Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolAn essential component of our Effective Learner Model is developing readiness to learn, as highlighted within the Learning Dispositions quadrant.
Being prepared to learn is a foundation for academic achievement, which was celebrated at yesterday’s Secondary School Academic Colours assembly and also evidenced at Junior School assemblies with awards presentations throughout the term.
Helping students develop the skills needed for learning readiness was also the focus of last night’s Year 7 parent workshop presented by the Crowther Centre.
I extend my thanks to the 1,182 members of the BGS community who shared their insights through our 2024 School Improvement Tool survey. Your feedback is invaluable for identifying our strengths and areas for growth.
The key themes for our Executive team to consider include:
- Continuing to promote positive masculinity, emotional wellness and inclusive practices across academics and sport
- Expanding co-curricular opportunities that complement our academic approach
- Maintaining a positive school culture and a strong sense of community and belonging
Our strong average net promoter score reflects that we are on the right track, successfully providing a high-performance educational experience for your sons.
Finally, we honour the dedication and service of BGS Governor Don Cameron (OB 1951) who passed away this week. Don was a past parent, former Chairman of School Council (2000 – 2004), OBGS Honorary Life Member and former OBGS President. His outstanding contributions to BGS embody our Year 12 Legacy of honouring the past and those who have gone before us.
We also send our sincere condolences to the Melbourne Grammar School community after the sudden passing of one of their Year 12 students, Edward Millear this week.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolCompetition is a key element of boys’ education. Our structures within the various sporting competitions from Years 3 – 6 and our House System from Prep – Year 6 provide healthy competitive experiences for our boys.
The BGS Way emphasises doing your best with no expectation or pressure to be the best. Our second round of Term 1 Year 5/6 APS sport took place this week with boys participating in Swimming, Cricket, Tennis and Table Tennis.
We have a responsibility to teach our boys to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat and emphasise the importance of teamwork, encouraging their team mates, engaging with the opposition appropriately, responding to the umpires call, demonstrating fine sportsmanship and sharing gratitude on the field.
Whilst the greater majority of boys enjoy their sport, belonging to a team and representing their school, our House system provides competition beyond the sporting field as we recognise and celebrate our boys’ talents.
As the year progresses, boys will engage in House Spelling, Mathematics, Public Speaking, Chess and Chantology along with House Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Thank you to the following parents who have made the commitment to support the JPG directly by assisting as Year Level Representatives. This is not an onerous task; the main role of a Year Level Representative is to assist the JPG with the organisation of functions throughout the year and to seek support from parents at various year levels. Support is still required from Prep and Year 1. Please contact the JPG if you are able to assist.
- Our final Parent Information Evening for our ELC parents will be held tonight from 7.00pm.
- We ask that parents provide us with important feedback via our parent survey on Boys and Screens (Harmony Project).
- Our boys will participate in our Prep – Year 6 House Swimming carnival on Friday 7 March. Further details will be available via the BGS app.
- A number of activities and clubs for the boys are available throughout the week. This provides the boys with opportunities to socialise with others, share their talents or find a quiet space to read and play. Please see the details of the Lunchtime clubs here.
- The School has received multiple complaints from neighbours recently as parents are not parking appropriately and obstructing driveways, with residents often unable to access their homes. We ask for parent assistance to abide by parking and traffic bylaws during drop off and pick up times.
Liz Dendrinos
Acting Director of the Early Learning CentreThis week saw the ELC4 boys begin Library. Through whole school experiences such as Library, the boys are supported and encouraged to engage with their new surroundings whilst cultivating a positive relationship with literature.
Library has a way of transporting us back to a magical mystical place, before digital technology became the norm. The boys learn to find pleasure in exploring the shelves and looking through limitless titles to find just the right book.
It is an opportunity for our librarians to share their love of reading with their young learners in the hope that one day they turn into avid readers.
Our weekly visits are not only limited to the library, but also an opportunity for the boys to familiarise themselves with other areas of the Junior School.
It is the highlight of their week as they walk past the classrooms and front foyer, waving at staff, and looking for that validation and acknowledgement which reinforces the message that we are part of the Brighton Grammar School community.
Our Parent Information Evening tonight will provide a great opportunity for all parents to develop a deeper understanding of our curriculum and the attention and effort which is put into each and every boy.
It is also a great way for families to meet and forge relationships with each other. After all, ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’
Next week we look forward to hosting our Parent Teacher interviews in the Junior School classrooms, this will be another opportunity to connect with your son’s Classroom teacher.
Parenting Tips
My Circle for Parents
My Circle for Parents is a free, safe and confidential online community for parents, carers and supporters of kids, teens and young adults.
Discussions in the community are safeguarded by specially trained clinical moderators. You can chat to other parents, get tips for those tricky life moments and transitions, or sit back and learn!
Read more below.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
BGS Business Breakfast
Our next BGS Business Breakfast on 19 March features guest speakers Thomas Burns (OB 2016) and his sister Anabelle Burns, co-founders of Femmé Organic.
Owning and operating their small family business, Thomas and Anabelle are on a mission to inspire change and simplify the market by providing plastic free, organic, sustainable and biodegradable sanitary care products.
They are already making waves, stocking with large retail companies such as Priceline and partnering with businesses such as TLC Healthcare, Grill’d, KOOKAI, Cotton On, RACV and more.
Join us at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club to hear their story, from inspiration to concept, setbacks, criticism and now the thriving business that Femmé Organic is today.
Parent Survey – Mobile Phone and Social Media
As a school community, we are uniquely positioned to help our young people develop healthier, more harmonious relationships with technology, hence the launch of our Harmony Project.
We would appreciate your participation in the survey below to help inform and shape the School’s policies and procedures around this important issue of boys and screens.
To have your say, please complete this short parent survey.
Free Heart Checks at BGS
During the month of February, 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 Sunday 16 February – Thursday 27 February, 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.