College News 2025 - Term 1 Week 3

From the Headmaster

Dear BBC Families,  

This week, our community commemorates Founder’s Day. This is an opportunity to gather as a clan with several distinguished guests to celebrate the founding of our great College 123 years ago in 1902. This special assembly is an opportunity to acknowledge the vision of our founder, Mr Arthur ‘Barney’ Rudd, who left his native Victoria to travel to Brisbane and establish a school for boys in the suburb of Clayfield.  Moreover, it is a chance to celebrate and thank the countless parents, students, staff, friends, and benefactors who have contributed to the success of the College throughout our magnificent history. It is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the dreams of those who went before us at this great school. I feel confident that Barney would be most proud of the legacy that he has left for us all to follow.  

As part of my preparation for Founder’s Day, I looked over the notes provided to me by our wonderful archivist, Ms Helen Jackson. I was struck by Rudd’s tale of courage, commitment, and belief. A lawyer in Victoria, he set sail for Brisbane to open a school for boys to educate ‘Gentlemen of Honour’. I was inspired by the stories of the four intrepid original BBC boys and their families who took the chance on this new school and its innovative founder. Like Rudd, these people displayed foresight, courage, and belief, the belief that they could collectively create something new, something better than before.   

Each year, as part of their camp, our Prefects determine the theme around which they build their legacy for their term of office. This year, our leaders chose ‘Believe’ as their mantra. Believe in the processes that will lead to success. Believe in your goals, as these will inspire you to be better than you thought possible. Above all else, believe in your boundless talents. For who are you to play small and not be the best that you can be? It was humbling to witness our College Captain, Nate Barnett, sharing this vision for 2025 with the Junior School boys, inspiring the youngest batch of BBC scholars to believe in what lies ahead.  

The common theme of belief so beautifully links the origins of our great school to the young men who stride our corridors today. This thread fills me with much excitement for 2025 as we, the current custodians of the Rudd legacy, seek to make the most of every opportunity we have been gifted at BBC. Collectively, we believe that we can all thrive at the College.   

Yours faithfully, 

Mr Andre Casson
HEADMASTER

From the Deputy Headmaster | Student Wellbeing P - 12

Dear Parents and Guardians,  

In our digital age, safeguarding our students online is more critical than ever. Recent Australian studies highlight the urgent need for robust digital safeguards. According to the eSafety Commissioner, 44 percent of Australian children aged between 8 and 17 have encountered harmful content online, and one in five students have experienced cyberbullying. With an increase in digital technologies in the home and at school, the Australian Centre for Child Protection reports that over 60 percent of young people access the internet without adequate supervision. These statistics reinforce the necessity of implementing stronger protective measures within our school network. It is our duty of care to protect our students and equip them with the essential skills needed to navigate the online world safely.    

To strengthen our existing cyber safety measures, BBC is looking at introducing Fortisase, a security platform designed to enhance internet restrictions, set clearer boundaries, and provide greater protection for our students. This will allow us to refine our filtering systems, ensuring students access appropriate content while remaining productive and focused during school hours. It will also provide real-time monitoring to detect and prevent security threats, reinforcing our commitment to student wellbeing. More information about this will be shared in the coming weeks.   

To further support this initiative and provide proactive approaches to online safety, we are excited to welcome Susan McLean, one of Australia’s leading cyber safety experts, to BBC on 6 and 7 March. Susan will work with students, Middle Leaders, and, most importantly, parents, providing essential guidance on navigating the digital world safely. Her expertise will help us all better understand the challenges young people face online and how we can work together to protect them.  

I look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks and continuing to strengthen our cyber presence as a BBC community.  

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

From the Head of Secondary School

Last night’s Secondary Parent Information Session was a fantastic opportunity to connect with new and existing families and provide valuable insights into their son’s educational journey. The presenters for the evening included key members of the Secondary Staff responsible for the day-to-day support of the boys. The evening covered key aspects of academic programs, wellbeing initiatives, and co-curricular opportunities. We also spoke about maintaining high expectations of students in their behaviour and grooming and how parent support forms a partnership that is invaluable in shaping a positive and enriching school experience for your son.    

Parent Connections shared information about upcoming events and their networking opportunities for parents. Parents also had the opportunity to meet the Heads of Year and Assistant Heads of Year and engage with other staff forming part of the TARTAN+ support framework.    

College Vice-Captain Fred Bromell shared highlights of his educational journey and how the opportunities available to him through service, sports, and many other areas shaped him during his time at the College.    

Some key takeaways from the evening were:   

• The class teachers and mentor teachers remain the first point of contact for parents, along with their Head of Year.   

• Clipboard is a key source of information about co-curricular activities.  

• Highlands is a key source of news and information about academics.   

• There is an extensive range of opportunities for your son to engage with, including service activities, academic extension and support, sports, and cultural activities, and we encourage him to get involved.    

We sincerely thank all families who attended and contributed to the evening’s success. We are aware that not everyone is able to attend an evening event on campus, so the presentation was recorded and will be available to families next week.   

Ms Amelia Apogremiotis
HEAD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL

Junior School News

 Year 6 Camp to Emu Gully – A Memorable Adventure!  

Last week, Year 6 students embarked on their first-ever camp to Emu Gully in Helidon, and what an unforgettable experience it was. The camp proved to be an exciting adventure that not only challenged the boys but also provided them with the opportunity to grow, learn, and bond.  

Our students participated in various activities throughout the camp that pushed them out of their comfort zones. From physical challenges to teamwork exercises, each activity encouraged the boys to tap into their inner strength and resilience. They learnt to work together, support each other, and rise to every challenge that came their way. Seeing the boys’ courage and determination was inspiring as they navigated challenging tasks and found success through collaboration and persistence. A highlight of the camp was the mud pit. The boys donned their swimmers and slipped and slid their way through a mud adventure course. This incredible experience culminated with a gigantic slip and slide to help wash off the mud. 

 At Emu Gully, the boys learnt about the importance of resilience and mateship – values essential to both Australian history and the challenges they faced on camp. The stories of soldiers helped bring these values to life meaningfully, creating a sense of pride and unity among the boys.  

We thank our dedicated teachers and staff who supported the boys throughout the experience. Their encouragement, guidance, and care ensured the camp ran smoothly and allowed our students to embrace the adventure fully. Through these teachers’ efforts, the boys were able to step out of their comfort zones and make the most of this incredible experience.  

The Year 6 camp to Emu Gully was a time of growth, learning, and fun. The boys returned from the camp with stronger bonds of friendship, a sense of accomplishment, and a deeper understanding of the importance of resilience and mateship. We look forward to seeing how this experience will continue to shape them in the years ahead. 

 Thank you again to everyone involved in making this camp a memorable and valuable experience for our Year 6 students. 

Year 6 Leaders Induction Assembly  

This week, on Tuesday, 11 February, the 2025 Junior School student leaders were officially inducted into their roles in a special assembly. Each Junior School Monitor and House Captain were presented with their badges as their peers watched on, marking the official commencement of their tenures. Please keep an eye on the Year 6 Highlands Page over the coming week for more photos.

Congratulations, boys.  

Monitors:    

Robert F., Edwin M., Hugo G., Archie M., Ethan H., Sebastian Z., Sho I., and Terry Z.     

House Captains:    

Crusaders: Jimmy D. and Archie W.  

Gladiators: Reuben H. and Louis H.  

Knights: Samuel D. and Tom R.  

Vikings: Oliver C. and Timmy M.  

Junior School Pipe Band Captains: Timmy Morgans and Archie McClure

Upcoming Junior School Events

Week 4   

• Thursday, 20 February – Year 5 Go for Gold NAPLAN Preparation – Writer's Toolbox 
• Friday, 21 February – Year 1 Excursion to Newstead House

Week 5   

• Thursday, 27 February – Grip Leadership Conference | Interschool Chess Competition | Susan McLean Cyber Safety Session
  

From the Chaplain

Faith and Dating  

Every year, we do a student swap with Somerville House around Valentine’s Day. Some of our boys go over there, and some of the girls visit BBC.  

Our Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) Year 12 leaders took the opportunity to represent BBC admirably by speaking with a large group of Somerville students, answering many of the following questions:  

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – name, sports, hobbies, favourite food?  
2. What is your ideal first date?  
3. What age do you think is right to start dating?  
4. Why is it important for you to go out with someone who has the same Christian beliefs as you?  
5. How would you say your Christian faith has shaped your views on dating?  
6. What would you do if you liked a girl but she wasn’t Christian?  
7. What are some qualities you are looking for in a girl?  

 I was very proud of how they conducted themselves and the thoughtful answers they gave.  

We all know how relationships can be both difficult and fantastic. When you add a faith and values element to what is already a challenging area for teenagers, it is complex.  

These Christian boys were looking for someone with similar faith and values, believing they would want the relationship to go in the same direction.  

Teenagers may still have a lot to learn concerning relationships, but there is some wisdom in that. I encourage you to talk with your sons about these sorts of things. Who knows where the conversation may go?  

 If the boys have some of Christ’s characteristics themselves, like kindness and respect, that’s a great place to start.  

Upcoming Events    

ISCF Parent Breakfast

We warmly invite you to our ISCF Parent Breakfast on Wednesday, February 26, from 7:00am to 8:00am. This event provides a great opportunity to connect with the teachers involved in the ISCF program, meet fellow parents, and hear from our Senior ISCF leaders. We will gather in Classroom A401, located on the floor above the Chapel/Corporate Offices. Just follow the ISCF signs near reception.     

This will be a relaxed and informal morning, and we completely understand if you can only attend for part of the time. We’d love to see you there, even if just briefly!     

We value our ISCF parents and want to get to know you better. Additionally, we recognise that sometimes it’s easier to receive important event updates directly from teachers rather than through students.    

Please RSVP by Monday, February 24, to confirm your attendance. If you have any questions, please feel free to email tmcpherson@bbc.qld.edu.au or bring them along to the breakfast.   We look forward to seeing you!    

Cole House Family Service  

Tuesday, February 18, in the Chapel | Service starts at 6:00pm | Light refreshments beforehand     

McKenzie House Family Service  

Wednesday, February 19, in the Chapel | Service starts at 6:00pm | Light refreshments beforehand     

Knox House Family Service 

Tuesday, February 25, in the Chapel | Service starts at 6:00pm | Light refreshments beforehand     

Wesley House Family Service  

Wednesday, February 26, in the Chapel | Service starts at 6:00pm | Light refreshments beforehand  

Mr Stephen Ward
COLLEGE CHAPLAIN

Co-Curricular | Sport & Competitive Activities

Now that we’re in Week 3 of the term, BBC’s Sports and Competitive Activities programs are in full swing! Our preseason activities are now up and running, while year-round programs such as robotics and athletic development are moving into their 2025 journeys. At the same time, our in-season sports are well and truly in competition mode, with meets, regattas, and fixtures showcasing the dedication and hard work of our students, coaches, and supporters every week.   

The co-curricular timetable plays a crucial role in ensuring all boys have the opportunity to thrive, explore new interests, and develop holistically. Engaging in different sports and activities not only builds physical literacy but also supports long-term athletic development by teaching valuable lessons in teamwork, resilience, and adaptability. Furthermore, this allows our students to build broader friendship circles and meet others with like-minded interests.    

Looking ahead, two major events on the Term 1 calendar are fast approaching, and we encourage everyone to save the dates. The GPS Swimming Championships will take place at Chandler on Friday, 7 March, followed by the Head of the River on Saturday, 15 March. These events are fantastic opportunities to support our athletes, and we’d love to see the BBC community out in force.   

On Sunday, 9 March, we will be holding Open Day at the College, which will be a great opportunity to showcase the multitude of ways to thrive at BBC in the co-curricular space. It is on days like these that we can bring the community together to celebrate each activity we have to offer. We are looking for more students to assist with tours and representing the activities on the day. Please ask your son to sign up using this online form.  

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

Volleyball  | Cricket  | Rowing  | Debating  | Swimming   

I wish all BBC students the best of luck in Round 3 of the GPS Competition at Brisbane State High School.

We are pleased to announce two amazing football camps being held in April 2025. For further information on the All-levels Camp click here and for further information on the Advanced Player Development Camp click here.

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

Open Day | Volunteers for Sunday, 9 March

BBC Open Day is only 3 weeks, and while we've had a fantastic response from students so far, we still need more student volunteers. If your son is available on the day, please encourage him to fill in the sign-up form here. 

Additionally, we'd greatly appreciate as much support from parents as possible. If you're a member of a Parent Support Group and would like to volunteer, please contact events@bbc.qld.edu.au for more details. All Parent Support Groups should have already received communication from Ms Hannah Wilson regarding Open Day.

If you know of any families considering sending their son to BBC and they would like to attend Open Day, please direct them to www.bbc.qld.edu.au/open-day-2025 to register their attendance. Only prospective families are requested to register their attendance.

English Department | Request for pre-loved magazines

A school project is being prepared in the English Department which will require the use of magazines. If anyone in the BBC community has a collection of older publications they'd like to donate to assist in this endeavour, they can be dropped at Main Reception by both boys and parents.

Giving Day | Tuesday, 18 February

This coming Tuesday, 18 February, is BBC Giving Day. It's a powerful opportunity for our community to unite and make a significant impact on the educational experience of every student.  

This year, we're aiming to raise $200,000 for the Building Fund to install a roof over the new Noblet Oval spectator stand currently under construction. This will provide much-needed additional shaded seating on Noblet and will also allow the stand to be used as an outdoor learning environment.

Every donation over $2 is tax-deductible, and the BBC Foundation will match every donation. That means that a donation of $10 becomes a donation of $20, and so on, ensuring your generosity has twice the impact. 

If you would like to take part, please visit bbcgiving.org.au  

We are deeply grateful for your continued support and are excited to continue our mission to provide the best schooling experience for every boy on our campus. 

Data Collection Notice

Every year, the College is required to collect and report student and guardian address information.   

Residential address information is used and combined with other data to calculate a non-government school community’s capacity to contribute to the costs of schooling. This may influence the level of Australian Government recurrent funding for non-government schools. The information is also used to inform the Australian Government’s school education policy. We invite you to read the collection notice here.   

To facilitate this process, we ask that you please ensure your address details are correct by checking and updating them in Highlands via the Parent Lounge. 

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