Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolAs I have greeted the boys on the gate this week, I have noticed a renewed sense of focus and energy as they prepare for the diverse learning experiences already underway this term.
From our Secondary School students paying tribute during a meaningful Anzac Day Chapel service yesterday, to Year 6 students travelling to Bathurst Island for a cultural exchange, Music students competing at the prestigious Generations in Jazz event in Mt Gambier, our public speakers and debaters taking to the stage next week – these opportunities complement our academic programs and help broaden the boys’ horizons.
This week, we also mourn the passing of George Thomson (OB 1951). A former Governor and Chairman of School Council, OBGS President and Honorary Life Member, BGS parent, Sequamur Society patron, and generous benefactor, George leaves a legacy of extraordinary service and deep connection to BGS. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family – David (OB 1980) and Nicki, Felicity, Paul (OB 1986) and Petra, and grandchildren, Georgia, Lucy, Angus (OB 2023), Max (Year 10) on the loss of a remarkable man.
Finally, in the lead up to the Federal Election on 3 May in which school funding is likely to be one of many key issues, our Chairman of School Council has written to parents outlining the role that independent schools play in Australia’s education system and why your voice matters when it comes to securing fair and sustainable funding for our sector.
I hope this term will be a productive and successful one for your son.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolI hope all our BGS families enjoyed a restful Easter break and had the opportunity to spend some quality time together. I had a wonderful break with my family and now feel ready and refreshed for the busy term ahead.
The holidays were action-packed, with students and staff participating in a number of tours and training programs across the globe, included the China Immersion Tour, the Japan Study Tour, and local sporting trips such as the Year 7 and Year 8 Football Camps.
This term, we are delighted to welcome four new staff members to BGS: Rob Cooper (Director of Sport), Jan Chan (Mathematics), Lauren Spitalnic (History), and Aria Liu (Chinese).
Yesterday, we came together for our Anzac Day Chapel Service to reflect and honour those who have served our country. I extend my sincere thanks to Rev Peter Waterhouse and guest speaker LT COL Tom Dobbs (OB 2004) for leading such a thoughtful service.
Finally, best of luck to our First Teams as they kick off their winter sport season this Saturday. We look forward to supporting them throughout the term.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- 25 April – Anzac Day
- 30 April – Year 7 & 8 Workshop: Preparing for Winter Sport at RSCH
- 7 May – Year 12 Workshop: How to reduce the stress of Year 12 at Annandale Library
- 14 to 17 May – High School Musical at Firbank Gym
Overseas Learning Journeys
During the holiday break, two groups of students and staff set off on overseas learning journeys, the China Immersion Tour and the Japan Study Tour, where they explored and experienced new cultures. Read more here.
China Immersion Tour
During the Term 1 holiday, 32 boys studying Chinese embarked on an unforgettable 13-day journey across China. From major cities to ancient towns, boys explored Bei Jing, Xi An, Luo Yang and Cheng Du, each offering vibrant culture and traditions.
Together, our students explored breathtaking landmarks, including two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World―their storied past tracing back over 2,000 years. BGS boys were privileged to be hosted by two local schools, where they experienced authentic Chinese student life and were welcomed with incredible hospitality.
Though communication can be difficult, the laughter and excitement shared between students became the bridge of creating unforgettable moments of cross-cultural connection. At every stop, boys immersed themselves in local life sipping tea in Chengdu’s traditional houses, sharing moments with friends while watching operas, and wandering through ancient towns and modern malls alike, each experience a vibrant piece of China’s living culture.
Jerry Mei
Vice-Captain, International Students
Wen Yan
Head of Chinese/International Students Coordinator
Track and Field success
A group of exceptional Brighton Grammar athletes made their mark at the Australian Junior and U20 Athletics Championships in Perth over the school holidays, proudly representing Victoria and showcasing their talent on the national stage. The boys delivered outstanding performances, highlighted by personal bests, podium finishes, and outstounding efforts against the country’s best.
U15 Boys
- Archie Sirderidis had a phenomenal championship, collecting gold in both the 1500m (4:14.91) and 3000m (9:01.77 – PB), and silver in the 800m (2:01.41). Archie’s tactical strength and endurance were on full display across all three events.
- Teddy Bowen continued his brilliant all-round season, finishing equal 3rd in the High Jump with 1.79m (PB) and placing 3rd in the Long Jump with a leap of 6.10m (PB).
- Ariel Friedrich gained valuable national experience in the 800m heats, placing 6th in 2:07.82.
U17 Boys
- Mitchell Carney produced a strong showing in the Triple Jump, landing just off the podium in 4th with 13.36m—a great result in a very competitive field.
U20 Para Athletics
- Leo Reeve struck gold in the 800m (2:09.87 – PB) in his U20 category. He also ran a 1500m PB of 4:29.77 in his open division—a stellar double from Leo.
U20 Sprints
- Hugh Kabengele lit up the track in the 100m Final, running a sizzling 10.48 (PB) to take bronze behind Gout Gout, one of Australia’s fastest juniors. Hugh and his team also claimed silver in the 100m relay (41.85) and recorded a 22.11 (PB) in the 200m heats.
These incredible results are a testament not only to the boys’ hard work and determination but also to the support and preparation provided by Tom Morehouse and the BGS Summer Sport Athletics Program, which played a key role in priming the athletes for peak performance.
With so many standout efforts and personal bests already recorded, it’s clear that BGS athletics is building serious momentum heading into the 2025 season. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what is next.
Congratulations to all athletes involved – you have done yourselves and the BGS community proud.
Lachlan Connell
Head of Athletics
From Reverend Waterhouse
It was somewhat poignant that Pope Francis, the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic church across the globe, passed away this week on Easter Monday, a day after Resurrection Sunday services were celebrated.
We are now in a season in the Christian calendar called Eastertide, a 50-day period which occurs between Easter Sunday and Pentecost Sunday.
Back in the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul wrote the first of two letters to the extremely cosmopolitan city of Corinth (in Greece). Towards the end of this letter, he wrote these astounding words about the resurrection: ‘If there is no resurrection of the dead, the Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain … If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.’ (vss. 14 and 17).
In our modern-day context, where the Easter long weekend can easily be consumed by a short holiday, football matches and extra time for shopping, we can easily miss the magnitude of these words: The resurrection changes everything!
If Jesus Christ is not alive, then not only do we believe in him in vain, but our natural human condition has not changed; we are still in darkness.
Praise God this is not so!