Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolYesterday, I announced our new building dedicated to science, creativity and entrepreneurship will be officially named the Duigan Centre, marking another significant milestone in this exciting project.
Endorsed by School Council, the name honours aviation pioneer John Robertson Duigan (OB 1901) who made history when he and his brother Reginald (OB 1904) built and flew the first Australian-made aircraft in 1910.
As Australia’s first recorded flight, it marked the beginning of the aviation era and forever changed travel for all Australians.
To recognise Duigan’s innovative and creative spirit, a group of Year 9 and 10 students are helping to reconstruct a full-size replica of the Duigan biplane at the Moorabbin Airport.
The replica biplane will be suspended from the ceiling of the new centre when it opens in early 2025 to inspire our boys to dream big and remind them of their limitless potential.
Have a great week.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolOn Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of attending the Choral Journey Concert. It was an evening of exceptional performances, but a standout moment had to be Kenneth Yeung (Year 10) making a memorable appearance as ‘Ken’ during the Ten Tonners encore—a highlight of the evening!
Today we had our House Drama competition. Each House delivered a spectacular display of passion and creativity, showcasing their enthusiasm and dedication to the performing arts. The energy and commitment from all participants made it a great success.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Anna Ladas and all the students who took part in last Friday’s Winter Sleep Out. Their willingness to brave the cold in the Quad for a good cause is truly commendable.
Lastly, we kicked off our first Fathers’ Day Chapel on Wednesday with Year 7-8 students and their fathers. It was a meaningful occasion, and we are excited to welcome the dads of Year 9-12 students next Wednesday morning for another special gathering.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- Thursday 22 August, 6.00-9.00pm – Ministry of Art Charity Art Show
- Tuesday 27 August, 7.00pm – Journey Concert: Strings Spectacular
- Wednesday 28 August, 8.20am – Years 9-12 Father’s Day Chapel service (all dads welcome)
- Thursday 29 August, 7.00pm – Journey Concert: Bands Showcase
Tiwi Immersion
Several Year 9 and 10 students and BGS staff were warmly welcomed by the Tiwi community on our annual Tiwi immersion trip.
We spent time at school, ran drinks at the Tiwi AFL semi-final, played footy with the local kids (a lot), held activities at the Red Cross, Children’s Day celebrations, and screen printed at the Art Centre. Our boys were so caring and nurturing to the younger local children.
We also camped out on Jikilarruwu Country where we hunted for shellfish in the tangled mangroves, fished from rust-red cliffs and explored the landscape, guided by traditional custodians whose ancestors have been there for thousands of generations.
This program is founded on the relationships we have built over the years and the engagement and commitment of our students who once again were great ambassadors and took on every opportunity passionately, fostering strong friendships and treating everyone with respect.
Read the first hand account of the Tiwi Immersion trip highlights by Angus Beaton (Year 10).
James Hilditch
Cultural Development Coordinator
First XV Premiership Win
After 40 years, Brighton Grammar School has reclaimed the Victorian Schools’ Rugby Union premiership in a thrilling First XV Grand Final against the formidable St Kevin’s College, who had set the standard for excellence with 11 consecutive titles.
This match was a true contest of champions, with both teams displaying incredible skill, determination, and sportsmanship. St Kevin’s College, as always, proved why they’ve been the benchmark, pushing BGS to their absolute limits in a hard-fought fixture, however in the end, it was Brighton Grammar’s day.
The final whistle marked not only a win, but the culmination of countless hours of training, the guidance of devoted coaches and the support of the school community.
Will Graham
Head of Rugby
Bridge to Success
Year 10 Physics students have recently constructed impressive weight-bearing wonders.
They completed a project where they designed and built miniature bridges capable of holding over 250 times their own weight. This means that a bridge weighing just 200 grams can successfully support 50 kilograms.
The initiative aims to teach students practical applications of physics, materials science, and structural engineering. The project challenged students to work in teams, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, and pushing the boundaries of what lightweight materials can achieve.
Next term, we’re taking flight with an exciting new project where we’ll be designing and building our own planes. Students will apply aerodynamics and engineering principles to create functional model planes and gliders.
Christopher Dale
Head of Physics
A Sleepless Night for a Good Cause
The BGS Winter Sleepout is an amazing experience where you sleep in the Quad under the Oak from 6.30pm to 6.30am and experience what it is like to be homeless.
In this short time, it completely alters your view of life. This was my second year sleeping out and won’t be my last.
Read the report by Hugo Faulkner-Aschman (Year 9). If you want to help support homeless people, please donate to the BGS Winter Appeal here.
Business Breakfast
Please join us at our next BGS Business Breakfast with Lou Pascuzzi, CEO of TLC Healthcare, on Tuesday 3 September at Royal Brighton Yacht Club
Following early successes in the healthcare sector, Lou Pascuzzi has been instrumental in a wealth of brand transformation, strategic implementation, and company growth across multiple companies within the sector.
Lou arrived at TLC Healthcare in 2013 tasked with using his demonstrated history to rejuvenate the aged care industry. As CEO, Lou has developed innovative corporate strategies and scaled up organisational capabilities to execute his vision, making TLC a revolutionary force within the industry.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight into behind-the-scenes data and intel from Lou – book now!
Connor’s Run 2024
Join us in supporting the RCD Foundation’s running of Connor’s Run and help change the odds for young people facing brain cancer. Register here
Our Year 9 boys will be participating as part of their Capstone program, and many other members of the BGS community are involved too as either participants or volunteers.
Read more from Liz Dawes, Founder/ CEO of the RCD Foundation, and mother of Connor (OB 2012).
From Reverend Waterhouse
I trust that all of us enjoyed the recent long weekend, with our mid-term break granting a welcome reprieve from busy school routines.
An extra day of rest for us anytime can provide such simple joys as a sleep-in, a chance to get some outdoor work like mowing and gardening done, some time to spend on a hobby, or simply space to do nothing. For me, I was able to stay up a little longer on Sunday night and watch the Channel Nine show Footy Furnace without feeling guilty!
As relational human beings made in God’s image, while work is both a command and gift from our Creator, so is rest; God himself rested on the seventh day after creating for six (c.f. Genesis 2:2).
More directly, in Jesus we find absolute rest: the promise of forgiveness, the releasing of burdens and the assurance of restored bodies in the life to come.
In Matthew 11, Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’ (vss. 28-29).