Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolThe importance of play in a child’s development has been gaining well-deserved attention recently.
This year marked the second UN-sanctioned International Day of Play, and an article in The Atlantic July edition highlighted how free movement is essential for children’s growth.
Closer to home, new Australian research is reinforcing what educators have long known: that play, especially the kind that involves a little risk, is vital for healthy development.
Professor Tonia Gray from Western Sydney University’s Centre for Educational Research found that risk-inclusive play not only supports physical development but can also contribute to better mental health outcomes later in life.
As we celebrate Health and PE week, I am proud that BGS is ahead of the curve in this space with our programs and facilities at Annandale for Secondary School students, and our Invicta program in the Junior School, where ELC to Year 6 students can metaphorically ‘climb trees’ in a safe and structured environment.
Through trampolines, climbing walls, ropes, obstacle courses, and parkour equipment, the boys are building their physical strength and learning to take calculated risks, set goals, and develop resilience and perseverance. These are not just playground skills; they are life skills.
Finally, I am pleased to announce that Kenneth Yeung has been appointed as Captain of School for 2026 and Jack Carson and Jack Power as Vice-Captains, and I offer my congratulations to these boys. I have no doubt they will lead with heart, dedication and a true sense of community.
Best wishes also to our Year 12 students as they prepare for their final exams over the holiday break before school returns on Monday, 6 October. Please enjoy this short video featuring the year’s highlights to date.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolOur Dance Performance Evening on Monday was a wonderful highlight as we celebrated our thriving Dance program. Students from Year 3 through to Year 12 demonstrated passion and talent on the stage and my thanks to our Head of Dance, Chris Horsey for his leadership.
Also on Monday, we had the annual running of the BGS Gift on the Crowther Oval. Congratulations to Hugh Kabengele, Year 12, for being the fastest on the day.
Today at 4.00pm is the annual Prefects’ Netball match at Firbank. I know our Prefects have been involved in intense training (in all seriousness) and I encourage as many students as possible to come and support team BGS.
At tomorrow’s House Athletics Day at Duncan McKinnon Reserve on North Road, there will be plenty of fun activities for all boys, along with an anticipated beautiful spring day, and all students are expected to attend.
Finally, I wish all families a safe and enjoyable holiday. Whilst our Year 12 students will be busy with trial examinations, I hope they also take a moment to catch their breath. A special thank you to all Year 12 teachers for the support and work that takes place over this holiday period.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- Friday 19 September – Term 3 concludes
- Monday 6 October – Term 4 commences
- Tuesday 7 October, 5.30-8.30pm: Semester 2 OE Expo at Rosstrevor Hall
- Tomorrow’s House Athletics Day is raising funds to support the work of the Anglican Church of PNG. BGS has a long-standing connection with the Martyrs School. Boys are encouraged to purchase food and drink from our stalls at House Athletics (cash only). Read more &/or donate here.
Year 8 Camp
At Hattah Kulkyne National Park, after we got off the bus, we were confronted by the arid landscape and the beautiful Murray River. After our first self-catered dinner, which consisted of pasta, pasta and a topping of more pasta, all we wanted to do was have a nice sleep. However, the condensation created a wet sleeping bag, making it a significant challenge to fall asleep.
The two hikes totalled around 21km, with most of it off-trail, which presented more challenges in navigation. The bike ride was intended to be 30km, but for some Houses (namely Hancock), it ended up being 41km! The canoeing tested our teamwork, requiring both communication and precision. It took the longest of all activities, around six to seven hours.
Overall, the camp was a challenge and a success both mentally and physically. The boys learned not only about others, but also about themselves.
Sebastian Mantzis and Sky Guo
Year 8
BGS Gift 2025
This year’s BGS Gift was a breathtaking spectacle of speed and school spirit. This iconic running race brought together some of our finest athletes, culminating in a fiercely contested final that showcased the depth of talent at BGS.
The final featured an electrifying lineup: Angus Van De Water (8.5m, Year 7, Fairweather House), Teddy Bowen (7m, Year 8, Armstrong House), Max Lawrence (7m, Year 9, Crowther House), Kelly O’Brien (5m, Year 10, Melville House), Jack Nicholls (7m, Year 11, School House), and Hugh Kabengele (0m, Year 12, Hancock House).
In a stunning display, Hugh Kabengele powered through from scratch to claim his first-ever BGS Gift gold medal. Teddy Bowen, the young BGS gun, secured a hard-earned second place off a challenging 7m mark, while rising star Max Lawrence took third off the same mark, rounding out an impressive podium.
Read full report from Lachlan Connell, Head of Athletics.
Drama, Laughter and Inspiration
Our Year 10 Drama students recently enjoyed a fantastic excursion to see The 39 Steps at the Comedy Theatre. The boys were in stitches throughout the performance, with its brilliant mix of hilarity and physical comedy.
A highlight of the evening was meeting the cast after the show, who were so generous with their time. The boys loved hearing from Lisa McCune (BGS past parent), Ian Stenlake, and the Umbilical Brothers about how the production was created and performed.
The experience didn’t end at the theatre. Once on board the school bus home, the Umbilical Brothers surprised everyone with a few minutes of impromptu mime around the bus, much to the delight (and laughter) of the students. It was an unforgettable end to a truly inspiring evening.
Michael Kent
Head of Drama
Recipe for success
Year 12 student Shau-En Usher graduated from Holmesglen TAFE this week, having successfully completed his Certificate II in Hospitality as part of his Vocational Major.
In attendance at his graduation ceremony to support Shau-En were Jo Hall (Careers Counsellor), Biddy Duckham (Vocational Major Coordinator) and Kristy Bjarnelind (Shau-En’s House Tutor).
It was a fantastic showcase of his hard work and dedication, and congratulations are extended to Shau-En on this milestone. He now looks forward to continuing his studies next year at the William Angliss Institute.
Dance Night
Our third annual Dance Night was another packed house, filled with great music, incredible routines, and an energy that only dance can bring. The talent of our boys from Year 3–12 continues to grow, with their ability going from strength to strength each year.
We were thrilled to once again welcome our friends from The Hutchins School in Tasmania, who flew in to perform after we joined their showcase in August. Firbank Grammar students also joined us on stage, reminding us of the power of dance to connect schools, students, and communities.
On the night, a number of awards were also presented, including our highest honour, the Marcus Morelli Medal, awarded to the 2025 MVP of Dance: Stefan Bandura.
A heartfelt thank you to every boy who stepped onto the stage. You made the night a celebration of creativity, skill, and joy.
Michael Kent
Teacher in Charge of Dance
BGS Custom Stripe Shirt
The Meliora Club has teamed up with Melbourne fashion label Caravan & Co to create the ultimate BGS shirt. Made of 100% lightweight cotton poplin, with a bold custom stripe in school colours, the shirt is suitable attire for the sporting sidelines or as everyday wear.
Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive shirt and show your BGS pride everywhere!
More details available here.
From Reverend Waterhouse
The House Athletics carnival occurring on Friday this week is always a highlight event in the school; in fact, for me, of all the House events, it is the one I feel is the most accessible and exhilarating, as we witness the students from our eight Houses partaking in various running, jumping and throwing events.
The timing of the carnival is also quite fortuitous, as the World Athletics Championships from Tokyo are also currently on our television screens at a very agreeable hour in the evening!
Like all physical competitions, this Friday there will be successes, disappointments, celebrations and commiserations, all in a manner which reflects the wider journey of life seasons generally.
I’m reminded of some wonderful promises in the Bible from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah: ‘God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.’ (40:29-31).
As we enjoy the upcoming holiday break, may we all know something of the renewing strength of God in our lives, so that, along with St. Paul, we may confidently say: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).