Headmaster’s Reflection: Setting the Tone for Term 2
Dear TGS Families,
As Term 2 gets underway, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with parents the key themes and messages delivered to the boys at our beginning-of-term Assembly. It is always a pleasure to gather the Senior School as one, and even in a shortened week due to Easter and ANZAC Day, the sense of purpose and unity was clear.
The Assembly reinforced the value of coming together as a School community to set a positive tone for the term ahead. I encouraged the boys to reflect on Easter as a time of renewal, reminding them that each new term presents an opportunity for a fresh start. Central to this are the values in our School Creed:
- Honesty
- Respect
- Kindness
- Courage and
- Always striving to do your best
These values, I reminded them, should underpin their actions and interactions daily.
We also paused to acknowledge the hardship faced by many in Central and Western Queensland during the recent devastating floods. I shared with the boys the scale of the flooding and its impact on rural communities—many of which have close ties to our School. This was an important reminder of the resilience required when facing challenges beyond our control and of the solidarity we share as a community.
Staffing updates were also part of our Assembly. We welcomed Mr Boyce back from long service leave, wished Dr Sawyer well as Acting Head of Senior School and announced that Mr Stains will take up the role of Head of House Corfe from Term 3.
Term 2 brings fresh opportunities through new sports and activities. I commended the boys on their positive attitude during last term’s camps week—despite the weather—and encouraged them to carry that same resilience and enthusiasm into their co-curricular pursuits this term. I reminded them of the importance of sportsmanship and representing the Blue and Gold with pride at all times.
We also celebrated the official naming of the new café at the Aquatic Centre 'Fidelis Lane'. The name draws on two meaningful elements. ‘Fidelis,’ meaning ‘Faithful,’ is taken from the School’s motto Fidelis in Omnibus—‘Faithful in All Things’—reflecting the values at the heart of our community. ‘Lane’ pays tribute to the swimming pool, acknowledging both the aquatic theme and the location of Fidelis Lane within the P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre building.
On the facilities front, the construction of the new DET facility is progressing well, with completion of the core structure expected imminently. Planning is also well underway for the Agriculture and Industry Centre, further reinforcing our commitment to providing outstanding learning environments.
Finally, I spoke to the boys about the significance of ANZAC Day, reminding them of our School’s proud tradition of service. I shared stories of Grammar Old Boys who gave their lives in service of their country, emphasising the importance of remembering and honouring their sacrifices.
Thank you for your continued support as we embark on another busy and rewarding term.
Kind
regards,
Dr John C Kinniburgh
Headmaster