THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 20 February 2026

Dear TGS Families

As we settle into the rhythm of Term 1, it has been pleasing to see our boys re‑engaging with the routines and expectations of daily life at school. These simple habits such as arriving on time, wearing the uniform with pride, greeting others with courtesy, applying effort and accepting responsibility are more than school requirements. They are the building blocks of character.

In an increasingly busy world these small, steady practices give boys something firm to stand on. Punctuality teaches respect for others. Pride in appearance fosters self‑respect. Courtesy strengthens connection. Effort and responsibility cultivate resilience and integrity. They are habits that help boys understand not only what they do, but who they are becoming.

Our work in Pastoral Care continues to reinforce this message. As we deepen our partnerships with leading professionals, including 'Tomorrow Man', the themes are consistent: when boys feel connected, they thrive. When boys feel understood, they open up. And when boys feel supported, they grow into men who can support others. These truths sit at the centre of our School's Core Purpose, which is educating boys and developing their good character for life. It is our aim that TGS boys leave us as independent, well‑balanced and successful young men who respond well to challenges and achieve lifelong wellbeing.

It was wonderful to see the competitive spirit and enjoyment displayed by the boys at the recent Senior School and Junior School Swimming Carnivals. Across both carnivals, it has been uplifting to witness this spirit in action. The boys consistently demonstrated pride, unity and authentic care for one another. These occasions continue to strengthen character as much as they celebrate achievement. The House system ensures every boy is known and supported, where effort is valued just as highly as results.

I am encouraged by the positive start our students have made and grateful for the partnership between home and School that underpins it. We remain appreciative of the partnership we share with parents and caregivers, knowing that when home and School, work towards the same goals, our boys are best placed to thrive. As we look ahead, I thank our families for the role you play in reinforcing these habits and values. I wish all boys and their families the very best for the remainder of the term.

Kind regards

Dr John C Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Fostering Belonging Through the House System

At Toowoomba Grammar School, a strong sense of belonging is intentionally cultivated through the House system; a structure designed to ensure every boy is known, supported and connected. As the School enters an exciting, proactive phase in its pastoral care and character education journey, the focus remains clear: genuine relationships, deep understanding of boys’ development and a wellbeing program shaped by evidence and real student experience.

Boys learn who they are becoming through everyday interactions with staff who know them well and care deeply about their growth. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, or in co-curricular spaces, House staff and student leaders work together to create an environment where boys feel safe, valued and encouraged to develop integrity, confidence and purpose.

Central to this approach are Pastoral Care Groups, organised by year level and guided by dedicated House Mentors who understand the developmental needs of their cohort. These regular gatherings provide boys with consistent support networks within their House community while exploring age-appropriate topics informed by school data and expert input.

Programs led by Heads of House and House teams focus on areas essential to adolescent growth, including:

• setting up for success
• teamwork and resilience
• growth mindset
• grit and perseverance
• goal setting
• respectful relationships
• identity
• healthy decision-making
• habits and routines
• character development

Through these experiences, boys are supported to reflect on their choices, articulate their values and build positive connections with peers and staff. The House system therefore serves not only as an organisational structure, but as a foundation for belonging - a place where each boy is known, guided and encouraged to thrive within a caring community.

This commitment to connection ensures that pastoral care is not a program boys attend, but a culture they experience every day.

Michael Hall
Head of Pastoral Care

Groom House Triumphs at the 2026 Senior School House Swimming Carnival

Groom House has proudly claimed victory at the 2026 Toowoomba Grammar School House Swimming Carnival, in a day defined by energy, teamwork and outstanding performances in the pool. From the opening events through to the final relays, Groom House boys competed with determination and pride, earning a well-deserved overall win.

Throughout the carnival, our House demonstrated consistent excellence across all age groups, collecting valuable points in both individual races and relay events. Some highlights for the house included both Eddy and Charlie Beverland who swam tremendously well, earning U13 and U15 Age Champions respectively. The relays were another highlight, showcasing strong teamwork and composure under pressure. Poolside, the house spirit was unmistakable, with boys encouraging one another at every opportunity and creating a positive, motivating atmosphere.

The carnival was a wonderful celebration of School spirit and healthy competition. We congratulate the other four houses on their enthusiasm, commitment and sportsmanship, which all contributed to a memorable day for the entire school community. A sincere vote of thanks is also extended to the organisers and teaching staff, whose planning, preparation and support ensured the carnival ran smoothly and safely. Pierce and I would like to congratulate all Groom House boys on an outstanding achievement - your effort, unity and house pride were on full display.

Jackson Haynes and Pierce Hadfield
2026 Groom House Captains - Senior School

Stephens House secures victory at Junior School House Swimming Carnival

In the Junior School, a strong House system builds belonging and pride and this was evident during our first Mates session for 2026. Energy and enthusiasm filled the space as House mascots made special visits and Senior boys shared what makes each House unique; its values, traditions and ways of supporting others.

These moments allow our younger students to see themselves as part of something bigger, strengthening connections across year levels and encouraging leadership, teamwork and resilience.

That evident spirit carried seamlessly into the recent U9–U12 Swimming Carnival, where participation, encouragement and House pride were on full display. Students celebrated effort as much as achievement, cheering loudly and supporting one another throughout the day. Congratulations to Taylor House for taking out the Spirit Trophy and to Stephens House for taking out the Overall Carnival. Together, these experiences show how House identity enriches student life and nurtures inclusive Junior School culture.

Amanda Hall
Deputy Head of Junior School (Students)

As the 150th year came to a close, the 2026 elected Prefects embarked on the annual Prefect Retreat to plan and finalise our roadmap for the year ahead. With many Prefects travelling at the end of term, we used the School campus and its excellent facilities to host the retreat. It was a valuable opportunity to build relationships across the leadership team, cross check ideas and test how our initiatives might work in practice. The team worked late into the nights, finishing tired but with strong progress. Following the leadership of the 2024 and 2025 Prefect groups, we knew we had big shoes to fill and that challenge pushed us to be our best.

When we broke our vision down, we focused on values that have helped our School endure in the past and will help it thrive in the future. We chose to continue the same mantra for the third consecutive year.

Two Colours represents who we are. Our colours symbolise the generations of boys who came before us and the traditions that shaped this School. When you put on the blue and gold, you step into a legacy. The colours also represent the diversity of our community, uniting boys from different backgrounds, cultures and interests. With boarders from across the country and around the world, the blue and gold remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and call us to represent the School with pride, integrity and respect.

One School speaks to unity. Although we are different, we are part of the same community where we support one another through success and challenge. Every action reflects not just on us but on the entire School. One School means putting we before me and recognising that our strength comes from acting as a collective rather than as individuals.

Gold Standards is often misunderstood. It is not about perfection. It is about effort, attitude and consistency. It is about giving your best in the classroom and on the sports field and learning through the people and community around you. Most importantly, it is about character and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. As a Prefect Team, we will challenge boys to be their best, knowing that growth rarely comes from comfort, and that challenge will always be matched with support.

With this foundation, we have set three key goals for the year ahead. Our first goal is to increase involvement in service activities. Service builds empathy, responsibility and perspective. Too often it is seen as something done only when required. We want to shift that mindset. Service is not about ticking a box, it is about understanding that your actions can positively impact others.

Our second goal is to focus on our School uniform standards. The uniform represents more than a dress code, it represents this School. Wearing it properly shows respect for our history and pride in belonging here. High standards exist in everyday choices, and something as simple as wearing the uniform correctly reflects the expectations we hold for ourselves.

Our third goal is to boost attendance at co-curricular events. Grammar offers countless opportunities, but involvement does not end with participation. Turning up to support your mates builds School spirit and belonging. Full stands and strong support send a clear message. We back each other.

Grammar is a high standards, high support environment. In academics we set clear expectations and provide guidance to meet them. In activities we demand effort and teamwork while offering coaching and pathways for development. In service we expect commitment and compassion while providing opportunities to learn and lead. Standards and support go hand in hand.

These goals are not just for the Prefects, they are for all boys. Leadership is not about titles; it is about example. If each of us commits to service, pride and involvement, we strengthen our school culture and uphold the values that have defined Toowoomba Grammar School for generations.

Fidelis in Omnibus

Hugh Mansfield
Senior Prefect

Peter Barac
Senior Dayboy Prefect

Luke Burrow
Senior Boarder Prefect

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

The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an important annual check-in that helps our school better understand the wellbeing of our students. Each year, the survey provides valuable insights into young people’s experiences, highlighting areas of concern, recognising strengths and resilience and reinforcing the importance of early, preventative support.

This year, the survey has been reviewed and refreshed to further refine the information shared by parents and adult carers, helping provide a clearer and more meaningful overview of wellbeing across our school community. These updates support more accurate insights while maintaining the same commitment to privacy and confidentiality.

Your participation is strongly encouraged. We ask that you take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children, based on your observations from the past 12 months. All responses remain anonymous and are reported only in aggregate.

By capturing a broad picture of students’ emotional, social and mental wellbeing, the survey helps us respond more effectively to the evolving needs of our School community. The insights gathered assist in identifying emerging trends, areas of strength, and opportunities for early intervention, ensuring support can be targeted where it is needed most.

If any of the content raises concerns for you or your child, please contact the school or seek professional medical advice.

Here is the link to this Special Report: http://twgs.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-survey-2026-au