THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 21 February 2025

Dear TGS Families

A Positive Start to the Year

As we approach the mid-point of Term 1, I am filled with pride as I reflect on the incredible sense of community that has truly shone through in the early days of this school year. From the warm welcome our new students received to the enthusiastic participation in our first school events including the Grammar 150 events, the spirit of support for the School has been wonderful to see.

Strong Start for Co-curricular Activities

Our GPS Cricket, Volleyball, Swimming and Debating seasons are well underway, with students showing impressive enthusiasm, teamwork and determination across all teams. It’s been pleasing to see the boys level of engagement and I extend a big thank you to our dedicated TGS staff and coaches who continue to support our students in these pursuits.

Grammar 150 Celebrations Begin

It has been enjoyable seeing our wider TGS community come together to celebrate Grammar 150. We’ve had some incredible moments so far, including the launch of Past Headmaster, Mr Hauser’s history book, the Old Boys’ Cricket Reunion Dinner, and the official launch of Grammar 150 celebrations. These events have provided wonderful opportunities for reflection and connection, reminding us of our proud 150-year history while looking ahead to the future. I’m grateful to everyone—Old Boys, current students, past and present families and staff, and the broader community—who has joined us in this celebration.

Looking ahead, we have even more exciting Grammar 150 events planned, such as tomorrow's Across All Boarders lunch, which will see alumni and friends gather for simultaneous lunches across Australia. Shortly after, we’ll celebrate the Women of Grammar with a lunch honouring the remarkable women who have shaped TGS throughout its history. For more details on how you can get involved, I encourage you to visit the Grammar 150 website.

Opportunity to Leave a Legacy

As previously communicated, TGS has launched Building Tomorrow, Together—a transformative giving program designed to create exceptional learning experiences, enhance our world-class facilities, and preserve the unique heritage of TGS. Your support in this program will help ensure that we continue to nurture the next generation of leaders and changemakers who will carry our proud tradition of excellence forward.

Part of this initiative includes the Old Boys’ Deck brick campaign, Paving The Way, which offers our Old Boys, current families, and past supporters a meaningful way to leave a lasting mark on our School’s history. We invite you to purchase an engraved brick that will be placed in the walls of the new Old Boys’ Deck, overlooking the iconic Old Boys’ Memorial Oval. This will be a space for the entire TGS community to enjoy for generations to come. More details are available in the article below.

Looking ahead, I’m confident that the rest of the term will continue to be filled with achievements, growth and shared experiences. Thank you for your ongoing support in making this a memorable year.

Kind regards
Dr John C Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Introducing the Buy a Brick campaign

For 150 years, the history of TGS has been shaped by the boys who have walked its paths. Each one leaving behind their story, their memories and a piece of their heart. From the Foundation Stone laid in School House in 1877, to the bricks that have carried the names of our Old Boys through the years, the bricks of TGS stand as powerful reminders of the proud legacy that continues today.

Now, for a limited time, you have the opportunity to Buy a Brick and ensure your connection to the Blue and Gold lives on for generations to come. Your personalised, engraved brick will be set into the new Old Boys’ Deck – a landmark overlooking the iconic Old Boys’ Memorial Oval, creating a space for the entire School community to enjoy.

Details on How to Get Involved:

• Bricks are available for $1,000 each.
• You are welcome to purchase multiple bricks, each one engraved with first names and surnames, with the option to include years for both Old Boys and current students.
• This donation is tax-deductible.

There are only a limited number of bricks available, so don’t miss this rare opportunity to leave your mark on the history of Toowoomba Grammar School.

Secure your brick to the Old Boys’ Deck today.

We invite all Old Boys, current and past families, staff, and supporters of TGS to join us in building this significant piece of history. The stories of the boys who walked these paths before you are captured in every brick. Now, it’s your turn to be part of something greater.

Thank you for your continued support of TGS. We look forward to seeing your name engraved alongside the many who have shaped our proud tradition.

Leading the Way in Boys' Pastoral Care

Building pastoral relationships between teachers and students is essential for creating a supportive, engaging and productive learning environment. By fostering connections that go beyond the classroom and sports fields, teachers can guide students in personal growth, leadership and community engagement. This can be difficult, especially as boys often mask their true feelings about matters.

At TGS we find an effective way to achieve a productive student-teacher relationship is by integrating academic and co-curricular activities that allow students to collaborate, challenge themselves and develop meaningful relationships with both their peers and teachers.

Additionally, these activities can provide the foundation for a year-long service project that empowers students to manage their own initiatives while contributing to their community.

2024 Student Wellbeing Report

The School displayed some encouraging results in our wellbeing assessments that were completed by our boys in 2024.

Successful Results

During 2024 we used a program called STEER Tracking to track the boy's wellbeing. This year, all boys will complete a STEER Tracking assessment during Pastoral Care Groups (PCG). STEER Tracking is an online application that measures, tracks and improves student regulation and wellbeing. It uses a series of stimuli that the boys are asked to respond to and determines if they have a set of biases. Mentors and Heads of House will receive a report of students who are of concern and can develop a series of simple action items designed to assist the boy. All boys are encouraged to complete the assessment. However, parents are welcome to withdraw their son by emailing me at m.hall@twgs.qld.edu.au.

The STEER student wellbeing tracking showed a significant decrease in the number of students classified as "At Risk in School," dropping from 13% at the start of 2024 to 8%, which is notably below the National Mean of 13.4%. Of the 44 student support action plans developed through Mentor and Head of House management in STEER, 70% had a positive impact on the students. According to the Youth National Survey, TGS Year 12 students recorded results 10% above the national average in their desire to participate at school and satisfaction with their studies. Additionally, their level of happiness with their life was almost 20% higher than the national average. Furthermore, 90% of the participants indicated that they were actively and happily engaged in school activities, which is well above the 64% national average. Lastly, 73% of students felt informed about drug and alcohol-related issues through the School or their teacher, surpassing online sources, with the national average being 57%.

An area of concern we will be focusing on is the 35% of senior student participants who suggest they encounter moderate to high psychological distress throughout the year due to their studies. Additionally, only 23% of students felt they had a staff member they would be comfortable having a conversation with about important issues. The School is aware of this and plans are in place to generate more opportunities to foster stronger and more authentic connections with students. Furthermore, there are high levels of Polar Low Self Disclosure, where students hide or mask their thoughts, ideas, opinions and emotions rather than share them with others.

The School has addressed many of the abovementioned items and in response now has a fully sequenced, grade by grade, year by year Pastoral Program focussing on the various stages of development that links with the Jubilee Centre Framework for Character Education in Schools. This works in combination with other key pastoral components of the School such as Health and Physical Education, Careers and specialist guest speakers to enhance the outcomes of students through mapped sequential pastoral topics. Each unit links directly to the Wellbeing and Character Development program providing support and understanding through shared staff and student engagement.

Where to now?

The School has also reviewed staff training to incorporate workshops focussing on key areas of student feedback relating to responses from students reported on in 2024. As mentioned previously, students suggested through their STEER data tracking that the most common challenge is ‘low self-disclosure’ and ‘student over-regulation'.

With this information we have developed workshops for staff to interact and develop their skills in supporting students that may be affected by these challenges in their lives. We know that through the combined efforts of staff, external support providers and the programs developed here at Toowoomba Grammar School that we are equipping our boys with the ability to manage their well-being and develop good character for life.

Social Events

It has been fantastic to see so many boys already involve themselves in the social activities on offer on the weekend. The end of Week 2 saw our Year 7s spend Sunday afternoon with each other completing a range of activities and competitions in their House groups. The aim of this afternoon is to establish a connection between the boys and their House and also between the day boys and boarders. Approximately 140 boys signed up for last Friday’s Valentine’s Day social with the girls at Fairholme College and I commend the boys on their good behaviour at that event. This coming Sunday we have the Year 8 Activities Afternoon with the Glennie School and it is proving to be another popular event.

With all socials, boys are emailed with the details of the event. If they do sign up and then later find out that they are unable to attend, we ask them to please let Mrs Tanya Simpson or Mr Michael Hall know – t.simpson@twgs.qld.edu.au or m.hall@twgs.qld.edu.au. Social events do come with a small charge that is added to parents’ accounts. If a student signs up for a social and does not attend but has not let anyone know, the charge will still be added to his account.

Michael Hall
Head of Pastoral Care

Navigating Adolescent Resistance

The Role of School Counsellors and the Importance of Informed Consent, Confidentiality and Collaborative Engagement

School counsellors play a pivotal role in the holistic development of students, particularly in all-boys educational settings such as Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS). They offer essential support, addressing the unique challenges adolescent boy's encounter. However, several factors can lead to resistance among these students in seeking counselling services. Understanding these factors, alongside the principles of informed consent, confidentiality and the importance of collaborative engagement with staff, parents and students, is crucial for fostering an environment where students feel comfortable accessing support.

Factors Contributing to Resistance

One significant factor contributing to resistance is the stigma associated with seeking help. In many cultures, boys are socialised to project strength and self-reliance, leading to the perception that seeking counselling is a sign of weakness. This societal expectation can deter students from accessing the support they need, fearing judgment from peers and undermining their self-image.

The desire for autonomy further influences adolescents' reluctance to seek counselling. During this developmental stage, boys strive for independence and may prefer to handle issues on their own rather than seeking assistance. This self-reliant attitude, while fostering resilience, can also prevent them from recognising when professional help is beneficial.

A lack of awareness about the availability and benefits of counselling services can also impede students from seeking help. Without proper information, students may not understand how counselling can assist them in navigating personal challenges, leading to underutilisation of available resources.

Informed Consent and Confidentiality

Concerns about confidentiality are paramount in an adolescent's decision to seek counselling. Fears that personal disclosures might be shared without consent can create a significant barrier. Establishing clear policies that outline the boundaries of confidentiality is essential in building trust between students and counsellors. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) emphasises the importance of respecting a student's right to privacy to foster an atmosphere of trust and confidence (ASCA, 2022).

Obtaining informed consent from adolescents can be challenging due to their developmental stage. Adolescents may have limited capacity to fully understand the implications of counselling, making it difficult to ensure they are making an informed decision. Professionals are aware that even though every attempt is made to obtain informed consent, sometimes students may prefer alternative support (ASCA, 2010). This complexity necessitates a nuanced approach, balancing the adolescent's autonomy with the need for parental involvement and school staff, as long as their safety is ensured.

Collaborative Engagement with Staff, Parents and Students

Involving staff, parents and students in the counselling process enhances its effectiveness and fosters a supportive environment. Collaborative efforts ensure that all parties are informed and can contribute to the student's wellbeing. The ASCA highlights that family involvement benefits both the student and the school, as it increases student achievement and attendance, promotes career development, enhances school climate and fosters student resilience (ASCA, 2022).

Parents and students must provide informed consent before any information is shared. Maintaining open lines of communication with parents allows them to voice concerns and stay informed about their child's progress, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the student's needs. Similarly, working closely with School staff ensures that teachers and administrators are aware of the available counselling services and can refer students when needed. While parents are generally kept informed about the counselling process, specific details, including diagnoses, are typically kept confidential unless the parents and student wish to share that information with staff or if there are clear reasons. Engaging students in discussions about their counselling experience empowers them and encourages active participation in their personal development. When students feel involved in the decision-making process, they are more likely to engage with the counselling services and benefit from them.

Strategies to Enhance Engagement

To reduce resistance and enhance engagement in counselling services, TGS can implement several strategies. Integrating mental health education into the curriculum can normalise discussions around mental wellbeing, reducing stigma. Encouraging self-referral systems allows students to seek counselling on their own initiative, promoting autonomy. Clearly communicating the boundaries of confidentiality reassures students that their privacy is respected. Ensuring that counselling services are readily accessible within the School environment makes it easier for students to seek help when needed. Sharing success stories, with consent, of students who have benefited from counselling can provide relatable examples of its positive impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of the School Counsellor at Toowoomba Grammar School is integral to fostering a supportive environment that addresses the mental health needs of adolescent boys. By understanding and mitigating the factors that lead to resistance and by upholding the principles of informed consent, confidentiality and collaborative engagement with staff, parents and students, TGS can enhance the effectiveness of its counselling services. Creating a culture of openness and trust will encourage more students to seek the support they need, promoting their overall wellbeing and academic success. TGS offers confidential counselling services and support for young people experiencing social, emotional and wellbeing challenges.

Lyle Gothmann
School Counsellor

Telephone: (07) 46872 627
Email: L.Gothmann@twgs.qld.edu.au

References

American School Counselor Association. (2010). The professional school counselor and confidentiality. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-Professional-School-Counselor-and-Confidentiality

American School Counselor Association. (2022). The school counselor and confidentiality. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Confidentiality

LawSense. (2025). Law for school counsellors & guidance officers QLD 2025. Retrieved from https://lawsense.com.au/guidance-officers-law-qld/

Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. (2016). Confidentiality and informed consent in counselling and psychotherapy: A systematic review. Retrieved from https://www.pacfa.org.au/common/Uploaded%20files/PCFA/Documents/Research/Confidentiality-and-informed-consent-in-counselling-and-psychotherapy-a-systematic-review.pdf

Sullivan, J. R., & Moyer, M. S. (2008). Factors influencing the decision to break confidentiality with adolescent students: A survey of school counselors. Journal of School Counseling, 6(24). Retrieved from https://jsc

Term 1 and we are certainly back in full swing

We are already seeing the common coughs, sniffly noses etc through the health centre. Please, may we gently remind you that if your son is unwell with runny noses, cough, temperature, gastroenteritis etc please keep them away from School until they resolve. This, along with good hand hygiene is our best defence to limit the spread of these viruses.

For those parents of Year 7 and 10 boys, you should have received an email from the Health Centre regarding the upcoming School-based Immunisation program. The Year 10 boys will be the first group to have this, occurring on Monday, 24 March. If you would like for your son to receive these immunisations, please follow the link in the letter to register and give consent. No boy will be immunised without consent from a parent/guardian. Further information about this immunisation can be found via the School Immunisation Program website.

As always, please reach out to the team in the health centre with any concerns.

Health Centre Registered Nurses

On Monday, 17 February, our TGS App provider (Digistorm) released an update to the TGS App.

For most App users, you will not need to take any action, the App will update itself and continue to function as it currently does.

For a small number of App users, you may be prompted to install the new version of the App, and this can be done by following the prompts on your phone.

The old version of the App will continue to operate until early March, giving you time to upgrade the App if you are outside of a mobile service area.

If you do experience some issues, it is recommended that you uninstall the App and then reinstall the TGS App from the App Store or Google Play.

Once you have reinstalled the App, if you experience any Parent Lounge access issues, please contact the School on enrol@twgs.qld.edu.au and our friendly enrolments or IT teams will assist you. If you experience any issues accessing ‘Sports, The Arts & Activities’ please contact our friendly sports team on sport@twgs.qld.edu.au.

TGS Communications
Toowoomba Grammar School

It is energising to have all the boys back at School. Most have returned in good spirits, are well presented and ready for the year ahead. Thank you to all parents who understand the importance of setting and maintaining standards for young men. In the classroom the boys are engaged, working hard and following their teachers’ instructions.

Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week

All Senior School boys will be engaged in camps or activities in the final week of this term. There is a wonderful array of activities planned across all the ages. We view this week as a very important part of the character development program at the School and, as such, expect all boys to attend. Parents will receive an email with all the relevant camp information. Please contact the Student Services Office if you have any questions regarding the Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week.

School Creed

Over the past 12 months I have been working with Head of House and Student Leaders to update the School Creed. The reason for this was that the boys identified that there were some key virtues missing from our Creed. For example, the boys felt that the virtue of being kind should be part of the Creed. We have worked with the boys to launch our new Creed.

As a student of Toowoomba Grammar School, I am encouraged and supported to develop my good character for life by being:

• Honest
• Respectful
• Kind
• Courageous

And always

• Give my best effort.

The School Creed focuses on the virtues that underpin the development of good character. It is expected that all TGS boys will always display their good character. We know that character can be taught, caught and sought and aim to provide these opportunities to all boys at TGS. If boys possess good character, they can flourish as an individual, contribute to society and lead a meaningful life.

Damage to Laptops

The School-provided laptops that the boys use are on a three-year lease, which means for a student who starts in Year 7, he will receive a new laptop at the end of Year 9 that he will then use for Years 10 to 12. It is imperative that the boys take good care of their laptops. If there is damage to your son’s laptop that is beyond normal wear and tear, we will be charged an extra fee that will be passed onto parents. Please encourage your son to avoid placing any stickers on his laptop. If he writes on it or draws on it, he will be charged for the replacement case or type cover. His laptop must always be in its protective shell and carried in the School-provided laptop bag. When not in use, he must store it in his locker. Should any damage occur to the laptop, please ask him to take it to the IT Helpdesk so that they can assess the damage and assist your son with getting it repaired or replaced. We have insurance that covers accidental damage and incurs an excess that is charged to the parent account.

House Colours

A significant number of boys have been to Student Services since term started to apply for House Colours. To be eligible, boys need to show consistent endeavour in a range of House and School activities. Boys need to accumulate points in four categories:

• Category A – House Sport/House Activity
• Category B – Cultural/Academic/Cadets/Outdoor Activities/Clubs/Societies
• Category C – GPS Sport and Other Sport
• Category D – Service

Boys are first eligible for House Half Colours. They then continue to earn points towards House Full Colours and House Honour Colours. Full details of the Colours process can be found in the Senior School Student Diary. Boys can collect their House Colours application forms from the Student Services Office.

GPS Championship Events

The first GPS Championship event for the year is Swimming which will be held at Chandler on Friday, 7 March. It is a great event to start the year; many boys enjoy spectating and supporting our swimmers. All Year 12 students are expected to attend as spectators. We ask all boys in Years 9 to 12 to support one GPS event per year and as noted in the School calendar, all Year 9 boys will attend GPS Cross Country in Term Two and all Year 10 and 11 boys will attend the GPS Track and Field Championships in Term Four.

Phones and Wearable Technology

Toowoomba Grammar School does not allow students to have phones in the classroom and has taken a strict approach to this. Day boys must place their phone in their locker as soon as they arrive to School and boarders are asked to keep their phone in the boarding house. For many students, there is no need for a phone, smartwatch, or wearable technology to be worn during the school day.

We encourage smart watches to be put away in lockers during the day or for the boys to ensure that notifications are switched off. Any technology that is distracting students from learning will be confiscated by teachers and handed to Student Services for the student to collect at the end of the day. Phones and smart watches are never allowed in an examination.

If, for medical reasons, wearable technology, or a mobile device is required, families are to liaise directly with the Toowoomba Grammar School Health Centre and their son’s Head of House so that appropriate health information from medical practitioners and technological requirements can be clarified. If your son already has a medical exemption and it allowed his technology to remain on his person, this arrangement will continue.

If you need to get a message to your son during the school day, Student Services and Boarding Staff are able to take messages, or students are able to call from the Student Services phone if necessary. Further, each student from Years 7 to 12 has access to email if required.

Attendance Policy

It is timely that I remind you of our Student Attendance Policy. The key sections of the policy that relate to parents are as follows:

In accordance with the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, children between the age of 6 and 16 must be enrolled at a state or non-government school and must attend the School at all times when the School is open for instruction, or for participation in School activities. Additionally, in keeping with the co-curricular life of Toowoomba Grammar School, students are required to attend all activities as requested; some activities may occur out of normal school hours.

• Authorised absence – an absence where the reason provided by the parent/caregiver is acceptable to the School.
• Unauthorised absence – an absence where the reason provided by the parent/caregiver is considered to be unacceptable to the School.
• Unexplained absence – an absence for which no reason is provided by the parent/caregiver.
• Reporting – the School will report all authorised, unauthorised and unexplained absences on student report cards at the end of each semester. The School is also obligated to report student absences to the Department of Education at the end of each semester.

Absences from School can be recorded via the Parent Lounge. Absences from attendance at School can, however, be authorised under the following categories:

1. Health related absences
2. Pastoral or family reasons
3. Representative sporting reasons.

Absences for family holidays are typically recorded as unauthorised.

If a request for an extended absence is required, these can be made to m.oliphant@twgs.qld.edu.au. When assessing leave requirements the following factors are considered:

• The period of absence
• The reasons for the absence
• The student’s recent history of absence
• The student’s academic progress and assessments due during or immediately following the period of absence
• The student’s capacity to complete the current curriculum studies during the absence and at the completion of the absence
• The student’s co-curricular commitments during the absence.

The decision to be absent during term time (authorised or unauthorised) carries certain expectations and understanding. Students will need to complete a student leave application form. They will need to take this form to each of their teachers and use it as evidence that they have discussed their absence with each of their teachers. Students will:

• Meet with each of his teachers before his departure to ascertain the work required to keep up-to-date during the period of his absence
• Identify any co-curricular commitments that he will miss during his absence and communicate this with his coaches/teachers
• Be required to complete the work that will be missed by a time negotiated with his teachers
• Be issued with a sanction if the work is incomplete in part or whole upon his return from the absence.

Parents may be requested to provide documentary explanation for all absences. This includes the provision of documents that satisfy the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and its requirements for Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA). Specifically, examinations for Years 11 and 12 students can only be rescheduled with supporting documentation from a medical professional. Medical certificates must include the reason for the absence as per the Academic and Assessment Policy.

The School is not obliged to provide alternative class, assessment or lost time for students who may be granted absence. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the work missed during his absence and the School will not discount fees for the period of absence.

I am looking forward to seeing the boys working hard on their schoolwork and in their co-curricular events throughout the remainder of this term.

Mark Oliphant
Head of Senior School

Be curious, not judgemental

Over the holiday break I watched Ted Lasso, late to the party I know, but the benefit is not having to wait for new episodes. As someone who isn’t really “into sports” I didn’t know what to expect, other than many people said to give it a go, so I did, and I am glad I did, it was well worth the watch*. Much has been said and written about the show and its success, the characters, the positive tone, the positive role models and the humour.

The thing I wasn’t expecting was the focus on literature. Books are an integral part of the fabric of the show; they are used as throughlines to episode plots, to showcase characters, motivations, goals and character growth.

Characters are constantly reading, there are literature references in every episode; and it is never forced, it is just there, organically a part of the show and the lives of the characters. It’s not just sport books either, though given the subject matter it showcases its fair share.

In one early example, Ted gifts the various players books to read.

To Roy Kent, Captain of AFC Richmond, a character who initially seems to be rough and gruff, Ted gives A wrinkle in time, the choice perplexes Roy as Ted tells him it is the story of a “young girls struggle with leadership as she travels through space”.

“Am I supposed to be the little girl?” Roy asks somewhat annoyed.

“I’d like you to be” Is Ted's response.

To Jamie Tartt, arrogant, cocky and selfish, Ted gives F. Scott. Fitzgeralds “The beautiful and the damned”. It is promptly thrown in the bin.

To Sam Obisanya, a player from Nigeria, far from home, Ted gives Ender's Game a book about coping with loneliness, thinking outside the box that people put you in, and with deeper themes of imperialism.

And it is always worth checking the opening shot of Coach Beard to see what he is reading.

Over the three seasons, there are more references than I have time to write about; needless to say I was impressed, I have made a display of some of the books used in the show, if any boys wish to read them.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the books of Ted Lasso

• Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest – Suzanne Simard
• The Dharma Bums - Jack Kerouac
• Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics – Jonathan Wilson
• Coaching Soccer For Dummies – Greg Bach
• Ender's Game – Orson Scott Card
• The Beautiful and Damned – F. Scott Fitzgerald
• A Wrinkle in Time – Madeline L’Engle
• The Greatest: What Sport Teaches Us About Achieving Success – Matthew Syed
• The Prince of Tides – Pat Conroy
• Fever Pitch – Nick Hornby
• The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
• About a Boy – Nick Hornby
• Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures – Merlin Sheldrake
• The Club: How the Premier League Became the Richest, Most Disruptive Business in Sport -Joshua Robinson
• Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children – Ransom Riggs
• The Iron Giant – Ted Hughes

To finish, I’d like to end with a quote from the show, that I, as a teacher and a librarian, wholeheartedly agree with, “For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It's about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.”

* There is a bit of language, be warned.

Daniel Crook
Head of Library and Information Services

TGS Army Cadets Honour National Servicemen at Toowoomba Service

Last weekend, the Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadets stood steadfast on our promise to participate in the National Servicemen’s Association Australia (NSAA) Memorial Service. This service is dedicated to remembering the sacrifices of the National Servicemen, known as the “NASHO’s” - a group of young men who were conscripted, trained and sent to serve in conflicts such as the Borneo Conflict and the Vietnam War. Their courage and dedication is commemorated each year, ensuring their legacy lives on.

TGS Army Cadets proudly supported this important Service by sending five Cadets to participate in the ceremonial duties at the cenotaph. As part of their role, the Cadets stood in formation, maintaining a respectful presence throughout the service. Their participation was not only a moment of great honour but also a testament to their discipline and commitment to duty.

The Cadets conducted themselves with exceptional dignity and their conduct was highly praised by the attending Senior Officers of Oakey Aviation Training Centre and local Councillors. Their involvement in the service is a significant reflection of the values instilled within the TGS Army Cadet program: honour, respect and service to the community. The Cadets truly did themselves and their unit proud, ensuring that the sacrifices of the “NASHO’s” are never forgotten.

The Australian Army Cadets is a unique organisation that provides the youth of Australia with incredible opportunities to lead and unleash their potential. The Army Cadets challenges cadets to look outside their comfort zone while developing them into the best possible leaders, creating lifelong friendships and building their character for life.

Today we are recognising the commitment and dedication of Angus McKenzie and Erik Sheppard. Both of these boys have reached the pinnacle of Army Cadet life attending the National Adventure Training Award and the Chief of the Army Cadet Team Challenge in 2024 and have been promoted to the Rank of Senior Cadet Under Officer and Battalion Warrant Officer Class One respectively.

In 2025, the TGS Army Cadet Unit will be under the Command of Senior Cadet Under Officer Angus McKenzie. This is the most senior rank an Army Cadet can achieve. Angus is also being awarded a Bronze Commendation for his exemplary performance and dedication throughout the Chief of Army Cadet Challenge. Congratulations, SCUO McKenzie.

The role of a Regimental Sergeant Major is generally defined as the officer in charge of drill and discipline. In 2024, Erik Sheppard was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Class One and was put in charge of 16th Battalion - School Based Units. Warrant Officer Class One Sheppard will continue in this role in 2025. Erik is also being awarded a Bronze Commendation for his exemplary performance and dedication throughout the Chief of Army Cadet Challenge. Congratulations, RSM Sheppard.

Lauren Trevisani
Cadet Officer - Assistant

2025 Performing Arts Leaders

Congratulations to our Performing Arts Leaders for 2025.

• Leader of the Arts – George Bain
• Leader of Big Band - Joshua Ecroyd
• Leader of Wind Orchestra - Hayden Fellenberg
• Leader of TiGAA – Erik Sheppard
• Leader of Choir - Hamish McCollum
• Leader of Strings - Joshua Green
• Leader of Grammarphones – Harry Bland
• Leader of Guitar Ensemble - Lachie Ferguson
• Leader of RnB – Hugo Morison

GPS Music Showcase

On Monday, 3 February, fifteen TGS students travelled to Brisbane to rehearse with their selected GPS ensemble. The performance standard amongst our fellow GPS schools was of an extremely high standard. All boys returned to Brisbane for a full day rehearsal on Thursday, 13 February, followed by the GPS Music Showcase Concert which was hosted by BBC. Our musicians had the opportunity to work with exceptional conductors, tutors and musicians from our fellow GPS schools.

Congratulations to the boys below who were selected and participated in the GPS Music Showcase:

• Choir – Ruhan Bulchandani, Suhaan Chowdhury, Harry Constable, Joseph Fernando, Amza Fleming, Artharsh Gajaharan, Ruben Kruger, Frank Loughlin, Hamish McCollum, Charlie Parrington, Finn Pickering, Isaac Whitcombe.
• Concert Band – George Bain, Lucas Wen.
• Big Band – Henry Geise.

Upcoming Performing Arts events - Save the Date

Please add the following dates to your calendar and save the date for our upcoming performances and events. Further details will be provided to relevant students and families.

• Friday, 21 March – Read My Lips, 6:30pm in the Senior School Assembly Hall
• Tuesday, 22 April – Choral rehearsals with Mr Paul Holley (Choir 9:00am - 12:30pm and Grammarphones 1:00pm - 3:00pm)
• Thursday, 24 April – Grandparent’s Day Concert (various ensembles and soloists performing)
• Friday, 25 April – Choir participating in the Toowoomba ANZAC Day Dawn Service
• Thursday, 1 May – Choral Showcase, 6:00pm in the Senior School Assembly Hall
• Thursday, 15 May – Choral Eisteddfod commences

Football Supporters' Group Annual General Meeting

The Football Supporters' Group held their annual general meeting on Wednesday, 19 February in the Bunya Room from 5:15pm until 6:00pm. All football parents are invited to participate in providing support to the Football program.

Following the AGM, the Head of Football, Nigel Fanning will give an update on the 2025 season ahead.

GPS Match Day Package, Sponsorship packages released

This year, the FSG have announced plans to open our GPS home games up for match day sponsorship. These $1000 packages include supporters' hat, pre/game day shout outs, social media acknowledgements and access to VIP post-game event (with drinks and canapes). Pitch Side sponsors advertising will also be available. All funds raised are used to reduce ongoing costs to Football and FUTSAL.

Term 1 Futsal

Term 1 Futsal has commenced at UniSQ with the School entering an U13, U15 and Open Team into the competition. Boys from across the School use this competition to get season ready for the coming football campaign. AFA Futsal will run their Southwest Regional Championships over the period Monday, 3 to Friday, 7 March. Teams will be formed from boys who show technical ability during school football trials and open lunchtime sessions.

Pre-season Football Training

Pre-season Football Training will commence on Tuesday, 25 and Thursday, 27 February across multiple ovals at TGS. Training is open to all boys. Boys aspiring to play in an A or B squad should endeavour to attend all pre-season training sessions. Training will occur after 5:00pm to allow for boys to complete their pre-season Volleyball or Cricket obligations. Where a direct clash still exists then boys should continue with Volleyball or Cricket.

First Squad Formed for 2025

Head Coach Mike Mulvey has been busy during the early weeks of Term 1 running training in the mornings and afternoons. Over 40 boys attended the first step of selections attending conditioning sessions followed by technical training.

As we enter Week 4, the squad has been trimmed to 25 players who will aspire to be competitive for the coming campaign.

Toowoomba Tri-Series

The Toowoomba Tri-series will take place over four Tuesdays in February and March at Harristown State High School. The competition will host an Open and Bill Turner Training squad.

Year 8 – 11 Football Trials

Football trials for boys in Years 8 to 11 will occur-across various ovals on Friday, 21 February. Pre-season training will commence at 5:00pm on Tuesday, 25 and Thursday, 27 February for all available players.

TSSS Football Trials

The TSSS Football Trials have concluded for boys 13-18 with players now selected to attend DD Trials on the Thursday, 27 February.

Boys aged 10-12 will have TSSS Trials on Wednesday, 30 April followed by DD Trials in Dalby on the Thursday, 29 May. Nomination forms for all trials are posted on the TGS App. Parents will not be sent individual emails and late applications will not be accepted.

Blazers School Holiday Camp Monday, 7 to Tuesday, 8 April

Boys are invited to attend the highly popular Blazers School Holiday Camp right here at TGS. This camp is open to everyone and will be a just in time pre-season camp for all boys during the busy holiday period.

TSS Cup

Monday, 14 – Thursday, 17 April 2025 (First XI & Bill Turner Cup Squad)

The First XI and Bill Turner Football Squad will participate in the TSS Cup as a key step towards the coming season. Mr Mulvey’s First XI will board. The Bill Turner Squad will have the option to board or stay with their parents.

GPS Football Camp – Tuesday, 22 April

All Term 2 Football players are invited into a one day super camp to prepare teams and players for our Week 1 fixture against Brisbane Boys College. This one-day camp will run from 9:00am – 3:00pm. All Term 2 Football players are urged to attend this important and final preparation for the season.

Other Date Claimers

Mini-World Cup – Thursday, 2 to Sunday, 5 October Inverell

• U8s Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 October
• U10s Thursday, 2, Friday, 3 and Saturday, 4 October
• U12s Thursday, 2, Friday, 3 and Saturday, 4 October
• U14s Thursday, 2, Friday, 3, Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 October
• U17s Thursday, 2, Friday, 3, Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 October

Please secure your accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

G150 Raceday – Saturday, 18 October 2025

Excitement is building as we look to enjoy our G150 Raceday celebrations with our annual Event at Clifford Park.

Round 3 of GPS Volleyball saw our teams take on traditional powerhouse Brisbane Grammar School in a tough day of competition. While BGS proved a formidable opponent, our 6B, 10D and First VI teams secured well-earned victories.

The highlight of the day was our First VI’s thrilling five-set win—only the second time in 25 years we have defeated BGS at this level. The squad showed incredible resilience and composure to come away with the historic victory.

Adding to the weekend’s success, First VI player Will Smith was recognised at the Annual Volleyball Queensland Awards evening, receiving the Most Improved Player Award for the Queensland White U17 Boys team. A fantastic achievement for Will and a testament to his dedication and growth in the sport.

Well done to all players and coaches for their efforts—onto the next round vs ACGS with the senior cohort away and Years 5 to 8 at home.

TGS Age Championships

The TGS Age Championships will be conducted over the following dates:

• Sunday, 23 February
• Sunday, 2 March
• Sunday, 9 March

Entries closed on Wednesday, 19 February and the draw will be communicated to registered players.

DD Tennis 13-19 Years Tennis Team

Congratulations to Henry Maunder and Riley Nestor on their selection for the Darling Downs 13-19 Years Tennis team. It was an all-TGS final as Henry defeated Riley in the ultimate match of the event.

Tennis Supporters' Group Annual General Meeting

The Tennis Supporters' Group will hold their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 27 February in the Bunya Room (TGS Pavilion) from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. All tennis parents are invited to attend and to participate in providing support to the TGS Tennis program. We hope to see you there!

Show Cattle Club's Clifton Show trip

On Saturday, 15 February members of our Show Cattle Team spent the day at the Clifton Show participating in the Young Judges Competition. While some of our team members are experienced judges, some of the boys were competing for the very first time and did a wonderful job.

Archer Hallinan, a Year 7 boarder, placed third in his age group and Year 12s Louis Brimblecombe placed fourth in his group. Year 9 boarder, Dougall Skene, had family cattle at the Show and was able to participate in the paraders competition, earning a highly commended from the judge.

Congratulations to all of the boys and wishing them all the best of luck for their forthcoming competition at the Pittsworth show on Friday, 7 March.

The first weeks of the year have moved along quickly. All co-curricular groups are fully operational and everyone seems to be back into the routines of school life.

There is a nice sense of energy around the campus when everything is back on again. I would encourage families to have a quick family check-in around this time (roughly the mid-point of a term) to see how you are settling back into things. At this stage of the term our learning programs during the day are well-formed and in routines, combined with co-curricular programs and general family life it can easily add up to very full weeks. Every student manages the week differently, some relish the activity and pace, others welcome a down-time rest. You’re welcome to check-in with your son's teacher just to get a sense for how he is managing the day. Combine that with your knowledge of your son and his needs for rest/activity and you should get a good sense for whether the balance is right. Building routines can really assist with their management of the daily and weekly activities.

We advocate for building routines to support the boys at school but this also applies in all areas of their lives really. Our daily structure is timetabled and within that there are classroom routines to support their learning. The explicit instruction approach of ‘I do, we do, you do’ is very helpful for parents when building routines. When introducing a routine, show it to your son first ‘I do’, then practice together ‘we do’ before they take over for themselves with ‘you do’. Depending on the routine there is typically some assistance required from time to time but building the routine together is certainly worthwhile for both the boy and the parent/teacher. Depending on the age and stage of your son routines will change over time and vary in complexity. Routines for wake-up times, breakfast, uniform, bag-packing, organising their room, homework, rehearsals, training etc…it all helps navigate the day. Aside from being organised and sharing the load in the family there is some cognitive science at play here also, routines help reinforce behaviours reducing the cognitive load for thinking about what’s required. The same approach applies for the classroom with their learning, even more so, so they can focus on learning new information. Routines, combined with good quality activity, rest and nutrition will go a long way to navigating through the week well. Typically, teachers will make contact if they see a student is finding the daily routines overly challenging for them but please feel comfortable checking-in with your son's teacher if you are unsure how he is managing the daily routines at school.

In this edition of the Blue and Gold, I would encourage you to read Mrs Bauer’s section about the value of our individualised approach to student learning through multi-tiered systems of support and utilisation of data to inform learning programs. There is also guidance on the importance of early intervention and supporting your sons learning at home. Ms Hall shares some exciting initiatives for students through the initiation of a Big Mates – Little Mates program, a Student Representative Council (SRC) and First Nations students gathering. All initiatives have been inspired from student voice in how they would like to connect and contribute to the TGS community. Mr Doherty provides some highlights from the recent House Swimming Carnival for Under 9s to 12s, congratulations Mackintosh House and all the individual age-champions. Mrs Dixon shares the full music groups and ensemble program for families, and upcoming events on the calendar. On the radar for later in the term, NAPLAN for Years 3 and 5 in mid-late March and School camps for Year 2, Year 5 and Year 6 and a House Cross-Country carnival as well. Our TGS calendar on the School app is the perfect reference point for all events and specific details.

Ken Raven
Head of Junior School

New Pastoral Initiatives in the Junior School

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of our Junior School, ensuring that every student feels supported, valued and connected. We are thrilled to introduce several new pastoral initiatives designed to enhance our students' sense of community, leadership, and belonging.

Big Mates, Little Mates

Our Big Mates, Little Mates program is designed to create meaningful connections between our youngest learners in Prep and our Year 5 boys. Held every Wednesday afternoon, these sessions provide a fantastic opportunity for our Year 5 boys to develop pride in themselves and their school, while also nurturing compassion and developing their leadership skills. Through activities such as getting-to-know-you games, reading and other fun interactions, our Year 5 boys offer support and care to our Prep boys throughout their first year of school.

First Nations Connections

We are proud to introduce First Nations Connections, a regular gathering space for our First Nations boys. This initiative will be facilitated by Mr Jayson Mullins, a proud Wiradjuri man, who is also a Year 3 teacher and Taylor Head of House in the Junior School. Mr Mullins is passionate about sharing the incredible legacy of knowledge and lore from the oldest living culture on the planet. This program will be supported by a Year 6 student leader who feels passionately about this initiative, a powerful example of the value of student voice. If you would like more information or if your son identifies as First Nation and would like to be involved, please contact Mr Mullins.

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Looking ahead to Term 2, we are excited to announce the establishment of a Junior School Student Representative Council (SRC). This new initiative will provide an avenue for boys from Years 1 to 6 to bring ideas, solve problems and work towards promoting the virtues of the School Creed. Through regular meetings, the SRC will offer opportunities for students to represent the views of their class and contribute meaningfully to the school community. More details will be shared soon.

We believe these initiatives will greatly enhance the sense of pride, belonging and community within our Junior School. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our boys.

Amanda Hall
Deputy Head of Junior School (Students)

Helping Every Boy Succeed - Our Focus on Individualised Learning

At Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS), we are committed to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. In the last Blue and Gold, I mentioned that our approach to individualised learning is centred around the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a framework designed to provide the right support at the right time for every student.

What is MTSS?

In simple terms, MTSS is a system we are implementing to ensure every boy, in the Junior and Senior School, receives the right support at the right time. This approach allows us to identify students who might need extra help and provide targeted interventions to support their learning and wellbeing.

Using Data to Identify Student Needs

At TGS, we use data to inform our decisions and identify students who may require additional support. By analysing academic performance, attendance records and behavioural data, we can pinpoint areas where students might be struggling and intervene early. This data-driven approach ensures that no student falls through the cracks and that each boy receives the personalised support he needs to succeed.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is crucial in helping students overcome challenges before they become significant obstacles. By addressing issues early, we can provide the necessary support to help students stay on track academically and emotionally. Our teachers and support staff work closely with students to monitor their progress and adjust interventions as needed.

Collaboration Between School and Home

We believe that collaboration between School and home is essential for student success. Parents play a vital role in supporting their son’s education and we encourage open communication between families and the School. By working together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters student growth and achievement.

At TGS, our continued focus on individualised learning and the implementation of MTSS reflects our commitment to helping every boy succeed. We are dedicated to providing the best possible education and support for our students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.

Chantelle Bauer
Deputy Head of Junior School (Teaching and Learning)

2025 Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule

All rehearsals are now well and truly underway, and rehearsals occur each week until the end of the term.

If your son is still interested in joining an ensemble, please contact me. I particularly encourage boys in Years 2 to 3 to join Tribe Junior and boys in Years 4 to 6 to join Tribe. It would be wonderful if any new members joined at the next rehearsal to ensure they are familiar with our eisteddfod pieces.

Please ensure if your son is unable to attend a scheduled rehearsal that you email the conductor so they’re aware of his absence.

Kellie Dixon
Head of Junior School Music and Director of Performing Arts (Acting)

Swimming

Congratulations to all boys involved in the Under 9 - 12 Inter House Swimming Championships. It was a fantastic day and showcased the many talented boys we have at TGS.

Please see the results below:

Special congratulations to Flynn Loch on breaking 3 records on the day. He set new marks in the 50m Butterfly, 50m Backstroke and 100m Individual Medley. A remarkable effort!

Congratulations to Mackintosh House on retaining the House Shield while also winning the Spirit Award for the best cheering throughout the day.

Thirty-two boys qualified to compete in the Range Zone trials on Monday, 17 February. We wish these boys luck as they compete at the next level of competition.

Cross Country

A reminder for boys to keep their cross country training going. Not too long to the carnival now!

Congratulations

The following boys have been announced as captains of their respective sports for 2025. We wish these boys well for a successful season.

• Cricket – Aarav Sahu
• Volleyball – Takumi Inoue
• Swimming – Will McAllister (Captain) and Ryan Halton (Vice Captain)

Congratulations boys.

Club Football and Club Rugby

Information regarding the sign up for our Prep to 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.

Representation Recognition

We love celebrating boys achieving success in sport. If your son has made a representative team or performed well, please let me know so that we can give him some recognition in front of his peers.

PE Homework

Boys in Prep to Year 3 are currently enjoying some body awareness skills through some elaborate obstacle courses. One of the skills targeted is the forward roll. Can your son do one unaided? Some practice at home will definitely help.

Yours in sport,

Brendan Doherty
Junior School Sports Coordinator

New parents, your views are important to us.

As a new parent, your recent experience of choosing a school is insightful. Toowoomba Grammar School is interested to hear about what was important to you and your family before and during your decision-making process, why you chose to send your child to an independent school and why you felt Toowoomba Grammar School was different from the other schools.

You are invited to complete The What Parents Want – an Independent Schools Queensland Survey. It is a longitudinal study that tracks multiple aspects of parents’ decision-making time, and the anonymous data can provide our school with insights to better understand and support prospective and new families in our community.

If you are a parent of a Prep, Year 7 and/or new student, we’d like to ask you to complete this valuable survey (approximately 15-20 minutes). Other parents are also welcome to complete the survey. Survey closes Monday, 24 March 2025.

Click here to take the survey.

Getting Started 2025 with Robyn Staveley!

QOSA is excited to host a weekend of workshops to help you kick start your 2025 in the music classroom.

Sunday, 2 March 9:00am - 3:00pm at Toowoomba Grammar School.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yd249ryy

New Members Needed for the TGSOBA

The numbers are dwindling on our TGS Old Boys' Association committee and we would like some new members to join the ranks in this special Grammar 150 year.

The workload is dependent on how much you want to contribute and meetings can be attended via Teams.

We would love to hear from you if you would like to learn more about the Committee or if you would like to nominate for this year. Please contact me (Mark Creedon) on 0409 010 595.

The AGM will be held in Old Hall on Wednesday, 5 March from 6:00pm and you are welcome to attend in person or online.

It is always great to catch-up with others. For those attending in person, refreshments will follow the meeting.

If you would prefer to attend online, please email our Community Engagement Officer, Stacey Silver for the Teams link.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Mark Creedon (1973-77)
TGSOBA Immediate Past President