Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolA recent report from the American Institute of Boys’ Schools Management (AIBM) offers timely insights into what truly matters in educating boys well, and reaffirms much of what we value within our own school gates.
Whilst the research is somewhat limited to public all-boys’ schools in the US, I believe there’s broader applicability. At its core, the research reinforces that boys thrive in schools where relationships are strong, values are shared, and teaching is tailored to meet boys where they are at.
Key takeaways include:
- Boys thrive in schools with strong adult-student relationships, shared values, active learning, and teaching that meets boys where they are at. It was noted that all-boys schools are uniquely equipped to deliver these with consistency and purpose.
- Behaviour and engagement improve in high performing and well run boys’ schools.
- Boys benefit when staff show genuine interest in their lives and take time to understand their experiences.
- Relationships are strengthened when staff help boys self-reflect and articulate their thoughts and feelings. Activities like talking circles or public speaking opportunities were seen as especially valuable.
- Ritual and ceremonies are an important mechanism for developing character and reinforcing shared values.
To me, the message is clear: boys respond positively when their environment is right. Much of what we do in our day-to-day work as educators is echoed in this report. We all have a role to play and I’m proud that our school continues to focus on these foundations, knowing they have a lasting impact for our students.
Have a great week.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolOne of the great strengths of our school is the strong sense of connection and belonging our boys experience at BGS. Last Saturday, our current ELC4 boys transitioning into Prep 2026 were fortunate to create the guard of honour as our First XVIII Football team ran out onto the Crowther Oval. They had a great time as they cheered our boys to victory.
It was wonderful to see so many Junior School boys and parents come together on Saturday to provide support and experience the success, but more importantly, the pride and passion that comes with being a Tonner. The House and Buddy systems are two key structures that provide our boys with opportunities to connect.
A number of cross-campus initiatives with our big buddies in Secondary School are highlights for our Junior School boys. Year 11 boys attend Junior School Outdoor Education camps, Year 8 boys adjudicate our Year 6 Debating program, and a number of Year 5 and 6 boys participate in an Academic/Pastoral Coaching program with Year 10 and Year 11 boys. We are also fortunate to have a number of Old Boys involved in our Year 3-6 Sport program.
These interactions with our big buddies enable our boys to see the bigger picture as they continue their journey at Brighton Grammar.
Over the last week, we have celebrated NAIDOC week. Boys have participated in a variety of age-appropriate activities. We were fortunate to have Steve Parker, local Indigenous Boonwurrung man, lead a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony for our ELC to Year 6 boys in the creek area.
Steve spoke of his mob, connection to Country and the many indigenous languages used across Victoria. He introduced the boys to a variety of different types of indigenous plants and placed the branches on the fire creating smoke and showing respect to elders who passed away.
To conclude the ceremony, the boys walked past the fire and cupped the smoke in their hands, symbolising the letting go of bad thoughts and feelings whilst in the background the didgeridoo and clap sticks echoed. It was captivating to see the engagement of our boys as they were immersed in indigenous culture.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- A special thank you to our BGS community who donated over 100 children’s coats to the Our Village Winter appeal. They were very grateful to receive our donations.
- Our Prep – Year 6 boys will welcome their dads into the classroom for activities and to celebrate Father’s Day from 8.30 – 9.15am as below:
Prep – Tuesday 2 September
Year 1 – Wednesday 3 September
Year 2 – Friday 5 September
Year 3 – Monday 1 September
Year 4 – Monday 8 September
Year 5 – Tuesday 9 September
Year 6 – Thursday 4 September
- This year’s Book Week theme is Book an Adventure. The Book Week Parade will be held on Friday 22 August. See app for further details.
- A reminder to parents and students that students must use the designated crossings when crossing the streets outside our school.
Crossings available include:- traffic lights on New Street
- crossing on Allee Street
- crossing on Outer Crescent
- crossing on St Andrews Street
The safety of our students is paramount, and we thank you for your cooperation.
Student Achievements
I was delighted to hear we had a good number of boys compete in the BGS Trials for the Snow Sports to be held later this Term. I appreciate the combined time commitment and coordination of Basia Quill, Snowsports Committee President and Teacher in Charge, Mat Steed. Many thanks to parents for their continued support.
Amelia Barrow
Director of the Early Learning CentreIt has been wonderful to see our dramatic play areas, both within the classroom and outdoors, a hub of activity this week with firefighters, astronauts, police, chefs, doctors and many more! No matter what age, taking time to relax and play is vital for our health and wellbeing with the additional benefits as a learning tool for young children even greater.
Dramatic play is where children can portray different characters and engage their imagination and build confidence. It can also prepare the boys to tackle real life situations in these role-play scenarios.
We also enjoyed celebrating International Friendship Day and hearing all of the boys’ ideas about what it means to be a good friend. We focused on the acts that we could do as a friend as well as expressing gratitude to our friends we have. Our Headmaster Mr Featherston even popped over to visit us and play a fun friendship game before we decorated our special biscuit to take home (if it made it home!).
The smoking ceremony which we attended with Junior School students fascinated our boys. We discussed the ancient ritual of smouldering native plants to produce smoke and the beliefs behind this significant ritual. The boys loved hearing the digeridoo creating wildlife sounds and watching the big boys walk through the smoke.
We also thank ELC4 families of boys continuing on into Prep next year for attending the exciting match last Saturday of BGS vs Caulfield Grammar. We had the prime box seat to view our Tonners in luxury in the Annandale Pavilion to watch the winning match! Who knows, maybe we have some budding players in the mix.
Data Collection
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Each year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). Criteria is used to identify students that receive reasonable educational adjustments or assistance because of a disability as determined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and the Disability Standards for Education 2005. The NCCD has been progressively implemented since 2015 and has recently been linked to funding for schools.
The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured.
Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal. If you have any questions about the NCCD, please email David Eggleston.
Parenting Tip
Two People, Big Impact
When we think about what helps our children thrive at school, we often focus on academics, extracurricular activities, or even which school they attend. Research suggests something far simpler, and far more powerful, can shape your child’s school experience, for better or for worse. Two people.
If your child has:
- One adult at school they’re excited to see (and who is excited to see them), and
- One peer who welcomes them, includes them, or simply says, ‘Come sit with me,’
…then your child is far more likely to enjoy school, participate, cope with challenges, and grow in confidence. Read more below.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
Pink Dinner
Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Pink Dinner, a fun night for the women of our BGS community to connect, share some laughs, and this year, support the Leukaemia Foundation.
Book a table of 12 or individual tickets (we’ll aim to seat you with your preferred Year level). Book here
Save the Date – Journey Concerts
Bands Showcase Concert – Thursday 21 August
Choral Concert – Tuesday 26 August
Strings Spectacular Concert – Tuesday 28 August
Further information will be provided via Schoolbox and the BGS app. All ensembles performing at the Concerts will be detailed.
BGS Business Breakfast
At our next BGS Business Breakfast on 27 August, guest speaker Tim Toner, co-founder and CEO of Affinda Group, will offer his insights on the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Affinda Group is a rising force in AI, driving growth through two innovative ventures: Affinda (AI-powered document processing) and Draftable (legal document comparison software). Trusted by over 1,750 customers across 75 countries, they are supported by some of Australia’s leading family offices.
Join us to hear Tim’s story of founding the Group, including his advice on how to make AI work for you, with some interactive examples.
JPG News
Father’s Day Gift Fundraiser
This Father’s Day give Dad, Grandpa or special friend a high-quality custom notebook featuring your son’s artwork (as featured on our Mother’s Day bags).
Gifts will be wrapped and handed to the boys in time for Father’s Day, Sunday 7 September.
Gift cost $35 and can be ordered here. Orders close on Thursday 31 July and no late orders can be accepted. Please contact the Junior Parents’ Group for further information.