Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolAs a school, we prioritise developing academic excellence while also nurturing well-rounded individuals who demonstrate a spirit of service.
The role of Chapel Server is available to students across both Junior School and Secondary School to gain a sense of community and responsibility. Yesterday our Secondary School Chapel Servers for 2025 were inducted at St Andrew’s.
While the duties may seem straightforward, being a Chapel Server teaches our boys the value of being part of something greater than themselves, reinforcing the importance of service in everyday life.
This concept is further instilled in our Junior School students, through structured RE classes and community service programs such as St Mark’s Fitzroy Ute Full of Food and Mary McKillop Family Services Gift Drive, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.
These initiatives show our commitment to providing students with experiences that extend beyond the classroom, where service and learning go hand in hand. Just as classroom lessons are vital, the insights and messages gained from our regular Chapel hold great significance.
Finally, this month is Movember and I congratulate our Year 11 students who have formed a run crew to raise funds for men’s mental health, a cause close to Brighton Grammar’s heart with our work in the +M space.
Peter Tellefson
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior SchoolOur JPG Family Fun Night is next Friday 15 November, 4.30 – 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 15 families who are sponsoring this year’s event.
At this stage, approximately 400 wristbands have been purchased and we anticipate another 200 will be purchased! All you are required to do is ensure the date is in your calendar and to order your children’s wristband online, read here for more details.
As this event involves students, it will be an alcohol-free event. Parents are invited to BYO non-alcoholic drinks/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, Alex Dever and the JPG for their excellent planning and preparation.
Wilson House Happenings & Reminders
- The Junior Parents’ Group’s AGM is on Tuesday morning 12 November in the GBR Hall at 8.45am. All parents are welcome to attend.
- Our final Prep to Year 6 Parent/Teacher Interviews are listed on the BGS Calendar for Wednesday 20 November, 3.30 – 6.00pm, and Thursday 21 November, 3.30 – 8.30pm with both Homeroom and Specialist teachers via Zoom. 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 28 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 Achievements
- Congratulations to Terrence Ji who has been awarded a medal for his performance in the recent ICAS Science competition ranking him in the top 1%. Terrence will be presented with his medal at Assembly.
- Congratulations to the following boys from Prep to 6 who will be presented with Semester 2 Effort Cards for Physical Education and Religious Education at tomorrow’s Assembly.
Physical Education – Oliver Djurovitch, Archie Tims, Felix Wilkins, Lenny Benson, Cale Donald, Ben Scales, Will Kelly, Jack Bull, Gus Peckham, James Forbes, Fraser Shaw, Lachlan Grubb, William Isard, Taylor Stokie, Dominic de Rieu, Arthur Wang, Cooper Tepe, Rocco Lambert, Harold Wizel, Mitch Baldwin
Religious Education – Evan Auden, William Bracken, Henry Spring, Bentley Fulkoski, Cooper Johnston, Baxter Riddell-McCalman, Isaac Corcoris, Jack Bull, Zac Turton, William Giddings, Nayer Soliman, Billy Vautin, William McPherson, Finn Tunnecliffe, Patrick Thornborrow, Lenny Busietta, James Shumsky, Rohan Srinivasan, Jack Douglas, Alex Strachan
- Well done to Zane Mtenje, Hamish Wilson and Jack Bull in their individual events, who can all be proud of their achievements in reaching the State Athletics Championships and conducting themselves so professionally. Special mention to Jack Bull who placed 2nd in the 11 Year Old High Jump.
The 9/10 Year relay team Ray Chen, Lawson Hollow, James Forbes, Hamish Wilson and Eric Gong (Reserve) finished a close 3rd in the final of their event to make the podium.
The 11 Year relay team Zane Mtenje, Jack Bull, Max Adem, Harvey Billings, Jack Tripis (Reserve) and Olly Heath (Reserve) ran a credible 4th against tough competition in the final.
The 12/13 Year relay team of Jasper Mace, Evan Auden, George Byrne, Ollie Watson, John Allen (Reserve) and Henry Spring (Reserve) won Gold to be crowned State Champions!
Congratulations to all boys involved and thank you to Aaron French and Rebekah Ashcroft for their work with the boys and parents for their support.
Amelia Barrow
Director of the Early Learning CentreWith the beautiful weather we have taken advantage of any time we can to move our learning outdoors. With children spending less time outdoors, more than ever before, the impact on our boys’ health, wellbeing and development can be severe.
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 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 now that ELC4 swimming and transition programs have finished. 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!
Parenting Tips
The cost of living crisis
In our ever-changing economic landscape, parents and caregivers are increasingly faced with the task of broaching the subject of growing expenses with their children. While the instinct may be to shield young people from life’s challenges, there’s a growing belief that addressing real-world issues, including financial uncertainties, can actually foster resilience and understanding.
Striking a balance between protection and education is crucial for those looking to empower their children This Special Report offers a valuable opportunity to enhance children’s financial literacy, equipping them with the resilience needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist
Effective Learner Model Webinar
We know that student outcomes are better when parents and schools work together. With this in mind, The Crowther Centre invites all parents of Year 7 students in 2025 to an Effective Learner Model webinar on Monday, 18 November at 7.00pm.
The Effective Learner Model is based on the best-available research about how students learn and underpins all our teaching and learning programs. The webinar will provide you with key strategies to help you support your child’s learning at home.
Contact the Crowther Centre for more information.
JPG News
JPG Family Fun Night
The Brighton Grammar Junior School Family Fun Night is back in 2024! Join us for a fun night of rides, food trucks and entertainment on the Red Square from 4.30 – 8.00pm on Friday 15 November 2024.
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 three years and older. For adults and children under three, entry is free. Tickets are on sale now
