Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolFrom my observations, the younger generation is more adept at talking about and managing their mental health and wellbeing than older generations.
I am impressed every day at school with the thoughtfulness and awareness of these young BGS men, in the way they actively support each other and promote an inclusive and respectful school community.
Our school leaders set the tone. For School Captain Joe Weber, inclusion is not just a word; it’s a commitment to ensuring that every student feels valued, heard and represented. Vice-Captain of School Sam Linder has talked of the power of we, and the BGS culture and values that encourage students to be open-minded and inclusive.
The Year 12 Legacy for 2024, More than a crest, exemplifies this. You can view their video here.
In the Junior School it’s noticeable how the boys check in with each other with genuine care, whether utilising the new Buddy Bench or by being supportive friends during recent Public Speaking competitions.
Ultimately it is about acceptance: of ourselves and others, just the way we are.
Creating a culture of openness and mutual support is particularly pertinent for our Year 12s as they prepare for their final exams next term and take on the challenges that lie ahead, always backed by our dedicated staff and you as parents.
Finally, I hope you all have the opportunity for some downtime during these school holidays and I look forward to the boys’ return on Monday 7 October.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolLast Friday’s Dance Performance Evening was a wonderful highlight as we celebrate our thriving Dance program. We had students from Year 3 through Year 12 demonstrate passion and talent on the Dance stage. Thank you to our Head of Dance, Chris Horsey for his leadership.
Yesterday was the annual running of the BGS Gift on the Crowther Oval. Congratulations to Harry George of Year 12 Crowther House for being the fastest on the day.
This afternoon 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.
Tomorrow we will be holding the House Athletics Day at Duncan McKinnon Reserve on North Road. There will be plenty of fun things for all the boys to get involved in, along with an anticipated beautiful spring day. Should be a great day! All students are expected to attend.
Finally, wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. Whilst our Year 12 students will be busy with trial examinations, I hope they also get a chance to take a moment to catch their breath. A special thank you to all Year 12 teachers for the support and work that takes place in this period.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- 20 September – Term 3 concludes
- Bayside City Council will replace traffic poles at the New St pedestrian crossing over the holidays. The crossing will be closed during this period, so please ensure you take alternative routes and cross safely.
- 7 October – Term 4 commences
- 7-12 November – BGS Community Art Exhibition at Bayley Arts in Highett
- Winter Sports photographs are now available for purchase. Please see BGS app notice from 3 September for further details.
Connor’s Run
The Brighton Grammar drink station at Connor’s Run is a vibrant and essential part of the annual charity event. The station is manned by enthusiastic students, staff, family members and pets from the Brighton Grammar School community.
The drink station embodies the spirit of community and support that Connor’s Run is known for. Volunteers offer not just water and sports drinks, but also words of motivation to keep them going. A hearty cheer is always heard for the Headmaster and his wife as they complete the course.
Connor’s Run, organised by the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation, raises funds for brain cancer research and support services. The involvement of Brighton Grammar honours Connor (OB 2012) and highlights the School’s commitment to community service and making a difference.
The drink station is a testament to the collaborative effort of students, teachers, and parents, all coming together for a noble cause.
This year, two hundred Brighton Grammar team members took part in the day with $11,000 in funds raised so far.
Thank you to the staff, students and family members who volunteered and took part on the day.
Mark Dowley
Associate Head of the Crowther Centre
Sailing Success for Sam
Year 7 Student Sam Smith recently returned from China having competed in the Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp and Regatta 2024.
Not only did Sam secure a bronze trophy in the sailing, but he also took the opportunity to run a stretch of the Great Wall of China to support Connor’s Run #YourWayAnyDay. Go Sam! Read the full article here.
Indigenous Designer presentation
The Visual Communication Design students were recently visited by former staff member Katie Budgen to discuss the Unit 2 Area of Study 2: Cultural ownership & design.
Katie was able to link key topics of her work and presented a number of major areas of interest to the students. Read the full article here.
Year 8 Camp
The Year 8 Outdoor Education program is a six day stay in the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park in north-west Victoria.
The landscape includes rivers, lakes, trails, and is a semi-arid location. The weather was generally kind to us, with sunny afternoons reaching 30 degrees on some days, although it was a bit windy on occasion.
The activities included two days of hiking, (8 kilometres and 15 kilometres), a day of canoeing, and a day of bike riding. There is also opportunity to see native wildlife, in the form of various animals, and different plants.
Read full report from Max Lawrence, Year 8.
Dance Night
BGS Dance Night 2024 exploded onto the Rosstrevor Hall stage last Friday night and showed a strong, confident and versatile display of skills from our BGS Dance Troupes.
Now offered as a Winter Sport, the Secondary School students joined classes from the Junior School to bring BGS together in dance. Read our Head of Dance, Chris Horsey’s, report here.
Friends of Art AGM
All BGS community members are warmly invited to attend the 2024 Friends of Art Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 23 October at 4.30pm in the Urwin Centre Conference Room.
Friends of Art is an active parent group at an exciting time at BGS with the Duigan Centre opening in 2025! If you like meeting other people, want to contribute to the school community, enjoy good company and love getting involved in things that mean something, this might be the group for you! There are no prerequisites, and all are welcome.
We have opportunities to get involved across all levels of the school (ELC – VCE) ranging from an hour of your time to getting involved by joining the committee. Several committee roles are vacant, please email us to find out more or express your interest in joining.
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 now eight Houses partaking in various running, jumping and throwing events.
Like all physical competitions, there will be successes, disappointments, celebrations and commiserations, all in a manner which reflect 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 everything through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).