Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolLeadership carries responsibility, and our Prefects and Junior School Officers reflect this through their everyday actions. They are role models who set the tone for our school, demonstrating our values of integrity, respect, passion and accountability in all they do.
This year, we made the deliberate decision to announce our 2026 Secondary School leadership group at the end of Term 3 to allow these students a handover period with our current leaders and prepare for the year ahead.
Our Prefects are furthering their leadership skills at a retreat this weekend to empower them with the confidence and vision to lead with integrity and purpose.
Leadership opportunities (both formal and informal) are available to boys across all year levels and in every area of school life, and I encourage students to put themselves forward for roles of service in 2026.
Whether supporting younger boys through our buddy and coaching programs or in the outdoors, helping organise events and activities in our libraries, or upholding the high standards of our school, this helps students of all ages develop lifelong skills such as communication, empathy and teamwork, and form a deep sense of pride and connection to their community.
Two of our signature programs also strengthen this sense of community: the Great South West Journey, from which our Year 9s return tomorrow, and First Horizon for our Year 10 boys and adult mentors, departing later this term.
Drawing on the +M principles of connection, authenticity and motivation, these experiences encourage self-reflection, collaboration and resilience – qualities that matter now and well into the future, and particularly relevant as we mark International Men’s Day this week.
Finally, a reminder for all parents to please complete the SIT Parent survey to provide us with your valuable feedback.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolA strong sense of connectedness was evident on Friday night, the weather was good to us and our Family Fun Night was a great night for all. The big crowd, made up of so many happy boys and families enjoyed the delights on offer, the company of each other and the rides and entertainment.
The Dunking Machine was certainly a highlight for the boys and good fun for all involved and the introduction of the Sim Car racing for our Year 5 and 6 boys was a success! Thank you to Ross Stewart, Leigh Peckham, Alex Dever and the JPG Committee for their organisation, to our Year 11 leaders for their assistance and to all families for your continued support.
Our overall focus in all of our Teaching and Learning Programs is to improve our boys’ understandings, achievement and to ultimately see growth from an academic perspective. Beyond the day to day classroom experiences, boys have participated in a variety of extension activities.
These include the Australian Maths Competition, Australian Problem Solving Maths Olympiad (APSMO), Kangaroo Sans Frontieres, ASX Sharemarket game, Haiku Poetry Competition, House General Knowledge Quiz, ICAS Science, English and Maths, inter school Debating, Chess lessons and House Chess Competition and the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.
Thank you to Jane Lowe who provides these additional opportunities for our boys to be engaged in.
At the end of this year, we say farewell and extend our best wishes to staff who are departing Wilson House – Victoria Fisher (Homeroom Teacher), Luke Fensling (Homeroom Teacher), Kt Goosey (Classroom Music Teacher), Ann-Maree Biggar (Teacher’s Assistant), Sally Paddington (ELC Teacher), Sandra Ellich (ELC Teacher) and Dean Bryan (Deputy Head). We thank Victoria, Luke, Kt, Ann-Maree, Sally, Sandra and Dean for their commitment to the boys in their care and wish them well for the future.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- The Junior School Presentation Night will be held on Thursday 27 November at Monash University’s 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. Seating in Stalls is now full; however, seating is available in the Balcony. Please see the BGS app for further details.
- Congratulations to the Wilson House Concert Band who performed at the Victorian School Music Festival last week. The band enjoyed participating in an on-stage workshop and an opportunity to perform and receive feedback from adjudicators. Thank you to Alexandra Collingwood, John Glover, Kelly Williams and Susie Heggie for their coordination and support of our musicians.
- The final Ute Full of Food for 2025 will be our Christmas collection on Thursday 4 December. Christmas items such as small puddings, cakes, tins of ham, turkey, chicken or vegetables, small packets of shortbread, mince pies, small jars of Coffee (50g), packets of tea bags (25), 500g packets of sugar, small cartons of long-life milk would be appreciated.
- Instead of exchanging buddy gifts, ELC to Year 6 boys will have the option to donate $5 each to contribute to one or two gifts for a girl or a boy who is less fortunate. The gifts, which will be displayed in the Junior School Foyer, will be donated to Mary MacKillop Family Services. The Junior School will arrange the purchase of the gifts. Please send $5 to school with your son in a clearly marked ‘Buddies’ envelope between now and Friday 28 November.
- Our Junior Parents’ Group will organise a Christmas tree in the main Reception area so that families can leave a gift for underprivileged children. These gifts will be donated to the Mary MacKillop Family Services, which I am sure will bring pleasure to many children in need. Mary MacKillop Family Services has asked that gifts not be wrapped.
- Thank you to our Prep to Year 6 Staff who facilitated Parent/Teacher Interviews on Wednesday and Thursday this week and to parents for your continued support.
- Semester 2 Reports will be available via the Parent Portal on the BGS app from Friday 28 November. Further information will be available via the app.
- A reminder for all parents to please complete the SIT Parent survey to provide us with your valuable feedback.
Student Achievements
Semester 2 Specialist Effort Cards
Congratulations to the following boys from Prep to 6 who will be presented with Semester Two Effort Cards for Drama/+M and Music at tomorrow’s Assembly.
Drama/+M – Hudson Hunter, James Angus, Ethan Wang, Joshua Trotman, Oscar Sowerby, Hamish Wilson, Alexander Griffiths, Jack Skurrie, Jack Moncrieff, Emerson Cannington, Zachary Lu, Harrison Kemp, Roman Maxted, Elliott Mace, Billy Pettiona, Thomas Kirk, Sam Martin, Ted Grant, Edward Burchill, Jack Keogh
Music – William Brindle, Jack Reith, Jack Douglas, Nikrad Parzham, Monty Pitt, Lachlan Wong, Oscar Sowerby, Phoenix Ye, Eddie Snowsill, Ryotaro Otsuka, George Gao, William Curtin, Oscar Xu, Bentley Zeng, Ray Chen, Nayer Soliman, Austin Vassallo, Jacob Qu, Olly Heath, Johnny Brown
Term 4 APS Sport Awards
Congratulations to Year 5 & Year 6 boys who will be presented with Term 4 APS Sport Awards.
Liz Dendrinos
Acting Director of the Early Learning CentreThe ELC enjoys a celebration, especially when it is all about the boys. Today was an important day as it allowed us the opportunity to promote and celebrate the rights of children by acknowledging World Children’s Day.
In the classrooms it was a day to stop, think and discuss how we can make our world a better place for the hundreds and thousands of children around the world who may not have the advantages our boys enjoy. The highlight of the day was the special biscuit treats the boys enjoyed making to take home.
The boys have also been productive with their secret Christmas gift making, while the teachers and staff have been busy wrapping and bagging items to send home, ready to go under your tree.
Please look out for your sons’ smocks, library bags and gumboots as they will be sent home over the next few weeks in preparation for our end of year clean up.
We have a busy final two and a half weeks ahead of us. However, it is important that we pause, take a breath and enjoy the time we have together. It is amazing to think that the school year is slowly wrapping up, and Christmas is just around the corner!
Parenting Tip
A Safer Digital Future
From December 10 this year, Australia will lead the world in a major change to online safety. New legislation will restrict children under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts, including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). Other platforms such as Roblox and Discord have not been identified as ‘in’ or ‘out’ at time of publication.
It’s a huge, and positive, step. And for many families, it will mean big changes to how kids connect, communicate, and spend their time online. Read more below about the change and how it will work.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
Second hand Uniform – Summer Shirt Sale
- Buy one short-sleeve shirt for $20, get one free
- Sizes 6-12 only
- Sale ends Friday 28 November or while stocks last
To order, email Friends of Music.
Tennis on the Duigan Centre Rooftop
The Jewel of Bayside Tennis Opens – 28 November
We are delighted to announce the official opening of the new rooftop tennis courts at the Duigan Centre, delivered in partnership with St Andrew’s Tennis Club, Brighton Grammar and Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club.
These exceptional new courts mark a significant step forward for tennis in our community, offering year-round access and a spectacular new home for local players.
To mark the occasion, we invite community members who are interested in becoming Club members to join us for the official opening event on Friday 28 November at 6.30pm. Please RSVP here.
Membership of St Andrew’s Tennis Club is now open for players of all ages and abilities – sign up today and be among the first to play on these fabulous new courts. Membership forms will also be available at the opening.
A range of new coaching programs including personal coaching, squad coaching, beginner programs, cardio tennis, junior coaching, hot shots and pee wees as well as squad coaching will also be on offer. Come along and meet the new coaching team or email coaching@rsyltc.org.au for more details.
JPG News
LAST CHANCE – WIN BIG in our Family Fun Night Raffle
Get ready for your chance to win incredible prizes – and support our annual Family Fun Night while you’re at it!
GRAND PRIZE – A $5000 VIVA Holidays Travel Voucher
Dreaming of your next getaway? This is your ticket to paradise, donated by VIVA Holidays.
SECOND PRIZE – A luxurious Beach Box at Dendy Beach for a full day of sun, surf, and relaxation – the ultimate summer experience!
THIRD PRIZE – A stunning Wings signed framed print (1.2m x 60cm) of Jordan de Goey (Collingwood FC) – the perfect collector’s piece for any fan!
Raffle tickets on sale now – $10 per entry or 3 for $25 – Winners drawn 9.00am, Friday 21 November 2025