College News 2025 - Term 1 Week 1

From the Headmaster

In this week’s From the Portal, Headmaster Mr Andre Casson offers a warm welcome to our BBC community as 2025 gets underway. Additionally, Mr Casson congratulates our recent academic, sporting and cultural successes, before extending an invitation to see you all at the upcoming Gathering of the Clan on Friday, 7 February. Please click the video below to view our latest From the Portal.

For those who appreciate reading a transcript of the current From the Portal, please follow the link below.

From the Deputy Headmaster: Student Wellbeing P - 12

Dear Parents and Guardians,  

I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome all of our students back to campus to get started with the unrivalled opportunities and experiences that await us this year. 2025 is already shaping up to be magnificent.  

As we embark on another exciting year, I share with you the theme that will have a deep significance for 2025 – ‘Believe’. This theme, chosen by our Prefects at the end of last year, resonates more powerfully the more I ruminate over it. It is authentic, fitting, and a guiding principle for the year ahead.  

For me, belief is transformative. It is what drives us forward through challenges, unites us as a community, and inspires us to achieve beyond what we think is possible. A powerful example that I shared with the student body at Assembly on Tuesday is the most recent recipient of Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher, a legendary AFL player, leader of young men, mentor, coach, and, more importantly, a man who embodies resilience, hope, and unwavering belief in the face of adversity.  

Despite being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2013, Neale refused to surrender to despair. Instead, he co-founded FightMND, raising millions for research and creating initiatives like the Big Freeze, an event that has become a symbol of hope and determination. His story reminds us that believing in something greater than ourselves can lead to extraordinary change. 

I shared some advice with our students for the year ahead as we embrace the power of belief:  

• Believe in the process – Success takes time, effort, and resilience. 

• Believe in second chances – We all grow from our experiences and mistakes. 

• Believe in kindness – Small acts of kindness can transform lives. 

• Believe in each other – Support and uplift those around you. 

• Believe in yourself – You are capable of more than you know. 

• Believe in tomorrow – Each new day brings fresh opportunities.  

I wish you all a successful and fulfilling school year. If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to seeing you at the Gathering of the Clan.  

Warm regards,  
Mr Scott Murphy 
DEPUTY HEADMASTER – STUDENT WELLBEING (P-12) 

From the Head of Secondary School

Starting Secondary School can feel like a big leap – navigating new classrooms, learning routines, and getting to know a host of new teachers. A hallmark of the BBC community is the support available to students during times of transition. To support our Year 7 students, they set off on their Outdoor Education experience on Tuesday. Spending time making connections with the boys in their House and forging friendships with their Year 11 camp mentor are key aspects of the experience. Visiting them on Wednesday, it was evident that they felt an immense sense of pride in the challenges that they had overcome. We are looking forward to welcoming them back to campus tomorrow. On Monday, they will commence formal classes, and the brotherhood of support will continue with our recent graduates returning to assist them in the classroom.    

This spirit of achievement and support extends across the College. On Friday, we will celebrate the best academic results we have achieved in the history of the ATAR system. With a median ATAR of 91.4 and 41 percent of the boys receiving an ATAR of 95 or above, our Scholar’s Assembly is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements and dedication of our 2024 cohort.    

Looking ahead, we invite families to our Secondary School Information Evening on 12 February, where you’ll have the chance to meet your child’s Head of Year and learn more about the new Secondary School structure. This year, my team will consist of three Assistant Heads of Secondary who will look after important aspects of your son’s academic life at the College.   

• Ms Lindsey Herse, joining us from Canberra Grammar School, will lead the Heads of Year and oversee the wellbeing program, ensuring a strong support system for students.  

• Mr Lucas Brown, in his role as Acting Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning, will drive engaging and data-informed learning experiences across the College.  

• Mr Sean Riordan will lead the Heads of House, fostering a strong sense of belonging and using academic data to track and enhance each student’s progress.    

With the return to school comes a renewed focus on the high expectations we hold for our students – whether in personal conduct, mobile phone use, or personal grooming. These have been clearly communicated to your son both within his Mentor Group and at Assemblies. We are greatly supported when these expectations are reinforced at home, and we thank you for assisting us in holding your son to account.   

In particular, managing screen time and social media use can be a challenge at the start of the year. Setting clear boundaries around appropriate use during school hours allows your son to remain focused on his academics. Open conversations about online trends are equally important, as they often present a glamourised view of actions without highlighting potentially devastating consequences. We will continue to address these with boys throughout the year as they surface and are very grateful for your support in continuing these discussions at home.    

We are looking forward to the amazing opportunities, challenges, and achievements that 2025 is sure to bring.   

Ms Amelia Apogremiotis
HEAD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL

From the Head of Junior School

Welcome to 2025 in the Junior School  

As we start another exciting school year, I extend a warm welcome to all our students, staff, and families, both returning and new. The enthusiasm and energy in the Junior School have been infectious this week, and it has been wonderful to see the boys reconnecting with friends, meeting new classmates, and embracing the opportunities that a new year brings.  

First Day for Boys  

The first day of school is always filled with excitement and a few nervous smiles. On Tuesday, our Year 1 to 6 boys embraced their first day with enthusiasm, settling into their new routines and classrooms with guidance from our Junior School teachers and support staff. It was then lovely to see the Prep boys join us on Wednesday as the older boys extended a helping hand, demonstrating kindness and support. We are pleased to have all of the boys on campus and straight back into learning.   

Year 4 Tie and Boater Ceremony  

A highlight of our first day was the Year 4 Tie and Boater Ceremony, a significant milestone for our students as they transition into the upper years of the Junior School and into their full formal uniform. This new tradition was introduced this year to symbolise the boys’ growing independence, responsibility, and leadership within our community. As they donned their ties and boaters for the first time, the pride on their faces and the faces of their parents was evident. This marks an important step in their journey through the Junior School. We look forward to seeing the Year 4 boys rise to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.  

Looking Ahead – The Next Fortnight  

The beginning of the school year brings a host of events across the College and in the Junior School. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come in the next two weeks:  

• Year 6 Camp – On Monday, our Year 6 boys will embark on their camp experience, where they will develop resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills. This adventure-filled trip will be a fantastic opportunity for the boys to challenge themselves, build friendships, and create lasting memories. 

• School ID Photos – A reminder that school ID photos will be taken next Thursday. Students are expected to wear their full school uniform and present themselves with pride. 

• Prefect 2025 Theme Badge Presentation – During Week 2, the Junior School will be visited by the College Prefects to present the boys with their 2025 Badge. The Prefects will discuss the College theme, ‘Believe’, and how the boys can embrace it.    

The start of a new year is always a special time filled with promise and possibility. I encourage all boys and their families to embrace each moment, get involved, and make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.  

Wishing everyone a fantastic start to 2025!  

Mrs Summa Todd 
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL 

From the Chaplain

Community  

Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.  

• Romans 12:10 

Recently, I watched this TV show called Alone on SBS. In short, it is about people being left in the middle of nowhere. They have very limited resources, and the winner is the one who can last the longest.  

There are many challenges, such as getting drinkable water, building a substantial shelter, trying to find food, coping with the physical and mental challenges of not having enough calories each day, and finally – just being alone. It is so much harder than any of them thought.  

I believe that is because God designed us to live in relationships, not only with Him but with others around us. In fact, it is his number one command to love beyond ourselves.  

As each of us began our holidays at the end of 2024, we all collapsed in a heap of exhaustion and then picked ourselves up to begin to refresh ourselves. As 1 January came, it was like a switch changed in your head as you knew that it wasn’t too long before the routine of school began again. You seem to have a foot in both worlds as you still try to relax, but you also begin to prepare.   

There is an anticipation in the days before the new start. Meeting new people, doing new things – it’s all a part of the unknown. It leaves us a bit excited and a bit nervous at the same time.  

 Well, we are finally back, and one of the greatest things I enjoy (and I think others do, too) is the renewing of relationships. The first handshakes, the first hellos, the catching up of “What have you been up to?” There is something good in this.   

 New year. New start. New friends. New activities. Community.  

 BBC is an awesome place to be a part of, and I pray it will meet some of your needs this year. 

Christian Community 

For students:   

• Years 7 to 12 Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) Core Group every Thursday in H301. Everyone is welcome.  

• Each year level has its own ISCF Connect Group (ask me or Mr Thomas McPherson which day is for which year level).  

• PMSA ISCF Social / Years 7 to 12 Ice Skating and Chapel Night, Saturday, 22 February, from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.   

For parents:  

• ISCF Parents’ Breakfast, Wednesday, 26 February, from 7:00am to 8:00am. 

• Voluntary Staff and Parents Prayer Meeting, every Wednesday, from 7:45am to 8:15am in the Chaplain’s Office.  

House Family Services:

Mr Stephen Ward 
COLLEGE CHAPLAIN 

Co-Curricular | Sport & Competitive Activities

Mr Paul Woodford 
HEAD OF CO-CURRICULAR – SPORTS AND COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES 

I am honoured to step into the role of Head of Co-Curricular – Sports and Competitive Activities. Having worked within the sports department for the past three years, I take great pride and excitement in leading a passionate team dedicated to elevating our programs to new heights.  

Alignment and clarity will be central themes in our messaging. Last year, the College shared our Strategic Vision, outlining our core values, mission, and strategic pillars. As a department, we will use this strategic direction to inform decision-making and ensure our students thrive in their pursuits. 

I’d also like to take a moment to reflect on an action-packed summer holiday period. Our students, coaches, parents, and directors have been hard at work, demonstrating that there truly is more than one way to thrive at BBC. 

• Cricket: 26 cricketers and four coaches toured New Zealand, facing strong competition, immersing in cultural experiences, and creating lifelong memories. 

• Volleyball: The squad completed an intensive holiday camp, incorporating athletic development, team building, and even some dance challenges. 

• Rowing: The rowing squad put in significant training hours at the boatshed to prepare for the upcoming regattas. A highlight of the preseason was the unveiling of the newest addition to the fleet, the esteemed Empacher Eight, named Riverside during this week’s Assembly. 

• Swimming: 35 Senior Squad members attended a high-performance camp on the Gold Coast, while the Junior Squad gained valuable insights from Olympic swimmers Tommy Neill and Sam Short at their Brisbane camp.  

• Debating: Our debaters are preparing for their first competition of the season, heading up the range for Friday night’s debate. 

This busy period reflects the unrivalled opportunities available to the boys in Green, White, and Black. 

Key Upcoming Events – Term 1 

• Cricket Cap Presentation and Turf Net Opening – Friday, 31 January 

• Robotics Season Launch – Wednesday, 19 February 

• GPS Swimming Championships – Friday, 7 March 

• Open Day – Sunday, 9 March 

• Head of the River – Saturday, 19 March 

• Cricket, Volleyball, and Debating Home Fixtures – Rounds 2, 4, 7, and 9 

To stay up to date with the latest news in the world of sports and competitive activities, please visit our Co-Curricular Highlands Page. This will give you access to weekly team lists, reports, and important information for each activity that is in season. 

Finally, I would like to wish all BBC students the best of luck in Round 1 of the GPS Competition at Toowoomba Grammar School, as well as those competing in the first swimming meet and first regatta of the term, which will take place over the course of this weekend. I would also like to congratulate those students who have been selected to represent the school at the highest level in their respective sports and activities this weekend. These students will be recognised at Assembly on Friday. 

Co-Curricular | Culture & Enrichment Programs

Ms Kate Albury 
HEAD OF CO-CURRICULAR – CULTURE AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS 

It’s an honour and a pleasure to take on the new role as Head of Co-Curricular – Culture and Enrichment Programs at BBC. I am thrilled to ensure that the rich traditions of culture and the fulfilling contributions of the enrichment and service programs will continue to succeed and grow.    

As Term 1 begins, it will be fantastic to see all the culture and enrichment programs start their rehearsals and meetings. It’s not too late to join in most cases, so please see the co-curricular activity selection on Highlands to take advantage of the many opportunities for students. 

I’m visiting all the Support Groups over Term 1 to meet the passionate parent supporters in person. I am also looking forward to highlighting all the wonderful co-curricular offerings at BBC’s upcoming Open Day, where I hope to meet many current and prospective parents.    

BBC is proud to once again host the GPS Music Showcase on Thursday, 13 February. We look forward to seeing talented music students from all the GPS schools come together to perform in a special concert.   

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at kate.albury@bbc.qld.edu.au if you have any queries about the College's cultural and enrichment programs. 

Pipe Band

It is an exciting time to be part of the Pipe Band.  

Our free ‘Mini-Clinics’ are back in 2025, offering students from Years 2 to 12 the opportunity to learn basic skills and see if the Pipe Band is a good fit for them without having to commit to the investment of private lessons and full equipment purchases. You can find further information on how to sign up on Highlands. For details about joining one of our official numbered bands or taking on private lessons, please visit the Pipe Band Highlands Page. 

2025 Music Rehearsals and Individual Lessons

All ensembles will return to rehearsals at the start of Week 2 in preparation for the Open Day and Twilight Concert. BBC Music’s Individual Music Lesson program is also up and running again and students will be contacted by their instrumental teacher advising them of their lesson time.

For further information about these offerings, please contact BBC Music at music@bbc.qld.edu.au or call 3309 3520.

AMEB Gold Awards

 Congratulations to Year 8 students Shumo Grygoruk (Electric Guitar) and Zac Wang (Percussion) on receiving the AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) Gold Award. Shumo and Zachary joined Jacob Aziz (OC 2024) to bring three Gold Awards to BBC in 2024. A wonderful effort!  

 They join a long list of BBC students who have achieved tremendous results in recent examinations through AMEB or Trinity College London. For further information and a complete list of these accomplishments, refer to the attached PDF. 

 For further information about the AMEB Gold Award, visit the AMEB website.  

 European Music Tour 2024

At the end of 2024, 51 BBC Music students travelled to Italy, Austria, and Munich, accompanied by staff and parent volunteers. The boys had the unrivalled opportunity to perform in some iconic venues, including the Vatican, with each performance highlighting the maturity and experience of our musicians.  

 For an in-depth recap of the trip, including a complete list of performances, refer to the attached PDF. 

Junior STEM Club

Junior STEM Club is back with a new program and a host of new activities to motivate, ignite, and excite inquisitive young minds. This term, our STEM Clubbers will embark on a voyage of discovery as they explore some of the amazing STEM wonders of the world, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Wall of China. STEM Club commences in Week 2.   

Please visit the Junior STEM Club Highlands Page once it is updated this Friday for further information, including dates, times, and student leadership opportunities. 

Parent Connections | 2025 Executive

We’re delighted to share with you that Annette Baird, Annie Gillis, and Kate Campbell have been re-elected as the executive of Parent Connections for 2025. 

Parent Connections is a subcommittee of the Parents and Friends Association (P&F) dedicated to fostering friendships and connections among parents and caregivers of BBC students in Years 7 to 12. They provide practical assistance for families new to the BBC community and conduct a variety of yearly social events involving the College, including the Spring Bling, Mother’s Day Breakfast, and Father’s Day Breakfast. You can learn more on the Parent Connections Highlands Page. 

Congratulations to Annette, Annie, and Kate. We look forward to collaborating them throughout 2025 in pursuit of our shared goal of providing every BBC student with the opportunity and tools they need to thrive, no matter the endeavour. 

Tuckshop | New Ordering Platform

The BBC Tuckshop now uses the Flexischools platform for Tuckshop orders.      

Using the Flexischools platform, you can:     

• Pre-order food in the morning, meaning a faster pick-up from the Tuckshop and less time spent sitting in the queue.    

• Set up your son’s student ID card to be used for in-person payments, increasing the security and visibility of food purchases.      

You can download the Flexischools mobile app on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Alternatively, you can access the platform on their website or via the tile on Highlands.      

For further information, please click here.  

Junior School Book Club

Junior School Book Club brochures have been sent home with the boys, and orders are due no later than Monday, 10 February 2024.  

For further information on how to order, including how to order online, please visit the Junior School Community Highlands Page. 

Ms DJ Williamson  
JUNIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY TECHNICIAN 

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