Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolThe final term of the academic year is always a busy one and this first week of term is a good example of the full schedule of activities planned for students, together with their academics, over the next 10 weeks.
The culmination of a year’s work by our Year 8 boys (and their mentors) is on show in iDesign week, the APS Athletics competition is gearing up while our Years 3-6 boys compete in House Athletics and our Year 6 students start their transition program to Secondary School.
The Class of 2024 are in the final stretch of their schooling journey and we are committed to supporting them through this critical period as they prepare for VCE exams while at the same time celebrating their time at Brighton Grammar.
It is always bittersweet to farewell boys and their families; however, this cohort has demonstrated their understanding of the significance of community. They have experienced firsthand the support, camaraderie, and strength that comes from being part of a close-knit group and hopefully have cultivated connections with each other and the School that will last a lifetime.
They have exemplified their legacy: more than a crest.
Finally, today is World Mental Health Day which is a timely reminder for all in our community (staff, parents, boys) to take the time to check in with each other and take some time for self-care.
All the very best for the term ahead.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolTerm 4 is underway, marking the final stretch of the academic year. Our Year 12 students have been working incredibly hard, with many dedicating their holidays to exam preparation.
To our younger students, the message is clear: this is a time for focus, respect, and support. As our Year 12s approach their final moments at school, let’s ensure they have the space and quiet needed to finish strong.
This term is significant for everyone, as it represents the ‘grand final’ for each year level. Whether students in Year 7 or Year 11, now is the time to work hard and prepare to celebrate the successes that follow.
A special thank you goes to the Year 12 parents who attended the Headmaster’s Farewell function earlier this week. It was a wonderful evening of reflection and celebration. We now look forward to the Year 12 Valedictory Days, which begin on Friday 18 October, followed by the Valedictory Dinner on Monday 21 October. These events will be memorable highlights in the remarkable journey of our Year 12 cohort.
We are also very pleased to announce our newly appointed 2025 School Prefects. Over the next two weeks, they will serve in a probationary capacity before their formal induction on Valedictory Day. Congratulations to:
- School Captain: Charlie Sabin
- Vice-Captains: James Arnold, Hamish Featherston
- House Captains/Prefects: Thomas Paddington (Armstrong), Isaac Pels (Crowther), Charlie Hartman (Dixon), Daniel Meekin (Fairweather), Cooper Ballantine (Hancock), Billy Burgess (Melville), Loki Morgan (Rofe), William Smith (School)
- Portfolio Prefects: Andrew Zhang (Inclusivity), Luke Sexton (JS Engagement), Jordy Tessier (Service & Environment), Finley Ward (Sports), Angus Giles (Student Council), Ben Murphy (Academic), Kylan Thompson (Arts & Culture), Carter Russell (Community & Engagement)
During the break, students participated in two exceptional trips. The World Class Adventure program to Nepal which was an enriching experience filled with culture and adventure, while the Entrepreneurship trip to the USA provided an insightful exploration into the world of business and innovation. I hope these trips have inspired our students in unique ways, and we look forward to seeing how these experiences shape their futures.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- 10 October, 4.30pm – iDesign Open Exhibition and Presentation Night
- 17 October, 4.00pm – Chopin Piano Showcase
- 18 October – Year 12 Valedictory Day 1
- 21 October – Year 12 Valedictory Day 2
- 4 November – Mid-term Break
- 7-12 November – BGS Community Art Exhibition at Bayley Arts in Highett
Nepal Trip
During the Term 3 holidays, I had the opportunity to go on the World Class Adventure program to Nepal offered by BGS with World Expeditions.
I was intrigued by the trip as I thought it was a bit exotic and I had always been interested in Nepal as well as the Himalayas and seeing some of the biggest mountains in the world.
The trip began with exploring the city of Kathmandu and visiting important landmarks to the Nepalese culture such as Pashupatinath Temples and the Boudhanath Stupa.
Read full report from Leonardo Grollo (Year 11).
Snowsport Success
At the end of a successful snow season for Brighton Grammar, our Snowsport teams performed well at the Australian Interschools Snowsport Championships held in Perisher, NSW last month, with Toby Jones (Year 8) awarded Individual National Champion for Alpine. Read more from Mat Steed, Head of Snowsport.
Entrepreneurship Tour
The Entrepreneurship Trip to the USA was a transformative experience, one that not only fulfilled its goal of inspiring our elevator pitches but further touched the students who attended on a deeper, more personal level.
Visiting esteemed institutions like Stanford University, Seattle University, and UC Berkeley opened our eyes to the intricate processes and passions that drive entrepreneurship. Each lecture and interaction filled us with insights that felt both profound and attainable.
Read full article from James Dimech (Year 11).
New to the OBGS Family
The BGS Generations family continues to grow.
At a recent assembly, second and third generation students received their Generation pins, symbolising each of their family’s legacy of fathers, grandfathers, or great-grandfathers who attended Brighton Grammar School.
This year the tradition was expanded to include students with uncles or great-uncles who were also BGS alumni, as these families share the same excitement in welcoming new generations to their old school.
OBGS President Andrew Rutter (OB 1980) and Alumni Manager Kate Speirs were delighted to present the boys with their pins at assembly.
FOM Secondhand Uniform Shop
If your son needs a summer academic or sport uniform, or if you need to offload outgrown items, please consider the FOM Secondhand Uniform Shop.
For the first three weeks of Term 4, donation tubs are available at the Secondary School, Junior School and Urwin Centre reception areas. Please leave donations of wearable, clean and current uniforms. All funds raised support the work of the Music Department.
For enquiries or to purchase a uniform, please contact Friends of Music
From Reverend Waterhouse
On Wednesday morning this week, we had the solemn and perhaps poignant occasion of having a Valedictory service for our Year 12 students.
The biblical focus of the service was the beautiful passage about times and seasons from the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes (most likely written by King Solomon): ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens … a time to weep and a time to laugh … a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them’. [3:1 & 4-5].
The passage (also made famous by the 1965 song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds), articulates how from God’s perspective, there are distinct seasons to human experience: seasons of joy, grief, laughter, despair, life and death.
It’s our prayer that our Year 12s will indeed look to God for navigating the next season of their life after their time at BGS has concluded.
For all of us now living after the time of Solomon, we too have the words of St. Paul to spur us on in recognising the season at hand: ‘I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.’ [2 Corinthians 6:2].