Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolIt was a pleasure to welcome the boys back today. Their energy and focus have set a strong foundation for a productive year at Brighton Grammar.
I also extend a warm welcome to the new students and their families joining us in 2026.
This year, we are pleased to fully utilise several new or upgraded learning spaces, including the Urwin Centre Library, the Secondary School Library and Resource Centre, and the Ian McPherson Food Technology Centre, all enhancing opportunities for learning, literacy, and creativity.
In 2026, our priorities remain clear:
- embedding the Effective Learner Model across all ages and subject areas
- strengthening our commitment to positive masculinity
- building thriving staff teams, acknowledging the connection between staff culture and academic outcomes
- ensuring creativity continues to shape learning both inside and beyond the classroom
Please take a moment to watch my welcome video. I look forward to connecting with you and your sons throughout 2026.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolIt was great to see students back at school today, particularly our new Year 7s as they begin their exciting journey at BGS. Our Year 7s were warmly welcomed by our Year 13s, and it was nice to see so many smiling faces around the campus.
Last week, our Year 12 students took part in the Big Fella program. While we were unable to attend our usual location due to fire risk, the program was nonetheless outstanding and included inspiring guest speakers such as former Ironman surf lifesaving champion and life coach Trevor Hendy and renowned AFL player Scott Pendlebury, as well as a hike on the Mornington Peninsula, finishing at the Cape Schanck Lighthouse.
On the program, students developed their Legacy Project and focused on how to make the most of their final year. The challenging hike was a particular highlight, offering breathtaking views and a strong sense of achievement. Our Year 12s commence their academic classes tomorrow, and we wish them every success.
Finally, next Tuesday our Year 12 students will join with Year 12 Firbank Grammar students for a commencement afternoon tea, followed by a blessing from the Archbishop in St Andrew’s Church.
I look forward to connecting with our parent community at the upcoming Parent Welcome Evenings, this evening for Years 7 and 8, and on Tuesday for Years 9 to 12.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- Thursday 29 January – Year 7 & 8 Parent Welcome Evening
- Tuesday 3 February – VCE Information and Parent Welcome Night Years 9-12
- Friday 6 February – House Swimming Carnival
- Thursday 12 February – Parent Teacher Student Discussions
- Tuesday 17 February – Parent Teacher Student Discussions
BGS Custom Mouthguards
A properly fitted mouthguard is a required component of the Brighton Grammar uniform for sports like rugby, football and hockey and plays an important role in reducing the risk of dental injury during school sport.
Brighton Grammar has arranged for Prosthetique Dental Designs to provide custom-fitted, Brighton Grammar–branded mouthguards for students.
For further information, please visit our website and arrange a fitting to ensure your mouthguard is in place for the upcoming APS season.
Sailing Success
Over the holidays, Year 9 student Sam Smith competed in the Australian International Optimist National Sailing Championships held in Hobart.
Competing against Australia’s best young sailors, Sam was awarded the Peter Gilmour Most Improved Sailor Perpetual Trophy, a prestigious honour recognising his significant development over the past 12 months. After qualifying for the Silver Fleet at the 2025 Championships in Queensland, Sam stepped up to qualify for the Gold Fleet in the Open Division at this year’s event, climbing an impressive 61 places overall.
The trophy itself carries special significance, adorned with the wind indicator from Kookaburra III, sailed by Peter Gilmour during the 1987 America’s Cup as Australia’s Defender. Sam now has the honour of caring for this historic trophy for the year ahead.
Sam’s achievement is a testament to his dedication, resilience and willingness to train and race in challenging conditions, including some famously demanding Hobart weather. It also reflects the strength of Brighton Grammar’s Sailing program and the tireless work behind the scenes.
Congratulations to Sam on this outstanding achievement!
Bayside Talent on Show
Bayside Local, the annual art exhibition at the Bayside Gallery, opens this weekend, showcasing works by leading local artists.
Our Head of Art (Years 7–12), Michael Hawkins, and Artist in Residence, Noni Drew, have been chosen to feature their works at this prestigious event, along with Stefan Bandura (Year 12), Corey Dow and Felix Pigott (both OB 2025). Read full report.
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Student Device Safety and Usage Policy
In line with the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, which restricts social media and YouTube access for children under 16 from 10 December 2025, the School is taking proactive steps to protect our students online.
From 10 December 2025, all BGS student laptops will remain child-safe and learning-ready at all times, extending our current school-hours restrictions to home use.
To support focus and wellbeing, gaming will no longer be permitted on school devices. This aligns with expert recommendations from Headspace and our commitment to a safe, productive learning environment.
St Andrew’s Tennis Club
The St Andrew’s Tennis Club is back, with a range of new coaching programs including personal coaching, squad coaching, beginner programs, cardio tennis, junior coaching, hot shots and pee wees as well as squad coaching.
In partnership with the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club, members of the BGS community are invited to join as the club enters into a new era.
Learn more, sign up and book a coaching session.
From Reverend Waterhouse
As enjoyable as the holidays have been, it is indeed wonderful to come back to school and witness a sea of smiles and enthusiastic faces, as a new school year begins for 2026.
Along with other staff members, it was a wonderful experience for me to join the Year 12s last week for their Big Fella experience, where their vision and legacy for the year was discussed and set.
The 14km Two Bays hike on the Friday to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse was indeed a worthy venture, not only due to the spectacular ocean scenery but as it also reminded me of the significance of walking, both literally and metaphorically.
The group I hiked with didn’t so much walk as do a quickstep march along the undulating track (thanks, Crowther House!).
However, the style of our “walking” is also a metaphor for the conduct of our life and how we are travelling, choice-wise. It’s a common theme in the Bible.
In John 8:12, Jesus affirmed, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” That’s a wonderful promise to take hold of at the beginning of a new school season.
How will you walk this year?