College News 2025 - Term 3 Week 3

From the Headmaster

Dear BBC Families,  

Last weekend, we had the wonderful privilege of hosting our annual Old Boys’ Day. This is a most significant event on our calendar, as it is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of 123 years of men who have left the College and gone out into the world to make a positive impact on society. Moreover, it is a celebration of their legacy, on which our current students build. Events like this do not just happen, and I wish to acknowledge the incredible work of Old Collegians’ Association President, Mr Murray McNaught (OC 1992), and his intrepid Executive Committee for their efforts in making this showcase such a magnificent success despite the inclement weather. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to Mrs Tanya Bester, our Alumni Manager, for her superior organisational skills and passion for the College, particularly our Old Collegians. Finally, to all other BBC staff and volunteers, thank you for your contributions to the success of the day. This is College!  

Old Boys’ Day personifies our College Value of Community, as it affords our alumni a chance to reconnect with their classmates in a place that was significant in their formative years. Moreover, it is an opportunity to share schoolyard tales while catching up on the stories of the rich lives these men have led since they wore the Green, White, and Black. I was awestruck by the engagement of our former students, with a highlight definitely being the reunion of the Class of 1955, who celebrated their 70th anniversary. Over the course of Friday and Saturday, we shared in the celebration of seven separate events – a remarkable acknowledgement of the importance of BBC in these men’s lives. While it was amazing to share the recollections of these former scholars and the mischief that they got up to while at the College, I could not help but be struck by the immense legacy that these men have left for our current Gentlemen of Honour to build on as they create their own stories.  

I have spoken before about an oration at a Founder’s Day Assembly by Old Collegian Mr Alexander Voltz (OC 2016), when he shared that the uniform that the students in the audience before him wore was not theirs. Alexander pointed out that they are only the current custodians of the stripey blazer and boater. They received this gift from the boys who wore it before them, and, when they are piped out of the gates when they graduate, they will pass it on to the next generation of BBC students. I was very aware of the legacy that current boys continue when I listened to Alexander’s words, and I was similarly moved as I took in the brilliance of the BBC Old Boys’ Day.  

As a College, we are firmly focused on the present and how we can continue to provide our current students with the best education available – an education that affords each boy more than one way to thrive. Our efforts are centred on the now and what we can do for each young man in our care. We, of course, plan for our future through significant projects like our Strategic and Master Plans, as it is our duty to forge something greater for those who will follow us at the College. But just as importantly, we are cognizant of the magnificent legacy afforded us by those remarkable men who created the BBC legend long before many of our community joined the BBC family.    

Our students often reflect on the BBC brotherhood – a heritage bestowed on us by men who created the path that we now follow. The engagement of our Old Boys on our Council, on staff, and as coaches, parents, and volunteers, forms the beating heart of the Green, White, and Black community. It is a collective united in our passion for our school and the impact that it has had on so many lives and on our society as a whole.  I never take this privileged position for granted, nor do our current students. They know that while they may see further, it is because they stand on the shoulders of giants. To all our Old Collegians, thank you for your passion, your support, and, above all else, the magnificent foundation you have provided for our current students. 

Yours faithfully,  

Mr Andre Casson  
HEADMASTER

Census Collection Notice - Update Your Details

Every year, we are required to submit all students’ addresses to the Australian Government. 

The Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection is undertaken each year by non-government Approved Authorities and their schools in SchoolsHUB.   

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. For further information, please consult the PDF linked below. 

As such, please can you update your residential address if required in Parent Lounge.

40 Hour Famine Sign-Up Begins

The boys have now heard from World Vision about the need for help worldwide. Severe challenges, such as rising food costs (a key element in the cost-of-living crisis) and conflicts leading to displaced people, have made our support vitally important.  

When I was in Kenya, World Vision took me to a local school that had about 120 students. They explained how they had installed a toilet on school grounds, as well as some water tanks for hand washing and drinking water.   

Don’t we all just take for granted that a toilet will be on school property and that clean water is available for students to wash their hands (thus preventing disease)? Don’t we also take for granted that students will have access to fresh water when they are thirsty?  

My wife and I came bearing gifts of soccer balls and a lolly for every student, and they treated us like royalty. It was a bizarre feeling, but they were just so grateful. Imagine how thankful they must have been when the water tanks and toilets were installed.  

Our audacious goal is for 500 boys to sign up for the 40 Hour Famine and raise money to help. Ten have joined after my initial message was sent out. It is a start.  

Proverbs 3:27 says,  

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.  

So much of the world is hurting because of selfishness, violence, hatred, and apathy. Please join me in enriching your sons with a heart of compassion. 

If you would like to contribute to BBC’s efforts to raise funds for World Vision through the 40 Hour Famine, please visit our project page and make your donation. If you wish to support a particular student participating, just type their name in the search bar on that same page, click on their name, and donate on their page. Thank you so much for your support of those in need.

Mr Stephen Ward
CHAPLAIN

Announcing Piper the Wellbeing Dog

In recent years, the positive role of wellbeing dogs in boosting emotional skills, social skills, and even academic performance has been well documented in multiple pedagogical studies. As part of our ongoing efforts to support and enrich the wellbeing of every student, we have been closely considering these benefits.  

Following consultation with Dogs Connect, who have successfully placed hundreds of wellbeing dogs across Australia, we are delighted to announce that we will be welcoming a very special new member to our community in the coming months: Piper, our very own wellbeing dog.   

Piper is a 17-week-old Australian Cobberdog. She has a gentle nature and is already demonstrating what a wonderful companion she will be for our students and staff. Her duties will stretch from Prep to Year 12, supporting emotional wellbeing, promoting a sense of calm, and helping build positive relationships across our school.   

To ensure a smooth introduction, we will be introducing Piper to the College in a structured manner to ensure that our newest and furriest employee thrives in her new position. BBC staff across the school are currently undergoing training with Dogs Connect, which will guide us in creating a supportive environment for Piper and ensuring her role is purposeful and enriching for both her and our students.   

We will be communicating our plans for Piper in detail and well in advance, ensuring that all community members have the opportunity to learn about her and her role at the College before her arrival. Our aim is for Piper to be settled into her new duties by the end of Term 4 and ready to kick off 2026 with enthusiasm.   

In the meantime, we invite you to watch the embedded video, which provides an overview of the Dogs Connect program and the benefits of having a wellbeing dog in a school. This is an evidence-based program that is underpinned by best practice, and we encourage you to look over Dogs Connect’s website to discover more about the program.   

Thank you for your ongoing support as we embark on this exciting journey. We look forward to the joy and comfort Piper will bring to our community.  

If you would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms Jennifer Warwick, BBC’s Deputy Head of Junior School, at jwarwick@bbc.qld.edu.au  

Year 11 Semi-Formal | Final Parent Reminders

This Saturday, 2 August, is the Year 11 Semi-Formal. We strongly encourage all parents and guardians to consult the details below.

Drop-Off and Waiting Area 

Please see the map linked below, which outlines the designated drop-off zone and waiting area. Parents are welcome to wait with students in the waiting area; however, access to the boat itself will not be permitted.  

Students must check in with their Head of House on arrival to have their name marked off the roll, and must check out with them before leaving at the end of the event. 

Arrival and Departure Times 

Arrival: 7:00pm (Students to check in with their Head of House upon arrival) 
Departure: 7:30pm sharp 
Return: 10:30pm 

BBC staff and security will be present, and we ask that all parents be punctual for the 10:30pm pick-up to ensure a smooth end to the evening.  

Dress Code 

This is a semi-formal event, and students are expected to dress appropriately. 

Recommended attire includes: 

• Collared shirt and dress pants
• Dress shoes
• Optional: Tie, blazer, or suit jacket 

Dietary/Medical Requirements 

If your son or his partner has a dietary requirement, they should let the staff know when they collect their food – they will provide a meal that is safe to eat. If boys are unsure or don’t feel comfortable speaking directly to the catering team, they can talk to Ms Wilson, Ms A, or Mr Murphy, who will be happy to help. 

If your son or his partner requires an EpiPen or asthma puffer, please ensure they bring it with them on the boat. 

It is forecast to be cold, windy, and wet, so please ensure your son and/or their partner brings a jacket.  

Please contact events@bbc.qld.edu.au for further information. 

Co-Curricular Update

Old Boys' Day on Saturday, 26 July, was a resounding success, offering past and present students the opportunity to bond and reconnect. Additionally, each of BBC's premier teams won their home round against Gregory Terrace over the weekend. Congratulations to the student-athletes in the First XV Rugby, First V Basketball, and Premier Chess teams.

Videos from the day demonstrating the inspiring impact our returning Old Boys had on our current Collegians are being posted to the BBC Co-Curricular Instagram page.

Co-Curricular Event Photos Now Available Via GeoSnapshot

Photos from the following events are now available for parents to view and download from the Parents' Lounge on Highlands:

• Tartan Spectacular
• Old Boys' Day Basketball
• Old Boys' Day Rugby
  

Photos from the theatre production of Twelfth Night, as well as images from other events, will be uploaded soon.

Spring Bling Tickets On Sale From Friday, 1 August

Tickets to this year's Spring Bling Ladies Lunch go on sale this Friday, 1 August from 9am and all parents will be sent the invitation with the link to purchase tickets via Highlands. Parents will receive an email alert with the link and will also be able to find the link to purchase tickets in the ‘News’ section on the Mobile App.

To ensure you can successfully purchase tickets to this year's event, we've prepared a Ticket Purchasing Guide to help answer any questions you might have.

Please view the linked PDF below for all the information you might need. For any event-related enquiries, please email parentconnections@bbc.qld.edu.au and one of the team's parent volunteers will be able to respond as soon as possible.

Order Your Copy of the 2025 Portal Yearbook

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We have begun preparing the free 2025 BBC yearbook: the Portal. 

To help us continue to advance our sustainability efforts, we will only print copies of the Portal for families who place an order. 

To order a Portal for your son or sons, please complete this online form. You will be asked to provide the name and year level of your eldest son to receive a copy. 

Please be aware that if you do not complete this form, your family will not be provided with a complimentary copy of the 2025 Portal.  

The 2025 Portal will be distributed to students in class during Term 1, 2026.  

Parents ordering copies for current Year 12 students are strongly encouraged to provide a valid contact email address. This will enable BBC to notify you when your Portal is available for collection. You will be able to retrieve your order from the Alumni Office in early 2026.  

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via communications@bbc.qld.edu.au 

Warm regards, 

BBC Communications 

BBC Career Opportunities

BBC is currently hiring for a full-time Maintenance Assistant to join our dedicated Facilities team. We encourage you to share this opportunity with interested friends and family to help us find an excellent candidate for this role.

For more information on the role or to apply, please visit this Seek listing or consult the linked position description below.

Upcoming Events

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