THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 2 February 2024

Dear TGS Families

As we embark on a new year, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for what lies ahead in 2024. Welcoming back our students and staff, both returning and new, has generated a vibrant energy around the campus and there is an overwhelming sense that the year has started well.

The start of a new year marks a period of renewal and continued commitment to Toowoomba Grammar School's tradition of excellence in educating boys and developing their good character for life. We commenced with a series of important events that symbolise our community's spirit and values. Our Orientation Assembly for new boys and their families set a welcoming tone, introducing them to the values and opportunities that define a Toowoomba Grammar School education. The new assembly on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval to welcome boys to the School, further reinforced our strong sense of belonging and tradition. Furthermore, our Welcome Back Assembly for all students was a celebration of our collective spirit, marking the beginning of another promising year.

It was also wonderful to host our Scholars’ Assembly, at which time we celebrated the outstanding ATAR results of the 2023 Year 12 cohort. It was wonderful in particular to hear from Co-Proxime Accessit Thomas Dixon and Ayan Rahman, as well as the Dux of TGS Riyan Khan who achieved the highest possible mark of 99.95. These boys, and their peers, will go on to achieve great things and we will look forward to monitoring their progress with pride. Celebrating excellence is an important tradition in a boys' school. It is essential that all boys see "what good looks like" and events such as these provide an opportunity to do this and to also inspire those who follow.

Similarly, it is important to begin the year with a strong emphasis on what is important and I had the opportunity to share some key messages with our current Year 12 students at the start of the term. I emphasised the importance of being role models, the significance of time management, and the necessity of effective communication. These principles are not only vital for their success but also serve as foundational values for all our students. As seniors, their leadership and behaviour set a tone that resonates throughout our school community. They carry the responsibility of upholding our standards, offering support to younger students, and embodying the ethos of looking out for one another.

Much has occurred around the campus, which reflects our commitment to enhancing our facilities and providing the best possible educational experience for the boys.

• Numerous flat panels were installed in classrooms around the School and all classrooms now have these in place.
• The P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre change rooms were updated.
• A further 100kW of solar panels were installed on the Glen McCracken Sports Centre (GMSC).
• The gym equipment that was in the P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre gym has been relocated to the mezzanine level of the GMSC.
• The ovals were prepared for the coming cricket season and facilities including boarding houses and gardens were maintained and I’d like to thank our Property Manager Murray Janke and his team for this work.
• Families will also be aware of the work currently underway with the re-development of the Junior School and Aquatic Centre car park. The area has been shaped for the new carpark and the bricklaying for retaining walls is underway. Good progress has been made and at this point the project is on track to finish by the end of this term.
• Repairs have been completed in the Junior School admin building after the flooding that occurred during the year.

It is also my pleasure to acknowledge and welcome all new staff members to the School this year. The introduction of new staff members, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensures that the boys and the School benefit from diverse perspectives and fresh ideas. Their contributions have already begun to make a significant impact, and I am confident they will greatly enrich the fabric of the School across all domains.

As we look forward to the year ahead, I am reminded of our community's strength and our shared commitment to excellence. Confident in our ability to navigate the future together, guided by our values and the collective aspirations of our students and families, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to lead such a dynamic and inspiring community. Your support and engagement are crucial to our success, and I eagerly anticipate sharing another remarkable year with you all at Toowoomba Grammar School.

Warm regards,

Dr John C Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Staff Appointments – Leadership

Parents will have received recently a letter announcing the appointment of Mrs Crystal Hede as Director of Learning and Innovation at Toowoomba Grammar School with effect from the commencement of Term 2. Mrs Hede’s appointment concludes an extensive national and international executive search process which has seen Toowoomba Grammar School consider an exceptional field of educators.

A highly experienced educator, Mrs Hede is currently the Director of Teaching and Innovation at The Glennie School where she has proven herself to be a strong and collaborative leader with a passion for learning and teaching. Throughout her career Mrs Hede has developed wonderful working relationships with students, staff and the broader school communities within which she has worked. We are confident that Mrs Hede will continue to foster these excellent working relationships at Toowoomba Grammar School.

Mrs Hede has held several leadership positions across her career and in different settings, including her current role as Director of Teaching and Innovation. She has also held the role of Acting Deputy Principal (Head of Curriculum), Head of Operations, Timetabler, Head of Department and Lead Author with Oxford University Press. During her time at The Glennie School, Mrs Hede has led a culture of continuous improvement through a relational and values-based approach to leadership. This approach has led to enhanced learning experiences and professional development for students and staff alike.

Selected from a competitive pool of candidates, Mrs Hede impressed the panel with her expertise in contemporary education, particularly in single-sex and P-12 settings. Her extensive experience leading teachers and educating students in a regional boarding school aligns well with the needs of our boys. Furthermore, her strong belief in the benefits of a Toowoomba Grammar School education is evident as she has chosen the school for her own son. There is no doubt that she will inject energy and insight on learning and innovation into the School when she commences in the role.

Mrs Hede is an extremely accomplished educator who has written several educational textbooks currently used by thousands of senior students. Her most recent publication was awarded National Secondary Resource of the Year at the Educational Publishing Awards Australia and was shortlisted as Teacher Resource of the Year. She understands the complexity of the Queensland education system and is held in the highest regard in teaching networks. Her professional contributions have included establishing an online syllabus support network for over 800 Queensland teachers; running professional development sessions for teachers, writing mock examinations for Quality Assessment Tasks Australia, and presenting at state conferences. Always driven to strengthen the profession, Mrs Hede has spent the last 6 months co-leading a project between The Glennie School and the University of Southern Queensland to develop a comprehensive solution to generative artificial intelligence in schools.

We warmly welcome Mrs Hede to the role of Director of Learning and Innovation and look forward to her ongoing contribution to the Toowoomba Grammar School community.

We welcome Gabriel Robbie to the position of Head of Curriculum. Gabe brings with him a wealth of experience and a strategic approach to education leadership. He previously held the position of Head of Department for English, HASS, and Languages at Concordia College. Additionally, he serves as a lead marker with QCAA for Modern History. During his tenure at Concordia, Gabe had demonstrated exceptional skills in quality assurance, particularly in the effective utilisation of student assessment data and QCAA reporting. He had played a pivotal role in refining and establishing various reporting processes, leading to significant achievements. Gabe is well-credentialed, holding a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts (with a focus on History and English) from Sydney University. Furthermore, he possesses a Master of Education in Gifted Education, With Excellence, from the University of New South Wales. In 2023, he successfully completed the Aspiring Leaders program with Independent Schools Queensland. We are confident that Gabe’s expertise and passion for education will greatly benefit the School and we look forward to his contribution in this area.

I am pleased to announce that Michael Hall has been appointed to the position of Head of Pastoral Care. Michael commenced with TGS in January 2020 as the Boarding House Master for Boyce House and Senior School Teacher. Michael was the preferred candidate from a pool of highly qualified applicants. His extensive background in pastoral care, coupled with his existing knowledge of the School and its students, positions him as an exceptional candidate for the role. In addition to assuming the role of Head of Pastoral Care, I am most grateful that Michael will continue in the capacity of Head of House – Boyce until recruitment for this position has been concluded, ensuring continuity for the Boyce House Boarders. We congratulate Michael on his appointment and look forward to his ongoing contributions as Head of Pastoral Care.

Academic Appointments – Senior School

Bradley Grayson joins TGS as a Teacher of Mathematics. Bradley brings with him valuable experience having previously worked as a Teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes College and, more recently, at St Mary’s, where he taught Mathematics, Science, and Digital Technologies. Bradley has previously served as a Boarding Supervisor and coached Cricket and Rugby here at TGS from 2019 to 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education from USQ.

Ken Elliott has commenced the role of Teacher – Technologies. Ken previously taught at Faith Lutheran College, instructing in areas such as Industrial and Design Technology, Religion, Food Technology, as well as Automotive and Engineering. Ken brings a wealth of expertise both within and beyond the educational sphere, having previously taught at TAFE colleges and various local councils. Ken’s qualifications include certificates in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Auto Electrician, Diesel Fitting, Mechanical Engineering Maintenance Fitter, and Automotive Air Conditioning and Engineering. In addition, he holds an Advanced Diploma in Ministry and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary). Currently, Ken is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Psychology.

Luke Paffey joins the Mathematics Department as a Teacher. Luke has previously served as a Head of Department at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College in Dalby, he has also worked at St Mary’s in Dalby, and St John’s School in Roma. He is experienced in pastoral care, having served as a Boarding Supervisor, and holds a Level 2 Accredited Rugby Union coaching qualification, showcasing his commitment to coaching rugby. Luke holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) from QUT.

Jacqueline Koina joins us as a Teacher of Economics. Jacqueline was employed at Lockyer Valley High School, where she served as a Teacher and Subject Coordinator and previously, Lead Teacher for Year 7. Jacqueline has particular interests in delivering Vocational Education Training and coaching Netball. She holds a dual degree in Business Management (with a major in Business Economics) and Education (Secondary) from the University of Queensland, having graduated in 2018.

Academic Appointment – Junior School

Jayne McLean has commenced a 12-month contract as the Year 4 Teacher in the Junior School. Jayne possesses expertise in Behavioural Management and high-level proficiency in Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) training and strategies. Notably, she held the position of Behaviour Management Teacher at Harristown State School and, prior to that, served as the Senior Classroom Teacher at Clifford Park Special School. Jayne has previously excelled as a Beginning Teacher Mentor and Program Facilitator, as well as a 'Teach Like a Champion' Classroom Lead Teacher at Harristown State School. Jayne has a Bachelor of Primary Education from USQ and has partially completed a Master of Education (Guidance Officer and Counselling).

Support & Operational Appointments

We are delighted to announce that Lincoln Clapham has joined our team as the new Head of Sport – Rugby. Lincoln brings a wealth of experience to our School, having enjoyed a successful career in Rugby as the Pathways Coordinator for Queensland Reds, Assistant Manager for the Wallabies, and previously Program Lead for Queensland Reds Women. Lincoln’s expertise in the coaching realm is significant, he holds a Rugby Australia Level 3 Integrity, Level 2 Rugby Coach Qualification, Smart Rugby Accreditation, and a Bachelor of Business (Management) from Queensland University of Technology.

Jacob Zupp has been appointed as the Head Coach - First V Basketball and Sport Coordinator. Jacob served as the TGS Sports Development Officer in 2023 and joined TGS as a sports coach in June 2020. In addition to being a Basketball QLD Program Coach, he has led the First V in A Grade games, GPS A teams, and Junior Tournament Teams at TGS to victorious seasons.

Debra Maddox recently became a part of the Junior School Support and Operations team having accepted the role of Receptionist. Bringing a wealth of experience from Marist College Ashgrove, Deb previously served as Assistant to the Head of Primary School and Receptionist. Her diverse career also includes significant experience in the airline industry, where she held positions such as Cabin Crew, Cabin Supervisor, and Cabin Standards Advisor at Virgin Airlines. Deb's experience in administrative roles within the education sector spans over six years and we welcome her to our Junior School community.

Edward Martin-Munro joins TGS for his gap year in 2024. Edward comes to us from Hampshire, UK and he was previously a Deputy Head Boy at his Secondary School, Captain of the school rugby team, Captain of his college second team in rugby, and Captain of the University lacrosse second team. Edward was given a Unit Director role at a Summer Camp last year. He also speaks fluent Spanish and is a recent graduate from the University of Exeter. Edward will primarily assist in the Student Services team.

We extend a warm welcome to all new staff to the TGS community.

Internal Appointments

We congratulate the following staff on their appointments:

Operations
Brett Sawyer | Head of Operations

Academic
Clinton Owen | Head of Department – Technologies
Hannah Winter | Assistant Head of Department – Technologies
Allan Westman | Head of Department – Mathematics
Damien Wrench | Assistant Head of Department – Mathematics
Kyle Domrow | Acting Head of Department – Science
Samantha Meager | Acting Assistant Head of Department - Science
Thomas Hutchison | Senior School Teacher of History (permanent)

Pastoral
Michael Hall | Head of Pastoral Care
Tony Wallis | Head of Day House – Boyce
Ben Schumacher | Head of Day House – Mackintosh
Eric Smith | Assistant Head of Day House - Boyce
Peter Nicholls | Assistant Head of Boarding House – Groom
Kabe Cicolini | Assistant Head of Boarding House – Corfe

Resignations

It brings me great pleasure to share that Junior School teacher, Amy Casey, has accepted a Principal position with the Department of Education in Southwest Queensland commencing Term 1, 2024. Please allow me to extend my sincere congratulations to Amy on her appointment. Amy has made significant contributions to the Junior School at TGS over the past six years both as classroom teacher and Year 4-6 Coordinator where she led many curriculum development projects including the implementation of the Big Write program, reporting review and classroom design for enhancing the learning environment to name a few. Her pastoral support for students and their families is also a notable quality of Amy’s approach to teaching that our families, and colleagues have been extremely grateful. Amy’s commitment to student development also extended into the co-curricular space through the Afterschool Activities program with Chess and Homework clubs. We extend our warmest best wishes to Amy for her Principalship with her new community.

Senior School Industrial Technology & Design Teacher, Jack Murphy, has also accepted a promotional position. Jack has contributed significantly to the Technologies department over the past four years as well as supporting the boys in co-curricular areas, including the Show Cattle Team. We thank Jack for his contributions in this area and we extend our best wishes to him for continued success and fulfillment in his evolving career path. Jack has accepted the position of Teacher in Charge of Technologies at Good Samaritan College.

Senior School Teacher, Alice Rigby, has announced her intention to resign effective 14 February 2024. Alice joined TGS in 2017 as our Artist in Residence, embarking on a journey that involved enriching our students' creativity and fostering deep engagement in their creative pursuits. After completing a tenure of 4 years and 4 months, Alice has accepted a position at UniSQ and plans to pursue her PhD. We express our gratitude to Alice for her valuable contributions to both the Senior and Junior school boys, and we extend our best wishes to her in the upcoming chapter of her career.

Senior School Library Assistant, Michelle Nicholls, will embrace a new opportunity and has transitioned into an Administration Officer position within the Toowoomba Catholic Diocese. Throughout her remarkable 11-year journey with TGS, Michelle has held various roles including Aquatic Centre Administration, Business Office Assistant, concluding her tenure as Library Assistant in the Senior School. We extend our deepest appreciation to Michelle for her contributions to TGS and offer our sincerest wishes for her continued success and fulfilment in all her future endeavours.

Tricia Priest, our Junior School Receptionist, has concluded her employment with the School. We express our gratitude to Tricia for her contribution to the Junior School and the support she extended to staff, students and parents throughout her tenure. We extend our best wishes to Tricia for all her future endeavours.

Ben Burgess - Senior Dayboy Prefect, Alistair McKay - Senior Prefect and Stuart Officer - Senior Boarding Prefect tell us about their plans for the year.

The plan for the year:

At the conclusion of last year, the Prefects went away on the annual Prefect Camp in order to formulate and finalise our plans for 2024. Over the course of the weekend, we tossed around potential initiatives and strategies to implement in the coming year and how we would go about seeing positive changes around the School. After some late nights and deep discussions, we broke the Plan down in to three main pillars of consideration: Culture and Tradition, Mentorship and Standards. All new initiatives being implemented for this year will fall under one of these pillars, with these ranging from boarder-dayboy interactions to increasing digital promotion for the sporting teams. As the Prefects, we are also hoping to create a school that abides by the following mantra: “Two Colours, One School, Gold Standards”. When broken down, this means that despite all students at Toowoomba Grammar School being unique and diverse, we are all united by the blue and gold colours of our school uniform. Likewise, the “Gold Standards” means that all students must hold themselves and each other to the highest standards while they are representing the School.

What the Prefect Group wants to focus on:

As mentioned previously, the three pillars of consideration and focus areas are Culture and Tradition, Mentorship and Standards. The Culture and Tradition pillar will focus on continuing and celebrating the past traditions of Toowoomba Grammar School since 1875, while creating a unified culture where the talents and success of each student are celebrated. Likewise, we wish to foster relationships between our boarders and dayboys, as well as the previous Old Boys of the School to help acknowledge the previous traditions of the School and to help create a unified culture that extends beyond the current TGS students.

The Mentorship pillar will focus on older students being valuable role models to the younger boys and being available to help them navigate their way through high school. We wish to focus on Mentorship as it will strengthen bonds between younger and older boys and break down any potential barriers that may separate grades within the School. Likewise, Mentorship will help the School to have a more united culture and will give younger students a chance to learn and develop leadership skills from the older, more experienced students.

Finally, the Standards pillar will focus on all Toowoomba Grammar School students having a clear expectation of what is expected of them whilst they are representing the School either during a school day or on the weekends. This pillar will focus on students holding themselves accountable to the highest standards, while also representing the School with pride through everything they do. A focus on this pillar will also provide the students will valuable lessons that they will use post-school and will result in students conducting themselves at the highest standards no matter the situation.

The legacy the Prefect Group wants to leave:

The legacy we leave behind is an important and highly regarded topic for us Prefects; after all, what good are new initiatives and implementations if we haven’t supplied our successors with the tools necessary to uphold them in the future? Our legacy as Prefects is less about how we are remembered as people, and more about the positive differences we were able to make during our time in the Blue and Gold. Whether it be through new initiatives involving fostering Year 7 and 12 relationships or our connections to the Old Boys, or simply just encouraging younger boys to get involved around the School, these differences will all hopefully work in creating a more positive and inclusive schooling community.

The importance of the legacy we leave behind can also be seen in our primary vision for 2024 - “to encourage optimism in all students while creating a legacy of empowering young leaders of tomorrow and into the future.” At the conclusion of our time here at TGS, we are hoping that through our new initiatives and involvements around the School - such as the SRC program – we are able to supply the next line of not only Prefects but also senior boys of our school with the pathway and guidance to uphold and continue on pursing the Gold Standards of TGS.

How the 2024 Prefects will support the Junior School boys:

The 2024 Prefects will look to be involved in several aspects throughout the Junior School to support the boys as well as transcending the pride of what it means to be a part of the “Two Colours, One School, Gold Standards”. The Prefects will look to mentor, support and lead the Junior School boys throughout the year, cultivating connection between the Junior and Senior School while empowering the leaders of tomorrow and into the future. Continuing from the 2023 Prefects, Year 11 boys will go down to the ovals during their lunch break to build connections and relationships with the boys, exemplifying what it means to be a part of the school and how we uphold our gold standards.

Likewise, boys will be present at Junior School extra-curricular activities where boys will model how we show our Golden Standard on and off the field, as well offering support throughout their sport and GPS events.

Finally, the Prefects will look to collaborate closely with the Junior School leaders. By attending assemblies and having meetings with the boys, the Prefects will look to ensure the boys feel connected and supported by the Prefects and Senior School through their journey as leaders, allowing them to emulate what it means to be a Grammarian and inspiring others to do so.

Spend a couple of minutes with our Prefects:

Alistair McKay - https://www.facebook.com/Toowo...

Stuart Officer - https://www.facebook.com/Toowo...

Ben Burgess - https://www.facebook.com/Toowo...

Education is not just about academic achievements; it is a holistic process that nurtures the overall development of individual students. In my journey of professional educational growth, I have witnessed how pastoral care plays a pivotal role in creating a supportive and enriching environment within educational settings. Modern educational groups understand how pastoral care extends beyond the traditional boundaries of academics, focusing on the emotional, social, and personal well-being of students. It is a privilege to be selected as Head of Pastoral Care at Toowoomba Grammar School and continue working with the amazing staff here on campus. By working closely with all areas of the School to enhance opportunities, we look to extend pastoral provision beyond students to assist parents and staff alike in building authentic relationships that build a child’s sense of belonging at Toowoomba Grammar School.

Educational settings can be challenging for students, as they navigate through a myriad of academic, social, and personal experiences. Pastoral care provides a safety net, offering emotional support and guidance to help students cope with the complexities of their journey. A supportive environment contributes to a sense of belonging, fostering positive mental health and emotional well-being among students.

The relationships formed between students and pastoral care providers are crucial for a positive educational experience. These relationships create a sense of trust and openness, enabling students to share their concerns and seek guidance without fear of judgment. Through regular interactions, pastoral care providers become familiar with the unique needs of each student, allowing for tailored support and intervention when necessary.

In today's diverse educational landscape, pastoral care plays a key role in promoting inclusivity. It recognises and embraces the unique backgrounds, experiences, and challenges that students bring to the learning environment. By acknowledging and addressing diversity, pastoral care ensures that every student feels valued and supported, contributing to a harmonious and inclusive educational community.

Pastoral care is integral to the promotion of positive behaviour within educational settings. By instilling a sense of responsibility, empathy, and respect, pastoral care contributes to a positive and inclusive school culture. Through proactive measures such as conflict resolution and character education, pastoral care helps create an environment where students feel safe, respected, and encouraged to excel both academically and personally. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe that character development centred around all the School has to offer will greatly enhance a student's sense of belonging, thus opening up opportunities for them to be authentically connected with the world they venture into upon graduating as a Grammarian Old Boy.

Michael Hall
Head of Pastoral Care

The School extends a very warm welcome to Mr Gabe Robbie, our newly appointed Head of Curriculum.

As Head of Curriculum, Mr Robbie will be overseeing QCAA, Australian Curriculum requirements, AARA applications for our senior boys, subject changes, NAPLAN administration, working very closely with our teaching staff and students.

Mrs Crystal Hede will be joining us as Director of Learning and Innovation in Term 2.

If you have any queries or concerns in relation to academic matters, please feel free to contact our Studies Office on our new email studies@twgs.qld.edu.au. Your queries will be forwarded to the relevant staff member.

Welcome back to School! It is certainly wonderful to have all the boys back on campus. 2024 is shaping up to be another busy year in the Careers department and we look forward to working with the boys throughout the year.

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the 2023 cohort on their success with their ATAR results, university offers and vocational pathways. We are thrilled the majority of boys received their first university preference and all vocational students have secured full time apprenticeships or employment. Our students have chosen to study at universities throughout Queensland and interstate in a wide range of industries including Medicine, Engineering, Mathematics, Property Economics, Dentistry, Finance, Acting and Physiotherapy to list a few. We even have some students exploring opportunities in the USA. This is a fabulous achievement, and we are very proud of all students and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

University Showcase

The University Showcase event will be held on Friday, 9 February for the Year 12 students. We will host representatives from nine universities from across Queensland and northern NSW who will speak with the boys about life at university, tertiary admissions and courses on offer. The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre will also be available to provide information on the application process which opens in August. This showcase event will be very beneficial as the boys will have the opportunity to speak with individual university staff face to face.

Work Experience

The Year 10 Work Experience registrations are due this week. Once placement has been confirmed, details need to be entered into the Microsoft form link which year 10 students have been sent. Thank you to all those families who have already completed the registration. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Work Experience, please contact the Careers Office on (07) 4687 2603 or email Mrs Simpson t.simpson@twgs.qld.edu.au.

A reminder that Year 11 and Year 12 students are also able to undertake work experience over the school holidays and will need to see Mrs Rathie to discuss the details and arrange insurance paperwork. These opportunities assist the students with their career decisions and to make positive industry and community connections.

Year 12 Parent Information Evening

We are hosting a general information evening for our Year 12 parents and caregivers on Wednesday, 21 February at 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Please keep a look out for further details about this event.

Year 10 General Construction Induction Training

All Year 10 students will undertake safety training this term in preparation for their work experience in Week 10. These training days will be held at school and delivered by TAFE Qld Southwest. We are very fortunate to be able to offer this opportunity to all our Year 10 students.

The Careers Team is currently planning many careers exploration opportunities for the boys and look forward to another positive year ahead.

Best wishes,

Anthea Richters
Head of Department - Careers

A warm welcome to a new school year. May it be filled with excitement, belonging and a sense of adventure for your son.

The group that captures those three feelings better than anyone is our youngest members of the School, our Preps, during their first week: seeing the excitement on their faces as they come to School, the belonging they feel with their teachers and parents connecting at the start of the day, and the sense of adventure they experience as they explore the classroom and playground busily running from one activity to the next. They are completely immersed in their new environment and exhausted at the end of each day. Perfect! We all feel similarly, I suspect, in our own way, but our younger students certainly express this externally better than anyone.

New and returning families alike, I hope you enjoyed a restful break and are settling into the start of the 2024 year smoothly. No doubt everyone is beginning their new routines, each year level has different features for your son to become familiar with. Please reach out to your son’s class teacher or our administrative staff if there is anything we can support you with. Thank you for your attendance at last week's Parent Information Evening on Thursday, 25 January. This was an opportunity to have an overview of the year ahead and connect in with your teachers, but please feel comfortable making contact at any stage to clarify or seek guidance from us; we are keen to help and an early connection point can have great impact.

Last week we formally inducted our student leaders in Year 6 at assembly on Thursday, 25 January. These students will lead their House groups and the Junior School community across a range of portfolios. We were thoroughly grateful to hear from our Headmaster, Dr Kinniburgh, and his reflections on leadership as a connection point for all Year 6 students, each of them carrying our School values and good character having an impact in our community. These sentiments were beautifully echoed in the lived experience of our special guest, Senior Prefect - Jackson Smiddy, who shared his experiences from Junior School having travelled the full distance himself from Prep to where he is now as a Year 12 Prefect. Jackson spoke of special moments as a Year 6 Library monitor and the sense of pride that gave him to be supporting our Junior School whilst doing something he genuinely enjoyed. These were affirming reflections for our Year 6 students as they begin their own journey as senior leaders of the Junior School but also for our parents who were in attendance, hearing from a student who has walked the path their own sons are about to take must have brought them great comfort that their own journey will be a fulfilling one.

There is much to look forward to in the days, weeks and months ahead; too many to mention here but I will highlight a few events to note in the coming weeks. This Friday is the Under 9 – 12 House Swimming Carnival, an exciting event filled with impressive swimming and House spirit. More information will be shared by our Junior School Sports Co-ordinator, Mr Brendan Doherty, in his Blue and Gold section and direct e-mails home. The Junior School Supporters' Group is hosting a Family Fun Night on Friday, 16 February on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval from 4:30pm – 8:30pm. There will be activities for all ages and a movie screening on the scoreboard from 7:00pm for the whole family to enjoy together. This event is a new initiative from our Junior School Supporters' Group, designed to begin the year with a fun event bringing us together as a community, forming connections and friendships for the year ahead. We’re very much looking forward to this occasion, and I thank everyone in advance for their contributions to make this event a successful one for everyone to enjoy.

My sincere best wishes for the year ahead. I sincerely wish it is filled with excitement, belonging and a sense of adventure for you all.

Warmest regards, and appreciation,

Ken Raven
Head of Junior School

Welcome to a new and exciting school year. I have enjoyed meeting the new boys and some of their parents and I look forward to meeting more in the coming weeks.

I hope you gained some valuable information at the Parent Information Evening last Thursday and you now have a greater insight into how your son’s classroom operates, the program, timetable and expectations while getting to know his teacher a little more. Thank you for your attendance and I thank the dedicated teachers for the time taken to present an accurate picture of their classroom.

At this time of year, it is important to ensure that your son has all his school property labelled. This includes his school uniform and his classroom materials. Correct labelling will enable early recovery of such items if they become lost. The location of the lost property box is just outside the Staff Room. Your son will be reminded that presentation of his school uniform is also important. As stated in the Student Handbook, the school uniform is as follows: TGS ‘Blues’ – TGS shirt, shorts, socks (with garters), black leather shoes and TGS hat (Akubra – Year 4 to 6, Sports hat – Prep to Year 3). Please encourage your sons to regularly polish their black school shoes.

Boys are expected to be ready for class by 8.25am and may be collected at 3.10pm. Staff will be on duty in the playground at 8.00am. The arrival of boys before 8.00am is not encouraged but if this occurs, they must gather on the cobblestone area with bench seats until a staff member starts the morning duty. Staff will be on duty from 3.10pm to 3.30pm each day at the main Drop-Off area adjacent to Corfe Boarding House. Boys should be collected from the pick-up zone by the end of this time.

Enrichment Programs
Enrichment Clubs before and after school will commence in Week 3 of this Term. You will be provided information regarding these clubs in the near future.

Mike Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School

Happy New Year!

It has been a busy start to sport in 2024. With our adage that too much sport is never enough, and with lots more to happen this term, it is only going to get busier and better.

Volleyball
2024 is shaping up to be a big season for our volleyballers. With numbers doubling from the inaugural season in 2023, we are looking forward to a season of enthusiasm, school spirit and growth. Good luck boys.

Cricket
Our cricketers had an internal match in their first round last week. There are lots of promising young players and we look forward to some fine performances this season.

Swimming
The TGS Junior School House Swimming Championships will be held on Friday 2 February. We wish all boys and houses the best of luck for a fantastic day. Following the carnival, there will be a number of zone, regional and GPS carnivals and pre-meets for swimming boys to compete in. Good luck boys.

Cross Country
The Cross Country carnival is not too far away. If they haven’t already, it is time for boys to start training!

Club Football and Club Rugby
Information regarding the sign up for our Prep-Year 4 rugby and football teams has been recently disseminated. Make sure you have signed your son/s up to guarantee him a place in one of our teams.

Pre-season training for both rugby and football will occur towards the end of Term 1. More details will be sent home shortly.

Yours in sport

Brendan Doherty
Junior School Sports Co-ordinator

Welcome to 2024! I am looking forward to working with your son in both classroom music and the co-curricular music program. If you have any questions regarding the music program this year, or if you are new to the school and would like to discuss what music opportunities are available for your son then please do not hesitate to contact me via email at K.Dixon@twgs.qld.edu.au

Junior School Musical – Finding Nemo JR.

It is with great delight that I announce the Junior School will be presenting Finding Nemo JR as our production this year. All boys from Years 3-6 will be involved in the musical and songs will be learnt during Term 2 and 3 in Voiceworks rehearsals during school time. Year 5 and 6 boys have the opportunity to audition for a lead role in the musical. Musical leads rehearsals will occur on Thursday afternoon in Terms 2 and 3. All boys in Years 5 and 6 interested in auditioning for a lead role will be provided with audition packs and information by Week 6, with auditions occurring later in the term. Performances of the musical will occur in the last week of Term 3.

Instrumental and singing tuition

Private music tuition lessons commence in Week 2. If you would like to enrol your son in instrumental or singing tuition you will need to complete the following enrolment form: 2024 - Junior School Music Tuition Request Form (office.com). If you have any enquiries regarding music tuition or lesson times, please contact our Arts Assistant Mrs Kerry Noll by phone on 4687 2542, or via email at K.Noll@twgs.qld.edu.au or music@twgs.qld.edu.au.

2024 Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule

Please find below the ensemble schedule for 2024. Ensemble rehearsals will commence in Week 2, Term 1 from Tuesday, 30 January. Please note that Concert Band will commence in Week 3 (Thursday, 8 February), and Percussion Ensemble will not commence until Week 4 on Monday, 12 February. All ensembles listed below are for boys in Grades 4-6 unless specified. Please note that ensembles are not considered as clubs and therefore rehearse every week of the year during term time. If you have questions regarding a specific ensemble, please do not hesitate to contact me, or you may contact the conductor of that ensemble.

Instrumental Immersion Programs

Year 2 Strings

All Year 2 boys will be learning a string instrument this year and lessons will take place on Wednesdays. The Year 2 string program will be run by Miss Teresa Brix. A letter with more details will be sent home in the coming weeks.

Year 4 Band
All boys in Year 4 will learn an instrument from either the woodwind, brass or percussion family this year and lessons will take place on Thursdays. Boys will be given the opportunity to try all instruments so we can ascertain which instrument your son is best suited to. Parents will be notified of their son’s instrumental allocation after this has been completed and instruments will be distributed on Thursday in Week 4. A letter with more details will be sent home in the coming weeks.

If you have any questions regarding the instrumental immersion programs at the school, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kellie Dixon
Head of Junior School Music

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On behalf of the Junior School Supporters’ Group, I would like to welcome you to Toowoomba Grammar Junior School in 2024. I hope all boys have a smooth transition into Term 1, and a fun and engaging journey at school this year.

The Junior School Supporters’ Group is a sub-committee of the TGS Parents & Friends Association. The group works closely with the Junior School administration to foster a sense of community, and to create meaningful events and opportunities to enhance each boy’s school experience. We also raise funds which are directed toward worthwhile projects for the benefit of the boys and our School. Previous years have seen funds contributed towards Lego tables in the library, landscaping around the flagpoles, hall kitchen renovations and choir risers in the hall, as well as a contribution to the Glen McCracken Sports Centre.

Committee meetings
The JSSG committee meets twice a term, on Mondays at 6.00pm in the Junior School Administration Building meeting room. We invite all parents and guardians to join us. Your input into the operation of the group is greatly appreciated and always welcome.

Social media
The easiest way to engage with JSSG is through our Facebook group – Toowoomba Grammar Junior School Supporters. Information and reminders of upcoming events, callouts for volunteers and uniform reminders are all posted there. The group also provides a forum for parents to chase up lost items and access general support from the parent community. It’s the perfect spot to go for help when your son accidentally brings the wrong bag home from pick up! We are happy to answer questions on Facebook, but if you are still uncertain about anything school-related, don’t forget to contact the school directly for clarification – staff are always there to help too.

You can access Year-specific Facebook groups, which are not run formally by the school or JSSG. These are used for asking specific questions on such topics as homework, lost items or to arrange social catch ups. School staff have a presence in these groups to oversee their operation, and we also use them to share JSSG information. These groups can be found by searching Facebook for “Toowoomba Grammar” and the Year level you are interested in.

Please note that membership questions need to be answered so admins can ensure that only school families gain entry to these groups.

There are also a range of other Facebook groups that support the school community – including Toowoomba Grammar Second Hand Uniforms, TGS Supporters of the Arts (SOTA) and some for sports supporter groups.

JSSG events
The Supporters’ Group runs several events and activities throughout the year. Of note, this year we will be holding our inaugural Junior School Family Fun Night on Friday, 16 February. The evening will involve a range of fun activities for all boys and primary-aged siblings, followed by a movie under the stars on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval. You should have received an invitation email earlier this week with details of the event.

Volunteer opportunities
We rely on the support of wonderful volunteers to help make these events happen. We use signup.com to organise volunteers and will post about this in our Facebook group throughout the year. You’re also welcome to contact us at any time to discuss how you can be involved.

Currently, we are short on committee members and so are seeking nominations for Secretary and Vice President. These roles involve a commitment to attend two meetings a term, as well as attending some events throughout the year where possible. It’s really not onerous, so if you’re thinking of getting involved, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more or come along to one of our meetings early in the year.

Parent class representatives
This year we are implementing a new system of class representatives, to better facilitate connections between families and between the Junior School Supporters’ Group and the parent community. This involves a parent volunteering from each class as a social organiser. This role will also provide a contact point for our committee to promote events and engage volunteers. Please see the attached letter for more information.

Your current JSSG executive is:

President – Tessa Chamberlain (sons in Years 5 and 8)

Treasurer – David Moffitt (sons in Years 4 and 12)

David and Tessa (left), with outgoing committee members Rachel and Felicity at last year’s AGM

I hope you and your families have enjoyed a break over the summer holidays, and I look forward to seeing you at school or at one of our functions over the course of the year.

Kind regards,

Tessa Chamberlain
Junior School Supporters’ Group President
t.chamberlain@twgs.qld.edu.au
0458 972 876

The Junior School Supporters’ Group serves to provide a connection point for families of Toowoomba Grammar Junior School, fostering a sense of community to enhance each boy’s school experience.

The class representative role provides a communication link primarily between the Junior School Supporters’ Group and families of that class, but also the classroom teacher in a supportive function.

Toowoomba Grammar School uses many communication channels, the core of which are:

Blue and Gold publication

Social media (Facebook and Instagram)

Direct email from TGS staff

It should be noted that class representatives aren’t intended to replace or overlay this established communication, rather be a point of contact for families complimenting these communication channels.

Structure
There is a class representative for each class in the Junior School. Class representatives are not required to attend Junior School Supporters’ Group or Parents and Friends meetings, but they are welcome to if they wish.

Role
Functions of the class representative are listed below as an example, this is not an exhaustive list, rather a snapshot of the type of support a class representative might offer.

• Welcome new families to the school, inviting them to the next event.
• In partnership with the Junior School Supporters’ Group and the School, reach out for volunteers or attendees for upcoming events, e.g., swimming carnival, Mother’s Day stall, library support, parent’s social evenings, etc.
• Coordinate a class catch-up either before the term commences or at the end of term.
• Coordinate a morning/afternoon tea for parents on occasion.

The last two points are not a requirement by any means, just an opportunity that some families have enjoyed in the past that class representatives might be comfortable arranging.

At the beginning of the year, class representatives will be provided with an email list of families in their class, who have opted to share their email, to initiate communication. Toowoomba Grammar School will provide and talk through the school communication and social media policies with the representatives.

We ask volunteers to commit to a year in the role if possible. If more than one parent in a class is interested, they are welcome to make arrangements to share the role.

Interested?
To find out more, or to nominate for a class representative role, please contact Tessa Chamberlain on 0458 972 876 or t.chamberlain@twgs.qld.edu.au.

Thank you for taking an interest in supporting the school through the class representative role. These roles provide a helpful link for families and enhance the school experience for everyone.

Please join us for the inaugural Junior School Family Fun Night. This will be a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet our new TGS families.

To RSVP, simply scan the QR code below or visit www.trybooking.com/COOTB

Please join us for the inaugural Junior School Family Fun Night. This will be a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet our new TGS families.

To RSVP, simply scan the QR code below or visit www.trybooking.com/COOTB

If you've ever wondered what TGS Cadets is like, come along and check it out. Our come and try day is perfect for students wishing to learn more about cadets and what is involved.

There will be plenty of great activities and people to meet.

Old Boys' Day: A Nostalgic Reunion and Friendly Competition

On Saturday, 20 January, TGS Volleyball welcomed back the stars of yesteryear for its Annual Old Boys' Day. The event served as a poignant reunion for the 2004 1^st VI Volleyball Team and the 2019 1^st VI Volleyball Team. Old Boys' Day provided a wonderful opportunity for alumni to reconnect with old friends, relive cherished memories and create new ones. The highlight of the day was the Old Boys' matches, pitting the 2004 team against the 2024 team and the 2019 team against the 2024 team. Beyond the friendly competition, these matches played a crucial role in fostering a strong connection between our Old Boys’ and current students. A heartfelt thank you to the Volleyball Old Boys' who made the trip back to TGS, making Old Boys' Day a memorable event for all involved.

Round 1 of the 2024 GPS Volleyball Season: A Scorching Start

The 2024 GPS Volleyball Season kicked off on Saturday, 27 January and, despite the sweltering conditions, 24 TGS teams took to the court with passion and determination. Battling the heat, our teams showcased their commitment to the sport. Special congratulations go to the 2^nd VI, 3^rd VI, 10C, and 11D teams for securing well-deserved victories. The day finished with the 1^st VI facing off against BSHS 1^st VI in an intense showdown. Although the result didn't swing our way (1-3), the undeniable effort displayed by our boys showcased true sportsmanship and determination.

TGS Volleyball Facebook Page: Stay Connected and Informed

For those eager to stay abreast of the latest information from the TGS Volleyball Program, our Facebook Page is the go-to source. Follow us to access photos from each round and stay informed with links to our weekly match reports. It's the perfect platform to keep the TGS Volleyball community connected and engaged throughout the season. Whether you're an alum, a current student or a fervent supporter, our Facebook Page ensures you won't miss a moment of the action.

Click here to follow TGS Volleyball on Facebook.

GPS Swimming season is upon us, and it will be a jam-packed period.

Some important activities and dates coming up:

Training Opportunities

Monday Sprint Club, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
This is a short sharp session for Years 7-12.

Tuesday/Thursday 6:30am - 7:30am
This is an optional session for both Junior and Senior School boys in Years 5-12. If you are not doing much swimming training these sessions are ideal for you.

FULL senior team session, Wednesday 6:30am - 7:30am
All boys in Years 7-12 need to prioritise this session. This is the one session a week we come together as a team to work on relays, for the next five weeks only, so this should be your sporting activity on Wednesday morning. These sessions take priority over ANY pre-season activity you may be doing. All TGS sports coaches are supportive of this.

House Swimming

Monday and Wednesday next week will have all boys in the School competing in the House swimming championships. Monday evening will be our longer distance events held at TGS pool with Wednesday at Milne Bay pool for the whole Senior School. This will be the first time in several years that we have had the whole Senior School in attendance and is sure to be an exciting competition.

Welcome back for the 2024 Football and Futsal season which we hope will be bigger and better for all involved. The program is designed to give boys an access point to the game either as a community player or through the advanced pathway. We cater for all standards and seek to give boys an opportunity. Wherever your son is within the Football eco-system, we will make sure he has a positive experience.

Pre-Season Training

Pre-season will commence for the 1^st XI on Week 2 of Term 1 with Gym and Field work. The Junior Development (Years 7-9) and Emerging Squad (Years 10-11) will commence gym work in the afternoons of Week 2.

Pre-season is available for all boys commencing on 20 February on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6:15am - 7:30am to allow boys to get showered and changed.

Trials – 3 Step Selection Process

This year we will hold trials for Years 5-7 on Friday, 9 February from 3:30pm - 5:00pm. This is the first step in the selection process.

Selections are merit based on football ability, performance, attendance, desire and attitude.

Step 2 of selections will see boys perform at pre-season training.

Step 3 will include performance during school holiday clinics, tournaments and Week 1 of Term 2.

Parents are requested to relax about selections; our experience over the years has ensured that all boys eventually land in the right team. It matters not what level they start at, but what does matter is desire to learn and move up to a level that suits their ability point.

Term 1 Futsal

The school are seeking urgent expressions of interest from boys eager to participate in the Toowoomba School Futsal Competition being held at USQ Sports Centre.

Three Teams have been entered for U13, U15 and Opens.

TGS Football Club (Junior School)

Boys in our Junior School, P-4 can participate in community Football here in Toowoomba as part of FQ Darling Downs Mini-Roos Program. The competition runs during Term 2 and 3 with in-school and after school training and games on a Saturday.

Registrations for the Mini-Roos Program are open now via the Squadi App. Parents can register their boys and pay for the upcoming season now.

Register now via the Squadi App at the link below.

Football Communications

The School will communicate to you all in various ways including direct email and the TGS School App. The football program uses this medium, The Blue and Gold , the TGS App, Facebook and email.

TGS App

If you haven’t used the App yet, please keep a look out for Notices. Football information can be found in Sports, The Arts and Activities.

Social Media

Stories and important updates can also be seen on our Football social media Page. Parents are urged to find the TGS Football Facebook page. In return, we ask you to please like, comment and share the page so we can grow our community.

Holiday Clinics 2024

The Football Program continues to offer School Holiday Clinics and Events. In the Easter Holidays we shall run a two-day Blazers football clinic on 4-5 April which is open to boys seeking to kick start their season.

Tournaments (April and September 2024)

This year we are taking teams to the Gold Coast from 9-12 April and the Mini-World Cup in Inverell 27-30 September 2024. Boys and Parents seeking to be involved should consider their accommodation options now to secure the best deals.

Football Supporters' Group - 2024

We would like to invite all who are interested parents to attend the AGM of the Football Supporters group which is occurring in the Bunya Room on 14 February at 5:15pm.

This year we are looking for a brand-new committee to assist with running the Annual Fundraiser which is our Raceday Carnival at Clifford Park Toowoomba on 19 October 2024.

If you want to be involved, this is the best possible way to assist in the growth of the Football Program here at TGS.

Mike Mulvey extends his stay here at TGS

In a great coup for the school, we are delighted to announce a two-year contract extension to our Head Coach Mike Mulvey. Since arriving at TGS Mr Mulvey has raised the standards and expectations of the 1^st XI Football to a professional level.

Last season Mr Mulvey produced a highly competitive Football Team who were competitive throughout the whole campaign against schools with much stronger squads.

Many graduating boys form TGS have successfully transition to semi-professional contracts in NPL and FQPL Clubs across Australia following their years in the School and within the Football program.

Boys seeking to break into the professional game are in good hands under the direction of Mr Mulvey who has deep connections and pathways to the top.

Mike’s motto remains: if they are good enough, they are old enough.

Nigel Fanning
Head of Sport - Football

CHALLENGE YOURSELF – TGS Army Cadet Unit wants you!

Becoming an Army Cadet has a range of benefits. The most obvious being that you get to take part in exciting and challenging activities such as rock climbing, adventure training, first aid, abseiling, physical training and shooting, to name but a few.

When you join as a cadet, you will make lots of new friends and get the opportunity to go places and meet cadets from all over SEQLD. You may even get to go on expeditions to amazing places around Australia including Tasmania, Canberra, Townsville and sometimes even abroad.

The Cadet Development Continuum training syllabus will teach you leadership skills, discipline and give you self-confidence you never thought possible. You will learn a wide range of transferable skills such as: the ability to command tasks, make decisions under pressure, plan and organise tasks and work as an effective team player as well as independently. These skills will equip you for life and add an extra string to your bow at times when competition for university places and employment is fierce.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in trying, come along on Sunday, 4 February 2024 at 12:00pm and see what being a member of TGS Army Cadets is all about. This is your chance to dress up, show up, and be noticed – TGS Army Cadet Unit, CHALLENGE YOURSELF!

If you've ever wondered what TGS Cadets is like, come along and check it out. Our come and try day is perfect for students wishing to learn more about cadets and what is involved.

There will be plenty of great activities and people to meet.

Want the chance to win a $50 Rebel Sport voucher?

The University of Queensland is looking for rugby or basketball players, along with swimmers who don't play contact sports, to take part in their Tackle Concussion Study.

More details are available on their website

Our boarding community has enjoyed a fantastic start to the year. Many parents have communicated that their sons were genuinely happy, and excited, to be getting back into their boarding houses. The laughter emanating from the houses last Monday night was a testament to the friendships our boarders have with one another.

As is customary, our Corfe boarders were the first to arrive on the Sunday, giving them an extra night to acclimatise to the routine of a boarder. Once again, thanks must go to our School Prefects who took some time out from their leadership workshop to assist families moving their sons into Corfe.

The long weekend gave our boarders plenty of time to enjoy each other's company, reconnecting with old mates as well as making the new boarders feel welcome. Undoubtedly the highlight of the weekend for many of our ‘boys from the bush’ was attending the second day of the Cricket Test Match at the Gabba. As one of the boarders said, “I’ve spent so many hours listening to cricket on the radio whilst working on the farm, it’s amazing to actually be here to watch Australia play.” The remainder of the weekend was spent on GPS sport on Saturday and then our Sunday was made complete with dodgeball, indoor cricket and a swim in the pool.

The parents of our boarders were also busy in the first week. On the Monday afternoon, our first Boarding Parents' Support Group meeting of the year was held. Similar to 2023, the start of year drop off meant that we had a full contingent of parents in Old Hall. The support of boarding parents to our community is invaluable and I thank all who took the time to attend.

There are many exciting initiatives occurring in our boarding program through 2024. In particular, I am excited about the Corfe Leadership and Service Residency. This program will give our Year 10 boarders the opportunity to complete a leadership course during Term 2 or Term 3 this year. Living in Corfe, the Year 10s will have the opportunity to put leadership theory into practice by mentoring our Corfe boarders.

Finally, I’d like to say thank you to all members of our TGS community, both boarding and day, whose interactions and support for one another, make TGS such an inclusive school.

Regards,

Nick Byron
Director of Boarding

2024 begins with energy for our Old Boys’ Association.

It has been a pleasure to have been OBA President for the past three years and ensuring our Association and School continue to work most positively and constructively together as we support the School and Old Boys. As per our Constitution I now complete my three-year tenure and will pass the batten to a new President at our AGM in March.

20 Year Reunion Cricket Game

Annually the First XI Cricket side from 20 years ago reassembles and plays the School’s current First XI side, this year’s game being held on Saturday, 20 January.

Liam Brown’s 20 Year side was convincingly out played by the current boys, who scored 261 in their 40 overs and then bowled us out cheaply. Old heads didn’t quite play the conditions but will be back next year to try for a win.

Current player Joshua Cranston was the Peter McDougall Memorial Medal winner for 2024.

Reunion Volleyball Games

Another highlight for the start of our year was the First Volleyball sides from 5 and 20 years ago who reassembled to play the School’s current First Volleyball side. Our Volleyballers went down in the 20 Year game but had a win against the current boys in the 5 Year game.

We appreciate the support of the School and School staff for these and all our OBA events, these occasions meaning so much to the Old Boys who return with family and friends.

TGSOBA Annual General Meeting and Dinner with the Boarders

Our AGM will be held in Old Hall on Wednesday, 6 March 2023.

Our traditional “Dinner with the Boarders” will happen prior to the AGM at 6:00pm. All Old Boys are invited to join us for this dinner.

Fellowship and refreshments will continue at the close of the AGM.

OBA Welcome to the Year and Information Evening

Old Boys will be extended an invitation to join with us for an informal occasion where they can meet current members of our Management Committee and Headmaster, Dr John Kinniburgh, and hear about what we do and the strong working relationship we have with the School. Refreshments and finger food will be provided. Invitations including the date and venue will be forwarded and all Old Boys are invited and welcome.

Generations Gathering

This event has been scheduled for Friday, 16 August commencing at 6:00pm in Old Hall. This gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for current boys who have an Old Boy father, grandfather or great grandfather, and their families, to gather and share the stories from the past while connecting with the present. Invitations will soon be sent out.

Year of the 4s Reunions

Coinciding with this year’s Grammar-Downlands Weekend, Friday, 30 August – Sunday, 1 September, the OBA hosts reunions for Old Boys, most specifically from cohorts in multiples of 10 years. This year we feature reunion events for boys who were in Year 12 or would have finished in Year 12 in 2014, 2004, 1994, 1984, 1974,1964, 1954 and 1944.

We are always on the lookout for Coordinators for these Year Level Groups so if you are interested please let me know. We are beginning the planning process for this year’s events. If you have ideas on what might work for your cohort please let me know.

Hosting Regional Reunions

The Headmaster is very keen to continue his interactions with Old Boys, specifically through regional Old Boys’ events. We have been hosting such events for some time with this year’s calendar already published. We are unable to be everywhere every year but trying to visit as many places as possible.

These events are most successful when we have a local Old Boy or Old Boys who can act as a contact and conduit for sharing of information. The Association Committee and School staff will undertake the administration and communication associated with the event, the local contact providing input such as suitable venue, suitable date, time and the like.

If you would like to see your local area host such an Old Boys’ reunion and would like to be our local contact can you please let Jennifer Bazley or me know. We would love to talk with you about what is possible in your community.

In the meantime, if anyone has any matters they would like to share or discuss please contact me on tgsoldboys@twgs.qld.edu.au I am most keen to talk to you about our Association, what we do or how you can become involved.

As an Association we take the opportunity to wish all in the Grammar community the continual best for a most successful TGS year.

Mark Creedon (1973-77)
President

Toowoomba Grammar School is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people at the School and is dedicated to protecting them from harm. At TGS, we have zero tolerance for child abuse. Our child protection responsibilities are of the utmost importance to the School and, as such, the School is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations and to maintain a safe and supportive School environment for all children and young people.

As part of our commitment to child protection, safety and wellbeing, Toowoomba Grammar School has appointed a number of Child Protection Contact Officers as honest, mature, ethical and experienced members of the School community who can handle sensitive issues relating to child protection and safety. Our Child Protection Contact Officers are available to report any concerns or answer any questions that you may have with respect to the School's Child Protection Program.

The Child Protection Contact Officers are:

John Kinniburgh – Headmaster
John Anderson – Deputy Headmaster
Mark Oliphant – Head of Senior School
Ken Raven – Head of Junior School
Nick Byron - Director of Boarding
Lyle Gothmann - School Counsellor

Read more about the School's Child Protection Policy and Child and Risk Management Strategy on the TGS website: Policies & Procedures - Toowoomba Grammar School (twgs.qld.edu.au)