Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolAs a school, we prioritise developing academic excellence while also nurturing well-rounded individuals who demonstrate a spirit of service.
The role of Chapel Server is available to students across both Junior School and Secondary School to gain a sense of community and responsibility. Yesterday our Secondary School Chapel Servers for 2025 were inducted at St Andrew’s.
While the duties may seem straightforward, being a Chapel Server teaches our boys the value of being part of something greater than themselves, reinforcing the importance of service in everyday life.
This concept is further instilled in our Junior School students, through structured RE classes and community service programs such as St Mark’s Fitzroy Ute Full of Food and Mary McKillop Family Services Gift Drive, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.
These initiatives show our commitment to providing students with experiences that extend beyond the classroom, where service and learning go hand in hand. Just as classroom lessons are vital, the insights and messages gained from our regular Chapel hold great significance.
Finally, this month is Movember and I congratulate our Year 11 students who have formed a run crew to raise funds for men’s mental health, a cause close to Brighton Grammar’s heart with our work in the +M space.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolWelcome back after an extended long weekend. It was refreshing to have some time to take stock of all that has happened this term to date and look forward to all that is to come.
I am looking forward to the Years 9-12 Student Art Exhibition and Community Art Show at Bayley Arts, Highett which opens at 5.30pm tonight. It’s a great chance to celebrate the creativity of our students and community, you won’t want to miss it.
Our Year 12s are feeling very supported through their examinations and are showing positivity in the Quad before and after their examinations which has been great to see.
Yesterday, we inducted our 2025 Chapel Servers: Woody Aldridge, Jacob Everett, Hugh Kabengele, Harvey Newstead, Jared Thomas, David Webb, and Charles Williams. Congratulations to them all!
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- 7 November – BGS Community Art Exhibition Opening Night at Bayley Arts in Highett
- 21 November, 6.00pm (dinner), 7.00pm (workshop) – Workshop for international parents
- 27 November, 6.00pm – Presentation Evening at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University (Clayton Campus)
- 2 December, 7.00pm – Community Carols Service at St Andrew’s Church
- SchoolPix Group/Team photos taken in Term 4 are now available for purchase, please see BGS app for details.
Year 8 Field Trip
Our Year 8 students recently participated in a fieldwork excursion to Brighton Beach to explore the coastal landscapes and observe how the Brighton foreshore is used and managed. They examined the beach’s natural features, including dunes and rock formations and discussed the connection between human activity and the environment.
They analysed the management practices in place to reduce erosion and maintain the coastline’s beauty. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with their local environment and understand the importance of sustainable coastal management.
Maddy Dwyer
Director of Operations
Award nominations for Oliver!
We are very proud to announce that our combined production of Oliver! with Firbank Grammar has earned nominations for the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria’s Annual Bruce Awards.
Our cast and staff have achieved both nominations and commendations, highlighting their outstanding talent and dedication.
Nominations:
• Best Ensemble – Brighton Grammar and Firbank Grammar Schools
• Supporting Performer in a Female Presenting Role: Savannah Smith as Nancy
Commendations:
• Direction: Michael Kent
• Musical Directions: Susie Heggie and Christine Heald
• Choreography: Chris Horsey
Congratulations to everyone involved.
BGS FGS Social
Our Year 7s recently enjoyed a lively activity afternoon with Firbank Grammar students, hosted by our 2025 Prefects.
The Prefects organised a range of fun activities, including ice breakers, a Halloween-themed drawing competition, trivia, and Halloween charades.
The afternoon was all about fostering connections and friendships between the Brighton Grammar and Firbank students. The energy and creativity of the students—and their Halloween spirit—made for a memorable and meaningful afternoon of bonding!
Maddy Dwyer
Director of Operations
From Reverend Waterhouse
‘Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant … For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve …’ [Mark 10:43 & 45].
At Secondary School Chapel this week, we inducted our seven new Year 12 Chapel Servers for 2025. Their official title is an “acolyte”, which derives from the Greek word akolouthos, meaning companion, attendant, or helper. In our school context, the boys will be engaged in leading Bible readings and prayers, preparing the church for worship and then tidying up afterwards.
Through their anticipated service in our chapel gatherings, the servers are to model their attitude and actions upon both the teaching and example of Christ, who himself came to earth to serve, the full example being through laying down his life for us upon the cross, as a sacrifice for sin.
At its heart, service is other person centred. It is often not glamorous. It is often largely unseen. It may also be a thankless task.
However, as Jesus affirms, it is the path to true “greatness” and it is ultimately seen by God in Heaven, whom we ultimately seek to please and serve.