THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 5 September 2025

Dear TGS Families,

As Term 3 draws to a close, the arrival of spring with its longer days and warmer weather brings a welcome lift to the mood across campus. I suspect the impending holidays may also play a part in that feeling. Regardless, it’s a fitting time to reflect on recent events and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead.

A particular highlight of this term has been welcoming eleven exchange students from our valued partner schools: Keio Shiki School in Japan, Lycée Saint-Joseph of Avignon in France, St John’s College and St Stithians College in Johannesburg, South Africa and Oakham School in the United Kingdom. These students have arrived at different times over the course of the term and last week I had the pleasure of meeting with them together as a group to hear their impressions of Toowoomba Grammar School. They spoke warmly of the hospitality shown to them and the friendships already formed.

The exchange program is of tremendous value, not only for our visitors, who gain insight into Australian schooling and culture, but also for our boys, who benefit greatly from the diversity of perspectives and connections these exchanges create. One student recently wrote a heartfelt letter of thanks, describing his appreciation for the warmth and generosity of our community. His reflections are a powerful reminder of the lasting impact such experiences can have.

Dear Dr Kinniburgh,

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you and Toowoomba Grammar School for the incredible opportunity to be part of this amazing community.

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the campus. The grounds and facilities are not only impressive but create such an inspiring environment for learning and personal growth. Being able to walk through such a well-kept and historic school each day has been a privilege in itself.

What has stood out even more, however, is the spirit of the School. The warmth and kindness of both staff and students made me feel welcome right away, and it is clear that the values of Toowoomba Grammar are deeply lived out in everyday life.

This exchange has been a remarkable experience that I will always treasure and I am very grateful for the role the school, under your leadership, has played in making it so impactful. Knowing that I am always welcome back at Grammar is immensely special to me.

With sincere gratitude,

It is always heartening to hear how warmly our School community is received by our international visitors. This letter is a testament to the spirit of Toowoomba Grammar School, and I thank all staff and students who contributed to making this exchange experience so memorable. I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to the families who generously hosted these students and welcomed them into their homes. Your support has been invaluable in making these exchanges so meaningful. I strongly encourage other families to consider future involvement in the program, whether by hosting a visiting student or by supporting your son to take part in an overseas exchange. These opportunities are deeply enriching and help foster lifelong friendships.

Looking ahead, I am pleased to share that early next week families will receive an invitation to the Grammar 150 Gala Dinner, which will be held on Saturday, 8 November, on the Old Boys' Memorial Oval. This black-tie event marks the final formal celebration of our Grammar 150 year and promises to be a truly memorable evening. Guests will enjoy historical presentations, fine dining, drinks, entertainment and dancing in a spectacular setting. I warmly encourage you to join us for this milestone occasion in our School’s history.

As we move into the final weeks of term, I continue to be inspired by the energy and commitment of our students across every area of school life. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting fields, or in cultural and co-curricular pursuits, their enthusiasm and determination are evident. The final weekends of Term 3 will feature home fixtures against Nudgee College and away games against Ipswich Grammar School, which will conclude our co-curricular program for the term. I wish to commend all students who have taken part in co-curricular activities, and to extend my sincere thanks to staff, coaches and parents for your dedicated support. Your encouragement, teamwork and sportsmanship truly exemplify the values we cherish at Toowoomba Grammar School.

This weekend we celebrate Father’s Day, and I extend my warmest wishes to all fathers and father figures within our community. May it be a time of joy, gratitude and togetherness with your families.

Thank you for your ongoing support. I wish you and your loved ones a restful and enjoyable weekend.

Kind regards,
Dr John Kinniburgh
Headmaster

As we move into the final stretch of Term 3, I’d like to share a few important reminders and updates from the Senior School.

Mobile Phone Policy – A Reminder

In our last newsletter, I outlined our mobile phone policy: phones are not permitted in classrooms. Day boys should store their phones in their lockers during the school day, while boarders must keep theirs in the boarding house. This policy is designed to foster a distraction-free learning environment, allowing students to focus fully on their studies.

In addition, I remind all families that we track and monitor all student laptop activity, including internet searches and email communications. Our monitoring system flags any concerning content, enabling us to follow up with students and their families where necessary. This is part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful digital environment.

Meeting with Staff

We welcome parent engagement and are always happy to meet with families. However, please ensure that meetings are arranged in advance. Staff may not be available for unscheduled visits. To book a meeting, please contact the main office or email the relevant staff member directly.

Year 12 – Mock Exams and Final Term

Our Year 12 students are now preparing for their mock exams, which take place before the September holidays. We wish them all the very best as they approach their final assessments. Year 12 Formal invitations have been sent to Year 12 parents, and I will be writing to all Year 12 families soon with further details about end-of-year celebrations.

Please note: Year 12 students are required to attend school every day until their final exams begin on Monday, 27 October.

Supporting Boys Through a Busy Term

This time of term can be challenging. Many boys are feeling tired, may be unwell and are managing a heavy load of assessments and co-curricular commitments. I encourage all parents to check in with their sons to ensure they are organised, aware of assessment due dates and have effective revision strategies in place.

At last week’s Assembly, I reminded the boys to be kind to one another—we never know when a friend might be struggling.

Term 4 Parent-Teacher Meetings (Years 7 to 11)

The final round of Parent-Teacher meetings for boys in Years 7 to 11 will be held on Thursday, 16 October. Bookings will open on Tuesday, 7 October and close on Monday, 13 October.

• In-person meetings: 3:30pm – 6:00pm
• Telephone meetings: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Boys are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings with their parents and should wear their Blues uniform.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to guide and support our boys through the term.

Mark Oliphant
Head of Senior School

As the final stretch of the school year approaches, the Prefects remain focused and driven to achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves and to finish our schooling careers on a positive note. With mock and external exams on the horizon, we are balancing academic commitments with co-curricular activities, while continuing to uphold the high standards established throughout the year. Although our time is limited before handing over to next year’s Prefects, we are determined to wrap-up the year well — with a few more tasks to complete and initiatives to set the benchmark for the future.

Over the past couple of months, the Prefects helped lead and run the G150 Gift Run in Term 2. This was a fantastic event that brought the entire year group together, each of us running 10km while raising funds for the enhancement of the School entrance at the Herries and Mary Street corner, as well as for a charity chosen by the boys. The day was a great success, filled with camaraderie and achievement. We hope younger grades were inspired to take on similar challenges in the future not only as a way to give back to the School community, but also as an opportunity to unite as a year group and accomplish something memorable.

As part of the School’s 150th celebrations, the Prefects had the privilege of meeting former Headmasters, teachers and Old Boys during the School’s 150-year birthday. We opened the time capsule and held a special whole-School assembly, reflecting on the rich history of Toowoomba Grammar School. Speaking with Old Boys, hearing their stories and learning from their experiences was invaluable and something we deeply appreciate and know they enjoy as well. We hope to continue strengthening these connections and involving Old Boys in school life as much as possible

In Term 3, our focus shifted to supporting co-curricular activities — from chess on Friday afternoons to rugby and basketball on Saturdays. We wanted every boy to feel the backing of the School while competing. To build this spirit, the Prefects and Spirit Squad have been running war cry practices every second week before home games, ensuring we look sharp performing tunnels and sound our best on game day. We’ve also encouraged new war cries from the boys themselves, with the best being added to the official War Cry Book, marking their place in school history.

Some Prefects have taken on the role of promoting weekend fixtures and sports announcements — through social media, assemblies and posters around the School. This has helped create excitement heading into weekends and encouraged support for all sports and activities, at every level of competition. With only a few rounds left in the season, we aim to maintain our support and sportsmanship, especially for the Year 12s as they complete their final GPS fixtures.

Mentorship has been a major focus this year, with the ‘Big Mate, Little Mate’ program refined to ensure consistency across all houses. Year 11s have been meeting with Year 7s every second week during extended PCG, while Year 12s have been paired with Year 8s. These sessions range from playing games to teaching practical skills like tying a tie or using a diary or simply having a conversation. This time together allows us to share our experiences, offer guidance and help younger boys feel a sense of belonging and confidence at school.

The Student Representative Committee (SRC) has also met several times each term with Mr Hall to discuss issues and positive developments in Years 7 to 10. This gives boys the chance to speak up for themselves and their peers, sharing ideas for improvement. Prefects who attend these meetings bring key points back to the group, where we work to implement good suggestions and address any concerns raised.

Finally, as we look beyond school, we are preparing to mentor and integrate the Prefects of 2026 into their new roles during Term 4. We remember how challenging it was to begin in this position, and we want to make their transition as smooth as possible. Although the 2025 Prefects have only a short time left at Toowoomba Grammar School, we are committed to finishing strongly, staying active and leading the School with pride.

Fidelis in Omnibus.

The Prefects
Toowoomba Grammar School

The upcoming Toowoomba Spring festival signals the final phase of Term 3 with only a few weeks until the break period. Before the break though we have Parent/Teacher meetings across Weeks 9 and 10 for all cohorts. I highly encourage parents to connect in with your son’s teacher and talk through their learning update.

Whilst we often think in blocks of time within a school with each term period signalling a new phase, learning is continuous though regardless of the phase of year. The upcoming Parent/Teacher meetings will help provide an update for your son’s development at this particular point in time and guidance around next steps for them with particular focus areas. Mrs Bauer writes about how to best prepare for these meetings in her Blue and Gold article which I encourage families to access, and I have shared some thoughts on these valuable meeting opportunities also.

The key aspects I always feel are worth checking-in on include their literacy and numeracy development:

• How are they tracking now?
• What areas might be their core area of focus next?
• What can we do between home and school to support that?

While there are usually some developmental milestones that are typical for a child’s age, each child also has unique areas where they may need support or growth. Understanding both the general expectations and your son’s individual needs is incredibly valuable for parents.

Beyond the academic learning, it’s valuable to hear how your son is connecting in with their peers and the general classroom/playground behaviours. These social and learning behaviours are important for their broader school experience and character development. On this point, you might ask about possible co-curricular activities available for them if you are not already aware of the options for your son's age group. We feel co-curricular activities enhance the social and character development of students whilst also learning new technical skills and accessing an area of interest.

That’s a lot to cover in a short Parent/Teacher meeting but we encourage the learning progress to be the main update, followed by social/character development and specific areas beyond that. These meetings are just updates, so if the time doesn’t allow for a more detailed discussion another meeting time can be arranged. Also, the Diverse Learning Team with Mrs Jayne McLean as Co-ordinator and Mrs Chantelle Bauer as Deputy Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning, can be available to assist with conversations regarding specific learning needs or queries. We have a comprehensive team with a broad range of knowledge and expertise for supporting students and families. Please feel comfortable speaking with your class teacher about their inclusion in the discussion. Enjoy the upcoming Parent/Teacher meetings, they’re important touch points to have.

Respectful Relationships

Ms Hall’s article in this week’s Blue and Gold explores the conversations and programs we are implementing to support the growth and development of boys to be safe, respectful and understanding of the age and stage of development they are progressing through. These conversations and topics are tremendously important for everyone; I encourage you to read Ms Hall’s article for more details and make contact if you have further questions.

In the final two weeks, our Years 3 and 4 cohorts depart for school camp to the Sunshine Coast. We look forward to hearing from them and their exciting adventures on their return. Finally, to conclude the term all cohorts will enjoy a House Tabloid carnival of activities on the last day of term, and a Colour Run to splash out the day with water and vibrant colours. The perfect way to lead us into the Spring Festival holiday period.

A reflection on Father’s Day

It was lovely to share a Fathers’ Day breakfast this morning with boys, girls and their fathers, grandfathers and father figures. This year we made specific mention of the generational value of fathers and their connection with their children. The role of fathers and the connection they have with their children is lifelong of course, just the context and focus areas of support and guidance changes, but their valued input remains. It was wonderful to hear from a TGS Old Boy and current Grandparent, Mr Peter Cook, to a Junior School boy and his connection to our School. Mr Cook is a retired School Principal who understands firsthand the value of strong family connections to school. It was wonderful to hear his reflections on fatherhood and the connection he valued with families in a school setting.

The value in sharing moments like these is immense, thank you for being a part of this occasion.

Each year, for a while now, I advocate for an organisation called The Fathering Project. They provide such wonderful information and promote important messages for the value of family and fathers specially with the role they have in parenting. The Fathering Project organisation was founded in 2013 by Professor Bruce Robinson in Western Australia, with the aim of supporting fathers, and father figures, to be the best parent they can be so their children can thrive. This wonderful article highlights the value of fathers and father figures in a child’s life.

This weekend I do wish everyone a wonderful Father’s Day, be that together in-person with family, telephone call or connecting online. Engaging in some form is the important thing and sharing that time together.

Preparations for 2026

Our Teachers and the Diverse Learning team are beginning to build class lists for 2026. Classes are composed factoring the range of student learning needs and abilities, pastoral and social supports in a balanced manner across the cohort. If your son has specific needs that you would like us to be mindful of, that the Diverse Learning Team may not already be aware of, you are welcome to email Mrs Chantelle Bauer, Deputy Head of Junior School Teaching and Learning with these details for us to consider in our process. Teachers and the Diverse Learning Team carefully consider class composition to cater for each students learning needs. Once the class lists are generated, we will inform each family of the class their child is in for 2026 in readiness for transition day in the final week of this Term 4. This enables both students and teachers to be familiar with each other, the classroom and features of the year ahead prior to the holiday break

Ken Raven
Head of Junior School

Partnering for Success: Term 3 Parent-Teacher Meetings

At Toowoomba Grammar School Junior School, we know that education is most powerful when it is a shared journey between home and school. Our upcoming Term 3 parent-teacher meetings provide an important opportunity to strengthen this partnership and ensure every boy is supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Why These Conversations Matter

Parent-teacher meetings are more than a routine check-in. They are a chance to celebrate growth by acknowledging your son’s achievements and progress across the term. We are able to share insights and exchange observations about learning habits, interests and areas for development. Families and teachers can work together to plan ahead, setting clear goals and strategies for continued success.

When parents and teachers collaborate, students benefit from a consistent and supportive approach. This alignment:

• Reinforces learning goals at school and at home.
• Encourages early intervention when challenges arise.
• Creates a sense of belonging and confidence for every boy.

Your voice matters. These meetings are a two-way conversation, and your insights help us tailor learning experiences to meet individual needs.

Making the Most of Your Meeting

To ensure a productive discussion:

1. Come prepared: reflect on your son’s experiences and any questions you’d like to ask.
2. Be open: share relevant information that may impact learning or wellbeing.
3. Listen and collaborate: engage with teacher feedback and work together on next steps.
4. Follow through: support agreed strategies at home and keep communication open.

Additional Support

If you would like extra input during your meeting, our leadership and support team is available:

• Jayne McLean (Diverse Learning Coordinator): for specific learning needs.
• Chantelle Bauer (Deputy Head – Teaching and Learning): for curriculum and learning pathways.
• Amanda Hall (Deputy Head – Students): for wellbeing and co-curricular matters.
• Ken Raven (Head of Junior School): for broader school-related queries.

We look forward to connecting with you during these meetings and continuing to work together to support your son’s growth and success.

Chantelle Bauer
Deputy Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning

Building Respectful Relationships from the Ground Up

As part of our commitment to nurturing safe, inclusive and empowering learning environments, we are reviewing and strengthening our approach to Respectful Relationships and Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in the Junior School.

This initiative aligns with the national mandate introduced in 2023, requiring all Australian schools to deliver age-appropriate education on consent and respectful relationships from Foundation to Year 10. The goal is to foster wellbeing, reduce gender-based violence and equip students with the knowledge and skills to build healthy relationships throughout life.

What We’re Currently Doing in the Junior School

Our Junior School already integrates many foundational elements of RSE through:

• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) that teaches empathy, kindness and conflict resolution.
• Protective Behaviours lessons that help children understand body autonomy and safety.
• HPE Curriculum Delivery across the Junior School
• Classroom discussions around fairness, inclusion and gender stereotypes.
• School Creed and Character Development Program values that promote respect, responsibility and resilience.

However, we recognise the importance of a more intentional and structured approach to RSE that reflects the evolving curriculum and societal needs.

Our Review and Next Steps

We are currently:

• Auditing our curriculum to ensure alignment with the revised Australian Curriculum (Version 9.0).
• Consulting with educators and wellbeing staff to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Exploring evidence-based resources to support age-appropriate conversations on topics such as consent, coercion and gendered stereotypes.
• Planning professional development to support teachers in delivering these sensitive topics confidently and effectively.
• Planning parent forums and information systems to build confidence and consistency.

Our aim is to ensure that every student receives consistent, inclusive and developmentally appropriate education that empowers them to understand their rights, respect others and seek help when needed.

How You Can Support at Home

We know that parents and carers play a vital role in reinforcing these messages. To help you have meaningful conversations at home, we recommend the following age-appropriate resources:

• The Australian Government’s Respect Campaign
• Queensland Government - Respectful Relationships Education Hub

These resources are designed to support open, honest and age-appropriate conversations with your child, reinforcing what they learn at school and helping them navigate relationships with confidence and care.

Respectful Relationships and RSE are not just curriculum topics, they are life skills. By working together at school and at home, we can ensure our children grow up with the values, knowledge and the support they need to thrive. If you have any questions or would like to contribute to our review process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Amanda Hall
Deputy Head of Junior School - Students

Musicians’ Concert – Thursday, 28 August

Congratulations to the following boys who performed at our Term 3 Musicians’ Concert last week.

Quentin Fu (1N) – piano solo, Sam Davidson (5K) - double bass solo, Josh Karki (1N) – piano solo, Eddie Williamson (2W) – piano solo, Joseph Chu (4H) – viola solo, Savith Wijayarante (2J) – vocal solo, Andy Bryant (1N) – piano solo, Edward Cook (2W) – piano solo, Tristan Smith (5D) – piano solo, Xavier Terrey (6G) – trumpet solo, Francis Fu (3G) – piano solo, Harrison Castley (6H) – trombone solo, Josh Koeppe (5K) drumkit solo, Asala Dissanyake (6B) – cello solo, John Miller (6H) – trumpet solo and Zackaidyn Fleming (6G) – flute solo.

Thank you to our tutors for preparing our young musicians’ for their performances. Thank you also to Mrs Miller and Mrs Crook for accompanying the boys on the day.

A particular mention should be made of Thenul Ratnayake in 6B who accompanied the School Song to conclude the Musicians’ Concert. Thenul will continue to play the School Song at all future assemblies this year.

RnB and Big Band Extravaganza

The RnB and Big Band Extravaganza will be held in the Senior School Assembly Hall on Friday, 5 September, commencing at 6:30pm. Our Junior School Jazz Band will be performing, and in addition you will also hear performances from the Senior School Jazz Ensemble, RnB Too, Big Band and RnB Band. Drinks and nibbles will be available to purchase on the evening. Parents are encouraged to arrive from 6:00pm to purchase drinks and nibbles and mingle under the Parents Cover prior to the performances commencing. The RnB and Big Band Extravaganza promises to be a relaxing, entertaining and enjoyable evening.

THRIVE Festival

25 - 28 September 2025

The Empire Theatre’s school holiday festival for kids is back—and it’s bubbling with fun. From giant jellyfish and crafty sea creatures to bubbles, fairy bread and live performances, THRIVE is a jam-packed four-day celebration for children aged 0–12 and their grown-ups. With both free and ticketed events, there’s something for every family to dive into this spring. Head to the Empire Theatre website for more information.

Kellie Dixon
Head of Junior School Music

Athletics

Congratulations to all boys who competed at the Darling Downs carnival recently. TGS took 13 boys to compete at this carnival with Connor Talbot successful in being selected in the Darling Downs team to compete at the State Championships. Landon Broksch ran very well in the 800m winning the event. He is U9 so unable to progress to States but performed very well at the carnival. Every meet the boys attend is a step up in level and all boys who competed should be proud of their efforts. We wish Connor all the best for the State Titles.

The GPS Athletics season has now commenced with training and pre-meets occurring. This is a great time to hone skills and work on fitness for the GPS Championships in Term 4.

Club Football

The club footballers have come to the end of their season. Starting pre-season training at the end of Term 1 and continuing through until late August, the boys have certainly invested a lot of time and energy. We are very thankful of the dedicated coaches for their commitment throughout the season. Boys have improved throughout the season, and I always enjoyed seeing the passion, enthusiasm and joy at each session. Thank you to all parents as well for your commitment in ensuring your son/s are at each training session and game.

Thanks for the season and we look forward to an even better 2026.

Under 5-8 Swimming Carnival

We are very excited to witness the improvements our youngest boys have made in swimming this year. With weekly lessons lead by our very dedicated Aquatic Centre staff, all boys have shown great improvement this year. Their turn to display their swimming talents will be on Friday, 12 September at the P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre. Details and programs will be sent home shortly.

SEQ Primary Football Championships

After a lead-in tournament earlier this year, the Years 4 and 5 boys travelled to Brisbane on Monday to compete in the South East Queensland Primary Football Championships. The boys represented the school very well and competed to a high standard against the best schools in the area. Well done! Thanks to Mr Bain for coaching these boys so well.

PE Homework

Time to dust off the skipping ropes and get jumping. Skipping is great family fun and a fantastic way to get fit and work on coordination.

Brendan Doherty
Junior School Sports Co-ordinator

Our artists for this week are eight boys from Prep.

• Charlie Crooks
• Lorenzo Fleming
• Gene Hardeman
• George Burrell
• Windsor Martin
• Ned Bidgood
• Oscar Hall
• Charlie Grant

These lads are in Prep and are showing their artworks which were created in class after being immersed in the folk art of Maud Lewis.

Maud Lewis, known as Maudie, was a most insignificant woman who left Canada with one of the most significant art legacies of the last century. Maudie, born in 1903, in Nova Scotia, Canada, had multiple disabilities, the most serious of which was rheumatoid arthritis. She was born into a very poor family and lived her whole life in poverty. She was a tiny lady and crippled.

Maudie’s family didn’t think she was fit for work or to be married, but she got a job as a housekeeper for a fisherman, Everett. While he was out fishing through the day, she painted his tiny cottage with flowers, in a style we know as folk art. When she ran out of walls to paint, Maudie decided to try and sell her little paintings and put a stand outside the tiny cottage. Tourists passing by started to buy her little paintings for $5. Last year, one of her $5 paintings sold for $350,000. Maudie and Everett did eventually marry and when Maudie was dying, she said she was happy and that she was loved. Maudie died in 1970 and in 2016, a movie was made about her, it is called Maudie. The tiny house she and Everett lived in is in an art gallery in Canada.

The boys were tasked with creating a picture of themselves using the folk-art style of Maud Lewis. They are in their picture, along with their pet. We used multiple frames to centre their picture.

Congratulations to these Prep boys whose portraits will be entered in the 2026 TGS Art Show and the RASQ Art Competition.

The Crucial Role of Fathers and Father Figures in the Lives of Adolescent Boys

Adolescence is a defining stage in a boy’s life – a period marked by rapid physical, emotional and social change. Research consistently highlights the importance of fathers and father figures during these years, showing that their presence and involvement provide unique benefits that complement the role of mothers.

Studies from developmental psychology suggest that boys with actively engaged fathers demonstrate stronger emotional regulation and resilience. Research published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that adolescent boys with supportive fathers were less likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours and showed greater confidence in navigating peer pressures. Fathers often model approaches to problem-solving, discipline and coping with setbacks – lessons that are vital as boys shape their identities.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies also notes that boys who report a close relationship with their fathers are more likely to perform well academically and less likely to experience behavioural difficulties. Fathers bring distinct perspectives and communication styles that help boys broaden their emotional vocabulary and develop empathy, which are essential for healthy relationships.

Importantly, “father involvement” does not simply mean time spent together, but the quality of that time – sharing interests, having conversations, showing up to school events and being emotionally available. Even small, consistent acts of encouragement can reinforce a boy’s sense of self-worth and belonging.

At a time when boys are seeking independence yet still deeply need guidance, fathers play a central role in shaping not only their sons’ achievements, but also their character, resilience and wellbeing.

Michael Hall
Head of Pastoral Care

How ACT Can Help Boys at Toowoomba Grammar School

Being a teenage boy at Toowoomba Grammar School comes with unique pressures. From striving for academic success and sporting excellence to navigating friendships and social expectations, it can be easy to feel stressed, anxious, or unsure of yourself. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers practical tools to manage these challenges, helping boys build resilience, stay focused on their goals and live according to what truly matters to them (Harris, 2019).

ACT, developed by Dr Steven C. Hayes and popularised by Dr Russ Harris, combines mindfulness and behavioural strategies to increase psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility is the ability to stay present, accept difficult emotions and act in ways that align with your values, even when life feels tough. Harris (2019) explains that trying to suppress negative thoughts or feelings often makes them more intense, but learning to notice and accept these experiences allows individuals to live more fully and confidently. For adolescent boys, this approach is particularly helpful for managing performance anxiety in academics or sports, coping with social pressures and maintaining emotional wellbeing.

One common struggle for boys is the pressure to “perform”—whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, or within peer groups. ACT helps by teaching strategies like cognitive defusion, which allows boys to step back from unhelpful thoughts, such as “I’m not good enough,” without letting these thoughts control their actions (Harris, 2019). Acceptance means opening up to our inner experiences (thoughts, images, memories, feelings, emotions, urges, impulses, sensations) and allowing them to be as they are, regardless of whether they are pleasant or painful. We open up and make room for them, drop the struggle with them, and allow them to freely come and go, in their own good time. Acceptance techniques encourage noticing feelings like stress or frustration without judgment, reducing the likelihood of reacting impulsively or avoiding challenges. By combining these skills with values-based decision-making, boys can focus on what is meaningful—whether it’s teamwork, personal growth or academic integrity—rather than being controlled by fear or self-doubt.

Mindfulness is another key aspect of ACT that benefits teenage boys. Many boys struggle with distractions from technology, social media and competing priorities. Present-moment awareness, a core ACT process, teaches students to fully engage in the task at hand, whether studying for exams or training for a sport. According to Harris (2019), staying mindful helps reduce mental clutter and increases concentration, allowing boys to perform at their best without becoming overwhelmed by pressure or anxiety.

Values clarification and committed action are particularly important for adolescent boys navigating identity and purpose. ACT encourages boys to identify what truly matters to them—such as friendship, leadership, creativity or personal growth—and take small, consistent steps toward these values. Harris (2021) emphasises that living according to values, even in the face of challenges, fosters resilience and self-confidence. For boys at Toowoomba Grammar School, this might mean choosing to practice sport regularly despite setbacks, supporting a teammate or prioritising study time even when social distractions are tempting.

Practical exercises can make ACT tangible for boys. The “Leaves on a Stream” exercise helps them observe negative thoughts without getting caught up in them, while the “Choice Point” illustrates that every moment provides an opportunity to move toward or away from one’s values (Harris, 2019). The “Chessboard” metaphor encourages boys to see themselves as the observer of their thoughts, helping them gain perspective on self-critical or anxious thinking. By practising these exercises, boys can develop mental strength, emotional resilience and clarity in decision-making.

Applying ACT in daily life can significantly impact wellbeing. Boys who use these strategies often report reduced stress, better emotional regulation, improved focus and stronger relationships with peers. At school, this can mean handling exam pressure more calmly, communicating effectively with friends and teachers, or bouncing back from sporting losses without losing motivation. Harris (2019) stresses that the goal of ACT is not to eliminate difficulties but to change the relationship with them, empowering young men to act purposefully even when life is challenging.

I have personally found these ACT strategies very useful for myself and believe they can be particularly beneficial for boys at Toowoomba Grammar School. Practising mindfulness, observing thoughts without judgment and focusing on values-driven actions has helped me manage stress and stay motivated in both academic and personal pursuits. I encourage you to try some of these exercises and notice how they can help you too.

In conclusion, being a boy at Toowoomba Grammar School comes with both exciting opportunities and inevitable pressures. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy offers practical tools to navigate these challenges by fostering mindfulness, acceptance, values-driven action and resilience. By practising ACT principles, boys can manage stress, make meaningful choices and grow into confident, well-rounded young men. As Harris (2019) notes, it is not the absence of difficulties but the ability to live fully alongside them that fosters true psychological flexibility and wellbeing.

If you have any concerns or queries about implementing these strategies, or would like guidance on applying ACT in your daily life, please feel free to reach out to me.

Lyle Gothmann
School Counsellor

Email: lyle.gothmann@tgs.qld.edu.au
Phone: +61 7 4687 2627

References

Harris, R. (2019). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy (2nd ed.). New Harbinger Publications. https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684033010/act-made-simple

Harris, R. (2021). ACT with love: Stop struggling, reconcile differences, and strengthen your relationship with acceptance and commitment therapy. New Harbinger Publications. https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648481635/act-with-love

Harris, R. (2021). Trauma-focused ACT: A practitioner’s guide to working with mind, body, and emotion using acceptance and commitment therapy. Context Press. https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684038220/trauma-focused-act

SPECIAL REPORT: R U OK? Day

Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.

R U OK? Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"

Engaging in R U OK? Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK? Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

Paul Morton Choral Festival

Congratulations to our Choir and Grammarphones who performed beautifully at the Paul Morton Choral Showcase last Monday. While this was a non-competitive event, each group was presented with feedback from the guest adjudicator, Ms Hayley Sugars. Ms Sugars comments regarding the Choir’s performance of This Old Hammer included “I didn’t want this performance to end! Classy work”. She also provided a glowing report on the Grammarphones performance of Leave A Light On stating it was a, “disciplined and engaging performance”. Thank you for Mrs Egan and Ms Burns for your outstanding work with our choral groups.

TiGAA Showcases

Last Tuesday, 26 August our Junior and Intermediate TiGGA groups presented their annual showcase – with Junior boys delivering an entertaining performance of Every Novel You Ever Read in High School….In 30 Minutes, and Intermediate TiGAA presenting a polished rendition of A Midsummer’s Night Dream – Reimagined. The following evening Senior TiGAA did not disappoint with their outstanding delivery of Romeo and Juliet – Thou Art A Villian. Congratulations to all boys who were involved in Junior, Intermediate and Senior TiGAA. Thank you to Ms Lucy Andreas (Junior and Intermediate TiGAA Director), and Mr Chris Thomson (Senior TiGAA Director) for your direction of the boys in these performances.

RnB and Big Band Extravaganza

Our RnB and Big Band Extravaganza will be held in the Senior School Assembly Hall on Friday, 5 September, commencing at 6:30pm. You will hear performances from the Junior School Jazz Band, Senior School Jazz Ensemble, RnB Too, Big Band and RnB Band. Drinks and nibbles will be available to purchase on the evening from 6:00pm. Parents and friends are encouraged to arrive from 6:00pm and enjoy mingling in the Parents Cover prior to the performances commencing at 6:30pm.

Kellie Dixon
Director of Performing Arts (Acting)

Recently the annual TGS Marksmanship Competition was held at the Helidon Pistol Range, bringing together 27 enthusiastic participants, including a fantastic turnout of parents.

This event is more than just a competition, it's a brilliant bonding opportunity where students get to challenge their parents across three exciting disciplines:

• Open Sight Rifles (25m)
• Scoped Rifles (50m)
• Air Pistols (10m)

A special highlight this year was having TGS Old Boy Oliver Gray (2022) as our Air Pistol instructor. Oliver, a member of the QLD Air Pistol team since 2021, generously shared his expertise and passion with our competitors.

• Top Male Rifle: Charlie Chen
• Top Female Rifle: Sophia Sheppard
• Top Male Air Pistol: Will Neville
• Top Female Air Pistol: Monique Hitchcock

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day such a success.

LT(AAC) Lauren Trevisani
TWGS ACU Executive Officer

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

We warmly invite our TGS Past Mothers to High Tea on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025

• 11:00am
• Toowoomba Grammar School Old Hall
• $30 per person
• RSVP by Friday, 12 September via this link.

Save the date for what is sure to be a once in a generation celebration event - the Grammar 150 Gala Dinner is proudly brought to you in conjunction with the TGS Old Boys' Association.

• Tickets go on sale to the broader community Saturday, 13 September 2025 from 7:00pm.

• Head to the Events Calendar for more information about this event.

It's Harvest Season

We’d love our farming families – past and present – to join us in building a bright future for TGS boys. By donating grain or cotton through the National Grower Register (NGR) Card, you can make a real difference to student programs and facilities for generations to come.

Simply quote NGR: 15154432 at your weighbridge – every contribution counts.

Thank you for helping us build tomorrow, together.

The Uniform Shop price list, effective from Wednesday, 1 October 2025 is now available.

• Prep
• Years 1 to 3
  
• Years 4 to 12
  
• Sports and Activities