Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolLater this term, our staff will provide feedback to each boy and his family on his overall performance in 2025 and help plan his next steps for 2026.
At the heart of our Effective Learner Model and coaching programs is a commitment to helping boys become thoughtful, reflective learners.
Through Parent-Teacher-Student Discussions, ongoing feedback and reporting, and regular conversations with House Tutors and teachers, students across all year levels are supported to embrace feedback, reflect on their learning, and set meaningful goals for the year ahead.
Just as we ask our students to reflect and grow, we also strive to do the same as a school community, and listening to our families is a vital part of that process. That’s why we’re inviting you to take a few minutes to complete our annual School Improvement Tool Survey.
Your insights will help us celebrate what’s working well and identify areas where we can do even better. Thank you in advance for your support in providing feedback.
Finally, celebrating creativity has been a key focus this year. Our Creative Arts Showcase, which opens tonight in the Duigan Centre, highlights the talents of our Secondary School students in the fields of visual arts, design, media and photography and is now a major event in our arts calendar. My thanks to our 2025 Artist in Residence, Noni Drew, who has been a welcome extension of our Arts team, inspiring and nurturing artistic expression among students across both the Junior and Secondary School this year.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolOur JPG Family Fun Night is next Friday 14 November, 4.30pm – 8.00pm and is our final fundraiser for the year. The night is always a highlight with plenty of excitement and fun for the boys. I am most appreciative to the 50 families who are sponsoring this year’s event and have contributed $1000 to our new Indoor Sport Facilities; there are 25 places left to assist with the naming of the electronic scoreboard.
At this stage, approximately 420 wristbands have been purchased, we anticipate another 200 to be purchased! All you need to do is to ensure the date is in your calendar and order your children’s wristbands online. Read here for details.
As this event involves students, it will be an alcohol free event. Parents are invited to BYO drinks (no alcohol)/snacks, there will be Primo Pizza, Twisted Fisherman and Gyros Greek, Smart Amusement rides and a dunking machine. Food trucks do not always have Eftpos available, please ensure you have some cash on hand. A reminder to parents, boys are not to attend unsupervised.
Thank you to Ross Stewart, Leigh Peckham, Alex Dever and the JPG for their excellent planning and preparation.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- Our final Prep to Year 6 Parent/Teacher Discussions are listed on the BGS Calendar for Monday 19 November, 3.30-8.30pm, and Tuesday 20 November, 3.30-6.00pm. Booking information is available via the BGS app.
- The Junior Parents’ Group’s AGM is next Tuesday morning 11 November in the GBR Hall at 8.45am. All parents are welcome to attend.
- As detailed on the Save the Date app notice and in the School Calendar, our Junior School Presentation Evening will be held on Thursday 27 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. Booking details are available via the BGS app.
Student Achievements
ICAS English
We are excited to congratulate Year 4 student George Chamberlain, who has been awarded an ICAS Medal for English-Reading comprehension. This exceptional honour is presented to the top student in each year level and subject across all participating schools.
ASX Sharemarket Game
A number of Year 6 boys volunteered to take part in the Share Market Competition. They were given a hypothetical $50,000 to trade for a 10 week period, buying or selling shares ‘online’ in any of the nominated ASX listed companies.
The best ‘trader’ was Cale Donald, who finished with a portfolio value of $55,875.38. Ollie French Wright was a close second place and Lachie Harkness came third. Other successful traders were Jack Richardson, Robbie Jane, Christian Ferdinands, Hugo Briscoe, Isaac Corcoris, James Ellis and Ethan Benton. At one point, Jack’s sharp instincts paid off, earning an $18,000 lead through a smart investment in gold.
Forty-nine boys took part in this experience, and 55% made a profit. They took part in conversations about top trending shares and researched sectors or specific companies. Well done to the boys for their application of maths skills and increased awareness of the Sharemarket and the economy.
Year 6 Debating
Congratulations to the Year 6 boys who participated in our final debate against Firbank Grammar. They demonstrated self-confidence and critical listening skills, as well as being prepared for the roles assigned to them. Ryan Qiu, Ben Scales and Robbie Jane argued the affirmative side ‘That the voting age should be lowered to 16′. Kane Corcoran and Ollie French-Wright performed well as chairperson and MC. Ben Scales was awarded best speaker. The Year 5 boys enjoyed watching a debate in action.
Semester 2 Specialist Effort Cards
Congratulations to the following boys from Prep to 6 who will be presented with Semester Two Effort Cards for Physical Education and Religious Education at tomorrow’s Assembly.
Physical Education – Fynn MacGregor, Ryker Wu, Leo Studley, Dara Pyrlis, Gonzague Souplet, Eamon Runacres, Jett Clements, Jagger Lees, Lucas Tran, Jake Knipe, Ben Zhang, Barry Bai, Lachy Speers, Ollie Brookshaw, Jake Sowerby, Harry Scotis, Jack Richardson, Chi Nguyen, Max Malerba, Noah Soo
Religious Education – Fynn MacGregor, Wilson Nguyen, Joe Peckham, Willem Hoofdman, Teddy Triolo, Matthew Li, Dominic Du Rieu, Lenny Busietta, Parker White, Max Angus, Paddy Jeans, Jack Liu, Benny Pascoe, Lachie Whyte, Chris Pittis, Jax Uglow, Evan Holmes, Leo Yang, Thomas Leaman, Raphael Persoglia
House Athletics Champions
Congratulations to Hancock House who was awarded the House Spirit award, and to Dixon House as the overall House Champion.
Year 3 Athletics Champion Parker White
Year 3 Encouragement Award Jett Clements
Year 4 Athletics Champion William McPherson
Year 4 Encouragement Award Leo Hayball
Year 5 Athletics Champion James Forbes
Year 5 Encouragement Award Alexander Griffiths
Year 6 Athletics Champion Zane Mtenje
Year 6 Encouragement Award Eddie Jeans
Important Update: Student Device Safety and Usage Policy
In line with the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, which restricts social media and YouTube access for children under 16 from 10 December 2025, the School is taking proactive steps to protect our students online.
From 10 December 2025, all BGS student laptops will remain child-safe and learning-ready at all times, extending our current school-hours restrictions to home use.
To support focus and wellbeing, gaming will no longer be permitted on school devices. This aligns with expert recommendations from Headspace and our commitment to a safe, productive learning environment.
Amelia Barrow
Director of the Early Learning CentreWith the weather warming up, we have taken advantage of any time we can move our learning outdoors. With children spending less time outdoors, more than ever before, the impact on our boys’ health, wellbeing and development can affect behaviour, focus, concentration and overall wellbeing.
The numerous physical benefits of being outdoors are well known, as well as mental alertness and positivity. We have also been focusing on the boys’ understanding of their environment and the world in which they live, so they can champion for a more sustainable future.
With Cup weekend behind us, we have had a busy short week and are in full swing with our Christmas pageant rehearsals as ELC4 swimming and transition programs are now ending. It is wonderful to see our ELC4 boys light up when they hear the songs from our pageant and lead the way for our ELC3 boys. We thank our Long Day Care team for a wonderful day on Monday during the mid-term break and look forward to the exciting weeks ahead!
Liz Dendrinos
Acting Director of the ELC
Parenting Tip
Bring back the family meeting
Families are teams who live and run a household together. As in the workplace, an effective team doesn’t just happen. Parents are the family leaders who need a strategy to create a culture of cooperation and contribution, just as leaders do in a harmonious and productive workplace.
As part of this process, family meetings can have a central place in modern families and are well worth investing the time and effort in running them effectively. Read more below from Dr Deboarh Trengove on the benefits of family meetings.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
JPG News
The Brighton Grammar Junior School Family Fun Night is back in 2025!
Join us for a fun night of rides, food trucks and entertainment on the Red Square from 4.30-8.00pm on Friday 14 November 2025.
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 and older. Adults and children under 3 are entry free. Purchase tickets here.
WIN BIG in our Family Fun Night Raffle
Get ready for your chance to win incredible prizes – and support our annual Family Fun Night while you’re at it!
GRAND PRIZE – A $5000 VIVA Holidays Travel Voucher
Dreaming of your next getaway? This is your ticket to paradise, donated by VIVA Holidays.
SECOND PRIZE – A luxurious Beach Box at Dendy Beach for a full day of sun, surf, and relaxation – the ultimate summer experience!
THIRD PRIZE – A stunning “Wings” Signed Framed Print (1.2m x 60cm) of Jordan de Goey (Collingwood FC) – the perfect collector’s piece for any fan!
Raffle tickets on sale now – $10 per entry or 3 for $25 – Winners drawn 9.00am, Friday 21 November 2025
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, 1Kg, 1.5Kg, 2Kg; log 500g, 1kg)
- Macadamia and Brandy Pudding (log 500g, 1Kg)
- Gluten Free Pudding (round 500g, 1Kg; log 500g, 1kg) (no gluten, lactose or dairy)
- Date and Toffee Pudding (log 500g, 1Kg)
- Triple Chocolate Pudding (log 500g, 1Kg)
- Chocolate and Orange Pudding (log 500g, 1Kg)
- Chocolate Rum and Raisin Pudding (log 500g, 1Kg)
- Mango & Brandy Pudding (log 500g)
- Mandi’s Classic Christmas Cakes (600g or 1.4Kg) (The cakes come beautifully boxed)
FINAL ORDERS BY 5.00pm Thursday 6 November – No late orders can be accepted
The puddings will be sent home with the boys before the end of Term 4.