Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolThis Saturday marks the 144th anniversary of Brighton Grammar’s founding by Dr Crowther at 163 New Street, Brighton.
We recognised the occasion this week with our Founder’s Day Chapel Service, attended by Old Boys of the Pendennis Chapter – 60 Years On and our longest standing staff members of 40 years or more. Prefects and House Captains also enthusiastically participated in the Beat the Buzzer quiz, demonstrating their knowledge of the School’s history.
This annual event honours our heritage and reminds us of the enduring legacy we each contribute to at BGS. Although the School in 1882 would look very different from BGS today, with simpler classrooms, limited resources and fewer students, the fundamental values remain unchanged.
Commitment to learning, respect for others, and a shared sense of belonging continue to shape our school, and the core purpose of nurturing young people remains just as vital today as it was at the time BGS was founded.
Finally, our Junior and Secondary School student leadership teams have started the term with great energy and purpose. The Class of 2026 has chosen Face the Fire as their Legacy Project, inspiring all students to approach this year with courage and intention and I look forward to seeing their progress.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolLast Friday, we kicked off our House Swimming Carnival at MSAC, and what a day it was! It was fantastic to see all the boys giving it their best effort in every race, getting behind their teammates and fully embracing the competition. Well done to Melville House for taking out the win.
Our Parent Teacher Student Discussions begin today, with a second session scheduled for Tuesday. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity for students to engage in meaningful conversations with their parents and teachers, reflecting on their progress and setting academic goals for 2026. We encourage all students and their families to participate actively to help ensure a successful year ahead.
We were also very pleased to receive positive feedback from a Scotch College parent about several Brighton Grammar Secondary School boys who attended a Year 6 Cricket match this week. It’s always encouraging to hear that our students are representing the School so well and supporting their younger peers. Well done, boys.
Finally, Saturday is BGS’s birthday! 144 years of history, achievement, and excellence. Teaching and inspiring boys for over a century is something truly special, and I feel incredibly proud to be part of this ongoing legacy.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- Thursday 12 February – Parent Teacher Student Discussions
- Tuesday 17 February – Parent Teacher Student Discussions
- Wednesday 18 February, 7.00pm – Year 7 Ready to Learn Workshop, Urwin Centre
House Swimming Carnival
House spirit was on full display last week as Secondary School students gathered at MSAC for the 102nd annual House Swimming event. From Year 7 to Year 12, students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, showcasing outstanding teamwork, camaraderie, and a sea of vibrant House colours.
A special shoutout to our House leaders for their incredible leadership and encouragement throughout the day. Their dedication helped drive the high participation rates, with Years 7-10 students eagerly taking part in time trials before the competition intensified for the finals in the afternoon.
Of course, no House event is complete without some roaring Chantology, as each House battled for spirit points with impressive energy and creativity. The atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for standout performances from our top swimmers during the finals both individually and in relay teams.
At the conclusion of the day, it was Melville House that reigned victorious. Congratulations to magicians! Second and third place went to Crowther House and Rofe House respectively.
Katie White
Director of Students
Tiwi Excursion Opportunity
The Tiwi Excursion during the June/July break offers a truly unique opportunity for students to connect with the Indigenous community of Wurrumiyanga and gain a deeper understanding of Tiwi culture and country.
Two tours will be offered: one for Year 8 students and another for students in Years 9–11. Participants will experience life through the perspective of the Tiwi people, developing an authentic appreciation of this important and distinctive part of Australia
Students will go on country guided by elders, visiting places not otherwise accessible, and engaging directly with the rich traditions, stories and cultural practices of the Tiwi community.
This is a rare and invaluable experience, one that will broaden perspectives, foster deep cultural appreciation, and leave a lasting impact. If your son is interested in joining this trip, please contact me at kcounihan@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au.
Kathryn Counihan
English Teacher
Careers Expo
Year 10-12 Brighton Grammar and Firbank Grammar students and their families can explore tertiary study and future career opportunities at this year’s Careers Expo in The Duigan Centre on Tuesday 17 March, from 3.30-5.30pm.
Industry and university representatives will share information on tertiary or vocational pathways, gap year opportunities, apprenticeships, traineeships, cadetships, jobs and international university opportunities.
The aim is to help our students gain insights into real‑world job expectations, required qualifications and emerging industry trends.
Ilana Nissen
Career Counsellor
Celebrating sons and grandsons of Old Boys
Boys take great pride when following in the steps of their fathers or grandfathers. When Old Boys enrol their sons at BGS, the School also takes much pleasure in celebrating this multi-generational link.
To assist us, we ask parents of our multi-generational BGS boys to complete the BGS Generations form so that the School can acknowledge our current second-, third- and fourth-generation BGS boys. If you have already completed this form, there is no need to complete it again.
For any enquiries about the BGS Generations Program contact Kate Speirs, Alumni & Community Manager, by email.
Child Safety and Wellbeing policy updates
We have recently updated our suite of Child Safety and Wellbeing policies in line with regulatory standards and industry best practice. These are available on our website. If you have any questions, concerns or feedback, please email the risk and compliance team.
Please stay tuned for a Schoolbox update, where we will be making available a comprehensive list of Brighton Grammar School policies for parents and families. In the meantime, publicly accessible policies are available on our polices page.
From Reverend Waterhouse
I trust that we have all had an opportunity to watch and enjoy some of the sporting events being held at present at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
For obvious reasons, less nations compete in the Winter Games than the Summer Games, so it is an encouragement to see a contingent of Australian athletes there, representing our nation on the world stage in events that are usually dominated by the countries within Europe, North America and Northern Asia.
What sets the Winter Games apart in my mind is not only the remarkable speeds being achieved in some of the sports (think the Luge, Downhill, Ski Jumping and Snowboard Cross) but also the fact that the entire event is literally coated in snow, something we are not really used to in the southern hemisphere.
In the Bible, snow is referred not only in the meteorological sense but also in a spiritual sense, as representing purity, cleanliness and full forgiveness.
Israel’s most famous king, David (of David and Goliath fame), while following God whole-heartedly, also committed a number of major indiscretions (read 2 Samuel 11 to find out more!). Convicted of his sin, he wrote a song of lament which we have today contained in the biblical book of Psalms (number 51). David writes: ‘Cleanse with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.’ (verse 7).
Remarkably, in about thousand years’ time, David’s direct descendant, Jesus, would be born, who would bring the forgiveness and renewal that David sought.
He alone can make us new like snow.