Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolWelcome back to students and families. This term is a busy one, and at this week’s Professional Learning Day, we took the opportunity to come together as a staff and reflect on our progress for 2026 and plan for the terms ahead.
In particular, four thriving staff teams reported on their 2026 goals and their work to achieve them. We know that cohesive staff groups are associated with positive student outcomes as their energy and commitment flow directly into classrooms, co-curricular programs and pastoral care.
There was a commonality among the four teams that shared their practices with our staff on Monday: they were clear about their goals and purpose, collaborated generously, shared expertise and modelled the respectful relationships we want our students to learn. This culture strengthens consistency, innovation and wellbeing across the school.
Importantly, all teams valued autonomy and trust, and staff who are trusted and empowered are better able to know, inspire and challenge each student.
Finally, the strength of the music program was on display at the Semester 1 Large Ensemble Concert at the end of term, where 299 Secondary School boys took to the stage, showcasing their talent. We now look forward to our Y7-9 production Rock of Ages later this term.
This performance reflects a broader and exciting trend in Performing Arts at BGS. Over the past five years, student participation has grown significantly across our choir, band, string ensembles, school productions and music and dance programs, enriching the boys’ creativity and the cultural life of our school.
As we approach Anzac Day this Saturday, it is also a timely reminder of the role music plays in moments of reflection and remembrance within our community.
Lest we forget.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolWelcome back to what will be a busy Term 2 for the Wilson House community.
Special welcome to new boys Jimi Griffiths (6 Discovery), Jayden Shi (Prep Kurrajong), Luke Gu (1 Banksia) and Quinton Gu (ELC3 Bilby) Jackson Quill (ELC3 Wombat) and Jasper Yuan-Naismith (ELC3 Bilby) and their families in Term 2. We wish these boys and their families a long and happy time at Brighton Grammar.
As this term progresses, I hope our boys continue to feel good about themselves as they have a strong sense of belonging at school. My daily meet and greet before school is a fantastic and most enjoyable start to my day, in fact, it is prioritised in my calendar to be on the yard at the start and end of each day.
I enjoy the opportunity to chat with our boys, asking them about their weekend, how their class work/homework is going, what they have learned and enjoyed at school, are they practising Good Old Collingwood Forever on their instrument, what sport they are playing, what they have to present at Show and Share, or engaging in conversation about the Library book they are reading. I hope it also enhances our boys’ sense of connection at Wilson House.
Our Buddy system, involving all boys from ELC to Year 6, is an important part of our boys’ experiences at Wilson House. Our Buddy Program focuses on the values of friendliness, respect, responsibility, caring, including others and valuing difference. I hope you have already had positive conversations at home in regard to buddies.
It is always rewarding to see the many positive interactions our boys experience in the classroom and on the playground.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Thank you to Leigh Peckham, Louise Hunter, Alex Farmer, Rachael Gieschen and the Junior Parents’ Group and the Year 5 parents who organised the JPG Lunch on the last day of Term 1.
- St Mark’s Community Centre thanks the Brighton Grammar community for its overwhelming generosity towards their homeless support program through our Ute Full of Food.
- Prep to Year 6 Cross Country will be held next Monday 27 April on the Crowther Oval from approximately 1.15pm. All boys are expected to participate, and they may wear their Sport uniform and House polo shirt to school for the day. Parents are most welcome to attend and support their sons. A general outline of the Order of Events for the afternoon will be Year 2, Year 1, Prep, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6. A reminder that boys will be dismissed from their classrooms at the end of the day at the usual time, and not from the Crowther Oval. Further details are available via the BGS app.
- Prep – Year 6 Term 2 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held online on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 May with Homeroom and Specialist teachers. Please see the BGS app for booking information.
- On Friday 8 May from 8.30am all our Prep to Year 6 mums are invited to a Mother’s Day Celebration to join their sons in various classroom activities and a Mother’s Day Service at St Andrew’s Church. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our community to express our appreciation to our mums, and the special morning together will conclude at approximately 10.30am. A slideshow featuring photos of boys and their mothers will be shown during the church service, and mothers are encouraged to email their favourite mother and son/s photos to the Junior School by Thursday 23 April.
- Winter sports this term are AFL, Cross Country, Netball and Volleyball. See the Junior School Sports Newsletter for further details.
- Our Year 4 and Year 6 boys’ Outdoor Programs are on the following dates this term:
Year 4
Wednesday 29 April – Friday 1 May
Year 6
Monday 11 May – Friday 15 May – 6 Investigator & 6 Resolution
Monday 18 May – Friday 22 May – 6 Discovery & 6 Endeavour
- From the commencement of Term 2 all boys from ELC to Year 6 are to wear the winter uniform. Prep to Year 6 boys have the option of wearing grey shorts or grey trousers but are required to wear the grey shorts on formal occasions such as music performances. The long-sleeved, pin-striped shirt is to be worn with the BGS tie, blazer and jumper (optional).
Generating a sense of pride in themselves, their appearance and presentation is particularly important for boys. There is an expectation with our winter uniform that boys have their top button done up and shirt tucked in. I would ask parents to support us and reinforce the expectations we have in Terms 2 and 3 when boys wear their winter uniform. On the days in Terms 2 and 3 that Prep – Year 6 boys wear their Sport uniform to and from School, the expectation is that the tracksuit (top and pants) must be worn as the outer garment.
Liz Dendrinos
Director of the Early Learning CentreWe couldn’t tell who was more excited about entering the ELC on Tuesday as the boys, parents and staff came in with huge smiles and boundless energy, ready for the busy term ahead. It was lovely to receive warm hugs and listen to their holiday stories.
This week the ELC community discussed the importance of Anzac Day. Understanding Anzac Day assists young children in grasping the history and experiences of Australia and its people. It allows us to construct an appreciation, gratitude and respect for both past and present servicemen and women.
As we transition into the cooler months, we remind parents that the boys do not need to wear their hats or have sunscreen applied during Terms 2 and 3. As always, we will continue to maintain safe hygiene practices and protocols within the ELC to ensure the boys’ wellbeing. As we all know, the common cold and flu can spread easily; therefore, we kindly request your cooperation in keeping your son at home if he is unwell.
Our engaging programs and journals, along with learning moments throughout each week, are being uploaded onto Schoolbox. Regularly visiting this site allows families to stay up to date with their child’s progress and facilitates opportunities for parents to prompt conversations with their sons about their daily activities, providing a connection between school and home. It also allows families to provide us with valuable feedback about their son’s learning.
Holiday Program proved to be a wonderful experience with many of the boys enjoying each special day. When asked about their favourite experience, it was difficult to select just one among the numerous craft activities. We extend our gratitude to Alicia, Mary and the team for their exceptional care of the boys during this time.
Parenting Tip
Sibling Relationships
Sibling relationships play a powerful role in shaping a child’s social and emotional development. For parents and caregivers, understanding the dynamics between siblings is key to promoting harmony at home and fostering resilience. These relationships can be a source of lifelong friendship and support, but they can also be marked by rivalry and conflict if not guided positively.
Encouraging young people to value each other’s differences, communicate openly and resolve disputes respectfully, helps build strong sibling bonds. By creating a nurturing environment that avoids comparisons and recognises individual strengths, adults can help siblings grow into compassionate, cooperative and emotionally intelligent individuals. Read more from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg below.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
Parking Update: Cadby Street (North Side)
Please be aware that Bayside City Council has introduced permit parking on the north side of Cadby Street.
Cadby Street has long been used by staff, parents and visitors attending the School, including those visiting Wilson House however Council has indicated that this area will now be actively monitored and enforced.
We encourage all members of the community to take note of the updated signage and parking conditions to avoid fines.
Creative Art Captains
Friends of Art warmly invite families to celebrate the induction of our Junior and Secondary Creative Art Captains.
Enjoy an afternoon recognising student leadership and exploring a selection of art project work from our senior students.
Thursday 30 April, 4.00pm
Senior Art Room, Duigan Centre
All welcome but please RSVP via TryBooking for catering purposes.
Mother’s Day Raffle
Purchase your tickets to support Friends of Art and go in the draw to win a fabulous Mother’s Day prize. Tickets are now available, with all proceeds supporting our Creative Arts students.
Second-Hand Uniform Shop
The Second-Hand Uniform Shop is located within the new Uniform Shop on St Andrew’s Street and is kindly managed by our Friends of Music (FoM), with all proceeds supporting the School’s Music program.
FoM gladly accept clean, good-quality uniform donations at the shop or via School receptions. Please note that, due to hygiene reasons, socks and bathers cannot be accepted.
With boys in the ELC and Junior School growing so quickly, there is an increased need for smaller-sized items. If your son has recently outgrown any uniform items, we would greatly appreciate you considering donating them to support other families. Donations can be dropped to Junior School reception or the Uniform Shop during opening hours.