A history of giving

Since its foundation in 1868, Brisbane Grammar School has been more than just an educational institution; it’s been a thriving community where volunteers play a pivotal role in shaping the experience of its students.

The contributions of volunteers are woven into the fabric of Brisbane Grammar School, enriching the lives of students and fostering a sense of community among all stakeholders.

From the Grammar Shop to the Tuckshop, volunteers support various aspects of school life, ensuring that the boys have access to diverse opportunities for growth and development.

Among the many volunteer groups, the Parents and Friends (P&F) Auxiliary stands out for its longstanding commitment to the School’s betterment and its direct impact on the boys’ education.

The P&F Auxiliary oversees the day-to-day operations of the Grammar Shop and Tuckshop, staffed by dedicated parent volunteers yearround. The proceeds generated from these endeavours play a crucial role in financing various significant projects within BGS.

Berthine Ommensen, who recently concluded her four-year term as President of the P&F Auxiliary, understands the impact of volunteering within a school community. With all four of her sons attending BGS, Berthine has firsthand experience of how volunteering shapes students’ educational journeys.

Having embarked on her volunteering journey in the Tuckshop in 2012 when her eldest son started at BGS, Berthine has taken upon many roles within the Auxiliary Committee over the years, including Parent Representative when her youngest son started in 2016 and later as VicePresident in 2019. Berthine’s dedication highlights the essential role that committed volunteers like her play in fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all BGS students.

“It’s like being part of a village where everyone, no matter their stage of family life, shares something in common. It’s a great way to meet new people, build a support network and be involved in the School,” Berthine says.

Incoming P&F Auxiliary President Rachael Dauber, whose four sons also attend BGS, echoes Berthine’s sentiment.

“For newer mums, volunteering is a fantastic chance to connect with those who have been there, done that. It’s all about meeting new people as well as helping out.”

For Berthine and Rachael, volunteering offers not only a chance to give back but also an avenue to connect with others and gain insights into the inner workings of the school.

“Working at the Tuckshop allows you to connect with parents across various year levels, not just within your own. It provides a valuable insight into the school’s dynamics, familiarising you with teachers and giving you a sense of school life.”

Over time, Berthine and Rachael have witnessed a transformation in their roles, evolving into the seasoned experts they are today.

Thinking back to her initial experiences volunteering at the Tuckshop, Berthine reminisces about feeling like a newcomer, uncertain of her next steps without constant guidance. She amusingly recalls, “I remember thinking, I’ll never know what to do from one moment to the next without someone guiding me. But as time went on, the roles reversed, and I became the one offering guidance to the new parents.”

At the heart of the P&F Auxiliary lie four pillars: community engagement, volunteer engagement, commercial operations and fundraising. These pillars serve as the foundation for the Auxiliary’s activities with the aim of bringing together the whole BGS community.

“The P&F Auxiliary’s greatest strength lies in its ability to bridge across year levels and unite all parents and support groups through community events. It serves as the glue that binds parents together in the broader BGS community, fostering unity and cohesion among all stakeholders,” Berthine remarks.

One of the Auxiliary’s major events, the Spring Luncheon, exemplifies this inclusive approach, bringing together individuals from various year levels and backgrounds.

“The Spring Luncheon epitomises our commitment to inclusivity, uniting individuals from diverse year levels and backgrounds in a celebration of community and camaraderie. By fostering cross-connections and informal interactions, the Auxiliary aims to strengthens the sense of community across the entire school.”

Historically, the P&F Auxiliary fundraising has contributed to many major School projects, such as the refurbishment of Harlin House, the Lilley Centre and the Indoor Sports Centre. Most recently, the Auxiliary made a generous pledge of $1.5 million towards the STEAM Precinct on Giving Day 2023. In recognition of this monumental contribution, one of the STEAM towers in the Atrium is named in their honour.

When allocating funds, central to the Auxiliary’s decision-making process is a commitment to its core goals of connection, care and contribution.

The P&F Auxiliary works collaboratively with the Headmaster Mr Anthony Micallef and other committee members to ensure it supports projects that benefit the entire school community.

“Everything we do is for the benefit of the boys, with all profits going directly back to the School. Our financial commitments must resonate with our committee members and the BGS community, reflecting careful consideration, fiscal responsibility and recognition of the input of future volunteers’ contributions. It’s about ensuring that everyone’s efforts make a tangible impact.”

Looking ahead, the P&F Auxiliary aims to deepen its ties within the broader school community, by forging strong relationships with internal operations and the Old Boys’ Association.

“If we can continue these relationships, it will make the broader school community more cohesive and inclusive, ensuring the boys receive the best school experience possible.”

As volunteers continue to play a vital role in the School’s success, their dedication and commitment serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of community at Brisbane Grammar School.

History of Giving

BGS is privileged to have dedicated and selfless volunteers who offer their time to help in the Tuckshop, Grammar Shop, at sporting and cocurricular events, and on committees.

2023The P&F Auxiliary generously pledged $1.5M on Giving Day to STEAM. The School acknowledges the monumental donation from the P&F Auxiliary by naming one of the STEAM towers in the Atrium.

2022The P&F Auxiliary donated $100,000 and will name the STEAM Cafeteria.

2019The P&F Auxiliary donated $250,000 towards Harlin House refurbishments and continue to honour their 2017 pledge of $500,000 over five years for a P&F Bursary.

2018The P&F Auxiliary supported the War Memorial Library Appeal with $250,000, while the OBA committed $40,000.

2017The P&F Auxiliary pledged $500,000 to provide a 50% bursary in perpetuity.

2016The Year Group Bursary Campaign commenced.

2007The Lilley Centre Campaign raised $6M, with the P&F Auxiliary contributing $1.5M.

2001The Centre for Art Campaign raised $527,000: $200,000 from P&F Auxiliary, $100,000 from the Art Committee.

1997The P&F Auxiliary contributed $1.5M to the Indoor Sports Centre Campaign with a total of $2.6M raised.