Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolThis week, I find myself reflecting on gratitude as an intentional practice, one that encourages us to notice, to connect and to contribute.
Positive psychology research continues to suggest that practising gratitude can support young people’s happiness and wellbeing, while encouraging a greater appreciation of their relationships with others. Recent international research also found that gratitude practices have a small but positive overall effect on wellbeing.
For our boys, this is particularly important. Gratitude helps us recognise that very little is achieved alone. Behind every milestone are people who have encouraged, challenged and supported us, and recognising their contribution, in turn, encourages us to give back.
There is much within our community I am grateful for. As Victoria marks World Teachers’ Day tomorrow, I thank our teachers for the expertise, care and energy they bring each day, from those supporting our youngest learners in the ELC through to our most senior boys entering their VCE years.
I also thank the students who have put themselves forward for leadership positions next year, and our parents and guardians for the trust, engagement and encouragement they continue to provide.
Perhaps this week we can all pause to notice someone who has helped us, acknowledge an opportunity we have been given, or simply take the time to say thank you.
Enjoy the long weekend ahead.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolLast Friday’s House Athletics Carnival was most successful and we were fortunate the weather was good to us this year.
I appreciate Aaron French’s excellent organisation and the support all staff provided to ensure the success of the day. Congratulations to our boys for their level of participation, sportsmanship and active support within their House. Our House competitions generate fantastic team spirit and connectedness and the boys enjoy the events with plenty of noise and colour.
Dixon House claimed the title of House Champions and Fairweather House won the House Spirit award. Thank you to those many parents who supported throughout the day. From these events, we gain a strong sense of team which in turn benefits our boys and provides them with excellent experiences whilst at school.
Last week, we were delighted to welcome visitors from Hoi An International School (HAIS) to the Junior School, where they joined our Year 6 classrooms. The group took part in a range of engaging activities, including Invicta, Cooking, Art, Drama, and Design & Technology, as well as excursions to the MCG, Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne Aquarium, Sovereign Hill, and Ballarat Wildlife Park.
We hope this cultural exchange program will continue in the years ahead, now that a strong connection has been established with HAIS. Further information about the 2027 program will be shared with our Year 5 families later this term.
Our Outdoor Education program is designed to inspire boys to challenge themselves in the outdoors and have fun. Boys have an opportunity to explore the various natural environments and develop their teamwork and self-reliance.
Our Prep and Year 1s have enjoyed day trips to St Kilda Community Gardens and Point Leo and our Year 2 boys stayed the night in Merricks. Our Year 3 students are in Healesville this week and it’s wonderful to hear they had a great time taking part in a range of activities, with the highlight being the giant flying fox, the Super Swooper!
With our boys it is not uncommon to see tears and that is to be expected as they may experience home sickness, different food and miss the comforts of home. Whilst these experiences build the boys’ resilience, I always admire the support, care and comfort the boys and staff provide to one another.
Thank you to our Outdoor Education staff, Nik Rathmayr, Brittany Richards, Rob Ogilvie and our Prep to Year 3 teachers for their time, support and care of the boys.
Our 2027 Prep boys spent their final Orientation Morning with us today. It is always an exciting time, and a reminder that the New Year is fast approaching, as our youngest boys commence the next stage of their schooling. Many of our boys ‘crossed the car park’ from Pre-Prep and enjoyed their morning activities.
Enjoy the extended weekend!
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Thank you to the JPG and the many parents for their support and generosity celebrating World Teacher’s Day this week.
- Please mark Friday 13 November in your diary for the Junior Parents’ Group’s Family Fun Night from 4.30 – 8.00pm. Further details are available via the BGS app, all you need to do at this stage is purchase a wrist band.
- Our Year 4 Young Warrior program will be held on Friday 6 November. The Young Warrior program marks a moment in our boys’ lives, as they approach the upper Primary years, our boys prepare themselves for more independence, responsibility and a greater sense of connection. Further details can be found on the BGS app.
- The Junior Parents’ Group’s AGM is on Tuesday morning 10 November in the GBR Hall at 8.45am. All parents are welcome to attend.
- Our final Prep to Year 6 Parent/Teacher Discussions are listed on the BGS Calendar for Wednesday 18 November 3.30 – 6.00pm, and Thursday 19 November, 3.30 – 8.30pm. Booking information will be available via the BGS app.
- As detailed on the Save the Date app notice and in the School Calendar, our Junior School Presentation Evening will be held on Thursday 26 November at Monash University – Clayton Campus, Robert Blackwood Hall from 7.00pm. This is a compulsory school event for all boys from Years 3 – 6. Further details will be available via the BGS app.
Student Achievement
- Congratulations to Lawson (Year 6) who has represented Victoria in the National Primary School Cricket championships this week.
AMusA with Distinction
An AMusA is a major achievement. An AMusA with Distinction is something else entirely. I am delighted to celebrate Year 5 student Jack, who has achieved his AMEB Associate Diploma (AMusA) with Distinction.
Jack joined BGS in Year 2 and began learning the violin as a beginner. His progress since then has been remarkable. His performances show a maturity well beyond his years: remarkable control of tone, intonation and bow, secure technique, and a commitment to mastering every detail of the score, from phrasing and articulation to dynamics and character. Congratulations Jack and thank you to his family for their wonderful support.
Wei Tsai (Harry)
Head of Strings
ASX Sharemarket Game
A total of 58 Year 6 boys participated in the ASX Sharemarket Game, investing a hypothetical $50,000 over 10 weeks. Oscar achieved the highest portfolio value of $52,804.62, with George and Noah finishing second and third respectively. Other strong performers included Nathan, Hugo and Ollie.
Despite challenging market conditions, 26% of participants finished with a profit. The competition provided valuable opportunities for students to apply mathematical thinking, research companies and sectors, and develop their understanding of the sharemarket and the broader economy.
Jane Lowe
Learning Support/Enrichment Teacher
Liz Dendrinos
Director of the Early Learning CentreWith the weather beginning to warm up, our outdoor spaces are buzzing with energy and positive vibes. The boys have been making the most of the sunshine by exploring the veggie patch, looking after the plants and watching their hard work grow. It is also lovely to see how nature and play work hand in hand to support the boys with their overall mood and wellbeing.
This week we conclude our 2027 Transition Program and will be working towards ELC class allocations. All 2027 ELC families are invited to attend a Parent Information Evening on Thursday 12 November, 7.00-8.00pm. An email will be sent out shortly with further information.
With Cup weekend upon us, a friendly reminder that the Centre is closed for program only and 38-week, long day care boys. We will be coordinating a holiday program for the 48-week enrolled boys on Monday 3 November. Boys can wear casual clothes on this day.
We wish you all a wonderful long weekend and cannot wait for all the amazing things to come for the rest of the term.
Parenting Tip
Maintaining Emotional Boundaries
If you’ve looked at anything parent-related on TikTok or Instagram in the past year or two, you’ve heard about emotion regulation. Everyone’s stressed (dysregulated) because their kids are having BIG feelings (dysregulated) and it’s creating this cycle of emotional challenge for everyone.
But the idea of being dysregulated – and the concept of emotion regulation – isn’t a new fad. It’s a well-researched phenomenon that, when understood, can help our kids flourish (and us survive).
Read more below from Dr Justin Coulson.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
Bike Safe Bayside
A free bike, e-bike and e-scooter training safety program is being developed for young people aged 10-18 years in Bayside and Brighton Grammar has been selected to be part of the pilot program.
Expressions of interest are now open for pilot training dates in December; read more here.
JPG News
The Brighton Grammar Junior School Family Fun Night is back in 2026! Join us for a fun night of rides, food trucks and entertainment on the Red Square from 4.30pm – 8.00pm on Friday 13 November 2026.
Tickets are $50 per child. The Family Fun Night wristband gives each child unlimited rides. Each child will receive a show bag when the wristband is pre-purchased via Trybooking. Rides are suitable for children 3 Years & older. Adults and children under 3 entry free.
WIN BIG in our JPG Family Fun Night Raffle
Get ready for your chance to win incredible prizes — and support our Family Fun Night while you’re at it!
GRAND PRIZE – 4 x AFL Corporate Tickets (Non Finals)
Your choice of an MCG AFL game! Kindly donated by Victor Sports, supplier of sporting gear to BGS!
SECOND PRIZE – A luxurious Beach Box at Dendy Beach for a full day of sun, surf, and relaxation — the ultimate summer experience! Donated by Paul & Janine Ross
THIRD PRIZE – 12 month Gym Membership – Snap Fitness Brighton
Donated by Scott & Kylie Donald
FOURTH PRIZE – A stunning “Wings” Signed Framed Print (1.2m x 60cm) of Patrick Cripps (Carlton FC) — the perfect collector’s piece for any fan!
Tickets on sale NOW – https://www.trybooking.com/DQWTK – $10 per entry or 3 for $25
Pudding and Christmas Cake Varieties available for purchase
The Brighton Grammar Junior Parents Group is delighted to once again offer you a superb range of homemade Mandi’s Christmas Puddings and Christmas Cakes, just in time for Christmas!
- Traditional Christmas Pudding (round 500g, 900g, 1.5kg, 2kg; log 500g, 900g)
- Macadamia and Brandy Pudding (log 500g, 900g)
- Gluten Free Pudding (round 500g, 1kg; log 500g, 900g) (no gluten, lactose or dairy)
- Date and Toffee Pudding (log 500g, 900g)
- Triple Chocolate Pudding (log 500g, 900g)
- Chocolate and Orange Pudding (log 500g, 900g)
- Chocolate Rum and Raisin Pudding (log 500g, 900g)
- Mango & Brandy Pudding (log 500g)
- Mandi’s Classic Christmas Cakes (600g or 1.4kg) (The cakes come beautifully boxed)
FINAL ORDERS BY 5.00pm Friday 6 November – No late orders can be accepted
The puddings will be sent home with the boys before the end of Term 4. Orders are open now via TryBooking