Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolLiteracy remains a key focus for our teaching staff given its direct impact on our students’ growth and academic achievements.
Research tells us that reading is central to academic success, and is also linked to positive wellbeing, improved empathy, increased understanding of self and a better understanding of one’s place in the world.
As I mentioned in my video to the community on Tuesday, this year we are creating a central library and resource hub in the Secondary School, where boys can not only engage in quiet study and reading, but also collaborate, create and nurture their individual pursuits.
We are looking to our community to champion this culture of literacy excellence and connectedness through our Enriching Minds Annual Appeal, launched this week.
We aim to raise $160,000 on our Giving Day – Tuesday 27 May – to help bring this unique space to life. Read more about the appeal, and your support is greatly appreciated.
My congratulations to the BGS/FGS student cast and crew of High School Musical, being staged this week at Firbank Grammar, on their remarkable talent and teamwork on show in their nightly performances.
Finally, I can also recommend the upcoming presentation by UK actor and keynote inspirational speaker Ben Walden on Thursday 22 May, which the Crowther Centre is offering to our community.
Ben is one of the best speakers I have ever heard, and I believe all will enjoy the leadership lessons he will share.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolThere are many occasions when I am particularly proud of our boys individually, at a class or year level, or as a whole. I was immensely proud to see all of our Prep to Year 6 boys and their mums together at St Andrew’s Church.
Our Mothers’ Day celebrations for our ELC and Prep to Year 6 mums were a most appropriate way to pay tribute and thank our mums for all they do; the continued support and contributions from our mums ensures Wilson House is a better place.
I appreciate the effort and organisation of all staff, Father Chester Lord for the Chapel Service, Alison Main for her heartfelt and courageous reflection, Emily Fairweather and Borwick House Choir for the Music and our ELC and Homeroom teachers for their class activities. Special mention to Hugo Briscoe for his tribute to his mum.
Our involvement in the Year 5/6 APS Sport Program is essential to the ‘all boy’ educational experience. The emphasis is on participation, there is no ladder or premierships awarded at the end of a season. Boys have a choice of 4 sports to select from each term, our Term 2 sports are AFL, Cross Country, Netball and Volleyball.
Our boys are expected to train weekly to improve their skills, game plan and fitness levels. Representing our School with pride, the importance of organisation, the wearing of their uniform correctly, and the emphasis on sportsmanship, are all key elements of this program.
Our boys are fortunate to have this weekly opportunity, and I congratulate and thank Aaron French for his coordination each week and to all staff for their commitment to the program.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- There are a variety of photo days scheduled for this term. Please see information below, further details will be available on the BGS app.
Monday 2 June – Prep – Year 6 Class photos
Wednesday 4 June – Term 2 APS Year 5/6 Sport photos
- We always have challenges managing the car park. It is important for all parents and extended family members to understand and support the systems that are in place to ensure the safety of our boys and to assist with the flow of traffic. In recent weeks, we have noticed the increasing speed and dangerous driving of some cars. Please ensure you monitor your driving whilst using the car park. Click here for directions.
Annual Giving Appeal
The BGS Annual Giving Day will take place on Tuesday 27 May. Parents are reminded that, for the cost of a gold donation, boys may wear casual clothes to school on that day.
Visit the Enriching Minds Appeal to learn more or to donate online.
Amelia Barrow
Director of the Early Learning CentreCommunity connections are integral to a child’s learning, the sharing of information and parental participation plays an important role in how children perceive their kindergarten and connection with the environment.
The connective fibres which bind us as a school community and give us a sense of belonging also allow the boys to flourish and blossom as independent individuals and learners.
Parent involvement is one part of connecting with the Brighton Grammar community, this is something which we welcome and support as it allows the boys to bring their home life into the classroom. Being part of a greater school community such as Brighton Grammar, allows us the benefits of using all of the facilities which surround us.
This week we enjoyed spending time with students from our sister school, Firbank Grammar School. Our ELC4 boys were ready for the walk as they arrived eagerly on Monday morning to head over to visit the girls whilst our ELC3 boys prepared for the girls to arrive and have fun in our facilities.
We always celebrate these times together and recognise how differently the boys and girls learn. The girls (and staff) loved our new outdoor environment and were engaged for the entire morning whilst we enjoyed a beautiful Melbourne day. We thank all of our parent helpers as well as the staff at Firbank for their support and look forward to our next catch up.
A reminder that our Parent Teacher Interview bookings are open for next week which will be held on-site in the Lower Primary classrooms. We look forward to discussing your son’s development thus far and setting future goals for his learning with you.
Parenting Tips
Why ‘Safety First’ is bad for your child
“Your children should be doing at least one thing each week that, if things go wrong, could land them in hospital.”
Provocative? Absolutely. But I’m not encouraging emergency department visits. I’m sounding an urgent alarm: our obsessive protection of children is harming them.
The risk paradox is explained by Dr Justin Coulson, parenting expert in the link below.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
Inspirational Leadership with Ben Walden
‘…one of the best speakers I have ever heard…’ Headmaster, Ross Featherston
The Crowther Centre is thrilled to present keynote speaker, Shakespearean actor Ben Walden from Contender Charlie based in the United Kingdom. Ben has spoken about leadership and the arts at many business conferences, including at both Harvard and Columbia Business Schools.
Join us for an exciting hour of the leadership lessons we can learn from Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Henry V.
Bring your family, sons and friends, but book soon as this will fill up. Bookings available via the link in Diary Dates.
Date and Time
Thu 22 May 2025 7.00pm – 8.00pm
Location
BGS Robert Sanderson Centenary Hall
St Andrews Street, Brighton Vic 3186