Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolOne of the most rewarding aspects of education is seeing young people discover their passion and sense of purpose.
A key role as a school is to create an environment that encourages curiosity, enabling boys the freedom to explore widely and without judgment, and helping them discover areas where they can excel.
The replica of Old Boy John Duigan’s biplane, suspended in the Duigan Centre, serves as a daily incentive for our students to dream boldly and aim high.
Over the weekend, a group of Secondary School boys did just that, achieving outstanding results at the STEM Racing National Finals. Team Lunar was crowned National Champion for the second year in a row (a first for the competition) and will now compete at the World Finals in Singapore in late September. Team Ad Astra also earned an individual award and finished a close fourth, a testament to their innovation and hard work.
You can read more here about their achievements. A shared thread in both teams’ success in their commitment to collaboration, accountability, resilience and learning by doing.
These qualities are echoed across many areas of the school, from exceptional performances of our musicians to the inspiring efforts of our Junior and Secondary Cross Country and Golf teams, and the positive display of talent and spirit at last week’s House Choral.
Finally, enjoy the long weekend, and I hope you find some time to explore your interests.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolLast weekend, the BGS STEM Racing teams achieved outstanding success at the 2025 Australian National Finals, with Lunar crowned National Champion Team, an exceptional accomplishment. Congratulations to all the students and staff involved for their hard work and dedication.
As we approach the final weeks of Term 2, there is a noticeable increase in focus and momentum. Year 10 and 11 students are working through their mid-year exams, while our Year 12s continue with SACs and exam preparation.
Exam results will be returned next Wednesday, and the following Tuesday marks the first of our coaching days for the year. These one-on-one sessions with House Tutors provide a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on their progress, set goals, and further strengthen relationships with their tutor.
Semester 2 classes begin next Thursday, which will see some changes to timetables and teaching staff for a number of students.
The upcoming King’s Birthday long weekend is well-timed, offering a welcome break for students, staff, and families alike.
Wishing you and your family a restful and enjoyable long weekend.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- 9 June – School Closure: King’s Birthday
- 17 June – Coaching Day
- Term dates – Term 2 concludes on Friday 27 June and Term 3 commences on Wednesday 23 July
House Choral Competition
On Thursday 29 May the Secondary School gathered in St Andrew’s Church for the annual House Choral Festival. The quality of performances was better than ever, with significant student leadership across the board.
That being said, there can only be one winner! Congratulations to Fairweather for their winning performance of Hit Me Baby One More Time and We’re Gonna Outfox You.
Also, special mention to Most Promising Conductor Jared Thomas (Rofe) and winner of the House Spirit Award Billy Burgess (Melville).
Special thanks to our adjudicator, Amy Wert, from Toorak College, and all Music, House and Maintenance Staff. We are already looking forward to House Choral 2026!
Jared Furtado
Head of Choral
BGS Dominates STEM Racing Nationals
Brighton Grammar School has once again affirmed its place at the forefront of STEM Racing, with Team Lunar crowned Australian National Champions at the 2025 Nationals.
Lunar delivered a commanding performance, sweeping nine major category awards, including Best Engineering, Best CAD, and Best Verbal Presentation, while also taking out the Knockout Race Champion title. Team Ad Astra also shone, receiving the Outstanding Industry Collaboration Award.
Read full report from Jamie Watson, Head of STEM Racing.
Coaching Day
To support our boys in balancing academics, relationships, co-curricular activities and their own wellbeing, we ensure that each boy and his House Tutor are provided with time for coaching conversations through the year.
Why Coaching Matters
Coaching conversations are designed to help students take ownership of their learning, reflect on their progress, and plan for the future. Through structured, student-led dialogue, coaching builds independence, fosters resilience, and strengthens self-awareness.
It’s a space for boys to share their story, celebrate their wins, acknowledge their challenges, and set purposeful goals.
When and How
On Tuesday 17 June, your son will meet with his House Tutor for a 15-minute coaching session. During this time, he’ll reflect on his semester, covering academic achievements, co-curricular engagement, and his contributions to the broader community.
Students are only required on campus for the duration of their scheduled coaching appointment. House Tutors will share individual appointment times via SchoolBox.
Please note: Due to a different schedule on this date, Year 12 students will not participate in coaching conversations, as they will be on-site completing the GAT.
How You Can Support at Home
Partnership between home and school is central to each boy’s success. Here are a few ways you can support the coaching process:
Start reflective conversations
Ask open-ended questions, ‘What are you most proud of this semester?’ or ‘What would you do differently next time?’
Model goal setting
Share your own strategies for facing challenges or achieving personal goals.
Our House Tutors play a vital role in supporting your son’s journey and are always happy to connect with you to discuss his progress. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to continue the conversation.
Together, let’s continue to empower our boys to lead their own learning and shape their future with confidence.
Katie White
Director of Students
Celebrating Music Excellence
We are delighted to announce the outstanding achievements of our Secondary School students in the recent AMEB Violin and Viola Examinations, held last Monday at Brighton Grammar.
The Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) is recognised nationwide as the gold standard for assessing musical proficiency. These rigorous exams require focus, dedication, and technical mastery—and our students have risen to the occasion with remarkable success.
Congratulations to the following students on their excellent performances:
AMEB Grade 2
• Thomas Chen (Year 9)
AMEB Grade 3
• Sun Lance (Year 7)
• Henry Zhang (Year 7)
AMEB Grade 4
• Terrence Ji (Year 7)
AMEB Grade 5
• Thomas Zhuang (Year 9)
AMEB Grade 6
• Ethan Yang (Year 9)
Special Recognition
A heartfelt congratulations to Leo Lin (Year 9) for achieving AMEB Grade 8 Violin—an extraordinary milestone that reflects years of disciplined study and musical maturity.
We are incredibly proud of all our students for their commitment to musical excellence. Their achievements are a testament not only to their individual hard work, but also to the strength of our music program and the guidance of our dedicated teachers.
Bravo to all our young musicians!
Harry Tsai
Head of Strings
Friends of Art Afternoon Tea
The Friends of Art and Visual Arts team put together a wonderful afternoon tea and exhibition yesterday in The Duigan Centre. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the creativity and talent of our secondary art students, and to share their work with the broader school community.
BGS Business Breakfast
Our next BGS Business Breakfast on Monday 16 June features guest speaker Joshua Ball (OB 2013), co-founder of Farmers Pick.
Joshua will outline the journey of this subscription-based service that delivers unconventional yet fresh produce directly to consumers, promoting sustainability and reducing food waste. Since inception, Farmers Pick has saved over 10 million kilograms of produce and expanded to a team of 120 employees.
Join us at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club to hear how Joshua and Farmers Pick continues to have a positive impact on both the environment and the economy.
Free Heart Checks
During the month of June, we are offering free heart health checks to all staff, parents and the wider community. This initiative aims to raise awareness about heart health within the BGS community.
From Thursday 12 June (after 3.00pm) – Wednesday 25 June, BGS will host a SiSU Health Station on-site at the Annandale Pavilion, providing convenient access for everyone to monitor their heart health.
The SiSU Health Stations offer quick, non-invasive checks that include measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, and other critical indicators of cardiovascular health.
Please share this with friends and family – we want everyone in the community to be involved and part of it.
From Reverend Waterhouse
I wonder what your most treasured gift is? A handwritten letter? A keepsake from a grandparent? A piece of jewellery?
A number of years ago, my uncle gifted me a travelling Communion kit, which was previously owned by his father, my grandfather, for the purpose of delivering the Eucharist to bedridden parishioners in hospital. I greatly treasure this kind gift.
Coming up this Sunday in the Christian calendar is the celebration of Pentecost – fifty days after Easter – which commemorates the sending down of the Holy Spirit from the Ascended Son and the Heavenly Father, upon the first disciples in the city of Jerusalem.
Jesus had previously spoken of the Spirit as a promised gift this way: “Wait for the gift my Father promised, which you heard me speak about … in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” [Acts 1:4-5].
On the day of Pentecost, we are told that the disciples, after being filled with the Spirit (which looked like tongues of fire upon their heads), ‘began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them.’ [Acts 2:4].
The Holy Spirit is free gift, generously given to those who turn to Christ in repentance and faith. The Spirit not only consoles us and comforts us, but also reminds us that we have God himself living in us.
What a gift!