Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolAs we head into the Term 2 break, there is one special reminder I would like to share.
Each year, our New Parent Survey asks families why they chose BGS for their son. While a range of factors contribute to that decision, the number one reason, year in and year out, is the quality of our staff.
As a school, we are fortunate to have outstanding teachers and professional support staff who show up for our boys every day.
Much of what they do happens above and below the surface. They plan engaging lessons, provide feedback, encourage curiosity and challenge our boys to strive for their best. They take the time to understand what makes each boy tick.
They will stop in the yard for a chat or wait after class to listen and genuinely engage with our boys, building the relationships that help them feel valued and connected.
It is through these relationships that our staff are also able to have the conversations about the less fun stuff: uniform standards, haircuts, learning behaviours and missed homework. Our boys know these conversations come from a place of care. We have high expectations and a genuine interest to help them be their best.
Like all of us, our staff have families, commitments and busy lives beyond the school gates. Yet each day they turn up, are fully present, and invest their time, energy and expertise into your sons.
Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the term. I wish all in our community a well-deserved break and look forward to welcoming the boys back on Wednesday 22 July.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolAs we wrap up Term 2, I’d like to thank everyone for their contribution to another busy and successful semester.
Our winter sports program continues to go from strength to strength, with our Firsts Rugby and Football teams undefeated at this stage of the season. In the Performing Arts, Rock of Ages was a standout success, while our Music students impressed through concerts, the Generations in Jazz Festival and House Choral.
Tomorrow, we’ll be getting behind the Socceroos as they take on Paraguay in the World Cup. The first half will be shown in Tutor Rooms, with students then gathering at Mitchell Oval and the RSCH for the second half. Students are encouraged to bring their Socceroos gear to wear for the game.
Best of luck to all students and staff travelling on school tours over the break, including the European Strings Tour, the National Sailing Championships and the Years 9–11 Tiwi Immersion Experience. We look forward to hearing about your adventures on your return.
Finally, thank you to our parents and guardians for your ongoing support throughout the term. I wish all families a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 3.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- Friday 26 June -Term 2 concludes
- Wednesday 22 July – Term 3 commences
- BGS+ Community Term 2 Holiday Program Timetable
- Uniform Shop (Campus Location) – Holiday Trading Hours
Step Back in Time
The Heritage Centre has been transformed into a captivating journey through scientific history. Our school community is invited to come and explore the latest exhibition for Science Month with the theme of Seeds of Science: Nurturing knowledge for all.
This unique display bridges the past and the present, celebrating the evolution of discovery through incredible archival artefacts and hands-on nature studies.
Whether you are a science enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious, this exhibition offers a wonderful, nostalgic glimpse into the tools that shaped modern understanding.
Read full article by Sudipta Gangopadhyay, SS Laboratory Technician and Dr Caroline Webber, School Archivist.
Fencing Success
Last Sunday, three students proudly represented BGS at the Victorian Schools Fencing Competition: Nigel (Year 10), William (Year 9) and Oscar (Year 8). Competing as a team in the Men’s Épée event, the boys delivered an outstanding performance to secure the bronze medal.
Congratulations to Nigel, William and Oscar on this excellent result.
Cross Country State Championships
Last Saturday, the entire Cross Country team competed in the AV All Schools Cross Country State Championships in Bundoora Park.
Well done to our U18 team consisting of Henry, Max and Jack (all Year 11) and Jasper (Year 12) for achieving second place in Victoria and being presented with Silver medals.
Our U17 team, consisting of Jes, Ethan, Curtis and Harrison (all Year 10), finished third in the state and were all awarded Bronze medals.
Read full report by Woody Wu, Year 9.
Inspired by Science
Senior science students had a wonderful opportunity this week to hear from BGS Hall of Famer Alan Oppenheim AM (OB 1975), Managing Director of Ego Pharmaceuticals.
The boys gained a fascinating insight into the science behind the company’s globally recognised skincare products, as well as the advanced technology used at its Victorian manufacturing facility.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the highly interactive session with Alan, making the most of the opportunity by asking plenty of thoughtful questions. It was also inspiring for the boys to hear from someone so passionate about his work and to see the diverse career pathways that a background in science can provide.
The presentation was a collaborative initiative between the OBGS and the Science Faculty, led by Head of Science Fiona Wallis, as part of the School’s Science Week program.
Kate Speirs
Alumni and Community Manager
Mural Collaboration
Bayley House has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with our school, with students generously contributing their time and creativity to mural projects over many years.
This year, as part of Service Learning Week, Year 9 students returned to Bayley Arts for a second mural project, this time led by artist Noni Drew. Over five days, BGS boys worked alongside Bayley artists to base coat, draw up and paint a beautiful new mural for the Bayley Arts community.
From the Archives
A positive relationship between students and staff is integral to Brighton Grammar School. Over the years, students have expressed their gratitude to staff in various ways – from handwritten thank you notes to silver tea services!
This Edwardian tea service, part of the School’s Archive collection, was presented to Alice Crowther, the wife of Dr Crowther (the founder of BGS), in the early 1990s by the Boaders to show their affection and appreciation.
The kettle features reeded decoration along the body and is raised on legs ending in paw-shaped feet. This raises it high enough for a spirit burner to sit beneath the kettle and keep the contents hot.
Sometimes teachers are acknowledged anonymously, such as the message that appeared on the chalkboard in the Heritage Centre: “You don’t have to be the best, you just have to be your best. Mr Tellefson told me this!”
The message has now been replaced with a diagram of the stages of seed germination as part of Science Week. Head along to the Heritage Centre to view some antiquarian scientific posters and equipment from the School Archive.
From Reverend Waterhouse
Two Mondays ago, the Head of Secondary School, a selection of boys from Years 10 and 11 and I travelled to St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, in order to participate in a student forum, facilitated by the Melbourne Anglican Foundation.
It was a wonderful experience to be present in our mother church with the new Archbishop of Melbourne, Ric Thorpe, and a large representation of students from about 23 other Anglican schools in Victoria.
The student forum had as its focus the ideas of faith, identity and belonging. In particular, four questions were asked and discussed concerning where God can be found in times of silence, in AI, in the environment and in seasons of conflict?
As a result of the various conversations which took place, what became abundantly clear is that young people are open to, and desire, an authentic experience with God which provides both meaning and a message of hope in their lives.
For Christians, it is ultimately the person of Jesus Christ who embodies both meaning and hope, both for this world and the world to come. In John’s gospel, Jesus affirms that, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ [10:10].
We are thankful at Brighton Grammar to be part of a schools network which seeks to engage young hearts and minds with those timeless truths that bring certainty in an often uncertain world.