Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolOne of the things that makes our school so special, and in fact is one of our greatest strengths, is the strong sense of belonging that exists across our community.
We know boys thrive when they feel connected to those around them, building the confidence, resilience and motivation to discover their strengths.
What is particularly special about belonging at BGS is that it extends well beyond a boy’s time at school. It creates lifelong connections and brings together generations of students, families and staff.
I am reminded of this often, when attending Old Boy reunions, welcoming back our longest-serving members of staff, seeing current and past parents at school events, or speaking with our young Old Boy mentors and scholars. In each of these interactions, there is a shared sense of connection and pride that reflects the enduring strength of our community.
As we mark R U OK? Day today and come together to support Connor’s Run this Sunday in honour of Connor Dawes (OB 2012), the importance of checking in, showing care and staying connected is more evident than ever.
Have a good weekend and continue to look out for one another.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolToday we celebrated R U OK? Day across our school from ELC to Year 12. We have an obligation to continue to develop a caring and nurturing environment amongst our boys. Of course, they will slip up, make mistakes and poor choices, that is part of life and the learning journey our boys are on. We do many things well at BGS: setting a positive can-do culture, seeing our boys as individuals and celebrating their strengths, promoting a strong sense of connection and belonging, and supporting one another through challenging times.
The Performing Arts has certainly been a focus and highlight for us all in recent weeks. It is such a rewarding experience to see the boys ‘shine’, and they do so regularly. I know as staff and parents we are so often filled with pride and admiration for the boys of Wilson House, this is certainly the case with those who have performed in various performances.
Our Year 6 boys certainly ‘shined’ in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR last night. The ‘shine’ I talk about isn’t the type that comes from the glare of stage lighting as it bounces off the stage make-up and glittery costumes. It is the ‘shine’ that comes from within. It is the ‘shine’ that our boys bring to all of their school endeavours.
Our boys are learning that hard work pays off. They learn that teamwork and practice lead to success. They learn that what you bring to your work is as important as what you take from it. They experience that learning is fun.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Best wishes to our Year 6 boys and staff travelling to Vietnam this weekend as part of our Year 6 Vietnam Cultural Exchange program – Jackson B, Jackson B, William G, Eric G, Lachlan G, Nathan H, Hudson H, Xander O, Rishaan P, Harvey R, Mason T, George W, Oscar X and Bentley Z. I look forward to visiting the group next week. Lachie Foott will be responsible for the Junior School in my absence.
- Best wishes to our Year 3 – 5 boys who will join Secondary School boys as they perform in the BGS Dance Showcase on Monday 14 September. Tickets are available here.
- Term 3 Interim Reports will be available to parents for all Prep to Year 6 boys from Wednesday 16 September. These Reports do not assess Achievement, but focus on Attitude, Effort and the development of various Personal and Social Skills. These reports will be available online.
- Next Friday 18 September will be our final day of Term 3. 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 – Tabloid Sports – boys can wear their Sport Uniform/House Polo Shirt plus favourite football colours
3.20pm – Normal Dismissal
- SAVE THE DATE – The Prep – Year 6 House Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 23 October at Duncan MacKinnon Athletics track. Parents are welcome to attend. There will be an opportunity for parents to join their son for lunch at approximately 12.45pm. Further details will be available on the BGS app in Term 4.
- As marked in the Date Card, classes conclude for Term 3 on Friday 18 September at 3.20pm. The first day of Term 4 is Monday 5 October when classes resume at 8.30am, and all boys from ELC to Year 6 are to wear their Summer uniform.
Student Achievements
- Congratulations to the boys who participated in this year’s Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge. Each boy will receive a signed certificate from the Premier’s office. The following boys read the most books in their Year Level. These boys will receive a badge for their blazer at assembly this Friday.
Prep Lucas Q
Year 1 Nicholas F
Year 2 Thomas V
Year 3 Leo G
Year 4 William L
Year 5 Shaurya S
Year 6 Eric G
- Congratulations to the following boys who will be presented with Term 3 Year 5/6 APS Sport awards at tomorrow’s Assembly.
BGS Snowsports Shine at Australian Interschools
BGS Snowsports athletes have capped off an outstanding season with an exceptional haul of medals at the Australian Interschools Snowsport Championships at Perisher, showcasing the talent, determination and competitive spirit of our students on the national stage.
The standout performance came from Felix L (Y5), who was crowned Australian Champion in Division 4 Moguls. After claiming State Championship in the same event, Felix continued his remarkable season with a gold medal at Nationals. Barry B (Y5) was equally impressive, claiming gold in Division 4 Snowboard GS. Barry also combined with Hudson K (Y6) and Jax U (Y6) to secure silver in the Snowboard GS Team and bronze in Snowboard Cross, delivering an outstanding team performance.
In total, BGS Junior School athletes secured two individual National podiums and two team podiums, an outstanding achievement against the best school Snowsport athletes from across Australia. Congratulations to Felix, Barry, Hudson and Jax on their remarkable results, and to all 24 BGS Junior School boys who represented Victoria at Nationals. Their achievements are a wonderful reflection of the commitment, teamwork and ambition that define BGS Snowsports.
Brittany Richards
Head of Snowsports
Liz Dendrinos
Director of the Early Learning CentreFooty day is always a highlight of our school calendar, and it’s one the boys eagerly look forward to. For the boys, the day is more than just stepping outside to kick a ball, it’s about teamwork, gameplay, and discovering the origins of our national sport. In the classroom, the boys have been learning about Marngrook, a traditional Indigenous Australian foot-catching game that originated in Victoria. Historians recognise it as a significant influence on the development of Australian Rules Football.
The boys enjoyed the day, wearing their favourite football colours, eating hotdogs and engaging in various fun art and craft activities organised by our wonderful teaching staff.
On Wednesday, our Pre-Prep boys had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Year 6 dress rehearsal of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. along with Firbank Grammar students. The walk to Rosstrevor Hall is always an exciting occasion and serves as great preparation for next term when the boys will participate in rehearsals for the ELC Christmas Pageant. The collaborative art form of theatre provides a fantastic chance for the boys to bond with Firbank students, nurturing relationships and connections within the broader community.
Today, we also took a moment to recognise R U OK Day, a national initiative that highlights the importance of a simple question: ‘Are You Ok?’ It was a day to pause, connect with the boys, and engage in uncomfortable conversations about our feelings and how to manage stress. It’s not about having all the solutions, but rather about demonstrating our care and willingness to listen.
In the classrooms, the boys participated in a morning of meditation and taking time to listen to one another with kindness and respect. Let’s use today as a reminder to reach out, not just today but every day, to those we value. A small conversation can truly make a significant impact.
Parenting Tip
R U OK? Day
Today marks this year’s R U OK? Day. This National Day of Action encourages Australians to check in with others and start meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing. The 2026 theme, ‘Ask R U OK? Any Day’, reinforces the message that every day is the right day to reach out to someone who might be struggling. R U OK? Day shines a spotlight on the importance of connection and having conversations with people you care about all year round.
In celebration of RUOK? Day, all JS students are participating in school-wide and year level specific activities, exploring the themes of help-seeking, positive connections and peer support aligned with the R U OK? messaging. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, ‘Are you OK?’
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
JPG News
End of Term Lunch
The JPG will again be offering an End of Term lunch for the ELC and Junior School boys on Friday 18 September 2026. Lunch will include a pie, juice and a treat.
The cost will be $10.00 (extra pie for $6.00). Online ordering is available through Flexischools online ordering system. Orders must be placed by no later than Friday 11 September at 5.00pm – no late orders will be accepted. Please note that normal tuck shop ordering will not be available on this day.
