The day concluded with the formal Valedictory Dinner; a wonderful evening of celebration hosted at the MCC. Over the last week, we celebrated our Valedictory Days with the Year 12 boys. During the school holidays, I travelled down to Phillip Island, so to spend a few days resting and exploring some of the sublime walks around the rugged coastal cliffs. The combination of the red granite rocks and aqua-coloured waters was truly magnificent. Over the break, Dr Ray Swann, Dr Mark Dowley and I attended the International Boys’ School Coalition conference in New Zealand. Ray and I gave an overview of further directions in Positive Masculinity (+M), I was a panellist on an education research session and Mark presented a student engagement workshop.
Other opportunities for parents/guardians involvement include assisting with excursions, attending parent meetings and information evenings, and becoming involved in the JPG events. We also ask for continual feedback on your and your son’s experience, in writing or verbally. We will email policy updates, procedural changes, health alerts, DEECD parent information and QIP progress to you and ask for your feedback. We aim to encourage our boys and families to make healthy choices, promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and provide opportunities for active play.



Our focus at Brighton Grammar is to grow and develop the whole person with our students. Beyond teaching academics, we nurture our boys’ development through a diverse range of co-curricular experiences. At BGS all pursuits are equally valued – technology, choir, poetry, the arts, creativity, camping, sport, sailing, reading, drama, chapel server, community service – they all make a valuable contribution to developing a successful young man. Aged four, his name is already on waiting lists at eight private schools across Melbourne. Relatively small issues, like not being invited to a party, can arouse big, intense feelings in our kids.
Interviews are conducted with prospective students and parents by the relevant Heads of School. Respect the privacy of students, staff and members of the School community through only authorised uploading, recording or filming. Brighton Grammar School is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for its students. Looking back at my primary school years, I remember the times when challenging projects, tasks or well-practised tests were completed. The results were not always top of the class but they were always accomplished to the best of my ability.

In comparison with many Independent Schools, Brighton Grammar is considered small in terms of enrolment numbers. I believe it is a great strength as our numbers allow a stronger sense of belonging and connectedness within year level groups, and ensures all boys are known across the School. A special welcome to Jack Reith and his family who commenced this term and to Louisa Bolton who will replace Victoria Fisher in 1 Heath and Susan Robertson who will replace Brittany Ellison in the 2 Waratah classroom.
In the classrooms it was a day to stop, think and discuss how we can make our world a better place for the hundreds and thousands of children around the world who may not have the advantages our boys enjoy. The highlight of the day was the special biscuit treats the boys enjoyed making to take home. Our Junior Parents’ Group will organise a Christmas tree in the main Reception area so that families can leave a gift for underprivileged children. These gifts will be donated to the Mary MacKillop Family Services which I am sure will bring pleasure to many children in need. Thank you to Jane Lowe who provides these additional opportunities for our boys to be engaged in.

During the Term 2 break, boys will have time to consider their preferred House options. A survey will be completed by students in Junior and Secondary School students in early Term 3. The School is introducing two new Houses to maintain its strong and compassionate pastoral system while offering increased leadership opportunities for the students and staff. Rofe oversaw a large change in the school, with BGS’ facilities drastically expanded to accommodate an increasing number of students.
Book honouring and Beanstack (Years 3-6) are a number of initiatives our students are engaged in, ultimately our aim is for our boys to read because they want to, not because they have to. Earlier this week 78 boys from our two Secondary School choirs travelled to the countryside of regional Victoria in preparation for the year’s music events. For two days, boys from Meliora Voices and Senior Choir participated in rehearsals, musicianship and sight singing classes, sectionals and breath workshops with our wonderful choral staff. APS sport provides our students with so many life lessons – teamwork, effective communication, resilience in the face of challenges and importantly how to win and lose well. As an APS competition, we are aware of the many challenges we face moving forward, including the competition of community sport.
We know that consistent and extensive reading and exposure to texts have proven benefits in building knowledge, developing literacy skills and academic achievement. With that in mind, we encourage your child to continue engaging widely with this text and beyond. This Sunday, traditionally called Palm Sunday, is a very significant day in our Christian calendar. We extend our thanks to community member Chloe Counihan and St Peter’s teacher Catherine Beckingam for providing BGS with this opportunity. Kaleb and Calvin spent time with the young students, who had been exploring their homeland up north, in order to show them the significance and diversity of Indigenous culture in Australia.

Please ensure that you have this on your devices so you can keep up to date with our busy calendar. Our Parent Teacher interviews are scheduled for Monday 15 May and Tuesday 16 May via Zoom. This will provide both parents with the opportunity to attend and discuss the individual goals and needs for your son. All teaching staff will shortly commence the process of writing Semester 1 Reports providing feedback on attitude, effort and achievement. We hope to raise more than $200,000 on our giving day – Tuesday 23 May, with all gifts greatly appreciated.
We offer a robust and diverse education that addresses a balanced development of the mind, the body, the aesthetic and the spirit. As the Year 12s enter into the final weeks of academic classes, they will be receiving the results of their trial exams held over the holidays. This is always a very busy time for the Year 12 teachers and all involved in coordinating and running these events and we thank them for their time and dedication to these students. There is, of course, a large reading component in classroom lessons throughout the curriculum, including reading of a class novel and the personal reading of library books. Through service-learning experiences, our students can gain insight into the needs of those in the world around them and help them to develop a sense of social responsibility and important life skills such as kindness and empathy.