Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolFrom ELC-VCE, we place a strong emphasis on literacy as a foundation for learning and life, and indeed as part of our +M model with reference to being connected. For our boys, this centres on three key areas: reading, writing and oracy.
While reading and writing are widely understood, oracy may be less familiar to some. It refers to the ability to express ideas clearly through speech, to listen with intent, and to engage thoughtfully in dialogue. It is a fundamental skill, and one we deliberately and consistently develop across the breadth of the curriculum – not only in English classrooms – but in every learning environment.
Research and broader commentary continue to highlight that boys, on average, can lag behind their female peers in aspects of communication and language development.
This makes our focus on oracy both purposeful and important. We are intentional in how we create explicit opportunities for boys to speak, question and articulate their thinking, while also embedding these skills more authentically through everyday interactions and experiences.
Done well, oracy supports not only academic growth, but also confidence, connection and the ability to engage meaningfully: skills that will serve our boys well beyond their time at school.
I encourage you to read further insights from Deputy Headmaster, Head of Crowther, Dr Ray Swann, in this week’s Crowther eNews, who expands on how oracy is developed in practice at BGS.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolThere are many occasions when I am particularly proud of our boys individually, at a class or year level, or as a whole. I was immensely proud to see all of our Prep to Year 6 boys and their mums together at St Andrew’s Church.
Our Mother’s Day celebrations for our ELC and Prep to Year 6 mums were a most appropriate way to pay tribute and thank our mums for all they do; the continued support and contributions from our mums ensures Wilson House is a better place. I appreciate the effort and organisation of all staff, Father Chester Lord for the Chapel Service, Claire Clarke for her heartfelt reflection and sharing her family journey, Emily Fairweather and Borwick House Choir for the Music and our ELC and Homeroom teachers for their class activities. Special mention to Fraser Shaw for his outstanding tribute to his mum.
Our involvement in the Year 5/6 APS Sport Program is essential to the all-boys 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 four sports to select from each term. Our Term 2 sports are AFL, Cross Country, Netball and Volleyball.
Our boys 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 Aaron French for his coordination each week and all staff for their commitment to the program.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Thank you to our ELC parents and the JPG for their time and coordination wrapping the Junior School Mother’s Day gifts.
- There are a variety of photo days scheduled for this term. Please see information below, further details will be available on the BGS app.
Monday 1 June Prep – Year 6 Class photos
Wednesday 3 June Term 2 APS Year 5/6 Sport photos
- We always have challenges managing the car park. All parents and extended family members need to understand and support the systems in place to ensure the safety of our boys and to assist with traffic flow. In recent weeks, we have noticed the increasing speed and dangerous driving of some cars. Please ensure you monitor your driving whilst using the car park. Click here for directions.
Liz Dendrinos
Director of the Early Learning CentreWe often discuss how much our boys enjoy a hands-on program in the ELC, but what are the actual benefits of this natural learning approach? By offering a hands-on curriculum, we stimulate the right side of the brain through creativity and imagination, while the left side is engaged through problem-solving, spatial awareness, sorting, and organising.
The boys are encouraged to multi-task by speaking, listening, touching, and using their senses as they explore their environment in a fun and playful manner. We focus on our basic five senses: touch, taste, sight, hearing, and smell, but we also emphasise balance and body awareness.
When we plan our indoor and outdoor programs with the boys, we love to hear their ideas on where they want to take their learning next. Their input is important in developing the curriculum and ensures that their engagement remains strong throughout the day. This week, the boys have continued to enjoy their busy days of learning while having fun along the way.
A reminder that next Monday 18 May and Tuesday 19 May we will be hosting our Parent Teacher Discussions in the Junior School Lower Primary Classrooms. They are a wonderful opportunity to discuss your son’s development as well as their targeted learning intentions.
Parenting Tip
Neuroplasticity and Improving Learning
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to build itself in response to new life experiences and changes in development. It is a process of creativity. Throughout our lives we can change our brains and get smarter.
There are times when the brain changes faster than others. Read more from Clinical Psychologist, Andrew Fuller, on when the two peak times occur.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
Annual Giving Appeal
The BGS Annual Giving Day will take place on Tuesday 26 May. ELC – Year 6 boys will be asked to donate $2 to wear casual clothes, which will support BGS’s Appeal for our new Indoor Sport & Event Complex within the Junior School.
Learn more about this year’s Beyond the Baseline Appeal or donate online here.
Community Footy Day
Brighton Grammar community members are invited to converge on the mighty Crowther Oval on Saturday 16 May for our inaugural Community Footy Day. Enjoy the free Dalziel Club BBQ, and while you’re there, have a complimentary coffee! Make sure you also spare a moment to view the recent instalment celebrating our 7x APS Football Premierships that proudly hang from the Annandale Pavillion balcony.
