Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolWelcome back to Term 3. With a busy semester ahead, I hope everyone has had the opportunity to recharge and is ready for a strong start.
During the break, I attended the annual IBSC International Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, in my role as Vice Chair of IBSC (Australasia).
It was a valuable opportunity to connect with educators from leading boys’ schools around the world and share the innovative work taking place at Brighton Grammar.
I was proud to be joined by three colleagues, each presenting in their area of expertise and showcasing the breadth of knowledge and leadership at BGS.
Fr Chester Lord, our Junior School Chaplain, explored the role of spirituality, wellbeing and identity in helping boys develop character, empathy, healthy relationships and a strong sense of purpose.
Vocational Major Coordinator Biddy Duckham shared how vocational learning pathways can transform engagement by building confidence, connection and meaning, while Brent Brickhill, Instructional Coach in the Junior School, presented on our student coaching program, demonstrating how coaching younger peers develops leadership, communication skills and deeper connections.
A particular highlight of the conference was signing a Memorandum of Understanding with St Paul’s School in London and St Christopher’s School in Virginia. This exciting partnership will strengthen collaboration, enabling us to share research and best practice while continuing to learn from and contribute to leading boys’ education across the globe.
Have a great start to the term.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolI hope all families enjoyed the break and our boys have returned relaxed and well rested.
Special welcome to the following new boys and their families to Wilson House in Term 3: Ryan (Pre-Prep Wallaby), Reid (Prep Kurrajong), Charlie (5 Scott), Hudson (6 Resolution) and Austin (6 Investigator). We wish these boys and their families a long and happy time at Brighton Grammar. I am sure our current boys and families will make them feel welcome.
There was great excitement at the end of last term when the hoarding went up at the back end of the Junior School oval and the excavators moved in to turn the first sod of our indoor Sport facility. The builders have made great progress with all on track for our boys to access in Term 3 2027.
We always have challenges managing the car park. Our boys’ safety is paramount and unfortunately some parents use excessive speed. The recently installed speed humps are a reminder/reinforcement for you to slow down whilst in the car park.
It is important for all parents and extended family members to understand and support the systems that are in place to ensure the safety of our boys and to assist with the flow of traffic. Please ensure you monitor your driving whilst using the car park. Read here for directions.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Thank you to Leigh Peckham, Alex Farmer, Amanda Bryant, Rachael Silveston-Johnston, Louise Hunter and the Junior Parents’ Group and the Prep parents who organised the JPG Lunch on the last Friday of Term 2.
- Prep to Year 6 Parent-Teacher Online Interviews are scheduled on Wednesday 29 July and Thursday 30 July. Booking information will be available via the BGS app. Homeroom teachers will be available to meet with parents via Microsoft Teams.
- Our Term 3 Year 5/6 APS Sports are Soccer, Basketball, Handball and Hockey.
Student Achievements
- Congratulations to Asher (Year 5), Jack (Year 5), Caleb (Year 3) and Arthur (Year 4) who represented BGS at the State Cross Country Championships during the holiday break. The boys showed extreme grit against tough competition with Asher placing 2nd in the 11Y/O race and qualifying for the National School Cross Country championships in September. Well done to all the boys on some great running.
Liz Dendrinos
Director of the Early Learning CentreI always enjoy the first day of each term, with the boys, parents, and staff eagerly reconnecting after the break.
The boys were excited to dive back into their programs and settle into their familiar routines. A much-needed Mindfulness session played an important role in helping the boys re-centre their bodies and minds, preparing them for the busy day ahead.
Our Literacy Program, which takes place three times a week, is also a favourite among the boys. Through engaging and enjoyable lessons, they are building essential phonological skills that will assist them in developing pre-reading and pre-writing skills throughout their learning journey.
Our Holiday Program was a tremendous success; the boys enjoyed each special day filled with exciting activities and creative workshops. We are thankful for our dedicated team, led by Alicia and Mary, for their exceptional care of the boys during the break.
As we move into Term 3, we would like to encourage families to regularly visit our school’s communication tool Schoolbox, to ensure they stay informed about important events, dates, and the learning activities the boys are engaged in.
Parenting Tip
Be The Man vs Be a Man
Every boy grows up and is confronted by the so-called gender police – other boys his own age or his parents, brothers, grandparents who often have unhealthy ideas about what it means to be a man.
As he ages, people start saying things like, ‘be a man’, or ‘man up’. In this view, being a man means being strong, unemotional, and focused on conquest.
Sometimes, these attributes are helpful. Often, they’re taken in unhealthy directions and boys internalise the wrong messages. Read more from Dr Justin Coulson below.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
JPG News
This Father’s Day, give Dad, Grandpa or that special someone a personalised mug adorned with your child’s artwork, filled with chocolate treats. Each gift costs $35 (plus TryBooking Fee) and multiple orders for each child are welcome!
Orders can be placed here, with orders closing Thursday 30 July. As these mugs are printed externally, no late orders can be accepted. Gifts will be handed to the boys in time for Father’s Day (Sunday 6 September). Further details are available via the BGS app.