Light Dark Blue: The Brisbane Grammar School Podcast

In the final episode of our Wellbeing Series, we hear from five BGS boys about their lived experience at the School. We find out who they turn to when things get challenging, what the BGS culture means to them, and how the range of student Wellbeing programs have helped them thrive.

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What is key to the students at BGS emerging as happy and successful young men? Nathan Simmons, Director of Counselling and Academic Services, discusses the pillars that support the boys to thrive during their time at BGS, some of the common wellbeing issues he sees in his role, and some advice for parents to support their boys. 

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Student wellbeing is crucial for every BGS student — none more so than our boarders. We talk to Tim Holzgrefe about how much boarding has changed over the years, the challenges young boarders can face on arrival, and the bespoke program that supports the BGS boarders to feel protected and connected right through their journey at BGS.

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If a student feels like he belongs, he thrives. That is the message from Paddy Last who is an Assistant Head of Year 10 and Drama Teacher. Mr Last’s role is to ensure boys find a sense of belonging and connection with others — whether that is through a combination of sport, academics or on stage in one of the School’s dramatic or musical productions. He explains why students should keep an open mind and try a range of cocurricular activities, to avoid pigeonholing themselves.   

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Each week, BGS boys help tutor students at neighbouring schools, make sandwiches for kids without school lunches, help raise money to train guide dogs…and so much more. With 14 Public Purpose programs going strong across the school, the popularity of what used to be called ‘community service’ has never been greater. We speak to Crystal Thompson, who leads Public Purpose about why the program is beneficial not only to the community and school, but to the boys themselves.

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As Head of Year, Craig Timms accompanies students on an extraordinary journey supporting the same cohort from Year 9 through to graduation. In this episode, he discusses his experience of working with students as they grow and mature year-on-year, and how the wellbeing programs help navigate challenges, including those posed by technology.

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Days kayaking on the lake and nights listening to Dreamtime stories over a campfire, Moogerah provides fond memories for many BGS students. Derek Jervis chats to Light Dark Blue about the Outdoor Education program, and how the practical skills – while undoubtedly important – are secondary to the sense of connection and wellbeing gained from “going bush”. 

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What is Protect and Connect, and why does it take everyone — teachers, parents, staff and student leaders— to make this model work? We chat with Adam Block about helping boys navigate the shift between junior and senior schools and the importance of connection during this momentous and foundational time in a boy’s life. 

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From insufficient sleep and tech dependence to body image and friendship issues, the impact on students of today is significant. We talk to the Director of Student Wellbeing Programs, Philippa Douglas, about how the School is helping students to manage social pressures in a healthy way and how parents can support their sons.

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Why has Brisbane Grammar School put so much emphasis on student wellbeing in recent years? In this episode, we talk to the heads of the Middle and Senior schools about the ongoing, school-wide efforts in building connected and resilient young men who are ready to face the challenges of a changing world. 

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