The 2013 School Magazine

"Special Guest Mr Li Cunxin, Board of Trustees, Headmaster Mr Short, staff, parents and boys. I begin this address in complete awe of Mr Li Cunxin and am reminded always to be inspired by life's opportunities.

Ten months ago, Brisbane Grammar School, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, was flooded with a new wave of slightly apprehensive, moderately sunburnt, but very enthusiastic boys in blue. Over the past year, these boys have been zealous in their pursuit of happiness, and have once again achieved success.. Each award presented here today is a testament to hard work and resilience.. It is this community in which we are immersed every day that allows us to challenge ourselves and add our unique thread to the tapestry of Brisbane Grammar School.

This liberal education is a foundation for the School's success and is promoted for sound reasons. We recognise that human, artistic and creative thinking are as important as the study of classics.. I believe it is this ethos which has seamlessly and skilfully allowed each student from Year 6 to Year 12 to feel an integral part of the whole school; a true unity in community.

2013 has been a stellar extracurricular year. BGS has won seven GPS Premierships: cricket, volleyball, tennis, sailing, debating, chess and gymnastics, and we were again the Champion Fencing School in Brisbane. The First XI cricketers broke a 30-year drought.. whilst the First VI volleyballers secured their 11th consecutive premiership. BGS is built on meritocracy and not hierarchy — something that has had a profound effect upon my leadership and the stewardship demonstrated by the seniors.

Two events particularly stand out in my mind: first, the Grammar Concert in May.. and second, NAIDOC Day. The NAIDOC Day celebration stirred the emotions of every boy as they listened to Indigenous students Trey Kemp and Isaiah Cummings share their life stories.. I believe the way these boys shared their stories speaks volumes about their pride and character, but also reflects our collective diversity and inclusivity.

I leave three quite simple challenges for the succeeding students: first, commit yourself academically and realise how truly capable you are; second, immerse yourself in something new because you will then feel challenged but rewarded; and third, wear your uniform with pride, because that is what unites us.

I would like to say a few words to our departing Headmaster Mr Brian Short.. you have been an exemplary and respected 11th Headmaster.. We wish you and Mrs Harvey-Short all the very best for the future, as we welcome Mr Anthony Micallef as our 12th Headmaster, an outstanding and popular appointment, who I know will add his own unique and binding thread to the Grammar tapestry. Never forget that we have worn the light dark blue! Thank you."

Mike Cavaye, School Captain 2013

No formal Old Boys' Association section appears in the 2013 magazine; alumni are managed by the Development Office. However, in his reflective interview the retiring Headmaster, Mr Brian Short, records a significant development for the Association:

"The Old Boys have significantly regained their influence — their functions are dramatically better attended, year groups are funding needs-based bursaries, and their presence is much greater in the School. The Foundation Day appearance this year of John Collins, from the internationally acclaimed Australian band Powderfinger, was a memorable and influential example." He also notes "the adoption of a needs-based bursary program and the funding of bursaries by the Old Boys."

The 2012 President of the Old Boys' Association, Mr Cameron McLeod, is pictured presenting Old Boy Scholarships. The Community section also records the Old Boys' Annual Reunion Dinner. (The issue's contents additionally list a heritage reference, "1898 – Old Boys' Association," tied to the archives/history strand.)

No President's report, office-bearers list, or Births/Marriages/Deaths register appears in this issue.