College News 2025 - Term 1 Week 9

From the Headmaster

Dear BBC Families,

There is more than one way to thrive at BBC.

In modern business vernacular, the above declaration, which is the ambition of our current Strategic Plan, would be known as a contemporary statement or slogan. Market research companies would have analysed it to determine community sentiment and buy-in. It may have even been part of extensive focus groups and town halls. But the genesis of our ambition, which I believe so brilliantly captures what we aspire to as a College, has much humbler origins. It grew from a discussion with Ms Hayley Blumenthal, our Director of Community Engagement, and our 2022 College Captaincy Team – Oliver Fearfield, Matthew Deighton, and Mihir Jha. Ms Blumental was trying to gain insights from our school leaders about the essence of a BBC education. What set us apart from our GPS colleagues or other schooling options? The boys were clear – BBC is a school where all boys can find their passion, and once they discover it, they have a chance to fly! It is this organic development that, I believe, gives our strategic ambition authenticity and credibility. It was not derived from outside the College through consultants; rather, it grew from within our family.  

I had a conversation with a student last year who joined BBC from another school in Year 9, and he shared an intriguing insight with me. This young man is an excellent sportsman, and this gave him credibility and kudos in his previous school. He was also a very good scholar who achieved impressive grades in all his subjects. The lad shared that while not uncommon, this duality was more of a rarity at his previous school. However, beyond these two positive traits, he also had a passion for the performing arts and participated enthusiastically in his school’s plays. This was a character trait that his mates at his old school could not fully understand nor appreciate. But when he came to BBC, he realised that he was just one of ‘hundreds of boys’ like him, all thriving in more than one way.

Over the last two weeks, it has been my honour to witness our ambition becoming reality through the exploits of our remarkable Gentlemen of Honour. During this period, our students participated in three significant events – GPS Swimming, the Twilight Concert, and the Head of the River.  In addition, the boys competed in their regular cricket, debating, and volleyball fixtures as part of the GPS program. What struck me as I attended each of these events was that the faces that I saw were familiar, no matter the activity. I recall the young man who flew down the pool in 25 seconds as part of our third-placed GPS Swimming team, then leading the Jazz Ensemble with a brilliant saxophone solo. Or the boy playing a beautiful double bass as a member of the College Symphony only to triumphantly smash a volleyball spike for the Firsts against Grammar. Alternatively, it could be the wit and guile of one of our Senior A debaters who created beautiful melodies through his participation in the Guitar Ensemble. Perhaps it was the Year 12 student who pulled an oar with passion and vigour for the gallant Second VIII and conducted the Combined Band with skill and enthusiasm. It could even be the lad who sang beautifully as part of our Combined Choirs and then held a camera to capture his brothers competing in the pool and on the dam as part of the BBC Film Crew. Each of these boys is one of ‘hundreds of boys’ who are finding different and unique passions at the College. Each of these boys is thriving in these activities.

This is what makes the aspiration that encompasses our goal for our Strategic Plan so significant and authentic. At the heart of a BBC education is the chance to explore a myriad of experiences, skills, and activities at a masterful level. Our committed staff, working in harmony with our talented students, seek to unlock each boy’s passion and then work with them to develop an increased stratum of excellence, in essence, allowing them to thrive. Thank you to Ollie, Matt, and Mihir for developing such a brilliant phrase that says so much about our College.

As we move toward the end of Term 1, I would like to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of our BBC students, their coaches, and support staff across the full array of competitive and cultural activities. We have achieved brilliant results, several premierships, and podium finishes across a variety of activities. Our spectators displayed excellent College spirit as they cheered on their mates. Perhaps most importantly, these young men have enhanced important life skills that will support them long after the scores are long forgotten. Congratulations on a wonderful Term 1. I look forward to Term 2 with immense excitement.

Yours faithfully, 

Mr Andre Casson
HEADMASTER

Changes to the Pastoral Care Notification System

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are committed to nurturing a positive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. A key part of our support system is our Pastoral Care Notification system, accessed through Teacher Kiosk. This system allows us to track and address student behaviour, both positive and concerning, so that we can provide timely and suitable support.

Since 2023, we have been refining and enhancing this system to ensure it meets the evolving needs of our students. Through extensive consultation, we have redesigned our approach to align with best practices in pastoral care, ensuring that our strategies are effective, transparent, and student-focused.

In the coming months, you will notice updates to the naming and phrasing of Pastoral Care Notifications. These changes reflect a clearer, BBC-specific, and more concise terminology for understanding and responding to student behaviour.

The system is structured across four levels, with behaviours increasing in significance from Level 1 to Level 4. Matters of Level 5 significance are handled directly by the Deputy Headmaster and Headmaster. It is essential that we maintain clear expectations to guide our students towards becoming Gentlemen of Honour.

Categories of Pastoral Care Notifications

By standardising these categories and levels, we aim to better our intervention strategies and overall student support while reinforcing a culture of respect, responsibility, and accountability.

Our Partnership

Your partnership and support are vital to the success of this initiative. Professor John Hattie, a leading Australian educational researcher, highlights the importance of collaboration between schools and families, stating:

When parents and teachers work together, the effect on student learning is significantly enhanced. A strong partnership creates a positive and consistent environment that supports both academic and personal development.

More information will be available in early Term 2; however, no immediate action is required. This is simply to keep you informed about the upcoming changes. With your continued collaboration, we can maintain a strong and supportive environment where students feel secure and encouraged in their academic, social, and emotional development.

Thank you.

Mr Scott Murphy

DEPUTY HEADMASTER

Request for Student Volunteers - Open Day - Sunday, 18 May

As you would already be aware, due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Open Day has been rescheduled to Term 2. It will now be held on Sunday, 18 May from 9am - 12pm.

Earlier this week, if you have a son in Secondary School, he will have been sent a message from the College on Highlands asking him to sign up to volunteer on Open Day.

This is an important event for the College, allowing us to share the spirit of the Green, White, and Black with the broader Brisbane community. It is also a chance for your son to seize a leadership opportunity, extend himself beyond his usual routine, and showcase his talents. If you believe your son can make a difference on the day, we would appreciate your encouragement. He has been encouraged to fill out a Microsoft Form, outlining his availability on the day and preferences by Monday, 28 April.

Any students who volunteer on the day will be provided a free morning tea, served in the Boarding House Dining Room. 

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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.

If you are a Junior School family who is interested in finding more about the Secondary School, we encourage you to join us on the day and explore everything on offer in the Secondary School.

Christian Ministry at BBC

It has been a busy month of Christian Ministry at BBC.

As a Chaplain, one part of my role is to help the boys grow in their spiritual knowledge and experience of Jesus Christ. Some may see religion as a visit to church on a Sunday, but the biblical approach to Christianity is that God walks with us in every aspect of our lives every day. This means that whether we are at work, play, or rest, Christ is there.

On Saturday, I was able to live this out with some of the crews at the Head of the River. Before their rowing race, I would spend a few minutes chatting with the boys, and then we prayed. I asked some crews if they wanted to do this while other boys chased me up and dragged me over to their crew so I could spend time with them. To me, this is special because it is about having Jesus in their everyday lives. They love to row, and God is with them. It is such an easy, practical lesson that they can take into all aspects of their lives.

On another note, I was speaking to the boarders at the Sunday night Chapel, and I was talking about the Bible verse, “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). I did an object lesson by asking for a volunteer to trust me. Jack came forward, not knowing exactly what I was going to do. Chapel Captain Josh then held a bag of water over his head. With a tarp underneath and a towel around his neck, I then proceeded to push a pencil through the bag with the water in it. Of course, everyone expected him to get wet, but in fact, no water leaked, even after using five pencils. The boys had a good laugh, and I went on to talk about how Jack trusted me because he knew me. Therefore, if we know God, we can trust him too.

Also, I just want to mention our ISCF Parents’ Breakfast. This was well attended, and a good sense of community was established between the boys, their parents, and the staff. Our Year 12 boys then shared about their ISCF experience.

Finally, I would just like to finish by mentioning Easter, even though it is at the end of the holidays this time. I pray that you and your family will have some treasured time together. May you know the Lord’s blessings in your lives. I also pray that you may understand the depth of the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf and the power of the Heavenly Father seen in his resurrection. That resurrection gives us a living hope that “even though we die, yet shall we live” (John 11:26).

Mr Stephen Ward
COLLEGE CHAPLAIN

Register your son for the QAMT Problem Solving Competition

The Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers (QAMT) hosts the Problem Solving Competition each year, and we encourage all interested students to participate in 2025. This competition is open to Secondary School students.

Competition Details:

• Date: 24 April 2025
• Duration: 2 hours
• Requirements: Non-CAS calculators allowed. The competition focuses on problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking rather than advanced mathematical knowledge.

Participation in this competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to challenge themselves and showcase their problem-solving abilities. High-achieving Year 11 students may also be eligible for the National Mathematics Summer School (NMSS).

Students must register their interest in participating in this competition by Friday, 4 April (Friday of Term 1, Week 10). Entries will be strictly closed after this date.

Students can register on Highlands. Please note that registration is only open to student email addresses.

If you have further questions about this competition, please email Mr Mitch Brockman (mitch.brockman@bbc.qld.edu.au) or Mr Bryn Jenkins (bryn.jenkins@bbc.qld.edu.au).

Co-Curricular | Culture and Enrichment

Performance Music

Twilight Concert – Mega Concert Season Launch

Last Thursday evening (20 March), BBC Music hosted its annual Twilight Concert in College Hall. This year’s event was a special concert, as it had been postponed from the week before due to Cyclone Alfred and the GPS Swimming Championships. The 2025 Twilight Concert was the mega concert season launch, with 280 of BBC’s musicians performing. 

Our audience was thrilled by the terrific performances. Some of the highlights included our mystery guest, Dr Paul Ballam-Cross (BBC Music Guitar Tutor), performing three wonderful pieces and the four combined ensembles – Strings, Jazz Band, Choir, and Concert Band. This is where members from our younger ensembles joined the senior students to perform a work together. The combined groups had between 50 and 150 students performing at the same time, with two of the combined ensembles conducted by students. The combined Strings were conducted by Archie McClure (Year 6, Junior School Captain of Strings and Cellist), and the combined Concert Band was conducted by Isaac Murphy (Year 12 – Prefect and Principal Clarinet). The combined ensembles saw BBC’s youngest musicians on stage performing with our senior students (Years 3 to 12).

The Twilight Concert is an important event in our calendar. It is a glimpse of our 2025 ensembles, with existing and new students performing together for the first time. Included in the concert were video recordings of performances from the 2024 Music Tour to Europe. 

We had the opportunity to introduce our 2025 Music Leadership team with seniors Tomson Spiliopoulos (2025 Captain of Music), Tobi Clark (2025 Co-Vice-Captain of Music), and Charles Bateman (2025 Co-Vice-Captain of Music) and Junior School leaders Edwin Matsuda (2025 Junior School Captain of Music), Samuel Douglas (2025 Junior School Captain of Bands), Archie McClure (2025 Junior School Captain of Strings), and Timmy Morgans (2025 Junior School Captain of Choirs). We thank Ms Kate Albury (Head of Co-Curriculum – Cultural and Enrichment Programs) for being at our concert and welcome her to the College.

Thank you, and congratulations to all students for their performances at the 2025 Twilight Concert. It was so exciting to see our Junior School performing side-by-side with our senior students. We thank the Music Support Group for their tireless efforts in running the front of house and organising student meals.

Special thanks to our Headmaster and the College Executive for their tremendous support of our BBC Music Program.

Performing Ensembles – Myles Walsh (Solo Guitar), Big Band, Stage Band, Jazz Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Colla Voce, BBC Singers, Collegians, Camerata, Junior Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Junior Strings, Acton Strings, Intermezzo Strings, College Strings, and College Symphony.

Inter-School Christian Fellowship

Join Us for ISCF Camp 2025!

Looking for an exciting and meaningful way for your son to spend the May long weekend? The Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) Day Camp 2025 is the perfect opportunity for BBC boys in Years 7 to 12 to connect with friends, enjoy fun activities, and grow in their faith.

This year’s camp will bring together students from Somerville House and Clayfield College for an unforgettable weekend of relaxation, adventure, and spiritual enrichment. Set in the heart of Brisbane, students will enjoy time at the South Bank beach, engaging discussions, and exciting afternoon activities.

Camp Details

When:

• Sunday, 4 May: 8:30am to 7:45pm
• Monday, 5 May: 8:15am to 3:30pm

Where: Somerville House
Cost: $60

This is a fantastic chance for your son to strengthen friendships, make new connections, and explore faith in a welcoming and fun environment. Once registered, further details will be sent via email.

Tickets must be purchased by Monday, 28 April, so don’t miss out! Sign up today, and let’s make ISCF Camp 2025 the best one yet!

For more information, please email Mr Thomas McPherson at tmcpherson@bbc.qld.edu.au

Sign Up for the Breakfast Launch of the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal

Each year, Brisbane Boys’ College proudly supports The Salvation Army through three key events:

• Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Breakfast Launch – Friday, May 2, 2025
• Visit to Government House for Afternoon Tea with the Governor – Wednesday, May 7, 2025
• College Camp Out – Saturday, May 24, 2025

The Red Shield Appeal Breakfast Launch is an inspiring event held at the Brisbane Convention Centre, where students and parents can learn more about the important work of the Salvation Army. The event starts at 7:00am, but boys must be there by 6:45am for registration. It finishes at 9:00am, but students can leave early to attend their first lesson at school.

This opportunity is open to students in Years 9 to 12 and any interested parents. However, spaces are limited to only 18 boys, and in addition to student spots, we also have availability for a table of nine parents to attend. We encourage early expressions of interest, with the final RSVP deadline set for Tuesday, 29 April.

For more details or to express interest, please email tmcpherson@bbc.qld.edu.au

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

Community Notices

Register for Rowan and Save a Life

Rowan Tong-Law, brother of BBC Old Boy Matthew Tong-Law (OC 2017), was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, and he is now urgently in need of help from the community.

His chemotherapy treatment has been unsuccessful, and his only chance now is to have a stem cell transplant. 

His family are searching worldwide for a matching donor. Rowan is in urgent need, and we would be grateful if members of our community between the ages of 18 and 35 considered registering as donors. Registering is as simple as sending a cheek swab through the mail.

Rowan’s family has set up a website, Register for Rowan, that offers further information about this brave young man’s story.

We know our community will join us in wishing Rowan and his family the very best in this difficult time.

Have you heard about the BBC Care and Concern program?

The Care and Concern program is run by Parent Connections and aims to help BBC families in times of need, including serious illness and bereavement. This support can take a variety of forms, including supplied meals and offers of transport.

The program is always happy to take on new volunteers. To sign up as a volunteer or to reach out for assistance, please contact parentconnections@bbc.qld.edu.au

PMSA Board Committee Volunteer Positions Open

The PMSA Board invites expressions of interest from experienced, values-driven professionals to join its Board Committees as volunteer members. These essential governance roles offer the opportunity to apply your strategic expertise in Human Resources, Finance, Risk, or Christian Education while contributing to PMSA’s mission of providing outstanding education grounded in Christian values.

Further information is available online.

Interested community members should reach out to Ms Bianca de Villiers at bdevilliers@pmsa-schools.edu.au

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