Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolI recently listened to an episode of The High Performance Podcast featuring sleep expert Stephanie Romiszewski, which I highly recommend.
While the conversation focused on sleep, one of the strongest messages that resonated with me was not about what we do at night, but what we do each morning.
There were many takeaways that apply equally to our boys and to us as adults. The key message was the importance of consistency and routine. Regular wake times, exposure to natural light early in the day, movement, and establishing healthy daily rhythms all play a significant role in setting us up for quality sleep later that night.
The Crowther Centre has developed a Position Paper on Sleep, recognising the important role it plays in learning, emotional regulation, physical health and overall performance.
For boys especially, good sleep habits are among the most powerful, yet often overlooked, foundations for success both in and out of the classroom. Quality sleep supports concentration, wellbeing, resilience and recovery, helping boys make the most of each day.
As we head into the long weekend, it may be worth reflecting on the small daily habits that can have a meaningful impact over time. A good night’s sleep often begins long before bedtime, and an early morning start or prod isn’t always such a bad thing!
I look forward to welcoming the boys back on Tuesday 9 June and finishing Semester 1 strongly.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolLast Thursday, our Year 5 boys and staff travelled to the goldfields of Sovereign Hill. Whilst there were clear blue skies, there was a chill in the air but it didn’t slow the boys down at all. The boys participated in a number of tours, explored the streets and shops, attended an olden day school session, Blood on the Southern Cross light show and panned for gold, which enabled them to bring their classroom theory and research alive as they were immersed into life in the 1850s.
Today and tomorrow our Year 4/5/6 musicians, who are members of Borwick House Choir, Wilson House Strings and Wilson House Concert Band, are participating in intensive music rehearsals whilst at Music Camp at Rutherford Park, Blampied. The boys will have the opportunity to perform in the Junior School Instrumental and Choral Concert next Thursday 11 June, 7.00pm at St Andrew’s Church.
Our second Year 6 Cultural Exchange visit to Pormpuraaw School located on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula commences next week. These immersion experiences enable our boys to foster and develop relationships, communication, understanding and respect for each other’s way of life and culture. Best wishes to Alex Alderton, Archie Ewert, James Forbes, Edward Lawes, Jack Moncrieff, Leo Suszko, Christian Trubiano and Thomas Verco.
A reminder that the School will be closed for the King’s Birthday holiday on Monday 8 June, enjoy the long weekend!
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Our Junior School Instrumental and Choral Concert will be held on Thursday 11 June, 7.00pm at St Andrew’s Church. Wilson House String Orchestra, Wilson House Concert Band, Training Strings, Training Strings Orchestra, Beginner Strings, Junior Percussion Ensemble, Wilson House Guitar Ensemble, Junior Voices, Wilson House String Quartet and Borwick House Choir will be performing. Boys are to wear their full winter uniform and need to be seated in St Andrew’s by 6.30pm. Further details are available via the BGS App.
- Our Prep – Year 2 boys look forward to hosting their Grandparents and Special Friends on the following dates from 9.45 to 10.40am;
Year 2 – Thursday 18 June
Year 1 – Friday 19 June
Prep – Thursday 25 June
Liz Dendrinos
Director of the Early Learning CentreIn the ELC, the boys’ education goes beyond the confines of the classroom; it is the connections within the community that promote wellbeing and cultivate a sense of belonging, which is vital for their development and growth.
We always embrace opportunities for our boys to explore different areas of the school, so we eagerly accepted the chance to visit the Junior School music rooms and attend a Junior Voices rehearsal. It was delightful to hear the boys sing while our ELC boys enjoyed being the audience. Upon returning to the classroom, the boys were bursting with inspiration about the possibility of one day joining that group.
Events such as visiting Firbank Grammar School are also instrumental in strengthening our connections and fostering meaningful interactions with members of our broader community. This week, our ELC3 boys walked to Firbank to participate in morning activities with the girls, while our Pre-Prep boys waited eagerly for the arrival of FGS students. It’s always an exciting time as the boys anticipate the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the outdoor area, engaging in a variety of activities.
Thank you to parent helpers and Firbank staff for their support, and we look forward to our next gathering.
As we head into the long weekend, please take the time to pause, breathe and be kind to yourselves.
Parenting Tip
Dealing with Conflict
Conflict is a natural and unavoidable part of family life. As children grow, differences in opinions, emotions and expectations can sometimes lead to tension at home, at school or with peers. While these moments can feel challenging, they also present valuable opportunities to teach young people important life skills. Read below how managing conflict plays a key role in shaping a child’s ability to communicate, regulate emotions and navigate relationships.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
A Morning of Music
Last week, over 60 parents gathered for our Year 3 String Demonstration Day which was a wonderful morning celebrating all our boys have achieved in their very first semester of learning a string instrument.
Seated in a full orchestral arrangement, the students performed a program from the Encore Book 1 repertoire, building to a joyful finale of Carnival. For students who began the year never having played a string instrument, the confidence and musicality on display was truly impressive.
A huge thank you to our Junior School String Program Team of Terry-Anne Ashley, Phoebe Kong, Samuel Ke, Dorota Swarts, and Karolyna Da Vila, whose patience and dedication made the morning possible. To the parents who joined us, thank you for your support. We hope you left with a real sense of just how much your sons have achieved in such a short time.
Harry Tsai
Head of Strings
JPG News
The JPG will again be offering an end of term lunch for the ELC and Junior School on Friday 26 June 2026. Lunch will include two slices of Margherita Pizza, a juice and a treat.
The cost will be $10.00 (extra two slices for $5). Online ordering is available through Flexischools online ordering system. Orders must be placed by no later than Friday 19 June, 5.00pm – no late orders will be accepted. Please note that normal canteen ordering will not be available on this day.
Free Self Service Health Check
This month, free health checks are on offer to all staff, parents and the wider BGS community, to raise heart health awareness.
From Tuesday 9 June to Saturday 20 June, BGS will host a SiSU Health Station on-site at the Annandale Pavilion First Aid room, providing convenient access for everyone to monitor their heart health.
Opening hours are Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm and Saturday 9.00am – 12.00pm.
The SiSU Health Stations offer quick, non-invasive checks that include measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, and other critical indicators of cardiovascular health. Friends and family are welcome; we invite everyone in the community to take part.
For more information, watch the Health Station how-to and explainer or read the health check results document.
Chance to Win
The RCD Foundation is offering the Brighton Grammar community a special early bird registration promotion for Connor’s Run 2026.
Every BGS student, parent or staff member registered for Connor’s Run by 9 June will automatically go into the draw to win a $50 Grill’d voucher.
Register now for the Connor’s Run Event Day on Sunday 13 September or Your Way Any Day All of September to participate in this wonderful fundraiser in honour of BGS Old Boy Connor Dawes (OB 2012).
Firbank Grammar Production
BGS families are invited to attend Firbank Grammar’s Year 5/6 Turner House production of Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. Please see further details below.
BGS Business Breakfast
Join us for the next BGS Business Breakfast with special guest, Hayley Morris on Wednesday 17 June at 7.30am.
Hayley is an Australian philanthropist, impact investor and social entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience across business, philanthropy and systems change. She co-founded purpose-driven ventures, including Keys for Future-Fit Leadership Academy, Sustainable Table, Climate Zero, The Regenerative Leader, and the farm-to-table restaurant Barragunda Dining.
Hayley also leads the Morris Family Foundation and is a Director of The Morris Group, while also supporting leaders as a certified coach in vertical development.
Hear Hayley share insights on purpose-driven leadership and how business can drive positive change. Book now.