THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 21 March 2025 - Toowoomba Grammar School

Dear TGS Families,

Celebrating a Milestone Year at TGS

As we approach the final weeks of Term 1, it's been wonderful to see our boys applying themselves diligently during the assessment period. I encourage them to maintain their focus as we finish the term strongly.

Our School is buzzing with excitement as we celebrate our 150th year, Grammar150 (G150). This term has featured many highlights, from welcoming new families to reconnecting with Old Boys through various G150 events. We'll conclude with the Grammar Art Show, which showcases artistic talent and serves as a major P&F fundraiser. Thanks to Mrs Jodie Humphreys and the Art Show Committee, the P&F, our staff, teachers, parent volunteers, Diamond Sponsor Austin Brookman Property and all contributing businesses. Visit Toowoomba Grammar Art Show for details.

During my recent assembly address to Senior Students, I shared historical photographs dating back to the early 1900s connecting our current students to the School's rich past. I reflected on our first students from 1877, highlighting our deep boarding tradition and regional Queensland connections. I recounted remarkable stories of early boarders, including their unsupervised camping trips with the School's hunting dogs and the extraordinary two-week journey of 12-year-old Jim Atkinson who travelled from Greenvale Station to attend TGS in 1913. These stories are important reflection points as we honour our history in our 150th year. I also congratulated our various sporting teams and wished our GPS swimmers success as they represent the Blue and Gold. Despite recent disruptions from TC Alfred, our students have adjusted admirably and I acknowledge all members of the School community for their support during this unsettling period.

Term 2 brings several key events. Our ANZAC Day Service and Senior School Grandparents' Day will be held on Thursday, April 24. On Tuesday, 21 May, demographer Simon Kuestenmacher will speak at our Grammar150 Rising & Leading in Business breakfast about future trends. The G150 Women of Grammar event on Saturday, 10 May will recognise women's contributions to our community. The term concludes with the TGS and Fairholme College musical, "Midnight: The Cinderella Musical," on June 5-6.

As we continue this milestone year, I encourage all community members to stay engaged, join our special events and take pride in our shared legacy. Thank you for your support and I look forward to sharing more memorable moments throughout 2025.

Kind regards,
Dr John C Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Members of the 2025 Interact Club with the Club President from 1968, Mr John Davidson

Year 12 Gift to Toowoomba Grammar School: Celebrating 150 Years with a Legacy Project

As Toowoomba Grammar School celebrates its 150th anniversary, our Year 12 students have embarked on an inspiring journey as their parting gift to the School, one they hope will leave a lasting legacy. This milestone year is not only a time to reflect on our rich history and traditions but also an opportunity for our senior students to contribute meaningfully to the School's future. Inspired by the achievements of the 1968 Interact Club, the Year 12 cohort has proposed a significant fundraising project aimed at enhancing the historic entrance gates at the corner of Mary and Herries Street.

The Legacy Project

The idea for the project was born out of a desire to honour the past while making a tangible contribution to the School's future. The 1968 Interact Club set a remarkable precedent by running to Dalby and back to raise funds for constructing the brick gates at the original entrance to our School.

That year, 54 determined boys took on an incredible endurance test— it was decided to conduct a fast relay run to Dalby and back, a distance of 110 miles. It was proposed to run legs of 220 yards, with each member running about 16 times and hoped to complete the distance in 10 hours, pushing their physical limits in an extraordinary display of dedication to their school.

They were each sponsored for $10 by Old Boys and local businesses, raising over $500 of the $600 needed to fund the construction of the entrance we know today. In just 7 ¾ hours, they secured their place in Grammar history. Their perseverance and unity, core values of a Grammar education, left a lasting legacy.

After the 1968 run, there were a number of other fundraising runs organised by Interact. They included a Guiness Book of Records feat, walking to Brisbane (1974), a “wheelbarrow-a-thon” to Cunningham’s Gap and back (1977), a “gigathon” to Millmerran and back (1976) and a “buggy-a-thon” from Roma to Toowoomba.

The G150 Gift Run

This year, our Year 12 students have decided to re-enact this historical run in a modern format, with the goal of refurbishing and upgrading these iconic gates at their gift to TGS.

Scheduled for Wednesday, 28 May 2025, the G150 Gift Run will see 150 Year 12 students organised into 15 teams of 10, each representing their respective Houses. The event will take place from 7:00am to approximately 3:30pm, with each team completing 100 kilometres by running one-kilometre laps around Old Boys, Barbour and Mills Ovals. One student from each team will run one lap at a time, with teams strategising how to distribute the running workload among their members. If all teams complete the challenge, the total distance covered will be 1500 kilometres, symbolising our 150 years of excellence.

Fundraising Goals

Each team has been tasked with raising $3500, amounting to an average of $350 per student. The funds raised will go towards the gate refurbishment project, with any additional funds being donated to the Nerve Connection Foundation (NCF). The NCF is a charity close to our hearts, with an Old Boy serving as the Director and Advisory Board Member Dr Robert Henderson (TGS 1981-85) and a current parent Mr Matthew Butler as the inaugural Ambassador. Both of these men will be visiting the School to address our Assembly in Term 2. More information about the NCF can be found on the Foundation’s website.

Interact Club member Ed Webster, Mr Matt Bulter, Ambassador Nerve Connection Foundation and Interact Club President Ben Walker

Connecting Past and Present

One of the most meaningful aspects of this project is the opportunity to connect with the past. We have invited members of the 1968 Interact Club to witness the event and share their experiences with our current students. Among them is Mr John Davidson (TGS 1964-68), a boarder from Winton who was not only the President of Interact in 1968 but also the Senior Boarder Prefect, Dux of the School, Tennis Captain and a member of the First XV Rugby team.

His recollections of the run have been particularly inspiring. He shared that organising the run was much simpler in those days and every student did their part to conquer the kilometres. His visit and stories have greatly motivated our current students.

Interact President Ben Walker and Senior Prefect Gilbert Tighe address the Year 12 cohort

A Message from the Students

Gilbert Tighe, Senior Prefect, and Ben Walker, Interact Club President, have been instrumental in driving this initiative. In a recent assembly, Gilbert emphasised the importance of leaving a legacy and the collective effort required to achieve this goal. He encouraged his peers to embrace the challenge, both physically and mentally and to support each other throughout the journey.

Ben highlighted the historical significance of the Mary and Herries Street entrance and the importance of preserving its legacy while giving it a fresh look. He shared the story of the 1968 Interact Club's remarkable relay run and the impact it had on the school, inspiring the current cohort to undertake a similar challenge.

Looking Ahead

As the Year 12 students begin forming teams, electing captains and planning their training and fundraising strategies, the excitement and anticipation for the G150 Gift Run continue to build. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for our students to demonstrate leadership, teamwork and commitment to a worthy cause. It also allows them to leave a lasting legacy, that they can reflect on with pride in the years to come.

Your Support

Thank you for your ongoing support of Toowoomba Grammar School and our Year 12 students. Together, we can make this 150th anniversary celebration truly memorable.

Shared Virtues at School and at Home

There is a growing consensus around the world that virtues such as practical wisdom, compassion, honesty, self-control, justice and respect, which contribute to good character, are part of the solution to many of the challenges facing society today. As such, everyone should have the opportunity to develop good character throughout their lives.

Toowoomba Grammar School has developed a sequenced set of lessons designed to incorporate what the boys already know about virtues, through shared experiences delivered by parents and carers, and build upon this through the research and evidence presented by the Jubilee Research Centre (JRC), United Kingdom.

As suggested by the JRC, the virtues that make up character enable us to enjoy rewarding and productive lives, especially practical wisdom. The more people with good character, the healthier our society and young people learn better when they also have good character. Integrity and good character are equally important to knowledge and skills in our professions. All of these principles underpin what Toowoomba Grammar School’s wellbeing and character development program offer. But, we cannot do it alone and it is only through the shared literacy or common vocabulary focussing on these virtues that students can be reminded throughout the entirety of the lives.

An instructive way of approaching and making sense of the educational processes in developing virtues – is through the avenue of: character ‘caught’, character ‘taught’ and character ‘sought’. These strategies when employed at home and at school have sincere value in generating an authentic level of understanding how virtues can be developed and transferred throughout a community.

Virtues such as listed in the School Creed:

Courage, Respect and Honesty (Moral Virtues)
Kindness and Civility (Civic Virtues)
Determination and Perseverance (Intellectual Virtues)

According to the Jubilee Research Centre “schools that are virtues-driven have high expectations and demonstrate academic, professional, and social success. They are committed and determined to develop the character of their pupils through the articulation, demonstration of and commitment to core ethical virtues, and to the cultivation of meaningful personal relationships.” Children, teachers and parents need to therefore not only be familiar with the vocabulary of the wellbeing and character development program but display them in the routine of their daily lives.

At Toowoomba Grammar School, we share the Jubilee Centre’s researched belief that character virtues should be reinforced everywhere: on the playing fields, in classrooms, corridors, interactions between teachers and pupils, in assemblies, posters, mentor teacher messages and communications, staff training and also importantly in relations between parents and their child.

The four key pillars - intellectual, moral, civic and performance virtues need to be woven into the fabric of everything a student participates in during his time in the blue and gold.

It is this shared model of character development that virtues come to the fore and are not forgotten or only thought to exist once a student steps on campus. For more information on virtues-based character education, please contact me via email.

Michael Hall
Head of Pastoral Care

Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week

Parents have all received letters regarding the upcoming Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week in Week 10 of this term. Parents of boys in Years 7, 8, 9 and 11 need to ensure they have completed the camp permission via the Parent Lounge. Year 10 parents need to ensure that they have signed the work experience agreement. Year 12 parents will receive notification of the different events that their son is involved in during the week.

A reminder to all day parents of boys who are going away on camps during the week that any medications that your son needs to take during the week be clearly named, including detailed instructions, and be handed in to the Health Centre in a clear plastic container during Week 9 (March 24 – 28). Parents also need to complete the form that was sent with the camps letters giving staff permission to administer medication.

Please contact the Student Services Office if you have any questions regarding the Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week. The following are the key contacts if you have any questions regarding the Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week:

Year 7 – Mrs Jodi Blades (Dayboys – j.blades@twgs.qld.edu.au) or Mr Henry White (Boarders – h.white@twgs.qld.edu.au)
Year 8 – Mr Allan Westman (a.westman@twgs.qld.edu.au)
Year 9 – Mr Doug Michael (d.michael@twgs.qld.edu.au)
Year 10 – Mrs Tanya Simpson (t.simpson@twgs.qld.edu.au)
Year 11 – Mr John Anderson (j.anderson@twgs.qld.edu.au)
Year 12 – Mrs Anthea Richters (a.richters@twgs.qld.edu.au)

Parent-Teacher Meetings – Term 2

Years 7 to 11 Parent-Teacher Meetings will occur on Monday, 28 April from 3:30pm to 6pm in the Purves Classroom Block and from 6:30pm until 8pm via telephone.
Year 7 to 11 Parent Teacher Meetings – In Person from 3:30pm to 6:00pm in Purves Building
Year 7 to 11 Parent Teacher Meetings - via telephone from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Bookings via Parent Lounge will open at 8:00am on Tuesday, 22 April and close on Thursday, 24 April at 8:00pm.

Please note:

Boarding families will have the first opportunity to book the via telephone meetings.
When booking a via telephone meeting please ensure you enter the phone number you would like to be called on.
Phone interviews are not available during the in person meetings times.
Phone calls may appear as a school number or come from “No caller ID”.

Making a Booking via Parent Lounge

Login to Parent Lounge Parent and click on Parent Teacher Meetings. Follow the links to book meetings with your sons’ teachers.

You will be able to print your Meeting Schedule from Friday, 25 April.

Should you have any questions, please contact Kate Wormwell at Student Services on (07) 4687 2653.

End-of-term

The conclusion of Term 1 will be Thursday, 3 April, which is when most boys will return to Outdoor Pursuits and Activities week. Term 2 begins on Wednesday, 23 April with the return of the boarders on Tuesday, 22 April.

Wishing all families a safe and blessed Easter.

Mark Oliphant
Head of Senior School

Head of Corfe House, Mr Henry White with Year 7 boarders

Supporting Boys' Transition to Boarding School: Challenges, Strategies and Parental Guidance

The transition to boarding school marks a pivotal moment in a young boy’s life, symbolising a shift toward greater independence and personal growth. For boys, particularly those from rural areas or homeschooling environments, this adjustment can be especially challenging. As they face new academic expectations, social dynamics and the emotional complexities of being away from home, the support they receive from parents and educators is crucial for their successful adaptation. This guide explores common challenges, offers practical strategies for parents and educators and emphasises the importance of guidance to help boys thrive in this new environment.

Academic Pressures and Adaptation

One of the primary challenges boys face when transitioning to boarding school is adjusting to higher academic demands. Research indicates that students moving from primary to secondary school often struggle with time management, adapting to multiple teachers and dealing with a more demanding curriculum (Mizelle, 2005; Mander & Lester, 2019). For boys coming from homeschooling or rural settings, these pressures can be particularly intense, as they are used to a more flexible learning environment with individualised attention, which is vastly different from the structured routine of a traditional school.

To support this transition, boys must develop effective study habits. Parents can help by encouraging their children to establish routines that balance study and relaxation time. Seeking help when needed—whether from teachers, housemasters, or tutors—can ease the transition and help students stay on track academically. Building self-regulation skills early on can also enable students to manage their workload effectively and reduce stress.

Homeschooling and Distance Education

Boys who have been homeschooled or engaged in distance education may find the transition to a more structured and social environment even more challenging. These students are accustomed to learning independently and managing their schedules, but in a traditional school, they must adhere to a set schedule, participate actively in class and collaborate with peers. This shift can create feelings of overwhelm, especially if the student lacks experience in working as part of a group or participating in dynamic classroom discussions.

Parents can support these students by helping them adjust to the increased structure and collaborative nature of boarding school. Encouraging participation in group activities and extracurriculars, such as sports or clubs, can help ease the transition while fostering teamwork skills. Reassuring them that it’s normal to feel uncertain during the initial stages can also alleviate anxiety.

Managing Homework and Preparation ("Prep")

In boarding school, the amount of homework, or “prep,” that students are expected to complete often increases. Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg (2023) suggests reframing homework as an opportunity for academic growth rather than a burden. It’s important for both parents and students to adopt a positive perspective on homework, viewing it to reinforce and expand knowledge. Parents can model a constructive attitude by discussing the benefits of academic effort and supporting their children in managing their workload effectively.

To prevent burnout, establishing a structured study schedule is key. Encouraging breaks, limiting distractions and seeking academic support when needed can also help students navigate the increased demands of homework. Collaboration is another vital aspect; students who feel comfortable asking peers, teachers or boarding staff for help when necessary are more likely to succeed.

Wellbeing and Friendships

Building friendships is crucial for emotional wellbeing, and boys who establish strong social networks are better equipped to manage the stresses of school life (Carr-Gregg, 2023). However, for boys who have struggled with social connections in the past, this aspect of transition can be more difficult.

Parents can help by identifying underlying issues that may hinder their child’s ability to make friends and seek professional guidance if necessary. Psychologists can provide strategies to enhance social skills, emotional regulation and peer relationships. At school, participating in social activities and developing close friendships can boost resilience and foster a sense of belonging.

Self-Regulation and Maturity

Boys in Year 7, typically around 12 or 13 years old, are still developing self-regulation skills. They often rely on structured routines and external guidance to manage their emotions, time and focus (Mander & Lester, 2023; Pellegrini & Bartini, 2000). As they transition to secondary school and boarding life, this dependence on adult supervision can become a challenge, especially if the school environment emphasises autonomy and independence.

Parents can help by discussing the importance of setting personal goals, managing emotions and staying focused. Encouraging students to take ownership of their schedules, responsibilities and emotional wellbeing can foster maturity and self-confidence. Extracurricular activities offer valuable opportunities to develop autonomy and leadership skills, further enhancing their ability to self-regulate.

Homesickness and Emotional Support

Homesickness is a common and natural response to the transition to boarding school, especially in the early weeks (Carr-Gregg, 2023). This emotional challenge stems from the separation from home and attachment figures, making it critical to address. While homesickness is normal, it can be distressing and interfere with a student’s ability to engage fully in school life.

Preparation is key to managing homesickness. Parents can encourage their child to bring comforting items from home, such as a favourite pillow or photograph, for emotional reassurance. Maintaining regular communication with home can ease feelings of isolation and provide reassurance that the child is supported. If you have any further concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me.

Social support also plays a significant role in mitigating homesickness. Students who develop strong friendships tend to experience less homesickness overall (Zulkarnain et al., 2024). Schools that foster a strong sense of community through team-building activities and peer mentorship can reduce isolation and promote emotional resilience.

Parental Anxiety and Supporting the Transition

Parents often experience anxiety during their child's transition to boarding school. Concerns about academic performance, social integration and overall emotional wellbeing can create stress for both the parent and child. Research suggests that higher parental anxiety is linked to increased homesickness in children, as anxious parents may inadvertently exacerbate feelings of separation (Kingery et al., 2012).

It is essential for parents to manage their anxiety to avoid unintentionally adding to their child’s stress. Open communication with school staff, seeking advice from school counsellors and preparing emotionally can ease the transition. Parents should also encourage independence, supporting their child’s growth while offering reassurance when needed.

Practical Strategies for Parents

To support their child through the transition to boarding school, parents can adopt the following strategies:

Prepare for the change: Discuss the upcoming transition well in advance. Help your child mentally prepare for the move and create a plan to stay connected after the transition.
Encourage independence: While staying involved, allow your child to take on responsibilities and make decisions to foster autonomy.
Foster positive communication: Regular, supportive communication—while balancing independence—is key. Focus on your child’s positive experiences and offer reassurance when needed.
Promote resilience: Encourage participation in extracurricular activities, making new friends and setting personal goals to build resilience and confidence.
Take care of your own wellbeing: Parental anxiety can impact the transition. It’s essential that parents manage their own stress and seek support when needed.

Conclusion

The transition to boarding school is a significant adjustment for many boys, particularly those from rural or homeschooling backgrounds. With the right support, however, these challenges can be overcome. By fostering a sense of independence, encouraging academic and social engagement, and addressing emotional needs, both parents and school staff can help boys develop the resilience and confidence needed for a successful and fulfilling boarding school experience. Understanding the challenges, providing consistent support and staying actively involved in your child's journey are key to helping them thrive in this new environment.

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

References

Carr-Gregg, M. (2023). Managing Homesickness. Cambridge University Press.

Kingery, J. N., Peneston, K. R., Rice, S. E., & Wormuth, B. M. (2012). Parental anxious expectations and child anxiety predicting homesickness during overnight summer camp. Journal of Outdoor Recreation Education and Leadership, 4(3), 172–184.

Mander, D. J., & Lester, L. (2023). Self-reported homesickness in Australian adolescent males during their first year at boarding school. Behavioral Sciences, 40(2), 299-310.

Mizelle, N. B. (2005). Moving out of middle school. Educational Leadership, 62(7), 56-60.

Pereira, M. J., & Pooley, J. A. (2007). The benefits and challenges of homeschooling. Australian Journal of Educational & Developmental Psychology, 7, 65-73.

Zulkarnain, Z., Daulay, D. A., Yusuf, E. A., & Yasmin, M. (2024). Homesickness, locus of control, and social support among first-year boarding-school students. Universitas of Sumatera Utara.

The past fortnight has been an eventful one with ex-tropical cyclone Alfred and subsequent adjustments to scheduled events. Our sincere thanks to the whole community for your support and flexibility with the adjustments to camps, excursions, events and general daily routines. Whilst the wet weather was disruptive for many families and our School operations, overall we are grateful that regular classes could continue once schools reopened again. The students have been wonderful throughout this period and now that the weather is clear again they are enjoying the fullness of the day with sports trainings resumed and events rescheduled.

In this edition of the Blue and Gold I encourage you to read Mrs Bauers article on the value of upcoming Parent-Teacher meetings. The appointment schedules will be sent to families for booking time slots ahead of the scheduled meetings in the second week of Term 2. An analogy I like to use for the value of Parent-Teacher meetings is the family road trip. When taking an extended trip somewhere typically there is a destination in mind, and you’ll likely check at multiple points on your progress along the way to see if you are making good time or have to change the route slightly to adjust for conditions etc. A parent-teacher meeting shares many similarities I feel, you are on a journey with your sons learning through school and these meeting opportunities are a great way to assess the progress and consider any adjustments that might be required along the way.

The key questions to reflect on at this time include:

What are the key goals they are working on?
How are we tracking, what progress are they making?
Where to next? Which focus area/s are we working on and is there anything we can support with?

There is tremendous value in adults having a shared understanding for the three sets of questions above, and I would also advocate this is even more powerful when a student can articulate for themselves ‘what their learning goals are?’, ‘how they are currently tracking towards them?’ and ‘what their next step is?’. This is more challenging than it sounds for young people to articulate and takes practice to develop this self-awareness, but done regularly it can bring a level of self-confidence that their efforts are making progress and the partnership between home and school is helping them.

Our belated thanks to the Junior School Supporters’ Group for their organisation and co-ordination of the Junior School Family Fun Night earlier this term. We were fortunate to have a beautiful afternoon on Old Boys’ Memorial oval and an amazing sunset to enjoy before the movie screening on the scoreboard.

With warmest regards,

Ken Raven
Head of Junior School

Strong communication and collaboration is vital

The Importance of Parent-Teacher Communication and Collaboration

At Toowoomba Grammar Junior School, we believe that strong communication and collaboration between parents and teachers are essential for the success and wellbeing of our boys. As we prepare for our upcoming parent-teacher meetings early in Term 2, we want to highlight the importance of these interactions and the value of open, honest and respectful communication between the School and our community.

Why Parent-Teacher Communication Matters

Effective communication between parents and teachers plays a crucial role in supporting students' academic and personal development. Some key reasons why maintaining open lines of communication is so important include:

Enhanced Understanding: Regular communication helps parents and teachers gain a better understanding of each student's strengths, challenges and unique needs. This understanding allows for more tailored support and guidance.
Early Intervention: Open communication enables early identification of any academic or behavioural concerns. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent them from escalating and ensure that students receive the necessary support.
Consistent Support: When parents and teachers work together, they can provide consistent support and reinforcement of learning goals both at school and at home. This consistency is vital for student success.
Building Trust: Transparent and honest communication fosters trust between parents, teachers and students. This trust creates a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel valued and understood.

The Value of Collaboration

Collaboration between parents and teachers extends beyond regular communication. It involves working together to create a cohesive and supportive educational experience for students. By collaborating, parents and teachers can set shared goals for students' academic and personal growth. This alignment ensures that everyone is working towards the same objectives. Families and teachers can share resources, strategies and insights that can enhance students' learning experiences. This exchange of knowledge benefits everyone involved. Collaboration also fosters a sense of community and belonging. When parents and teachers work together, it strengthens the connection between the School and the broader community. Collaborative efforts empower parents to take an active role in their son’s education. This involvement can boost students' motivation and engagement in their learning journey.

Tips for Effective Parent-Teacher Communication

Be Proactive: Don't feel you need to wait for scheduled meetings to communicate. Reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns as they arise.
Be Open and Honest: Share relevant information about your son’s experiences, strengths and challenges. Honest communication helps teachers provide better support.
Listen Actively: During meetings, listen to teachers' insights and suggestions. Active listening demonstrates respect and a willingness to collaborate.
Follow Up: After meetings, follow up on any action items or recommendations. Consistent follow-up ensures that progress is being made, and any issues are addressed.

Our Head of Junior School, Mr Ken Raven is one of many people you can reach out to

Additional Support and Resources

We understand that sometimes questions or concerns may go beyond the classroom. To ensure comprehensive support, we have a team of dedicated staff available to work with families and staff.

Jayne McLean (Diverse Learning Coordinator) - For specific learning needs.
Chantelle Bauer (Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning)) - For a broader overview of your son’s learning program or goals.
Amanda Hall (Deputy Head (Students)) - For pastoral, social and co-curricular connection points.
Ken Raven (Head of Junior School) - For questions that might require a combination of supports to be coordinated.

These staff members are available to join parent-teacher meetings if requested, providing additional expertise and support as needed.

As we approach our parent-teacher meetings, let's remember the importance of open and honest communication and the value of working together as a community. Your involvement and collaboration are key to helping our boys thrive and reach their full potential.

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming meetings and continuing our partnership in supporting your son’s educational journey. Dates, times and booking instructions for parent-teacher meetings will be sent to families later this term.

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

The Importance of Community Connection and Service Learning

As we continue to educate and develop good character with our boys, we also aim to instil in them the values of community connection and service to others. These values not only help them grow into compassionate and responsible individuals but also strengthen the bonds within our School and the broader community.

Connecting to our community provides our boys with opportunities to develop a sense of belonging and purpose. It teaches them empathy, cooperation and the importance of working together towards common goals. By engaging with the community, our boys learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Service to others is a cornerstone of character development. When our boys participate in acts of service, they experience the joy of giving and the satisfaction of making a positive impact. These experiences help them build self-esteem, develop leadership skills and foster a lifelong commitment to helping others.

Casual Clothes Day – Tuesday, 18 March

We had an excellent Casual Clothes Day on Tuesday, 18 March. Our students were encouraged to wear orange to School and bring a gold coin donation. All donations will support RAW Impact and their incredible work in Cambodia. RAW Impact as an organisation is dedicated to creating sustainable change in Cambodia through education, community development and environmental initiatives.

To make the boys’ donations more tangible and meaningful for our boys, we will have representatives from RAW Impact share real-world connections and experiences. These stories will highlight the direct impact of our contributions and inspire our boys to continue their journey of service and community involvement.

We are also proud of our ongoing connections with other vital services, such as the Royal Flying Doctors and Toowoomba Base Services as well as local aged care facilities. Our boys regularly visit these facilities, engaging with residents through various activities and fostering intergenerational relationships. These interactions teach our boys the value of respect, empathy and the joy of giving back to those who have contributed so much to our community.

Thank you for your support in making this Casual Clothes Day a success and as we strive to instil in our boys the importance of connecting to our community and being of service to others.

Amanda Hall
Deputy Head of Junior School (Students)

Bryce Krause at the start of his record-breaking swim

2025 GPS Swimming Championships

After a week delay due to the Ex TC-Cyclone Alfred, Thursday, 13 March 2025 saw our Junior and Senior swimmers deliver an outstanding performance at the Championships, showing significant improvement on our 2023 and 2024 results. Their hard work and determination highlighted the positive momentum building within the program. Throughout the meet we were sitting as high as fourth on the points score with our final position of eighth just 20 points away from a top four finish. A fantastic result by the team.

A special thank you to our Year 12 spectators for their unwavering support and to TGS Old Boy and Olympian Mr Isaac Cooper, whose presence at the team dinner and hands-on mentorship throughout the day were invaluable.

Olympian and TGS Old Boy Isaac Cooper (2019-20) shared some inspiring words with our GPS team

A huge thank you to all our staff who assisted across various capacities in the lead up and on the day:

Mr Jason Cooper
Ms Chelsea Orbell
Ms Ruby Beasley
Ms Amelia Telford
Mrs Abby Varley
Mrs Siobhan Fagan
Mr Joseph Pym
Mr Thomas Warburton-Smith
Mr Brendan Doherty
Mrs Liz Pratt
Ms Kellie Richter

This was a true team effort that made the School proud.

2025 GPS Swimming Championships | TGS Team Performance

Total points: 174
First place finishes: 2
Top three finishes: 9
GPS records: 1
Relay points: 36
Individual race points: 134

2025 GPS Swimming Championships | Individual Performances

Congratulations to our top three placegetters on the day.

Bryce Krause

1^st Place – U15 50m Freestyle
1^st Place – U14 50m Backstroke (GPS Record)
3^rd Place – U14 50m Butterfly

Eddy Beverland

2^nd Place – U14 50m Backstroke

Lachlan Parker

2^nd Place – U16 50m Backstroke
2^nd Place – U16 100m Freestyle
2^nd Place – Open 200m Freestyle

Declan Zimmerle

2^nd Place – U16 50m Breaststroke

U16 Medley Relay

2^nd Place – Lachlan Parker, Declan Zimmerle, Josh Maher, Lachlan Fraser

2025 GPS Junior Swimming Championships | Individual Performances

Our 11 and 12 year old boys put up a spirited performance with lots of strong swims on the day resulting in our team finishing eighth overall with our 12 year olds fourth in their age. Congratulations to our top three placegetters on the day:

Charlie Beverland 12 years

3^rd 50m Breaststroke Div 3
1^st 50m Backstroke Div 2

Donny Algie 12 years

3^rd 50m Breaststroke Div 2
2^nd 50m Freestyle Div 3

Lawson Hadley 12 years

3^rd 50m Freestyle Div 2
2^nd 50m Backstroke Div 3
2^nd 50m Butterfly Div 2

On Tuesday, 4 March and Wednesday, 5 March, 32 TGS students participated in the Darling Downs School Sport Swimming Trials in Gatton, representing our school with pride!

Outstanding Results

17 boys selected for the Darling Downs team in their respective age groups.

Age Champions:

9yrs - Flynn Loch
12yrs - Charlie Beverland

Record Breakers:

Bryce Krause - 15yrs 50m Back (27.48), 15yrs 50m Fly (26.71), 15yrs 100m Back (1.02.09)
Lachlan Parker - 16yrs 200m Free (2.00.53), 16yrs 100m Back (1.01.54)
Declan Zimmerle - 16yrs 200m Breast (2.40.72)

Huge congratulations to all TGS swimmers who participated.

SHEP – Darling Downs

The State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) is hosted by the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. There are numerous SHEP programs held throughout the year, including SHEP Darling Downs which is held in Toowoomba. The participants are fortunate to have professional musicians’ and elite level conductors travel to Toowoomba for SHEP Darling Downs, and provide them with the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles performing a range of different repertoire.

Congratulations to the following boys who were successful in nominating and being accepted to participate in SHEP Darling Downs from 14-16 March:

James Dixon – trombone
Amza Fleming – voice
Riley Frappell – alto saxophone
Henry Geise – clarinet
Nathan Green – violin
William Perry - violin

Read My Lips

Read My Lips is being held tonight in the Senior School Assembly Hall, commencing at 6:30pm. This is a wonderful evening for our TiGAA ensembles to showcase their talents, as well as other groups from TGS, Fairholme, Glennie and St Ursulas. I wish all the participants well for their performances. If you are keen to attend, please ensure you purchase a ticket via TryBooking. It promises to be a wonderful and entertaining evening.

Toowoomba Grammar Art Show – Performance Opportunity

There are a number of performance opportunities for our musicians’ at the Toowoomba Grammar Art Show. Grammarphones will be performing at the Opening Night, and soloists, duets and small ensembles are encouraged to sign up to perform across Saturday, 29 March and Sunday, 30 March at the Art Show Café. Please speak to Mrs Dixon for more information, or register your interest here.

Choral Showcase – Thursday, 1 May

The Choral Showcase will feature performances from Senior Choir and Grammarphones, as well our Junior School choirs Tribe and Tribe Junior. The Choral Showcase will be held in the Senior School Assembly Hall on Thursday, 1 May, commencing at 6:00pm.

All members of Choir and Grammarphones are expected to attend for their performances. Parents and friends are encouraged to attend to hear our choirs perform and support them prior to their involvement in the upcoming Toowoomba Eisteddfod.

Ensemble Rehearsals

All Senior School ensembles will continue rehearsing until the end of Week 9 on Thursday, 27 March (please note Friday, 28 March is the Toowoomba Show Holiday). There will be no rehearsals in the Senior School in Week 10 due to Camp Week. Rehearsals will resume in Week 1 next term, from Wednesday, 23 April.

If your son is unable to attend a scheduled rehearsal, please email his conductor to inform them of his absence.

Kellie Dixon
Director of Performing Arts (Acting)

Date	Event	Location	Time
Friday, 21 March 2025	Student Art Show Opening	Henderson Art & Drama Centre	5:30pm
Friday, 21 March 2025	Read My Lips Concert	Assembly Hall	7:00pm
Thursday, 27 March 2025	TGS Art Show Sneak Peak	Assembly Hall	5:30pm
Friday, 28 March 2025	TGS Art Show Opening Night	Assembly Hall	6:00pm
Saturday, 29 - Sunday 30 March 2025	TGS Art Show Gallery	Assembly Hall	9:30am
Saturday, 29 March 2025	TGS Art Show Art Amongst Friends	School House Lawn	4:00pm
Saturday, 29 - Sunday 30 March 2025	TGS Art Show High Tea	Pavilion	10:00am
Thursday, 3 April 2025	Corfe House Meet & Greet	Old Hall	4:00pm


Friday, 21 March	Harmony Day
	Year 2 HASS Excursion
Saturday, 22 March	Cricket and Volleyball vs NC (Round 8)
	Photographs: Cricket and Volleyball, Old Hall
Sunday, 23 March	Queensland Swimming Championships, 10 - 12 years, Chandler, commence (23 - 25 March)
Monday, 24 March	NAPLAN online window closes
	AAS Testing - Years 4 and 6
Wednesday, 26 March	House Uniform Day, Junior School
	Junior School Supporters' Group End of Term Meal Deal
	Junior School House Cross Country Carnival, TGS Ovals, 9:00am
Thursday, 27 March	Blazer Dress Day, Junior School
	Assembly, Junior School Hall, 2:30pm
Friday, 28 March	Toowoomba Show Holiday (Public Holiday)
Saturday, 29 March	Cricket and Volleyball vs IGS (Round 9)
	Volleyball Awards Presentation, Sports Centre, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Monday, 31 March	No Enrichment Program this week
	Outdoor Education Week, Year 6 commences (31 March - 3 April)
Thursday, 3 April	Outdoor Education Week, Year 6 concludes
	Holidays commence, 3:10pm

Grammar Art Show is one of the School’s signature events and is the major fundraiser for the Toowoomba Grammar P&F with monies raised benefiting the TGS students and local charities.

Now in it’s 32nd year, the Art Show includes large and intimate events to connect with friends and the broader school community and to celebrate our talented artistic students. Attracting more than 3000 visitors over three days, the Grammar Art Show is also an opportunity to showcase our School and demonstrate our commitment to the local community and the arts.

Events

Today is the last day to buy tickets. Secure your Grammar Art Show Tickets.

Friday 28 March | 6:00pm - 10:30pm Opening Night | Tickets $110

A highlight of the Toowoomba social calendar, Opening Night is a fun and relaxed cocktail event, featuring live music and delicious canapes. For art buyers, Opening Night offers the first opportunity to purchase our incredible range of art from 250 selected artists.

Saturday 29 March and Sunday 30 March | 10.00am - 12.00pm - High Tea | Tickets $75

Served on an exquisite collection of fine china, with tea in elegant cups, a taste-bud teasing array of finger sandwiches and the daintiest of cakes, High Tea is the perfect way to treat yourself and friends. This year High Tea will feature the colourful and contemporary landscapes, painted by Melbourne artist, Ka Mo.

Tables are arranged to suit each group booking, so book for 2 or 20 or whatever, and you will be seated accordingly. Tickets will not last long to this unique event!

Saturday 29 March | 3.30pm - 6.30pm - Art Among Friends | Tickets $80

Join us for an afternoon of drinks and delectable nibbles. Set on the lawn against the picturesque backdrop of historic School House, Art Among Friends offers a relaxed and enjoyable opportunity to connect, mingle and make new friends.

Saturday 29 March | 9.30am - 7.00pm and Sunday 30 March | 9.30am - 4.00pm- Art Show and Cafe | Door Entry $5

Come in to view the exhibition and enjoy a coffee and cake whilst being entertained by our talented music students.

New Art Workshops

For the first time we are offering some immersive art experiences over the Art Show weekend.

Saturday 29 March | 10am, 11am and 12pm | Create Children’s Art Workshop | Tickets $50

Join the creative genius and art educator AJ Gogas in small group, one hour immersive art workshops. All materials provided. Very limited places.

Sunday 30 March | 10am – 4pm | Painting Expressive Landscapes with Clare Purser | Tickets $200

Join Artist and educator Clare Purser for an engaging and vibrant workshop which will focus on how to construct expressive and loose landscapes from a photographic source. Art materials are supplied as well as a canvas to complete your painting on. Suitable for all levels. Very limited places.

Under Wraps

The 2025 TGS Under Wraps exhibition will feature mini artworks donated by members of the School community, along with emerging and professional artists. The identity of each artist will be completely anonymous, with the artist only revealed on the back of the work, after it has been purchased.

Artworks will be available for purchase on the TGS Art Show weekend for $30.

100% of funds raised from the 2025 TGS Under Wraps art sale will go to Yalari, a not-for-profit organisation that offers quality secondary education scholarships at leading Australian boarding schools for Indigenous children from regional and remote communities.

Student Art Show

Grammar Art Sow also offers and opportunity for our talented students to shine! A Student Art Show exhibition will be held in the Henderson Building until Term 2 and is open during the Art Show weekend. Winning Student Art Show pieces will also be displayed in the Assembly Hall over the Art Show Weekend.

Volunteering

With more than 350 volunteer spaces to fill, it really takes an army of our wonderful volunteers to deliver the Grammar Art Show! Many hands make light work and it's a brilliant way to get involved with a great committee and meet like-minded, fun, hardworking TGS parents.

Our Volunteer Sign Up and Cafe Baking Roster are now live and we warmly invite all TGS parents, past and present to help us make the 2025 Grammar Art Show and outstanding success.

Please contact Vanessa Wall 0404 067 177 or Alina Butler 0438 139 307 or email artshow@twgs.qld.edu.au if you have any volunteering queries.

Art Show Raffle

Win one of seven amazing prizes, including a 5-day escape to Sandbar Burleigh in a 2 bedroom Deluxe Apartment. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase here: Raffle Tickets

On behalf of our Grammar Art Show Committee, we look forward to welcoming you to Grammar Art Show in 2025. Please visit our website https://grammarartshow.com/ or social media pages for more details.

The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association (OBA) held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 5 March, marking a transition in leadership for the year ahead. I am honoured to step into the role of President and look forward to continuing the great work of those before me.

First and foremost, on behalf of the OBA, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Daniel Burrett for his dedicated leadership as President throughout 2024. This was Daniel’s second tenure in the role and his passion for connecting Old Boys with the School and each other has been invaluable. While stepping down as President, Daniel remains involved as Immediate Past President, ensuring that his knowledge and experience continue to benefit the Association.

The 2025 OBA Executive is as follows:

President: Simon Cook
Vice President: Trent Raymond
Secretary: Andrew Jurgs
Treasurer: Brendon Whittaker (continuing his long-standing service in this role)

We also welcome our dedicated committee members: Mark Creedon (Life Member), David Crothers, Sam Duddy, Ian Dunigan (Life Member), Nick Hess, Geoff Keating, Jimmy Marr, Justin Still and Ian Gunn. Their commitment to the Association and the broader Old Boys’ network is greatly appreciated.

This year is a particularly exciting time for the School and the OBA, as we join in celebrating 150 years of Toowoomba Grammar School. The Association looks forward to working closely with the School in marking this significant milestone, honouring our shared history while continuing to strengthen the Old Boys’ community.

We encourage all Old Boys to stay connected and involved—whether by attending reunions, engaging with our events, or supporting the School’s anniversary celebrations. Please join Grammar Connect if you haven't already done so, as we would like to eventually make this our primary platform for communication, it will be a valuable networking tool. Just follow this link to sign up Toowoomba Grammar Connect.

Simon Cook
President, Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association

Donate Grain, Grow Education

Quote this number and you'll be able to donate to TGS

As part of the vibrant Grammar 150 celebrations, the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Association (TGSOBA) is reaching out to farming families—both past and present—to help us build tomorrow, together.

We are excited to introduce a unique opportunity to contribute - the TGSOBA NGR Card. This initiative is a chance for our farming community to donate grain or cotton and help fund student enrichment activities and facility enhancements at the School, ensuring future generations continue to thrive in the heart of our community.

Your donation will help enhance the educational experience of students into the future

The idea for this innovative fundraising concept was born from the passion and commitment of our Old Boys. Trent Raymond (TGS 1989-93) raised the idea to Andrew Jurgs (TGS 2000-01), who helped bring the plan to life on behalf of the TGSOBA committee. Thanks to their initiative, the NGR Card now provides an exciting way for our farming families to donate grain or other produce, directly benefiting future generations of TGS boys.

For those unfamiliar with it, the National Grower Register (NGR) was established in 2002 to help farmers market their grain and cotton. The NGR centralises a farmer’s business information on the Register, with each farmer provided a unique NGR number. This allows merchants to securely access a farmer’s information, streamlining the sales process for all involved.

There are a range of agricultural crops that can be donated

The concept of using the NGR for charitable purposes began two decades ago, with farmers donating proceeds from their grain sales to local churches, schools and community groups. Some organisations have raised as much as $100 000 through this initiative, demonstrating the power of collective support within our rural communities.

So, if you're a farmer – anywhere in Australia and want to make a difference for Toowoomba Grammar School, donating is easy! Simply drop off your load at any weighbridge and give the operator the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys NGR number: 15154432. This links your contribution directly to the TGSOBA, ensuring the proceeds fund new infrastructure and enhance the educational experience for our students.

Grain can be donated at any weighbridge to help build tomorrow together

We hope that this new initiative will become a long-term tradition for both current and past families of Toowoomba Grammar School. Just as generations of Old Boys have supported the School in the past, we invite our farming community to continue that legacy by donating through the NGR card.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant impact, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of the farming families who make these contributions possible. Together, we can ensure that TGS continues to be a place of excellence for future students.

THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 21 March 2025