Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolThis week, I have been attending the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Australasian Regional Conference, hosted by Prince Alfred College and St Peter’s College in Adelaide, in my role as Vice Chair, Australasia, of the IBSC Board of Trustees.
With the theme Cultivating Humanity: A Compelling Responsibility in Boys’ Education, the conference brought together educators from boys’ schools across the region to share best practice and explore how we can continue to strengthen our approach to boys’ learning and development.
The role of the IBSC in connecting schools and elevating professional dialogue in boys’ education is significant. Opportunities such as this allow us to reflect, challenge our thinking and return to our own context with ideas that can further enhance the experience of our boys.
BGS was well-represented, with Zoe Tamplin and Darcie Clarke leading a workshop on self-regulation, connection and the positive power of community shaping Secondary School students. Joanne Davies and Ingrid Howren presented on cultivating healthy masculinities in Junior School boys. Their session showcased our Positive Masculinity (+M) curriculum, now successfully in its second year, and highlighted the impact of a deliberate, evidence-informed approach in supporting boys’ growth, connection and development.
Finally, I wish all our BGS mothers and the many special female role models in our community a very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolI have missed my ‘good mornings’ on the home front this week as I spent the last three days with our Year 6 boys and staff in Bathurst Island, 80km north of Darwin. Our Indigenous Exchange program in the Junior School commenced in 2010 and is now in its 14th year, it was so obvious to me that deep learning was evident amongst our boys and their friends. This immersion experience has enabled students to have a deeper understanding of community, country and culture.
As you can imagine, there are significant differences and challenges for our boys. I was very proud to see the quality and genuineness of the interaction between young Australians of such diverse backgrounds and life experiences. All Prep to Year 6 boys will have the opportunity over the next couple of weeks to hear the various stories and experiences from students who travelled. We look forward to sending another group of Year 6 boys to Pormpuraaw later in the term.
Our Parent Teacher Interviews are an important process to ensure strong connections between home and school and provide teachers with the opportunity to give feedback to enable further progress. Thank you to all Homeroom and Specialist teachers and parents for your time at Parent Teacher Interviews this week to discuss student progress and areas of focus required for Term 2.
All staff will shortly commence the process of writing Semester 1 Reports, providing feedback on attitude, effort and achievement. These reports will be distributed in the last week of this term.
Best wishes to all our mums on Sunday for Mother’s Day.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Boys and staff look forward to our Prep to Year 6 mums joining us tomorrow morning from 8.30am for our Mothers’ Day Celebration. Borwick House choir boys and their mums and siblings go directly to St Andrew’s Church at 8.15am. For all Prep – Year 6 boys not in choir, the morning will commence in your son’s classroom.
Liz Dendrinos
Director of the Early Learning CentreImportant events, such as Mother’s Day, are occasions that we celebrate and promote within the ELC, as they offer the boys a chance to reflect on and acknowledge the vital roles our mothers play in nurturing, educating, and shaping their lives. Throughout all four classrooms, our mothers and caregivers participated in delightful morning activities, including flower-making and the creation of cherished memories that I am confident they will treasure for a lifetime. The photo booth also provided a source of good fun for all.
Community connections such as these are integral to a child’s learning; the sharing of information and parental participation plays an important role in how children perceive their ELC 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.
A reminder that our Parent Teacher Interview bookings are open for next week which will be held onsite 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.
To all the amazing women who give endless love, countless hugs, and infinite patience, we would like to wish you a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Parenting Tip
Celebrating Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is an annual reminder to say thanks to our mum, or other motherly figure, who plays an important role in our lives. Whether it’s a simple gesture like a card, a bunch of flowers, or a heartfelt message, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to show our mothers how much we cherish and admire them.
This Special Report highlights that Mother’s Day is not only a celebration, but also a reminder of the vital role mothers play in the developmental growth of her children and the impact this has on shaping our society.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
Community Footy Day
Calling all Brighton Grammar community members, past and present!
Converge on the mighty Crowther Oval on Saturday 16 May for our inaugural Community Footy Day. Enjoy the free Dalziel Club BBQ, and while you’re there, have a complimentary coffee! Make sure you also spare a moment to view the recent instalment celebrating our 7x APS Football Premierships that proudly hang from the Annandale balcony.
All members of the BGS Community are invited to form a guard of honour as our 1st XVIII take to the field at 1.50pm. Event details here.
Second-Hand Uniform Shop
The Second-Hand Uniform Shop is located within the new Uniform Shop on St Andrews 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.