College News 2025 - Term 2 Week 9

From the Headmaster

Please watch the end of Term message from our Headmaster, Mr Andre Casson.

From the Deputy Headmaster

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the term concludes and students head off for a well-earned break, a key focus has been our ongoing commitment to protecting and empowering our young people to safely navigate the online world. Through a proactive approach to digital safety, we aim to equip our students with the necessary skills and awareness to navigate the online world effectively. 

We have run presentations from ThinkUKnow in the Secondary School, and our classes continue to work through the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum. With that in mind, the rescheduled session with ‘cyber cop’ Susan McLean will be presented to both subschools, Middle Leaders, and parents on Thursday, 17 July, in the first week of Term 3 following a delay prompted by Cyclone Alfred. If you haven’t already, please reserve your seat for this session. This is a valuable opportunity for all families.

We are also making some important updates to our digital safety measures over the holiday break. Earlier this term, we added web filtering to our school-loaned devices when they are operating outside of the College network. An example is when students are browsing at home or using a hotspot. Strengthening our firewalls helps keep our students safer online by ensuring that adult content, potentially liable content, and security risk categories remain filtered on school devices.

The initial trial and feedback have been very positive. Following a review, we have decided to expand the sites and applications being filtered. Our goal is not to be overly restrictive but to create an engaging and meaningful learning environment where students remain focused and productive rather than being distracted by games or social media applications.

Importantly, we will be applying the same rules on school devices regardless of where they are connected. Categories that were previously allowed at home but not at school will now be adjusted to match the school rules. This change includes categories such as Social Networking, Instant Messaging, and Games.

Thank you for supporting us in helping students use technology safely and responsibly.

Have an incredible and safe holiday. I look forward to seeing you in Term 3.

Mr Scott Murphy

DEPUTY HEADMASTER

We are welcoming families right across Brisbane to join us at this very important seminar with Ms Susan McLean. To RSVP visit - https://bit.ly/CyberSafety-Presentation.

From the Head of Secondary School

This term has showcased a multitude of opportunities available to our students. It has displayed energy, enthusiasm, and strong community spirit across all year levels. From the sensational 80s concert last week and the camaraderie of the Interhouse War Cry Competition to the creativity on display in classrooms and co-curricular pursuits, students have embraced every opportunity to grow and challenge themselves. The subject selection event provided an opportunity for our Year 9 and 10 students to engage with Heads of Department and learn about the subjects available to them next year. It was wonderful to speak with parents and students about their goals for the final years of their schooling. 

Our wellbeing initiatives have continued to thrive, with targeted programs fostering connection, resilience, and self-awareness. Academic tracking interviews and the THRIVE Survey allow students to give feedback on their educational goals and current state of wellbeing. Mentors, Heads of House, and Heads of Year are then able to meet with the boys to discuss what is going well and strategies for dealing with issues they are struggling with. This has been complemented by guest presenters and excursions, including Time and Space, Ryda Road Safety Awareness, ThinkUKnow, Curtis Raymond, the PMSA Leadership Forum, and an entrepreneurial workshop. 

Service-based learning remains a pillar of our educational philosophy, encouraging students to give back to the community and develop a strong sense of social responsibility. I was thrilled that Hamilton has taken up a partnership with DreamCricket Australia to deliver cricket workshops at Special Schools in the area. It is a fabulous program and gives boys the opportunity to share their love of sport with the students. 

The next term will offer many more opportunities for our students as SET plan interviews begin and Years 9 and 10 students participate in their Outdoor Education experience. Our Years 7 to 9 students will participate in the Be Confident Week during the last week of term. A reminder that Year 10 SET plan surveys should be completed by 1 July, and subject selections close early in Term 3.

As we head into the break, it’s important that students take time to rest, recharge, and reflect on their goals for the remainder of the year. Use the time over the holidays to repair or replace parts of the uniform as needed. We have noticed a few areas that need improvement for next term. BBC-branded black bags are the only bags that should be used during the school day. Formal black shoes or RM Williams boots are the only acceptable shoes for boys to wear with their formal uniform. Black sneakers are not acceptable. Please note that a full academic uniform, including polished shoes, tidy hair, and correct grooming, is expected from Day 1 next term. Looking smart sets the tone for a strong start. Students return on Tuesday, 15 July.

Wishing you a safe and restful break.

Ms Amelia Apogremiotis

HEAD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL

From the Head of Junior School

Reflecting on a Semester of Learning in the Junior School

As Semester 1 comes to a close and the school bags are (temporarily) shoved in the back of the cupboard, it’s the perfect time to help your son pause and reflect on his learning journey so far this year. Reflection is a powerful habit to develop that helps children make sense of their experiences, recognise their growth, and set positive intentions for what comes next in their learning.

The most meaningful connections often come from unplanned and simple conversations and moments of shared connection. For Junior School boys, reflection doesn’t need to be complicated or formal. When the busyness of the last day of the school term calms, please take a moment and maybe use a few of these ideas to guide your reflections at home with your son:

Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcome – While our instinct is to focus on results and achievements, it is just as important to recognise effort and improvement. Ask your son:

• What are you proud of this term?
• What did you work really hard on?

This encourages a growth mindset and helps boys value perseverance and resilience.

Notice the Small Wins – Learning isn’t just about academic milestones—it’s also about forming new friendships, building confidence, and developing new skills. You might ask:

• Did you try something new this term?
• When did you help someone or show kindness?

Highlighting these moments reinforces positive social and emotional learning.

Reflect Together – Sharing your own reflections as an adult models the process. Talk to your son about something you’ve learnt recently, the things that have challenged you, or something you’re proud of. This normalises reflection as a lifelong habit and shows your son that everyone is still learning.

Look Ahead with Optimism – Once you’ve celebrated the semester that we have just finished, talk to your son about thinking about the term ahead. Maybe ask:

• What are you excited about next term?
• Is there something you want to get better at or try again?

By making reflection a shared and positive experience, we help boys build self-awareness and pride in their progress. As they begin to recognise their own growth, they develop the confidence to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and keep striving to move forward.

Mrs Summa Todd

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Old Boys Helping with Spiritual Development

It is so good to have Old Boys return to be involved with the Christian Education of current students. They pass on their experience while here, as well as their journey into the world after they leave.

Mr Jaiden Sike (OC 2021) came and sat with me, explaining how, after school, he became serious about his faith in Jesus Christ. As a result, he wanted to give back to BBC for helping him on his spiritual journey. Most Thursdays, he now gives up his time to hang out with our Rudd Voluntary Chapel boys. This includes getting to know them and leading his first Bible discussion recently. We are grateful for his time. 

Then, last Sunday night, Mr Jacob Job (OC 2023, Valedictorian and Rudd House Captain) returned to share with the boarders during their Chapel service. He played a game of Celebrity Heads to engage them and get them thinking. Then he shared a talk titled ‘Titanic Truths’.

This closely examined the things we accept as truth and whether we act upon what we hear. One illustration was that the captain of the Titanic had been warned about icebergs in the area by another ship, which had decided to stop for the night. After hearing this truth from another captain, he apparently decided to continue the journey, and we all know how that ended. Listening to the truth, determining its accuracy, and then acting upon it can sometimes literally save your life.

Jacob then explained a statement from Jesus in John 14:6 where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through me.”

In other words, Jesus was claiming that he was the way to God and heaven. So, like the Titanic captain, we have to determine the accuracy of that claim and then act upon it. If Jesus was telling the truth, then listening to him will also literally save our lives.

I am very thankful for the input of these Old Boys in the spiritual development of our current students.

Mr Stephen Ward

CHAPLAIN

Co-Curricular | Culture and Enrichment

Performance Music

BBC Performance Music has had a vibrant and successful term, with students excelling across a range of events. Many of our talented musicians have been selected to represent the College at the upcoming State Honours Ensemble Program hosted by the Queensland Conservatorium. Our Junior Autumn Sounds Concert was a delightful showcase of young talent, featuring a surprise performance by senior student Tobi Clark (Year 12). The BBC Rock Band None the Wiser impressed judges in the Harwyn Rocking the Nation competition, while the BBC String Quartet performed beautifully at the RSPCA Fundraiser. The Middle and Senior School Solo Championships highlighted exceptional musical skill, with Ethan Zhang (Year 8) and Matthew Jung (Year 11) named champions. Our Piano Recital gave students the chance to perform on a grand piano, many for the first time. The term concluded with a spectacular 80s-themed concert, complete with costumes, food trucks, and a special guest appearance by Old Collegian Mr George Sheppard (OC 2004). It’s been a term full of music, achievement, and community spirit.

For more information about all these events and photos, please visit the Co-Curricular News page on Highlands.

2025 Junior School Solo Competition

It is with great pleasure that the BBC Music staff invite boys in Years 4 to 6 to participate in the annual Junior School Solo Competition. 

The competition is an opportunity for students undertaking private instrumental lessons to compete against their peers of a similar standard.

For further information and to enter, please click here.

2025 Piano Eisteddfod

It is with great pleasure that the BBC Music Department invites students to participate in the annual Brisbane Boys’ College Piano Eisteddfod to be held on Wednesday, 20 August. 

The Eisteddfod is an opportunity for our piano students to prepare a piece and compete with students at a similar level.

The event will take place in the Earl Larmar Recital Room on the Yamaha C3X grand piano, with a performance schedule to be advised closer to the date.

Entries are now open and will close at 10:00pm Wednesday, 13 August.

We look forward to receiving your entry!

Readers Cup

The Children’s Book Council of Australia runs the Readers Cup competition every year, resulting in nearly 17,000 books being read by over 4,000 competitors.

Our keen Year 9 readers took on the Brisbane South competition, with BBC Team 2 placing tenth and BBC Team 1 finishing in second place.

The teams have participated in weekly (and sometimes daily) meetings to not only read their assigned books but also drill each other with practice questions. This diligence and dedication certainly paid off with their final results. 

Congratulations to the boys for their great results, hard work, and dedicated reading.

Ms Kate Albury 

HEAD OF CO-CURRICULAR – CULTURE AND ENRICHMENT

Parking on or near College

Dear BBC Families,

As a busy College community, we understand that mornings and afternoons can be particularly hectic. We kindly ask that parents and carers remain mindful of staff and fellow families when parking on or near the College grounds.

Where possible, please avoid using parking bays that are signed or marked as reserved for staff or visitors. These areas are essential for supporting the daily operations of the College and ensuring continuity of care and supervision for students throughout the day, including before and after school.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation in helping to maintain a respectful and well-functioning environment for all members of our community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards,

Mr Bradley Hacker

CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER

Spring Bling - Save the Date

Friday, 12 September

Spring Bling is Parent Connections' major fundraiser for the year and all funds raised go to supporting community activities and school projects that directly benefit our boys. Save the date - Friday, 12 September - Hillstone, St Lucia.

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