Weekly eNews

Ross Featherston

Headmaster, Brighton Grammar School

We have launched APS Winter Sport campaigns positively, with our First Football, First Soccer and First Basketball teams all recording season-opening victories, reflecting how a one-team mindset can lead to success.

This weekend also reminds us of the enduring connections that define our community. Tomorrow evening, members of the Class of 1976 will return to celebrate their 50-year milestone, reconnecting with one another and with the school that helped shape their lives.

On Saturday, that collective team spirit continues as the First Football squad members from 1975, who were APS Premiers, reunite to reminisce and renew friendships.

This shared sense of belonging also extends to our current families. Last weekend, over 100 members of the International Parents Support Group came together for a uniquely Australian experience, attending an Australian Rules Football match hosted by St Kilda Football Club at Marvel Stadium.

The strength of our community, both past and present, and the connections that sustain it remain among our greatest achievements.

Finally, we extend our best wishes to our Year 6 boys visiting Bathurst Island and to our musicians and choristers competing at the Generations in Jazz festival in Mount Gambier this weekend.

Peter Tellefson

Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School

Strong relationships, building connections and competitions are key elements of boys’ education that our House System fosters well at Wilson House. In our last week of Term 1, our House Chantology competition allowed all boys from Prep – Year 6 to present in full voice and colour and their pride, passion, creativity and spirit was most evident. 

I appreciate the support our Music staff provided and the leadership our Year 8 and Year 12 House Captains provided to our Year 6 boys as they led their House chants. From our creative pursuits to physical challenges, we enjoyed the Prep – Year 6 House Cross Country.

Monday’s House Cross Country was a character-building experience for our boys. Long distance running is a challenge, particularly if you are not built for it!! I was immensely proud of their efforts to dig deep when it hurt, to persist and keep at it.

The BGS Way challenges students to be strong minded and determined to keep persevering when they felt tired, their legs were hurting and they needed a rest. Often it is too easy for our boys to opt out, feign illness and parents can be quick to write a note to excuse their son from an event like Cross Country because their son does not want to do it. This is the easy option, and we have an obligation to challenge our students. I think all in attendance would agree with me that all boys who crossed the line were winners. 

The boys’ endeavours, their level of support and encouragement, the House cheering, the hard work of the staff, the excellent leadership from Mr French and Mr Hayes and the support from so many parents was greatly appreciated. Dixon was House Champion and Hancock was awarded the Team Spirit Award.

For many years we have participated in cultural exchanges with schools from the Tiwi Islands and Pormpuraaw on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula. This year we are continuing our connection with the Tiwi Islands, we are participating in a cultural exchange where eight Year 6 boys are travelling to Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School on Bathurst Island this week.

The Year 6 Student Exchange Program enables our boys to foster and develop relationships, communication, understanding and respect for each other’s way of life and culture. Later this term we will send eight Year 6 boys to visit our friends in Pormpuraaw.

Wilson House Happenings & Reminders

• This week we waved farewell to our Touring Party of Year 6 boys (Elemein Cash, Joe Hall, Harry Hassall, Hudson Korber, Oscar McKay, Thomas Mills, Rayaan Srinivasan, Ned Stewart) and staff (James Hilditch and Brittany Richards) as they travel to Bathurst Island. I will be visiting our Year 6 students in Bathurst Island from Monday to Wednesday of next week. Whilst I am off-site, Lachie Foott will be responsible for the Junior School.

• Our Year 4 boys and staff have enjoyed magnificent Autumn weather on the foreshore of Anglesea this week.

• Prep – Year 6 Term 2 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held online on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 May with Homeroom and Specialist teachers. Please see the BGS app for booking information.

• Our boys and staff look forward to our Prep to Year 6 Mums joining us on Friday 8 May from 8.30am for our Mothers’ Day Celebration. Borwick House choir boys and their mums and siblings go directly to St Andrew’s Church at 8.15am. For all Prep – Year 6 boys not in choir, the morning will commence in your son’s classroom.

Student Achievements

• Well done to William Curtin and Teddy Williams (Year 5) for representing BGS at last week’s ANZAC Day dawn service, where they presented a wreath on behalf of the School.

• Congratulations to our House Cross Country Individual Champions and Encouragement Award winners.

Liz Dendrinos

Director of the Early Learning Centre

There are countless remarkable moments in the ELC that prompt us to reflect on the wonderful community we are part of and the many learning opportunities available to students.

We have started to design and create our unique ‘secret’ gifts for our mothers in preparation for Mother’s Day. Our boys have been given clear instructions to maintain the surprise until our special Mothers’ morning, during which we will honour our Mums or special guests and present them with their heartfelt gifts.

Invitations have been distributed through the BGS App for our Pre-Prep Mothers’ event on Wednesday 6 May, from 9.00 to 10.00am, and our ELC3 Mothers’ event on Thursday 7 May, from 9.00 to 10.00am. These events will occur in your son’s classroom, where mothers and sons will partake in various activities and enjoy quality time playing. We eagerly anticipate pampering our Mums next week in celebration of Mother’s Day on Sunday 10 May.

The BGS App and Schoolbox serve as essential communication tools for all BGS families, ensuring you do not miss any significant dates, events, or program information. Please make sure to have the App installed on your devices to stay updated with our busy calendar.

Parenting Tip

How to know if screens are a problem

How much screen time is too much? is a common question. The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidance last month, with no more emphasis on screen time.

The focus has now shifted from counting minutes to understanding how screens fit into your child’s life.

Read more below from Dr Justin Coulson on the 5 Cs Framework for school-aged kids.

Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist

Community Footy Day

Brighton Grammar community members, past and present, are warmly invited to the Crowther Oval on Saturday 16 May to watch the First XVIII take on Haileybury in a rematch of last year’s final. Enjoy a complimentary hot drink from 1.00pm, with kick-off at 2.00pm. 

Second-Hand Uniform Shop

The Second-Hand Uniform Shop is located within the new Uniform Shop on St Andrews Street and is kindly managed by our Friends of Music (FoM), with all proceeds supporting the School’s Music program.

FoM gladly accept clean, good-quality uniform donations at the shop or via School Receptions. Please note that, due to hygiene reasons, socks and bathers cannot be accepted.

With boys in the ELC and Junior School growing so quickly, there is an increased need for smaller-sized items. If your son has recently outgrown any uniform items, we would greatly appreciate you considering donating them to support other families. Donations can be dropped to Junior School reception or the Uniform Shop during opening hours.