New Year. New Head. New Thinking. Same Focus 2014 saw the appointment of Ross Featherston B.A., Dip. Ed., M.Ed. as the new, and eighth Headmaster of Brighton Grammar School replacing Michael Urwin who resigned at the end of 2013. Ross was no stranger to the School having held the role of Head of Senior School in 2012 and 2013. Ross was commissioned as Headmaster of Brighton Grammar School by The Most Reverend, Dr Philip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne, on Wednesday 5th February 2014 at St Andrew’s Church, Brighton. Ross has teaching in his blood with both his mother and father ex-principals as well as his grandfather being a teacher. After completing an Arts degrees, majoring in history and psychology, Ross undertook a Diploma of Education, followed by a Masters some years later. He taught in a number of schools including Melbourne Grammar, Carey and most recently Geelong Grammar School where he held various roles over seven years including Head of History, Head of Humanities, Co-ordinator of I.B., Head of Rowing and Assistant Head of House. During his time at GGS Ross and his wife Rosie had three more children Lucy, Hamish and Pippa, siblings to Will. The Featherston’s love family time and are often spotted around the School enjoying various School events. Ross is well known for being out and about the School talking to staff, boys and parents. He is passionate about boys’ education and transforming the way we teach boys at BGS. Early in the year Ross began talking to parents about his vision for the future of BGS and in the middle of
the year distributed to all staff, parents and future parents, a roadmap of how that vision would come to fruition. Ross has demonstrated a long held commitment to health and wellbeing. A keen and regular exerciser himself, Ross has initiated a number of new programs to enhance the health and wellbeing of staff and the boys, most notably the appointment of a Director of Student Growth and Wellbeing, Kay Rogers.
Ross is well known for being out and about the School talking to staff, boys and parents. Over the year Ross has demonstrated he is a great communicator through his short and insightful reports in the weekly eNews, several video messages, through his weekly Friday afternoon parent meetings and by informally chatting while out and about. Making sure the School community understand what’s going on and what the School is working on is fundamental to Ross’ leadership style. Finishing the year with an APS football premiership, a clear strategy, a reinvigorated staff and record enrolments is a great start to what is sure to be an amazing chapter in the history of BGS.
GRAMMARIAN 2014 11