Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar School‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’, is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, one of the United States’ founding fathers (1706-1790).
In essence, this quote sums up the thinking behind many of the parent and student programs offered by our Crowther Centre team, under the guidance of Dr Ray Swann. One topic particularly relevant at this time of year is safe partying for teens.
As parents, we want to support our children to enjoy their teenage years but are always mindful of the potential risks in social situations. Getting the balance right can be tricky, for us and for them.
Knowing the laws regarding alcohol, drugs and other risky behaviours can help clarify expectations and enable better communication and being aware of how the School supports these learnings can also help.
For example, our Year 7-10 students undertake our Health and Wellbeing curriculum to learn information and harm minimisation strategies to help them make better informed decisions in real-world situations.
The Crowther Centre team runs webinars on this topic and has produced a position paper on safe partying which I recommend parents read.
Finally, we marked Remembrance Day across the school with our Junior School boys pausing to reflect, and our Secondary School students attending a moving Chapel service, in honour of the Brighton Grammar Old Boys who lost their lives in the Boer War and other armed conflicts since.
Have a good weekend.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolOur Year 9s departed on Tuesday morning on the Great South West Journey to explore the beautiful terrain of the Lower Glenelg, Discovery Bay and Cobboboonee National Parks.
The journey, during which the boys canoe, mountain bike and bushwalk, encourages them to step outside their comfort zones and meet the challenges within a supportive environment.
We wish our Year 10 and 11 students well as they commence their examinations today. Once all Year 7-11 exams conclude, students will enter into Promotions Classes on Thursday 28 November. All students are expected to attend for the entire promotions period.
Yesterday we held our Remembrance Day service, and we were again impressed by how respectful the boys are in Chapel, particularly as we have many Old Boys attend this annual event. This years’ service was another moving event.
Complimentary tickets are now available for our upcoming Presentation Evening on 27 November. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of 2024 together. Bookings can be made via the link in the BGS app or here.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- 21 November, 6.00pm (dinner), 7.00pm (workshop) – International Parent Workshop
- 27 November, 6.00pm – Presentation Evening at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University (Clayton Campus)
- 2 December, 7.00pm – Community Carols Service at St Andrew’s Church
- SchoolPix Group/Team photos taken in Term 4 are now available for purchase, please see BGS app for details.
Street Crossings & Road Safety
A reminder to parents and students that students must use the designated crossings when crossing the streets outside our school, particularly (but not limited to) the Urwin Centre.
Crossings available include: (a) crossing on Allee Street, (b) crossing on Outer Crescent (c) crossing on St Andrews Street and (d) traffic lights on New Street. The safety of our students is paramount, and we thank you for your co-operation.
Art Exhibition and Community Art Show
On Thursday evening last week, the hard work of our students in Art across various programs and initiatives was showcased at Bayley Arts alongside our first ever Community Art show.
Our Years 9-12 Art students impressed with their creativity in the main gallery with an array of genuinely impactful work exploring a wide range of themes and ideas.
Oliver Smith (Year 11) and Matvey Kononchuck (Year 10) both received ‘Judges pick’ commendation awards for a respective artwork of theirs in the exhibition. These were selected by our collaborating practising artists; 2024 Artist-in-Resident Caroline Barrett, as well as Aileen Ng and Carolyn Cardinet.
A highlight of the event was also the performance of the BGS Cellobrations Strings group, who played number of pieces for the exhibition audience.
The Community Art show complemented the student exhibition, featuring over 15 artworks by practitioners from our wider community, including staff, parents and Old Boys. Funds raised from the sale of the artworks in part contributed to support of Bayley Arts.
We would like to thank Bayley Arts for hosting the event and all the supporters who came along for what has been a real celebration of not only Art at BGS but also community.
Michael Hawkins
Head of Art
BGS+ Swim Race Night
The BGS+ Swim Race Night is being held on Friday 22 November. For session details and to sign up click here.
Epic Challenge Fundraiser
The Leadership Team at Patties Food Group, a good supporter of Brighton Grammar, are embarking on a physical expedition for a worthy cause, the My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.
The team will cycle and kayak in regional Victoria, hike in New Zealand and then undertake a coastal run in Perth to raise $100,000 for the charity which supports patients and families affected by cancer. To help them make a difference, please donate here.
UFOF Christmas Appeal
As the festive time of the year begins and we all eagerly await the holiday break, it is important to remember how privileged and fortunate we are. This is why as we reach the end of another year and enter the Christmas period we give back and support those who are less fortunate.
With the Ute Full Of Food we can do this, by either donating non-perishable items to the tables located in front of the Headmaster’s Office in the Quad or on the tables provided in the Urwin Centre.
Alternatively, you can also donate online here (minimum $5 – please record UFOF in the description). All money donated via the link will be used to purchase items for the appeal. Final donations are due by 28 November.
With your help, we can make this holiday period a great one for everyone.
Jordy Tessier
Year 11
From Reverend Waterhouse
One of the joys of my role in the Secondary School is being able to bless and pray for the students and staff as they embark on their various camps throughout the year.
On Monday morning this week, I was able to do so for our Year 9 students, as they packed and prepared for their two-week Great South West Journey.
I mentioned to the cohort that there is something significant about the notion of journeying together; being on a sojourn together; starting a pilgrimage together.
Forty days after his resurrection, right before he ascends back to Heaven, Jesus comforts his uncertain disciples by affirming, ‘Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ [Matthew 28:20].
That’s a wonderful reminder for the Year 9 boys as they experience the highs and lows of their outdoor adventure.
I shared with the group a favourite quote of mine: ‘Don’t ask for a light load. Ask for a strong back.’
I also shared a favourite Bible verse from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk: ‘The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to go on the heights.’ [3:19].