Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolThis week, our Junior School Captains participated in a leadership program alongside their counterparts from Firbank Grammar (Sandringham House) and, together with the Junior School Officers, will be formally inducted tomorrow at St Andrew’s Church.
As we mark these moments of leadership in action, I am reminded of the strength and character our boys bring to the life of the school. We know that meaningful student voice plays an integral part in creating inclusive school cultures, strengthening students’ sense of belonging, and supporting positive wellbeing and engagement outcomes.
Connection sits at the heart of our +M framework, and leadership at every level provides one of the most visible ways for students to see how this is lived out in practice. I am grateful to the many boys who have stepped forward to take on positions of responsibility in 2026, as well as those who demonstrate leadership through consistent, everyday actions that strengthen the culture of our school.
Whether a Sports Captain, House Captain, Chapel Server, Big Buddy, OELP leader, or a Mentor/Coach, so many roles contribute to the positive and connected community at BGS. I look forward to seeing our newly inducted Junior School Officers and all emerging leaders across the school continue to grow throughout the year.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolThis week, I joined the first half of Year 8 students at our inaugural Mount Buller/Stirling Outdoor Program. The shift to the Victorian High Country has been successful as boys experienced mountain biking and hiking through some spectacular terrain.
Our summer sport season is in full swing. A special mention to our Firsts teams who all won their respective fixtures on the weekend, a rare feat for any APS school.
At last week’s assembly, we celebrated students who received Academic, Chantology and Sport Colours, recognising their hard work, commitment and pursuit of excellence throughout the year.
Congratulations to Will Luo (Year 11) on being accepted into the prestigious Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program, an academic enrichment program run by The University of Melbourne that supports high-achieving students during Years 11 and 12.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- This week’s Crowther eNews outlines important upcoming workshops and highlights Kristen Molloy, Associate Head of the Crowther Centre, Literacy and Engagement and Head of Parent Programs
- All International parents are invited to join the International Parent Support Group (IPSG) for morning tea on Wednesday 4 March in the gardens of St Andrew’s Church. Event details and RSVP here.
- Monday 9 March – Labour Day Holiday
- Wednesday 11 March – Upper Strings Solo Soiree
- Wednesday 11 March – Year 8 Parent Workshop: Having Positive Conversations, Urwin Centre
- Tuesday 17 March – Career Expo, Duigan Centre
- Wednesday 18 March – Lower Strings Solo Soiree
- Thursday 19 March – Year 10 Performance Evening
- Tuesday 31 March – Semester 1 Concert – Large Ensembles
BGS Business Breakfast
Join us on Monday 23 March, as we welcome entrepreneurial powerhouse Simon McNamara (OB 1990) as our next Business Breakfast guest speaker.
From founding Viva Juice and leading Boost Juice’s rapid expansion to supporting the launch of Grill’d and growing BOUNCEinc to 50 venues across eight countries, Simon brings a wealth of experience and bold ideas. His current focus is on mentoring emerging ventures.
Don’t miss this inspiring morning with Simon, exploring entrepreneurship and leadership.
Careers Expo
Year 10-12 Brighton 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
Unit 3 Geography Fieldtrip
On Monday, the Unit 3 Geography class travelled to the Melbourne Docklands as part of their investigation into the social, economic, and environmental impacts of land use change. Students collected data about the Docklands urban renewal project in the form of pedestrian and traffic counts, and environmental quality surveys.
These findings will then be formatted and analysed against a hypothesis, which will be submitted as a report.
Christian Machar
Head of Geography
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
Join Friends of Art
The Friends of Art (FoART) Committee is seeking new members for the year ahead.
FoART supports the Junior and Secondary School by hosting art exhibitions, events, championing our talented art students, assisting the Artist in Residence program and Art staff behind the scenes, contributing to art clubs and classroom activities, and helping enrich creative experiences across the wider BGS community.
If you’re interested in supporting creative events and sharing ideas, we’d love to hear from you. Committee and general member roles are available. No experience is needed, the time commitment is minimal, and it’s a great way to be involved in the BGS creative community. Our next meeting is this afternoon, 26 February 2026 at 4.30pm, with options to attend in person or via Zoom.
Please get in touch or visit our page to learn more.
Alison Currie
Friends of Art President
BGS Generations, including Uncles!
The BGS Generations program acknowledges boys with BGS heritage including sons, grandsons, great-grandsons and, more recently, nephews and grand-nephews of Old Boys. In recognition of these ties boys receive a pin to wear on their blazer.
The 2026 presentation of Generations pins is coming up soon so, please ensure we know all your family connections by completing this form here, if you haven’t already.
If you have any questions, please email Kate Speirs at obgs@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au.
From Reverend Waterhouse
Earlier this week, one of my family’s cars suddenly began seizing up on the way to work. After ten frustrating stalls and restarts, it was quite a miracle that the vehicle actually made it to work, especially when it was suggested to us afterwards by a cheerful mechanic that the problem may be an oil pump supply problem!
While it is always helpful to have a larger perspective in these situations and count one’s blessings, I’m afraid to say that I also found it difficult not to grumble at the sheer inconvenience of juggling multiple public transport trips, costly towing charges and the lengthy anticipated date for getting the problem diagnosed and fixed at a service centre.
In the meantime, I put out a hopeful call to a group of church friends for possible assistance, and I was humbled to have two immediate replies, offering a vehicle for us to drive in the interim period.
What struck me is that what felt to me like trying circumstances became an opportunity to be blessed by the thoughtfulness and benevolence of others.
In the twelfth chapter of St. Paul’s epistle to the Romans, he commands, ‘Share with God’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality.’ [vs. 13].
It’s such a simple injunction, yet so powerful in application.
During this season of Lent, how can we imitate Christ in considering both the simple and profound needs of others, excelling in other-person centered generosity?