Introducing two new Houses at BGS

Let us pursue better things.

Meliora Sequamur

Welcome to a new era

Brighton Grammar is entering a new era with the introduction of two new Houses in 2024.

This will maintain our strong and compassionate pastoral system while offering new student leadership opportunities.

The expanded House system will foster camaraderie and identity among students and uphold cherished House traditions.

Melville House

Named for Francis Balfour-Melville (OB 1908) – an exceptional academic student, who graduated from Cambridge and the University of Melbourne with First Class Honours.

He served in WWI and in 1921 returned to BGS as Head of Science, however was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident the following year.

Melville House

Named for Francis Balfour-Melville (OB 1908) – an exceptional academic student, who graduated from Cambridge and the University of Melbourne with First Class Honours.

He served in WWI and in 1921 returned to BGS as Head of Science, however was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident the following year.

Fairweather House

Named for Mabel Fairweather – the longest serving senior female BGS staff member, Head of the Junior School for 24 years (from 1939-1962).

Her stewardship saw the Junior School grow from 30 to 300 students.

She was also a significant benefactor to BGS leaving a large portion of her estate to the School.

The Sigils

The Melville Magician represents creativity, imagination and the ability to inspire wonder and awe in others.

The Fairweather Fox represents intelligence, adaptability and quick thinking.

We are incredibly excited to welcome students to our two new Houses – Melville and Fairweather.

Here’s to the beginning of a new chapter at BGS!

The Magicians
University of Melbourne
Cambridge University
AIF Medical Corps WWI
The Junior School
ELC (1952)
Junior School (1955)
Junior School opening and dedication (1960)
Junior School (1962)
Heads of the River (1955)
Mabel Fairweather on the Crowther Oval

The new Heads of House

Josh Moore, Head of Melville House (Secondary School)
With over 15 years of experience, Josh is well-known for his innovative teaching strategies and dedication to student wellbeing. 

Shae Hower, Head of Fairweather House (Secondary School)
Shae is a passionate educator dedicated to promoting lifelong learning and empowering students to achieve their full potential. 

Read their full bios in the FAQs.

The new Heads of House

Josh Moore, Head of Melville House (Secondary School)
With over 15 years of experience, Josh is well-known for his innovative teaching strategies and dedication to student wellbeing. 

Shae Hower, Head of Fairweather House (Secondary School)
Shae is a passionate educator dedicated to promoting lifelong learning and empowering students to achieve their full potential. 

Read their full bios in the FAQs.

Questions?

As with any change, we understand that parents and students may have some questions.

For more information or to get in touch with our team, please don’t hesitate to email hello@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au

Questions?

As with any change, we understand that parents and students may have some questions.

For more information or to get in touch with our team, please don’t hesitate to email hello@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au

Frequently asked questions

New Houses
  • Why are we introducing new Houses?

    The School is introducing two new Houses to maintain its strong and compassionate pastoral system while offering increased leadership opportunities for the students and staff.

    With growing enrolments, we believe that this expansion will help ensure all students feel an integral part of their Houses and provide a smaller tutor group setting.

    Additionally, we aim to keep upholding our cherished House traditions and values, such as representation, academic excellence, sporting achievements, and excellence in all aspects of school life.

  • What are the colours of the new House polos?

    Melville House
    Charcoal Grey – a sleek and elegant colour associated with wisdom and tranquility.

    Fairweather House
    Tiger Orange – representing optimism, energy and spontaneity.

    All students allocated to new Houses will be given a complimentary new House polo as a part of their welcome pack.

    The new House polos will be on display in Junior and Secondary School Receptions from the start of Term 4 as well as in Noone’s Uniform Shop in Hampton.

  • How will the new Houses be phased in?

    The new Houses will be introduced from the start of the 2024 school year.

    During the Term 2 break, boys will have time to consider their preferred House options. A survey will be completed by students in Junior and Secondary School students in early Term 3.

    Preferences will be taken into consideration in the selection process of boys joining new Houses.

    Families will be notified of further details from Heads of School in Term 3.

  • Who are the new Heads of House for Secondary School?

    Josh Moore
    Head of Melville House (Secondary School)

    Josh joined BGS in 2017 as a PE and English teacher, as well as the Head of Rugby. He has been a Dixon 6 tutor for six years. Josh currently teaches History, including Year 12 Revolutions and Year 10 Second World War and is the 1st XV Rugby coach. Josh’s love for sports, particularly rugby, cricket and cycling, helps him connect with students both inside and outside the classroom.

    Josh upholds the school’s ethos, particularly the +M framework, and is committed to co-curricular activities. His dedication towards the students and their welfare has made him a highly respected member of staff.

     

    Shae Hower
    Head of Fairweather House (Secondary School)

    Shae joined BGS in 2021 bringing with her a rich background in teaching English and Humanities. Her experience as a Year Level Manager at her previous school provided her with a strong pastoral background. Her vision and commitment to this area has enabled her to reach a broad section of students in her time a BGS, in particular her role as a tutor.

    Shae is currently the Year 7 & 8 Debating Coordinator and Year 11 & 12 English Coordinator. Her organisational and communication skills have enabled her to thrive in these roles and for her to become a highly respected and valued staff member. Her dedication to student welfare and ensuring students are contributing to a positive school culture, along with her competitive spirit will no doubt bring a vibrancy to her role as Head of House.

How will this affect me?
  • I am new to BGS.

    New students will be allocated to a House from one of the 8 Houses as a part of their commencement at BGS.

  • When do I wear my House polo?

    All students are expected to wear their House polo when participating in House sporting events.

    Students entering new Houses in 2024 will be given one complimentary House polo as a part of their welcome pack.

  • If I've been allocated to a new House, what do I do with my old House polo?

    Brighton Grammar will happily accept donations of old House polos to be recycled or alternatively, you can resell them on Sustainable School Shop. 

  • What if I've got a family link to a current House?

    BGS Generations and family connections to current Houses will form part of the selection process for new House allocation and we will take due care to address any sensitivities you may have. 

    As with any change, we understand that parents and students may have some questions.

    For more information or to get in touch with our team, please don’t hesitate to email us. 

  • More Questions?

    As with any change, we understand that parents and students may have some questions.

    For more information or to get in touch with our team, please don’t hesitate to email us. 

Acknowledgements

The creation and selection of two new Houses has been an exciting and rigorous process. Sincere thanks to all involved including our student focus groups across Junior and Secondary School.

Ross Featherston – Headmaster, Chair of New Houses Steering Committee

Simon Angus – Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary School

Peter Tellefson – Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School

Dr Ray Swann – Deputy Headmaster, Head of the Crowther Centre

Katie White – Director of Students (Years 7-12)

Tim Marshall – Head of Year 7 (Hancock, Rofe, School)

Emily Beaton – Director of Marketing & Communications

Alex Syrian – Visual Designer

Arthur Le – Digital Marketing and Social Media Coordinator 

Michele Fisher – Editorial Coordinator

Nick Potter – Project Manager

Alex Ward – Shake Creative Video Production (OB 2011)