Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolThe recent National Reconciliation Week invited all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to consider how each of us can play a part in building a more united future.
Junior School boys explored these ideas through classroom conversations and a special assembly presentation while some of our Year 9s spent a day on Country with Traditional Owner Steve Parker. Steve returns next term for a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, always a highlight of our Junior School calendar.
Meanwhile, a second group of Year 6 boys and staff are currently on our Indigenous Immersion tour in Pormpuraaw on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, where they spend their days attending school, playing games, learning traditional dances and songs, and supporting local students with reading and numeracy.
Next week, a group of Secondary School boys will continue this journey, travelling to Bathurst Island for their own community and on Country immersion experience.
These opportunities are powerful learning moments that help our boys build empathy, cultural awareness, and respect for diversity: qualities that support them to grow into thoughtful, grounded young men.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolThe hard work from last week’s intensive rehearsals at the Junior School Music Camp was evident at our Music Concert last Thursday evening. Our Year 3 to 6 musicians provided superb entertainment to a full house at St Andrew’s Church.
Whilst I was impressed with the quality of performance on the stage, I was just as impressed with the boys’ behaviour off the stage. The logistics are a challenge with so many boys moving on and off the stage, our boys respond appropriately and respectfully as audience members and their engagement and response to Borwick House Choir’s, Listen to the Rain, was superb to watch.
Congratulations to all students, particularly those who performed for an audience for the first time. Special mention to our Year 6 leaders, Harry Jacka, Eric Gong, Oscar Xu, Noah Kemal and Joe Hall who compered the evening. I appreciate the excellent work of all Music staff, Emily Fairweather for her overall co-ordination, to our Friends of Music and to all parents and family members for your continued support, thank you.
Our involvement in the Year 5/6 APS Sport Program is essential to the all boy educational experience. The emphasis is on participation, there is no ladder or premierships awarded at the end of a season. Boys have a choice of 3-4 sports to select from each term. Our boys are expected to train on a weekly basis to improve their skills, game plan and fitness levels.
Representing our School with pride, the importance of organisation, the wearing of their uniform correctly, and the emphasis on sportsmanship, are all key elements of this program. Our boys are fortunate to have this weekly opportunity, and I congratulate and thank all staff for their commitment to the program. Next week is our final round of APS Sport for our Year 5/6 boys. Our Sports for Term 3 are Soccer, Basketball, Hockey and European Handball.
I 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 Pormpuraaw on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula. Our Indigenous Exchange program in the Junior School commenced in 2010, it was so obvious to me that deep learning was evident amongst our boys and their friends. This immersion experience has enabled our boys to have a deeper understanding of community, country and culture.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
Our Prep and Year 1 boys look forward to hosting their Grandparents and Special Friends on the following dates from 9.45 to 10.40am;
- Year 1 – Friday 19 June
- Prep – Thursday 25 June
Next Friday will be our final day of Term 2. The following is an outline of the day:
- 8.50am – Chapel – Prep to Year 6
- 9.20am – End of Term Assembly (St Andrew’s Church) Parents are welcome to attend
- 10.10am – Free time Winning House
- 12.15pm – JPG Lunch – Please note there are NO Tuck shop orders available
- 1.30pm – Maths games – boys can wear their Sport Uniform/House Polo Shirt
- 3.20pm – Normal Dismissal
Prep to Year 6 Semester 1 Reports will be available online from 4.00pm Thursday 25 June via the BGS app. Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled for early next term on Wednesday 29 July and Thursday 30 July. Booking information will be posted early next term. Homeroom teachers will be available to meet with parents.
Student Achievements
Congratulations to the following boys from Years 5 and 6 who will be presented with Attitude and Effort cards at tomorrow’s Assembly.
Congratulations to the following boys from Prep to Year 6 who will be presented with Semester One Specialist Effort Cards at tomorrow’s Assembly;
- Class Music – Kevin Yang, Jayden Shi, Marcus Cao, Shaun Li, Frankie Clynk, Alec Rotstein, Rocco Lambert, Lachlan Wong, James Angus, Alex Hope, Oliver Brindle, Sebastian Hutchens, Darren Chen, Teddy Ratnagobal, Shaurya Shah, Jack Liu, Bentley Zeng, Oscar West, Joe Hall, Thomas Wang
- Congratulations to the following boys who will be presented with Term 2 APS Sport Awards.
- Well done to Caleb Brown, Arthur Wang, Ken Sorataworn, Aleks Paolacci, Asher Brown, Jack Lane, William McPherson, Eddie Ferguson, Patryk Paolacci and Alex Alderton who competed at the Regional Cross Country Championships last Thursday. Best wishes to Asher Brown, Jack Lane and Caleb Brown who have qualified to compete at the State Cross Country Championships. The boys’ performances and sportsmanship were outstanding. Thank you to Aaron French and Matt Barker for their management of the boys and to all parents who assisted with transportation and supported their sons.
Liz Dendrinos
Director of the Early Learning CentreOur buddy program consistently stands out as a weekly highlight for our boys, and it is truly delightful to watch the enthusiastic greetings as the boys anticipate the activities their session will explore.
This program offers many advantages, as it allows the older boys to develop a sense of purpose as they undertake their responsibilities, while our ELC boys admire their big brothers as role models and mentors. Additionally, it allows the ELC boys the chance to explore various areas of the school, including the Junior School classrooms, a range of sports facilities, music, instrumental classes, and art rooms.
A reminder from our Library to please ensure you return the borrowed book each week in your son’s library bag which can be placed outside his classroom in the library container. The boys look forward to making their selection each week after their fun walk through the Junior School, waving to teachers and peers.
For those boys participating in the upcoming Holiday Program, we have distributed the exciting program details and look forward to their attendance. While we aim to provide a more relaxed schedule for the boys, it remains filled with relevant, well thought out learning experiences and activities to keep our minds and bodies engaged!
Please note that the ELC will be closed during the first week from 1 July to 3 July (inclusive) and will reopen on Monday, 6 July until 21 July for the Holiday Program.
Parenting Tip
Raising boys
Neuroscience and brain mapping has over the years helped researchers gain a clearer understanding into the distinct development of the male brain. When comparing male and female brains, it is necessary to take into consideration the psychology of differences.
There are many reasons for these including hormonal, physical, environmental, and of course, brain differences. However, these should not translate into limitations or affect how a parent acts towards their child, nor should it influence how you treat them.
Listen to Dr Michael Carr-Gregg discuss this topic in more detail below.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
Shane Warne Legacy Health Check
This week from 8.30am – 4.30pm, free health checks are on offer to all staff, parents and the wider BGS community at a Shane Warne Legacy Health Check kiosk on-site at the Annandale Pavilion First Aid room.
The kiosk offers 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 this explainer or read the health check results document.
BGS+ Community Term 2 Holiday Programs
The BGS+ Community Campus will be busy with a wide range of holiday programs, from coding to many different sports, there is something for everyone. Check out the Term 2 holiday program timetable
Brighton Grammar Uniform Shop
Holiday Trading Hours
Noone Brighton Grammar Uniform shop
19-21 St Andrews Street
Brighton Vic 3186
Ph: (03) 6141 6673
Email: bgs@noone.com.au
Opening Hours (during term time)
Monday 7.45am – 11.45am
Tuesday 1.00pm – 4.30pm
Wednesday 7.45am – 11.45am
Friday 1.00pm – 4.30pm
Saturday 8.00am – 12.00pm
Opening Hours (during Term 2 break)
Friday 10 July 1.00pm-4.00pm
Monday 13 July 9.00am-12.00pm
Friday 17 July 1.00pm-4.00pm
Saturday 18 July 9.00am-12.00pm
Tuesday 21 July 1.00pm-4.00pm
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.