Weekly eNews

Ross Featherston

Headmaster, Brighton Grammar School

You only have to look around the school at any given time after hours to see that it rarely stops.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff who continue to show up for our boys well beyond the school day. Over the past couple of weeks alone, staff have assisted with our Year 12 Long Day Program, various Mother’s Day celebrations from ELC-Year 12, Rotary Bayspeak public speaking events, our senior years production Rock of Ages, Crowther’s Year 7 and 8 Book Clubs for parents and sons, Year 6 camp and countless moments in between that often go unseen.

I often speak about the ‘iceberg effect’ of school life: so much of what makes a great school happens below the surface. Our Maintenance Team, for example, are tending to the school well before the sun rises to ensure everything is ready for the day ahead, while many others quietly give their time before and after hours in support of our boys and community.

Our Community Day held last weekend, centred around four First teams playing games at home, was a particular highlight for me. Seeing so many families (past and current), Old Boys, boys and staff gathered together – not because they had to be, but because they genuinely want to be part of it.

It was a wonderful reminder of the strength of our community. There is something quite unique about a school community that continues to turn up for one another, whether on the sidelines, in the audience, at a Chapel service or simply sharing a conversation on the gate.

It is these moments, both big and small, that shape the culture of BGS and make this such a connected and special place for our boys to grow and learn.

Have a great week.

Peter Tellefson

Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School

At BGS, we have a strong relationship and connection with our sister school Firbank Grammar. We have 57 boys in the Junior School who have a sister at Firbank and all boys from the ELC to Year 6 enjoy a range of opportunities and learning activities, visiting each other’s campus and developing life-long friendships.

In recent weeks our ELC, Prep, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 4 boys have enjoyed a variety of activities with our friends from Turner House. These positive interactions with girls are an important aspect in the development of boys and we greatly value the benefits of the collaboration between both schools. 

Over the last two weeks, we have been fortunate our Year 6 students and staff have enjoyed superb autumn weather in the Gippsland Lakes. Whilst on camp, the boys are certainly challenged, at times they are out of their comfort zone, but the support their classmates, the Year 11 Outdoor Education Leaders and the staff provide is most rewarding to see. 

The boys participate in activities including survivor course, bush walking, bike riding, night walk/games and an indigenous workshop. It’s remarkable to see them ‘ready to learn’ in the Outdoor Education environment with emphasis on skills such as time management, being responsible for their own gear, supporting each other and developing their resilience.

I’ve been really impressed with the positive impact and interaction our Year 11 OEP Leaders have had and seeing our buddy system playing out for our Year 6 boys.

Thank you to our Outdoor Education team, Lucy Kervin-McDermott, Niklas Rathmayr and Rob Ogilvie and our Year 6 Homeroom teachers, Rob Bater, Alannah Rowell, Jamie Cooney and Enda Crosbie for their commitment and level of care given to our boys whilst on camp.

Wilson House Happenings & Reminders

• 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

• Our Junior School Instrumental and Choral Concert will be held on Thursday 11 June, 7.00pm at St Andrew’s Church. Wilson House String Orchestra, Wilson House Concert Band, Training Strings, Training Strings Orchestra, Beginner Strings, Junior Percussion Ensemble, Wilson House Guitar Ensemble, Junior Voices, Wilson House String Quartet and Borwick House Choir 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 are available via the BGS App. 
• ELC–Year 6 boys are invited to wear casual clothes and bring a $2 gold coin donation on Tuesday May 26 for BGS Giving Day in support of the School’s new Indoor Sport & Event Complex within the Junior School.
• Our Prep – Year 2 boys look forward to hosting their Grandparents and Special Friends on the following dates from 9.45 to 10.40am;

Year 2 – Thursday 18 June

Year 1 – Friday 19 June

Prep – Thursday 25 June

Student Achievements

Best wishes to our Year 3 – 6 boys who are representing BGS in the APS Divisional Cross Country next Wednesday.

Liz Dendrinos

Director of the Early Learning Centre

We extend our gratitude to the families who took the time to participate in our Parent-Teacher Discussions earlier this week. These meetings serve a purpose beyond a routine progress update; they offer parents valuable insights into the curriculum and assist teachers in gaining a better understanding of the child’s life outside of the classroom.

The relationship between parents and teachers is fundamental to a successful educational environment, functioning as a link between a child’s home and school experiences. When educators and parents engage in meaningful and well-organised discussions, they establish a solid support system that can enhance a child’s development and emotional well-being. By promoting open lines of communication, both parties can identify a child’s strengths and tackle areas needing support before they escalate into significant challenges.

Our ELC 3 boys have thoroughly enjoyed their numerous walks around the school grounds. Waving to teachers and older students, our youngest learners are gradually building their confidence and independence as they make their way up stairs and through the various hallways of the Junior School to attend weekly Invicta and Library sessions.

As the cold weather begins to settle in, we kindly request that families provide additional clothing in their sons’ bags. This will ensure that the boys can comfortably participate in and enjoy outdoor play.

Parenting Tip

Don’t Burn the Chicken

Hands up who wants their kids to fulfill their potential?

Research shows that the parents who get the best long-term outcomes from their kids are often the ones who learn to push a little less. This doesn’t mean they don’t care. Nor does it mean they have zero expectations. There’s a central element that makes this work – and that variable is trust. 

Read more below about Dr Justin Coulson’s research findings on this topic.

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.

JPG News

The JPG will again be offering an end of term lunch for the ELC and Junior School on Friday 26 June 2026.  Lunch will include two slices of Margherita Pizza, a juice and a treat. 

The cost will be $10.00 (extra two slices for $5). Online ordering is available through Flexischools online ordering system. Orders must be placed by no later than Friday 19 June 2026 at 5pm – no late orders will be accepted. Please note that normal canteen ordering will not be available on this day.

BGS Business Breakfast

Join us for the next BGS Business Breakfast with special guest, Hayley Morris on Wednesday 17 June at 7.30am.

Hayley is an Australian philanthropist, impact investor and social entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience across business, philanthropy and systems change. She co-founded purpose-driven ventures, including Keys for Future-Fit Leadership Academy, Sustainable Table, Climate Zero, The Regenerative Leader, and the farm-to-table restaurant Barragunda Dining.

Hayley also leads the Morris Family Foundation and is a Director of The Morris Group, while also supporting leaders as a certified coach in vertical development.

Hear Hayley share insights on purpose-driven leadership and how business can drive positive change. Book now.

Free Self Service Health Check

In June and in conjunction with Men’s Health Week, free health checks are on offer to all staff, parents and the wider BGS community, to raise heart health awareness.

From Tuesday 9 June to Saturday 20 June, BGS will host a SiSU Health Station on-site at the Annandale Pavilion First Aid room, providing convenient access for everyone to monitor their heart health.

Opening hours are Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm and Saturday  9.00am – 12.00pm.

The SiSU Health Stations offer quick, non-invasive checks that include measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, and other critical indicators of cardiovascular health.

Friends and family are welcome; we invite everyone in the community to take part.

For more information, watch the Health Station how to and explainer or read the health check results document.