A 140 year anniversary is a time for reflection - on the people and events that shape our school today, and where we are headed. With this brings new and exciting learning opportunities for our boys.
As the eighth Headmaster of BGS, I acknowledge the legacy forged by those outstanding educators who came before me and the many achievements of our boys and staff over the past 140 years.
In this edition, we honour our traditions, embrace the present and look to the future.
Meliora Sequamur.
Ross Featherston Headmaster
In August the BGS community joined together to acknowledge the 140 year journey of Brighton Grammar, from humble beginnings in a schoolhouse with 8 boys to where we are today, a thriving school with 1446 students.
It was a night of celebration, reflection and connection for over 850 guests – the largest social event in the history of the School which showed the strength and unity of our wonderful community.
The evening was hosted by two BGS parents, Mike Larkan and Ann-Maree Biggar who entertained the crowd with their wit and good humour and encouraged guests to dance, enjoy each other’s company, reacquaint with friends and make new ones.
Emily Beaton, Emily Ianuali, Ellen Saccutelli
BGS Gala Ball Organising Committee
In May, all ELC-Year 12 boys and staff from across the School took part in a special event – a whole school photo as part of our anniversary.
Over 1400 boys and staff were marshalled onto the Crowther Oval in clockwork precision. The BGS whole school photo was unveiled in Term 3 as a special souvenir for families.
We don’t know who was easier to organise – our youngest students or our older boys! Getting all boys to face forward and stand still was easier said than done and took an infinite amount of patience from the photographer.
John Phillips Director of Advancement
As we celebrate our School’s history this year, we also look to the future with our 10 year strategic plan, BGS2032.
We are aware of how education will undergo changes in the years ahead and have developed BGS2032 to prepare for those changes.
We acknowledge lessons from the past that help form our planning for times ahead, so we are well prepared to meet the challenges that they will bring.
As part of our BGS2032 strategy, the new BHIVE building, a purpose-built innovation and technology hub, will be opened to students this term.
The new building will be officially launched in 2023 but in Term 4 students will have the opportunity to study entrepreneurship, Visual Communication Design, Drama, Food Technology and Science.
In even more exciting news, work will commence during Term 4 on the site of the new Centre for Science, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, the most ambitious building initiative in the School’s history.
Ross Featherston Headmaster BHIVE - Crowther outlook BHIVE - The Grill’d KitchenYear 9-12 students heard from Andrew Middleton, Program Director from the Wade Institute at the University of Melbourne, on entrepreneurial skills and tertiary pathways for the 21st century.
The Wade Institute is the hub for Entrepreneurship at the University and offers a Masters in Entrepreneurship degree along with a range of pitch events, startup seed funding and venture capital sessions.
With a background in architecture, construction, property and urban planning, Andrew gave invaluable advice to the boys interested in these tertiary pathways.
Following this session, Year 9 Entrepreneurship students presented to Andrew as guest judge for their final pitch
for the semester. He was greatly impressed with the range of ideas pitched including an app for parents to manage extracurricular sports, clubs and activities.
The 5-star rating system for packaging to help consumers make environmentally sustainable choices also resonated with Andrew. He provided valuable feedback to all six teams and commented on how they had provided confident solutions to realworld problems supported by achievable implementation strategies.
Andrew will closely follow the School as we continue to grow our Entrepreneurship program and he looks forward to visiting the BHIVE (Brighton’s Home for Innovation Venture and Entrepreneurship) later in the year.
Jamie Watson Head of CDT
Thousands of people descended upon Caulfield Grammar's Wheelers Hill campus for the Grand Final between CGS and Brighton Grammar.
With both teams only losing one match leading into the final round, the winner of the match would be the 2022 APS Football Premiers.
Caulfield jumped out of the blocks as we struggled to settle under the pressure of the big game. We went into half time 42 points in arrears.
To the credit of the BGS supporter army, and words of wisdom from coach Simon McPhee, our boys came out after half time a different side.
We dominated possession early in the third term but still were 46 points down. Going into the final term 21 points down and kicking into a 5 goal breeze, we marched the ball forward and scored.
Scores seesawed until finally they were level again. With one minute remaining, to our boys’ credit and resilience, we maintained possession until the siren.
Scores were tied resulting in a joint premiership. It was an amazing game that those who were there to witness will never forget.
Jack Joslin Director of Sport
In May, the Crowther Centre partnered with Knowledge Society to deliver the inaugural Science of Learning Leadership Accelerator (SOLLA) Conference at Brighton Grammar.
The two-day event brought together 70 of Australia’s leading educators to accelerate the implementation of the Science of Learning and evidence-based practice in classrooms.
Head of Crowther, Dr Ray Swann and Bryn Humberstone, Head of Mathematics and Digital Technologies faculty, led a stream that explored models of change for secondary schools.
Special thanks to Dr Mark Dowley and Ollie Lovell of the Crowther Centre who worked with Knowledge Society to bring this event to life.
Julian Ou Crowther Centre
Congratulations to Orygen researcher Michael Wilson and co-authors Ross Featherston, Dr Ray Swann and Kate Casey who have won the prestigious Ilona Kickbusch award for their paper on positive masculinity.
Ross Featherston and Dr Ray Swann attended the 2022 International Boys’ School Coalition Annual Conference at St Mark’s School of Texas (USA).
On the topic of Research-Invested Schools, Ross presented alongside fellow Australian schools Scotch College and The Scots College, as well as Canadian and American schools.
Ross and Ray also outlined our Positive Masculinity program to delegates and the ground-breaking research behind it.
Ross is also a member of the IBSC Board of Trustees.
Headmaster Ross Featherston and Deputy Headmaster, Head of the Crowther Centre Dr Ray Swann, visited Parliament House in August to brief Victorian Members of Parliament on our Positive Masculinity program.
They summarised the work Brighton Grammar has undertaken with Orygen over the past five years to develop a personalised approach to our wellbeing program.
A key driver in this framework has been to provide a message about choice, supported by our School motto, Meliora Sequamur.
As our children develop, they choose to pursue better things. Positive masculinity is a creative act, based on meaningful relationships with peers, family and emotions.
The MPs asked a range of questions including accessibility of the program, to concerns about the impact of technology for all Victorian youth as well as the new bill for affirmative consent currently before parliament.
The School will be launching further research into +M, including exploring the barriers for our young people to develop healthier choices.
An experiential cultural development program is transforming the Secondary School.
The overarching program brings together our Anglican heritage, academic, co-curricular and pastoral care programs to create the ideal educational experience, allowing the students to become the best versions of themselves.
It creates opportunities for Secondary School students to build deep connections (to family, their peers and community) be authentic (in their understanding of themselves and dealings with others) and motivated (to learn and grow through experiences to become the man they want to be).
The program sits within the Positive Masculinity framework. Helping to facilitate it are our Year 13 mentors, young Old Boys who can relate to their younger peers.
The Year 8 boys share stories and build connections in the Threshold program. In Year 9, as part of Capstone, students undertake Break Through Workshops, immerse themselves in Awareness experiences and tackle the Great South West journey.
By Year 10, they experience AWAKE (a self-reflection journey), Alive (a creative festival) and First Horizon (a look to the future).
Once this series of dynamic, engaging and diverse opportunities is complete, the boys are welcomed back into the community as emerging adults ready to lead the school through their Years 11 and 12.
James Hilditch Indigenous Cultural Development Coordinator
After a sensational semi-final win over Trinity Grammar, our First XV Rugby boys were primed for their Grand Final against VSRU Rugby champions St Kevin’s.
A huge crowd of spectators ventured to Haileybury to be part of the big event and the tension in the air was palpable as the atmosphere built toward kick-off.
Coach Josh Moore instilled confidence in the boys, knowing
that if they were able to execute their plan, they would take it right up to the opposition. St Kevin’s showcased some brilliant Rugby, with pace on the ball and opening up holes in our defence.
The First XV Squad had a memorable season and proved to be a powerhouse in the competition moving forward.
Jack Joslin Director of Sport
The Brighton Grammar and Pormpuraaw community friendship remains strong after Year 6 students had a week of unforgettable experiences earlier this year, seeing a slice of Australian life that few others get to experience.
The week was action packed with on-country visits, fishing, a trip to the arts centre and crocodile farm, traditional Kup Murri on the beach and a demonstration of how to make a traditional fishing spear.
The real value of the camp was in the connections the BGS students made with the community. Each day, the boys assisted in the classrooms of Pormpuraaw State School from Kinder through to Year 6. Adults in the community also generously shared their knowledge of country and allowed the boys to experience some amazing traditional activities such as fishing for barramundi and hunting wild goanna.
The Year 6 boys who attended were excellent ambassadors of BGS and undoubtedly helped rekindle our link with Pormpuraaw which we hope continues into the future.
Sam Kuring Junior School Teacher
Brighton Grammar teams this year won both classes of the F1 in Schools Australian Championships, the first time both the Professional Class and Development Class have been won by Victorian teams!
The Professional Class National Champions are Constellation - James Mitchell (Year 12), Jenson Galvin (Year 11) and James Tan (Year 10). The Development Class National Champions are Livewire - Patrick Quach (Year 9), and Year 8 students Nate Watson, Jack Power and Carey Tong.
Jenson Galvin, Team Constellation reports: ‘The Brighton Grammar School F1 in Schools program has been operating since 2015, seeing seven teams participate in national final level competition, but none have taken out the win.
Constellation defied this trend, winning the 2021 Victorian State Final. As a team, we began to prepare for our second National Final. Under the engineering efforts of my team-mates James Mitchell and James Tan, our car was created. Despite the write-up that it would be the fastest car, it had remained untested on the track.
On finals day, our caution faded away, as race after race we set faster and faster times until we were crowned the knockout champions. Livewire (Victorian development class runners-up) also won the knockout racing. Both teams were also awarded the best trade display.
Brighton Grammar walked away with two championship trophies. This is the first time one state has taken out both categories at a single competition, let alone one school. Congratulations to the boys and onward to the world finals.’
To celebrate our 140th anniversary, our Year 10 Art students have produced a striking mural, highlighting a Past, Present and Future theme.
The group chose the oak tree and clock tower as features through all three panels, with the future panel featuring a revised digital clock. The time changes on each clock also reinforce the timethemed idea.
The mural will be on show at the St Andrew’s end of Secondary School and work is underway on a mural for the Urwin Centre, with design input from Year 7 and 8 students.
Michael Hawkins Head of Art, Years 7-12
Over 100 students from BGS and FGS combined as the cast, orchestra and crew of the Year 10-12 production of The Addams Family in May.
Over four sold-out nights and a preview performance for some of our local primary schools, all students demonstrated their
talents as they sang, acted and danced around the stage, with audiences falling in love with the kooky characters and catchy tunes.
Michael Kent Head of School Productions (7-12)
The Performing Arts program at Brighton Grammar School has moved from strength to strength with record numbers of students involved in co-curricular programs and high engagement in our curricular classes.
The skill level of those involved in Production has increased dramatically across the areas of singing, acting and dancing, with the school producing numerous ‘triple threats’ and a number of students have actually chosen to take the leap and pursue a career in the Performing Arts after graduating.
James Provis (OB 2019) was accepted into the Bachelor of Acting course at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) this year, one of the leading acting schools in Victoria. Sarah Bowers, a Firbank Grammar student who studied Drama at BGS in 2018/19, was this year accepted into the Bachelor of Music Theatre course at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), the most prestigious Musical Theatre course in the country.
She is joined by Matthew Young (OB 2019) who obtained a place in the Diploma of Acting course. In addition, Isaac Burgess (OB 2019) and Joel Dow (OB 2020) have been studying the Bachelor of Music course at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
When asked about his time at BGS, Matthew Young said: ‘To be able to study my passion every day in the classroom was one of the best parts of coming to school each day. My time at WAAPA has been an absolute dream so far. I’m in an environment that pushes me to do my best.’ Joel Dow had similar thoughts: ‘I can say, without a doubt, that
the Music and Drama programs were my favourite parts of being at BGS.’
James, Sarah, Matthew and Joel were also attendees of our first Performing Arts tour in 2019. Of his experience, James Provis said: ‘Immersing myself in the theatre culture in New York, seeing shows and doing workshops cemented in my head that I wanted to pursue acting. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.’
A number of former students have returned to BGS as past scholars and mentors. With some students looking to attend our next Performing Arts tour to England and France at the end of this year, these connections are not only very important but also incredibly rewarding for all.
Michael Kent Head of Drama Curriculum and School Productions (7-12)
James Provis (OB 2019)Reading your children’s texts can be a really rewarding way of connecting with them and their learning.
The sole fact that you have taken the time to read the books they are studying sends a powerful message.
This message lies at the heart of our book clubs that the school runs for Years 7 and 12 parents. By reading their books and coming together with other parents, parents are, in effect, saying to their child:
• You are interested in what they are learning
• You think reading is a good way to spend your time
• You are interested in being part of their community
Research into reading suggests that attitudes to reading are predominantly created in the home. If children have positive associations with reading, they are more likely to read more.
This is important because research tells us that reading is the single, biggest predictor of student achievement in all subjects. Students who read more than their peers achieve higher marks, are more confident in class, know more, and write better than non-readers.
So, start reading.
Kristen Molloy Associate Head of the Crowther Centre, Literacy and Engagement
With three concerts in two weeks, BGS music lovers were treated to our Whole School String Spectacular, Bands Showcase and Choral concerts.
These whole school concerts, not held since 2019, were a wonderful opportunity for the community to see the variety of musical talent, from our Junior and Secondary School boys.
At the APS Reconciliation Round, to mark Reconciliation Week, a welcome to country and smoking ceremony were performed by Boon Wurrung Traditional Elder, Willie Pepper.
All football teams wore jumpers designed by young indigenous artist, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward. The designs recognised the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri people and represented the School’s enduring relationship with the Tiwi Islands, in particular Melville Island and the Milikapiti Primary School.
Through the Dalziel Club, BGS Secondary School footballers were given a special training jersey this year. On one side, the jerseys have a red version of the First XVIII’s indigenous jersey design and on the reverse the number 17 in honour of Ben Furzer (OB 2001), a member of the First XVIII who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in 2002.
Rumour has it that there is a cannon buried in the school grounds. It is one of 154 cannons distributed across Australia as war trophies after World War 1 and was gifted to the School to recognise the number of Old Boys who died at the Gallipoli campaign.
BGS promotes a culture of highperformance amongst the boys and the staff. Congratulations to a number of our staff who were recognised in their fields.
Peter Toms, Bequest Manager, was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to the community. Peter has made an enormous impact in the lives of thousands of BGS boys. Since joining BGS in 1966, he has taught in the Junior School and Secondary School, served as Head of our Junior School for 21 years and now works in our Development Office.
Peter has worked tirelessly for various charities including as a volunteer at St Vincent de Paul for over 26 years and for 16 years for a charity close to his heart, Women for Women in Africa, where he serves as a board member.
Head of Junior School Music, Hayley Blakiston has won an Award for Excellence in Australian Kodály-inspired Music Education as an outstanding mentor.
The award recognises members of the music community who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution and impact benefitting Australian Kodály-inspired music education.
Hayley is an exemplary music educator with extensive classroom, ensemble, choral and instrumental teaching and conducting experience.
Congratulations to our Director of Advancement, John Phillips who has received the prestigious Trevor Wigney Award for outstanding service
Peter Toms OAM
Hayley Blakiston
John Phillips
to educational advancement in Australasia.
John, who is a member of the School’s Senior Executive and oversees the Development Office, received his trophy at the EducatePlus Excellence Awards in Adelaide.
Congratulations to Kristina DiNatale, Secondary School Science teacher, who was recently presented with the Head
of School Award from Deakin University. The award was in recognition of Kristina’s academic, professional and social engagement within the School of Education at Deakin.
Secondary School Teacher and Crowther Centre Senior Researcher Ollie Lovell published his second book titled, ‘Tools for Teachers‘. Tools for Teachers is the culmination of over 60 interviews that he has conducted over the years, providing actionable insights to help teachers improve their craft.
Ollie is the host of the EducationResearch Reading Room Podcast where he interviews leading educators from around the world.
Ollie Lovell
Kristina DiNatale
Year 12 student Qiyuan (Jerry) Chen has been recognised with a Premier’s VCE Award for his outstanding academic results in 2021.
Jerry received a Study Award for excellence in Chinese Second Language (Advanced).
He was presented with his award by The Hon Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Education, Minister for Women on 20 July at the Melbourne Convention Centre.
The annual Premier’s VCE Awards recognise the top-performing students in the state. This is a wonderful achievement for Jerry who plans to study a Bachelor of Science at University of Melbourne next year.
Year 10 students James Tan, Lucas Gray and Leonard Shen have been accepted into the prestigious Monash University Scholars program.
It is an exclusive opportunity for the students to engage in a university-based enrichment program over the next two and a half years.
Congratulations to Isaac Lee (Year 12) who was accepted into an immersive fiveday program at the Australian Chamber Orchestra Academy.
Held at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, the program was an intensive week of rehearsals and chamber music sessions with coaching and mentoring by ACO musicians.
Josh Bortolussi (OB2020) returned to BGS recently to talk to the Year 9s about his journey with the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Award and was then presented with his Gold Award pin in assembly.
The Gold Award is the highest award that can be gained and represents a minimum of two years’ commitment in the areas of voluntary service, acquiring a skill, physical recreation and adventurous journeys.
In his conversation with the students Josh talked about how his involvement with the DoE exposed him to new people and opportunities, as well as the sense of fulfillment he gained from his persistent
efforts to achieve the Bronze, Silver and then Gold awards.
As the award is internationally recognised, he believes that his participation has helped put him ahead of the pack with his resume and his application to the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Melbourne University.
Dr George Crowther was born in Jamaica and moved to Melbourne in 1857.
An art design by Katie Bugden, Secondary School English teacher, has featured on the jerseys of the South East Melbourne Phoenix Basketball team for their Indigenous Round.
In the lead-up to the game, Katie was joined by Team Captain Kyle Adnam and player Dane Pineau as well as Year 7 CDT boys, who were completing a unit on indigenous art.
Katie Bugden, a Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi woman, designed the jersey with the focus being Ngiyani (pronounced guy-anni) meaning ‘we all’ in Pama-Nyungan. ‘We all’ connects to Phoenix’s core value of community connection and it was this pillar of the club that heavily influenced Katie’s design.
Together the boys and basketballers were inspired to learn about the meaning behind Katie’s design and paint their own story on canvases and paint Kyle’s game day shoes for the round!
Head of Art Michael Hawkins recently presented 18 of his artworks in the 2022 NZ Art Show.
The show exceeded expectations and was a resounding success. Over the four-day event Michael presented 18 artworks with 15 pieces sold by the end of the show.
The event, attended by over 10,000 art lovers, was a great opportunity to speak and engage with art enthusiasts, and network with other professional artists. It has led to other exhibition opportunities for Michael, one in Wellington and another in Auckland.
‘The professional conversations held around perception and reception were both useful and unique to the event. Some of these details also shared with our VCE Art students as it closely links with requirements of the study design regarding making and exhibiting artworks.’ – Michael Hawkins
Golf Year 9 student Rupert Toomey competed at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews Junior Open in Scotland, finishing T12. A member of the Victorian High Performance program and Victorian Junior team, Rupert was named a rising star by the Herald Sun.
Ty Daniels (Yr 9) was selected into the Under 16 Victorian State team for Baseball which competed in the Australian Youth Championships. The team took out silver as the second best U16 Baseball team in Australia.
Cross Country
Year 8 student Leo Reeve came second in the U17 para event at the Victorian All School Cross Country Championships and represented Victoria in the Australian Cross Country Championships, placing 5th and helping Victoria to win the gold medal in the U17 Para teams’ competition. Lachlan King (Year 7) placed 27th in the U14 age group at the Australian Championships.
Our Division 1 Sailors represented Victoria at the Australian School Teams Sailing National Championships, ranked the #1 APS school in sailing. After four days of qualifying races, BGS Sailing finished on top of the ladder; however, conditions on Finals day were ill-suited to the lighter crews and BGS finished 5th overall, but we maintained our top ranking.
Football
A number of BGS boys took part in the AFL National Championships this year, with Cameron McKenzie (Year 12) in the U18 Vic Metro team and Year 10 students Levi Ashcroft, Harrison Oliver, Sam Fanning, Zach Travers and Luke Trainor in the U16 Vic Metro team.
Our Junior School students received team gold medals in the Division 4 Ski Cross and Alpine GS at the 2022 Mogul Ski World Victorian Interschool Snowsport Championships.
Gymnastics Harrison Higgins (Year 12) placed first in the Victorian State Gymnastics Championships and is the Victorian State Champion for the Level 8 (open) Division. Harrison has been selected into the State development squad, hopefully opening a pathway to train in Canberra and selection for the National Gymnastics team.
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 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.
development@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au
For members of our International Parents Support Group (IPSG) the last two years have been particularly challenging - some not having seen their husbands for over two years due to travel restrictions.
When Maggie Lynch OAM, our IPSG Coordinator, became aware of this, it didn’t take her long for her to swing into action arranging care packs for the mums impacted.
The care packs were very well received, with many messages of gratitude being sent to Maggie.
Thank you Maggie for looking after our International families so well!
IPSG Coordinator, Maggie Lynch OAM
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Eden Phillips to our Development Office team.
Eden comes to us from Ruyton Girls’ School, where she worked in the Community Relations office in the Philianthropy Coordinator role. Eden will be fulfilling a similar role at BGS, and she looks forward to connecting with members of our community, and continuing to strengthen relationships, as the years unfold.
Our School is fortunate to have the support of 35 major business partners - support that makes a significant difference to what we are able to achieve at BGS for our boys.
Additionally, quite a few of our partners are able to offer our boys and staff opportunities that simply wouldn’t have come their way without their involvement. A huge thank you to our partners for making a difference at BGS.
If you are interested in finding out more regarding our partnership program, please contact John Phillips in the Development Office.
Advancement Manager, Eden Phillips
Alfie (Michael Hawkins, SS Head of Art)
Gabriel (Julian Schweitzer, Music Tutor)
Grace (Jack Joslin, Director of Sport)
Levi (Nicole Clark, Head of Armstrong House)
Veera (Ashwini Khirodkar, .Net Developer)
Bella (Chenelle Pereira, SS English Teacher)
Blake (Angela Waldron, Crowther Centre Manager)
BGS staff members along with their families shared the news of these happy births in 2022.
Our annual Past Mothers’ Afternoon Tea was held in May and what a wonderful occasion it was with over 120 past mothers attending.
Apart from providing an opportunity for past mothers spanning six decades to mingle with each other, a highlight of the event was a performance by our Ten Tonners.
Particular thanks to the 20 current parents who assisted at the event. Their assistance helped to make the event a huge success.
In May 2023 we will be hosting the 80th anniversary of our Past Mothers’ Afternoon Tea so look out for your invitation early next year!
Year 1 boys acted as medal presenters to the 30 boys who played in the First XVIII throughout the season at a special ceremony to celebrate the APS Football premiership.
Our students continue to impress on the slopes at the Australian Interschools Snowsport Championships in Perisher.
Toby Jones (Year 6) won Individual Gold in the Div 4 Giant Slalom. Toby combined with Max Mailing (Year 6), Jack Rehder (Year 5) and Harrison Charlton (Year 6) to take out Team Gold in the Div 4 Giant Slalom while Leonardo Grollo (Year 9) and Roman Abelseth (Year 10) won Team Bronze in the Div 2 Slopestyle Ski event.
The Year 8 boys have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play the fool and unleash their silly sides during the most recent clowning and comedy units.
Winning the APS Football Premiers Cup was a family affair for three premiership players. Ted McKimm (Year 11), Tom Howden (Year 12) and Luke Trainor (Year 10) are cousins and the team’s physio is Luke’s uncle, Paul Trainor who is also related to Ted and Tom.
On Harmony Day, ELC boys and staff celebrated a future full of inclusivity, diversity, respect and belonging for everyone.
Junior School staff and students dressed as their favourite literary characters for the annual Book Week parade, a highlight of the Junior School calendar.
Years 7-12 students enjoy the weekly Improv Club. Improvisation, the ability to be spontaneous and think on the spot, is a great skill and the cornerstone of the actor’s skill repertoire.
Year 7 student William Morrison finished an impressive 6th in the State in tough conditions at the Victorian Junior Lifesaving Championships held at Lorne.
ELC boys are naturally curious, and with a science lab across the road, it’s off to the Secondary School for some scientific discoveries.
As part of the School’s literacy focus, Year 3 boys penned letters to all Year 12 students to wish them luck with their studies.
Our strong culture of philanthropy was clearly evident on our Annual Giving Day on 24 May when 395 members of our community got behind this year’s Appeal.
Our focus this year moved from supporting scholarships to supporting the fit-out of our new Food and Technology Centre, a key feature in our latest development, the BHIVE.
We were truly humbled by the generosity we received from our community. In just 24 hours, $284,000 was raised - an amazing result! Special thanks must go to our Annual Giving Appeal matchers enabling all gifts received on the day to be doubled.
Our new Food and Technology Centre is truly an outstanding facility. For the first time in our School’s history, our boys now
have access to a large fully equipped commercial kitchen, providing the perfect environment for our boys to dive into food and nutrition related activities whilst developing life long skills. It’s also a place that will soon inspire business ideas through the prototyping and testing of products.
It is only with the support of our community that the pace of building developments such as our BHIVE can come to life in timeframes originally envisaged. A huge thank you again to our generous community.
John Phillips Director of Advancement
There’s no doubt that making the right judgement call when to step down from a leadership role can be difficult! There has not been one second when I have regretted finishing my time as Headmaster of BGS. I loved the role, found it enormously demanding and fulfilling, but knew in my heart that it was time, although I still miss the wonderful sense of community.
So, from the Headmaster’s Study looking out onto the Quad, to a shared teachers’ space at Scotch College was a change. Back into the classroom was exactly the right decision for me, teaching junior secondary Chinese and Mathematics for five and a half years, part time.
I also served as Chair of the Anglican Diocesan Schools Commission and on the Board of Benetas, an aged care company, where I have now been Chairman for the past three years. I also serve as Chair of the Board of Christ Church Grammar School and am Parish Council Secretary at the Parish of the Parks in Albert Park.
In the middle of 2019, the Archbishop asked me to take on the role of Registrar of the Anglican Diocese, a role I filled for only seven months, finishing just before COVID! Timing is everything! Retired from paid employment, but busy, nonetheless.”
“I completed my Diploma of Teaching in 1976 and my Bachelor of Education in 1988. After teaching at two government and Catholic schools, I joined BGS in 1996.
My fondest memories of BGS are working with my class, co-ordinating Junior School literacy programs and enjoying the camaraderie of my colleagues. Today some of my very good friends are workmates from BGS.
Whilst I accepted some casual relief work at BGS after retiring, my husband, David, and I have travelled extensively whether it be on a cruise, on a tour, or just heading off on our own.
Michael Urwin Headmaster 1996 - 2013 Carole Webb Junior School Teacher 1996 - 2013 Michael UrwinI am fortunate that my daughter returned from London prior to Covid after being away for twelve years. She is now living in Bayside as is my son and daughter-in-law who have given us two lovely granddaughters.
Most likely if you were to see me now, in these Covid times, I will be on a daily walk around Brighton with my husband, or maybe you’ll see us purchasing a coffee at a local cafe. And, I always derive great pleasure being recognised by one of my BGS boys with their familiar, ‘Hello Mrs Webb.’”
Former staff member Ken Trueman died in May 2021. Ken was a skilled craftsman and took enormous pride in every task he undertook, completion of the job always on time and with a minimum of fuss.
Ken would arrive at BGS before 6.00am, firstly to greet and feed his magpie family which he nurtured for many years. Even after retiring, Ken came to School in the early morning for at least a year to look after his much-loved magpies.
Ken was a keen cricketer in his younger years and had an extensive cricket library which matched his wide-ranging knowledge of the game’s history.
Ken was one of a kind and BGS was fortunate to benefit from his amazing work ethic. Former Deputy Headmaster, Peter Skelton, and I attended Ken’s funeral and I was pleased to provide a eulogy on behalf of BGS.
Peter Toms Bequest ManangerTwo notable Old Boys are John Robertson Duigan and his brother Reginald who were Australian pioneer aviators and in fact built and flew the first all Australianmade aircraft. The flight lasted a short hop of seven metres.
Carole Webb
The Sequamur Society was established to thank and honour those members of our Brighton Grammar Community who have confirmed their intention to include Brighton Grammar School in their Will.
The Headmaster inducted four new Sequamur Society members: John Baragwanath (OB 1967), Michael Churnside (OB 1982), David Oppenheim (OB 1972) and Bill Snowball (OB 1935).
John Baragwanath and Michael Churnside were presented with their Seqaumur Society lapel pins and paperweights; unfortunately,
Wills, our members empower the School to plan for the future with confidence.
In February 2021, the School received a bequest from the estate of William (Bill) Snowball (OB 1935).
Bill was a second generation BGS boy, his father William attended BGS 1906-10. Bill was a keen sportsman and represented the School in First XVIII Football and, as a champion sprinter, was a member of our Combined Athletics Team. On leaving school, Bill worked for a jeweller prior to
David Oppenheim was unable to attend and Bill Snowball was posthumously inducted.
At a recent Sequamur Society function, the Headmaster thanked attendess for their commitment to the future of Brighton Grammar, emphasising that the Sequamur Society, which has a membership in excess of 100 members, has a very special place in the life of the School. By including BGS in their
joining the army at the start of WW2. However, Bill’s army unit was marooned in Melbourne and, according to his son, Bill ‘hankered for more action’, and transferred to the Air Force. Bill saw action flying in New Guinea and then, at the end of the War, was sent to Borneo with a RAAF detachment to relieve POWs held in Japanese camps.
John Baragwanath and Ross Featherston
Bill was a much-loved member of the Brighton Grammarians Lodge holding the office of Worshipful Master 1975/76. Bill died in January 2003. Bill was the grandson of Dr William Snowball who was Australia’s first paediatrician and a founder of the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
The School is most grateful for Bill’s bequest which will be directed to the School’s Building Fund. It is the foresight of Old Boys such as Bill Snowball that ensures that future BGS boys will continue to experience an outstanding education.
Max Nicholson (OB 1947) was a founding member of the Sequamur Society which reflected his enduring love of his School. His bequest is in recognition of the kindness and support that his parents received which enabled him to attend BGS.
During his years at BGS 1943-47, Max was a School Prefect, Cadet Q-Store Master Sergeant, and a champion middle distance athlete. After matriculating, Max worked for several years and then studied to become a teacher, specialising in programs to support disabled children.
Unfortunately, a stroke in his early forties forced early retirement. This led to Max becoming an avid collector of musical recordings, mainly 1940s to 1980s, amassing and extraordinary library in excess of 13,000 vinyl records and CDs, all meticulously catalogued.
Max was also an authority on Melbourne’s tram network and donated his extensive tramways library to The Tramway Museum Society of Victoria.
In August 2021, Max died at Essendon’s Arcadia Aged Care Facility aged 91 and I was privileged to speak on behalf of BGS at Max’s funeral service.
Peter Toms Bequest Manager Bill Snowball (OB 1935)It is difficult to believe that I only have a few months left in the chair before Kate Birrell returns from maternity leave! They say time flies when you’re having fun and that has certainly been the case in 2022.
March’s OBGS AGM saw the election of Michael Osborne (OB1985) as the 70th OBGS President. We also welcomed Michael Afanassiev (OB 2013) and Brad Marais (OB 2018) onto the committee, while Peter Scott (OB 1976) returned. We farewelled and thanked Steve Dimer (OB 1995) following a number of years on the OBGS Committee including a term as President in 2017-18.
OBGS members have voted with their feet throughout the year as a number of events have recorded larger-than-usual numbers. We are gearing up for a very busy end to the year with a number of year level reunions and special events including the OBGS Food and Beverage Industry Night,
Sydney Reunion, Remembrance Day Service and of course the 2022 BGS Hall of Fame Dinner.
I was recently asked what I have enjoyed most about acting as the Alumni Manager and there is one thing that stands out above all others, that being the sheer joy so many derive from the success of fellow Old Boys and the School. The number of communications received by the OBGS Office in regards to matters like Dylan Alcott’s Australian of the Year honours, Peter Toms’ Order of Australia Medal and the School’s 6th APS Football Premiership was truly remarkable. There is so much pride out there for the red and the blue and 2022 has provided me with the best seat in the house.
Meliora Sequamur!
Tim Marshall Acting Alumni ManagerI am very honoured to have been elected as the President of the Old Brighton Grammarians’ Society. The roll call of past Presidents contains the names of many who have contributed mightily to the School and I am very pleased to join their numbers.
Already I have attended a number of reunions. Post lockdown there has been great interest in the reunions and I have enjoyed meeting, or in some cases, reconnecting with fellow Old Boys.
As most would be aware, the School is certainly flying high at the moment and we should all be proud that those who have come after us are continuing to represent the School with passion and pride.
I have always thought that BGS ‘punches above its weight’ academically, in the arts and on the sporting field. This in my view is largely a product of the closeness of the cohort which in turn derives from a one campus model.
I am keen to do as much as possible to ensure that the closeness of the relationships enjoyed at school extends post school. To that end, I would like to explore the possibility of the OBGS assisting Old Boys as much as possible to connect with each other alumni socially, professionally, and vocationally.
The OBGS Committee has been very well supported for a number of years by a number of loyal and hardworking contributors and I continue to value
the support of these OBGS greats. I was however very pleased to have two younger Old Boys, Brad Marais (OB 2018) and Michael Afanassiev (OB 2013) join the committee this year, joining Sam Jewell (OB 2010) who remains as Vice President.
I would encourage Old Boys, particularly those 10-25 years out of school, to consider joining the committee or otherwise to drop me an email or message on LinkedIn with any ideas about what the OBGS can do to assist with supporting Old Boys both personally and professionally.
Congratulations to Ian Tongs who has just graduated with flying colours from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Ian graduated with a Master of Business Analytics achieving a 5.0 grade point averagethe highest you can achieve.
During his time at MIT, Ian was also on the student council and although MIT truly worked him hard he thoroughly enjoyed his MIT experience - our first Old Boy to study at this prestigious institution!
What’s next for Ian? Well, he’s just accepted a position at Shopify as a Data Scientist and will be living in New Jersey.
We wish Ian all the best as he enters the workforce securing a most enviable first position.
Craig joined fellow Kookaburras players and athletes from the Men’s National Development Squad to compete in a Hockey tour in Japan in August.
The Australia A Men’s Hockey Squad played four matches against Japan’s national men’s team, who are 17th in the world rankings.
Craig and his fellow team members are in contention for selection for the national squad to compete at the Hockey World Cup later this year. Craig received his Kookaburra playing shirt in April this year.
Elaine, mother of Jamie Howden (OB 1987), is well known to many in the BGS community. For many years, she headed up the BGS Mothers’ Circle, ran the Junior School tuckshop (from the old tram) and was heavily involved in the BGS rowing program.
Elaine watched her first football game on the Crowther in 1977; 45 years on it was fitting that she was part of the celebrations in support of grandson Tom as he received his premiership medal.
A proud guest at the APS Football Cup presentation at school in August was Elaine Howden, grandmother of premiership player, Tom Howden (Year 12).
From left: Jamie Howden, Tom Howden, Kate Trainor and Elaine Howden
Jamie Howden (OB 1987)
Congratulations to Scott McCloud (OB 2009) on the opening of London’s Elizabeth Line in May. As Communications & Stakeholder Manager at MTR Elizabeth line, Scott was an integral member of the development that is expected to carry 130170 million passengers annually in coming years.
BGS Hall of Fame Rising Star recipient Christopher Busietta (OB1998), and current Junior School parent, performed in Melbourne Opera’s Production of Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia in the role of Liverotto.
Christopher has been performing Opera professionally since 2005 and from 2009-2020 was singing full-time in Opera houses in Germany.
The production premiered in August and ran until September at the Athenaeum Theatre on Collins Street.
Congratulations to Harry Potter (OB 2015) whose Leicester Tigers claimed the English Premiership Rugby title recently at Twickenham.
In rating his game, the Leicester Mercury wrote 'Mr Reliable as ever. Nothing phased Potter, in the air he claimed almost everything, and even forced his opposite number off because he had barely touched the ball before half time.'
It is with great sadness to report the passing of BGS Hall of Fame inductee, Peter Harvie (OB 1957). Peter enjoyed an outstanding 50-year career in advertising, marketing and media industries.
His appointment as Executive Chairman of Austereo Group Limited saw Peter lead the largest radio broadcaster outside of the USA, before being inducted into the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in 2014. A proud and passionate Old Boy, Peter is fondly remembered by the OBGS community as a highly entertaining and brilliantly creative man.
The 2.02m Lock finished the season with 10 games under his belt, with his first try coming after a stunning intercept against the Blues.
Josh Canham (OB 2019)
Josh made his Melbourne Rebels debut in Round 3 of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season against the Drua.
Isaac Burgess (OB 2019) and Joel Dow (OB 2020) performed in the Victoria Opera’s The Selfish Giant at the Arts Centre Melbourne in May
The former Music students featured in the Chorus of this adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s charming short story.
Leaving a gift to BGS in your Will is the most powerful way to guarantee the future of our great school.
Our new bequest booklet enables you to choose how and where your bequest can be directed. Read how bequests are lifechanging for our scholarship boys; how bequests have shaped the footprint of BGS enhancing our sporting and teaching facilities.
Read why members of our BGS community have included BGS in their Wills. Also, we have included answers to a series of frequently asked questions.
Contact Peter Toms tomsp@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au (03) 8591 2274
John Duigan began attending classes at Brighton Grammar School in 1893. During his time at BGS he won the 1898 O'Hara Cup for sports and a physiology prize in 1900. He was also an active member of the school's cadet unit and held the rank of sergeant.
The Class of 1972 50 Year Reunion unearthed some brilliant neverbefore-seen photos of life at BGS in the late 60s and early 70s, thanks to the handy work of a young David Oppenheim (OB 1972). A large collection of candid photos is a rare find for this period and provided those present with many memories.
Adelaide Reunion Toms Tim Marshall, Becker, Layzell, Burnell, Morgan, Featherston, Rowston, Beaton, Featherston, Beckeer,
Dr Crowther opened Brighton Grammar on 14 February 1882, with eight boys present, but by the end of that year, the numbers had swelled to 29! Today, enrolments total 1446 boys from ELC to Year 12.
ValeWe offer our condolences to the friends and families of Old Boys who passed away in 2022.
Michael Atkinson (OB 1957)
Rodney Bunning (OB 1951)
Simon Fitzpatrick (OB 1973)
Stuart Godkin (OB 1945)
Peter Harvie (OB 1957)
Bryan Linacre (OB 1946)
Doug Marriott (OB 1951)
Adam Miles (OB 1983)
Leigh Myers (OB 1960)
Peter Ridgeway (OB 1963)
Graeme Scoullar (OB 1957)
Warwick Stannus (OB 1981)
Clive Tadgell AO (OB 1951)
Spenser Tunks (OB 1949)
Charles Wheeler (OB 1952)
Steve Williams (OB 1980)
As at 31 August 2022
OBGS Hospitality Industry Event
5 year Reunion
OBGS Valedictory BBQ
30 year Reunion
50 Years On Luncheon
Monday 3 October 2022
Friday 7 October 2022
Friday 14 October 2022
Friday 14 October 2022
Thursday 20 October 2022
Sydney Reunion Friday 21 October 2022
Hall of Fame Dinner
Remembrance Day Service
Class of 2021 OBGS Welcome
Top Enders’ November Lunch
The Casa
Tuesday 8 November 2022
Wednesday 9 November 2022
Sunday 20 November 2022
Thursday 24 November 2022
BGS+ offers a range of innovative programs for children to develop their skills and interests, take on new challenges, and follow their passions whatever they may be.
With many of the programs open to the wider community, there’s a growing variety of programs for your son (or daughter) to do more and be more at BGS.
To learn more and view all our programs and timetable visit www.brightongrammar.vic.edu.au/community/bgs-plus
