Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolAt this time of year, when the pursuit of academic excellence can dominate the lives of many young people, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
We are aware of the fine line between the need to maintain focus while allowing time out for breaks and relaxation.
This is why our ELC program includes a timetabled rest period so our ELC boys can have some downtime to recharge, and our Junior School boys have structured mindfulness practice for 10 minutes after recess daily for the same reason.
In the media this week, Smiling Mind’s Chief Executive Officer Sarah LaRoche said: ‘Building mental fitness skills like mindfulness not only helps kids concentrate better in class, but also gives them the tools to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and stay calm when faced with distractions.’
Secondary School boys have 10 minute breaks between classes and are encouraged to maintain their co-curricular pursuits, keep to a steady study and sleep schedule, make time for exercise and relaxation and keep up those activities that they enjoy (including their part-time jobs), to balance the academic demands of school life.
Studies have shown that establishing daily routines can significantly improve mental health, boost productivity, and increase overall wellbeing. According to research from Duke University, about 40% of our daily activity is driven by habit and, when we build positive habits and routines, we set ourselves up for success.
Achieving a balance between academic pursuits and personal wellbeing is critical for nurturing students who are not only successful in their studies but also resilient, happy, and socially engaged, which we aspire to for all our boys.
Finally, good luck to the Class of 2024 as they begin their Valedictory celebrations tomorrow and Monday before commencing their study leave in preparation for VCE exams.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolThis week marks the end of academic classes for our Year 12 students, as they now prepare for Valedictory celebrations and a period of continued study and examinations.
We will celebrate Valedictory Day 1 tomorrow. Year 12s spend the morning in their House groups in a formal process of honouring each other and other memorable moments including writing letters to next year’s Year 7s.
This will be followed on Monday with the more formal Valedictory Day 2 where Year 12s, alongside their parents, Beat the Bounds of the School; taking a walk down memory lane and visiting all corners of Brighton Grammar. The day concludes with a formal dinner with Year 12 students and their parents at the MCC Dining Room.
At yesterday’s assembly, the long-awaited House Cup results were revealed. A huge congratulations to Armstrong House for taking out the win, with Melville House close behind in second, and Fairweather House in third.
The competition was incredibly tight this year, with only a single point separating the top three Houses. It’s been a fantastic year of House spirit, enhanced by the introduction of some exciting new House activities.
Also at assembly, we enjoyed the inaugural Staff vs Students Spelling Bee. Representing the staff were Kirsten Dunsby, Bryn Humberstone, Susie Heggie, and Jack Joslin. The student team consisted of Will Crocker, Christopher Chhour, Gus Calder, and Harry Newett. Congratulations to Team Students on their well-earned victory.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- 17 October, 4.00pm – Chopin Piano Showcase
- 18 October – Year 12 Valedictory Day 1
- 21 October – Year 12 Valedictory Day 2
- 30 October, 7.00pm – Years 9-11 play: In the Wings at Rosstrevor Hall
- 4 November – Mid-term Break
- 7-12 November – BGS Community Art Exhibition at Bayley Arts in Highett
- 2 December, 7.00pm – Community Carols Service at St Andrew’s Church
Cricket: Staff v Students
Last Thursday the Student Council conducted the first staff vs student Cricket game held on the Mitchell Oval. After overwhelming success in previous staff vs student games, it was inevitable that Cricket was next in line.
The staff team led by Mr Brenton Murphy was faced with the challenge of overcoming a star-studded student lineup, that possessed talent throughout every year level. All in all, the student team was victorious by the slimmest of margins.
There was a greater purpose and meaning behind running the game. A BBQ was managed by Student Council, with funds and proceedings going to Bailey’s Day, a leading foundation that has had tremendous impacts on the lives of children suffering from cancer.
Student Council hopes that such events will take place in the future, fostering better connections between staff and students whilst supporting foundations close to heart.
Hamish Featherston
Year 11
iDesign Week
At the start of this term the Year 8 boys showcased their impressive iDesign projects, which they had been developing since Term 1. The week was dedicated to presentations and selecting the winners over three consecutive days. Congratulations to the overall winner, Xavier Bates and runner up, Ellis Cregan.
On Tuesday, each Year 8 Tutor Group had the opportunity to present and evaluate their peers’ projects based on specific criteria: Sustainability, Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship.
Wednesday marked the culmination of their hard work, as our top 16 finalists presented their projects to a Sharktank judging panel. I was joined by fellow judges: Jayson Hornibrook, Anthony Podesta, and the 2023 iDesign winner, Monty Brougham. Read full report from Rhonda Shamoail, iDesign Coordinator.
APS Water Polo Rep Team
Students Nicky Robertson (Year 12), Oliver Withington and Hamish Featherston (both Year 11) helped the APS Water Polo Representative Team, coached by the BGS First Water Polo Coach, Steve Barkoczy, to an impressive 10 – 7 goal win over the AGSV/MHS team.
From Reverend Waterhouse
As a regular listener to the news, it struck me that we are hearing a lot about elections: local council elections; the upcoming election in the state of Queensland; the possible date next year for a federal election; and of course, November’s election in the USA.
As beings created in God’s image, there is a sense in which we are citizens of two kingdoms: both this world and the world to come. We therefore have a responsibility with the gift of a vote to ensure that we elect leaders who will ideally promote those civil values that nurture, protect and enhance human life.
However, our responsibility to our leaders goes beyond election day!
In this first pastoral letter, the apostle Peter writes: ‘Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among people: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors … Show proper respect to everyone.’ [2:13-14 & 17].
We may disagree with our leaders or perhaps not warm towards them, but for “the Lord’s sake” we are to respect and honour them, and they too need to remember that they are accountable to the ‘King of kings’, the Lord Jesus.