THE BLUE AND GOLD - Saturday, 8 August 2026

Dear TGS Families

One of the most important qualities we can nurture in young people is curiosity.

In a world where information is available instantly, success is not determined solely by what a person knows, but by their willingness to ask questions, seek understanding and remain open to new ideas. Curiosity is the spark that drives learning. It encourages boys to look beyond the obvious, explore different possibilities and develop the confidence to engage with the world around them.

As parents, teachers and mentors, it is natural to celebrate achievement and correct answers. Equally important, however, is recognising the value of thoughtful questions. Often, genuine learning begins not with certainty, but with wonder. Why does this happen? How does this work? What if there is another way?

Curiosity helps boys develop resilience because it encourages them to view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles to avoid. It fosters creativity, innovation and problem-solving, qualities that will serve them well throughout their education and into adulthood. Curious learners are more likely to persevere when things become difficult because they remain motivated by discovery.

The early years are particularly important in developing this mindset. Our Prep to Year 3 teachers deliver knowledge rich curriculum to engage and encourage boys to be curious thinkers together with foundational literacy and numeracy skills to articulate their learning. Young children are naturally inquisitive, eager to explore, experiment and understand the world around them. As educators, our responsibility is not simply to provide answers, but to create environments where questions are encouraged and curiosity can flourish.

At Toowoomba Grammar School, we seek to cultivate this spirit every day. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, through music, outdoor education or co-curricular pursuits, our boys are encouraged to investigate, explore and embrace new experiences. These opportunities help them build confidence as learners and develop habits that support lifelong growth.

As we partner together in the education of our boys, I encourage all of us to celebrate curiosity. Sometimes the most valuable conversations begin not when a child has the answer, but when he has the courage to ask the question.

Kind regards

Dr John Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Core Years Count

Prep to Year 3 are the core years for developing foundational literacy and numeracy skills. It can feel magical when young children in Prep and Year 1 make connections between letters, sounds, words and sentences that create meaning, but this is the result of intentionally design learning programs and sequences. This decoding skills open up a child’s world immensely.

Similarly, numeracy comes to life when children see numbers represented visually, understand how they increase and decrease, form groups and solve problems. Concepts such as number sense, place value, multiplicative thinking, partitioning, proportional reasoning and pattern recognition build over time, many beginning in these early years. It is a period of significant knowledge acquisition and understanding. Academically, this is why the early years matter so much. Our teachers understand this staged development and implement programs that build these skills sequentially, setting students up for success in later years.

Personal development during the early years is equally important. Students develop an understanding of their interests and abilities, form friendships and learn how to interact with others while building a sense of belonging and community. The early years intentionally structure these connections through classes, Houses, co-curricular groups, the Junior School and the wider School community.

Class teachers help students learn routines, relationships and productive ways of interacting with others. Through role modelling, conversations and real-life experiences, boys develop the skills to navigate friendships, ask for help and resolve disagreements. Our House system also allows us to genuinely know every child. At school events, Year 5 and Year 6 students know the names of their Prep and Year 1 buddies, and staff know the students in their care. Students learn that they are valued members of our community and, as they progress through the Junior School, become its leaders.

So, Why Do the Early Years Matter So Much?

It’s during this phase that foundational academic and personal development skills come together. Alongside co-curricular opportunities, school traditions and a strong sense of community, our early years program supports the whole child and their family. As students move into the middle and upper years of Junior School, they are ready to embrace new opportunities because they have developed strong foundations and have seen what is possible through the example of older students. The early years are an immensely valuable phase for children, one to enjoy and treasure for families and schools alike.

Ken Raven
Head of Junior School

Growing Together

Starting school is one of the most significant milestones in a young boy’s life. Long before our boys walk through the gates on their first day, the foundations of confidence, literacy and belonging are already beginning to form. At Toowoomba Grammar Junior School, we work in partnership with our families to intentionally nurture these qualities from the earliest years, ensuring every boy feels known, valued and ready to learn.

For many of our families, the journey begins during the holidays before Prep when each new Prep boy receives a letter from his Year 5 Big Mate. While simple in gesture, the message is powerful: you already belong here. Before our newest boys step into their classrooms, they know that an older student is eagerly waiting to meet them, support them and help them navigate the exciting adventure ahead.

This first connection marks the beginning of our Big Mates, Little Mates program, one of the many ways we foster belonging in the Junior School. Throughout the year, Year 5 boys and Prep students come together each week to read, participate in activities and build genuine friendships. What starts as a letter quickly grows into a meaningful relationship.

For our Prep boys, these friendships provide encouragement, reassurance and positive role modelling. Reading alongside an older student helps build literacy skills in an authentic and engaging way, while also developing confidence as learners and communicators. Just as importantly, our youngest boys develop a strong sense of connection to the School community from the very beginning.

The impact on our Year 5 boys is equally significant. They take great pride in their role as Big Mates, demonstrating patience, kindness and encouragement as they support their younger partners. Through these interactions, they experience authentic leadership in action. They learn that leadership is not simply about wearing a badge but about serving others, building relationships and making a positive difference in the lives of those around them.

The program reflects the culture of our Junior School, where relationships sit at the heart of learning and wellbeing. From Prep through to Year 6, our boys learn that they are part of a connected community built on mutual respect, care and belonging.

Confidence, literacy and belonging do not develop in isolation. They grow together through meaningful relationships and everyday experiences that help boys feel safe, supported and capable. When our boys know they belong, they are more willing to participate, ask questions, embrace challenges and persevere in their learning.

Our Big Mates, Little Mates program captures this journey beautifully. From the excitement of receiving a welcome letter before the first day of school to the friendships and growth experienced throughout the year, the program helps shape our boys as learners, leaders and valued members of the Grammar community. It is one of the many ways we ensure every boy begins his educational journey with confidence, develops strong literacy foundations and experiences the unmistakable feeling that he belongs.

Amanda Hall
Deputy Head of Junior School - Students

Making a Difference Through Volunteering

Spending their afternoons at Darling Heights State School as part of the Homework Assistance Program, TGS boys are continuing a long tradition of service to the local community.

Giving back is more than an opportunity, it's part of what it means to wear the blue and gold.

Supporting Every Step

Marcus Heironymus received a warm blue and gold welcome as he reached Toowoomba, the halfway point of his 400km Chemo Commute walk from Goondiwindi to Brisbane.

Students from Toowoomba Grammar School, The Glennie School and Fairholme College came together in support of the Sony Foundation's You Can Stay program.

151 Years of Grammar

Celebrating 151 years since the laying of the foundation stone. This image of some of our earliest students offers a glimpse into the School's beginnings and the legacy that continues to shape TGS today.

Looking Ahead to Schoolyard Days in Blue and Gold

From classrooms to campus landmarks, boys enjoyed a fun introduction to the next stage of their TGS journey at our latest Transition Day.

It was a chance to build confidence, make connections and get excited about what comes next.

South West Queensland Swans School Cup

Strong performances, determined teamwork and plenty of standout moments saw several TGS teams progress through to the finals at last weekend's South West Queensland Swans Cup.

A great effort from all our boys, who showed that success is built on teamwork as much as individual talent. Well done, boys.

Season Finale Thanks

A fitting finish to the Junior Rugby season, with every player receiving a rugby ball thanks to the generosity of the Rugby Supporters Group.

The end-of-season BBQ brought plenty of smiles and was a wonderful reminder of the support behind our rugby community.

Connecting Through Community

Our annual First Nations Family Dinner brought students, families and staff together for an evening of connection, conversation and shared stories.

A special opportunity to strengthen relationships, celebrate culture and reflect the sense of belonging that makes the TGS community so strong.

From the Gulf to Goondiwindi

Families gathered at our Boarding Houses for sundowner drinks, sharing stories and picking up conversations where they left off.

These evenings are a reminder that TGS Boarding is more than a place to stay. It's a community built on connection, friendship and a sense of belonging.

Celebrating Academic Excellence

Senior School students gathered to recognise the dedication, discipline and commitment behind outstanding academic achievement.

The week culminated in the Academic Honours Assembly, where students were inspired by alumnus Hayden Fellenberg (TGS 2013-25) and celebrated the achievements of our Maxima Cum Laude and Cum Laude recipients.

100 Days of Prep

One hundred days of learning, friendship and discovery marked a special milestone for our Preppies this week.

With plenty of dancing, laughter and celebration, they reflected on the memories made and the adventures still to come.

For a comprehensive list of our upcoming events, head to the TGS Events Calendar.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition that affects how children regulate attention, impulses and activity levels. While many children can appear restless, distracted or forgetful at times, ADHD involves ongoing patterns that may impact learning, behaviour, organisation and relationships. These challenges can sometimes lead to frustration at home and school, particularly when a child is trying hard but struggling to meet expectations.

For families, understanding ADHD means recognising that these behaviours are not simply a matter of effort or discipline. ADHD is influenced by a combination of neurological, biological and environmental factors that affect how a child’s brain processes information and manages self-control. With the right support, structure and strategies, children with ADHD can develop the skills they need to succeed and thrive.

This edition of SchoolTV explores how families can better understand ADHD and support children to build confidence, strengthen emotional regulation and navigate everyday challenges more successfully.