Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolA recent report from the American Institute of Boys’ Schools Management (AIBM) offers timely insights into what truly matters in educating boys well, and reaffirms much of what we value within our own school gates.
Whilst the research is somewhat limited to public all-boys’ schools in the US, I believe there’s broader applicability. At its core, the research reinforces that boys thrive in schools where relationships are strong, values are shared, and teaching is tailored to meet boys where they are at.
Key takeaways include:
- Boys thrive in schools with strong adult-student relationships, shared values, active learning, and teaching that meets boys where they are at. It was noted that all-boys schools are uniquely equipped to deliver these with consistency and purpose.
- Behaviour and engagement improve in high performing and well run boys’ schools.
- Boys benefit when staff show genuine interest in their lives and take time to understand their experiences.
- Relationships are strengthened when staff help boys self-reflect and articulate their thoughts and feelings. Activities like talking circles or public speaking opportunities were seen as especially valuable.
- Ritual and ceremonies are an important mechanism for developing character and reinforcing shared values.
To me, the message is clear: boys respond positively when their environment is right. Much of what we do in our day-to-day work as educators is echoed in this report. We all have a role to play and I’m proud that our school continues to focus on these foundations, knowing they have a lasting impact for our students.
Have a great week.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolThis week at BGS, we celebrated Languages Week, with the Languages Faculty running a variety of engaging activities to highlight the academic and social value of language learning. A big thank you to our passionate and dedicated languages team for their continued efforts in inspiring students across the school.
Next week, our Parent, Teacher, and Student Discussions begin. These conversations provide an important opportunity to reflect on each student’s progress and set clear, purposeful goals for Semester 2.
Tonight, I’m looking forward to attending the Dance Lab at Firbank, where it will be fantastic to see some of our talented dance troupe boys performing. Several of these students will also be representing BGS in Hobart later this month. It’s exciting to see our dance program continuing to go from strength to strength.
We’re also pleased to share that a new Student Leadership page has been added to our website, featuring profiles of our 2025 Prefects. You can view it here.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- Monday 4 August, 7.00pm: Having Positive Conversations (A workshop for International Parents and their sons) at Annandale Library
- Thursday 7 August, 3.00-9.30pm: Parent, Teacher, Student Discussions
- Tuesday 12 August, 2.00-8.30pm: Parent, Teacher, Student Discussions
- Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 August: Spongebob the Musical at Rosstrevor Hall
- SchoolPix Summer Sports photos are now available for purchase, order details here.
UK Cricket Tour
During our three weeks in the UK, Belgium, and France, the boys and teachers learned and experienced an abundance of new things.
The first stage of the tour, set in the UK, was initially cricket focused where we played nine games in unseasonably hot weather. We played a variety of schools including, notably, Midstream College from South Africa and Warwick School which was founded in 914.
At these schools we had the opportunity to play at county-level grounds with highlights including last over wins and a century in the First XI.
Alongside our playing, we were able to train and tour Lords and watch the thrilling final day of the Edgbaston test match between England and India. We also had time for sightseeing across countries where we were lucky enough to explore sights and places such as Big Ben, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, WW1 Battlefields, Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower before finishing on a high at EuroDisney in Paris!
All students were appreciative of the opportunities and life experiences.
James Crewdson
Year 11
Tiwi Island Immersion
Our students who took part in the Connect Country Immersion Experience on the remote and spectacular Tiwi islands were readily welcomed into the Community due to the growing bond our school has cultivated over the years. The boys were steeped in profound experiences, which have been transformative and will undoubtedly allow them to develop a lifelong, empathetic reflection through their increased cultural understanding, building a more authentic sense of what Community and Country truly mean.
Their days were filled with running footy clinics, fishing competitions and helping out at the Red Cross Children’s Play Group. Beyond these rewarding service activities, they also participated in traditional art workshops, singing and dancing, and hunting in the Mangrove forest.
One profoundly memorable experience, among the many experienced, was camping On Country at Karslake, where the boys had the rare experience of being invited by the Traditional Owners. The opportunity to stay with Community On Country, watch shark fins go by skimming the surface of the water, and sleep near burial sites resplendent with Pukumani poles, an art form unique to the people of Tiwi, is truly a unique adventure that would not be possible if we did not have the deepening and rewarding connections and trust we have built over time with the Community.
If you are interested this trip will also run next year – definitely the chance of a lifetime.
Kathryn Counihan
English Teacher
Australian Synchrotron visit
Our Unit 2 Physics students visited the Australian Synchrotron in Clayton this week, one of the most advanced pieces of scientific infrastructure in the Southern Hemisphere.
The synchrotron uses electric and magnetic fields to accelerate electrons to near the speed of light, producing intense beams of light that researchers use to investigate everything from new medicines to materials science. For our students, it was a powerful opportunity to witness how the concepts they study in class, like particle motion, fields and electromagnetic radiation are applied in the real world.
The experience not only deepened their understanding of Physics but also offered a glimpse into the future of science and technology. Working through structured experiments and touring the facility, the boys engaged with professional scientists and cutting-edge equipment, gaining insight into how physics drives innovation and discovery.
The visit was both inspiring and empowering, reminding students that the ideas they learn today could form the foundation of tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Chris Dale
Head of Physics
Street Crossings & Road Safety
A reminder to parents and students that students must use the designated crossings when crossing the streets outside our school, particularly (but not limited to) the Urwin Centre.
Crossings available include:
- crossing on Allee Street
- crossing on Outer Crescent
- crossing on St Andrews Street
- traffic lights on New Street
The safety of our students is paramount, and we thank you for your cooperation.
BGS Business Breakfast
At our next BGS Business Breakfast on 27 August, guest speaker Tim Toner, co-founder and CEO of Affinda Group, will offer his insights on the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Affinda Group is a rising force in AI, driving growth through two innovative ventures: Affinda (AI-powered document processing) and Draftable (legal document comparison software). Trusted by over 1,750 customers across 75 countries, they are supported by some of Australia’s leading family offices.
Join us to hear Tim’s story of founding the Group, including his advice on how to make AI work for you, with some interactive examples.
Pink Dinner
Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Pink Dinner, a fun night for the women of our BGS community to connect, share some laughs, and this year, support the Leukaemia Foundation.
Book a table of 12 or individual tickets (we’ll aim to seat you with your preferred year level). Book here
From Reverend Waterhouse
The 48th Parliament of Australia was opened last week in Canberra. Unless we are watching during the day or catching up with Question Time afterwards on YouTube, it is easy to miss all the formalities with the Governor-General, the first-time speeches by new MPs or the rearrangements in seating in the houses.
However, what goes on in the chambers obviously has significance for all Australians and it shouldn’t surprise us that God also is concerned with public affairs. This is his world and part of his “rule” in this world is through the medium of human rulers, officials and governors.
While appointed leaders have a responsibility to undertake their charge with humility, justice and integrity, remembering that they are answerable to God, we citizens too are told to behave accordingly. In his epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul instructs, ‘the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.’ [13:6-7].
In short, when a government does well, the people do well. I invite you therefore to pray the Anglican Church prayer below for our Federal Government.
The opening of the 48th Parliament
Most gracious Father, ruler of the nations,
we pray for the Parliament of this Commonwealth of Australia,
especially our Prime Minister, his Cabinet,
and the various officers and appointed members.
Direct their work and influence their decisions to the advancement of your glory
and the safety and welfare of this country,
so that peace and happiness, truth and justice,
may be established among us. Amen.