The 1956 School Magazine

It must ever be borne in mind, when reading this magazine, that in it is contained a record of the achievements of the future administrators of our world, and a sample of their appreciation of things strange and beautiful. Yet it is not merely a collection of poems and stories put together as a magazine, but a representation to the outside world of the mind, the desires, and the point of view of the writers.

We do not pretend that the literary merit of the compositions is outstanding, we do not consider them gems of skill; but they are representative of a class — a class whose word will, in future days, sway the world, and a class that must be nurtured in order that that sway may be good.

The measure of a man's sway, of his ability to lead, is the measure of his ability to make firm decisions, and, in making them, to reason logically — as far as logic will go — and then rely upon his moral integrity to uphold and complete those decisions. Few decisions, if any, rely solely on logic as such: the moral perception which governs our life is the major deciding factor.

Thus it is that youth requires guidance, and, better than guidance, understanding, which may perhaps be regarded as a more intelligent guidance; for the four years spent in establishments such as the Brisbane Grammar School are part of the most crucial period of our lives. It is here that we must learn to discriminate, to understand, to function as an integral part of a community, to imbibe and impart a certain spirit, to achieve experience, and, in achieving experience, to learn to make decisions.

Our ability, therefore, to lead, which will be tested in the years to come, depends upon our sense of right and wrong, our capability to discriminate, and, in discrimination, to formulate a standard against which all conduct must be measured — a standard which we must refuse to lower.

This magazine may be regarded as an index of the attitude of youth to the world they will one day control. It must be examined, intently studied, to see not how many matches were won, or who is the champion sportsman, but what the attitude of the performers and writers is to life. What have they given the community? What have they gained from this great establishment? Will this gain last them through life, and influence the lives of others? This lasting gain will help our generation to form standards by which we may judge our future world.

It is a fact that Old Boys of any organisation like meeting together. And when there is a job to be done, they enjoy working together. B.G.S. Old Boys have not been found wanting in this regard, as witness their efforts at their successive Fun Fairs. What Old Boy is not proud of the Swimming Pool? Who has not felt honoured to contribute effort or money or both?

There will be no Fair in 1956–57. But there will be Foundation Day Celebrations: the Thanksgiving Service at Albert Street Methodist Church on Sunday, 24th February, and on the following Saturday, 2nd March, sporting contests during the day and the Reunion at night. In May the Grammar Ball will be held.

Then let us talk more of our Association, particularly to Old Boys who are not members of the O.B.A. Invite them to join. Tell them about the fine matches on the oval, the Reunions, the Speakers' Club — now Rostrum No. 12 — the Rowing Club and Nil Sine Labore Lodge. Naturally the stronger we are numerically, the more we shall accomplish.

Our finances are sound. As a result of the 1956 Fair the Pool account was finalised. There are more young members in the Council this year than previously. So here's to continuing service to the Old School, to good fellowship and lasting friendships.