Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolMen’s Health Week, celebrated each June, highlights the importance of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of men and boys around the world.
To support this initiative, our students have the opportunity to take part in an early morning +M plunge at Brighton beach next Wednesday. While it will be a bracing experience for all, it is designed to provoke meaningful discussions among our boys on the importance of maintaining good health and taking on challenges.
As well, from 3.00pm today until Wednesday 25 June, complimentary heart health checks will be available to all staff, parents and the wider community at a SiSU Health Station on-site at the Annandale Pavilion.
Research consistently shows that men face a heightened risk of developing serious health conditions, with mental health concerns disproportionately impacting them.
A key focus of our work in the area of positive masculinity is to encourage our boys to prioritise their wellbeing by adopting healthy habits and engaging in open conversations.
Taking proactive measures to stay well and connect with others are aspirations that we can all strive for and serve as a reminder that these efforts are a collective responsibility.
I encourage you to explore this excellent new resource, Know Your Man Facts, released as part of Men’s Health Week.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolOur involvement in the Year 5 and 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 three to four sports to select from each term and are expected to train weekly 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 and 6 boys for this term. Sports for Term 3 are Soccer, Basketball, Hockey and European Handball.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Our second Term 2 Year 6 Indigenous Program visit to Pormpuraaw School located on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula departed today. Best wishes to Thomas a’Beckett, Ted Grant, Olly Heath, Robbie Jane, Jack Keogh, Thomas Leaman, Ethan Lewski, Ben Scales. I look forward to visiting the boys next week. Dean Bryan will be responsible for the Junior School in my absence.
- Our Junior School Instrumental and Choral Concert will be held tonight from 7.00pm at St Andrew’s Church. Wilson House String Orchestra, Wilson House Concert Band, Training Strings, Beginner Strings, Junior Percussion Ensemble, Junior Guitar Ensemble, Junior Voices, Junior Chamber String Ensemble, Borwick House Choir and selected Year 6 Soloists 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 will be available via the BGS App.
- Our Prep – Year 2 boys look forward to hosting their Grandparents and Special Friends on the following dates from 9.45am to 10.40am:
Year 2 – Thursday 19 June
Year 1 – Friday 20 June
Prep – Thursday 26 June
Student Achievements
Congratulations to the following boys from Prep – Year 6 who will be presented with Semester One Specialist Effort Cards at tomorrow’s Assembly;
- Chinese – Teddy Melksham, Myles Gieschen, Callum Ottley, Dara Pyrlis, Jamie Porter, Rocco Lambert, Lucas Tran, Dominic Du Rieu, Jagger Lees, George Chamberlain, William McPherson, Elliot Mace, Lachie Whyte, Rayaan Srinivasan, Stevie Passas, Christian Trubiano, Noah Soo, James Ellis, Zac Khan, Robbie Jane
- Drama – William Brindle, Charlie Tu, Jack Douglas, Kyle Gu, Christian Irons, Kian Malone, Felix Lewis, Nicholas Shumsky, Ryan Axup, Hugo Briscoe, Johnny Brown, Cooper Tepe, Preston Liu, Jeff Clements, Lenny Busietta, Hudson Coleman, Lachy Speers, Ollie Brookshaw, Ray Chen, Louis van der Griend
- Design & Technology – Marcus Cao, Jonah Howard-Whiteley, Reuben Du Rieu, Alexander Strachan, Oscar Voyage, Lachlan Wong, Momo Chen, Linc Caspar, Osborn Wang, Rory Lawson
- Science – William Brindle, Lucas Hoofdman, Reuben Du Rieu, Fletcher Cannington, Matthew Davies, Matthew Li, Rayaan Srinivasan, Linc Caspar, Zac Turton, William Giddings
Congratulations to the following boys from Years 3 and 4 who will be presented with Attitude and Effort cards at tomorrow’s Assembly.
Congratulations to Jack Bull on his selection to represent BGS in the Victorian State AFL team. We wish Jack all the best as he prepares to travel to Queensland to compete in the School Sport State Championships this August.
Congratulations to Edward Jukes and Hunter Bryant on their outstanding performances at the Kings Cup International Optimist Regatta held at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club over the weekend. Edward claimed first place and Hunter secured second in their respective events. The regatta was supported by America’s Cup sailing legend John Bertrand OAM, who served as Patron and provided both boys with invaluable guidance throughout the competition.
Amelia Barrow
Director of the Early Learning CentreAlthough it has been a short week, the boys have been busy Winter workers throughout the four classrooms. As we say each morning, they certainly don’t feel the cold like us, and getting outdoors is always a highlight within their daily program.
It’s interesting how boys’ energetic bodies start to self-regulate the moment they step outside into the open spaces (almost like a weight is lifted off their shoulders). It reminds us also how boys need to have moments throughout their day to release their energy to support their mental focus. We certainly have been blessed this term with very few days being trapped inside all day due to the weather.
As illnesses increase, I ask for your support to reduce infection by keeping your son at home when unwell and notifying us of any illness. We also ask that you inform your son’s teacher of the reason for absence as we need to ensure all children, families and staff are alerted to any concerning viruses.
Rebuilding immune systems are important; however, the number of unwell children and staff will have a direct impact on our operations, so we thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Parenting Tips
Digital Media
Understanding and navigating the world is important for us to thrive. Digital literacy is a foundational skill for positive participation online.
Join SchoolTV on Wednesday 18 June at 7.30pm to hear from wellbeing and cybersafety experts Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Susan McLean on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Topics in this webinar include AI, misinformation and algorithms, sexting and sextortion and online grooming. This is a free webinar for BGS parents, but participants must register to gain access.
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 27 June. Lunch will include two slices of margherita pizza, apple juice and a chocolate treat for $10 (extra 2 pizza slices $5.00). Order by Friday 20 June at 5.00 pm through Flexischools.
Late orders will not be accepted, and normal canteen ordering will not be available on this day.
Coat Drive
We are collecting clean, pre-loved children’s coats to help ‘Our Village Australia’ (previously St Kilda Mums) support vulnerable families and children this winter. To donate, please drop donations in the marked collection bin at Junior School Reception before the last day of Term 2. The coats will be taken directly to Village Australia. Any questions email the Junior Parents’ Group.
Free Heart Checks at BGS
During the month of June, we are offering free heart health checks to all staff, parents and the wider community. This initiative aims to raise awareness about heart health within the BGS community.
From Thursday 12 June (after 3.00pm) – Wednesday 25 June, BGS will host a SiSU Health Station on-site at the Annandale Pavilion, providing convenient access for everyone to monitor their heart health.
The SiSU Health Stations offer quick, non-invasive checks that include measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, and other critical indicators of cardiovascular health.
Please share this with friends and family – we want everyone in the community to be involved and part of it.