Grammar principal’s emotional letter as two more Covid-19 cases recorded

Brisbane Grammar School’s headmaster has penned an emotional letter to the school community as the number of Covid-19 cases linked to the inner-city campus grows by two.

Brisbane Grammar School headmaster Anthony Micallef has penned an emotional and stirring letter to the school’s community after two further positive COVID-19 cases were recorded on Friday.

The private boys’ school now has 14 students, teachers and parents in their community who have tested positive in the current outbreak of the Delta strain, which has sent south-east Queensland into lockdown.

In his letter, which was written when the community had 12 positive cases, Mr Micallef said it was an “emotionally, physically and psychologically challenging period” for the families who were affected.

A sign signaling the closure of Brisbane Grammar School at Spring Hill. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“I am sure that all in our community have had to deal with an incredibly stressful past week, with little certainty amid changing freedoms,” he said.

“Support from the community is vital.”

With BGS families needing to endure another week of home isolation, Mr Micallef said he would share more details of the arrangements the school would implement as people were permitted to exit from quarantine.

“The strength of a community is shown in challenging times,” he said.

“Please take care of yourself and your family over the coming week, and do not hesitate to ask for any assistance you may need.”

Brisbane Grammar School is one of four Brisbane schools to have students to test positive to COVID-19 in the current outbreak.

Neighbouring Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Indooroopilly State High School and Ironside State School have also recorded positive cases.

SEE THE FULL LETTER BELOW

At the time of writing, 12 BGS community members have tested positive to COVID-19, including boys, teachers and parents. Our thoughts are with the individuals and their families. This is an emotionally, physically and psychologically challenging period for these families and support from the community is vital.

I am sure that all in our community have had to deal with an incredibly stressful past week, with little certainty amid changing freedoms. I wish to share with you some of my thinking around how we might use our shared values to help give us direction and meaning at this time.

Learning is typically the first-listed BGS value. I thank everyone for their diligence and patience as we again transitioned to home-based learning. Learning continues at BGS. It is our core business and what we are renowned for. From my point of view, online learning is effective, but never as fulfilling as the face-to-face interaction one has in a classroom. I know that I have missed teaching Shakespeare’s Macbeth to the seniors in 12D English, but we’ve managed to analyse the play and deconstruct Macbeth’s character, albeit virtually – great job boys!

Endeavour aligns with the BGS motto, nil sine labore - nothing without work. Dealing with particularly adverse circumstances can require effort and a willingness to adapt. The maturity shown by all boys this week has been heartening, and their behaviour overwhelmingly aligns with our values of leadership and respect. The work of staff has been extraordinary. Teachers have shown amazing resilience and creativity; our business and services staff continue to help, where possible; and the parent body has shown an abiding commitment to the School’s efforts to confront this challenge.

But ultimately, we are nothing without our community. The support we show each other currently demonstrates the real strength of the BGS community. I have seen the messages of support on social media, questions being asked and answered, and information shared.

Aside from continuing good study and eating habits and getting enough sleep, boys are being encouraged to engage with our digital wellbeing programs over this period.

I will continue to keep the BGS community updated with regular communications as information becomes available.

Please take care of yourself and your family over the coming week, and do not hesitate to ask for any assistance you may need.