Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolAs we approach the final weeks of the school year, it is an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved and consider what lies ahead.
Our Effective Learner Model and coaching approach encourage boys to take ownership of their learning, embrace feedback and set meaningful goals.
Through conversations with Homeroom teachers and House Tutors, our boys are supported to reflect on their progress and approach 2027 with confidence and purpose.
Our focus on the future also connects us to broader conversations taking place across Victoria. With the State Election approaching on 28 November, education remains an important part of the conversation.
Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) is highlighting the importance of fair funding, investment in school facilities and keeping independent education accessible to families. I encourage those interested to learn more about the campaign and the priorities being put forward.
Just as we encourage our boys to reflect and grow, we strive to do the same as a school. Our annual School Improvement Tool Survey provides a valuable opportunity for families to share their perspectives and help shape our ongoing improvement.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide the very best opportunities for our boys.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolLast Friday, our Year 4 Young Warriors program, facilitated by Brittany Richards, Director of Experiential Education, provided an opportunity for our Year 4 boys and their mentors to participate in various activities, including one-on-one time to connect and focus on the importance of relationships. The evening was a great success with many highlights for young and old, but it was most rewarding to hear the quality of conversations, love, emotion and ‘honouring’ between the boys and adults.
Thank you to Brittany Richards, Cathy Box, Conall Chivers, Anna Harris, Matt Barker, Claire Clarke, Luke Hayes, Monica Le Couteur, Rebecca Taylor and Lachie Foott and to our boys and mentors for supporting the night. These opportunities are what make our school such a special place.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- 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.
- All is in readiness for tomorrow’s Family Fun Night, 4.30 – 8.00pm on Red Square, with a bit of luck the weather will be good to us. Our organising Committee, James Olliver, Leigh Peckham and the JPG, have planned tirelessly to ensure the success of the night, all that is required is your presence.
Please support the JPG’s endeavours as this is their major fundraising event for the year. Parents are invited to BYO drinks (no alcohol)/snacks, there will be Primo Pizza, Twisted Fisherman, Sam’s Sizzle, Ice Cream vendor, Smart Amusement rides and a dunking machine. Food trucks do not always have Eftpos available, please ensure you have some cash on hand.
Online ticket sales have now closed; wristbands will be available at the gate for $50.00 per child on Friday evening. A reminder to parents, boys are not to attend unsupervised.
- The Junior School Presentation Night 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. Bookings are now open, with over 540 seats already booked. Please see the BGS app for further details.
Student Achievement
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Congratulations to Jack (Y5), who represented Brighton Grammar at the Public Speaking Final held at Huntingtower Grammar after winning both the House Competition and the CCGS Zone Final.
Jack delivered an engaging, prepared speech on the joy of playing the violin and impressed adjudicators with his vocal delivery and audience engagement. In the impromptu section, he used humour to great effect in responding to the topic ‘Running Late’. Jack represented BGS with distinction.
- Congratulations to the following boys from Prep to Year 6 who will be presented with Semester Two Effort Cards for Art, Chinese, Science and Design & Technology at tomorrow’s Assembly.
Visual Art – Thomas (PF), Tang (PF), Lucas (1H), Shaun (1B), Alexander (2A), Reuben (2W), Massimo (5A), Baxter (5P), Sam (5S), Kobe (5Z)
Chinese – Thomas (PF), Romeo (PK), Jack (1H), Fynn (1B), Oskar (2A), Reuben (2W), Harry (3B), Eamon (3H), Jamie (3W), Jayden (4B), Jaden (4C), Paul (4F), Darren (5A), Jimmy (5P), Archie (5S), Elliott (5Z), Bentley (6D), Chris (6E), Matthew (6I), Edward (6R)
Science – Leo (3B), Lachlan (3H), Angus (3W), Patrick (4B), Phoenix (4C), Paul (4F), Linc (6D), Harry (6E), Benny (6I), William (6R)
Design & Technology – Luke (3B), Finn (3H), James (3W), Dominic (4B), Will (4C), Eddie (4F), Louis (6D), Archie (6E), Hudson (6I), Thomas (6R)
- Congratulations to Asher (Y5), Joe (Y5) and Parker (Y4) who have qualified to compete at the National Athletics Championships later this term.
Liz Dendrinos
Director of the Early Learning CentreThis week, our boys honoured and remembered the brave men and women who served and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. During pageant rehearsals, the boys took a moment to pause, show respect and reflect on the soldiers and their families.
It was a meaningful experience that helped the boys begin to understand the importance of gratitude, remembrance, and peace. We were incredibly proud of how thoughtfully the boys participated. They listened carefully to discussions about why we remember those who fought for our country.
Although the weather has been up and down this week, it hasn’t dampened our spirits as the boys excitedly watched the Centre slowly turn into all things Christmas! Our Christmas Pageant rehearsals are in full swing, now taking place in the Rostrevor Hall located at the corner of Allee Street and New Street.
To help the boys prepare for the walk over, we kindly request that families have them at school by 8.45am. We will leave a sign in the foyer to inform families of our location if you happen to be running late. Invitations for the pageant will be sent out to families shortly, so please mark your calendars for Monday 7 December at 11.00am.
Thank you to all the parents who attended our 2027 ELC Parent Information Evening last night, we hope it offered valuable insights into our fantastic programs and operations.
Our Family Fun Night is set for tomorrow afternoon, and the boys have been eagerly watching from the ELC playground as the rides and bouncing castles were being set up, excitedly anticipating their turn to join in the fun!
Parenting Tip
Not everything has to be perfect
We push our kids to do better because we love them. But what if they hear something else entirely.
Read more from Dr Justin Coulson on how there is value in settling – and it’s not about accepting mediocrity.
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.
Uniform Shop now on site
A reminder to families that the Brighton Grammar Uniform Shop, operated by Noone, is now conveniently located on site on St Andrews Street, next to the Duigan Centre. With the end of term approaching, now is a great time to stock up on any uniform items you may need. Opening hours and details can be found here.
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. Online bookings are now closed, wristbands will be available to purchase at the gate. 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