Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolAlongside academic excellence, we want our boys to develop character, take responsibility, and recognise the positive contribution they can make to the lives of others. Service is an important part of that education.
Earlier this term, our 2027 Secondary School Chapel Servers were inducted by Rev Peter Waterhouse in St Andrew’s, a place that has long been central to Chapel and school life at BGS. Their commitment, alongside that of our Junior School Chapel Servers, is a reminder that belonging to a community also means contributing to something greater than ourselves.
The lessons learned through Chapel and service are every bit as valuable as those taught in the classroom. They build empathy, humility and a sense of purpose, reminding our boys that their knowledge and abilities are most valuable when put to good use.
We see this spirit of service across the school, from our senior students who are raising awareness for men’s mental health through Movember, to the Junior School’s ongoing support of our Ute Full of Food program for St Mark’s Centre in Fitzroy. These initiatives also reflect our commitment through +M to helping boys and young men lead healthy, connected and purposeful lives.
Whether serving in Chapel, supporting a cause or simply looking out for others with kindness, every act matters. Often, it begins with recognising a need and choosing to make a difference.
Have a good weekend.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolLast Tuesday evening, our Junior School musicians performed in the Semester 2 Instrumental and Choral Concert. The concert showcased the talents of our boys across a range of ensembles, including the Training Strings, Training Strings Orchestra, Junior Percussion Ensemble, Wilson House Guitar Ensemble, Wilson House String Quartet, Wilson House Wind Quintet, Junior Voices and Junior Concert Band.
The opportunity to perform in front of the BGS community was a wonderful way for the boys to share their musical achievements and celebrate their hard work and dedication throughout the semester.
Thank you to our parents for their ongoing support of our boys and the BGS music program.
Our JPG Family Fun Night is next Friday 13 November, 4.30 – 8.00pm and is our final fundraiser for the year. The night is always a highlight with plenty of excitement and fun for the boys. I am most appreciative to the 10 families who are sponsoring this year’s event and have contributed to our outdoor facilities, including upgrades to play areas, oval surfacing and cricket training spaces.
At this stage, approximately 400 wristbands have been purchased, we anticipate another 100 to be purchased! All you are required to do is to ensure the date is in your calendar and to order your children’s wristband online, more details here.
As this event involves students, it will be an alcohol free event. Parents are invited to BYO drinks (no alcohol)/snacks, there will be Primo Pizza, Twisted Fisherman and Gyros Greek, Ice Creams, Smart Amusement rides and a dunking machine. Food trucks do not always have Eftpos available, please ensure you have some cash on hand. A reminder to parents, boys are not to attend unsupervised.
Thank you to James Olliver and Leigh Peckham and the JPG for their excellent planning and preparation.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Our Year 4 Young Warrior program will be held tomorrow. The Young Warrior program marks a moment in our boys’ lives, as they approach the upper Primary years, our boys prepare themselves for more independence, responsibility and a greater sense of connection. Further details can be found on the BGS app.
- The Junior Parents’ Group’s AGM is on Tuesday morning 10 November in the GBR Hall at 8.45am. All parents are welcome to attend.
- Our final Prep to Year 6 Parent/Teacher Discussions are listed on the BGS Calendar for Wednesday 18 November 3.30 – 6.00pm, and Thursday 19 November, 3.30 – 8.30pm. Booking information is now available via the BGS app.
- As detailed on the Save the Date app notice and in the School Calendar, our Junior School Presentation Evening will be held on Thursday 26 November at Monash University – Clayton Campus, Robert Blackwood Hall from 7.00pm. This is a compulsory school event for all boys from Years 3 – 6. Further details are now available via the BGS app.
Student Achievement
- Congratulations to the following boys from Prep to 6 who will be presented with Semester Two Effort Cards for Physical Education and Religious Education at tomorrow’s Assembly.
Physical Education – Jack (PF), Freddie (PK), Ben (1B), Jack (1H), Jaxon (2A), Jack (2W), Lewis (3B), Jack (3H), Hudson (3W), Harvey (4B), Harry (4C), Liam (4F), William (5A), Freddie (5P), Will (5S), Christian (5Z), Jake (6D), Ned (6E), Lachlan (6I), Ray (6R)
Religious Education – Thomas (PF), Thomas (PK), Evan (1B), Zachary (1H), Hugo (2A), Mitch (2W), Caleb (3B), Eamon (3H), Isaac (3W), Leo (4B), James (4C), Hudson (4F), Alp (5A), Teddy (5P), Deniz (5S), Christian (5Z) Christian (6D), Billy (6E), Alex (6I), Mo (6R)
- Congratulations to Fairweather House who were awarded the House Spirit award and to Dixon House who were the overall House Champion.
Year 3 Athletics Champion Angus
Year 3 Encouragement Award Lewis
Year 4 Athletics Champion Parker
Year 4 Encouragement Award Rory
Year 5 Athletics Champion Asher
Year 5 Encouragement Award Baxter
Year 6 Athletics Champion Chris
Year 6 Encouragement Award Jack
- Congratulations to Lawson (Year 6) and Team Vic Cricket who in a nail-biting final match were awarded silver at the recent State Championships.
Liz Dendrinos
Director of the Early Learning CentreOur Pre-Prep classrooms create an environment where all students have a safe space in which to explore their thoughts and feelings. With wellbeing linked closely with improved learning and stronger peer relationships, it is important that we provide experiences which allow the boys to enter conversations and be able to describe their feelings.
Experiences such as the duckling hatch invited the boys to communicate with others and to look after the little eggs as a team. Whilst the boys nurtured and cared for the eggs, they shared openly their predictions as to when the eggs would hatch. This experience worked particularly well to help settle any nerves or anxieties the boys may be feeling during these very busy weeks and throughout their transition periods.
This week we also embraced the vibrant spirit of Diwali, the festival of lights. The classrooms were filled with colour and provided many wonderful activities for the boys to enjoy. Also visiting the classrooms, was the lovely Sanam, who described the cultural traditions of this event. These experiences not only enrich their learning but also foster a sense of belonging and community.
A reminder to all families that the JPG Family Fun Night event will take place on Friday, 13 November. This occasion presents a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and participate in a variety of enjoyable activities which cater to all ages.
Parenting Tip
Blended Families
In the past, step-parenting has always had a bad rap. Throughout history, fairytales have often depicted characters by describing them as the evil stepmother or stepsister. Today, this family demographic is becoming the fastest growing in the world!
On average, one in five families is a step or blended family. For many step parents, the greatest challenge lies in determining what their role is within the family. Read more below from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
School Bus Service
Our school bus service offers families a safe and convenient option for travel to and from school, with stops located close to home.
The service is available to all BGS students from Prep to Year 12, as well as siblings attending Firbank Grammar. Families can book for a full term at a subsidised rate, or purchase casual passes, offering greater flexibility.
For further information, including routes, booking and terms and conditions, visit the school bus webpage.
From the Archive
Chapel servers have always played an important role at Brighton Grammar School. In the early days of the School, Divinity was a mainstay of the curriculum and many students found their vocation in the Church.
Today, Chapel Servers play an important part in the Junior and Secondary School communities, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
The images from the Archive this week include photographs of a Divinity display from the 1950s, a procession of Chapel Servers walking through St Andrew’s Church in 1978, the induction of some of the Chapel servers in 1999, a collection of Junior School song books, and a Crucifix made from driftwood by Jackson Noske for iDesign.
JPG News
The Brighton Grammar Junior School Family Fun Night is back in 2026! Join us for a fun night of rides, food trucks and entertainment on the Red Square from 4.30 – 8.00pm on Friday 13 November 2026.
Tickets are $50 per child. The Family Fun Night wristband gives each child unlimited rides. Each child will receive a show bag when the wristband is pre-purchased via Trybooking. Rides are suitable for children 3 Years & older. Adults and children under 3 entry free.
WIN BIG in our JPG Family Fun Night Raffle
Get ready for your chance to win incredible prizes — and support our Family Fun Night while you’re at it!
GRAND PRIZE – 4 x AFL Corporate Tickets (Non Finals)
Your choice of an MCG AFL game! Kindly donated by Victor Sports, supplier of sporting gear to BGS!
SECOND PRIZE – A luxurious Beach Box at Dendy Beach for a full day of sun, surf, and relaxation — the ultimate summer experience! Donated by Paul & Janine Ross
THIRD PRIZE – 12 month Gym Membership – Snap Fitness Brighton
Donated by Scott & Kylie Donald
FOURTH PRIZE – A stunning “Wings” Signed Framed Print (1.2m x 60cm) of Patrick Cripps (Carlton FC) — the perfect collector’s piece for any fan!
Tickets on sale NOW – $10 per entry or 3 for $25
Pudding and Christmas Cake Varieties available for purchase
The Brighton Grammar Junior Parents Group is delighted to once again offer you a superb range of homemade Mandi’s Christmas Puddings and Christmas Cakes, just in time for Christmas!
- Traditional Christmas Pudding (round 500g, 900g, 1.5kg, 2kg; log 500g, 900g)
- Macadamia and Brandy Pudding (log 500g, 900g)
- Gluten Free Pudding (round 500g, 1kg; log 500g, 900g) (no gluten, lactose or dairy)
- Date and Toffee Pudding (log 500g, 900g)
- Triple Chocolate Pudding (log 500g, 900g)
- Chocolate and Orange Pudding (log 500g, 900g)
- Chocolate Rum and Raisin Pudding (log 500g, 900g)
- Mango & Brandy Pudding (log 500g)
- Mandi’s Classic Christmas Cakes (600g or 1.4kg) (The cakes come beautifully boxed)
FINAL ORDERS BY 5.00pm Friday 6 November – No late orders can be accepted
The puddings will be sent home with the boys before the end of Term 4. Orders via TryBooking