THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 19 September 2025

Dear TGS Families,

As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly remarkable period in our School’s 150th year. This term has been filled with significant events, and I am sure many of you, like our staff, are feeling a mix of relief and residual busyness as we wrap up the term. There are always a few last emails to send and conversations to finish before the break, but I want to thank you for your ongoing support, especially around the exam period and for our Year 12 students. Your encouragement and partnership make a real difference.

For those taking time away, I hope it is restful and restorative. For those continuing through the holidays, may your work be productive and your pace steady. The Kinniburgh family will remain in Toowoomba over the break, hopefully enjoying some good weather and the chance to recharge for the final stretch of the year.

This season is a time for tending, caring for ourselves and others, so that the real harvest, at the conclusion of Term 4, is rich and meaningful. For our Year 12s, it’s about steady routines; for everyone else, it’s about clear priorities and careful planning for what remains to be done this year. Thank you for your patient and intentional actions every day - they are greatly appreciated.

Education in a Changing World

This week, I came across headlines highlighting the rapid changes in university education. Students are increasingly choosing online formats over traditional lectures, and universities are scaling back face-to-face delivery due to cost and declining attendance. These changes raise important questions about how young people build identity, resilience, and community in a world dominated by technology and online platforms. Reflecting on my own university experience, it was shaped by in-person engagement, socialising, and resourcefulness. While things have changed, the need for connection and belonging remains. The way university operates today has reduced the sense of community and shared experiences that once helped young adults learn and connect. As a school, we must consider what kind of experience we are offering our boys before they step into this new world, and what we risk losing if we fail to protect the human side of education. At TGS the power of presence and TGS culture in classrooms, on ovals, in assemblies, and in shared rituals, is more important than ever. What we teach is not just about academic content, but about connection, community, and character. Our culture reinforces to the boys that they are part of a living curriculum, where they learn to belong, lead, and interact. We must protect and promote the rituals, stories, and shared experiences that shape our young men.

Preparing for the Future: TGX and Generational Change

Our students Generation 'Z' and 'Alpha' are fundamentally different from any students we have taught before. Born between 2010 and 2024, Generation Alpha are the most materially endowed, technologically saturated, and globally connected generation ever. They face unprecedented mental health challenges, but also display remarkable strengths: entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven learning, and a desire for real-world impact. Many of their future careers don’t exist yet, making it essential to engage them through industry partnerships and workplace experiences.

TGX is our strategic response, a future-facing model that blends academic rigour with real-world relevance and personal growth. It is designed to prepare students for a pathway that may or may not involve university, but is always focused on leadership, adaptability, and meaningful contribution. To learn more about TGX, click here.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very safe, restful, and enjoyable spring break. Thank you for your continued support throughout the term - it is greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the exciting term ahead.

Kind regards,
Dr John C Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Parents recently took part in the 2025 MMG Parent Survey, providing valuable insights into their sons’ experiences.

While the number of respondents was slightly lower than previous years, likely due to survey fatigue, the feedback gathered is rich and informative. We will review the way the survey is distributed and its timing in future to ensure it remains meaningful and easy for families to complete.

Overall satisfaction was very high at 81%, exceeding the MMG benchmark. Parents were especially positive about our facilities and resources (87%), management and leadership (80%), co-curricular programs (87%), and the welcoming and caring environment (92%) that underpins life at TGS.

The Boarding Program was a standout, with 84% satisfaction, and boarding families expressing confidence in the communication and leadership within the boarding community.

Parents shared many heartening comments about their experiences, including:

“It’s everything we hoped for and more. So much is successful because things are well considered.” – Parent Comment

“Being able to give our boys a chance at a great education and make contacts with quality young men that will likely continue into their adulthood.” – Parent Comment

Parents indicated a desire for more classroom visibility and individualised feedback, consistent homework expectations, and clearer, timelier communication about academic and wellbeing matters.

We sincerely thank all parents who contributed to the survey, your feedback ensures we continue to strengthen the TGS experience for every boy and family.

Dr John C Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Over recent weeks, TGS has surveyed parents, staff and students and held two community consultations to explore a Smartphone Delay Initiative.

This proposal encourages families to delay personal smartphone ownership until after Year 7, with the possibility of extending to Years 8 and 9.

The feedback we received through surveys and discussions has been both thoughtful and encouraging. Among parents, almost nine in ten expressed support for the initiative, with many highlighting benefits such as protecting boys from inappropriate content, reducing exposure to cyberbullying, improving sleep and focus and strengthening both friendships and family relationships. Families also raised important considerations, particularly around ensuring broad community participation, maintaining safety and emergency contact and managing after-school coordination and social inclusion.

Students provided equally valuable insights. More than 350 boys in Years 7 to 9 took part in the survey, with the vast majority already owning a smartphone. Many boys acknowledged that their devices can be a source of distraction, affect their sleep and add to social pressures. These reflections gave weight to the research shared during our consultations and added authenticity to the discussion. Staff also contributed by recognising the wellbeing benefits of delaying smartphone ownership, while raising practical points about how the school can best support families if the initiative is adopted.

The next stage in this process will see the Executive team reviewing the full survey findings and consultation feedback. We will also be meeting with, Fairholme College and The Glennie School, to explore opportunities for alignment across the Toowoomba education community.

While no final decision has yet been made, the overwhelming research evidence, combined with the strong levels of support expressed so far, has led us to encourage families to consider holding off on purchasing smartphones for their sons at this time.

We are grateful for the strong engagement and support of our community as we continue this important conversation.

John Anderson
Deputy Headmaster

This week’s Boarder Parents Supporter Group AGM was a wonderful gathering of our boarding community. It was heartening to see so many familiar faces and new ones in attendance, all coming together to support our boys and strengthen our boarding family. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who made the effort to attend and contribute to the discussion. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of our departing committee members. President Steph Smart’s dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in supporting our boarding community. Alongside her, Brenda McMillian, Mellissa Hoare, Margot Black and Sarah McInnerney have each given generously of their time and energy, leaving a lasting impact on our school and our boys.

We warmly welcome our incoming committee members and look forward to working together to continue building a strong, connected and supportive boarding community.

• President | Ben Lawrie
• Secretary | Trudie Payne
• Boyce | Belinda Dayas
• Taylor | Sarah Acton
• Mackintosh | Eliza Lawrie
• Stephens | Toni Gray
• Groom | Suz Cameron
• Corfe | Kirbie Burrow

As Term 3 comes to a close, we hope our boarding families enjoy having their boys home for the holidays, that harvest season is a successful one, and that some early seasonal storms bring much-needed rain to your properties and communities.

Nick Byron
Director of Boarding

Our boarders continue to thrive at TGS with the campus providing an exceptional environment for life beyond the classroom. Whether it's playing touch football on the ovals, enjoying Sunday afternoon swims in the pool or playing games of tag across the entire School campus on weekends, our boarders have plenty to keep them busy when they are away from home. This term's weekend activities program has been well supported, with the trip to watch the Dolphins play at Suncorp Stadium a particular highlight for many of the boys.

Term 3 has been a wonderful celebration of community spirit and connection for our boarding families. From the excitement of sporting fixtures to the warmth of the social events that followed, it’s been heartening to see our boarding families so actively involved in the wider TGS community. I must acknowledge the effort and hard work from all parents who contributed to the supporter groups that exist across all facets of the School, it is always pleasing to see boarding families making their contributions. Whether it is helping with the BBQ cooking for the masses or sponsoring an event our families, day and boarding families are side by side.

I do want to take this opportunity to make all our Toowoomba Grammar School communities aware of the Boarding Parents Appreciation Function. It is a chance for our boarding parents to celebrate the incredible support of our day school families. This event has strategically been scheduled as the party before the party, on Friday, 7 November. There will be more details to come early in Term 4 but please save the date as we’d love to see you there!

Nick Byron
Director of Boarding

Need a new podcast over the holidays? We've just the thing and Episode 2 has just dropped.

Have you heard our podcast yet? You can listen to our latest episode: School House or catch up on the initial episodes.

This week's BLOG delves deeper into some of the details of School House and has some terrific photos.

The Ompelliargo Podcast celebrates the Sesquicentenary of Toowoomba Grammar School.

This G150 Podcast is a tribute to the legacy, character and community of Toowoomba Grammar School.

As we mark our 150th anniversary, this series offers a rich oral history by sharing triumphs, traditions and the remarkable people who have shaped our School.

The Board of Trustees of Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS) has commenced its 2026 Board reconstitution process.

Nominations are now open exclusively to individuals on the School’s Roll of Electors – those who have previously donated the prescribed amount and are therefore eligible to nominate (or be nominated) for the three elected positions on the Board.

The Board is seeking candidates with governance experience and expertise in areas such as:

• Financial Oversight and Strategic Stewardship
• Corporate Sustainability and ESG Capability
• Property, Infrastructure and Sustainable Facilities Management
• Digital Innovation and Strategic Capability
• Strategic Planning, Brand Positioning and Stakeholder Engagement
• Business Development, Partnerships and Advancement

Eligible individuals will receive direct communication from the School (by email or post) with nomination forms and further details.

For more information, or to confirm your eligibility, please contact Julie Payne, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, at board.secretary@twgs.qld.edu.au

Nominations close 12:00 pm, Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

Well, in a blink of an eye Term 3 has flown by. Firstly, I need to send my sincerest thanks to the dedicate and very hard-working team of Health Centre nurses who show up time and time again to provide the exceptional care to all the boys of Toowoomba Grammar School. We have had a very busy term with Rugby, Basketball and Influenza cases. Each day the staff show up with a smile on their face ready to face another day. At the time of writing in this entry, we have seen 5279 boys this term! I am sure we all are welcoming the break ahead.

The first weekend of the school holidays the nursing staff along with the school will be involved with our annual Sony Camp, welcoming over 30 kids to the School along with their companions from Toowoomba Grammar School, Fairholme College and The Glennie School. This is something we all really look forward to participating in.

Finally, we wish everyone a happy and safe holidays and look forward to seeing everyone in Term 4.

The Health Centre

We’ve been so fortunate to finish Term 3 with stunning weather and to make best use of it with events like the House Tabloid Carnival and Colour Run. Term 3 is a notoriously busy term with a range of community events whilst maintaining our regular weekly routines.

Reflecting back on Term 3 we certainly covered a great deal:

• Eisteddfod Instrumental performances
• Representative sports including athletics, cross country, rugby and football
• Foundation Day on 5 August (the official sesquicentenary day)
• Book Week
• Father’s Day
• U5-8 Swimming Carnival
• House Tabloid Carnival and Colour Run
• Parent / Teacher Meetings

I do hope every family has had the opportunity to speak with their son’s class teacher about their learning progress this term. If you missed the opportunity to meet with your son’s teacher please feel comfortable asking for a quick meeting at the start of Term 4. At this stage of the year students are making good progress so it’s a great moment to acknowledge their progress and make some plans to finish the year well. Whilst Term 4 is a slightly shorter term, we still value the time we have with classes to get the most from the year together. When students know what the key areas they are working on to develop their skills further they tend to make those gains. Our core message to all the boys when they return in Term 4 will be to continue working at their best and focus on those key areas their teacher has shared with them to develop.

Looking ahead, Term 4 has its own special moments to enjoy:

• Market day - activities organised by Year 6 for the Junior School to enjoy
• Twilight concert - class performances from Prep to Year 6
• Picnic Day - celebration of the year outings for each cohort
• Speech Day - our recognition of achievement from the year as a Junior School

There will be many smaller occasions for each cohort to enjoy along the way, these will be communicated by class teachers closer to the date.

Staffing updates

There will be two weddings in this upcoming break period. Miss Jaye Hensley and Miss Megan Krahenbring will be getting married to their respective fiancés. We wish them both wonderful occasions with family and friends.

We thank Mrs Brigid Allan for her work with Year 6H this term whilst Ms Tiff Holzheimer was on leave. We sincerely appreciate the time, effort and care Mrs Allan has shared with her class and the broader Junior School this term, and we look forward to welcoming back Ms Holzheimer for Term 4.

Preparations for 2026

Teachers and the Diverse Learning team are beginning to build class lists for 2026. Classes are composed factoring the range of student learning needs and abilities, pastoral and social supports in a balanced manner across the cohort. If your son has specific needs that you would like us to be mindful of, that the Diverse Learning Team may not already be aware of, you are welcome to email Mrs Chantelle Bauer – Deputy Head of Junior School Teaching and Learning with these details for us to consider in our process. Teachers and the Diverse Learning Team carefully consider class composition to cater for each students learning needs. Once the class lists are generated we will inform each family of the class their child is in for 2026 in readiness for transition day in the final week of this Term 4. This enables both students and teachers to be familiar with each other, the classroom and features of the year ahead prior to the holiday break

Our sincere thanks for a wonderful Term 3. Your support of our events, occasions and day-to-day learning program is immensely valued and is a significant part of why our occasions are so successful and enjoyable for everyone.

Enjoy a thoroughly restful break period ahead, and we look forward to an exciting final term for the year.

Ken Raven
Head of Junior School

Staying Ahead - Our Commitment to Evidence-Based Practice

At Toowoomba Grammar School, our commitment to excellence is grounded in a clear and deliberate approach. We teach in ways that are proven to work. Evidence-based practice is not a buzzword—it’s the foundation of our teaching and learning culture.

What Does Evidence-Based Practice Look Like at TGS?

Our teachers use instructional strategies backed by cognitive science, educational psychology and classroom research. This includes:

• Daily Review: This practice, drawn from explicit instruction models, helps students consolidate prior learning, strengthen memory pathways and build fluency. According to the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), daily review is a key component of effective explicit teaching, especially in literacy and numeracy.
• Explicit Teaching: Our lessons are designed to reduce cognitive load and maximise clarity. Teachers clearly explain learning goals, model tasks and provide guided practice before students work independently. This approach is supported by research from CESE and AERO, showing that explicit teaching leads to stronger learning outcomes across diverse student groups.
• Reflective Practice: Teachers regularly analyse their own teaching, assess student outcomes and adjust their methods. This cycle of reflection and refinement is central to our Teacher Professional Growth and Development (TPGD) Framework, which fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborative Learning Communities: Within the Junior School, year-level cohort teachers meet regularly to share insights, examine student data and co-design instructional strategies. These professional learning communities are proven to enhance teaching quality and student achievement when supported by school leadership and structured inquiry cycles.
• Feedback and Coaching: Our TPGD Framework includes peer and supervisor feedback, goal setting and classroom observations. This aligns with national standards for teacher development and ensures our educators are continually growing in their practice.

Staying Informed and Adaptive

Education is dynamic, and so are we. Our staff engage with emerging research in areas such as:

• Cognitive Science: Understanding how students learn—how memory works, how attention is managed and how emotion affects cognition—helps us design lessons that stick.
• Digital Literacy: We integrate technology meaningfully, ensuring it supports—not distracts from—learning.
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): We recognise that wellbeing and academic success go hand in hand.

Why It Matters

Our boys deserve the best. By aligning our teaching with evidence, we ensure that every lesson is purposeful, every strategy is effective and every teacher is empowered to make a difference.

We’re proud of our educators who embrace this challenge with professionalism and passion. Evidence-based practice isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.

Chantelle Bauer
Deputy Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning

Celebrating a Colourful Term of Collaboration and Spirit

This term has been a memorable one for our Student Representative Council (SRC), marked by leadership, collaboration and a celebration of School Spirit. The representatives from Years 1 to 6 have enjoyed the opportunity to meet fortnightly to share the ideas and the feedback gathered from their peers in the SRC meeting environment that is supportive of sharing and asking questions. Lead by our Year 6 student leaders, the discussions have been insightful, full of curiosity along with a good dose of humour. The boys have problem solved together and the list of ideas and improvements that the SRC hope to achieve is a credit to the process and their leadership.

One of the standout highlights was the SRC’s partnership with our Junior School Supporters Group (JSSG) to organise and facilitate the end of Term 3 Colour Run. This event brought together students from across the Junior School in a fun celebration that promoted wellbeing.

Earlier in July, SRC representatives Will and Mason demonstrated outstanding leadership and initiative when they presented at a JSSG committee meeting. Their presentation was well thought out and professional, outlining the purpose behind the Colour Run, their fundraising goals and as well as an event plan. They had also gathered feedback from students across all year levels, ensuring the event reflected the voices and interests of the Junior School community.

Will and Mason confidently responded to all questions from committee members, clearly articulating how the Colour Run would serve as a way to raise funds for future student-led initiatives. The JSSG were impressed and agreed to sponsor the event.

The success of the Colour Run is an example of the power of partnership between students, parents, and staff. It was through this shared vision and collaborative effort that the event came to life. Together, we created a meaningful experience that not only raised funds but also strengthened our sense of community and school spirit.

Thank you to our families for supporting this initiative and for the ongoing support of our JSSG. We are proud of our SRC for their vision, teamwork and commitment to making a positive impact in our School. Their efforts this term have embodied the spirit of student leadership

Amanda Hall
Deputy Head of Junior School - Students

Thank you all for a great Term 3. Club Football, Club Rugby, GPS Rugby, GPS Basketball, Athletics Mini-meets as well as a range of sporting clubs, Inter-school sport and trials has meant a very busy term for all boys. We are blessed to have such wonderful coaches and a supportive parent body.

Prep to Year 3 Swimming carnival

Last Friday we celebrated the achievements of our Prep to Year 3 boys in swimming with our annual carnival. Boys have worked hard all year in their learn-to-swim weekly lessons, and the performances they displayed last week is a testament to their efforts and those of their amazing instructors.

Congratulations to all boys but of particular note are the following age champions:

Congratulations to Boyce House on winning the Spirit Trophy.

The Champion House for 2025 was Stephens House. Well done!

GPS Athletics

The Annual GPS Athletic Championships will be held on Friday 24 October at QSAC. Information regarding this event will be sent to all boys who have been selected. We wish everyone good luck in this final GPS sporting event of 2025.

Congratulations to all boys who have competed in basketball, athletics, football or rugby this term. Your efforts on and off the field / court has been exemplary. Well done.

RnB and Big Band Extravaganza

Congratulations to our Junior School Jazz Band for their performances at the RnB and Big Band Extravaganza on Friday, 5 September. Photos of the evening have been included in the Performing Arts article.

Musicians’ Cup

Our annual Junior School Musicians’ Cup will be held in the Junior School Hall at 5:30pm on Thursday, 30 October 2025 (Week 4 of Term 4). The Musicians’ Cup is an adjudicated event held with high regard within our Junior School. All instrumental students, from Years 4 to 6, with a minimum standard of Grade 2 AMEB (or equivalent) are welcome to nominate to compete in the Cup. A letter and nomination form were emailed home last week. Should your son be interested in nominating, please ensure the nomination form is completed before Thursday, 16 October. Hard copies of the letter and nomination form are available from Mrs Carrigan or Mrs Dixon in the Junior School Music Room.

SOTA AGM

Our Supporters of the Arts (SOTA) have their AGM on Tuesday, 14 October at 6:30pm in Old Hall. All parents from the Junior School who have a son involved in the music program are invited to attend. Should you wish to find out more information, please contact performingarts@twgs.qld.edu.au

THRIVE FESTIVAL

Thu 25 – Sun 28 Sep
The Empire Theatre’s school holiday festival for kids is back—and it’s bubbling with fun. From giant jellyfish and crafty sea creatures to bubbles, fairy bread, and live performances, THRIVE is a jam-packed four-day celebration for children aged 0–12 and their grown-ups. With both free and ticketed events, there’s something for every family to dive into this spring. For more information, please access the Empire Theatre website.

Kellie Dixon
Head of Junior School Music

Emotions Under Control – Supporting Our Boys Through the Teenage Years

On the evening of Wednesday, 4 September, many of our parents joined the Wellio Parent Webinar titled Emotions Under Control. The session provided practical insights into how we can help adolescent boys (ages 12–18) better understand and manage their emotions.

The presenters introduced the Three R’s – Recognise, Regulate and Reflect – a simple but powerful model for building emotional intelligence at home.

• Recognise: Encourage boys to identify and name their emotions. Simply stating “I feel frustrated” helps calm the body and mind. Parents can model this by sharing their own feelings (“I am feeling frustrated right now”), then moving towards shared recognition (“I feel we are both frustrated – is that the same for you?”) and finally inviting their child to express themselves (“Can you tell me how you are feeling right now?”).

• Regulate: The focus here is on slowing down and de-escalating. Parents might say, “I’m feeling worked up and need to take a breath.” Together, you can practice calming strategies such as breathing, taking a break, or listening to music. Over time, this empowers boys to choose their own regulation tools.

• Reflect: Once emotions have eased, reflection turns the moment into learning. Parents can model self-awareness (“I might remove myself in the future to think about my words and actions”), explore shared solutions (“What can we do to minimise a similar response next time?”), and prompt individual growth (“Is there something you could have done differently today?”).

The webinar also introduced the “I do, We do, You do” approach – a step-by-step strategy that allows parents to first model skills, then practise alongside their child, before handing over responsibility for independent application. This gradual process supports adolescents as they strengthen their own emotional toolkit.

Responses online from parents were very positive as mentioned below –

• “It is great to be reminded that many parents are all experiencing similar situations, that it is normal and that there are options to assist parents.”
• “Great suggestion about talking to them when they are cooled down. Also love the idea of yelling in the pillow – I am going to try that myself in the future.”
• “Our children mirror us – we have to regulate also if we want them to do the same.”
• “I do, we do, you do – I can visualise previous situations where this would have been helpful and led to a different outcome.”

Helping boys recognise, regulate and reflect is not about avoiding emotions but rather about guiding them to manage feelings in healthy and constructive ways. As boys grow through adolescence, these strategies can strengthen their resilience, improve relationships, and build the self-awareness they’ll need beyond school.

Term 4 Webinar – ‘Social Media, Boundaries and Cyberbullying’ – Thursday, 6 November 2025

Michael Hall
Head of Pastoral Care

Term 3 is usually the busiest term for the Careers Department with the Year 10 Career Plan interviews concluding, subject preferencing submitted and university applications being finalised and submitted for our Year 12s. It is an exciting time for us all as we help students explore the “what comes next”.

Year 12

Year 12 students are finalising their QTAC and interstate university applications. These need to be completed by 25 September for interstate and by 30 September for Queensland, to avoid late application fees and to ensure all necessary supporting documentation can be submitted on time. It is important to be aware of early closing dates and additional application requirements for some courses at different Universities such as Medicine, Creative Arts and Veterinary Science programs.

Some of our Year 12 students have already received early university offers or have been invited to apply for early offers which is good news; however, it is important to remember that these offers are conditional on the successful completion of Year 12. College accommodation offers are also starting to come out. It has been very competitive this year, but it is still not too late to apply to some colleges if you have not already done so. Please check College accommodation websites for further information. All universities offer scholarships, and I encourage the boys to spend some time over the break to research opportunities that may be available to them.

We congratulate many of the Year 12 students who have already secured full time apprenticeships for next year in a variety of trade and agricultural disciplines. We are very fortunate to have close relationships with industry across the Darling Downs and Western regions. We often have employers approach us looking for new apprentices or offering internship opportunities. These opportunities are always emailed out to the boys. This week we welcomed Hewitt Foods to speak with the boys about gap year and career opportunities for 2026 and beyond.

Year 11

The University of Queensland is again hosting the Young ChangeMakers Program for interested Year 11 students. The program is a 4-day experience that presents Year 11 students with an exciting opportunity for academic extension and enrichment and is centred around igniting young change makers’ passions for leadership, academic achievement and community development in today’s global society. To learn more about the program, read UQ Young ChangeMakers Program.

• The program runs Sunday, 30 November to Wednesday, 3 December 2025.
• Applications close Sunday, 21 September 2025.
• Location: UQ St Lucia campus

If you would like to discuss anything with a member of the Careers Department, please don’t hesitate to contact us to make an appointment.

I wish you all a relaxing break.

Anthea Richters
Head of Department - Careers

It's that time again, the holidays are here. The perfect break from the daily routines.

Whether you are relaxing at the beach, camping out bush, snuggled under a blanket at home or anywhere in between. Reading is a great way to turn your downtime into something memorable, or it can be an experience all its own. Why not use this time to lose yourself in a book.

Every year our boys read some fantastic books in their studies, some are enduring classics that you may have read in school, some may be new. These holidays are a perfect time to read these books and perhaps have a conversation with your son about his thoughts on the book.

Below is a selection of these books, along with a recommendation or two of similar stories.

• The Happiest Refugee: A memoir (Anh Do)
  This is a heartwarming memoir detailing the author's journey from Vietnam to Australia as a refugee. The book captures the struggles, triumphs and resilience of Anh and his family as they navigate a new life in Australia, showcasing themes of gratitude, kindness, family bonds and hard work. Anh's writing style is described as friendly, conversational and humorous, making the book an engaging and emotional read that sheds light on the experiences of refugees.

• Any biography - find someone you would like to know more about and read about their life.

• Tomorow, When the War Began (John Marsden)
  A fast-paced, survival series that balances action with believable teen characters. A group of teens are out camping when Australia is invaded and now they must try to survive and help the ones they love behind enemy lines.

• Gone (Micheal Grant)
  Enter a world where anyone over the age of 14 has suddenly vanished and find out what happens to those left behind.

• Lord of the Flies (William Golding)
  A group of English school boys are stranded on an island, leading to a depiction of civilisation's descent into savagery amidst the absence of adult supervision.

• The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)
  In a dystopian future, in the land of Panem, residents of the twelve districts are selected by lot to fight to the death in 'The Hunger Games' for the entertainment of the people in the ruling Capitol.

• The Tragedy of Macbeth (William Shakespeare)
  This classic tragedy that delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, guilt and the consequences of seeking power for its own sake. The story follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, who is driven by prophecies to commit murder in order to fulfil his ambitions, ultimately leading to his downfall.

• Wyrd Sisters (Terry Pratchett)
  This parody of Macbeth is a humorous and witty tale set in the Discworld universe, focusing on the adventures of three witches in a story that blends themes of power, royalty, and the absurdity of human nature.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret (Brian Selznik)
  A visually stunning, genre-blending adventure that celebrates the magic of movies and the wonder of invention; great for art lovers, dreamers and anyone craving a truly unique read!

• The Arrival (Shaun Tan)
  A wordless graphic novel that intricately portrays the immigrant experience through stunning illustrations. Through a series of surreal and poignant images, the book captures the emotional struggles and triumphs of immigrants seeking a better life in a foreign land.

Happy holidays and happy reading!

Daniel Crook
Head of Library and Information Services

TGS began our Track and Field season last Friday as we hosted our first Pre-Meet of the year. 32 boys travelled to QSAC in Brisbane on Friday afternoon, where we saw strong performances across the board. The strongest performances of the night were in the 200m with standout runs by Raven Rewald, Lachlan Roach and Jake Roach. We now look forward to two Pre-Meets next term before the GPS Championships in Week 3.

Last week, three of our talented cross-country runners had the honor of representing Queensland at the School Sport Australia held at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast. In what can be quite a challenging course, the boys faired well against their interstate competitors and recorded impressive results. Congratulations to Henry, Mitchell and Hamish on their recent performances and for representing TGS on the national stage.

• Henry Reeves (13yr boys) – 10th
• Mitchell Wilkes (15-16yr Multi-Class) – 3rd overall
• Hamish Finlay (15-16yr Multi-Class) – 6th overall

The Toowoomba Volleyball Association Finals were hosted at TGS and Harristown last Tuesday, with our teams finishing the season strongly. In the Senior Boys division, TGS secured bronze with a win over Mt Lofty. The Intermediate Boys also claimed bronze, defeating TAS. Our Junior Boys, made up of Years 7 and 8 students playing against older opponents, showed tremendous resilience. Despite a 0–2 result, they pushed the second set to 21–25 and nearly forced a decider. Congratulations to all our volleyballers on a successful season, marked by effort, improvement and great spirit.

Senior Boys – Bronze Medal

• TGS def. Mt Lofty 26–24, 25–20

Intermediate Boys – Bronze Medal

• TGS def. TAS 25–23, 25–18

Junior Boys

• TGS def. by Mt Lofty 2-0

Blazers Program Overview

Blazers Summer Performance Squads is tailored for beginners to advanced players who are looking to improve their technical skills, game IQ, strength and conditioning, and overall athletic performance. Sessions will be led by our experienced TGS coaches with a strong background in elite basketball development.

Program Details

• Start Date: Week 1 – starts Monday, 13 October
• End Date: Week 10 – starts Monday, 15 December
• Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• Time: 5pm – 9pm (1 hour sessions per group)
• Location: Glen McCracken Sports Centre
• Cost: $490 for 10 sessions (13-18 Years) $290 for 10 session (8-12 Years)
• Eligibility: Anybody interested in Basketball

Key Features

• Skills development sessions focused on shooting, ball handling, defence and decision-making
• Game-based training and tactical instruction
• Strength, agility and conditioning tailored to basketball performance
• Performance feedback and goal setting

How to Register your Interest

To register your child’s interest in the program, please complete this online form.

Once we receive your expression of interest, you will then receive a registration form and further details.

RnB and Big Band Extravaganza

On Friday, 5 September we held our annual RnB and Big Band Extravaganza in the Assembly Hall. This was a wonderful evening of music and entertainment. Thank you to Mr Jonathan Willis and Mr Mark Chalmers for their time and effort in ensuring the boys were prepared for their performances. Congratulations to all boys who were involved – it was a wonderful evening.

SOTA AGM

Our Supporters of the Arts (SOTA) have their AGM on Tuesday, 14 October at 6:30pm in Old Hall. All parents from Prep to Year 12 who have a son involved in the performing arts program are invited to attend. Should you wish to find out more information, please contact performingarts@twgs.qld.edu.au

SOTA Raffle – seeking donations

The Supporters of the Arts (SOTA) are seeking donations to contribute towards raffle prizes for the upcoming Take Note and Performing Arts Awards next term. Donations of all sorts would be appreciated, however, the following are always popular and desirable:

• Gift vouchers – Spotify voucher / coffee and meal vouchers / Empire Theatre / beauty services / books etc
• Books / Chocolate / Alcohol / Non-perishable items
• Tech gear – blue tooth headphones / portable speaker etc

Should you wish to contribute, please drop donations to Mrs Noll or Mrs Dixon in the Baynes Centre during school hours.

Term 4 Performing Arts Calendar

Looking ahead to Term 4 there are a number of performances and commitments for our Performing Arts department. Please find the Term 4 Performing Arts calendar below.

Kellie Dixon
Director of Performing Arts (Acting)

Grammar 150 Gala Dinner

Join us for what is sure to be a once in a generation celebration event.

Proudly brought to you by Hutchinson Builders and in conjunction with the TGS Old Boys' Association.

Secure your tickets via TryBooking.

Group Tours

Prospective families are very welcome to visit TGS and join a small group tour of the School. During the tour, families will be able to view our classrooms and facilities, see our teachers and students in action and learn more about our co-curricular activities.

Our small group tours are held on selected dates across the year from 9:00am until 10:30am. Upcoming dates:

• Thursday, 9 October 2025
• Thursday, 13 November 2025

Prospective families can book a group tour here.

Boyce House Mountain Mile

Sunday, 19 October 2025
8:00am registration for a 9:00am start
$60 per team of four

Register via this link.

Stay up-to-date with all upcoming TGS events via the Events Calendar.

Start of Term 4 opening hours

• Tuesday, 7 October 8:00am to 5:00pm
• Wednesday, 8 October 8:00am to 5:00pm
• Thursday, 9 October - normal hours resume (1:00pm to 5:00pm)

Normal opening hours during term time

• Monday 8:00am to 5:00pm
• Tuesday to Friday 1:00pm to 5:00pm
• The shop is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

There's no such thing as perfect parenting. But by understanding different parenting styles, we can better support our children in healthier and more effective ways.

Most of us parent as a blend of our own upbringing, lived experiences and external influences such as books, podcasts or parenting websites. And while parenting is always a challenge, it can become even more complex through divorce, separation, blended families, trauma or bereavement. Not to mention life's many other hurdles.

The concept of "parenting styles" was first introduced in the 1960s by Diana Baumrind, a clinical and developmental psychologist. She identified four main categories of parenting. Each style shapes a child's development in different ways and comes with both strengths and challenges.

Although well-intentioned, each parenting approach can have drawbacks in a child's development. Every child is unique, and their needs change as they grow. An authoritative style may suit younger children, but teenagers often require a greater balance of guidance and independence. The goal is to create a secure environment where children feel respected, heard, and supported.

By learning more about the different styles and how they influence children, you can make informed choices about the approach that best suits your family. And remember, styles are not fixed. They can evolve over time as your child grows and their needs change.

We invite you to watch this Special Report and complete the quiz to discover your own parenting style. You might also like to compare your results with your partner's and reflect together on the different approaches you each bring to parenting.

Access the Special Report here.

We understand that from time to time and for a wide variety of reasons, families will make the decision to leave TGS. As a School, we will always strive to work with families to ensure an outcome that is in the best interests of each boy.

It is also important to note and as a reminder to all families enrolled at Toowoomba Grammar School, our conditions of enrolment clearly stipulate that at least 10 weeks’ written notice of the withdrawal must be provided to the School.

As per the School’s Conditions of Enrolment, all tuition and fees must be paid for the Term in which the notice of withdrawal expires. For situations where 10 weeks’ notice is not provided, the following Term’s fees are payable.

This 10 weeks’ written notice period also applies to boys changing their enrolment status from boarder to dayboy.

If you are considering withdrawing your son, we would strongly encourage you to contact his Head of House, the Head of Junior School, the Head of Senior School or the Deputy Headmaster.

We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss all considerations in this regard with you.