Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolAs we approach the final weeks of the school year, it is an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved and consider what lies ahead.
Our Effective Learner Model and coaching approach encourage boys to take ownership of their learning, embrace feedback and set meaningful goals.
Through conversations with Homeroom teachers and House Tutors, our boys are supported to reflect on their progress and approach 2027 with confidence and purpose.
Our focus on the future also connects us to broader conversations taking place across Victoria. With the State Election approaching on 28 November, education remains an important part of the conversation.
Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) is highlighting the importance of fair funding, investment in school facilities and keeping independent education accessible to families. I encourage those interested to learn more about the campaign and the priorities being put forward.
Just as we encourage our boys to reflect and grow, we strive to do the same as a school. Our annual School Improvement Tool Survey provides a valuable opportunity for families to share their perspectives and help shape our ongoing improvement.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide the very best opportunities for our boys.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolOn Tuesday morning, our Year 9 students departed for the Great South West Journey. Today, I had the opportunity to visit each group and see the boys taking part in the various activities along the way. As they hike, ride and paddle through the Great South West, students are challenged physically and mentally, developing valuable skills and experiences that extend well beyond the classroom.
We wish our Year 10 and 11 students all the best as they commence their examinations today. Following the conclusion of exams, students will move into Promotions Classes from Thursday 26 November. All students are expected to attend for the full duration of the promotions period.
Yesterday, we held our Remembrance Day service and were once again impressed by the boys’ respectful conduct in Chapel. This annual occasion is particularly meaningful, with many Old Boys joining us to pay their respects.
Complimentary tickets are now available for our upcoming Presentation Evening on Wednesday 25 November. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of 2026 together. Bookings can be made here.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- Wednesday 25 November – Secondary School Presentation Evening, Robert Blackwood Hall
- Monday 30 November, 7.00pm – Community Carols Service
- Tuesday 8 December – Term 4 concludes. To accommodate the early finish of school at 12.30pm on the last day of Term 4, the Port Melbourne, Mentone and Caulfield school buses will depart New Street at 12.50 pm.
National Futsal Championships
BGS enjoyed a highly successful three days at the National Futsal Championships in Brisbane, with our Year 7, 8 and 10 teams competing against some of Australia’s strongest school Futsal programs.
Year 7 students showed great resilience after a challenging start, improving throughout the tournament to reach the semi-final, losing 6-3 to eventual champions Taylors Lakes. Our Year 8s faced an exceptionally strong group featuring both eventual finalists and competed admirably against quality opposition.
The Year 10 squad produced an outstanding tournament, finishing top of their group before winning two thrilling finals matches to reach the National Championship Final, finishing as national runners-up after an impressive campaign.
Special mention to Year 8 students Leo W, Jack A and Jeremy M, who stepped up to support the Year 10 squad during the finals.
Five BGS students were also selected in the tournament’s All Star Teams: Oscar Y, Jude J and Leo W (U14), and Ethan S and Rudy S (U16).
Congratulations to all players on an excellent tournament and for representing BGS with pride, resilience and teamwork.
Andy Burnett
Head of BGS+ Soccer and Futsal
Creative Arts Showcase
Last Thursday, we came together as a community to celebrate all things Creative Arts at BGS. Led by our Creative Art Captains Stefan B, Liam J and Matvey K, we celebrated excellence of student achievement across Art, Media, Wood, Product Design and Visual Communication Design. Catering was provided by our very dedicated Food Tech students and the formal component also featured a poignant acoustic performance from Art student Spencer M.
The event was also an opportunity to honour our Artist in Resident Noni Drew for her contribution to Visual Arts across the school over the last two years.
Four ‘Best in Show’ awards were also announced. Congratulations to Sam L (Media), Liam J (Product Design), Henry K (VCD) and Callum H (Art) on receiving the subject awards of the event.
Beyond that, we would like to say a huge thank you to all our immensely talented and creative students for making us who work with you incredibly proud of what you have been able to produce. To all the families and community members who came by celebrate our student’s work with us, your support of the event is greatly appreciated also!
Michael Hawkins
Head of Art
Recognition for Rock of Ages
We’re incredibly proud to share that our recent production with Firbank Grammar of Rock of Ages – Teen Edition has received four nominations and nine commendations from the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria (MTGV), which celebrates excellence in non-professional musical theatre across Victoria.
Congratulations to our talented cast, crew and creative team on nominations for:
- Production of the Year
- Lead Performer in a Male Presenting Role – Stefan B as Lonny
- Supporting Performer in a Male Presenting Role – Philip E as Stacee Jaxx
- Creative Design / Tech Achievement – The Car (Waiting For A Girl Like You)
A wonderful recognition of the creativity, commitment and talent that brought this production to life.
Michael Kent
Head of School Productions (7-12)
School Bus Service
Our school bus service offers families a safe and convenient option for travel to and from school, with stops located close to home.
The service is available to all BGS students from Prep to Year 12, as well as siblings attending Firbank. Families can book for a full term at a subsidised rate, or purchase casual passes, offering greater flexibility.
For further information, including routes, booking and terms and conditions, visit the school bus webpage.
Uniform Shop now on site
A reminder to families that the Brighton Grammar Uniform Shop, operated by Noone, is now conveniently located on site on St Andrews Street, next to the Duigan Centre. With the end of term approaching, now is a great time to stock up on any uniform items you may need. Opening hours and details can be found here.
From Reverend Waterhouse
We were quite fortunate this week to have our Secondary School Remembrance Day chapel service on the actual date of the commemoration (the 11th of the 11th).
For this service, the Headmaster traditionally conducts an interview with either a member of staff or a student with an interesting war connection, and so it was fascinating to hear from Mr. Shintaro Nagayama (our Japanese teacher), who spoke about his grandfather’s war service in the second Sino-Japanese war in the late 1930s.
One of the Bible passages read out at the service was from the Old Testament Hebrew prophet Isaiah, who, about 700 years before the birth of Jesus, wrote these exquisite words: ‘God will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.’ [2:4-5].
This is a wonderful promise that anticipates a time in the future when all human conflict and warfare shall cease. Ultimately, it will become reality when the Lord Jesus Christ ushers in the New Heaven and the New Earth in the future.
As we prepare for the upcoming seasons of Advent and Christmas, we once again allow our hearts to be renewed by he who is called the Prince of Peace, the Saviour who ‘preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.’ [Ephesians 2:17].