LET US KEEP PURSUING BETTER THINGS
BRIGHTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL COMMUNITY JOURNAL
AUTUMN 2022
EDITOR Emily Beaton DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Emily Ianuali EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Michele Fisher
OBGS CONTRIBUTORS Kate Birrell (2021) Tim Marshall (2022) obgs@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au PRINTER Finsbury Green
PRINT REGISTRATION Registered by Australia Post: 100001167
BGS celebrates 140 years In 2022, our School celebrates 140 strong years of developing, inspiring and guiding boys on their journey to become good men. Our goals today for our students are the same as when Dr George Henry Crowther opened Brighton Grammar School on 14 February 1882. On that day, eight boys were present; by the end of the year, the school boasted 29 pupils. Our vision is clear – for a strong academic culture; the best teachers; a commitment to health and wellbeing; outstanding facilities; and preparing our boys to be the best versions of themselves.
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There will be opportunities later in 2022 for all in our community to mark this important milestone of 140 years.
Oak tree 1931
Welcome from the Headmaster In this edition of Meliora, we mark the milestones of 140 years as a school and the 90th anniversary of the planting of our Oak tree in the Secondary School Quad. The Oak is a symbol of stability and strength grounded in the Quad and is the result of years of slow patient growth from a sapling to a sturdy tree. Similarly, we nurture our boys from childhood through to adulthood. Our community has been tested over these past two years but, just like our Oak, the School has stood firm in the face of the many obstacles that have come our way and will continue to do so.
Ross Featherston Headmaster
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History Timeline 1882
Dr George Henry Crowther opens Brighton Grammar School on 14 February 1882 with eight students present.
1883
The School moves to Temperley Lodge, situated in Outer Crescent just north of Allee Street which accommodated Brighton Grammar’s first boarders.
1886
Pendennis is built in New Street and gradually adjacent properties are acquired.
1905
Rosstrevor, a large Victorian house, and its five acres are purchased and it is officially opened in 1907.
1919
Following Dr Crowther’s death in 1918, his son, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Arnold Crowther, a former member of staff, returns from active service in France to assume the Headmastership.
1924
Mr Herbert Dixon is appointed Headmaster.
1926
With the School in danger of bankruptcy, Old Boys work together and the School is incorporated and comes under the auspices of the Church of England.
1927
The Governor-General, Lord Stonehaven, performs the official opening of the first buildings on the present site of the Secondary School.
1939
Mr Geoffrey E. Green is inducted as Headmaster.
1942
The Rev. Philip St. J. Wilson is inducted as Headmaster.
1954
The Boarding House closes.
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1958
Brighton Grammar joins the Associated Public Schools of Victoria.
1967
Mr Robert L. Rofe is inducted as Headmaster.
1996
Mr Michael S. Urwin is appointed as the School’s seventh Headmaster.
2011
The Peter Toms Early Learning Centre is opened.
2014
Mr Ross Featherston is appointed as the School’s eighth Headmaster. His appointment coincides with the opening of the Urwin Centre of Learning.
2019
Years 7 - 12 students are now all part of the newly named Secondary School.
2020
Plans begin for the development of The Centre for Science, Creativity and Entrepreneurship at the St Andrew’s end of the School.
2022
BGS celebrates 140 years of educating boys.
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Congratulations to our high achievers Wall of Scholars
Amidst a backdrop of lockdowns and periods of Distance Learning, the classes of 2020 and 2021 recorded impressive academic results and finished their final years of schooling with distinction. 2020 Dux Jaikob Akinci received a perfect score of 99.95, one of only 38 students in the state to achieve this, and 2021 Dux Max Kortge received an outstanding score of 99.75. As well as a strong commitment to their studies, the Year 12 boys of 2020 and 2021 showed remarkable strength, good humour and resilience in often trying circumstances. This will stand them in good stead to embrace the future with confidence. Their achievements reflected the strong three-cornered partnership that exists between students, parents and the School
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Dux Max Kortge
Meet our 2021 Dux Max Kortge 2021 High achievers at the Scholars’ Assembly
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I am especially proud of the boys’ remarkable strength and resilience.
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HeadmasterRoss Featherston
and staff who all worked together to ensure every boy achieved his best. Headmaster Ross Featherston noted the results showed the success of the school-wide Effective Learner Model, which uses evidence-based teaching and learning strategies, and the focus on whole-student development and wellbeing. High achievers from the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 were celebrated at Scholars’ Assemblies where they were presented with certificates, book prizes and vouchers in recognition of their achievements. They are also featured on the Wall of Scholars honour board which is displayed in the study area of the Hancock Wing.
From the time he joined BGS in Year 7, Max’s passion for learning was apparent, obtaining numerous Distinctions, Prizes and Awards most notably in Mathematics, Chemistry and English. His Mathematics journey was outstanding and in 2020 he was awarded Top of the State. He was recognised with Full Colours – Academic in Years 11 and 12 for his dedication. Max was committed to the Swimming program from Year 7 and he achieved 2021 Open Best Swimmer, Year 12 Recognition for Swimming, Half Colours in Years 8 and 9 and Full Colours in Years 11 and 12. Max finished 2021 with The English Language Prize, The R W Tovell Memorial Prize for Specialist Mathematics (1970) and The Norman F Perrier Memorial Prize for Chemistry. He is undertaking the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne.
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Recognition for the Headmaster Headmaster Ross Featherston has been recognised by The Educator magazine as one of Australia’s most influential educators. In late 2021, he was named on the Educator’s Hotlist as a leader who represented the cutting edge of educational excellence and one at the forefront of innovation in Australia’s schools. Ross has become a leading voice in education and an expert on educating boys. He was invited to join the International Boys’ School Coalition as a Board Trustee in 2020, one of only five Australian Trustees of IBSC which has almost 300 member schools from more than 20 countries and five continents. Our Headmaster has been instrumental in developing a framework to support boys through adolescence, centred on a strengths-based approach to wellbeing and positive masculinity. He has co-authored research into this approach which was published in the Health Promotion International Journal in 2021. The School’s academic results have steadily improved over the past five years, due to a research-based unified teaching model. Although results are important, Ross says academic performance and personal development are inextricably linked. “If a boy has a greater sense of self, of purpose and direction, that can only lead to a positive academic outcome. And if he’s achieving academically, that feeds his self-worth and sense of purpose. You get a cycle.” The focus is on offering alternative pathways for students who may not aspire to a traditional
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model of success. “Success for our boys is not how expensive your car is; it’s about feeling good about yourself, having an understanding of others, contributing to society, finding your passion and purpose”. In the past two years, a challenging time for Victorian students and families, Ross has spearheaded key educational initiatives to keep the Brighton Grammar community connected, including an effective Distance Learning program for students, a comprehensive information program for parents and a High-Performance Mindfulness program for Year 12 students, to help them cope with stress in their final year of schooling.
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Rowing Championship Brighton Grammar School secured its second Head of The River title in 2021, after a 38 year wait. This is a title that has eluded many of our crews that went to the Barwon River and Lake Nagambie with a real chance of success throughout those intervening years. Having the Fairbairn Cup in our hands once again is a win for all of them. The School not only has a great sense of pride and spirit built on its history but also on what it is currently achieving in so many areas. This win adds to that spirit and a culture of high performance. With a plan, dedication and with effort, great things can be achieved, beyond what many think is possible. For the first time in our history, Brighton Grammar crews made every A-Final in the Junior Quads and, as a Boat Club, rowed in a total of 13 A-Finals, achieving three Gold, one Silver and three Bronze medals. Richard Bartlett Director of Rowing
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BGS Sailors are three-peat victors In perhaps what was the supreme climax in the short history of Sailing at Brighton Grammar, our Division 1 and Division 2 Sailing teams excelled at the 2021 State Championships, as both were crowned Victorian School Team Sailing Champions. For Division 2 this was a long-awaited first title, whilst for Division 1, this victory ensured an unprecedented three-peat championship win. Special acknowledgement to our Captain of Sailing 2021, Harrison Chapman, who led us so commendably and who has been a great advocate for the sport. Harrison was the joint winner of the Victorian Youth Sailor of the Year award and followed that by being announced the joint winner of the Australian Sailing Youth Sailor of the Year award. Ethan O’Brien (OB 2018 and Head Coach of Sailing) won the 2021 Instructor of the Year Award (Victoria). Both Harrison and Ethan were important members of the BGS Sailing’s emphatic come-from-behind victory at the 2021 Victorian Schools Teams Sailing Championships. Robert Hayward Teacher in Charge, Sailing
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Crowther Update The Crowther Centre has partnered with researchers at Orygen to co-develop an educational model to help schools promote positive masculinity in boys and young men. The +M project is the research foundation for our approach to working with our students, teachers and parents. The model is a way of thinking about masculinities that is simple enough to talk about day to day while also providing some guidance. To date, the research team has identified +M factors, reviewed existing programs and completed a design thinking process. The result is a student curriculum, parent resources and the development of a new website. The team has also written an international peer-reviewed study on Operationalising Positive Masculinity, published through Oxford Academic Health Promotion International.
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In 2021, Dr Ray Swann hosted an international parent webinar featuring male mental health experts Dr Kylie King (Monash University), Associate Professor Dr Simon Rice (Orygen), Dr Judy Chu (Stanford University) and Dr Matt Englar-Carlson (California State University, Fullerton) to introduce these resources to the community. Positive masculinity is a strengths-based means of engaging boys across three key pillars – being connected, motivated and authentic, aiming to enable themselves and others to thrive. Providing boys with positive templates is essential to ensure they treat themselves and others in a healthy way. This work was funded by philanthropic donations from The John and Elaine King Foundation, E & S Trading and The Change from Within Foundation.
Effective Learning
Effective Learner Model
A key focus for Brighton Grammar School has been teaching strategies to students to help them know how to learn effectively and develop the skills to become lifelong learners. The Effective Learner Model, which is our school wide approach to teaching and learning, has been given a refresh with the integration of our wellbeing and learning models and straight forward instructions for the boys. The Model has four quadrants: Learning Dispositions which refers to the ‘what we bring’ to our learning including physical readiness and learning readiness.
Learning Design which helps students to make connections to other experiences and curriculum to build a knowledge map for life. Learning Process which looks at the actual steps we take when we learn things. Learning Culture which includes the values, views and behaviours that lead to having the right environment for learning. The Crowther Centre is working with parents to assist them in implementing these strategies at home. Dr Ray Swann Deputy Headmaster, Head of the Crowther Centre
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Introducing Simon Angus
Since joining Brighton Grammar as Deputy Headmaster and Head of Secondary School mid-2021, Simon Angus has developed a collaborative and engaging approach with boys, parents and staff. Simon came to BGS from Christ Church Grammar School, a leading independent boys’ school in Perth, where he was Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School. Originally from Melbourne, he holds a Master of Education, Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Physics) from Monash University.
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Simon has a wealth of experience and expertise in the education of boys. He has held leadership positions at a number of Australia's top independent schools including The Hutchins School in Tasmania and Melbourne Grammar School, as well as at Eton House International School in China. He has shown himself to be an excellent communicator with a genuine warmth and interest in developing strong relationships with families. He especially enjoys being amongst the students and takes great pride in knowing the boys by name. All at BGS welcome Simon, his wife Emily and their three sons to the BGS community.
Introducing BGS 2032 As the School celebrates its 140th anniversary, and reflect on past achievements, it is equally as important to look ahead and plan for the future. BGS2032 is the School’s 10 year strategic plan to ensure Brighton Grammar is positioned to best equip students with the skills they will require for a thriving future. It will evolve over time and be guided by the latest research and thinking, by real world developments, and ongoing input from the BGS community. This will inform the strategic initiatives to enable BGS to systematically work towards bringing the BGS2032 vision to life. A key project is the Centre for Science, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, due to
start construction later this year and which will provide a high-tech learning environment for the boys. It will feature make and build spaces designed for small scale construction, areas designed for the testing of robotics and mechanical prototypes, specialist studios for drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and digital artwork and studios/labs for art and science-based activities. Brighton Grammar has now begun work on a purpose-built centre for collaborative and flexible learning named B-HIVE to enhance a portfolio of 21st century capabilities and mindsets, within a Design Thinking framework due for completion in late 2022.
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AROUND THE SCHOOL
BGS forges ahead Brighton Grammar has undertaken significant progress on its ambitious building projects and the delivery of a new co-curricular initiative. The new Centre for Science, Creativity and Entrepreneurship is shaping to be the biggest building initiative in the School’s history and will see a new multi-discipline setting with creativity, entrepreneurism, sciences and design technology deliver the environment that challenges design thinking, problem solving and 21st century skills for our boys. Supporting Brighton Grammar’s investment in creativity, the Crosby Building is currently being transformed into the B-HIVE, a co-working space and home for innovation, venture and entrepreneurship for our younger secondary students. In this new space, students can also develop financial literacy, collaboration and networking skills in a purpose-built environment. In a first for the School, boys will have the opportunity to study food technology on-site in a commercial kitchen.
B-HIVE
BGS+ is a new initiative that brings together a range of innovative extra-curricular programs for children to develop their skills and interests. The BGS+ Swim School has been a popular addition for learn to swim programs and is also registered as an external swimming club. Activities for our Junior School boys have been initiated with BGS+ Invicta, BGS+ Tennis, BGS+ Sailing and BGS+ Annandale Gym. An extensive BGS+ Soccer program has also been launched, for boys from ELC3 to Year 12 and endorsed by Football Victoria. Michael Arceri Chief Operating Officer
The swimming pool under construction
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The Centre for Science, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
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A Journey of Discovery The Great Southwest Journey (GSWJ) proved once again to be a journey of discovery for Year 9 students. Now in its seventh year, the GSWJ has become part of the fabric of our School with knowledge and tips being passed down from older boys to the Year 9s, and younger brothers wanting to have the same adventurous experiences as their older brothers had a few years ago. This journey changes who our boys are on the inside; for some they know they have changed when they return, for others it may take them a few years to grasp the impact that the GSWJ has had on them. What is important, is that these boys have started a greater journey of self-discovery and should feel proud of what they have accomplished.
Year 4 Camp Students having fun while learning how to surf.
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Year 10 Program A Helping Hand Year 6 students learn that many hands make light work at camp.
The program marked the transition of our Year 10 boys into emerging young men.
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Student success Year 11 students Jenson Galvin and Kento Hikima were accepted into the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program as well as James Clarkson, Tom Gianatti and George Roubos into the Monash Scholars Program in 2021. These are exclusive academic enrichment programs for high achieving students in Years 11 and 12 run by The University of Melbourne and Monash University respectively. Acceptance into the programs includes access to the university resources as well as a guaranteed place in an undergraduate degree along with other benefits. Patrick Sanders Director of Curriculum and Assessment (ELC-VCE)
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BGS wins as an innovative school Brighton Grammar has been announced as a 5-star Innovative School for the second successive year. We were named an Innovative Schools 2021 winner by The Educator magazine for our expansive entrepreneurship and design thinking programs and wideranging community service program. The award recognises the School’s innovative Design Thinking curriculum framework and reimagined STEM programs which encourage our students to think critically, identify problems and learn to problem solve.
challenges to better the outcomes of marginalised groups.
The program also integrates social entrepreneurship into the curriculum with a focus on addressing real-world
Unique STEM activities on offer include the Year 9 Entrepreneurship course, the Year 8 iDesign program and the F1 in Schools Challenge.
Reconciliation takes action Brighton Grammar has begun a journey to build a deeper connection with First Nation people and culture and it begins with reconciliation. The School has established a Reconciliation Action Plan Student Engagement Group which will help shape the way reconciliation will look at Brighton Grammar. The student group will collaborate with our staff working group and First Nations engagement group and will champion the actions of the RAP with the student body.
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Milestone for Maggie Congratulations to Maggie Lynch OAM who is celebrating her 30th year as a BGS staff member. Maggie fulfills an important role at the school strengthening our international parents’ connection with each other and with BGS. Maggie’s role has never been more vital than over the past two years as some of our international parents have not seen their partners for almost as long. I know Maggie’s extra care during a period of loneliness for many has brought great comfort. From online cooking classes to individual phone calls, and even the occasional outdoor morning tea when permitted, Maggie has initiated a range of engagement activities and these have made a difference. John Phillips Director of Advancement
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Staff News
Farewell and thank you Three stalwarts of the school retired recently and all at Brighton Grammar acknowledge their commitment and service to the boys and their families over the years and wish them well in their retirements.
Pauline Anthony
JS eLearning Coordinator /Librarian (2000 - 2020)
Pauline joined the staff in 2000 as a Teacher Librarian (and committed parent) and was always a passionate advocate for literacy. She created a welcoming space for students where books were honoured through initiatives such as the annual Book Fair and Premier’s Reading Challenge. As a dedicated Librarian, she oversaw two library renovations, helped to bring Book Week alive every year and carefully selected Speech Night prizes for hundreds of boys, reflecting her deep knowledge of each boy and his interests. Pauline was also an enthusiastic timekeeper at school sports, an innovative eLearning Coordinator, a Distance Learning expert, a valuable member of the IT strategy group and leader of our Year 6 boys to Milikapiti six times.
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Stuart Thompson
Physical Education Teacher (1983 - 2021)
Stuart joined the staff in 1983 as a Physical Education Teacher and First VIII Tennis Coach and proved to be a passionate advocate for boys to learn important physical, mental and life skills through sport. He was a dedicated First VIII Tennis Coach for 35 years, leading our BGS team to two undefeated APS Premierships in 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 and a winning coach of the Victorian Secondary Schools Tennis Teams Championships 2000. Stuart was a highly credentialled and versatile coach who provided support and insight across a wide variety of Junior School APS sports and a leader in the development of Jump Rope for Heart and Perceptual Motor programs in the Junior School.
Brendan Rahn
Junior School Teacher (1981 - 2021)
In his 40 years at BGS, Brendan was a dedicated Junior School Teacher of Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 who went well beyond the duties that were required. In that time, he also held a number of positions of responsibility including Armstrong House Master, Coordinator of Upper Primary, Mathematics Coordinator (introducing the Maths Olympiad), Peer Support Program Coordinator and Camp Coordinator. Brendan introduced the very popular Breakfast Club, was a member of the inaugural Year 6 trip to Canberra in 1990 and helped to found and run the Camp Brighton Holiday Program from 1990 – 2007. He was a devotee of sports who coached boys in APS Tennis, Cricket, Football, Cross Country, Basketball, Swimming, Soccer, Athletics and Volleyball.
Most importantly, he was a beloved Teacher whose dedication and passion had such a positive impact on so many colleagues and boys.
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Innovative Designs
Year 8 students took on the iDesign challenge to think creatively, plan and bring their ideas to life, collaborating with a personal mentor in the process. Winner Ben Ride designed a solar sun tracker.
Mamma Mia! Brighton Grammar and Firbank Grammar Secondary School students brought the songs of Abba to life, much to the delight of audiences in sellout performances of Mamma Mia!
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Reading Better Together The Smith Family Student2Student is a volunteer peer-to-peer reading support program that matches older buddies (our students in Years 7-12) with younger readers to help improve their reading skills, confidence and enjoyment.
VCE Premier’s Award Darby Hipwell (OB 2020) was presented with a Premier’s VCE Award in 2021 for his outstanding academic achievement in Global Politics in 2020. The annual Premier’s VCE awards recognise top-performing students from the previous VCE year. AUTUMN 2022
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Special Farewell
Community Art Our Year 10 Art students had the opportunity to display their artistic skills while providing community service by creating this unique mural at the request of residents, and with Bayside Council permission, brightening up a local wall.
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Our Graduating Class of 2021 were fortunate to celebrate Valedictory Day on the last day of term and take part in the Beating of the Bounds and the special guard of honour of ELC boys.
Brighton Grammar’s Student Wellbeing Program and Professional Learning program for staff earned us Awards of Excellence for the Australian Education Awards.
Award of Excellence Brighton Grammar’s Student Wellbeing Program and Professional Learning program for staff earned us Awards of Excellence in the Australian Education Awards.
Art in Isolation The Secondary School House Portrait Competition had a lockdown theme called ISOPrint in 2021, with boys asked to reflect on themselves and their households. Year 7 student Stefan Bandura was overall winner with his Bubble portrait With my Cousins.
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Jacskon Court at St Andrew’s Christmas Market
Run and Won One of the most coveted cups in the School is the Billycart Cup and once again Year 6 boys, in teams of three, designed, built and raced their billycarts.
Crowther Reigns Crowther House captains Harrison Chapman, James Clark and Joshua Badge and Head of House Mark Sainsbery accept the Cockhouse Cup on behalf of Crowther House.
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High Performance Mindfulness Leading mindset coach Emma Murray is working with our Year 12 students to look after their wellbeing as part of a High Performance Mindfulness program. Brighton Grammar has been an early adopter of the HPM program and students are involved in regular sessions over a series of weeks. A recent survey by Monash University found 90 per cent of VCE students acknowledge that the greatest source of pressure they feel in their final years of school is from themselves, (while listing pressure from school, teachers and parents as moderate). The research was conducted on behalf of High Performance Mindfulness, a program founded by Emma Murray. It also revealed only 12.5 per cent of students are using mindfulness as a strategy to manage the pressures from themselves and others. Emma believes there are significant performance and wellbeing gains that can be achieved by helping students understand the significant impact of their mindset on their performance.
Headmaster Ross Featherston said the techniques learnt through the HPM program equip students with greater self-awareness and emotional control. “Students who set high standards for themselves can be more prone to engage in unhelpful selftalk. They can be really hard on themselves instead of focusing on the positives and their capabilities. “The HPM program is designed to build the helpful mindset skills and thinking patterns that enable students to perform at their best when it matters,” he said.
BGS Business Breakfast The BGS Business Breakfast program, hosted by Headmaster Ross Featherston and which brings members of our community together to hear inspiring stories, continued online throughout lockdown and on-site breakfasts resumed in November 2021.
Guest speakers in 2021 included Scott Fyfe, CEO of David Jones; Brendan Gale, CEO of the Richmond Football Club and Robert Cripps AM, retired Director of the Cripps Foundation. The next Business Breakfast is planned for Monday 9 May 2022 with guest speaker Zac Fried, Deputy Chairman of the Spotlight Group.
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Big Fella
Jacskon Court at St Andrew’s Christmas Market
Conquering Big Fella was the perfect start to a challenging year for the Year 12 boys, just as they had their mates to support them up the mountain, they are sure to have their mates to support them throughout the year.
F1 in Schools The BGS F1 in Schools Constellation team of Jenson Galvin, James Tan, James Mitchell and Ayrton D’Alessandro posted the second fastest racing time at the national finals.
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Frankston Camp Returns Frankston Camp, now known as Sony Foundation Camp, returned after a hiatus in 2020. Brighton Grammar students and for the first time Firbank Grammar students were paired with students from Berendale School for a fun four days.
Pemberton Shield
House champions and winner of the Junior House Shield, named in honour of former Deputy Head of Junior School Rick Pemberton: Crowther House.
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Show and Tell Melbourne Football Club player Christian Salem (OB 2013) dropped by with the best show and tell ever – the ALF Premiership Cup – for the ELC3 and ELC4 boys.
Students lead by example Community Service is a key aspect of our school culture, with increased student voice and participation in Ute Full of Food, Sleeping Bags for the Homeless winter appeal, EatUp Australia and a range of environmental and sustainability initiatives.
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Talent on Show Year 12 student Isaac Lee competed in the prestigious 2021 Radio 3MBS instrumental competition, The Talent. The competition provides opportunities for emerging musicians to bridge the gap between their student and professional careers. Isaac performed three pieces on the cello in the 3MBS studio and was interviewed by the host of the program. Isaac is studying VCE Music and is an active member of our school ensembles – Cello Choir, Corelli String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. He is an Outdoor Education Leader, a member of the Debating team and has been awarded School colours in music, academics and sailing.
Footy Fever The St Kilda Football Club trained on the Crowther Oval pre-season and the Headmaster, a few BGS staff and First XVIII players took the opportunity to watch from the sidelines. Our thanks to our grounds and maintenance and strength and conditioning teams for helping to provide a professional environment for the players.
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Wonders of Woodwork Our students displayed their creative and critical thinking skills with some wonderful and unique furniture designs in Product Design & Technology with Mr Martin Green.
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BGS babies In December 2021, Year 9-10 Science Coordinator Jack Hollingsworth welcomed Isabella and Crowther Centre Manager Kate Casey welcomed twins Abigail and Edmund (Abbi and Eddy).
teacher; Mia to Kate Birrell, Alumni and Community Manager, Thomas (Tommy) to Naomi Tham, Secondary School Psychologist and Madeline to Stephanie McLellan, Daily Organiser.
January was a busy month with the arrival of Charlotte to Jess Taylor, Junior School
Best wishes to these staff members and their families.
Isabella
Abigal and Edmund (Abbi and Eddy)
Charlotte
Mia
Thomas (Tommy)
Madeline
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Old Boys
NEWS
Year of achievement We can be proud of how the OBGS carried on, and what we achieved in a difficult 2021. We hosted all of our milestone events, and made up for 2020 by combining our year level reunions. This included the Pendennis Chapter 60 Years On Reunion, the Class of 2019 reunion, plus double-header reunions for 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years. Other events went online, including the AGM and our Building & Construction Industry event, which proved a great success. The OBGS Business Directory has continued to grow with more businesses added throughout the year. These Old Boy businesses were also supported by promotion through our social media campaign #buyfromtheoldboys.
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The Old Boys Letter Club, born in 2020 to connect our ‘over 75’ Old Boys with current students, also continued. And our stalwart group, the Top Enders, also met four times throughout the year, either online or in person. In exciting news from the OBGS office, Tim Marshall is sitting in the Alumni Manager’s chair for 2022 while I am on maternity leave. I look forward to seeing you all in 2023. Please contact the office if you need anything, There is a full calendar of OBGS events to look forward to this year. Keep an eye out for the launch of our very own podcast series, A Ton of Stories, hosted by 2018 School Captain Brad Marais, with special guests from the BGS Hall of Fame! Kate Birrell Alumni and Community Manager
From the OBGS President When commencing as OBGS President in 2019, I had no idea what lay ahead over the next couple of years! The handover from the ever-professional Steve Dimer led to a seamless latter half of 2019 in which we enjoyed the usual gamut of reunions, events and opportunities for engagement. 2020 and 2021, for use of the better term, were very challenging. The OBGS Committee worked tirelessly in connecting a number of Old Boys who traditionally relied on in-person contact as a way of being. Attention soon turned from ‘What can’t we do?’ to ‘What can we do?’ as a number of Zoom events were staged. Through all of this, Alumni and Community Manager, Kate Birrell, was at the forefront. Kate is personally responsible for connecting thousands of Old Boys during this difficult time and I am forever in her debt.
In the past three years I have marvelled at the OBGS Committee and their willingness to reach out to so many. I am proud to have served my time at OBGS President during such a difficult time for us all. To Co-Vice Presidents Sam Jewell and Michael Osborne, Immediate Past President Steve Dimer and OBGS Committee members Roger Wilson OAM, Geof Hosie, Sam Paynter, Charlie Wood and Peter Scott, thank you for your compassion, understanding and action during an unprecented time in which we had to think outside the square. Meliora Sequamur! Tim Marshall OBGS President
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Dylan Alcott (OB 2008) Dylan has been crowned the 2022 Victorian Australian of the Year. The gold medal-winning Paralympian, who became the first male in history to win a tennis Golden Slam (all four majors and Olympic gold in a single year), was recognised for his profound impact off the court through his work with the Dylan Alcott Foundation and music festival Ability Fest.
Alex Mastromanno (OB 2016) Alex is experiencing success as a punter at Florida State University. Alex was the leading goalkicker for BGS in the 2015 and 2016 premiership-winning seasons. After spending time in Australia during the pandemic, Alex is back in Tallahassee, working to secure the starting punter job for the FSU football team.
Lachlan Avis (OB 2012) Lakelend is the musical and visual representation of Lachlan Avis (OB 2012) and blends his passion for pop music, electronic production and live performance. Lakelend toured locally and overseas from 2014 to 2019 and released two albums that debuted within the top 50 on the ARIA Charts.
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Blake Hayes (OB 2016) Congratulations to Blake on being awarded the Big Ten Conference Wayne Duke Postgraduate Scholarship for his achievements in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities and leadership. Blake is the first student-athlete from The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to receive the award in its 15-year history. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and is currently studying for a master’s degree in public health. He is a five-year starter and three-year captain of the Illinois football team.
Ryoichi Arakawa (OB 1999) Ryoichi is the First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Australia. He visited the School prior to the pandemic and reminisced about his time here observing, “BGS was the place that made the fundamentals of my approach to the world: being passionate, open and inclusive to all the people that make up life.” “I also learned to be disciplined and confident through joining the football team. I never got to
the A team but remember being very proud to be presented a medal over an undefeated season in 1995 at the newly founded Rosstrevor Hall.” “Gratitude goes to all my teachers and classmates for giving me a sense of belonging and special thanks goes to Maggie Lynch, who looked after my family and many other international students and families throughout the years.” AUTUMN 2022
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Thomas Ickeringill (OB 2006) Thomas is living and working in London as an international tax specialist. He graduated with a Master of Science (Taxation) from the University of Oxford and was the first person in the history of the degree to graduate with distinctions in every subject.
Daniel Mann (OB 2000) Daniel is the driving force behind DeMann Electrical and the team have enjoyed showing their skills while working on The Block TV series. In the latest series, they worked with Kirsty and Jesse on House 5 which in Daniel’s words was, ‘the hardest and biggest house in Block history, stealing the title of the best house in Block history.’
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Rob Fisher (OB 2001) and Dave McLaughlin (OB 2001) Rob and Dave are co-founders of Bodd, a software and data technology firm which has been named one of Australia’s most innovative and impactful companies.
Bodd has developed an innovative body scanner for the apparel industry that is soon to be expanded into health, pharmacy, and wellness markets.
Bodd was crowned winner of the Defiant One’s Award at the Pause Awards, part of Pause Fest, a leading festival for business and creativity. It celebrates the world’s most innovative, brave and impactful individuals, startups, scale-ups and large companies for their outstanding achievements in the marketplace.
The company recently partnered with Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS) to manufacture, distribute and provide in-field technical support and scale the product into the Australian and global markets.
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Will Muller Kafkaesque Part 1
James Semenov Inception view
Max Mozina Isolation Part 2
William Muller, Max Mozina and James Semenov (all OB 2021) Congratulations to William Muller, Max Mozina and James Semenov whose artworks were featured at Bayside Gallery this year. The boys were selected to exhibit alongside professional local artists in the annual Bayside Local exhibition
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at Bayside Gallery in Brighton which celebrates the high calibre of work produced locally. Max and William were selected on the merits of their photography, and James was selected on the strength of his hybrid 3D drawing/sculpture.
Ben De Worsop (OB 2017) Ben is the latest recipient of the Mirams Scholarship which is awarded to a BGS Old Boy who goes on to study an engineering degree at Melbourne University. If you’re an Old Boy interested in studying Engineering at Melbourne University and would like to find out more about this scholarship, please contact our Development Office.
Liz Dawes Former BGS parent Liz Dawes, Founder and CEO of the Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation, was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours List. Liz is the mother of Connor Dawes (OB 2012) and Nick Dawes (OB 2014). The award recognised her charity work for paediatric brain cancer research. Connor lost his battle with brain cancer in 2013, at the age of 18.
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Andrew Wrigley (OB 1975) Andrew is Executive Director at the Association of Independent Schools of the ACT. His connections with the BGS community include Andrew’s father, Lloyd (OB 1941), his uncle, Kenneth (OB 1945), his sister, who attended Firbank, and his maternal grandfather, Alfred Simpson, who was Verger at St. Andrew’s Church. At a recent meeting, he surprised Dr Ray Swann and Dr Mark Dowley with a piece of BGS memorabilia, his old school bag.
A Ton of Stories Our very own OBGS podcast series is now available for downloading through Apple, Spotify and Google Podcast. Hosted by Captain of School, Brad Marais (OB 2018), we explore the lives of a variety of Old Boys who have many stories to tell. Our first episode featuring Andrew McGrath was listened to in 12 different countries during its first week!
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Nick Biggin and Steve Dimer both (OB 1996) Nick Biggin and Steve Dimer took out the 4 Ball Perpetual Trophy for BGS at the Annual APS Past Students’ Golf Day at Victoria Golf Club last year. The BGS team also included Warwick Earl, Mathew Duchini, Richard Yann, Troy Lamb, Jon Perrett, Brenton Humphreys, Graeme Templeton, John Forster and Geof Hosie.
News from the Archives Missing a Grammarian or Two? We would like to offer members of our community the opportunity to obtain back copies of our surplus Grammarians dating right back to the early 1900s! If you would like a copy of a Grammarian or two from a specific year, please contact our Development Office for further details. Due to limited availability in some years, these will be allocated on a first-in first-served basis.
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A Life Journey
ever a liability” was another of those life teachings is still appreciated by John today. John continued his interest and participation in sport, especially golf. John married and travelled to California, working for an Australian golf club manufacturer. After stints in real estate, John and a neighbour established the first self-storage facility in Phoenix, Arizona and more successful businesses followed.
An introspective man, John Yelland (OB 1959) applies his learnings and philosophies of life daily. He favours mantras and teachings by Dale Carnegie to assist him in both business and personal dealings. In 1952 John came to BGS in Year 6, which then was part of Rosstrevor. BGS comprised of 570 students and he found his niche in the sporting and practical subjects of the curriculum. John’s tenacity and persistence were in evidence when he began learning tennis, daily practising by hitting a ball against a wall one metre wide which eventually culminated in John representing BGS in the semi-finals at Kooyong. Learning woodwork gave John the knowledge and ability to make a table tennis table and a carport for the family’s second car. After his Intermediate year, John transferred to Caulfield Technical School. Headmaster Canon Wilson whose comment to John “No experience is
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John has always maintained a love for sports, including water skiing, snow skiing, half marathons, road and mountain bike riding as well as hobbies photography and world travel. John believes that life is an evolving journey; you should take chances because the course of life is a meandering journey. Whatever you do, do it to the very best of your ability and be proud of everything you do.
Chain Reaction Challenge As co-founder and national head of KordaMentha Real Estate and KordaMentha Investment Management, Berrick Wilson (OB 1988) commands respect and admiration from his peers through his extensive business credentials. Combine this with Berrick’s establishment of the charity Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation and adjectives such as passionate, proactive, lateral thinker, collaborative can understandably be attributed to him. Berrick founded Chain Reaction in 2007 after his daughter Milla was rushed to hospital with a brain haemorrhage in 2006 when she was two days old. In his own words, “While in the neonatal intensive care unit at Monash Medical Centre, I made a promise to myself that if Milla came through this situation I’d do something to make a difference. Chain Reaction is the outcome of that promise.”
Berrick Wilson with his daughter Milla
Chain Reaction is the ultimate corporate bike challenge that raises money for sick children by challenging seniorexecutives who have a passion for cycling and an awareness of their corporate social responsibilities, to ride a 1,000 plus kilometre course in seven days or 300 kilometres in three days. Since its first ride in 2007, Chain Reaction has raised over $34 million on behalf of its charity partners. An example of Berrick’s vision
in practice is the Mt. Druitt Learning Ground in Western Sydney, which was set up to help enable disenfranchised youth to re-connect with both themselves and their community, increase school attendance, and allow the growth of a plan for life. Personal commitment, personal involvement is genuine success story. You can learn more about upcoming Chain Reaction events around Australia at www.chain-reaction.org.au AUTUMN 2022
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Old Boys’ Letter Club Over the last two years, we received a wonderful response to the invitation to join the Old Boys’ Letter Club including this incredible life story from Frank Zindler. Frank now resides in the Netherlands and in his youth endured more than most of us before coming to BGS.
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This is an edited version of Frank’s letter: ‘I was a student of BGS for about eight to nine months in 1946. I was born in Djokjakarta, Indonesia in 1932, one of three boys. When World War II broke out, my father was immediately imprisoned, and my mother and the three of us were, prisoners of war for three and a half years until the end of the war. A dear friend organised a flight to a small island Morotai, off the coast of New Guinea, in order to recuperate. Our government assisted us to fly to Melbourne. My parents wanted a good school for the three of us and selected BGS as the best school available.
I remember our utter bewilderment finding ourselves in a totally strange environment, not speaking or understanding a word of English. You can imagine how frustrating that period was for us as Dutch boys. By that time, however, my parents decided to end our wonderful time in Australia and to return home. I utterly enjoyed being a pupil of your wonderful school. In 1953, I emigrated to Australia and worked as an architect and in 1967, I went back to Holland with my wife and daughter to stay. Since my retirement, I have followed my true passion as a painter of watercolours.
Helping others An experienced executive with a demonstrated history of achieving strong outcomes in the delivery of social programs within the not-for-profit and government sectors, Jamie Howden (OB 1987) has focussed on the areas of education, homelessness, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, essential infrastructure, employment and disengaged youth. A large percentage of his work has been spent working with Indigenous communities in urban, regional, and remote settings across all states and territories. Jamie’s passion to help others stems from his time at BGS. He recalls teacher Monty Stephens, who was not only of great influence in the classroom but who also encouraged Jamie to think about the context of happenings outside of the classroom and to be more socially conscious.
The Ladder programs support disengaged young people (15 - 21 years) to improve in key domains including self-efficacy, community connection, health and wellbeing, independent living skills and education, employment and training.
Jamie is working to grow the charity with a particular focus on government and AFL partnerships. Ladder and Jamie believe that every young person deserves an opportunity to succeed.
With a key interest in First Nations people, Jamie is General Manager for Ladder, the official charity of the AFL Players Association.
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George Thomson: celebrating service to REIV and BGS Brighton Grammar School congratulates George Thomson (OB 1951), on being awarded Honorary REIV Life Membership for services to the real estate industry. George has given remarkable service to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and to Brighton Grammar School and has been honoured by both. George is a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute of Australia and of the Australian Institute of Valuers. He served on the Executive Council of the REIV, including a period as Vice President. When George first attended BGS in 1942, he commenced an era of remarkable service to Brighton Grammar School. In 1946, George was appointed Captain of the Junior School and in his senior years represented the School in First XI Cricket. George was a talented high jumper, winning the Combined Schools Sports U14 high jump. From 1955 to 1960 George represented Victoria in national competitions. George, coached by Franz Stampfl, was selected along with a small group of high jumpers, including Chilla Porter and Colin Ridgway, to train for the 1956 Olympics. Chilla Porter eventually won the Olympic silver medal. George’s professional life commenced during 1951 when he left school to join the family real estate business, GA Thomson & Co. In 1962 George married Sue and set up family life in Brighton 54 AUTUMN 2022
where they continue to live today. Their two sons, David and Paul, attended BGS as do their grandsons, Angus and Max. George was elected president of the OBGS in 1976 and served on the School Council for the term of his presidency 1976 and 1977. Four years later, in 1981, George was invited to join the Council on the passing of Noel Thomas. On Bob Sanderson’s retirement as Chairman of Council in May 1987, George was appointed Chairman. During George’s tenure as Chairman of Council, he oversaw many significant developments including: the Rosstrevor Hall, Science Block and Library; the Physical Educational Centre; the Junior School Year 5 - 6 classrooms; the refurbished fencing along Outer Crescent; and a substantial increase in the number of St Andrew’s Choir Scholarships. George retired as Chairman of Council in May 1998. His long and distinguished service to BGS and the OBGS has been acknowledged by his appointment as Honorary Life member of the OBGS, Life Governor of the School and Patron of the Sequamur Society. We congratulate George on his REIV award which reflects his exulted standing within his profession. We are proud of his outstanding achievements and his ongoing association with Brighton Grammar School, an association which is approaching 80 years and epitomises the very essence of our School moto, Meliora Sequamur, ‘Let us keep on pursuing better things’.
Three Generations - George Thomson with his son Paul and two grandsons Angus and Max.
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BGS Community James Tsindos (Year 12 2021) James began his schooling journey at Brighton Grammar in the ELC and his love of learning and music, including playing the piano and appearing in school productions, continued throughout his years at BGS. James was remembered by his friends at the 2021 Valedictory celebrations and at a special memorial service at St Andrew’s Church in March this year.
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Vale We offer our condolences to the friends and families of Old Boys who passed away in 2021. Garth Carmody (OB 1954) Peter Demaine (OB 1940) Graham Flavell (OB 1952) Leonard Hayes (OB 1947) George Hayes (OB 1948) Noel Huttley (OB 1953) Rodney James (OB 1977) Ian Jenkins (OB 1944) John Merry (OB 1952) Max Nicholson (OB 1947) Geoff Parsonage (OB 1951) Paul Rice (OB 1985) Ian Rose (OB 1948) Brian Scoullar (OB 1960) Philip Seletto (OB 1958) Trevor Stannus (OB 1948) Graham Thomas (OB 1964) James Tsindos (OB 2021) James Uglow (OB 1990) Peter Walsh (OB 1961) Ross Webster (OB 1971) John Winch (OB 1948) Panagiotis Xypolytos (OB 1991)
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01
60 years on Classes of 1962 and earlier 01 The 60 years on group 02 Ian Kerr, David Wells, Peter Sedgwick 03 John Knight, Graeme Disney 04 Ken Branch, Graeme Templeton 05 Kelvin McMurtry, Graham Heath, Rick Begg, Victor Stewart 06 Peter Siggins, Roger Wilson OAM 07 David Wells, Warwick Brewster, Ian Kerr
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03
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07
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01
50 years on Classes of 1971 and earlier 01 50 years on group 02 Stephen Hall, Alan Shelton, Peter Ghys, John Trotter 03 Tim Barbour, Peter Harrison, Peter Bienvenu, Ian Gutteridge
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01
40 years on Classes of 1980 and earlier
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04
03
01 40 years on group 02 Peter Ellison, Rowan Murray, Richard Turner, Cameron McIntyre, Glenn Sant 03 Alex Toleas, Monty Stephens 04 Robert Hofmann, Jeff Ferdinands, George Paltoglou 05 John Sutherland, Peter Toms, Robert Nankervis
05
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30 Year Reunion Class of 1990 & 1991 01 Jamie Hendrie, Jonathan Forster, Cameron Spence, John Paolacci 02 Brad Pollock, Matthew Spence, David McCormack, Nick Wartman 03 Jamie Hendrie, Dean Simpson, Andrew Mellor 04 Simon Bishop, Robert Carter, Matt Reid, Simon Crowe 05 Simon McNamara, Paul Murphy, Andy Moratis 06 Tim Anderson, Brad Pollock
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01
20 Year Reunion Class of 2000 & 2001 01 Andrew FoxLane, Jack McCowan, Simon Bartholomeusz,Ryan Parnham 02 Hakon Andersson, Andrew Paroissien, Alexander Robinson, Daniel Raso 03 John Agar, Anthony Lansdown, Andrew Hadley 04 Andrew Edge, Brenton Humphreys, Troy Lamb 05 Jon McBriar, Daniel Mann, Stuart Fairley
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01 01
5 years on Classes of 2015 & 2016 01 Henry McDowell, Spencer Chan, William Woodman, Taka Fujiwara, Arthur Xafis 02 Kane Bullock, Mac Oliver, Andrew Cook, Pedro 03 Nicholas Freeman, Max Murray, Tom Sharry 04 Finley Olsen, Andre Pontifex, Lucas Derrick 05 Justin Branson, Lachie Collie, Nick Moran 06 Hugo Birch, Ben De Worsop, Joshua Massuger, Sanjeev Haikerwal,
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01
10 years on Classes of 2010 & 2011 01 Alex Naccarella, Pete Funston, Luke Healy, Samuel Baker 02 Henry Simon, Victor Janisiow, Charles Wood 03 Sebastian Zaia, Jackson Moffitt 04 Harry Cannon, Baxter Amatruda 05 Phillip Georgiou, Hugh Christiansen, Grant Maglio 06 Joe Longbottom, Tim Marshall, Callum Jones
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01
OBGS Welcome Class of 2019 02
01 The Class of 2019 02 Daniel Bates, Peter Frances, Isaac Burgess, Lukas Galanopoulos, Dennis Gu, Spencer Nevett, Tom Bartels 03 Aiden Nicholls, Cameron Glasgow, Mack Gregson, Hayden Mitchell, 04 Greg Hick, Ferus Murray, Will Hughes 05 Matthew Young, Christian Gernandt, Jake Mongey
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OBGS 2022 Calendar of Events REUNION
DATE
Anzac Day Service
Wednesday 27 April 2022
50 year Reunion
Friday 6 May 2022
APS Past Students’ Golf Day
Friday 6 May 2022
Top Enders Term 2
Thursday 12 May 2022
40 year Reunion
Friday 20 May 2022
Adelaide Reunion
Wednesday 1 June 2022
20 year Reunion
Friday 22 July 2022
Top Enders’ Term 3 lunch
Thursday 18 August 2022
10 year Reunion
Friday 9 September 2022
5 year Reunion
Friday 7 October 2022
30 year Reunion
Friday 14 October 2022
50 Years On Luncheon
Thursday 20 October 2022
Remembrance Day Service
Wednesday 9 November 2022
Top Enders’ Term 4 Lunch
Thursday 24 November 2022
Class of 2021 OBGS Welcome
TBC
Semester 1 Business Event
TBC
Semester 2 Business Event
TBC
OBGS Valedictory BBQ
TBC
Sydney Reunion
TBC
Business and sporting events will be added throughout the year. To be the first to know, make sure we have your email address. Email obgs@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au if you don’t currently receive our emails.
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Be part of it
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