THE BLUE AND GOLD - Thursday, 17 September 2026

Dear TGS Families

As we approach the end of another busy and successful term, I am delighted to share with our School community that on the evening of Friday, 11 September, Toowoomba Grammar School was inducted into the Toowoomba Chamber Hall of Fame for 2026 at the Toowoomba Chamber Clifford Gouldson Lawyers Business Excellence Awards. This prestigious recognition acknowledges organisations that have made a significant and enduring contribution to the Darling Downs region and the communities they serve.

It was a privilege to accept this honour on behalf of our School community. The Hall of Fame recognition follows a thorough nomination and assessment process and celebrates organisations whose impact has helped shape the region and the lives of its people.

For more than 150 years, Toowoomba Grammar School has been part of the Darling Downs community. Generations of students, staff, families and Old Boys have helped shape the School we know today. This recognition may have been awarded to the School, but it belongs to the many people who have contributed to its success over generations. We are honoured to receive it and grateful for the support of the community that founded the School and continues to sustain it today.

As the term draws to a close, I would also like to thank all members of our School community for their efforts throughout what has been a productive and rewarding Term 3. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, on the stage, in the boarding houses or through the many co-curricular opportunities available to our boys, there has been much to celebrate.

The upcoming holidays provide an important opportunity for our students, staff and families to rest, recharge and enjoy quality time together. I encourage our boys to make the most of this break, spending time with family and friends while also preparing themselves for a positive start to Term 4.

My best wishes also go to the many staff, students and volunteers who will be involved in holiday activities and camps during the break, starting with the annual Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camp. These programs provide wonderful opportunities for service, leadership and community engagement, and I thank all those who generously give their time to support them.

I wish all members of our School community a safe, enjoyable and restful holiday break, and I look forward to welcoming our boys back for Term 4.

Kind regards
Dr John C Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Following an extensive application and selection process, it gives me great pleasure to announce to the TGS community our School Prefects and Senior Prefects for 2027.

I congratulate each of the students appointed and thank all candidates who participated in the process with maturity, courage and a genuine desire to contribute to the life of Toowoomba Grammar School.

Leadership at TGS is founded on service. Our Prefects are entrusted with the responsibility of leading by example, upholding the values of the School and supporting their fellow students. I am confident that these young men will embrace these responsibilities with integrity, humility and commitment.

On behalf of the School community, I congratulate our 2027 School Prefects and wish them every success as they prepare to commence their leadership journey.

This year marks a remarkable milestone for Toowoomba Grammar School as we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the TGS Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp.

For twenty years, generations of Grammar boys have dedicated a weekend of their lives to serving others. Hundreds of young people have volunteered as companions, giving their time, energy and care to children with disabilities while providing valuable respite for their families. What began as a service initiative has become one of the most powerful educational experiences offered at our School and one of the most enduring examples of servant leadership in action.

The Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp has always been built around three simple goals: creating a fun and memorable experience for our guests, providing meaningful respite for families and carers and offering young people the opportunity to learn through service. These objectives remain unchanged twenty years later, but the impact of the camp continues to grow.

In many ways, Sony Camp reflects the very best of a Grammar education. While schools rightly place great importance on academic learning, some of life’s most important lessons are learned through experience. Sony Camp provides boys with the opportunity to step outside their own circumstances and see the world through someone else’s eyes. It challenges assumptions, develops empathy and teaches the importance of compassion, patience and human connection.

Our Year 11 companions undertake significant responsibility throughout the weekend. They become the primary companion and supporter for a young guest, often forming a bond that develops quickly and profoundly. Many boys arrive anxious about whether they will be capable of meeting the challenges of the role. Almost all leave with a greater understanding of themselves and a deeper appreciation of others. The camp demands maturity, resilience and selflessness, but the rewards are immeasurable. The experience frequently becomes one of the defining moments of their school journey.

This year has also provided an opportunity to reflect on the thousands of lives touched by the camp over the past two decades. Through the 20-year anniversary project, many former students shared memories and reflections about the influence Sony Camp had on them long after they left Toowoomba Grammar School.

One TGS Old Boy reflected that Sony Camp was “undoubtedly one of the more impactful initiatives in my time at TGS” and noted that, as the Principal of a school for students with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities, he regularly thinks about how opportunities such as Sony Camp helped shape the direction of his life and career. His reflection serves as a powerful reminder that the lessons learned during a single weekend can continue to influence decisions and values decades later.

Many former participants spoke of developing a greater sense of gratitude, perspective and understanding through their experience. Others reflected on the confidence they gained through caring for another person, learning that leadership is often demonstrated through service rather than position or title. These reflections reinforce what staff have observed for many years: boys often arrive expecting to give something to others but leave having received far more than they anticipated.

The anniversary has also highlighted the extraordinary commitment of the staff and volunteers who have supported the camp over many years. Few people have seen the impact of Sony Camp more closely than Jenny Bazley, who has been involved in almost every camp since its inception. Reflecting on the experience, she noted that the highlight has always been watching students connect with their guests and create memories that will last a lifetime. One of her earliest memories remains vivid: seeing a guest with complex needs respond to music in a way that surprised even those who knew him best. It was, in her words, a truly magical moment.

Staff volunteer Stacey Smith has experienced the camp from another perspective, both as a volunteer and as a parent. Her reflections highlight the importance of the respite provided to families and carers. She speaks of the profound value of knowing a child is safe, supported and enjoying themselves while parents are able to take a much-needed break. She also notes that one of the camp’s greatest strengths is helping others see beyond disability and appreciate each child for who they are as a person.

Last year’s Year 11 companions expressed many of the same sentiments. Boys reflected on learning to look beyond themselves, to appreciate the different experiences of others and to recognise the importance of patience, kindness and understanding. They spoke about the joy of helping their guest have a memorable weekend and about the friendships formed during the camp. For many, the most rewarding moments were often the simplest: sharing a conversation, encouraging participation in an activity or seeing a child smile with genuine excitement.

These reflections remind us that Sony Camp is ultimately about relationships. It is not the activities, costumes, discos, games or swimming sessions that define the camp, although they certainly create wonderful memories. Rather, it is the human connection that develops between guests, families, volunteers and staff that gives the experience its lasting significance.

As we celebrate twenty years of Sony Camp at Toowoomba Grammar School, we do so with a deep sense of gratitude. We thank the countless staff volunteers, partner schools, health professionals, Old Boys, families and community members who have contributed to the camp’s success. Most importantly, we thank our guests and their families for the trust they place in us each year.

Twenty years of Sony Camp has produced thousands of memories, countless friendships and immeasurable personal growth. More importantly, it has helped generations of Grammar boys understand that leadership begins with service and that some of life’s most important lessons are learned through caring for others.

That is a legacy worth celebrating.

John Anderson
Deputy Headmaster

Recently, I was discussing with one of my Year 10 classes the importance of remaining fully engaged in school even after exams have been completed and assessment tasks have been submitted. A number of boys questioned why this was necessary. Their view was understandable: if the assessments are finished, isn't the learning finished as well?

My response was simple. If we want to improve, we must understand not only our results, but also the feedback that sits behind them. In fact, feedback is often far more valuable than the mark itself.

To illustrate this point, I asked the boys to imagine attempting a basketball free throw while blindfolded and wearing ear plugs. You might take your shot but you would have no idea whether the ball went in, sailed left or right, or fell short of the basket. Without any feedback, improvement would be almost impossible. Even more valuable is the role of a coach, who can observe what happened and provide advice on how to make the next shot more consistent and successful.

Learning works in exactly the same way. Assessment results tell students what they achieved, but feedback tells them how they achieved it and, more importantly, how they can improve next time. Teachers invest significant time in providing feedback so that boys can identify their strengths, address areas for growth, and apply those lessons to future learning.

The students who embrace feedback are often those who experience the greatest long-term success, not only academically but also in their co-curricular pursuits. They understand that improvement is a process rather than an event.

A recent email from one of our students after receiving his Mathematics result highlighted this perfectly:

"In the lead up to the end-of-semester exam I will have to go to more maths help sessions because apparently the work next term is way harder.” he said.

What struck me about this email was not the student's disappointment with his result. Rather, it was his reflection. He had already begun to identify where he had gone wrong, what he needed to improve and the practical steps he could take moving forward. He was engaging with the feedback process and using it to chart a path for future success.

Importantly, this type of reflection rarely occurs if students disengage once assessments are submitted or leave school before the conclusion of term. The final weeks of a term provide valuable opportunities for feedback, reflection, consolidation of learning, preparation for future topics, and the development of habits that lead to ongoing improvement.

There is another life lesson embedded in this process. Learning to see things through to the end is an important character trait. Whether it be a season of sport, a musical performance, a service commitment, a project in the workplace, or a school term, success is often found in the discipline of finishing well.

At Toowoomba Grammar School, we want our boys to develop this habit. Staying until the final day of term sends a powerful message about commitment, responsibility, and perseverance.

Thank you to all parents for your ongoing support throughout the term. Your partnership with the School plays a vital role in helping our boys develop the attitudes and habits that underpin success.

I wish all members of the TGS community a restful and enjoyable break and look forward to seeing many of you at the various events and functions being held throughout Term 4.

As a reminder, attendance at Speech Day is compulsory for all students in Years 7 to 11. It is an important occasion in the life of our School and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and community.

Finally, to our Year 12 students, I wish you all the very best as you prepare over the holiday break for your final examinations. Continue to seek feedback, learn from it, and approach your preparation with confidence and determination. We look forward to celebrating your achievements in the weeks ahead.

Mark Oliphant
Head of Senior School

Junior School Term 3 Finale

Every phase of a term and year has its value. At the beginning of a year or term we typically talk about making connections, being organised and developing routines. These are the building blocks for successful outcomes in the weeks and months ahead. As we close out Term 3 the topic of finishing well is equally important and valued.

In the Junior School we have a weekly gathering called a Sails Assembly, aptly named because we hold it beside the shade sails in the playground. It’s a short assembly for 10 to 15 minutes on a Monday after lunchtime to share messages for the week ahead and themes from our School Creed that we can highlight. Finsing well is a topic we regularly return to towards the end of a term and we highlight all aspects of our School Creed to do this.

• Being honest
• Being respectful
• Being kind
• Being courageous
• And always giving our best efforts

These School Creed affirmations capture finishing well in all settings. When we look for opportunities to live these out we feel proud and confident that we’ve done everything we can to finish well.

As a Junior School we’ve been so fortunate to have a special community event to culminate our Term 3, the Junior School Musical – Tut, Tut! Our boys and staff have been preparing all term for this final week of four shows with our community. The response has been tremendous. Every boy from Years 3 to 6 has been a part of this production, with lead performers developing their roles as a co-curricular activity for two terms.

The final product is something the boys and our community can be truly proud of. Families and friends who have attended each of the shows leave with big smiles and a bounce in their step humming the catchy tunes to themselves as they exit the Junior School Hall. Our sincere thanks to all the parent volunteers who have contributed in time and effort to make sets, assist with make-up along with many other tasks too numerous to note here.

A special thank you to Mrs Lydia Fleming for her work in making all of the spectacular costumes for each of the performers, they looked tremendous. Thank you also to the Grammar Art Show committee for their generous contribution of $5000 which assisted us to produce a Musical of this calibre.

Well done and congratulations to the Musical Directors, Mrs Kellie Dixon and Mrs Jess Galbraith, and of course all the boys for their incredible performances. The Junior School Musical has been the perfect example of finishing well and something we as a community can be immensely proud of.

Ken Raven
Head of Junior School

2027 Senior School Leadership

Henry Ballinger has been appointed Senior Prefect, alongside Tom Yeo as Senior Dayboy Prefect and George Tighe as Senior Boarder Prefect.

Grounded in service, character and commitment to others, they will help shape the culture of the School and support their fellow students throughout the year ahead.

Checkmate and Camaraderie

Year 5 to 12 students put their strategic thinking to the test as TGS hosted a full round of GPS Chess fixtures for the first time in more than 26 years.

Congratulations to Churchie on finishing the season as undefeated GPS Chess Premiers.

Making a Splash

From first-time racers to confident competitors, Junior School boys gave their all in the pool at the House Swimming Carnival.

Boyce claimed the House trophy while Stephens was recognised for outstanding spirit and sportsmanship.

Big Band Extravaganza

Our musicians entertained a full house at the Empire Theatre precinct, showcasing the depth of talent across Jazz Ensemble, RnB Too, Guitar Ensemble, Big Band and Rock Band.

A highlight of the evening was seeing staff and students share the stage, demonstrating that a love of music can last a lifetime.

Back on the Court

A long-awaited tradition returned as students edged out staff 24–22 in the Staff versus Student Basketball Game.

Congratulations to Stephens House Prefect Charlie Parrington and his fellow prefects for reviving the event, with halftime celebrations made even sweeter as players and spectators sang Happy Birthday to Mrs Lynne Yeabsley on her 77th birthday.

Yalari - A Legacy of Opportunity

The Yalari Gala celebrated 21 years of life-changing opportunities created through the vision of TGS Old Boy Waverley Stanley (1980-84).

The evening also recognised Rodney Rewald with the Yalari Junior Resilience Award, while Jahkaylem Atkinson shared culture and tradition through an Acknowledgement to Country delivered in language.

A Story of Success

Year 2 boys proudly shared their learning through Talk for Writing, showcasing the fictional animals and information reports they have created this term.

Joined by family members and Dr John Kinniburgh, the boys demonstrated growing confidence as communicators and writers through this innovative literacy approach.

Tut, Tut! Takes the Stage

The curtain has risen on Tut, Tut! with our Junior School boys delivering a wonderful opening night performance filled with energy, creativity and confidence.

Congratulations to all involved on a fantastic production especially TGS Parent Mrs Lydia Fleming who made every costume by hand.

Friendships Across Generations

New and longstanding Past Mothers came together to share stories, renew connections and celebrate their ongoing ties to Grammar.

A memorable address from Ian Gunn (TGS 1975-79) highlighted the lifelong influence of family, generosity and School spirit.

One Last Home Game, Plenty of Grammar Spirit

Thank you to everyone who cheered from the sidelines, volunteered behind the scenes and helped create such a fantastic atmosphere.

A fitting celebration of the character, sportsmanship and camaraderie that make GPS rugby so special.

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

The Football Supporters' Group Race Day returns on Saturday, 17 October.

Open to the entire Toowoomba Grammar School community, this popular event brings together parents, Old Boys, staff and supporters for an afternoon and evening of racing, hospitality, live entertainment, raffles and auctions.

The success of this event in previous years has helped fund initiatives including Futsal tournaments, the Mini World Cup, the Maebashi Japan Tour, holiday clinics and junior football events.

Tickets and tables of ten are available now.