Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar School2025 has been another fantastic year for Brighton Grammar.
Innovative teaching and a creative approach to learning have enriched every aspect of school life – driving success in academics, the arts, sport, and our Positive Masculinity (+M) program.
Our boys excelled across STEM, sport, music, theatre, dance and the creative arts, underscoring our commitment to developing confident, capable young men who grow and contribute meaningfully to every aspect of life at school and in the wider world.
The Year 12’s Legacy Project, Honour, Celebrate, Embrace, reflected the cohort’s commitment to honouring those who came before them, being present in the moment and embracing what lies ahead – leaving the school even better than they found it, strengthening the sense of belonging and connection that defines our community.
Please enjoy the 2025 highlights featured in our online edition of The Grammarian, with printed copies to follow in the new year.
I am deeply grateful to our students, staff, families and the entire BGS community for their unwavering support throughout the year. I look forward to sharing the Class of 2025’s academic results with you next week.
Thank you for your contribution to another superb year at BGS.
Wishing all families a safe, restful and joyous festive season, and I look forward to welcoming the boys back on Thursday 29 January 2026.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolFamily Fun Night, Year 3-6 Presentation Evening, ELC/Lower Primary Pageants and our Combined Carols Service are all highlights of our final weeks of the school year. These events celebrate two of our great strengths, community and our boys’ creative talents.
I am extremely proud of our Wilson House community, all boys, staff and parents from ELC to Year 6 and how we have engaged with positivity and gratitude this year.
Thank you to our boys for their wonderful contributions, to our staff for their commitment, encouragement and concern for the boys in their care, and all parents for your continued support and generosity.
We can be proud of the boys’ progress and achievements.
I extend the blessings and peace of Christmas to you all, and my best wishes for a safe holiday period and a Happy New Year. Take care.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Semester 2 Reports are now available via the Parent Portal on the BGS app.
- Thank you to the generosity of our Junior School families, we have been able to donate $1800 through the Giving Initiative to Mary Mackillop Family services. A selection of books and toys will be donated for their Christmas drive. We also received many donations for the final Ute Full of Food, which will be able to support many families at Christmas.
- This year, Junior School boys in Art Club formed a Knitting Club and, with support from parents, grandparents, community members and staff, created 42 beanies for children. The beanies were donated to Our Village and presented at Assembly, and the boys were proud of the skills they gained.
- A new version of the BGS app will be released on Monday 8 December, view details and instructions.
- Classes conclude for all Prep – Year 6 on Tuesday 9 December at 12.30pm, the car park will be supervised until 1pm, boys not collected will be sent to After School Care.
Student Achievements
- Congratulations to Nayer Soliman (Junior School Captain) and Ray Chen and Jake Sowerby (Junior School Co-Vice-Captain) who have been appointed as our student leaders for 2026.
- Congratulations to our Year 4 – Year 6 boys who will be presented with Term 4 Class Effort cards at Assembly.
- General Knowledge spans Science, History, Geography, Art, Maths, Sport and Languages. Students with strong general knowledge are curious learners who read widely, ask questions and stay informed. We encourage boys to build these skills by discussing world events, watching the news, listening to podcasts and exploring topics of interest.
All Year 3–6 students took part in a General Knowledge Quiz, with the top performers from each house competing in the House General Knowledge Championship. Congratulations to these boys on their excellent results.
Year 3 – Hancock – Jireh Rose, Jagger Lees, Henry Diao
Year 4 – Melville – Elliott Mace, Noah Nandwani, Finn Tunnecliffe
Year 5 – Dixon – Jack Moncrieff, Joe Hall, Mason Tuckman
Year 6 – Dixon – Robbie Jane, Tom Schneider, Olly Heath
Liz Dendrinos
Acting Director of the Early Learning CentreOur Christmas Pageant has come to a close! With lights twinkling and tinsel adorning the stage, the boys performed with song and dance for 45 minutes, making us all proud. It’s incredible to think that we had 84 boys aged three to five on stage. Great job, boys!
It’s remarkable to see how the quiet 3-year-olds who entered our kindergarten in January have transformed into confident 4-year-olds, and it’s hard to believe that soon, our 4s will be Preps.
The foundational work our teachers and staff invested at the start of the year has truly paid off, as we now see the boys collaborating happily in active groups. It is difficult not to feel a bit nostalgic when looking back at photos and journals.
Our albums are filled with snapshots of shared moments, important events and celebrations. They serve as a reminder of all we have accomplished over the year.
On behalf of the ELC team, thank you for a fantastic year. We wish our ELC4 boys the best as they embark on their next big chapter, and we eagerly anticipate the return of our ELC3 boys in the new year.
A friendly reminder that on the last day of term, Tuesday 9 December, tuck shop orders will not be available. Staff Day is on Friday 12 December and therefore the ELC will be closed for all students. The Holiday Program will run from 10-19 December.
Finally, you can order your copy of the ELC Christmas Pageant video here.
Merry Christmas.
Parenting Tip
New Beginnings
Periods of change are an inevitable part of growing up. Whether it’s the start of a new school year, moving between year levels, or stepping beyond the school gates for the final time, each transition presents both opportunities and challenges. These moments often require young people to use and strengthen the skills needed to manage uncertainty, adjust to new environments and build resilience. While some may embrace change with enthusiasm, others can find it unsettling and disruptive to their sense of routine and security.
For families, these times can also place additional pressure on communication, expectations and emotional regulation. Understanding the psychological and emotional impact of change allows parents, caregivers and educators to better support young people as they adjust. Read more below.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
BGS App – please update for 2026
We’re adding ‘Clipboard’ to the BGS app to manage Secondary School APS sport teams, fixtures, and communications. All parents will need to update the BGS App on their device on or after Monday 8 December 2025 to access the new features for 2026. Read more.