Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolI recently listened to an episode of The High Performance Podcast featuring sleep expert Stephanie Romiszewski, which I highly recommend.
While the conversation focused on sleep, one of the strongest messages that resonated with me was not about what we do at night, but what we do each morning.
There were many takeaways that apply equally to our boys and to us as adults. The key message was the importance of consistency and routine. Regular wake times, exposure to natural light early in the day, movement, and establishing healthy daily rhythms all play a significant role in setting us up for quality sleep later that night.
The Crowther Centre has developed a Position Paper on Sleep, recognising the important role it plays in learning, emotional regulation, physical health and overall performance.
For boys especially, good sleep habits are among the most powerful, yet often overlooked, foundations for success both in and out of the classroom. Quality sleep supports concentration, wellbeing, resilience and recovery, helping boys make the most of each day.
As we head into the long weekend, it may be worth reflecting on the small daily habits that can have a meaningful impact over time. A good night’s sleep often begins long before bedtime, and an early morning start or prod isn’t always such a bad thing!
I look forward to welcoming the boys back on Tuesday 9 June and finishing Semester 1 strongly.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolLast weekend, we celebrated our annual Indigenous Round, with our First XVIII Football team recording a win over Geelong Grammar, to remain undefeated for the season. As part of the occasion, we hosted an IPSG Indigenous Round Lunch in the BHIVE, where families enjoyed lunch while watching the match and supporting the team.
As we approach the final weeks of Term 2, there is a noticeable increase in focus and momentum. Our Year 9 students are enjoying a range of activities across Melbourne as part of Service Learning Week, Year 10 and 11 students are working through their mid-year examinations, and our Year 12 students continue to balance SACs with preparation for their final examinations.
Mid-year examination results will be released next Wednesday, and the following Tuesday will see the first of our Coaching Days for the year. These one-on-one meetings with House Tutors provide a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on their progress, review their goals, and further strengthen their relationship with their tutor.
Semester 2 classes commence next Thursday, bringing timetable adjustments and, for some students, changes to teaching staff. This transition marks an exciting opportunity for a fresh start and renewed focus for the remainder of the year.
The upcoming King’s Birthday long weekend is well timed and will provide a welcome opportunity for students, staff, and families to rest and recharge.
I wish you and your family a safe, restful, and enjoyable long weekend.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- Monday 1 June to Friday 5 June – Year 9 Service Learning Week
- Monday 8 June – King’s Birthday
- Tuesday 9 June – Year 9-11 Absentee Exams
- Wednesday 10 June – Exam Handback Day
- Tuesday 16 June – Coaching Day
House Choral
On Thursday 28 May, the Secondary School gathered at St Andrew’s Church for the annual House Choral Festival. The standard of performances was exceptional – arguably the strongest yet – with impressive student leadership evident throughout.
Of course, there can only be one winner. Congratulations to Armstrong House for their outstanding performances of Don’t Look Back in Anger and the Armstrong House Song. Special recognition goes to Philip Edselius (Dixon), who was awarded Most Promising Conductor, and to Joey Williams (Rofe), who was recipient of the House Spirit Award.
Sincere thanks to our adjudicator, Elizabeth Tindall from Lauriston Girls’ School, as well as to all Music, House, and Maintenance staff for their support. We are already looking forward to House Choral 2027!
Jared Furtado
Head of Choral
Australian Animal Protection Society Visit
The VM class has supported Australian Animal Protection Society this term (AAPS). This morning we delivered donations of pet food to the shelter in Keysborough. Donations were from Urwin Centre and Secondary School students. We then had a tour of the facilities and were shown where the dogs and cats are housed while awaiting surgery and then adoption.
If anyone wants a new pet we cannot recommend AAPS more highly, their website shows the animals available for adoption. Thanks to all who brought in a donation which was hugely appreciated.
Biddy Duckham
Vocational Major Coordinator
Chamber Groups Shine
A number of BGS students participated in two music competitions over the weekend, delivering outstanding performances and achieving excellent results at both the Boroondara and Ringwood Eisteddfods.
At the Boroondara Eisteddfod on Friday, our Year 8 Piano Quintet, directed by Samuel Ke, earned a well-deserved third place. Our Year 10 Piano Quintet, directed by Dorota Swart, delivered a superb performance to claim first place, a fantastic achievement against strong competition.
On Sunday, five of our chamber groups: the Year 7 String Quartet, Year 8 Piano Quintet, Year 9 Piano Trio, Year 10 Piano Quintet and String Octet, competed at the Ringwood Eisteddfod among a highly competitive field of 29 ensembles. The boys performed with confidence, musicality and maturity throughout the day, with the Year 8 Piano Quintet receiving an Honourable Mention, a wonderful recognition given the calibre of the competition.
Read full article by Harry Tsai, Head of Strings.
Cross Country Success
Brighton Grammar had success at the recent APS Cross Country Round 3 at Haileybury, Berwick.
Year 9 student Ariel Friedrich came first in the Intermediate Division, completing the 3.52 km in 12:40, 40 seconds ahead of second place.
Ariel’s success is even more impressive considering this is his first full APS round since having ENT surgery. We congratulate him and look forward to seeing what he can do in his bright future.
Nick Kong
Head of Cross Country
Free Self Service Health Check
In June and in conjunction with Men’s Health Week, free health checks are on offer to all staff, parents and the wider BGS community, to raise heart health awareness.
From Tuesday 9 June to Saturday 20 June, BGS will host a SiSU Health Station on-site at the Annandale Pavilion First Aid room, providing convenient access for everyone to monitor their heart health.
Opening hours are Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm and Saturday 9.00am – 12.00pm.
The SiSU Health Stations offer quick, non-invasive checks that include measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, and other critical indicators of cardiovascular health.
Friends and family are welcome; we invite everyone in the community to take part.
For more information, watch the Health Station how-to and explainer or read the health check results document.
Chance to Win
The RCD Foundation is offering the Brighton Grammar community a special early bird registration promotion for Connor’s Run 2026.
Every BGS student, parent or staff member registered for Connor’s Run by 9 June will automatically go into the draw to win a $50 Grill’d voucher.
Register now for the Connor’s Run Event Day on Sunday 13 September or Your Way Any Day All of September to participate in this wonderful fundraiser in honour of BGS Old Boy Connor Dawes (OB 2012).
BGS Business Breakfast
Join us for the next BGS Business Breakfast on Wednesday 17 June at 7.30am with special guest, Hayley Morris.
Hayley is an Australian philanthropist, impact investor and social entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience across business, philanthropy and systems change. She co-founded purpose-driven ventures, including Keys for Future-Fit Leadership Academy, Sustainable Table, Climate Zero, The Regenerative Leader, and the farm-to-table restaurant Barragunda Dining.
Hayley also leads the Morris Family Foundation and is a Director of The Morris Group, while also supporting leaders as a certified coach in vertical development.
Hear Hayley share insights on purpose-driven leadership and how business can drive positive change. Book now.
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:
(a) crossing on Allee Street
(b) crossing on Outer Crescent
(c) crossing on St Andrews Street
(d) traffic lights on New Street
The safety of our students is paramount, and we thank you for your co-operation.
From the Archives
In 1957, a student project book was produced to mark the 75th anniversary of the School.
As well as a series of challenges and places to keep records, the book also included advice about the importance of regularity and routines, such as:
“To some boys the mere keeping of the project-book for three terms will be a task indeed, but more than that is needed, To complete the records and fulfil the requirements should be a constant reminder of the biggest challenge of all, the challenge to lift our standards; to replace the all-too-prevalent 50% target with one of 100%”.
The following methods and manners were deemed essential tools for understanding the Art of Study:
“Seek peace and quiet.
Be methodical with books and notes.
Adopt the most helpful body posture.
Have regular times, and use other times too.
Take advantage of times when you are fresh.
Use the pencil to assist the eye and the mind.
Vary the type of task.”
The project book also included “Rules to Keep”, one with a poignant reminder that “The Rules of Health bring well-being.”
From Reverend Waterhouse
This week at Chapel, it was a great pleasure to interview Andrew Lauterstein, a 2005 Old Boy, a Hall of Famer, and an Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimmer. Of particular note is that Andrew won three medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won a Silver medal as part of the men’s 4×100 metre medley relay team. Swimming the Butterfly leg, he swam shoulder to shoulder against the great American swimming champion Michael Phelps no less!
Australians have traditionally punched above their weight, sporting-wise, on the world stage, and we are indeed blessed at Brighton Grammar that the pursuit of sporting excellence (in amongst the pursuit of academic, musical, artistic and personal excellence) is indeed so prized and promoted.
One of the Bible readings that was read out during the chapel service was from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church in Greece: ‘Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.’ [9:24-27].
What is the “crown that lasts forever” of which Paul speaks? It is the gift of eternal life, safely secured by the Lord Jesus at Easter time through his death and resurrection.
The good news is that we don’t need to be up on the dais or winning tight races to gain this reward. It is free gift, obtained by grace, through faith. What a prize!