Brisbane Boys' College

As you are aware, last Friday, 5 September, was a pupil-free day for all students at BBC and other schools in Brisbane. The primary focus of this day is for Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) assessors from schools throughout Queensland to meet in teams to ensure a consistency of marking for our senior subjects across different schools and regions. This process is known as Confirmation. This quality assurance provides greater scrutiny and consistency in students’ final Year 12 scores. We are fortunate at the College to have a large number of QCAA assessors who bring their knowledge and insights into the teaching of their subjects, which, ultimately, benefits our boys. For those staff not engaged with Confirmation, we engaged in a variety of professional learning opportunities that will enhance our practices to better meet the needs of our students. An important aspect of the day was work on the BBC Pedagogical Framework, which, in essence, is the lens through which our boys experience education at the College.

It is important to take time to consider how we go about providing opportunities for our boys to thrive academically. With the chance to step back and think, I reflected on the key focus of education through time. BBC proudly has a proud tradition of being holistic in our approach to teaching and learning. Our school is a place that allows all young men the chance to thrive. We strive to develop programs that cultivate individual talents and passions. However, it cannot be denied that the essential skills of learning form the central focus of our endeavours. The traditional three ‘Rs’ (Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic) still form an essential part of any educational system. They are the basic building blocks of learning and enhance the learner’s educational bedrock as they move through school. However, there has been a trend in education of late that, while not neglecting the importance of the learning basics, is starting to highlight three new ‘Rs’:

Reflection

Relationships

Resilience

This significant shift in philosophy comes out of the work of Dr Daniel Siegel. Dr Siegel is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is best known for his work on the concept of ‘mindsight’.

As Dr Siegel explains it, “Mindsight is a term coined to describe our human capacity to perceive the mind of the self and others … it is a kind of focused attention that allows us to see the internal workings of our own minds. It helps us get ourselves off of the autopilot of ingrained behaviours and habitual responses. It lets us ‘name and tame’ the emotions we are experiencing, rather than being overwhelmed by them.”

The concept of mindsight is intrinsically linked to the idea of emotional and social intelligence. It examines our abilities to deal with difficult situations and bounce back when circumstances do not go our way. As I have discussed in the past, our students are faced with an uncertain future. It is a future full of adventure and exceptional possibilities, but it is unknown, nonetheless. As a school and as parents, it is essential that we develop a sense of grit and social awareness in these remarkable boys. We must equip them with the skills to deal with the curve balls that life will undoubtedly throw at them and to develop strategies that allow them to ‘take the weather with them’.

The most exciting aspect of Dr Siegel’s work for me, both as an educator and as a father, is that the tenets of mindsight can be learned and acquired. By providing students with opportunities to develop mindfulness, resilience, or a growth mindset, we rewire their brains and cultivate skills that will support them through life.

Dr Siegel explained in 2010 that “when we develop the skill of mindsight, we actually change the physical structure of the brain. This revelation is based on one of the most exciting scientific discoveries of the last twenty years: How we focus our attention shapes the structure of the brain. Neuroscience has also definitively shown that we can grow these new connections throughout our lives, not just in childhood.”

By developing an enhanced curriculum that acknowledges the importance of the new three Rs, we furnish our children with invaluable skills for life, no matter what they may face. The work of our teachers this year, through our Tartan+ Wellbeing Model, is seeking to provide these opportunities for the growth of all our students. I am excited by the possibilities that this work will unlock for the students of BBC. Perhaps there are techniques that we, as parents, can also adopt as we share this learning journey with these wonderful young men.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Andre Casson
HEADMASTER

Education and the Under-16 Social Media Age Ban

In November 2024, the Federal Government legislated new restrictions on social media use for children under 16 years of age. This legislation will come into effect on 10 December 2025.

This significant and positive step aims to protect young people from the risks associated with early and excessive exposure to online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and Reddit. The Australian Government, alongside the eSafety Commissioner, have outlined clear age restrictions for social media, and recent reports highlight how these rules will be applied. These changes are not about limiting opportunity but about safeguarding wellbeing during critical developmental years.

Experts agree that parental involvement is essential. Articles from The Conversation and Act for Kids explain how families can prepare children for these changes. Open conversations at home about healthy online habits, peer pressure, and digital resilience will help young people navigate these shifts positively. Resources from Headspace encourage young people to stay informed. Social media can feel like a central part of identity and belonging, but these restrictions are an opportunity for young people to pause, reset, and explore healthier ways of connecting and expressing themselves.

The most noticeable effect will be on YouTube use. Teachers can still share video clips in class, but students will not be expected to use their own accounts for schoolwork. Staff are working with safe and ethical alternatives, such as ClickView, to ensure students continue to benefit from digital resources while adhering to new guidelines.

We believe these restrictions, while challenging at first, present an opportunity for healthier routines, stronger face-to-face connections, and a focus on safe, ethical use of technology. We encourage all families to approach this change with understanding and consistency, helping boys see it as a positive step towards their wellbeing.

In addition to being aware of the social media restrictions, BBC continues to encourage parents to monitor their children’s use of technology and to keep smartphones and tablets out of their bedrooms. It is also recommended to have at least an hour of screen-free time before going to sleep.

For further reading, we encourage parents to explore the following resources:

Australian Government – Fact Sheet

eSafety Commissioner – Social Media Age Restrictions

The Conversation – How to Prepare Your Kids

Act for Kids – What Parents and Carers Need to Know

Headspace – The Social Media Ban: Staying Informed

Mr Scott Murphy

DEPUTY HEADMASTER

An Inspiring Week Ahead for Our Secondary School

Next week is an exciting time for our students when they get to explore and develop in areas beyond the curriculum. Each year level is engaged in different adventures throughout the week, and I look forward to seeing the boys flourish as they build their creativity, confidence and critical thinking.

Our Year 7 boys will collaborate with the team from Grin and Tonic to present a special performance based on the works of William Shakespeare, taking place on Thursday afternoon in College Hall. Parents are welcome to attend and share in this joyful celebration of the boys’ creativity and collaboration. It promises to be a wonderful way to conclude the term.

The Year 8 cohort will participate in the Amazing Adventure program, designed to build teamwork, resilience, and leadership. The experience will challenge the boys to put the needs of the group before their own and encourage them to step into roles of responsibility. Activities will take place both on campus and across Brisbane, offering valuable opportunities for growth and reflection.

Our Year 9 students will spend the week exploring what it means to be an emerging leader. With sessions from Peer Power on How to be a Good Bloke, Strive Lane on leadership and values, and Future Anything to spark entrepreneurial thinking, the program will guide the boys in reflecting on their personal values, mission, and vision for the future.

Our Year 10 students will be embarking on their Outdoor Education expedition on K’gari and Moreton Island. This is an opportunity for them to challenge themselves and build strong bonds as they move into their final senior years of schooling.

We wish our Year 11 students all the best as they complete their final exams before moving into Unit 3 and beginning work on their Year 12 studies.

Our Year 12 students will be engaged in the first PROMPTED Youth AI conference on Monday. This is an opportunity for our students to have a voice in how AI is affecting their lives and what decision-makers should consider when shaping policy. The rest of the week is dedicated to master class studies to help prepare for external exams and job readiness courses.

We look forward to an inspiring week ahead as our boys embrace these opportunities for learning, leadership, and celebration.

Ms Amelia Apogremiotis

HEAD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL

Christian Faith is Alive and Well

It has been a busy month at BBC. In the realm of Christian spirituality, many things have been happening.

Firstly, we had the return of Christian artist, Mr Dan Warlow, to present to all the Junior School boys in College Hall. As usual, his high energy and multi-modal approach to his performance fully engaged the boys. Using singing, dancing, ventriloquism, video, and spoken message, he challenged the boys to think about what they are grateful for in their everyday lives. Of course, the real test is being able to do this during tough times. He also urged the boys to “Trust in the Lord with all their heart” (Prov. 3:5) when trying to make important decisions.

Next, we had the Year 12s who hold a personal Christian faith stand in front of their fellow Year 12s, and share what they believe and why they believe it. They answered questions like:

Have you ever had any doubts about God? If so, what were they, and have you found an answer to them that you’re comfortable with?

What is the greatest thing for you about having Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour?

Why would you want your peers in here to seriously consider belief in Christ as well?

They were very courageous, as it isn’t always easy to be vulnerable and communicate as they did.

We have also had several Chapels. Year 9 considered ‘Forgiveness’, Year 10 pondered ‘Doubts about God’, and Year 8 analysed the meaning of some ‘Parables.’ An entertaining lesson on separation for the Year 8s came by dividing Smarties and M&Ms by sucking on a straw and moving them from one plate to another. This adds an element of fun to the session while helping to make a point.

Finally, I want to mention our Year 9 Inter-School Christian Fellowship boys, who ran the program last Thursday. They ran a game first before leading a talk on the topic, ‘How do you know if you’re saved?’ A number spoke at the front, referencing a PowerPoint with Bible verses to explain what they thought the answer might be. This was followed by a series of questions to the Year 9s by other boys listening. These answers were honest and direct, with boys coming from Christian family backgrounds, as well as those that didn’t, to talk about why they personally have faith.

The boys at BBC continue to explore their Christian spirituality in many settings as they consider what it means to believe.

Mr Stephen Ward

CHAPLAIN

PSA: Snakes Sighted in Toowong

BBC is fortunate to have such a lush, green campus for our community to enjoy. One of the bonuses of this space is that we are home to a number of native creatures. As spring kicks into gear, we are noticing some of our more reptilian lodgers begin to 'wake up' from their winter slumber.

This week, a snake was sighted near College House, and a staff member who lives close to campus had a python crawl out from his garden. These creatures will generally avoid any contact with humans, but these two sightings are a timely reminder that our College is home to a variety of fauna.

We urge all members of our community to be vigilant when walking around campus, particularly around highly vegetated areas. If you do discover a snake, please alert a staff member, who will inform our facilities team to undertake appropriate action.

If a snake is sighted, a sign will be erected at the location notifying our community to remain aware.

Order Your Copy of the 2025 Portal Yearbook

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 by Friday, 19 September. 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

Upcoming Events

Term 4 College Gymnastics & Spring Holiday Program – Enrol Now!

We’re excited to announce that enrolments are now open for Term 4 Gymnastics Classes, encompassing a 10-week program for all ages and levels from 7 October to 13 December. Check out the timetable below for more information.

College Gymnastics is also pleased to confirm that our Spring Holiday Program will be held from 29 September to 3 October over the school holidays. This is the perfect way to stay active, learn new skills, and have fun, and it’s open to all children – no experience required.

We accept Play On! Sports Vouchers, so use yours towards enrolment and get your child moving.

Places are limited, so enrol now to secure your spot.