theatre professionals and has been supported by the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts (ACPA).

come to terms with their new life at boarding school living far away from family, culture and country.

For the majority of the cast, which also included students from St Margaret's and Clayfield College, this was the first performance they have ever been in and the excitement and raw emotion on the stage was palpable.

Alethea Beetson, Director of Glad Tomorrow and BBC’s Acting Indigenous Education Program Coordinator, was extremely proud of the performance and particularly those students in which she works closely with at BBC. “The delivery of the performance was perfect; these brave kids should be so very proud of what they have achieved,” Ms Beetson said.

“The beautifully written script succeeded in capturing the internal conflicts of the students in a sometimes humorous and other times deeply moving way, provoking tears and laughter from the audience,” she said.

The students delivered three performances across three nights, with BBC staff members Kara Way and Eileen Morgan also contributing to the production as costume designer and choreographer respectively.

BBC NEWS | 11

“The delivery of the performance was perfect; these brave kids should be so very proud of what they have achieved,” MS BEETSON, DIRECTOR

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

12 | BBC NEWS

IndigenousX Alethea and a number of BBC students

dialogue about equally beneficial social

recently participated in IndigenousX -

change, which taps into the philosophy

a twitter account to discuss topics of

behind DYA’s Glad Tomorrow. “The idea

interest as Aboriginal or Torres Strait

of a ‘glad tomorrow’ came from Oodgeroo

Islander people.

Noonuccal’s poem A Song of Hope,”

Each week a new guest host is invited to comment and to tell their story and what issues they’re passionate about.

she said.

“Oodgeroo raises the struggles of indigenous people and calls us to create

Alethea’s aim was to create a positive

a better future for our children.”

The College partners with a number

as well as the strong commitment by our

BBC partners with AIEF BBC’s Indigenous Education Program

of organisations and has strong links with communities including Aurukun, Yarrabah,

supporters,” Mr Penfold said.

According to Alethea, BBC's Acting

has continued to grow

Torres Strait, Bamaga, Weipa, Mapoon and

Indigenous Education Program Coordinator

in strength since its

Hope Vale, all of which inform the program’s

one of the most pressing issues for

practices and initiatives.

indigenous students is maintaining their

inception in 2007.

Last year, BBC began a new partnership

connection with community and culture.

The program

with the Australian Indigenous Education

incorporates a

Foundation (AIEF), which provides

important for many indigenous children, as

philosophical approach,

scholarships for indigenous students,

connection to culture and country is integral

opening the doors to quality education and

to their social and emotional wellbeing,”

sustainable careers.

she said.

which focuses on a boy’s social and character development and ensures young indigenous people

Head of Senior School Kyle Thompson

“Maintaining a strong sense of identity is

“In recognising this we have developed

along with indigenous students Konama and

multi-layered support mechanisms to

Ujabi Matthew, attended the launch of AIEF’s

assist with each boy’s transition and

Annual Report in May.

to encourage optimum student and

According to AIEF Chief Executive Officer

community engagement.”

are able to access

Andrew Penfold, access to quality education

a quality education.

and pathways into a fulfilling career are

we also recognise and participate in a

among the cornerstones for closing the gap.

number of indigenous events, call on local

“Every day we are invigorated by the wide

“To foster a strong cultural connection

elders to provide support and have a

range of achievements of the indigenous

number of residential tutors with an

students in our programs and these wouldn’t

indigenous background as well as dedicated

be possible without the engagement and

support staff.”

excellent work of AIEF’s educational partners

BBC NEWS | 13

A COLLABORATIVE LEARNING COMMUNITY Staff members from Brisbane Boys’ College, Clayfield College, Somerville House and Sunshine Coast Grammar School

Passionate staff continue to play a crucial role in the learning equation, sharing strategically aligned resources with fellow educators. The Presbyterian and Methodist

learning environments of excellence, permeated by Christian faith and actions.”

BBC’s Head of Strategic Planning, Mr

were keen to learn, share and inspire through

Matthew O’Brien, organised the event with the

unique and collaborative professional learning

belief that staff would thrive in a collaborative

experiences on the day, which was aptly

culture that fostered the sharing of information

themed ‘A collaborative learning community’.

and collective expertise.

The professional development day gave focus

“Our staff represent our greatest asset and

to the investment in staff development and

resource. Their skills and expertise expand

career pathways, to ensure we as schools

well beyond the bachelor degree with many

continue to create world-class environments

staff undertaking masters studies and actively

for our communities. BBC Headmaster, Mr

practising within their respective fields.

Graeme McDonald, said a staff member’s

“It is their experience that brings an

Schools Association is committed

passion is the key factor which allows

added dimension to the classroom learning

to investing in the staff of

educators to truly engage and inspire their

experience, and our professional development

its member schools, and their

students. “At BBC we are extremely proud

days, as they are able to draw upon their

of our staff. They continue to demonstrate

industry insights.”

learning, holding a professional development day, hosted by

and are driven by a true passion for their profession.”

The model for the day was based on

The day was run as a conference event with keynote presentations and 103 workshops presented by our own experts in

Brisbane Boys’ College, for more

engagement; with staff guiding the day

the field, covering topics from anti-bullying,

than 750 staff in April.

themselves, driven by the PMSA vision

faith and CPR to enrolments, sustainability

to build communities “based on Christian

and technology.

foundations, by providing teaching and

Coffee for Cambodia We first brought you the story of Harvest Cambodia, a charity that works with

The initiative has seen BBC establish a

“These boys have been involved in the

strong relationship with Harvest Cambodia,

initiative from the early stages and have even

with organisation founder Doug Shobbrook

undertaken a barista course,” he said.

recently visiting the College where he was met

“As a result of our fundraising, last month

by a large crowd of students eager to learn

we sent $4000 to the school to assist with

more about the charity.

paying the day-to-day bills and a number

Doug was joined by Sok So and Rachel Merchant, founders of Stepping Stones Cambodia, who established a school in So’s

of our staff returned to hand over donations consisting of data projectors and computers.

“It’s great to see students taking ownership

home village, Kok Thnot. The school, Stepping

of the project and next year we hope to take a

Cambodian communities to

Stones (formerly First Steps), provides free

group of boys to Cambodia, so they can see

provide growth through

English education to children in the village and

what they are contributing to firsthand.”

education, early in 2012.

A year and a half on, BBC continues to fundraise in support of the charity by selling coffee to staff.

also offers lessons in health and hygiene, art, sport and computing.

According to BBC Teacher and charity supporter David Biggs, Principal So was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the boys.

“He was just so impressed by the students and was thrilled to be able to meet two of our most dedicated baristas, boarders Koby Frazer and Marley Ahmat,” Mr Biggs said.

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

14 | BBC NEWS

a day in the life of a PREPPIE

BBC NEWS | 15

As far as school YEARS go, they don't get any bigger than the first YEAR in Prep. Brisbane Boys' College welcomed Prep students on Monday 4 February, with their first day of school filled with a lot of excitement and many learning experiences. Spirits were high as the boys made new friends, EXPLORED in the playground, and established a sense of belonging as they settled into their classroom environment. eight months on, these boys are thriving with each day bringing new experiences.

THE START OF A WONDERFUL JOURNEY The path to a journey of lifelong learning can be intimidating and overwhelming. This is precisely why our new Prep families are invited to meet our wonderful Prep teachers and their peers at Orientation Day the year prior to commencing Prep, as well as the week leading up to the first day of school. This way, our Prep Centre is a familiar place to our new families, particularly our youngest learners.

To aid with their integration with the rest of the College, BBC has developed a buddy system with Year 6 students. Every term, each Prep student meets a new buddy dedicated solely to them; each boy knows at least four older students whom they can look up to throughout their schooling life, until they become buddies themselves in Year 6. The buddies are so enthusiastic about their leadership roles that they visit the Prep Centre during their own play time to spend additional time with their younger peers.

LEAPS AND BOUNDS This year’s Prep cohort have come leaps and bounds in their first two terms of schooling. Having commenced their journey at Brisbane Boys’ College eight months ago, our Prep students have been busy travelling across Brisbane to the Lego Education Centre in South Brisbane, Sherwood Arboretum, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket and to St Aidan’s Girls School in Corinda.

Look out David Attenborough! At the end of Term 2, BBC Prep students created narrated mini-movies on the College’s iPads following their excursion to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Using photographs taken on the excursion to the wildlife sanctuary as a catalyst, boys in Prep recorded their narrations describing the

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

16 | BBC NEWS

Prep to Year 12 in Unity at BBC Each year our seniors develop a theme designed to unite the student body and reinforce BBC’s renowned school spirit. The mottos have revealed the common themes of working together, supporting others and mateship.

BBC’s Senior Leaders, including the iconic Highlander, paid a special visit to the Prep classrooms to present our youngest learners with a badge based around the College’s theme ‘Unity’.

The students were in awe of their senior counterparts, confidently breaking down the barriers as they shared in cupcakes and sweet treats on this special occasion.

It was clear that the Prep boys looked up to the seniors with admiration for their collective spirit and association.

It only took minutes for the Year 12 leaders to feel like they were back at Junior School again, swinging on the playground with the Prep students and letting their imaginations go wild.

BBC NEWS | 17 habitat and animal species of each photograph. This activity utilises technology to develop the language and confidence in speaking of each student, building on their reading and writing skills in their foundation year of schooling.

A trip to the Lego Education Centre left our Prep students solving the big issues; to build a house for the three little pigs. The boys enjoyed a hands-on, engaging day where they worked playfully and collaboratively using their listening, memory and visual skills. They also designed imaginative solutions to a ‘community’ theme, creating a home, fire station, hospital, train and playground, all of course using Lego!

Their fine motor and coordination skills were enhanced with a trip to the Sherwood Arboretum where they enjoyed activities in the park.

BBC Prep students were also lucky enough to visit their friends at St Aidan’s Girls School in Corinda last term. The boys and girls participated in joint maths group sessions and fun, engaging social activities to assist with social interaction and teamwork.

end of an era

FOUNDATION TO GRADUATION The inaugural Brisbane Boys’ College Prep class of 2007 will complete their Junior School education this year, marking the end of an era for the College and the students. The foundation cohort started as the freshfaced youngest learners to ever commence at BBC. Now, they will graduate Year 6 at the end of 2013 and progress to Middle School.

A painting that resides outside Deputy Head of Junior School, Mark Griffith's office, was created by the foundation students in 2007 to mark the special occasion and the start of their 13 year educational journey at BBC.

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

18 | BBC NEWS

SCHOLARS

PURSUE CAREER PATH The College was thrilled with its excellent Overall Position percentage between 1 to 15, with the Seniors of 2012 attaining a figure of 96 percent which is significantly higher than the wonderful 92 percent result in 2011. A total of 25 scholars achieved an OP1 or 2 and these boys have earned the distinction of having their names recorded for posterity in the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academic Register. These scholars are now pursuing their chosen career path through university studies in music, law, engineering, commerce, science, medicine, mathematics and surgery.

TERTIARY DESTINATIONS

JULIAN WADE Bachelor of Music (Piano), Griffith University PRATEEK CHOUDHARY Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws, University of Queensland KA-WING (LARRY) FONG Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Economics, University of Queensland

SEAN MCBURNIE Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws, University of Queensland

ANTHONY RALSTON Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws, University of Queensland

NICHOLAS POKARIER Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws, University of Queensland

ROBERT GALLOWAY Bachelor of Laws, Queensland University of Technology

SHAFAF ALAM Bachelor of Engineering, University of Queensland

DAANISH FAIZ Bachelor of Engineering, University of Queensland

TRISTAN ROBERTS Bachelor of Engineering (Software), University of Queensland Bachelor of Arts (International Relations and Political Science), University of Queensland

HARRY BUCHANAN Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Commerce, University of Queensland HUGH ROBERTS Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Australian National University ANGUS SCANLAN Bachelor of Commerce, University of Queensland EDEN SHER Bachelor of Commerce, University of Queensland

SIMEON WONG Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), University of Queensland

ROBERT LAWLESS Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), University of Queensland

CALVIN CHAN Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery, University of Queensland JACK SHARPLES Bachelor of Medicine, University of Queensland JOSHUA SIA Bachelor of Medical Science (MBBS), Griffith University PAUL EDWARDS Bachelor of Science (Major in Mathematics and Physics), University of Queensland

DOUGLAS JAMES Bachelor of Science, University of Queensland

DAVID TAY Bachelor of Science, University of Queensland

JORDY WHITE Bachelor of Science, University of Queensland

BBC NEWS | 19

The Year 12 cohort worked consistently at

commitment to their studies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These results

their senior studies and managed to peak in

are a tribute to the commitment to personal

their final semester of study. The Seniors of

excellence shown by our seniors as well as

2012 were regularly advised of their progress

the inspirational and dedicated work of our

throughout their senior studies and this was a

teaching staff, which enabled these boys

significant factor in the success of the cohort.

to achieve their personal bests,â&#x20AC;? Mr

A sustained Queensland Core Skills (QCS)

McDonald said.

preparation was exhibited in the QCS Test

Two BBC Seniors were awarded a UQ

itself with 25 percent of the cohort achieving

Academic DELL Scholarship for 2013;

an 'A' grade (State 15.54 percent) and 90.5

Prateek Choudhary and Sean McBurnie.

percent of the cohort achieving a 'C' grade or

With more than 1600 applications received

higher (State 77.9 percent).

and approximately 1200 of these students

BBC Headmaster, Mr Graeme McDonald, is proud of the cohort and their outstanding

achieving an OP 1-3 (or equivalent), competition for the scholarship was intense.

Academic scholars for 2012 Shafaf Alam, Harry Buchanan, Calvin Chan, Prateek Choudhary, Wei Dai, Paul Edwards, Daanish Faiz, Ka-Wing (Larry) Fong, Robert Galloway, Douglas James, Robert Lawless, Sean McBurnie, Nicholas Pokarier, Anthony Ralston, Hugh Roberts, Tristan Roberts, Angus Scanlan, Jack Sharples,, Eden Sher, Joshua Sia, Jeong Rok Suh, David Tay, Julian Wade, Jordy White and Simeon Wong. below: the bbc cohort recognises the achievements of the 2012 seniors in a special assembly.

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

20 | BBC NEWS

Our link with the streets of Brisbane

NEW BEGINNINGS

Year 12 iscf students lend a hand, passing on the donations, collected by the college, to access outreach

BBC'S Associate Chaplain BBC inducted their new Associate Chaplain, Thomas McPherson, in a special service earlier in the year.

Thomas along with his wife Emma and three children, Owen (six), Harry (four) and Laura (one) were welcomed to the BBC community, with members from the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA), affiliate schools and BBC Council members in attendance.

Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the role, having obtained a teaching degree, Master of Educational Studies focusing on the Middle Schooling years and has also completed a thesis exploring metacognition.

Thomas has always been driven to help

It is true that life at BBC would seem to be a world apart from life at night on the streets of Brisbane and yet the distance geographically is only a few kilometres. Each year seniors in the BBC Interschool Christian Fellowship (ISCF) have the opportunity to join the Street Van teams run by Access Outreach and Helping Hands. Access Outreach focuses on stops at Carina, Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley and New Farm, while Helping Hands covers a number of stops in the Ipswich City area.

As Christian organisations, both groups seek to meet the practical needs of people on the streets, providing them with drinks and food as well as a listening ear and a heartfelt prayer.

"When our seniors go out with the vans, it introduces them to people of all ages who really struggle to make ends meet. There is an enormous amount of pain in the lives of those who have lost their support networks,â&#x20AC;? BBC's Chaplain Rev Graham Cole said.

"This year we have had a wonderful opportunity to hear the head of Helping Hands, Vince Ford, speak at ISCF and talk about the great privilege of working with those who have little," he said.

Old Collegian, Russ Wittham, is the Head of Access Outreach and he is the one who alerted us to the desperate need that Access Outreach had for tea, coffee, milo and cordial. The BBC ISCF group were very keen to support this practical and worthy cause and the response from the BBC community has been nothing short of amazing.

young people achieve the most of out life and in helping them engage with God. He will become an integral part of the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christian Ministry team.

BBC NEWS | 21

Forging A path The senior years represent a time of transition as boys consider their future. At BBC we offer a diverse and flexible program to ensure each boy is able to pursue his pathway of choice.

opportunities will arise,” Mrs Deo said.

In Years 11 and 12, students received individual counselling, looking at their all-round development with a strong focus on academic achievement, to help them pursue their chosen career path.

The one-to-one interviews, conducted periodically throughout the year, allow boys to discuss their goals and progress.

They enable boys to reflect on their performance in a safe and supportive environment with staff providing advice and guidance across a range of areas from goal setting, effective study techniques

In a rigorous and stimulating academic environment boys are encouraged to become independent learners as Brisbane Boys’ College continues to bring pathway options into focus for Senior School students and their families.

Throughout the year, the BBC Careers Department hold In-Focus information sessions whereby industry experts and tertiary

right through to maintaining a healthy lifestyle balance and relationship building.

"At BBC, the journey doesn’t end at Year 12. We are driven by a desire to ensure our students leave the College gates confident in their skills and ability to actively participate in the 21st century environment, where they can forge their own path in their chosen career."

institutions share their insights into specific industries, such as medicine or engineering.

Additionally, our high-achieving students have the opportunity to enrol in early entry university programs while they complete Year 11 and 12 studies; some of these programs guarantee university entry upon successful completion.

A cornerstone of the BBC Careers program is the Year 12 Careers Conference, held in April this year, bringing together some of Australia’s top institutions for hands-on workshops and information sessions.

The conference featured BBC Old Boys as guest speakers, as well as representatives from the University of Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Southern Queensland, Bond University, Skills Tech and Australian Defence Force Recruitment.

BBC Careers Counsellor, Mrs Roma Deo, sees the continued value in having old boys return to the College to share their career journey at the annual conference.

“I would like to thank Ben Young, Alex Persley, Jeff Ubergang and Barney Dell who came in and spoke to the students. It is always wonderful for past students to come in and share their stories," Mrs Deo said.

“It was a great day full of information and the positive feedback from the cohort reflects this,” she said.

Brisbane Boys’ College students have many pathways available to them and during the year each Year 12 student has an individual appointment to help define their future pathway in addition to regular career development classes.

To assist with their progression beyond the BBC gates, the newly launched BBC Mentor Program links recent graduates with old boys who wish to share their one-on-one professional insights, provide industry expertise and deliver ongoing assistance in life after BBC. “It is a great opportunity for our current Year 12 students to start networking with like-minded people. You never know when

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

22 | BBC NEWS

KOKODA SPIRIT “Although very physically demanding, all participants came away with a great sense of achievement and better understanding of the battle of Kokoda and its place in Australian history.”

DAY 1

DAY 3

DAY 5

FLY TO PORT MORESBY AND BOOK INTO THE HOTEL FOR

Early start on the Track,

Break camp and trek to the

AN AFTERNOON OF TEAM ADMINISTRATION/BRIEFINGS

visiting the Isuarva Memorial

beautiful Kokoda Gap for

AND FINAL PACKING FOR THE TREK.

with an overnight stay at

a memorable lunch-break.

The team advances on to Efogi

Alola Village.

Village (half way) camping for the night and taking a well-earned rest.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

KOKODA

PORT MORESBY

DAY 2

DAY 4

‘Hop’ a spectacular charter flight to Kokoda

the aim of this morning was not to be the first to fall

Village. Visit Australian Memorials before a short

in at the vine bridge crossing at Eora Creek! the group

stroll to the campsite at the base of the Track.

Progressed to Templeton’s Crossing for an overnight

(Deniki Village)

camp adjacent to a lovely creek.

BBC NEWS | 23 A number of BBC students, along with their

The track has remained largely unchanged

overlooking the town, to reflect on the desperate actions of the Australia troops taken at this point.

fathers and School Sergeant Mick Leckning,

since 1942, providing the same challenging

followed in the footsteps of some of our

terrain for the group to traverse over,

country’s bravest soldiers, walking the 97

including demanding mountain climbs

reminded of the high price the soldiers paid to

kilometer Kokoda Track during the recent

and jungle river crossings.

stem the Japanese advance, even though they

“This proved to be very emotional as we were

“Steep climbs along narrow paths greeted us,

school holidays.

The trip provided the group with a remarkable insight into Australian history and the enduring journey of these men and also women who were

and when on top of a feature we were met with

were outnumbered five to one.

“We held a moving service with our local porters in remembrance of the fallen and the

some spectacular sights.

“We were reminded of the battles which were

courageous soldiers as well as the Fuzzy Wuzzy

sent to the region to provide medical support.

fought along the track when a local invited us to

angels who cared for and carried the wounded

After flying into Port Moresby for the final

view some Australian ammunition which he had

soldiers to safety."

briefing, issue of equipment and rations, the group boarded two light chartered planes to

The trip was completed over eight days, with

recently found and laid out for display."

A memorial at Isurava, which holds four pillars

Kokoda, where they received their first glimpse

representing courage, endurance, mateship

of the jungle and journey ahead.

and sacrifice marked the next milestone in the

the group camping each night in one-man tents and local huts.

“Although very physically demanding, all

group’s journey, following a visit to a local village

participants came away with a great sense of

site where the Australians first met the

where the boys were able to partake in a

achievement and better understanding of the

Japanese and after a brief visit to the museum,

game of touch football with the village’s

battle of Kokoda and its place in Australian

we commenced our walk on a very sunny

youngest residents.

history.”

“Our first day included a visit to the Kokoda

afternoon,” said School Sergeant

“It was amazing to see the boys interact with

Mick Leckning.

“The region had received substantial rainfall in the week prior which meant the track was quite damp and stayed muddy for the entire

At the end of the journey the boys also visited

the locals and the game was played in fantastic

the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby

spirit with the boys presenting the ball to the kids

where six old collegians are interred.

at the end of the match."

Continuing along the track the group travelled to the village of Efogi, stopping at Brigade Hill

walk,” he said.

DAY 6

DAY 8

DAY 10

This morning begAN with a breathtaking climb

a climb to Iroibiwa Ridge down to Ua Ule Creek

Early transfer to the Airport and fly home.

to Brigade Hill, a place of wartime history and

marked day eight, and after many creek crossings

legend. After paying our respects the group

up and over Imita Ridge the group followed the

trekked to Brown River to make camp.

remains of the ‘Golden Staircase’ constructed by the ‘Diggers’ to reach the final night location Uberi.

DAY 7

DAY 9

the group continued along the

A relatively flat walk towards

Brown River and made their way up

Goldie River where the group

the beginning of the false crests

conquered the last formidable climb

of Maguli Range to the village

to Ower’s Corner – triumph! from

of Nauro. they continued to push

there they hopped on a bus back to

through the heart breaking nine

Port Moresby, stopping and paying

false crests of Maguli Range and

their respects at the Bomana War

descended to their camp site of

Cemetery, before checking into the

Offi Creek.

hotel.

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

24 | BBC NEWS

In giving we receive...

Service clubs and their volunteers The humanitarian Albert Schweitzer was once asked by a young person at a gathering for his advice on life.

He replied, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”

Service clubs throughout Australia are dedicated to making our

almost 50 years ago, Joseph was delivering his speech to an audience of

communities a better place to live, work and grow. Service clubs like

more than 100 people and spreading the important message to make

Lions, Rotary, VIEW, Men's Sheds, CWA, APEX, Zonta and Legacy

a difference.

provide real change and create opportunities within our communities.

“Our world is the way it is because we have made the choice to focus

Their volunteers, the driving force behind each club, are finding purpose

on ourselves, rather than on others. But it doesn’t have to stay like that,”

and meaning in helping others.

Joseph said.

These service clubs, and their volunteers, are different in many ways yet share a core belief: community is what we make it.

Service clubs, like the Lions Clubs, empower the next generation.

A founding member of BBC’s Amnesty International Club, Joseph is encouraged by the now 150-strong co-curricular activity, saying its members are “inspired to campaign for the rights of others, whose

Whether it’s providing youth volunteer opportunities and leadership

passion for changing this world is already inspiring others in the

experiences or sharing a message of peace, Lions Clubs are reaching

school community.”

out to young people and investing in the future.

Four BBC Senior School students have been lucky enough to take part in the Lions Youth of the Year Quest, which is designed to

“[Amnesty International] shows us all how, if we have the passion, the persistence and the courage, we can, and we will, change the world.”

Following his success, Joseph has been encouraged to join the Lions

encourage student interest in leadership and promote qualities required

Club next year following graduation and possibly return to the Quest, this

to take on an active and constructive role in the community.

time as a guest judge in the competition.

Joseph Orange, Sam Catlow, Matthew Cheel and Charles Pidgeon

Although service clubs serve the unique needs of the communities

shared in the extensive process, which commenced with an interview

they live in, much like Amnesty International they also address challenges

where the boys were asked a range of questions on topical social and

that go beyond borders.

global issues.

Judged by a panel of industry representatives, the students were then required to give a prepared speech and two impromptu speeches covering a range of topics.

Keen debating student, Joseph Orange, was awarded overall winner for his inspiring speech on Amnesty International, where he proceeded to the regional and district events and was victorious once more following the same process of giving prepared and impromptu speeches.

At the State Lions Youth of the Year Quest, an event that was started

From providing health programs to supporting efforts to control and prevent disease, service clubs work to improve the health of children and adults around the world.

When a natural disaster strikes, service clubs are among the first to offer assistance. From Haiti, to the United States of America and Japan, service clubs are there to provide immediate and long-term disaster relief.

They have been breaking down the social and economic barriers for decades, and service clubs continue to serve our communities and make the world a better place.

BBC NEWS | 25

BBC Boys on the Rite Journey

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

26 | BBC NEWS

The journey to manhood isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always easy. To assist boys with this transition, BBC is currently running

The calm stillness of dawn is shattered by the haunting wail from a lone piper standing atop the dais at the Mt Coot-tha lookout. The cool freshness of the air matches the flagstone surface washed clean by the night's rain. The sun has not yet broken through the clouds as the nervous boys, watched by their assembled parents, emerge from the pathway to stand uncertainly and gaze out over the city.

a pilot program of The

As the last boy takes his place the piper stops, and silence falls once more. Welcome

Rite Journey with two

to 'The Calling'.

of the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school houses. As part of the program, boys and their

An old Chinese proverb suggests that any great journey begins with a single step, the school Chaplain intones, signalling the commencement of the first ceremony of The Rite Journey program. Gathered here atop Brisbane's iconic landmark, the boys are asked to think about their childhoods and their lives spent growing up in

parents are invited to

the city below. In this place and at this time, they give thanks for that life and, within

participate in several

the context of the ceremony they are now part of, they say thank you and prepare to

rites of passage. A film

move on.

Parents too, stand silently, part of and yet separate from the moment. They know

crew, on behalf of the

this moment will not come again. For this is the beginning of a journey, one that will

Korean Educational

lead these boys on the path to young adulthood and ultimately, to becoming a man.

Broadcaster, were on hand to capture the moving event, with an aim to promote the program

One thing they do know is that whatever form this journey takes, they want to be part of it. They want to share in the next phase of their sons' lives. They signalled their support for The Rite Journey by bringing their boys to the mountain, adjusting their daily routine, most of them up and moving before dawn, preparing for this ceremony.

Andrew Lines is one person who believed in the need for a program of this nature.

to South Korean schools.

The South Australian teacher created The Rite Journey program in 1997 after seeing

The documentary team

large numbers of boys missing out on opportunities to learn what was required to

filmed both the ceremony as well as a class session the following day.

BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Strategic Learning Coordinator, who is facilitating the program, Mr Matt Atkinson, shares his thoughts on the program.

become a 'decent' man. The year-long program is designed to provide opportunities for boys to challenge themselves and develop a greater understanding of themselves.

The program operates in 45 schools across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, with South Korea the next country to become involved.

BBC NEWS | 27

The Quirky Tales of Nick Earls Earlier this year, the quirky award winning local author Nick Earls paid a visit to Year 10 students to tell the story behind 48 Shades of Brown .

Chinese New Year Students studying Chinese at BBC were treated to a dragon performance and delicious food as part of Chinese New Year celebrations earlier this year.

Members from the Chinese dance company delighted the young audience members with a traditional Chinese dragon dance to the beat of the large drums, bringing the three dragons to life in College

The visit was particularly timely with boys currently studying the novel as part of their English course. The book has received international acclaim and was awarded Book of the Year (Older Readers) by the Children’s Book Council of Australia and was also adapted into a film - 48 Shades - parts of which were filmed at BBC. “Nick is a warm, funny and engaging speaker; he provided boys with an insight into his thinking behind the establishment of characters and structure in the book,” said BBC’s Head of Information Services, Jennifer King.

“It presented a wonderful opportunity for students to hear firsthand from the author who has been set for study with Earls revealing his motivations, problems and goals in writing the book whilst also sharing an amusing account of his role in the making of the film,” she said. nick earls catches up with students interested to find out more after his presentation.

Hall. The dragons moved throughout the auditorium and up the stairs to interact with students, even showing their acrobatic moves with the performers sitting on another’s shoulders.

Headmaster, Mr Graeme McDonald, also participated in the celebrations of the Year of the Snake, handing a red envelope – a custom during Chinese New Year – to the dragons during their performance.

The performance was followed by a feast of Chinese cuisine, including dumplings and sweets.

Unwavering support The support from the BBC community for the Red Shield Appeal continues to be unwavering with more than 120 students, 30 parents and 20 community volunteers working together to raise more than $10,200 for the Salvation Army in this year’s fundraising drive. The money raised will support the charity in providing meals and beds for the homeless and those in need, drug rehabilitation and aged care support.

According to Associate Chaplain Thomas McPherson those involved were wonderful ambassadors for the College. “The boys were fantastic in their commitment, from the Year 12s who came the morning after the formal right through to the Year 7s who were eager to knock on as many doors as possible,” Mr McPherson said.

ThOusANDs Of fAmiliEs ThANk gOD fOr Collegian AUGUST 2013 2012 ThE sAlvOs Collegian EvEry WEEk. december WE ThANk gOD fOr yOu. DONATE NOW

28 | BBC NEWS

What’s NEXT for business Eight thought-leading students from Brisbane Boys’ College attended one of the biggest and most prestigious business events in Australia in May to ask the big questions that could change the future of business.

Piecing together the puzzle Boys in Years 7 joined forces to piece together the puzzle, taking home silver in the Inaugural Primary Maths Team Challenge held earlier in the year at All Hallows’ School.

The team comprising of Robert Macarthur, Maximillian Kirsch, Declan Morgan, Auguste Peters and Jack Stuart (pictured above) were required to compete in two rounds, working as a team to solve a number of complex problems in round one and later in rotating pairs.

According to Year 7 teacher Jan Wilkinson, the boys approached the challenge with great enthusiasm and logic.

“The second round of the boys’ performance was particularly impressive; boys were required to solve as many of the 20 questions as possible in pairs without any assistance from other team members,” Ms Wilkinson said.

“Whilst they are able to submit answers as they come to hand and make more attempts until they succeed or pass, for every wrong attempt they lose marks for the question; which kept all contestants on their toes,” she said.

BBC also entered a Year 6 team (Benjamin Arya, Junsung Oh, Taehwan Kim, Ethan Rose, Sam Williams and Alastair Petfield) who secured fourth place on the day, behind three other Year 7 teams.

More than 1500 people attended NEXT? The Future of Business Q&A event to witness Sir Richard Branson and a panel of future thinkers answer some tough questions. The panel addressed issues such as: Are education systems failing 21st century students?

What should be the focus for change in education? How and where should students be taught and how would this benefit business/society in the future?

Sitting alongside Sir Richard Branson on the panel were the Dean of UQ Business School Professor Andrew Griffiths, acclaimed futurist Tim Longhurst and award-winning businesswoman Chris Cameron, who is the Director of Rockcote.

On Tim Longhurst’s blog, he shared that education is a lifelong journey that should begin with curiosity, collaboration and creativity.

“Education isn’t something for kids… It’s something for each of us throughout our lives.

But since we’re going to be talking about formal education today; we’ll know we’re rocking formal education when kids are RAVING about what they’re learning and participating actively and with energy in their learning... The qualities we ought to instil in learners include: curiosity, collaboration and creativity. Curiosity, because it’s the spark that turns us into lifelong learners—essential in a fast changing world; collaboration because knowing how to bring out the best in others and work in team environments is such a big part of realising our own potential; and creativity because that it is an act that puts these amazing supercomputers between our ears to work in ways that inspire ourselves and others. We want to create a generation of creators of amazing content… Not just consumers.”

Hosted by the UQ Business School, the gathering of the brightest future-thinkers stimulated wider debate on the future of business and how we can best prepare the next businessmen and innovators for the future.

BBC NEWS | 29

Mud. Adventure.

Challenge.

All the things boys love Boys in Years 4 to 6 have travelled north, south and west to get away from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane City as part of BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outdoor Education program.

Outdoor Education aims to develop boys' decision making, communication and leadership skills through unique and stimulating outdoor experiences.

Boys in Years 4 recently travelled to Alexandra Heads to explore the rock pools, learn about water safety and to spend the afternoon at the beach.

Year 5 students stayed three nights at the Midginbil Hill Outdoor Education Centre where they took part in bush craft, canoeing, pioneering, archery and horse riding.

At Year 6 Camp, the boys headed to Tyalgum Ridge in the Tweed Valley where they tried their hand at the high and low ropes course, abseiling and canoeing.

On each trip boys were educated on environmental issues with a focus on care and conservation. Students are encouraged to work together in each experience to overcome challenges through a number of adventure activities.

Collegian Collegian december AUGUST 2013 2012

30 | BBC FEATURE

Our place

Everyone loves good stories. They enable us to connect with the world around us and contextualise our own unique experiences. In fact storytelling is in essence embedded into the human psyche; everyone has a story to tell and these narratives have the ability to capture us, inspire us and even compel us into action.

BBC FEATURE | 31

Collegian AUGUST 2013

32 | BBC FEATURE The BBC Boarding story dates back to 1909, when Mr Justice

While we didn’t manage to save the house, the amount of water we

Lukin entrusted the care of his sons Frank and George to the

had allowed our neighbours to save most of our possessions. That

school, while he and his wife travelled abroad. The request

night the women had created a home for us in one of our cottages

struck a cord with the College’s founder Mr Rudd and boarding

with most of our possessions, and the local children had even

at BBC was born.

decorated the Christmas tree for our children.

The boarding house today is home to 112 boys for the best

My husband went away to boarding school in Toowoomba, but I

part of the year. The program supports students from across the

was a day girl. I always knew that staying in Moree was not an option

country from the Western Downs to Far North Queensland right

for us. My daughter goes to school in town and we leave home for

through to Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong, providing a place

the bus at 7.05am and she returns home at 4.50pm. That is just

to call home and inspiring young minds through education and

school no after school sport. I knew the academic, sporting and social

unique cultural experiences, which when it comes to boarding,

experiences were not available to my boys if I left them here in town.

My family is in Brisbane and my brothers went to BBC so I knew

take on a class of their own.

In this edition of Collegian we share the stories of some of

the school well. It also made it easier for us leaving the boys to know

our current boarding families – how they came to find BBC

that my parents are only five minutes away if needed, and they have

and the challenges and rewards that go hand in hand with

been! Trips to hospital for appendicitis, picking up from tutoring, and

boarding. Behind their diversity and individuality however sits

just taking them out of the boarding house for a quiet Sunday.

one collective community, a band of brothers and their families

The first time you leave your child at boarding school you feel like

who make up Rudd House. Their stories are our stories. They

you left a part of you behind - well I did. You grieve for what you have

reveal a great sense of pride and an unmatchable spirit that has

lost. I cannot change their sheets till they are just about to come

become synonymous with boarding at BBC.

home again for holidays. But what does make it so much easier is

K

knowing that they are so happy to be there. It was their choice to go

Ing familY Moree Plain Shire, New South Wales Our names are Nicola and Chris King and we have three boys and one girl. Our eldest son Jono finished at BBC in 2012, and we now have Matt in Year 11 and Angus in Year 9. Our daughter Becca is in Year 5 at

home and she will leave to go to boarding school next year.

We live 70km west of Moree, and we are 540km from BBC which equates to about a six hour drive. We irrigate cotton in summer as well as other dryland crops, and grow cereal crops in winter, weather permitting!

Chris is a fourth generation farmer on our property, with the family first purchasing the land 118 years ago. I was a Brisbane girl who was introduced to Chris through great friends, Sarah and Mick Hay who also have children at BBC. We love the sense of community that you get from living in small districts where everyone knows each other and is there to lend a hand when things get tough. We are incredibly privileged to be part of such a community – when Becca, our youngest, was only three months old our house burnt down due to an electrical fault just three weeks before Christmas. That day we had over 80 people offer their help and everyone brought their water tankers. Friends of ours have an aerial application business and they water bombed the house twice for us.

KING FAMILY

KING FAMILY

to BBC and they want to be there.

What we love most about BBC Boarding is the fact that it is quite a small house compared to some other schools and boys from all grades are friends. It is quite common to be watching your son play rugby and have other boys from all grades from the boarding house on the side lines cheering on their fellow boarders. We are also very lucky to have such fantastic boarding staff, who are great role models, are kind and compassionate and have a drive to ensure every boy reaches his potential.

BBC’s House Mother, Josie Pavone, is the glue that holds it all together, she is so compassionate. Organising that many boys no doubt takes a lot of tolerance, but the boarding house approaches this task with genuine compassion.

M

atthew family Thursday Island, Torres Strait Island Originally from Boigu Island in the Torres Strait, the Matthew family now lives on Thursday Island.

“Richard was transferred here to work and teaches Math, Science and Language and Culture at the high

school, and I work for the Torres Strait Island Regional Council in the Engineering Department,” said Ivy Matthew.

Proud mother to Ezekiel, Konama and Ujabi in Years 8, 9 and 11

KING FAMILY

respectively, Ivy admits there are many challenges but also rewards which come from living in regional Australia. “The cost of food and fuel are incredibly exorbitant and we are also faced with the absence of various opportunities available for our children especially with sports.

On the other hand however we get to frequently see and live out our cultural and traditional beliefs, values and way of life.”

The boys are part of the College’s Indigenous Education Program, and were able to access a scholarship through the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF), a BBC program partner.

However, the family was first introduced to the school by old collegian and the boys’ uncle Joel Marama. “Joel spoke very highly of the school and what benefits would come out from attending such a prosperous school.”

Not long after, Konama, Ujabi and Ezekiel were able to attend the Southern Skies Community Clinic, an initiative of BBC which has been held in Thursday Island for the last three years, where the boys were able to catch up with Joel and fellow old collegian Connie Pearson – also originally from the island. “All our children were involved in the events set up by the program during their visit. We were later contacted by Program Coordinator Jarrod Turner who got the ball rolling to have our boys apply for the AIEF scholarships.”

Ivy recalls her first impressions of the school in three

C

humbled at the opportunity of our boys attending such a well respected school. Though a bit overwhelming in the beginning we were made to feel right at home.”

The transition from home to boarding school can be difficult at the best of times, but was made easier by, “A lot of love, care and support. We spoke to our sons every day and reminded them to be grateful for the opportunity they had been given. We reminded them to never give up and to always strive to the best of their abilities. For us however what has made BBC Boarding unique is that it’s truly the boys’ family away from home. The staff are all vary caring of each and every boy’s situation.”

According to Ivy whilst the boys are severely missed during the term, it makes the time spent together all the more worthwhile, “When the boys return home none of us take spending time with each other for granted. Each moment of our time together is always filled with laughter and good times.”

oe family Durong district, Queensland Just 100km west of Kingaroy, near the district of Durong, you’ll find the Coes – infact two sets of Coe families living on a mixed farming and grazing property, their two homes are just two kilometers apart. The fourth

generation farmers produce beef for domestic and European markets and also grow wheat, sorghum and mungbeans.

To one side of the property you’ll find Jane and Philip Coe, parents to Nic (Year 11), Callum (Year 8) and Haddon (who will be coming to BBC for Year 7 in 2017). Philip’s brother Rodney and his wife Karen reside on the south side and have three sons, Thomas who graduated from BBC in 2012, James (this year’s Rudd House Captain) and Hale who is set to join the boarding community in 2015 for Year 7.

“We always were humbled at the opportunity of our boys attending such a well respected school. Though a bit overwhelming in the beginning we were made to feel right at home.”

words – respect, pride and integrity. “We always were

BBC FEATURE | 33

Durong is a small district and the only available schooling is a small public primary school with two teachers. So for this band of cousins, boarding school was always going to be simply a way of life – not an option. “Usually children are brought up knowing they will leave home for secondary schooling. Having said that, we have been very fortunate in being able to send our children to a school such as BBC,” said Karen.

The Coe boys are third generation BBC Boarders with both their fathers and grandfather attending

BBC graduating in 1954, 1986 and 1988 respectively. Yet according to Karen, they didn’t automatically choose BBC when considering boarding options. “Though we had a history with the school we still met with the staff at the boarding house and compared the school with others. The boarding staff at BBC and the greater school community encouraged us with their attitudes, ethics, morals and standards and we have had a thoroughly enjoyable experience with our boys in BBC Boarding,” she said.

For Jane and Philip, despite having previously experienced BBC boarding their first impressions 22 years later still felt new. “Our impressions were it was big – daunting. Our local primary school the boys attended had around 30 students, three buildings and two teachers – how would our boys survive this! Nevertheless it seemed to be a place where diverse opportunities could be afforded to our children,” said Jane.

“The boys had always known they would be leaving home to go to high school. We had discussed it with them from a very young age.

Phil would tell the boys stories from his time at BBC and we would

MATTHEW FAMILY

COE FAMILY

COE FAMILY

Collegian AUGUST 2013

34 | BBC FEATURE

"It might not always be fun for him keeping an eye on his little brother, but the boys are a great team, and couldn't be happier than in Rudd House together."

BBC FEATURE | 35 often look through old copies of the Portal. Phil’s boater and blazer

education process even more interesting. Using the Queensland

still float around the house.

BSDE system, the boys learnt the same curriculum as other Australian

For Jane it’s a case of enjoying the best of both worlds. “The

students, although being in a ‘class of one’ is not always very exciting.

space and ever changing landscape around us is amazing. We have

Although they never met, Josh was in the same class as Robert Irwin

a strong and supportive local community and our children have been

(Steve Irwin’s son). Team sports were an impossibility and a game of

able to live a fairly free and safe childhood… and when you live out

cricket for ‘PE’ usually involved the whole family and our staff.”

here you can turn the music up really loud! The boys have also been

A year ahead of plan their eldest Chris expressed interest in

able to experience city living and all that it offers. It gives them an

heading to Toowomba Prep to start Year 6. “Other than a few

opportunity to compare and make informed choices about what is

personal adjustments, and a little homesickness, Chris instantly fitted

beyond the gates of ‘Coo-ee’ and BBC.”

in, and made many good friends. He could finally do all the things

“Having a small, friendly and supportive community in the boarding

he had been missing out on in PNG. Chris' move to BBC was also

house that mirrors some of the qualities we enjoy in our home

to allow Josh to move to the same school from day one. It might

community has made the transition for us, as a family much easier.”

not always be fun for him keeping an eye on his little brother, but the

According to mum Karen, the transition has been made much

boys are a great team, and couldn't be happier than in Rudd House

smoother by technology. “We are very thankful for mobile phones, and the internet which enables us to have good contact with our boys; something their father didn’t have when he boarded.”

“Both Thomas and James embraced the sporting and extra-

together.”

“To assist with the transition to BBC we followed the school’s advice and gave them some space to settle in before calling for a chat. We dreaded calling Josh this first time, prepared our

curricular activities when they entered BBC, trying many things they

motivational answers, steeled ourselves against emotion and made

did not have the opportunity to at home. We have appreciated the

the call – “so how’s school mate?” “Dad, school is AWESOME.”

major role BBC has had in helping our country boys in becoming

We’ve never looked back since.”

educated and responsible fine young men.”

“Our boys are very privileged in having lived in both rural Australia

In Dannielle’s eyes BBC’s boarding strengths lie in the camaraderie, team spirit and brotherhood that exists in Rudd House. “With such a

and living at and gaining an education in one of the best boys

remote and often lonely start to their schooling life, there’s no doubt

schools, BBC!”

that the boys favourite part of boarding is the chance to share their

V

experiences and development with 100 close ‘brothers’.

incent family Wau, Papua New Guinea Growing up in Papua New Guinea, boarders Chris (Year 11) and Josh (Year 5) enjoyed the ultimate lifestyle.

According to mum Dannielle the boys never really knew anything else. “They spoke Pidgin before English,

learned to live in an exciting remote environment and culture, tasted everything from kaukau (sweet potato) to kuskus (bush possum) and were always at home on motorbikes and in mud. At different times, their ‘school teacher’ was mum, dad, their grandmother and a variety of local assistants.”

Dannielle admits however, education in PNG is challenging at the best of times and they always knew that boarding was going to be part of the equation. Born in PNG, Dannielle has followed her

“Chris and Josh indeed get to experience the best of both worlds with all the benefits of school and boarding in Australia and a mix of relaxation and adventure when on holiday in PNG.”

T

amwoy family Injinoo Aboriginal Community, Far North Queensland Whilst Cape York Peninsula is widely known as 'The Tip of Australia', you have to travel another two hours south of the tip

reach the Tamwoy family who live at Inijinoo – their home community. The family is from the Angkamuthi tribe, which comes from Athena’s, mother to boarder Silas in Year 11, father’s side.

They share similar challenges to the Matthew family, with high living

parents and grandparents long association with the development of

costs particularly when it comes to groceries, petrol and general goods

the country prior to independence in 1975. Her grandfather, Jack

and services in addition to no public transportation to name just a few. “Our

Aimesbry, is renowned for establishing Bugandi High School in Lae,

nearest city is Cairns, but we still pay an extraordinary amount to fly down –

where many of the country's current leaders learned the value of

let’s just say we could fly to Fiji and back for the same cost,” said Athena.

education, through a focus on sport. Her husband Tim moved to

Although the community doesn’t have access to all the luxuries available

PNG in 1993 after several years in the Australian Army, to work at

in the city, their connection to country and culture is most rewarding.

the local TV station and met Dannielle through mutual friends shortly

“Having previously resided at Townsville for a number of years, there was a

afterwards.

feeling of disconnection to country. I’ve been fortunate that Silas grew up in

The family have spent several decades in Lae and Wau, and her

the community where he can appreciate these traditional aspects of family

mother Donna still spends much of her time there. Both Dannielle and

life. One thing for sure, each holiday, Silas looks forward to fishing and

Tim have lived and worked around the country, but always enjoyed

spending time with the family – all the outdoors stuff!”

holidays in Wau, and returned to operate the family business there full-time in 2005.

“Being in Wau, many hours from the nearest town, made the whole

Silas is also part of BBC’s Indigenous Program and successfully secured an academic scholarship through the Cape York Leaders Program, in which the College is a participating school.

Collegian AUGUST 2013

36 | BBC FEATURE “Upon his acceptance, I did some research on BBC and was impressed

The family now operates a beef cattle breeding and fattening enterprise,

in what they had to offer. On my initial visit to BBC's Boarding school, it was

with Clearview also home to the Tara Santa Gertrudis Stud. “The two

good to see where Silas will be staying and attending school. Meeting the

locations could not be more different and, as we have had to de-stock our

staff was just as important to me in that they would be the ones in providing

Winton country due to drought, we were fortunate to be able to bring cattle

school and boarding support, this made the transition much easier for me.

down to Clearview, where the season has been a lot kinder.”

It was also good to see that his spiritual growth would continue during this

Boarding was always going to be a part of life for the Walkers, however the journey to BBC was first brought about after it was mentioned by

time.”

The move was a big one and a long way from home. “The transition

their then neighbour and passionate old boy, Trevor Lloyd. “Keeping that

was hard for the family especially his grandparents. But the family felt that

thought in the back of our minds, when the time came to get serious

he was responsible and mature enough to take this next step. The first year

about selection, Westech, an agricultural field day held every three years

was hard, I guess it was the unknown that made it hard. Now the family

in Barcaldine, was on and we did the rounds of the school displays.”

is more familiar with the idea and Silas is aware of what to do and what is

From here BBC was on the shortlist, but it was a visit to the school

expected.”

that cemented Kelley’s and her husband Allan’s decision. “Students

Having a small and supportive boarding community also helped

we encountered during our tour did as much to influence

put Athena’s mind at ease. “I think what makes boarding at BBC unique is the size of the boarding school and the support they offer to the students. Meeting the boarding staff and to see what support was in place made it easier. For example, the Health Centre services and every mum’s concern, the laundry! But from what I saw, Sam has that under control.”

For Silas the experience has enabled him to meet new friends, connect with other indigenous students and participate in a range of extra curricular activities

“What we have found to be most unique however is that the boys don’t exclusively keep to their own year levels – they all mix together, something that doesn’t seem to happen at all other schools.”

our opinion as did the facilities available.” These first impressions have carried through Hamilton’s time at BBC. “There is a firm but fair family like atmosphere in Rudd House. The staff have the boys’ best interests at heart and each student knows what’s expected of him. What we have found to be most unique however is that the boys don’t exclusively keep to their own year levels – they all mix together, something that doesn’t seem to happen at all other schools.”

As for many boys, sport features heavily in Hamilton’s

that he would never have had the opportunity to do in Injinoo. For his mum Athena, whilst he’s always been a sensible and courteous person since attending BBC she has noticed just how

life. “From the moment Ham set eyes on the BBC Tennis Courts, that was where he wanted to be. From never really having played competitively, he made 8C in his first year and was awarded most

responsible and independent he really has become.

W

are a school’s greatest assets, and the pleasant, polite boys

improved player. This year he made the 11A team, and again was awarded

ALKER family CENTRAL WEST QUEENSLAND With BBC’s student population far outweighing that of his whole home town, boarding represented a significant change in pace for Year 11 boarder, Hamilton Walker. With the family’s roots firmly planted in the

Central West, Hamilton spent his first 14 years on ‘Gowan’ near Blackall and was schooled through the Longreach School of Distance Education

most improved player. Being able to play tennis nearly every day and to represent the school has definitely been a highlight. Cricket is a close second and with these sports comes the friendships made from being part of a team. When homesickness does strike, it does help to grab a mate and head to the tennis courts or cricket nets for a couple of hours.”

With the family now living closer to Brisbane, Hamilton really does enjoy the best of both worlds – heading home with his mates for long weekends, way out west for the holidays whilst enjoying all the benefits of city living.

before heading to Toowomba Prep for Years 6 and 7 and then to BBC in Year 8.

“Hamilton is part of the fifth generation of the Walker/Banning family on Tulmur Station, located 120km south west of Winton, on the Diamantina River. After the finalisation of the family partnership, we moved from ‘Gowan’ to ‘Clearview’, a 3000 acre farming and grazing block in the Cooranga district, between Bell and Jandowae, in 2012,” said mum Kelley.

TAMWOY FAMILY

WALKER FAMILY

WALKER FAMILY

BBC FEATURE | 37

"We have appreciated the major role BBC has had in helping our country boys in becoming educated and responsible fine young men."

Collegian AUGUST 2013

Blackwater, QLD

Castle Hill, QLD

Bundaberg, QLD

Crestmead, QLD

Rockhampton, QLD

Manunda, QLD

Meadowbrook, QLD

Oxenford, QLD

Emerald, QLD

Westcourt, QLD

New Zealand

Atherton, QLD

Mapoon, QLD

Weyba Downs, QLD

Broadbeach, QLD

Kanimbla, QLD

Veresdale Scrub, QLD

Gleneagle, QLD

Yaraka, QLD

Inginoo, QLD

Scotland

Warwick, QLD

Kowanyama, QLDâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Hong Kong

Indonesia

Kootingal, NSW

Roma, QLD

South Korea

Singleton, NSW

Pullenvale, QLD

Singapore

Port Douglas, QLD

Taiwan

Currumbin Waters, QLD

Cement Mills, QLD

St George, QLD

Heatley, QLD

Gin Gin, QLD

Weipa, QLD

Dalby, QLD

Doonan, QLD

Thursday Island, QLD

Peregian Beach, QLD

Durong, QLD

Toowoomba, QLD

Baffle Creek, QLD

Inverell, NSW

Noosa Heads, QLD

Currumbin Valley, QLD

Cairns, QLD

Boambee East, NSW

Papua New Guinea

Bell, QLD

Moree, NSW

Gladstone, QLD

Malaysia

38 | BBC FEATURE

Where DO BBC'S Boarders COME from?

BBC ARTS | 39

bbc ARTS 42 School of Rock BBC's Rock Program continues to grow

45 Music Everyday Program Expands Inspired by the educational and aesthetic philosophies of Hungarian composer Zoltรกn Kodรกly

46 Exit Pursued A tale of corruption and betrayal

Musical delight B B C ' s t w ilight concert

Collegian AUGUST 2013

40 | BBC ARTS

BBC CONCERT

Music by twilight

BBC ARTS | 41

They may only have several months to learn and master new repertoire, but BBC’s musicians never cease to amaze, with this year’s Twilight Concert deemed a resounding success.

The event marks the first major musical concert in the College calendar and requires careful planning and dedication from students and staff who are required to juggle the pressures which come from starting a new school year and countless music rehearsals.

According to Head of Music Mr Stuart Quill, the professionalism and enthusiasm of not only the musicians but also those who work behind the scenes was commendable.

“It was fantastic to see boys also expressing an interest in working as part of the stage crew for the concert this year,” Mr Quill said.

“Our concerts are renowned for their professional transitions from group to group and to have a team of dedicated boys helping us achieve this was wonderful,” he said.

The Junior and Senior Music Leaders for 2013 were also formally recognised and acknowledged on the night.

Collegian AUGUST 2013

42 | BBC ARTS arts

From A,B,C,D to ACDC, BBC’s Rock program continues to grow, unearthing the talent of some of the College’s youngest artists.

The co-curricular program enables boys to develop their music, sound and producing skills and more importantly provides the inspiration to rock.

Gradually evolving, under the guise of Indie artist, Dan Pratt, the program now sees boys participate in a weekly session with the option to attend an intensive holiday workshop as well as a range of external activities.

Dan, who is currently completing his Masters in Fine Arts at QUT, has established strong links with the university, with students recently accompanying him to experience a live recording firsthand at QUT Gasworks Studio – Independent Music Project’s recording and production facility.

This term music extension students will also have the opportunity to write and produce a piece to be recorded at the state-of-the-art facility.

Dan brings a wealth of industry experience to the program, as the lead singer of his own 12 piece band, Drawn from Bees, who have toured internationally with one of their signature pieces recorded in BBC’s very own College Hall and mastered in Nashville.

We recently sat down with Dan to find out more about the program and what’s in store for the future.

BBC ARTS | 43

INTERVIEW

You mentioned that the rock program at BBC had gradually evolved over the years, what makes our program unique and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your vision for the future?

The BBC Rock Program actually began in

diversity and evolution. The music industry is going through a huge upheaval at the moment that has left a lot of musicians scratching their heads because they can no longer approach things the way they used to. As a professional musician this is where I thrive because it

a very small classroom located in the depths

is a time for new ideas and new methods,

of the old building, I started recording the kids

suddenly creative thinkers are beginning to

from that very space. We started with a basic

rule the modern music industry. BBC has

recording device and the two microphones

recognised this and is encouraging the next

that the Music Department already owned.

generation of music industry students and

As luck would have it those microphones

performers to strike a new path with the rock

were excellent which enabled me to record

program and let their imagination be their

some decent demos for the boys. When it

guide.

was discovered that I was recording bands I suddenly had a lot of students wanting to record their music and the program gradually

DAN PRATT INDIE ARTIST, MASTERS STUDENT, LEAD SINGER OF 'DRAWN FROM BEES' AND...

BBC MENTOR

started to expand from there. That was seven years ago and Stuart Quill and I began with

What are some of the most significant changes you see in students as they start to develop their musical skills and talents?

the philosophy that we would equip the studio

Confidence is the biggest change.

with a long-term vision rather than buying lots

Confidence as writers, as artists and as

of cheap gear and calling it done.

producers. It takes a little while to bring a boy

When it was time for the new music

out of his shell when they start in the program

building to be built I was asked for my input

but as the training wheels come off and the

and we now have some wonderful rooms that

boys become less confronted by the situation

are linked together which we use during the

of writing and producing their own music, you

school holidays when we transfer the top floor of the music block into a huge recording studio.

Each year since, we have set about sourcing one or two pieces of boutique analog gear for the studio, we now have some amazing American made vintage replicas and

can see the cogs start to click into place.

Suddenly they have gone from

As we are progressing, BBC is assembling a studio that is becoming well known for its boutique approach and unique sound.

two or three pieces of modern analog tape and VCA compressors

being afraid to sing or perform in the studio to being fullyfledged professionals with an excellent understanding of the mechanics of producing new music. We aim to produce musicians that can stand on the other side of the

glass and deliver with no fear while displaying a comprehensive technical

and a locker full of microphones that are all

knowledge and a wealth of studio experience

specially hand modified in Massachusetts

under their belts.

(USA). We even have a specially built replica of a 1970's SSL Mixbus compressor made by hand in Brisbane by a friend of mine who is well known for the amazing pieces he creates.

As we are progressing, BBC is assembling

What are some of the take home skills students acquire through BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rock program?

From a band perspective we are producing

a studio that is becoming well known for its

confident songwriters that are comfortable

boutique approach and unique sound.

within a studio environment, there are lots of professional musicians that struggle with

What do you enjoy most about your role at BBC and also as a musician?

I love that BBC allowed me to diversify

studio work because of its confronting nature.

Our boys walk into their first professional studio experience with a big edge. We are

and explore a different kind of rock program

also giving students a love for the whole

as a teacher and as a musician who craves

process of creating art as a form of release

Collegian AUGUST 2013

44 | BBC ARTS

which is something that they can take away

how to manage a real professional band. On

for the rest of their lives no matter what career

the other side, the wider music community is

path they choose.

walking away with an extremely high opinion

We are also in the process of developing young producers who are learning how to

of our boys and their talent, maturity and technical expertise.

deal with the psychology of recording a band as well as the technical aspects. By the time these young producers leave school they will be able to walk confidently into any music production facility and lead a session.

In this sense, we are developing confident

As a musician where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from people. I draw my energy from the surrounding enthusiasm.

I am also always trying to learn new things so

boys who are comfortable with being in a

I am studying a Masters in Fine Arts so that I

leadership position and in managing small

can increase the capacity of my imagination

creative teams of songwriters.

and interact with like minded artists and draw enthusiasm from them. I am also an avid book

How important is it for aspiring musicians to have access to realworld experiences? How is this incorporated into BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program?

It is important to me that the studio program doesn't become an isolation

reader, I love to read anything that feeds my imagination so that I can continue to create.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next on the agenda for your band, Drawn from Bees?

We are just beginning the process of

chamber, I don't want boys to shy away

recording four separate records over the next

from new experiences because they are too

two years that will be packaged together in

comfortable in their own environment. With

one double vinyl collection. The plan is to

this in mind I have started linking the program

create a story with four contrasting sections

into the QUT Music Department and have

that comes together with a devastating finale

been bringing selected boys to Gasworks

somewhere in the realms of Dumas Count of

Studios to be a part of big recordings with

Monte Cristo. We will be performing around

professional bands. We are also in the

Brisbane in our full incarnation as a 12

planning phase of taking selected bands

piece band which includes BBC Music staff

across to bigger studios so that they can

members Josh Mckechie and Alex Jamieson.

experience a real-world recording. As well as

As well as the recording work we will be

this I am occasionally bringing outside bands

touring Australia again sometime in October,

into the studio at BBC so that kids can learn

we also hope to return to the United States in

how to produce professional bands as well.

a year or so to continue building on our last

In this way we are linking our students to the

journey there which saw us gracing stages like

wider community so that they get a broad

the Whisky a Gogo (LA) and the Bowery Ball

view of what is happening outside of the

Room (NY).

school gates as well as a solid education in

BBC ARTS | 45

Music everyday program expands Brisbane Boys’ College has adopted a consistent approach to the teaching of classroom music to our youngest learners. STUDENTS IN PREP, YEARS 1 AND NOW YEAR 2 BENEFIT FROM CLASS MUSIC LESSONS EVERY SCHOOL DAY. Inspired by the philosophies of the Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály, the Music Every Day Program aims to foster a love of music in BBC students and for music to become a part of their everyday life.

Kodály advocated that every person has musical aptitude and music education should begin as early and often as possible. He argued that singing should be the foundation of music education as the voice is the most accessible and humanising of all instruments.

BBC’s Prep students who were first introduced to the Music Every Day Program in 2011 are now in Year 2. Today, these seven and eight year olds exhibit developed musicianship comparable to a typical Year 4 standard.

For the past three years, these students have engaged in daily song, movement and play. Music elements, concepts and thinking are carefully presented sequentially enabling students to successfully perform, read, write and create music.

According to Academic Music Teacher, Mr Jason Goopy, students are taught to be ‘musicians’.

“Emphasis is placed on developing the person as the musician.

Instruments later become an extension of the musician.”

The current Year 2 cohort are putting their skills into practice by learning to play recorder. It is through this process they are reinforcing previously learned concepts and preparing for future instrumental studies.

Mr Goopy says it is evident that music has become a part of their everyday lives. “I hear boys singing and playing games in the playground using variants of songs we’ve sung in class – they substitute lyrics themselves without teacher assistance and confidently sing in the playground surrounded by their peers.”

Music is of such significance to the boys in Year 2 that over half of the cohort have elected to study piano and voice privately.

In addition, Mr Goopy says the Music Every Day Program nurtures the whole person.

“The program crosses subject boundaries, helping boys learn language, numeracy, social sciences and human behaviour. Habits of

Mind and common ways of thinking are strengthened through musical activities.”

The BBC Music Every Day Program is the only all boys class daily music program that we’re aware of in Australia. It is comparable to the infamous Music Primary Schools established in Hungary.

At the beginning of Term 3, Mr Jason Goopy studied and presented at the International Kodály Seminar and Symposium hosted by the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary. The small picturesque town is also home to the first Hungarian Music Primary School which began in 1950. Mr Goopy observed the outstanding results of daily primary and secondary music education firsthand and the possibilities that lay ahead for students at BBC.

Collegian AUGUST 2013

46 | BBC ARTS

Exit pursued…

A tale of corruption and betrayal BBC’s Middle School Theatre Club

greatly valued the opportunity to explore my

Queensland’s Youth Program Administrator

presented 'Exit Pursued by a…

creative side,” he said.

and performance artist in her own right having

Bohemian' over two nights to a full

some time I was lost as to what the play

house in June.

should be about; so I looked to other works

“It was quite a challenge though and for

for inspiration.”

Written by Year 9 student Alexander Voltz

Alexander describes his play as a spoof

recently featured in The Nightingale and The Rose at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

“I was thrilled when Ms Stephens agreed to direct the show and it was really great to watch the play take form with her ideas.

the play entertained audiences, unearthing the

of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale – a

secrets of great monarchies over time.

piece that contains one of the most famous

the play was extremely well crafted, focusing

Shakespearean stage directions – "Exit,

on some timeless themes. “The production

pursued by a bear."

was received with great enthusiasm and is a

According to Alexander playwriting is something he’s always wanted to do.

“It must have been back in 2012 when I first had the idea to write a play; I have always

The show was directed by Helen Stephens, a Brisbane based director and actor, Artslink

For Head of Middle School Tony Chittenden

credit to the 17 cast members,” he said.

BBC sport | 47

bbc sports

48 Sport for Life A new direction for sports at BBC

52 A Force to be Reckoned With BBC takes out premierships in Tennis, Water Polo and Australian Rules Football

55 BBC Tennis Players Defend Their Title The pressure was on for BBC Tennis players to defend their title at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brisbane International Primary Schools Challenge

56 Sporting Horizon BBC receives the green light to deliver the Oxley Sporting Precinct

58 Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds An insight into the College's Mini Clinics program

Twelve Players See Red Collegian August AUGUST 2013

48 | BBC sport

Sport for Life Whether you’re a mad keen sports enthusiast, elite athlete, a coach or just someone who values the benefits which come from physical activity, very few people would question the integral role sport plays in our wellbeing and particularly in the overall learning equation at school.

Sports serve to develop not only a child’s physical ability but also his communication and social skills as well as his overall psychological development.

In recognition of this BBC’s Director of Athletic Development Mr Tim Mosey, under the direction of newly appointed Head of Cocurricular Activities Mr Mark Dwyer, has researched, developed and formalised BBC’s Athletic Development program.

Holistic in nature, the program aims to provide pathways for every boy, from Prep through to Year 12, in his athletic development which is meaningful and relevant in terms of age and skill acquisition.

“Our program has been crafted to fall in line with the latest peer review research and is designed to build students’ strength qualities identified in the program’s philosophy - gradually over the period of their schooling, in an enjoyable and challenging environment,” said Tim. Indeed, the program is designed to cater for all students, regardless of individual goals, whether it is playing sport for enjoyment or the start of an elite development pathway.

“Within the daily athletic life of a student, boys will be inspired to fulfil their athletic potential and enjoy the daily progression that comes with involvement in sport.

“Students are encouraged to enjoy their young physical learning environment, before learning to train specifically for their sport.

From here, students are encouraged to be accountable to the wider program and learn to create training strategies that are self-governed and directed to improving their competitive characteristics.

BBC sport | 49 For Mark Dwyer, who came to College at the beginning of the year, the program represents a new direction for sports at BBC. “Our Athletic Development program pays tribute to the true philosophy behind

MATURITY

‘co-curricular’, by connecting with the classroom and working in symmetry with the College’s academic program,” Mr Dwyer said.

“The program is all encompassing, student focused and designed directly to improve educational outcomes by nurturing the physical, psychological, communication and strategic learning components of a boy’s education,” he said.

“To be involved in any one activity, to the absolute exclusion of all others is, in most

TRAINING TO WIN

University Post School

AGE 18+

• Training to peak for competition • Higher intensity and higher volume of training • Elite level the goal of future training

AGE 16-18

Training to Comp Ratio: 25:75

Senior School Year 10-12

TRAINING TO COMPETE

instances, lacking the required investment • High intensity, sport specific training modalities • More individually based preparation • Strength development can continue and be increased

in securing the broad experience required to be successful and it’s this philosophy which sits at the core of our program.

“Great schools are crafted by young men who commit to performing the process perfectly in a range of activities; our program aims to produce strong, robust students;

TRAINING TO TRAIN

Middle School Year 7-9

strong enough to endure the rigours of their

• Build aerobic base and speed • Aim to build strength toward end of phase • Flexibility introduced • Learning the basics in training, not competing

selected sports.”

Training to Comp Ratio: 60:40

capable of making informed decisions on their physical wellbeing; being resilient and process driven in the sporting world and physically

AGE 12-16

AGE 9-12

Underpinning the program is Habits of

Training to Comp Ratio: 50:50

Junior School Year 5-6

LEARNING TO TRAIN

Mind, a set of thinking dispositions, which • General overall sports skills • Strength with body weight exercises • Further develop fundamental movement patterns

is embedded in the curriculum throughout the College. The program has also adapted the theory behind long term athlete development, an industry benchmark, to suit a school

Training to Comp Ratio: 70:30

context.

According to Mark, the program demonstrates BBC’s commitment to taking an holistic approach to the learning journey.

“We have a proud history of sporting success and I believe this program will enable us to continue to build on these strong foundations.

“We are committed to providing our

FUNDAMENTAL

Junior School Prep - Year 4

• Fun based training • Fundamental movement skill development (ABCs: agility, balance, coordination, speed) • Enjoyable activities that encompass fundamental movement patterns

AGE 6-9

CHILDHOOD

students with the highest quality expertise and facility with university educated and certified strength and conditioning coaches.”

A part of the program, BBC is also in the process of developing a specified sports curriculum for each code covering leadership learning, technical progression, physical development, communication as well as strategic and psychological planning.

HOW IT WORKS Long term athletic development levels and focus

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

50 | BBC sport

HOW IT WORKS Components of the BBC Athletic Development Pathway

L

TR TO IA N

AIN

L

TR

CH

OO

es

L

DL E S

s rci xe

TRAIN TO

YR 8

YR 7

LE A

YR 9

YR 4 RN

YR 10

TAL D A M EN FUN tivity based focus fun ac

YR 3

e yabl

A ENT AM

YR 11

YR 5 YR 6

LEA RN Introduction T t o O b a s ic bo TR d AIN y wei ght s t r en gth e STAGE 2:

MID

LEGEND

YR 2

FUN D

NIOR SCHOOL 1: JU

AIN IN W

YR 1 GE STA

YR 12

PREP

Enjo

UNI

TO TR

in

TRAI NT basic movements OT f o g n i d , inte L oa nsity RAIN a nd vol um STAGE eo 3: SE f tr NIO RS CH OO

ain

es eas ncr i g

LTAD STAGE YEAR BBC ACADEMIC STAGES BBC ATHLETIC STAGES

+ MEET...

THE HEAD OF CO-CURR ICULAR ACTIV ITIES Mark brings a wealth of experience to his role, having worked as a schoolmaster in independent schools in Victoria and New South Wales.

He has worked at St Kevin’s College, Carey Grammar School and then at Scotch College where he carried out the role of Director of Rowing. More recently in Sydney he performed the role of Head of English at the King’s School for 11 years and Director of Rowing at The Scots College.

BBC sport | 51

THE BIG PICTURE According to Mark, the program aligns seamlessly with the College’s co-curricular vision.

“All that we do will focus on providing benefit to the boys and to add value to their lives, by encouraging them to develop integrity, ingenuity and creative spirit by being involved in a wide range of co-curricular activities offered throughout the year,” he said.

The co-curricular vision statement asks students consistently to drive themselves at all levels: • To search for the rules that make good self, on each boy’s own terms, and be governed by those rules • To find, name, challenge and dismiss external expectations TO CHARGE EACH BOY TO CRAFT “THE MAN IN THE MIRROR”

TO DISTINGUISH THE CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM AT BBC BY LEADING FROM THE GROUND UP TO BE AN EXEMPLAR IN LEARNING, TRAINING AND PERFORMING THE PROCESS PERFECTLY

• To reflect on performance in and contribution to crew, team, club and College honestly, regularly, gently and fairly

• To locate and pursue actions which inspire dedication, conversation, commitment and care of all members of the College • To impress peers, coaches, teachers and parents with an understated and uncompromising attention to detail and effectiveness

• To apply the goal setting skills learned in the Co-curricular Program to all other ambitions and endeavours • To be relentless and unforgiving in driving towards our collective success • To challenge barriers to performance quality and commit absolutely to positive transformation

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

52 | BBC sport

A Force to be Reckoned With...

Brisbane Boys’ College was a force to be reckoned with for interschool sport in Term 2, taking out premierships in Tennis, Water Polo and Australian Rules Football.

BBC’s Open Tennis team claimed the GPS Tennis Premiership 6-2 against The Southport School at the Brisbane Tennis Centre in Tennyson on Saturday 15 June, with 18 of 20 BBC teams fielded placing first or second. Of these, 11 teams won premierships.

The Brisbane Boys’ College Senior Australian Rules Football team was victorious against St Joseph's Nudgee College at their grand final in May. Meanwhile, two of BBC’s Water Polo teams claimed premierships against Brisbane State High School, with the Open team shooting it out in sudden death.

Congratulations to our tennis, water polo and Australian rules football teams on their recent victories.

BBC sport | 53

Headed out west From forward rolls, to shooting goals, children in the Western Downs region were treated to a unique opportunity when Brisbane Boys’ College hosted a sporting clinic in Roma.

On Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 April more than 150 children, from towns as far as St George, Mitchell, Chinchilla, Charleville, Dalby and Miles, descended on Roma to participate in BBC’s second annual Easter Multi-Sports Clinic.

Provided free of charge for boys and girls aged between 7 and 14 years, the clinic provided participants with an opportunity to access expert coaching in tennis, rugby, cricket, netball, soccer and gymnastics.

Presented by Southern Skies Events, an initiative of BBC, the clinic provides a platform for regional children to discover new interests in a fun and supportive environment.

“The clinic allowed the kids to access high level quality coaching and experience a range of different sports,” Southern Skies Program and Development Officer Jarrod Turner said.

“Roma was a great success and we’re glad it has become an annual event. We are also looking to expand into other areas of Queensland and are extremely excited about what this program will bring to the wider community in years to come,” he said.

Held in conjunction with the Easter School Holidays, it was opportune for BBC to catch up with boarding families, old collegians and friends of the College at a social function hosted in neighbouring town Miles.

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

54 | BBC sport

Twelve players see Red Twelve rugby enthusiasts were invited to be on the extended bench at an exclusive training session with the Queensland Reds in April.

The BBC Rugby ambassadors were provided a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with many of their heroes, including old boys James Horwill and Will Genia, at Ballymore Stadium; the home of the Queensland Reds.

The training session including an hour long coaching clinic with Queensland Reds staff, a BBQ to get to know the players, followed by an awards presentation to close the afternoon.

Director of Rugby, Mr Steve Phillpotts, said the players were selected based on the early return of the BBC Highlander Rugby sign-on form.

“The 12 BBC players, aged between 13 and 17 years, illustrated their commitment and enthusiasm to be involved in preseason preparation for the upcoming GPS competition.”

This year has seen a clearly defined GPS Highlanders Rugby program focusing on Term 2 preparation for Term 3 competition.

The program is incentive-based, where boys can qualify (through session attendance) for a Highlanders training jersey – a training jersey worn with pride!

This year’s reinvigorated coaching program is overseen by a Senior Coaching Panel comprising three Level 3 ARU coaches and a wealth of coaching experience including professional Super Rugby, Brisbane Premier Grade, Queensland and Australian Schoolboys, GPS First XV and extensive overseas coaching experience.

BBC sport | 55

BBC boys defend Brisbane International title Having claimed victory at the

played excellent, competitive tennis in all of

inaugural event in 2012, the pressure

their singles and doubles matches.

was on for BBC Tennis players to

divided up into two pools, with each school

defend their title at this year’s

playing against the eight other schools in

Brisbane International Primary Schools Challenge held in January.

The team, consisting of Santokh Bains, Bryn Nahrung, Max Williams, Lewis Kehl and Mitch Clarke, failed to disappoint, securing victory for the second consecutive year after a fiercely contested battle against Sunshine Coast Grammar School (19-17).

The event attracted 84 schools from across Queensland and they each earned their selection in the state finals by being victorious in their regions prior to the event.

According to BBC’s Team Coach Mr Andrew Rolph the boys

“The event followed a round robin format

their pools; the BBC team delivered strong performances to remain undefeated through their pool event,” Mr Rolph said.

“I’m sure this experience and victory will be remembered by the entire BBC team as a highlight in their tennis careers,” he said.

The challenge culminated in a presentation ceremony to all participants on the NOVA 106.9 Stage in Tennis Central where Tennis Queensland Head of Tennis, Travis Atkinson and Tournament Manager Matt Richards presented the boys with the State Team Trophy.

An All Star team was also announced with Bryn Nahrung selected as the Best Number 2 player of the tournament.

The boys were able to play alongside their professional tennis idols on the courts during the Brisbane International and enjoyed the chance to see them play at the Pat Rafter Arena in the semifinals.

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

56 | BBC sport

Sporting horizon

BBC sport | 57

There is certainly no shortage of exciting milestones occurring at BBC in 2013. After much planning and an extensive consultation process, BBC received the green light from Council to deliver a multi-million dollar sporting, medical and fitness precinct in Oxley, to cater for the growth of its student population and provide additional amenities for the local community.

The BBC Oxley Sporting Precinct, which will be developed in stages over the next decade, will boast playing fields for soccer, cricket, rugby, hockey and AFL as well as tennis and multi-use courts, a sports complex for basketball and volleyball and a specialised training facility featuring a hydrotherapy pool and spa, a gymnasium and community medical facilities.

It's anticipated the first stage of works, which will focus on the Oxley Road precinct and include several playing fields, could commence construction sometime between 2016 and 2018, after the completion of BBC's new Middle School Precinct.

BBC Headmaster Graeme McDonald said the Oxley Sporting Precinct was a prime example of the school's culture of innovation and forward-thinking.

"We started planning for this sporting precinct several years ago, as we knew our school would grow following the creation of our new Middle School Precinct, which will provide specialist facilities and teaching resources for these critical learning years," he said.

"Sport is an integral part of our curriculum, and we found that we were starting to outgrow our current facilities, so we acquired a 36 hectare site in nearby Oxley to meet future needs."

The BBC Oxley Sporting Precinct will boast five-star facilities, with multiple playing fields and courts, a sports complex along with a training facility which will comprise some amenities including cycling and walking trails, a medical centre, pharmacy and hydrotherapy pools - which will be made available for community benefit.

"This new facility is transformative for BBC because it will add to our capacity to provide a holistic, well-rounded education for all boys."

"We envisage that the Sporting Precinct will also be used as part of our academic curriculum, to allow the boys to learn more about the importance of environmental sustainability - especially in relation to the Oxley Creek area which will be protected, preserved and rehabilitated in conjunction with local landcare groups as part of our Environmental Rehabilitation program.â&#x20AC;?

BBC Oxley Sporting Precinct Project Manager, Peter Macgregor, said the development approval followed several years of extensive consultation with locals, community and education stakeholders, Council and environmental groups, and he was confident the end result provided the best possible outcome for all involved.

"We have worked with all relevant parties to ensure that this development is something that everyone can be proud of,â&#x20AC;? he said.

"The project has been spearheaded by a team of renowned Planners and Architects - lead by newly appointed Queensland Government Architect, Malcolm Middleton, in association with M3 Architecture - to advise best practice design and development methods to ensure the precinct is sustainable and delivers real benefit to the area.

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

58 | BBC sport

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds In a world where children can spend

such as hand, eye and foot coordination; speed

participated in the program, many of the Junior

lots of time indoors playing video

and agility; fine motor skills; locomotion skills;

School boys go on the play sports for the

and spatial awareness.

College and at club level.

games and watching television,

Mr Paul Shepherd, coordinator of the

time spent outside is essential for

Year 4 Mini Clinics, believes many of these

proper growth and development. Boys

abovementioned attributes can be utilised in

inherently want to be active; doing and seeking, and usually outdoors.

Physical activity not only keeps boys healthy, it also helps a young brain to develop properly.

Exercise is important for all young children,

both team-oriented and individual games.

“Individual activities allow the boys to focus on core-based skills – such as catch and pass – that will eventually be utilised in a team-based environment,” Mr Shepherd said.

“I have found over the past three years that some boys find it a challenge to participate in team sports for various reasons. They are

THE HOUR OF POWER Sixty minutes — that's how much physical activity kids should get each day. But as kids get older, increasing demands on their time can make getting a full hour of exercise a challenge.

Some kids get caught up in sedentary pursuits like watching TV and surfing the internet. Even doing a great deal of studying and reading, while important, can contribute to inadequate physical activity.

regardless of age, as it allows them to have

unable to share the ball (football) with team

stronger muscles and bones for growth,

mates and feel isolated during the game. Upon

decrease the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes,

identifying the problem I would implement rules

a variety of activities so that they

lower blood pressure, and have a better outlook

to allow the individual to feel comfortable within

can work on three

on life with increased self-esteem.

this environment.”

elements; endurance,

BBC’s Healthy Body Mini Clinics program

These rules include encouragement and

Parents can encourage their children to do

strength and flexibility.

provides boys in Prep to Year 4 the necessary

reward for passing the ball to a team mate,

Focus can also be

tools to be able to perform developmental tasks

the ball must be passed three times before a

given to muscle groups

in a fun and enjoyable sports environment. The

goal is allowed, once a goal is scored everyone

and nutrition, which

program, which commenced in 2008, improves

must shake the scorer’s and passer’s hand, and

also play an important

young boys’ athletic skills, enables them to make

expressing the importance of participation and

part in childhood

connections with other students and focuses on

not the final score.

development.

personal growth.

Many of the exercises involved in BBC’s Healthy Body Mini Clinics promote attributes

BBC’s Mini Clinics program is increasingly popular with average attendance each week comprising 110 to 120 boys. Once they have

insight | 59

insight

r ese a r ch

RESOURCES

perspectiv e

60 When to Press the Help Button Clinical Psychologist Judith Locke provides suggestions for when you may need to call upon a mental health professional to help your child

64 Getting Involved BBC’s Chris Bates, shares his insights on the importance of ‘getting involved’

66 Get Connected Putting parents in touch with resources

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

60 | insight

When to press the help button

by Judith Locke - Clinical Psychologist

With some things, it is easy to know you need professional assistance. Your car stops working, so you see a mechanic. You can’t walk because of back pain, so you see a doctor.

But how do you know when you may need the services of a mental health professional for your child? psychological knowledge, I see parents, with

challenges. If your child has any difficulty

about helping people to improve their lives. I

the best of intentions, often self-diagnose

coping in primary school and you suspect it

get great satisfaction from assisting people to

and then self-treat the issues they believe

is anxiety or depression that is holding them

make those changes, however this process

are causing their child difficulty. This is often

back, early assistance will ensure they are in

can become more challenging when the need

attempted by increasing their assistance to

the best position to face the teen and young

for help has not been identified early on.

their child as a method of overcoming the

adult years.

My role as a clinical psychologist is primarily

As children grow and their behaviours

child’s issues. This may make the child’s life

change it can be difficult to identify when

easier, but it’s not treatment and it might be

you may need professional assistance. With

inadvertently making it worse.

this in mind I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about issues parents need to be aware of relating to when they may need to seek psychological support for their child and how to find the best assistance.

As parents, we have to do more than just recognise a problem in our children. We have to be able to teach them ways to better cope with challenging emotions and situations. In

2

Doing rather than coaching Research has shown parents are now much more involved in orchestrating their child’s school

life. This can start as early as pre-prep when

issues such as anxiety, treating the issue by

parents are often finding other parents of

getting the child to face anxiety-producing

children in their year to arrange play dates

situations and learning how to cope,

and guarantee friends when they start school.

cognitively and behaviourally, will always be

High parental involvement in a child’s life is a

more effective than removing your child from

good thing, but there is a point where you can

challenging situations. It’s a difficult process

be too involved. By way of illustration, one

to get right and one for which a qualified

family I worked with continued organising ‘play

professional is required. Enlisting help earlier

dates’ until their child was in Year 9. What

aware of psychological issues in

rather than later – particularly for issues such

resulted was a boy who had limited social

children. While that might show

as anxiety or low mood – will inevitably result

skills and unfortunately his parent’s actions,

the result of better education and

in a better outcome. The teen years and their

although well meaning, had not enabled him

a more caring society there has been

rush of hormones and life changes often

to learn how to initiate friendships. I’ve treated

some downsides. In these days of greater

make even the more robust boys have some

young adults whose parents ‘did’ rather than

Four key issues warranting professional support

1

Self-diagnosis As a society we are much more

insight | 61

can Knowing when to seek support en be the most diffIcult part wh , it comes to seeking assistance the but getting in early can make world of difference

it's ok to press the help button

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

62 | insight

is getting my child through, academically

4

impact of our own confidence in going about

be experts as a result of having children

or socially?” or “Is it my motivation and not

our very important job of raising children. Being

themselves, reading a few books on

my child’s that is producing school or social

a parent is difficult enough and self-doubt can

parenting, or just wanting to be helpful without

success?” If you are answering yes to any of

make parenting choices tough. There are a

knowing the best way to help. There is a lot

these, a visit to a professional to teach your

number of short proven parenting courses

of internet advice and blogs that can be filed

child better ways of building confidence from

or individualised sessions to assist parents in

under these categories. Unfortunately, anyone

developing genuine skill will greatly benefit all

feeling more confident with their choices.

can call themselves a counsellor. Yet these

‘coached’ them when completing homework throughout school, and this can be a hard cycle to break.

Key questions for you to ask yourself, as a parent, is, “Is it primarily my effort that

parties. A professional may also help parents

Self analysis impacting on your wellbeing We are often so worried about our child’s self-confidence, but we should not underestimate the

Experienced, qualified parenting

Good intentions or personal experience with the issue are not qualifications There has been an alarming trend recently that has people claiming themselves to

faux experts don’t have to be a member of a

and children to accept the child’s strengths

professionals should deliver both options or

professional association, which are in place to

and difficulties, enabling them to focus and

you’re likely to waste your time or money.

ensure members receive regular updating of

foster their child’s strong points.

Often I find the benefits of these parenting

their skills or to discipline members when they

advice opportunities are that they can confirm

do something dangerous in treatment.

3

Balancing the dynamics

to the client that their parenting actions are

The process of becoming any type of

indeed in the best interests of their child, or

registered psychologist takes six to eight

in parenting, I could not believe

they can fine tune strategies parents already

years for good reason; there is a lot to learn in

how many three year old children

use to enable an improvement in the family

the profession before you can call yourself a

dynamic and harmony.

professional. A good measure of appropriate

When I first started working

completely ruled households. I

am not talking here about parents treating

qualifications? You should be able to get

the children as important members of the

private health insurance to pay for some of

household; I am talking about toddlers dictating the terms. I know of one family who decided whether the father would take an important job in another city by asking their child whether he wanted to move house. The four year old said no and the family stayed put.

Things aren’t probably like this in your household, however key questions I would ask you are “Does your child cooperate

Nearly everything

the cost of psychological treatment.

is treatable or able

Ask for evidence of success of the techniques/program they are proposing

to be improved, but I recommend

As a clinical psychologist, I can only use

getting help earlier

treatments that have empirical evidence of

rather than later.

because it seems like a good idea or I got

success. I am not allowed to do something

with you with a minimum of fuss?” “Do you

some great feedback from a few former

wake up confident everyday that your child

clients. You have every right to ask the

will generally comply with the way you want

professional why they are choosing the

the day to go or do they always want to be in charge?” "Can you say that your child is usually respectful to you and, if they are not,

particular treatment they are suggesting.

How you can find good treatment

that you have a system in place where they have some sort of meaningful consequence that may make them improve their attitude?”

If you have issues with any of these, I

In general, the expert you are working with should be giving you or your child actual strategies to cope with the issue and have

Finding a professional The easiest way to find a good

some idea of how long it will take. They also should be able to justify their treatment

psychologist is to speak to your family GP

choice by empirical evidence published in

would encourage you to seek some qualified

to get their recommendations; most doctors

professional journals. Talk therapy, by just

parenting assistance. Nearly everything

have a group of trusted professionals they

unloading your day or your past, doesn’t

is treatable or able to be improved, but I

can recommend. Another way is to go to

have a lot of evidence of success; in some

recommend getting help earlier rather than later.

the Australian Psychological Society (www.

cases it can exacerbate the issues by dwelling

Child noncompliance is much easier to treat

psychology.org.au). This is a service that

on difficulty. Over time, there should be

than teen noncompliance and teen disrespect

assists you to find a range of people with

improvement in the way you or your child is

is easier to treat than young adult disrespect.

appropriate experience, located close to you.

coping and it typically shouldn’t take too long.

insight | 63 Be particularly wary of people who tend to always promote their program as the only type of solution they offer. If they only have one answer, then they probably aren’t properly diagnosing and tailoring genuine solutions.

Parents should always be involved in some way in the treatment These days I rarely work with any child without involving, ideally, both parents in treatment, even if it is just to inform them of the techniques we are discussing, teaching them better ways to communicate with each other, or informing them of strategies to ensure the family unit is not overly affected by the child’s issues. If I am teaching the child to change their behaviour then I typically have to inform the parents of the best ways to support this or the situation won’t improve.

Parent-child relationships go on for much longer than therapy and everyone needs to have a game plan. Sometimes I don’t even see the children. For example, with children under the age of 12, I often will only see the parents, as they are in the best

Here to help

position to help their child cope with things; this is especially true of behavioural issues.

Brisbane Boys’ College has a great counselling team who are there to support you and your child and assist you to find the help you need.

Avail yourself of their expertise.

Judith locke Judith Locke is a registered clinical psychologist, and former teacher and workplace trainer. She is a researcher at QUT, investigating modern parenting, child and parent wellbeing and the school environment. Judith also undertakes clinical work with families.

Judith is the director of Confident and Capable ®, an organisation specialising in

There is no shame in receiving parenting advice or employing a professional to assist your child in coping better. In the last 10 years, the federal government has shown their belief in the value of early intervention in assisting all of the population to function optimally, recognising it is not just the extreme clinical issues that impact on Australians’ wellbeing, functioning and our nation’s economic bottom line. As a result, they are funding evidence-based programs and therapy enabling adults and children to live lives free from or unconstrained by major and minor mental health issues.

The opportunities to improve your child’s functioning or coping are available,

delivering dynamic psychological training

but professionals like myself are counting on parents like you to help us find

solutions. Recent national and international

the children and families and treat their issues at the point where we can

training work includes sessions on parenting,

have maximum positive impact.

resilience in children and improving staff wellbeing. Judith’s psychological commentary on current events has featured in media, both

Don’t wait too long to avail yourself of this support if you or your loved ones need it.

nationally and internationally.

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

BY CHRIS BATES

Getting involved

64 | insight

There are a number of factors that contribute to creating what are known

One of the great rewards of working in a school like Brisbane Boys’ College is the opportunity to see the personal growth of students. In my view, the key to this growth is a collective approach to getting involved in the vast array of activities on offer. My insights

to be ‘great schools’. Clearly, academic

emanate from my own positive experience and involvement with the GPS system over the

success is one factor of considerable

last 20 years.

Recently, in a Year 7 House Tutor Group session, a team of elected Year 10 student

weight. While final academic results are

mentors approached me to promote the importance of getting involved to our Year 7

clearly the most important benchmark of

cohort. The mentors quite succinctly listed the various activities on the white board (term

departure and transition, boys will more likely remember other moments in their schooling lives as the formative moments – those splices of time when College

by term) so that the Year 7 boys could write down some preferences of sporting, cultural or community service activities they would like to try. The list was seemingly endless, which led to an immediate increase in wider school involvement from that particular Year 7 group.

This student-led activity impressed on me that every boy that enters BBC possesses his own unique set of skills, talents and interests. Importantly, the opportunity to pursue these talents, share knowledge and get involved in the various activities in the school community

Spirit became the most significant and

is a vital learning tool for every boy. It can also change the whole atmosphere of what

memorable factor. And whilst school

already is a closely bonded school community.

spirit and success may seem worlds apart,

The benefits of school community involvement

fostering a strong sense of community

A sense of self-discovery

invariably leads to improved student outcomes.

BBC’s Chris Bates, who teaches

Recently in my acting role as School Sergeant in 2011, I noticed a parallel between good behaviour and heavy BBC community involvement. Conversely, some students who did not involve themselves in many of the various school activities did share with me a sense of disconnectedness with their peers and teachers, which in some instances led to

Commerce, is involved in the Indigenous

misbehaviour. Students often do not wish to involve themselves in activities due to a fear

Education Program and coaches tennis

it to these students to encourage them to get involved. Doing so may very well enable

of failure or lack of confidence. I feel that we as educators, with the help of parents, owe

shares his insights on the importance of

them to discover a hidden talent or passion in which they can further explore. While there

‘getting involved’.

is a healthy implicit focus at Brisbane Boys’ College to strive for excellence in all pursuits, perhaps as pertinent is the need for students to ‘have a go’ and learn from the experience regardless of success or failure.

insight | 65

+

BBC BOYS SHOW SCHOOL SPIRIT

Students can immerse themselves in the school community by way of theatre, drama, music, community service, outdoor education and more.

Involvement in any of these leads to happier healthier students and therefore improved outcomes in the classroom.

A sense of belonging Having been part of the BBC Tennis program since 2004, I have seen a strong culture develop within this cohort. Several boys describe the Tennis Office as their home away from home.

Students freely meet there before school, during lunch breaks and after school to talk tennis, catch up with friends, or complete homework. They feel comfortable and as a result a culture of community is created.

A sense of school spirit School spirit is not just about showing up to a GPS event and yelling from the stands.

Sometimes the small things can impact in a major way and I often see this in my role as the First IV Coach. It is not uncommon for CIC players to attend First IV matches in support of their older peers. For the younger students, this is their opportunity to observe and learn from those in a team that they aspire to represent in future years. The First players are seen to be role models and play an important role in fostering school spirit. Some examples are small gestures like joining in a practice session with a CIC team or simply asking the boys about their results. Every boy in this environment feels like he is contributing to the College and is a valued member of the cohort.

Teacher involvement For many students, their passion is born out of a teacher’s encouragement to try something new. Similarly, if a teacher can walk into his or her classroom on a Monday morning and know which students were involved in various activities over the weekend, it works wonders in creating a welcoming learning environment. By showing interest in boys outside of the classroom it enables us, as teachers, to create a greater sense of mutual respect and adds to the spirit of the school.

Parent involvement Parents play an important part in the equation too and their involvement in co-curricular activities can contribute very positively to the ‘family’ atmosphere of the College. Most boys have an innate desire to show off their skills. They want their parents to not only share in their achievements, but to witness them and be a part of the environment. One only needs to go to Speech Night, a musical concert or a school assembly at which special awards are given to see the sense of pride that the boys have in their school and their achievements. Sometimes a parent’s presence at these events is all that is needed to provide their sons with the opportunity to show a sense of pride in their College.

Parents can also assist by enabling their sons to support their peers. This is more difficult as life in 2013 seems to be busier than ever for most families, but if achievable it pays dividends in increasing school spirit amongst students.

A team effort Clearly teachers, parents and students alike are shareholders in the success and atmosphere of Brisbane Boys’ College. It is therefore vital that we all actively involve ourselves in school life.

These schooling years are pivotal for a student's development. Involvement in a range of activities adds to a student's sense of belonging, which invariably leads to better results across the board in the long term.

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

66 | insight

GET CONNECTED Putting parents in touch with resources

Raising Children Network

JumpStart

http://raisingchildren.net.au/

http://www.jumpstart.com/parents/resources/kids-resources

This Australian parenting website is a complete resource for

JumpStart has a large collection of fun activities and games for kids

parenting newborns to teens. With tips and resources on child

with a focus on resources for children aged 3 to 10 years. JumpStart

behaviour, communication and development, to health, nutrition and

delivers children's learning games with high-quality 3D graphics and

safety, this website helps parents with the day-to-day decisions of

advanced game play. The site guarantees a safe and secure online

raising children.

environment where kids can interact, explore and learn.

Created by a partnership of member organisations of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

JumpStart also has several successful educational mobile apps

leading early childhood agencies, the Raising Children website

including Preschool Magic of Learning and My ABC Book, as well as

is produced with the help of an extensive network including the

casual apps like Punk Punk Blitz and Roller Squash. From ABC games

Australian Government.

for your preschooler to advanced mathematics games for your Middle

In addition to being a source of information for parents, Raising

School child, and everything in between, the apps teach your children

Children aims to offer personal support by helping to connect people

important skills while keeping them entertained for hours on end.

through forums. The My Neighbourhood feature on this site also gives

These may prove useful when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out and about!

users the ability to connect with others in their own areas so that you can discuss local issues and tips with like-minded people.

Cybersmart http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/parents.aspx With a blog, toolbox and resources on topics from cyberbullying and digital reputation to file sharing and identity theft, the Cybersmart website is designed for parents to educate and explore cybersafety issues and social networking with their family. Designed to support and encourage participation in the digital economy, Cybersmart provides information and education which empowers children to be safe online.

Cybersmart is a national cybersafety and cybersecurity education program managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The Parent Blog is a place to share information and explore cybersafety issues, while the Parent Cybersafety Toolbox arms you with educational resources to teach your children about online safety. And if you would like information on how to protect you and your family when using social networking sites, search engines and online games, then the Social Networking Resources is a perfect place to start.

connect | 67

connect old collegians

wher e a r e they now

ev ents

68 OCA Handover The baton of leadership has been passed to incoming Old Collegiansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association President Alex Persley

70 Looking Forward This year the BBC Foundation has their sights set firmly on the future

79 Captains' Reception Past Captains and Vice Captains reunite

80 Ron Wright The restoration of the A.W. Rudd reveals the story of the Wright Family

Philanthropic Endeavours THR EE v ery DIFFER ENT old COLLEGI A NS W ITH A COMMON TIE

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

68 | connect

oca HANDOVER Following an extremely productive and successful term, the baton of leadership has been passed to incoming Old Collegians’ Association President Alex Persley. For the past two years Peter Dun has worked tirelessly to uphold the traditions of BBC and with quiet determination he has continued to strive to keep the OCA relevant in the eyes of the greater College community. We catch up with Peter to reflect on this time and turn to Alex for what’s in store for the future.

peter dun OUTGOING oca president

The last two years serving as OCA President

Persley for focussing us on the need for

future of our organisation. Indeed a new group

strategic planning and an increased focus on

of young old boys meets each month prior to

supportive roles within the school.

the Executive meeting to ensure input from

The support of John Stewart and the

those old boys who are entering the world of

have been a most rewarding and memorable

Vintage Collegians has been invaluable, both

experience. Having served on the Executive

to myself and to the greater community. Full

previously, worked with parent support groups

credit goes to John and the boys for the

begun to realise its true potential as a vital and

and kept informed, the challenges for the OCA

fact that College House is now the hub of

connected network of like-minded individuals,

in the 21st century were something with which

development at BBC.

working with the school for mutual benefit.

I’d become well acquainted. This transition

Bren Arkinstall and Kelly Edwards have

life after school.

The OCA over the last year in particular has

Over the next two years Alex will have the

report speaks to recent achievements and

seized the day for the OCA and full credit goes

challenge of using his corporate experience

future directions and whilst recognising the

to Graeme McDonald for empowering them.

to consolidate the OCA as a 21st century

need for change, pays no service to where we

Graeme’s support for the OCA has helped us

network with relevant structures in place

were and embraces the future.

to grow the association and rebrand it for the

to ensure the good work of this Executive

21st century.

builds a stronger and more resource based

Twenty first century communications have transformed the BBC OCA into a vibrant and

The amalgamation of Collegian and Sons

community. The young old boys have a great

relevant organisation. We’ve doubled our email

of the College has been an overwhelming

opportunity to ensure that the OCA is relevant

database and are now in touch every month

success, stamping the OCA as an integral

for those leaving school today. Young men in

with more than 3000 old boys through an

element of College life today. We’re looking

their first few years out of school are the ones

emailed newsletter with links to our magnificent

forward to establishing an OCA Directory,

with the greatest potential to benefit from a

website. The following old boys deserve

listing businesses owned by old boys and

strong and vital collegiate.

mention for facilitating and catalysing change.

entrepreneurial ventures in which old boys

Phil Winning dreamed of revitalised

Our vision, to rebuild the OCA as a

are involved. It’s my dream that the OCA can

dynamic, vibrant and youthful organisation,

communications through better web

foster and facilitate greater entrepreneurship

is bearing fruit. Engaging the Year 12s before

management. Arthur Palmer highlighted the

in those leaving school. BBC is steeped in

they leave the school and retaining the interest

need for better communications and branding.

history and incredibly well networked through

of as many as possible through the ethos of

Peter Macgregor brought the OCA back to

the OCA. All old boys are encouraged to write

'Opportunity for Every Old Boy' is becoming

the fold, in its rightful place beside the school

something for Collegian to that end.

a reality. And so, it’s with a degree of sadness

and supportive of its endeavours. Mitch Palm

In 2012, the decade reunions and annual

that I’ve stepped down as President of the

showed us what was possible with Sons of the

dinner saw a big boost to numbers attending,

OCA but at the same time I’m very confident

College magazine and I’ve been very lucky to

with the Annual Dinner drawing almost 60

that Alex Persley will take our association

have an enthusiastic team of facilitators and

percent of attendees from those who left the

to a new level with greater participation and

an ally in Andrew Macarthur, Chairman of the

school in the 21st century. An emphasis on

enthusiasm than all past presidents would

BBC Foundation.

less formality in both dress and function has

have believed possible.

Attendances at Executive meetings were excellent and my special thanks go to Alex

attracted more young old boys who are the

connect | 69

ALEX PERSLEY

The OCA has recently launched ‘The

forming ‘The Directors Circle’ where groups

OCA Bursary’ that is designed to assist

of prominent old boys talk to First teams

current or prospective students, who have a

the day of their home games about their

family connection to a BBC Old Boy, attend

experience at BBC and how the lessons they

it has been my privilege to be elected as

the College. We are proud to be currently

learnt at school have set a great foundation

President of the OCA for the next two years

supporting a group of deserving young men,

for their professional life.

to continue the good work of the past.

who otherwise would have been unable to

Peter has been inspirational in his role and

attend the College. Our goal is to have one

turned into a highlight of the sporting calendar

we have witnessed the fine work he has

recipient of the bursary in each Senior School

as old boy rowers send off the First VIII to

completed in increasing communication within

year level within two years. We hope that

the Head of the River. It is a well attended

the network. We now have a best-in-class

this sends a definitive message to old boys,

event and a great way for the passion of BBC

website, monthly e-newletters, increased

current students and prospective parents that

rowing to be passed on between generations.

database and well attended events resulting

here at BBC we look after our own.

oca president

As Peter Dun’s term comes to an end,

in a re-connected community. Peter has been

Mental health is the single biggest health

The ‘Pride of the River Function’ has

We have also had a dramatic increase in the number of attendees at Old Boys

selfless with his time and energy over the

issue facing young Australians with 27

Weekend and the Annual Dinner event in both

past two years and I would particularly like

percent of 18 to 25 year olds experiencing

2012 and 2013.

to thank him for the good manner and

problems each year. I, like most of us, have

courtesy of his conduct during his tenure

witnessed the tragic results of such illnesses

OCA as we strive to add value to the College

as President. Fortunately Peter has

within the old boy community. The OCA will

and the boy community, with the continued

decided to stay on the committee to head

be working with United Synergies to help raise

support of Headmaster Graeme McDonald

up our communications.

awareness and form support programs for

I am confident we will achieve the high

those suffering from mental health problems

ambitions to which we aspire.

There has been some re-shuffling of the committee this year as we welcome back Rick Bird and introduce Ben Young, Ben

within the greater network.

The greatest strength of BBC is the quality

Hobbs, Steve Pyman and Jeff Ubergang as

of the men it produces and we thank those

new members as Cameron Crouch takes up

old boys for giving back to the school through

the role of Vice President.

the OCA Mentor program. The program is

The work done in the Development Office

a support network for the current Year 12

cannot be overstated as Bren Arkinstall and

students to assist them in their progression

Kelly Edwards work tirelessly behind the

from school to the workforce. The mentor

scenes to ensure that all the OCA activities

program sits at the core of the OCA ethos

run as well as they do. The Development

of giving back to the school and the

Office will play an even more integral part

current students.

as we increase the philanthropic activities of the committee.

I am excited for the next two years of the

I congratulate one of our new committee members, Steve Pyman, on his initiative in

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

70 | connect

FORWARD THINKING THIS YEAR THE BBC FOUNDATION HAS THEIR SIGHTS SET FIRMLY ON THE FUTURE, WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAVING SPENT THE LAST 12 MONTHS FORMALISING AND IMPLEMENTING THE FOUNDATION’S INVESTMENT STRATEGY. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THE COLLEGE CAN CONTINUE TO PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE, THROUGH REGULAR AND CONSISTENT FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTIONS OVER THE NEXT CENTURY AND BEYOND.

The long-term strategy will see donations, bequests and surplus from Foundation

vibrant, growing and sustainable foundations.

The BBC Foundation Investment

This investment strategy will ensure BBC has all it needs financially and through regular

fundraising activities added to the investment

Committee, worked alongside the College’s

Foundation distributions can plan for future

each year, ensuring positive growth and

governing body, the PMSA, to develop a

upgrades to facilities and continue to provide

healthy annual fund distributions back to the

framework for appropriate asset allocation.

fantastic educational opportunities to boys

College. To kick-start the corpus amount

This process ensured a safe, risk free portfolio

who can’t afford the cost of a BBC education.

and establish a strong financial base, the

that adhered to the values of the PMSA

An imminent reduction in government funding

Foundation transferred $1.55 million to the

and would provide strong and consistent

highlights the importance of initiatives such as

fund earlier in the year.

returns to the Foundation over time. The BBC

the Foundation’s Investment Strategy and the

Foundation distributed commercial investment

importance of this fund will become evident

net of consultation during the development

tender documents and received several

as funding decreases. Now is the time to

process of its investment strategy, working

high level proposals, from top tier financial

turn our attention not only to the immediate

with top educational institutions both in

investment firms. We are happy to report that

projects on the horizon, but also to the future.

Australia and the United States. Without

the successful tender was awarded to Wilson

What will the needs of this great College and

doubt many of the world’s most recognised

HTM. Given the long-standing association

our community be in 100 years?

educational institutions are among the

with this company, it is wonderful that the

world’s investment leaders. The Foundation

extremely competitive tender was won by an

has also engaged Paxton Hall Lawyers,

old BBC firm.

The BBC Foundation has cast a wide

one of Australia’s most respected firms

Chairman of the BBC Foundation, Andrew

specialising in best practice and legislation

Macarthur, spoke about the importance of

in the not-for-profit sector, ensuring the

such a landmark moment for the College.

Foundation’s corporate governance and

“Through the generosity of our community,

structure is consistent with the ever-changing

it is our goal to grow this investment figure

regulatory industry environment. Through this

to $10 million in the not so distant future.

consultation process, the Foundation has

We must manage the contributions made

learned that the establishment and growth

by the community and BBC Foundation’s

of investment programs designed to protect

investments for the long term, look to

and grow organisational assets, combined

continually grow our capital corpus and make

with a policy of reinvestment and considered,

considered disbursements to projects that

consistent and sustainable disbursement is

will develop and enhance the educational

a common thread shared by all long lived,

landscape at BBC.”

Like to KNOW more... about the work of the BBC Foundation and the Foundation Investment Fund?

Please contact Director of Development Bren Arkinstall on 3309 3513.

connect | 71

Photography Desiree Navarro/Getty Images

BY Nicholas Adermann

Wiggling into the purple skivvy

Old Collegian Lachlan Gillespie became the new purple Wiggle, after three of the original members of the group hung up their skivvies earlier this year. Joining existing member Anthony Field, Gillespie made the step up with fellow newcomers Simon Pryce and Emma Watkins to become the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Next Generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of Wiggles. Lachlan had been travelling with the Wiggles since 2009, performing various different roles with the group before getting the big promotion.

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

72 | connect

Throughout his time at the College, Lachlan

Greg Johnson who, was a very serious Deputy

was amazing,” he said.

Since then, Lachlan has been touring

studied Drama and Music before adding Music

Head of the Senior School, but turned into

Extension in Year 11. Being a student who

a music theatre lover and stage man in the

around the world for most of this year, visiting

had his heart set on the creative arts, Gillespie

afternoons.”

Australia, New Zealand and North America.

The new Wiggles also have their first TV series

says that BBC gave him the perfect platform

Like most other aspiring performers,

to peruse his dreams of a career in the area.

Lachlan had to work elsewhere while trying

'Ready Steady Wiggle' which started on the

“I never really saw myself doing anything else,

to land that life-changing role. “I was living in

ABC in August.

other than trying to get into a music theatre

Melbourne, working at a local cafe while I was

course,” he said.

auditioning for everything that came my way.

will get the chance to be back in Brisbane

The performing arts industry is incredibly tough

in December, when the Wiggles do their first

These areas can sometimes find themselves

As a part of his busy schedule, Lachlan

out of favour to other areas of interest, such

and you can spend the majority of the time

national tour of Australia. Every so often,

as sport or academia; but Lachlan says BBC

walking away from auditions after getting so

Lachlan gets the chance to come back to

had the necessary programs and facilities to

close,” Lachlan said.

BBC to visit his old teachers, and keep up with

support his interests. “It’s fantastic at BBC. If

After a successful audition with The

how his old school is going. “My mum is still

you want to learn music or drama, you had

Wiggles in 2009, Lachlan found himself touring

teaching at the College in the Junior School,

absolutely no problems in doing so,” Gillespie

nationally with the group just three days later.

so I do occasionally pop in when I can. It’s

said. “Having these opportunities at the

“I toured with the Dorothy show for two and a

wonderful to see my old teachers. I would like

College led to a huge confidence boost leading

half years, travelling to all corners of Australia

to visit more, but I am very rarely in Brisbane

up to finishing school.”

and New Zealand. It was an incredible time,”

for more than a day at time, so it gets a little

he said. “This was a dream come true. A

hard to fit everything in,” Gillespie said.

Lachlan was heavily involved in the music program, not only studying the subject, but

chance to tour the world with the original four

Lachlan’s advice for those students wishing

undertaking extra curricular music programs

Wiggles, who I had looked up to and held in

to pursue a career in the creative arts is to

that gave him relevant experience. “The BBC

such high regard, long before I joined all the

make yourself stand out from the pack. “Only

Music program was fantastic. I remember

way back in 2009.”

this year I have learnt one of my biggest life

nervously preparing for the Trinity College

Gillespie saw touring with The Wiggles

lessons, and that is to find out what makes

singing exams, both individually, and as part

as an honour, and was proud to be able to

you unique, and use that to your advantage,”

of the choir, which were good tests. I was part

continue the existing dynasty. “The Wiggles

Lachlan said. “I was very nervous knowing that

of the choir program right through my senior

have been travelling and performing for

I was going to be taking the purple skivvy from

years at BBC and enjoyed that immensely.”

children all over the world for 21 years. I am

Jeff. I thought to be the next purple Wiggle

During his latter years at the school,

so grateful to The Wiggles for giving me this

I had to continue being Jeff, and not myself.

Lachlan participated in school productions,

opportunity,” Gillespie said. “It is a very special

The sooner you can discover what makes

which provided him with an avenue to test

job, not only performing live shows but also

you different to everyone else, the easier it is

himself in a professional environment, and gain

visiting the hospitals and meeting children with

to realise you were never meant to get those

valuable stage time. Lachlan’s fondest memory

special needs. I absolutely love it.”

other auditions because you land a role you

of his time at the College was being cast as

Halfway through last year, Lachlan learned

were born to play,” he said

Bill Hickok in their production of ‘Calamity

that the original Wiggles were retiring, and

The Wiggles are touring around Australia

Jane’. “I was eagerly awaiting the opportunity

was asked to step into the shoes of Geoff,

this December in their ‘Ready Steady Wiggle’

to audition for the school musicals once I

the purple Wiggle. “I had dreams of maybe

tour, which is the first opportunity to see

reached Year 11. It was a wonderful thing to

putting on a coloured skivvy one day, but it

the new generation of Wiggles in Australia.

be able to finish school of an afternoon, and

was a dream just to tour as a Wiggly dancer

Lachlan and the other Wiggles will be visiting

then run up to the chapel where the girls of St

and singer for the guys, but to be one of them

the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 23

Aidan’s would meet with the boys of BBC for

was amazing. When I eventually put the purple

December.

rehearsal. This was all led by the creative Mr

skivvy on in the new year, I was speechless. It

connect | 73

Philanthropy in Action In this edition of Collegian we bring you the story of three very different old collegians. Whilst these 1996 old boys have gone on to tackle various pursuits their journeys share one common tie â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that being the desire to make a difference and to give back in a way thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meaningful to their lives. As individual as they are inspiring we bring you the story of Gervaise Kelly, Ben Young and John Corry.

Gervaise kelly

JOHN Corry BEN young

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

74 | connect Chevy lives with his young family in the UK where he has been for 11 years. "The Kelly Gang is a close one and even though I am about 16,000kms away, I wanted to be able to give back to the wonderful people that had helped Louis and will continue to help the victims and their families effected when brain cancer is diagnosed. Importantly, I want to help fund the wonderful research with a view to eradicating this terrible cancer in the future," said Chevy.

When I attended Louis' funeral in Sydney I was greatly inspired by his mates and his old school’s community (Sydney GPS School, Riverview) who really showed some overwhelming support for the Kelly family," he said.

"Louis was a really special person. He was a very kind, talented artist who had strong convictions and wasn't afraid to stand up for what he thought was right. The very fact that he would often give his bus money to the homeless and take a long walk home from school instead gives a glimmer of his selfless nature. The planet needs people like him to stick around for longer and make it a better place to live. This wasn't to be but it does not mean his legacy can’t live on. As a parent myself I can only imagine the grief of Louis’ parents Rob and Lucy Kelly and his sisters Imogen, Madeline and Zoe and admire their incredible strength."

Chevy developed an ambitious target of $24,000 hoping to generate at least $2000 per challenge over the 12 months. At this point Chevy had completed seven of the challenges and has raised over $10,300.

Besides rugby and rowing training in his BBC days Chevy had not really run more than 10kms nor had the desire to do so. Whilst keeping active since then, albeit not competitively, Chevy decided to really step it up in the hope each month would be seen as a real challenge.

Gervaise Kelly Gervaise Kelly (1993-1996), or Chevy to his mates, family and work colleagues, is currently chasing a target of $24,000 by completing 12 Physical Challenges in 12 Months for the Sydney Neuro-Oncology Group. He is doing so as

The Challenges So Far: January: The Iceman - 16km Mudrun in near freezing temperatures.

February: The Brighton Half Marathon - Running with an Army Captain and friend helped get him across in one hour and 32 minutes.

March: The Nuts Challenge - Four laps of a 8.3km course and 240 obstacles through water and mud at three degrees. Chevy came sixth out of the seven that finished from a field of 70. The majority of the field retired due to hyperthermia.

April: The Brighton Marathon - Chevy achieved his goal of beating the four hour mark by falling over the line in three hours and 45 minutes.

a tribute to his cousin Louis Kelly who sadly passed away

May: Rat Race DIrty Weekend - Coined "The Longest Assault Course

after Christmas 2012 from an aggressive Brain Cancer at

In the world" - 33km and 200 obstacles.

the tender age of 19.

June: 100km Walk in 24 hours from London to Brighton.

July: The Swiss Alpine Marathon - A Marathon at altitude Davos, Switzerland.

August: Paddling a kayak across the English Channel

ABOVE: GERVAISE KELLY COMPETING IN 'THE NUTS CHALLENGE'.

September - December is to be confirmed.

OPPOSITE: BEN YOUNG AND JOHN CORRY WALKING THE KOKODA TRAIL TOGETHER in 2009.

Should you wish to help a fantastic Australian charity in the Sydney Neuro Oncology Group and help Chevy pay tribute to his cousin Louis Kelly visit https://give.everydayhero. com/au/chevy-gervaise-kelly. All donations are ring fenced purely for funding research.

connect | 75

Ben Young Ben Young's relatively short career has followed an unusual trajectory. After many years of academic achievement and commercial success Ben made an

particular the enormous impact that the scheme's coordinator, Eduard Desfontaines ('Sarge'), had on his life.

After graduating in 1996 Ben continued to be heavily involved in the BBC school community. He lived and worked at the school as a boarding tutor and coached rowing crews from 1998 to 2004 eventually becoming the Director of Coaching and coaching the 2002 First VIII to victory with co-coach Jack Hutchinson.

During his coaching days he also completed Bachelors degrees in

interesting shift in February 2013 when he commenced

Arts (Economics/Psychology) and Business. He then commenced at

as CEO of the not for profit organisation, Shake It Up

Hutchinson Builders working for many years in a high level management

Australia Foundation.

position before moving to Shake It Up earlier this year.

Ben was first inspired to move into the not for profit sector after witnessing firsthand what a big difference a small group of individuals

The young but flourishing not for profit foundation was established

can make when in 2009 he lead a fundraising initiative close to his

in 2011 to fund world's best research to find the cure for Parkinson's

heart. Ben along with fellow 1996 old boys John Corry, Ben Churven,

disease. A condition which Shake It Up's founder, Clyde Campbell, as

Richard Garland and Matt White undertook to trek the Kokoda Trail

well as over 80,000 fellow Australians live with every day.

to raise funds to purchase a pair of state of the art prosthetic legs for

Ben was attracted to the role of CEO after meeting with Clyde and

Ben's wife, Phoebe (an amputee since the age of 18). Not only did the

recognising his purity of motive in establishing the foundation. After 10

men finish the trek in a mere six days but they inspired a community

years in the private sector Ben was looking for a change and wanted to

to donate so generously that Phoebe was able to purchase a pair

be part of a philanthropic cause that contributed to the community.

of walking legs, a pair of swimming legs and donate the surplus to

In fact, Ben's community mindedness can be traced back to his

YoungCare. The effort brought much improvement to Phoebe's every

BBC school days when he was a keen rower, rugby player, debater,

day comfort and mobility as well as the opportunity to swim freely in the

Year 12 prefect and Duke of Edinburgh gold awardee. Ben carries

ocean, a luxury she could not previously enjoy.

strong memories from his Duke of Edinburgh involvement and in

Contrary to an often cynical public perception, Ben firmly believes

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

76 | connect that charitable entities need not be slow moving and bureaucratic.

"My 10 years at Hutchies provided enormous opportunities to apply

both the winner and the charity taking home $37,500 each. John was struck by the palpable crowd excitement during the draw. He

classroom theories to the realities of the commercial world. I now want

returned to Brisbane, spoke to co-founder Ross Hayward and after a

to apply the approaches most commonly found in the private sector to

year of investing every spare moment and significant funds they found

a not for profit."

themselves running 50-50's first draw. The planning, execution and

Moving to the not for profit sector has certainly not caused Ben to slow down. In addition to his role as CEO, he recently completed an MBA, is a committee member of the BBC Old Collegians' Association,

management of 50-50 is all conducted outside of John's busy work life as an Adviser at Macquarie Bank in Brisbane.

John's drive and community spirit is also evident from his active

continues to maintain a private consulting business and welcomed his

membership in the BBC community both during and following his

first child, a boy, with Phoebe in August.

school days. He recalls his time at BBC fondly, playing cricket, rugby,

Ben is proud of his work so far at Shake It Up. This year the foundation has: committed to funding an additional three Australian research projects; hosted a Parkinson's research forum with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and some of Australia's leading researchers; established critical corporate partnerships and significantly increased the level of engagement with the Parkinson's community.

To find out more about the work of the Foundation, its partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, or how you can become involved go to www.shakeitup.org.au

AFL and leading as a prefect in his senior year.

"I was the Stephen Bradbury of the 1995 First XI undefeated Cricket Premiership and in a 1996 First XI match bowling off spin pies on Main Oval I got hit for 34 runs in a single over, I still blame our captain for poor field placement."

John also has strong memories of the lessons learned at school from mentors such as 'Sarge', Rev Cole and teachers like Chickory Macksoud, Steve Phillpotts and Wayne Banks. In particular John states that, "it is the lifelong friendships forged during my time at BBC that I value the most."

After school John pursued his sporting interests spending time in England coaching Surrey Junior Cricketers and later playing a season of semi-professional Rugby in Dublin, Ireland (where he purports that he was largely paid in Guinness). Eventually John returned to Brisbane to complete both an undergraduate and a masters degree in Finance at QUT. John credits his social entrepreneurship to a chance meeting with John Wood, founder of the global charity Room to Read and author of the New York Times best seller Leaving Microsoft To Change The World.

“Wood certainly inspired me to do more and as the idea for 50-50 grew I became really excited about its potential to multiply funds raised

John Corry This year John Corry, another 1996 BBC graduate, cofounded the innovative and enterprising charity, the 50-50 Draw. In conjunction with the Queensland Reds and Brisbane Broncos, John and an army of 50-50 volunteers can be found

for the causes we all care about as opposed to a one off donation or a one off fundraiser.”

50-50's charitable causes are aligned to those nominated by its partners the Brisbane Broncos and the Queensland Reds, both leading organisations of their codes in Australia. “We have basically created a facility for them to utilise.” So far funds have been raised for various organisations such as Starlight Children’s and Cancer Patients' Foundation.

BBC's strong connection with the Reds is no secret given the success of old boys James Horwill, Will Genia and John Roe. These players in particular do a lot of great work in the community with

roaming Suncorp Stadium selling 50-50 tickets by way of

James an Ambassador for the Pyjama Foundation. John hopes 50-50

iPad and wireless printers to patrons during home games.

can assist to further raise funds and awareness for great community

The proceeds collected through these ticket sales form a prize pool with 50 percent going to the lucky winning ticket holder of the random draw and the remaining 50 percent to charity. Hence the name 50-50.

initiatives whilst at the same time adding to the excitement of the match day experience for Broncos and Reds fans.

According to John, as the 50-50 Draw is such a novel concept in Australia the best way Collegian readers can help is to spread the word.

And of course if you ever find yourself at a Broncos or Reds game buy a 50-50 ticket to help raise money for excellent causes and for your chance to win half the prize pool!

In its short life 50-50 has raised over $130,000 in funds with that

50-50 is always looking for volunteers to assist in

total growing weekly. The idea was born after John attended an ice

selling tickets on game day so if you are interested please

hockey game in Canada on his honeymoon and witnessed a similar

email vols@5050draw.com.au. To find out more go to

concept. During the match the prize pool reached $75,000 with

www.5050draw.com.au

connect | 77

James meets his match As the sea of Red at Ballymore came into focus, a young James Thompson declared, “Dad, I’m really nervous, I’m so nervous.” The nerves

Record breakER!

however failed to wipe away his ear-to-ear grin as he prepared to meet his heroes – the Queensland Reds.

Having been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age two, a severe and

Bill Roberts (BBC 1939-42) has set what is

progressive muscle wasting disease that

“James went home buzzing that night and has deemed it the best day of his life.”

James’ parents Julian and Sharyn

believed to be the world’s longest unbroken run

is already affecting James’ mobility, the

have been raising awareness and funds

in writing a weekly newspaper column. Since

afternoon was particularly special for this

for Muscular Dystrophy since James’

January 1960, Bill’s column “Hub Rattles” about

young rugby enthusiast.

diagnosis.

happenings in the Queensland country town of

The opportunity came about thanks to

In 2007 Julian cycled across Cambodia

Murgon has appeared every week without fail

a phone call from Bren Arkinstall, a family

with a group of cyclists, raising $200,000

in the South Burnett Times. Over 54 years, this

friend and Director of Development at

and then created The Tour Duchenne,

amounts to 2,860 weekly columns and more

Brisbane Boys’ College, to Reds Captain

which saw 25 people cycle from Sydney

than 16,000 different stories!

and BBC Old Collegian James Horwill.

to Melbourne to raise money for research.

Bill has never missed a week because

“I called James Horwill and asked if he

when he goes away on holidays, he supplies

could meet my little mate James, because

his column in advance. Bill’s first published

he loves the Reds. It was such a special

work was in the The Portal (BBC’s Yearbook)

afternoon," Mr Arkinstall said.

in 1942 when he was a member of The Portal

to chat with James. They introduced

accountancy for a year before joining the Royal

themselves and shook his hand, talked

Australian Air Force in 1944. After the war, he

to him about Rugby and James Horwill

finished his accountancy studies and set up

presented him with his very own signed

practice in Murgon. Bill was Mayor of Murgon

Reds jersey,” he said.

Shire Council from 1972 to 2000. When he

“I can’t thank James and the entire

opened the Murgon Show this year, he was

Reds team enough for taking the time at

introduced as “Mr Murgon.”

the business end of their pre-season

accountant and is keen to keep his unbroken run of columns going as long as he can. He has

to give little James a day he’ll never forget.

“Sharing the same birthday

kept a tear-sheet of every one and they take up

and name as James Horwill,

boxes and boxes in his Murgon office.

the pair formed a special

Bill, who has had strong involvement with

Dystrophy Foundation.

"Each of the players took time out

committee. After leaving BBC, Bill studied

Bill, who turns 88 in April, still works as an

Julian now also works for the Muscular

bond, with Horwill

BBC Old Collegians over the years, mentions

making it clear that

BBC in his columns whenever he can. For

James will always

example, when Blake O’Brien was Vice-Captain

be welcome to

of the school and Captain of Debating and

visit the Reds.

Volleyball in 1996, Bill gave regular updates because of Blake’s family connection with Murgon. Blake’s great-grandfather Kevin McMahon was a pioneer of broadcasting in the town and instilled in the family a love of public speaking.

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

78 | connect

SECOND generation Brisbane residential estate agent and BBC old boy Jack Dixon looks set to challenge his father’s impressive record for achievement in the profession.

Just 18 months after partnering with father Patrick Dixon (also an old collegian) to launch Toowong-based Dixon Family Estate Agents, Jack has stepped on stage in The Great Hall of Parliament House Canberra to accept the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s highest accolade for young real estate professionals.

The REIA 2013 Achievement Award follows his recent honour as Queensland’s REIQ 2013 Rookie of the Year, recognising excellence in customer service, market understanding and professionalism.

For most of Jack’s life, Patrick Dixon had owned and operated an independent agency that grew to be a market leader in the prestige and riverfront real estate sector, frequently scooping industry awards.

In 2006, Dixon senior sold the business and took a five year sabbatical. But the Dixon name returned in 2011, as a formidable father-son partnership.

Jack Dixon put aside a promising legal career to launch the new family business.

The UQ College of Law graduate had spent three years as a solicitor with leading firm Hopgood Ganim, including two years in their Property Division.

“Leaving the law to stake my future on real estate was a big step,” he admitted. “But I’ve been surrounded by real estate practice all my life

My goal is to build our office into Brisbane’s most respected independent agency, famous for its service, integrity and relationships with clients and staff

and I wanted to be directly involved.

“The REIA and REIQ awards really cement what I already knew – that real estate is my future.

“Practicing in property law gave me invaluable grounding and experience, but I’d rather be at the coalface of property sales and service.”

According to his partner, father and mentor, the accolades are well deserved.

“It certainly wasn’t an easy decision for Jack to walk away from the law to join me in launching our family estate agency, but it was where his instincts and his heart led him,” Dixon senior said.

“Jack is the new face of the modern real estate professional, armed with a lot more than just a short-course certificate and a convincing sales spiel.

“He is highly educated and qualified, he takes a forensic approach to his work, and he believes extensive product and market knowledge are paramount.”

Jack Dixon has certainly wasted no time making his mark in his chosen industry.

“Taking the Dixon name forward in real estate is extremely important to me,” he said. “My goal is to build our office into Brisbane’s most respected independent agency, famous for its service, integrity and relationships with clients and staff.”

Real estate young gun

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COLLEGE CAPTAINS REUNITE FRIDAY 24 MAY ~ PHIL BISSET GALLERY, BBC

It may have been a rainy night for the Captains' Reception held in the Phil Bisset Gallery at BBC in May, but that didn't dampen the spirit of the 65 captains and vice captains who attended.

The event presented a fantastic opportunity for past leaders to reconnect with the College and fellow old collegians and to recongise their contribution to BBC life as it stands today. Mr Ron Wright (BBC 1938), was the eldest College Captain and at the age of 93, the eldest alumni in attendance. A video featuring old collegians Tom Law (BBC 2011), John Stewart (BBC 1953), Michael Huggins (BBC 1989), Danny Gore (BBC 1968), Stuart Gregory (BBC 1963) and former Headmaster Graham Thomson was shown at the event. The gentlemen reflected on their time at the College, sharing their thoughts and ideals on leadership, community and giving back.

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

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RON WRIGHT

Pride of the riveR

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In recognition of BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looming rowing centenary in 2016, a project has been launched to restore the A.W.Rudd racing four that has survived floods and several relocations since 1958. This beautiful old cedar boat is to be professionally restored with the generous help of boat builders Norman R Wright & Sons, who have graced the Brisbane River for the past 104 years.

Boat aside, the project is intrinsically tied to BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, revealing the stories of the Wright family and intertwining the lives of many within the wider College community.

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The victory went on to make The Courier Mail, with old collegian and cartoonist Ian Gall (BBC 1916-1921) developing a comic for the paper at the time. Ron was rightly depicted as the young man with the wild hair in bow position – unbeknown to most, the crew had made a pact not to cut their hair until they had secured a Head of the River win.

Norman Wright Sr had two sons who went to BBC, Norman Jr and Ronald, affectionately known as Ron. Both sons dominated the 16’

effortless rhythm that belies the straining muscles

help with the design and build of small undercover

of the rowers. What a great day it is for them."

vessels. The war years were incredibly demanding

And a great day it was, “We had done it! Wild

on the family business. Acutely aware of the

and 18’ class racing skiffs, with Norman Jr (BBC

was our jubilation and resonant our war-cry! The

shortage of vessels, for use in coastal patrols,

1930-1934) going on to be a famous yachtsman

College had made rowing history, being the first

military authorities commissioned Norman Wright

who represented Australia with incredible success.

metropolitan school to win a “Double Double.” We

to assist. Throughout the war the boatyard

Norm Jr crewed ‘Gretel’ and ‘Dame Patti’ in the

are happy to be able to record that our victories

worked seven days a week, 24 hours a day

Americas’ Cup races in 1962 and 1967.

inspired Mr. Foxcroft’s muse with such effect that

under constant military guard. As insufficient boat

he burst into sweet moan and mellow music, and

builders were available civil construction workers

composed a College Boating Song.”

were called upon to fill the gap.

Ron’s love of the water and of racing can be greatly attributed to his time at the College, from 1934 to 1938 - years that would prove incredibly

The victory went on to make The Courier Mail,

With Norman Sr starting to age, Ron assumed

with old collegian and cartoonist Ian Gall (BBC

part management whilst completing his second

1916-1921) developing a comic for the paper

degree, this time in Naval Architecture, formally

the thrill that comes from winning the prestigious

at the time. Ron was rightly depicted as the

taking over the business in 1953. During this

Head of the River. As Vice Captain of Boats,

young man with the wild hair in bow position –

time Ron was responsible for the design of small

rowing in bow seat for BBC, Ron recalls all the

unbeknown to most, the crew had made a pact

ships, pilot boats, trawlers, ferries and pleasure

boaters floating along the river, after the crew had

not to cut their hair until they had secured a Head

boats to name just a few whilst also acting as a

secured their victory – a moment he describes as

of the River win.

professional witness and advisor in commercial

impressionable on his life for decades to come.

In 1937 and 1938 Ron was able to experience

exhilarating and exciting. Anyone who has sat on

These sporting events along with playing rugby

shipping disasters.

the banks at such an event will attest to the raw

union for what was then known as the Football

emotion that it produces and this was captured

Team and breaking the water to swim a length in

just down the road from fellow old boy Graham

beautifully in the 1937 Portal:

the new memorial pool in 1951 constitute some of

Stehn (BBC 1955-58). In fact it was Graham who

Ron’s most vivid memories from his time at BBC.

prompted Ron to return to the College recently

"Head of the River! What a thrill lies behind those words! What do they bring to your mind?

After finishing school, Ron went on to

Now aged 93, Ron lives at Ascot in Brisbane,

having found a number of original photographs

Perchance a broad sweep of river, a flicker of

complete an engineering degree in 1939. His

from his school years and their friendship has

sunlight and the fluttering of ribbons. Or maybe

intention was to go to the Massachusetts Institute

seen Ron reconnect with the school through the

the murmur of a great crowd, which swells into

of Technology in Boston, however with the onset

A.W. Rudd restoration project

a full-throated roar as “They’re off.” And then the

of World War II, he was ordered to assist with the

pulsing four-oars, sweeping on with a seemingly

building and maintenance of naval craft and to

Both Graham and Ron have been working in collaboration with the Vintage Collegians – a

connect | 83

thursday 14 March ~ BBC BOATSHED

PRIDE OF THE RIVER RON WRIGHT AT the main entrance to BBC IN 1934 and 2013

chapter of the Old Collegians’ Association. The group is currently raising funds and is seeking support from the old boy community in this endeavour.

“The plan is to have this restored wooden racing shell permanently displayed at the school to honour the name of Mr A W Rudd, our founder, commemorate BBC’s distinguished role in the sport of rowing and to benchmark another benefit of a BBC education,” said Mr Stehn.

“We are incredibly grateful of the generosity of Norman R Wright & Sons for the use of their premises and craftsmen (at mate’s rates) in this classic restoration,” he said.

“Even with their help however, we still need to raise $20,000 to complete this perpetual display at the school and this is where our current fundraising efforts will lie.”

Ron is incredibly proud that his two sons are able to work on this project, with their involvement adding another great chapter to an already dynamic and varied family venture. “The business today is managed by our sons Bill and Ian and it is still afloat and as busy as it was when first started by my father Norman in 1909,” he said.

“To be able to reflect on my time at BBC and reconnect with the College community on so many levels, means a great deal to me and my family.”

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

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BBC WELCOME PARTY FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY ~ COLLEGE HALL FORECOURT The P&F Welcome Party presented a great opportunity to kick-start what promised to and has proven to be a very busy first half to the year.

The aim of the event was to welcome current parents to 2013 and new families to the BBC community.

Approximately 150 guests attended, and most importantly, the rain held off until 8.45pm!

The stage was nicely set in terms of layout and lighting with assistance from BBC’s Facilities Team (Geoff, Paul and Ivan). We had the bar set up inside the foyer, canapés served out on the forecourt and superb lighting effects. We especially loved the green uplighters, the vintage rowing oars and the pompoms in BBC colours!

Of course the boys shone through, rightly so, in terms of their music and art and the School Captain’s speech. The two pipers greeted everyone at the roundabout, the Brass Quintet entertained the crowd, and the pianist Charlie Rhee just blew everyone away. Sam Catlow gave an excellent speech, one of his first as School Captain for the year, following on from speeches from P&F President Katrina North and BBC Headmaster Graeme McDonald.

We were very thankful for our volunteers for the evening. Five Parent Connections ladies including Fiona Cheyne, Sue Rasmussen, Rosemary Smith, Carolyn Biddle and Margot Clark volunteered to hand around platters of canapés! The bar was manned by old boys from the OCA as well as Derek Forbes and Geoff McEntee. Our old collegians were great ambassadors for BBC. I must emphasise that the party was a great team effort, with input from not just the P&F team but also BBC’s Marketing, Communications and Foundation experts, who helped with the advertising, equipment hire, badges and take home packs. Particular thanks to Anne for organising the catering and the RSVP list and to Bronwyn and Katrina for their support and great ideas.

KATIE FORBES parent connections president

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WELCOME TO MIDDLE SCHOOL WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH ~ HILLSTONE

Hosted by the Middle School Support Group, parents enjoyed what has become an annual social event at Hillstone, St Lucia Golf Club in March. The night provided an opportunity for new parents as well as those who have transitioned from the Junior to Middle School, to catch up and meet with staff.

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

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ANZAC DAY IS NOT ONLY A SIGNIFICANT PART OF AUSTRALIAN HISTORY BUT ALSO AT BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE, WITH A MOVING SERVICE HELD IN RECOGNITION OF THE COLLEGE’S OLD COLLEGIANS WHO HAVE SERVED AND IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THEIR COUNTRY. THIS YEAR’S SERVICE WAS HELD IN COLLEGE HALL, WITH MANY OLD COLLEGIANS AND THE WIDER BBC COMMUNITY IN ATTENDANCE. THE BBC PIPE BAND WAS ALSO HEAVILY INVOLVED IN COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES ACROSS BRISBANE ON THE DAY, INCLUDING THE CITY DAWN SERVICE. THERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT THE ANZAC SPIRIT AND BBC BOYS CERTAINLY PLAYED THEIR PART.

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ANZAC DAY WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL ~ BBC The following is an extract from the 1941 Portal in reference to ANZAC Day: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those who have passed on have given their youthful intrepidity, their hard-won skill and their flawless physique without stint or measure or talk of sacrifice to their Country's service in its most perilous hour. Their parents, and their College and the Empire regard them with a proud sorrow.â&#x20AC;?

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milestones Vale Ronald Dowling (1961) passed in July 2012 Bruce Roberts (1963) passed in August 2012 Reginald Harden (1946) passed in October 2012 Andrew Hunter (1969) passed in October 2012 Morris McLaran (1945) passed in September 2012 Donald Murray (1953) passed in September 2012 Ronald Knight (1974) passed in November 2012 Peter Gibson (1958) passed in December 2012 Walter Buchanan (1958) passed in early 2013 Graham Stacey (1950) passed in 2013 John Sutherland (1948) passed in January 2013 Rex Delforce (1954) passed in January 2013 William Hedges (1939) passed in February 2013 Francis Fox (1945) passed in March 2013 Thomas Craig (1946) passed in March 2013 Owen Powell (1937) passed in March 2013 Robert James Brown (1961) passed in March 2013 Anthony (Tony) Waldron (1962) passed in April 2013 William (Bill) Brett (1941) passed in April 2013 George (Bill) Mowat (1949) passed in May 2013

Weddings

Douglas Mercer (1941) passed in May 2013

Daniel (BBC 2002) and Melissa Homewood were married in October 2012 at Murwillumbah, NSW followed by a reception at Kingscliff. Brothers Luke (BBC 2005) and Andrew (BBC 2009) were the Best Man and Groomsman.

Robert Kimber (1941) passed in May 2013

In a special service, Headmaster Graeme McDonald walked his daughter Rebecca down the aisle at BBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own chapel as she wed Kirk Johnson on 16 February.

1 December 2012 Matthew Hollis and Kimberley Mesken

William Woolcock (1950) passed in May 2013 Douglas John Bell (1943) passed in June 2013 Lionel Porter (1947) passed in June 2013 James Glen (1950) passed in June 2013 Douglas (Stork) Gordon (1970) passed in July 2013 Walter (Evan) Bengtson (1943) passed in July 2013 Leonard Jones (1946) passed in July 2013

24 August 2013 Paul Davidson and Christina Dean

Gregory Wenzel (1960) passed in July 2013

31 August 2013 Malcolm Hill and Jaye Bonthrone

Stuart James Groom (1999) passed in July 2013

BBC Golf Day Friday 8 November Indooroopilly Golf Club For further details please contact the BBC Development Office on (07) 3309 3513 or development@bbc.qld.edu.au

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OPEN DAY SATURDAY 27 JULY ~ BBC More than 1000 guests walked through the College gates for this year’s Open Day to be greeted by an enthusiastic group of student tour guides.

Visitors were given the opportunity to speak directly with staff, listen to music performances from the College’s many ensembles, discover the new Middle School Precinct by visiting a number of prototype rooms and enjoy afternoon tea on the Junior School Green. The event continues to be a testament to a collective commitment from BBC’s teachers, staff and the wider College community in providing an insight into life at bbc.

Christmas in july SATURDAY 27 JULY ~ College Hall With a beautifully decorated College Hall, delectable food, Santa and lots of presents under the tree – this year’s Christmas in July event was the perfect opportunity to shrug off the chill of winter and get into the Christmas spirit early.

Hosted by the Junior School Support Group, the annual event has become a highlight of the social calendar. This year the group’s fundraising efforts will go towards the construction of a new playground for Junior School boys.

Collegian August AUGUST 2013

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THE WAY WE WORE A bolt of material composed of green, black with a fine white pin stripe chosen by Mr Rudd in 1902 has come to symbolise the essence of BBC. Purchased from a soft goods warehouse in Melbourne, Mr Rudd cut pieces from the length for mothers to stitch and sew into hat bands.

Handmade hat bands soon became

Street, Brisbane, and during the latter

uniform items manufactured by Farrelly

1930s at 154 Queen Street, Brisbane.

Brothes in their newly converted

Students of the early 1970s remember

Paramatta Woollen Mills. Originally from

climbing the rickety steps to be measured

Charters Towers, Mr Daking-Smith a

for, then again to collect their blazers from

draper, furnisher and boot merchant

Fred Ryder.

built Daking House in 1913. Our tie

Embroidered name tags were, and

manufacturers advertised themselves

are still woven by Cash’s of Melbourne.

as, "The House of Distinction for

The English Cash brothers employed

Blazers, School Caps, Hat bands, Ties,

skilled Huguenot silk weavers on jacquard

Embroidered Badges, Tunics, Uniforms,

looms to produce their prized woven silk

Manchester goods etc. Daking House Pitt

ribbons, from the 1840s. The Kingfield

St Sydney.”

factory craft skills were transposed to

Hat bands, caps, ties, socks and

Australia and are used in combination

assorted school clothing were bought

with the “industry's most advanced

from MEB Drapery situated at the tram

technologies and production techniques”

terminus, Sandgate Rd, Clayfield. In

allowing this company to continue

pre-compulsory uniform days, these

producing BBC hat bands and individual

original College stockists sold the green

name tags.

shirt, which is synonymous with BBC.

Mr Hamilton introduced the boater in

In 1923, a torn shirted student was sent

1931. The first visual evidence is seen

to purchase a clean shirt as Mr Rudd

in the guard of honour for the official

did not accept scruffily attired pupils

opening of the College at Toowong,

as a Gentleman of Honour in his class.

16 March 1931. These boaters were

Mr Rudd saw green as a metaphor

produced by the Argyle Brand, then by

for spring, growth and youth and

Lutons who were both subsequently

consequently this particular shade of

bought out by Mountcastle & Sons Est

green shirt completed the school uniform.

in 1835, making them Australia's oldest

Smartly suited students were dressed by the ‘Expert Tailors and men's Outfitters’, George R Ryder Ltd

hat manufacturing company and current supplier of our boaters.

Cricket and sporting caps were

of 166-8 Queen Street, Brisbane, as first

also sewn by the Argyll Brand. Castle

advertised in the 1923 edition of The

produced the first black velvet, silver

Clayfield Collegian. George’s son, Fred

tasselled Honour caps in 1921. Today’s

also advertised as an exclusive tailor

Collegian Award evolved from the Honour

specialising in hand, made to measure

Cap and is a black velvet cap decorated

short and long paints. In 1926, Fred

in gold braid made by the Brisbane’s

Ryder was first located at 170 Queen

Mountcastle & Sons.

lastword | 91

In 1935, Mr Hamilton also introduced the striped blazer, which was tailored by Pyke Brothers of Queen Street. Many department stores that were important uniform suppliers no longer exist, but

Making Men through Music Education

some trade under contemporary, familiar

The study of English, Maths, Science and SOSE are

names. McWhirters of The Valley Corner

unquestionable for allowing boys to contribute

and Allan & Stark Queen Street wear the Myer brand name, while Finney Isles of

positively to society. The benefits of languages,

Queen Street, that of David Jones. Other

physical education, philosophy and other career

sellers included: Rothwells Outfitting Ltd

related subjects are obvious. However, what role

Edward Street, McDonnell & East Ltd. George Street and TC Beirne in The Valley, where green shirts cost £5/11 in 1929.

The store's stocks changed over the years in Overells Pty Ltd., from sporting goods, uniforms, Manchester to carpets.

Except for two years from 1917-1930, there was one of five Overall sons or a cousin on the roll at Clayfield. McWhirters and the East of McDonnell & East also had sons who attended BBC. Brisbane Boys' College students initially had the convenience of crossing the road at Clayfield to buy uniform requirements. School stockists and suppliers moved into Brisbane’s Central Business District, necessitating students to catch buses, trams and trains to replenish stocks and buy new uniforms.

For ease of purchase, the Uniform Shop is now located on the Toowong premises where green, black and white garments are stylishly displayed in abundance.

Helen Jackson Archivist

does music play in the education of young men?

Recently I attended the Phenomenon of Singing Symposium in Newfoundland, Canada with music educators and researchers from around the world. In a round table discussion, the chair asked us to consider the purpose of music education. Several possibilities were presented included upholding tradition, development of refined technique and study of the masterworks. It was agreed by all that music is unique and an essential component of the human experience. It is a phenomenon that empowers individuals, evokes emotional responses, sparks creativity and stimulates imagination. The role then of music education is to empower our boys through music.

As exclaimed simply by Richard Gill, “music is good for you”.

By no accident, music occupies a significant place in the everyday life of all cultures and societies. In our own, music floods advertising, rituals and personal recreation. Boys listen to music on their iPods, YouTube videos, TV shows and in the shopping centre. Music contributes to their identity and has a role in defining them as a person. Every day at the College we see the joy and fulfilment that music brings to the lives of our young men. For many boys, musical experiences satisfy them in a way that is indescribable.

The academic class music program at the College aims to foster a life-long love of music in the hearts of young men and encourage music to be a part of their everyday life. Research discusses the importance of early years of schooling, and this is acknowledged in the College’s commitment to the Music Every Day Program in Prep, Years 1 and 2. This program is earning international recognition as a leading initiative in early childhood boys’ education. Through daily performing, reading, writing, creating and moving, boys are experiencing the joy of music which has truly become part of their everyday life.

Music takes on different roles for each person depending on our personal interests. In the Middle and Senior School, boys in academic class music are encouraged to explore their own personal musical identity, and become the musical men they wish to be. Such musical identities range from the professional violinist, composer, musical theatre lover or garage band drummer.

Central to this identity formation is also acknowledgement and respect of others and their different interests. Success of this approach is evidenced in the differing roles music plays in the lives of our old boys, ranging from active audience members to professional musicians.

Many have said humankind is incomplete without music. I point forward the notion that our boys are incomplete without music and immersion is simply not enough. Merely listening to a top 40 pop song will not evoke a deep sense of fulfilment. While we are all born with different natural abilities, music can be learned and mastered by almost anyone. Only a music education consisting of knowledge, skills and thinking will provide boys with a pathway to deep and meaningful human experiences.

Jason Goopy teaches academic class music to students from Prep to Year 12 at BBC. In 2011, he established the Music Every Day Program at the College and it continues to expand. This year Jason commenced his Doctor of Philosophy candidature at the University of Queensland and is revitalising secondary music education units at the University of New England for future implementation. Jason has presented nationally and recently internationally at the International Boys’ School Coalition Conference in Richmond, Virginia and the International Kodály Symposium in Kecskemét, Hungary.

Collegian Collegian AUGUST August august May 2012 2013

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