After the COVID-related challenges we saw for the start of Term 1, it has been an absolute pleasure to welcome all boys and their families back for Term 2.

The term is off to a busy start with a full roster of School activities. We also have a number of rural visits taking place with our TGS on Tour program and I will be visiting Goondiwindi and St George today and Friday.

Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026

I am delighted to share our Strategic Plan with you again.

The Strategic Plan was shared with staff at a recent staff meeting and with boys at Assembly. These two events, combined with some wonderful feedback from our TGS community, shows there is a great deal of excitement around the plan and the School’s direction. It has also again reiterated our community’s clear purpose and desire to educate boys and develop their good character for life.

You can find a copy of the Strategic Plan on our new TGS website at Strategic Plan - Toowoomba Grammar School (twgs.qld.edu.au) and hard copies are also available from the School for those who would like one.

Acting Head of Junior School

As we continue with our recruitment process for a new Head of Junior School, I am pleased to welcome Mr David Hine to our TGS community as our Acting Head of Junior School. David has commenced this week and is already off to a flying start meeting boys, staff and families.

For eight years, Mr Hine was the Head of Junior School at St Peter's College, Adelaide, one of Australia's leading boys’ schools, with a Junior School enrolment of 580 boys from ELC to Year 6. His previous roles included being Head of Preparatory School (K-6) at Newington College (Lindfield campus) in Sydney for five years, Head of Primary School at John Paul College in Queensland for five years, Head of Primary at John XXIII College in Western Australia, Head of Junior School at St Aloysius' College in NSW and Head of Junior School at St Michael's College, South Australia.

Mr Hine is a vastly experienced educational leader and has a distinct passion for boys’ education. He has a keen interest in the effectiveness of literacy and numeracy programs. He also has extensive experience in administering school-based pastoral care programs including Positive Education. He has had an active involvement in the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia Association and has been awarded Honorary Federal Life Membership, which is the group's highest honour, for outstanding and sustained contribution to the Association at both a State and Federal level.

Mr Hine has proven leadership experience, an excellent understanding of boys’ education and a strong appetite for building community.

ANZAC Day

The TGS Cadet Unit led the School’s service for students, families, staff and Old Boys on Friday, 22 April 2022. Colonel Dave Lynch, Commandant Australian Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey, and current parent, was guest speaker. In a moving gesture, our Year 10 students placed a flag beside a small cross to remember each of the TGS Old Boys and Trustees who gave their lives in WWI and the Boer War. Our Cadets also attended several local nursing homes to provide ANZAC Services for our elderly residents who are unable to attend the community events. This is a TGS tradition and is very valued and appreciated by the residents in these facilities. You can find more information and photographs about our ANZAC Day activities in this edition of The Blue and Gold.

Events and Activities

The School community is looking forward to a number of upcoming events and activities and I encourage you to participate or attend where you can.

The Choral Showcase is being held in the Senior Assembly Hall tomorrow night (Friday, 29 April), with performances from the Grammarphones, Senior Voices, Combined Voices, Tribe, Tribe Junior and various vocal soloists. This is an entertaining event not to be missed.

TGS on Tour will see a team visit Condamine on Monday, 2 May and the Taroom Show on Tuesday, 3 May where TGS is sponsoring the Led Steer and Young Judges competitions. Our Show Cattle Team will be in action and we are hosting a parent and Old Boy function that evening.

Our Past Mothers’ Group is hosting a luncheon on Thursday, 5 May and all past mothers are very welcome to attend. Please click here for further information.

The Junior School Supporters’ Group is hosting their annual Mother’s Day breakfast on Friday, 6 May and this is always a very enjoyable occasion.

We are hosting our annual Open Day on Saturday, 28 May. This is a wonderful opportunity for potential new families to explore all things TGS. I encourage you to invite friends and family who may be exploring education options for their sons. More information is available on our website.

I wish all members of the TGS community well for the remainder of the term and I particularly wish all of our TGS mums a very special Mother’s Day.

- Dr John C Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Mr Philip Kefford has been appointed to the position of Stephens Boarding Head of House to commence 23 May 2022. Philip is a highly qualified educator who has extensive leadership, boarding and pastoral care experience from outstanding schools in Australia and internationally. Born and raised in the UK, Phil completed his education at Penketh High School in the UK before studying Medieval and Modern History at the University of London where he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College. Following this, he completed his teacher training at the University of Bristol in the UK. Phil was chosen from a very strong field of candidates and impressed the selection panel with his warmth, energy, expertise and capacity to contribute to the pastoral lives of the boys in Stephens Boarding House. We look forward to welcoming Phil and his wife, Kate, to TGS from Week 6 in Term 2. I am most appreciative of Mr David Tranberg who accepted the position as Acting Head of House in the interim period.

The following staff commenced at the beginning of Term 2 in the Senior School:

• Mrs Khyl Domrow has been appointed to the position of Senior School Chemistry Teacher and Assistant Head of Department – Science. Khyl's teaching areas are Senior Chemistry, Junior Science and Junior Mathematics. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Griffith and a Graduate Diploma Education (Sec) from UQ. Khyl replaces Mrs Catherine Millar who place her resignation following long service leave in Term 1.

• Mrs Hannah Winter has been appointed to the position of Senior School Teacher of Design. Hannah has nine years’ teaching experience and most recently has been employed at a state school in the Darling Downs as the BYOx Coordinator and Curriculum Coordinator for Digital Technologies and ICT. Hannah has a Bachelor of Computer Based Art and Design, Major in Graphic Design, Minor in Web Design from University of Sunshine Coast and a Post Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching (Sec) from Central Queensland University. This appointment follows the resignation of Mr Andrew Kirby.

• Mrs Alida Prinsloo has been appointed to the position of Senior School Teacher Science. Alida is a secondary trained Science (Physics and Chemistry), Biology and Mathematics teacher with experience teaching in Australia and South Africa. Alida has a Bachelor of Science and Higher Education Diploma (Sec) both from North West University.

• Mr Eugene Seddon has been appointed to the position of Teacher of Mathematics. For the past seven years Eugene has been a Mathematics/HPE teacher, Year 7 Team Leader and Head of the Rugby League Academy at a local state high school. Prior to this he was a Residential Youth Worker for Uniting Care Queensland. Eugene has a Bachelor of Teaching from USQ and some parents and boys may already know Eugene as he is also the 1st XV Assistant Coach at TGS.

In the Junior School Mrs Deirdre Geddert has been employed to teach Year 4 to replace Mrs Katelyn Hannah while on maternity leave. Deirdre is an experienced teacher, having worked in both Canada and Australia in primary and secondary schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Education, all from the University of Calgary. Deirdre is bilingual, speaking English and French and has taught in our Junior School on previous occasions, both as a supply teacher and also covering a member of staff while on long service leave.

TGS Master Planning Activities

Toowoomba Grammar School has recently launched its Strategic Plan 2022-2026. Under the Plan, the School is committed to:

• developing contemporary and innovative learning spaces for the long-term benefit of the School and its students; and
• providing a high-quality boarding experience and facilities for boarders.

We are now in the process of developing a Master Plan to help deliver on these strategic initiatives. This Master Plan will aim to balance built form and open space across the campus. Under this Plan the delivery of the following works may occur over the next 10 years:

• the refurbishment of existing classrooms
• the extension of an existing building for student services
• the development of a boarding precinct to consolidate and renew our boarding facilities
• the refurbishment and possible extension to the library
• the development of a music, art and drama centre
• the development of a technology centre
• the conversion of an existing building into an early learning centre
• the development of a multi-purpose assembly hall
• improvements to existing onsite parking areas (including increased capacity)
• a future temporary carpark on Herries Street (final location to be confirmed)
• additional landscaping and external works throughout the campus

The proposed Master Plan involves buildings that are predominantly 2 storeys at the edge of the campus and 3 storeys towards the centre of the site. The School expects that its capacity will generally be maintained at approximately 1,425 students (including 350 boarders) with allowances for normal changes in school population over time.

The designation will be for the purposes of:

• education facilities; and
• facilities at which an education and care service under the Education and Care Services National Law (Queensland) is operated.

The proposed MID has been requested in accordance with Chapter 2, Part 5 of the Planning Act 2016. If the Master Plan and MID is approved, this designation would acknowledge and reflect the current use of the site and secure development of the campus in the future.

Having your say

We are at the early stages of the project and encourage you to review and have your say about the School’s master planning activities and proposed MID through this website link.

Alternatively, you can submit an enquiry via email to tgs@twgs.qld.edu.au. If you are interested in our master planning activities and proposed MID and would like to meet with a member of our team, please contact the Christina Onley, Chief Financial Officer at Toowoomba Grammar School on 07 4687 2500.

This early consultation period will be open for your comments until Thursday, 12 May 2022.

It is important to note that formal community consultation will be undertaken later in the MID process. This will provide neighbours, key stakeholders and residents with the opportunity to make a submission or simply learn more about our master planning activities and proposed MID.

Toowoomba Grammar School has started Term 2 with the launch of our new website. Focussed on illustrating all that is TGS, families will have at their finger tips all of the information that demonstrates why a TGS education is an investment in their son's future.

Visit our new website here: www.twgs.qld.edu.au

We want to make communication with our families quick and easy. You may have noticed our TGS App has a fresh new look.

This is the one-stop shop for information about sport and activities, events and various notices.

You can access Parent Lounge, notify of your son's absences, find School contacts and our calendar of events right at your finger tips. You can even read this newsletter directly from the App! You can also set up notifications specific to your child's year level, sports and activities and your own areas of interest as a parent.

You don't need to download the new App, our former App should have automatically updated and will look like the below image.

TGS has two new Facebook pages to help showcase all the wonderful things happening in our Boarding and our Sport and Activities programs.

We invite you to like and follow these pages. Here are the links:

https://www.facebook.com/ToowoombaGrammarSchoolSportAndActivities

https://www.facebook.com/ToowoombaGrammarSchoolBoarding

Term 2 has started very well for our boarding community. All Heads of House have reported how much the boys enjoyed catching up, and how quickly they have returned to their routines. Aside from a bit of work and catching up with family, the most popular activity over the Easter holidays for many of the boarders was water-skiing. By all reports the holidays were enjoyed by all.

I really enjoyed the start of term BBQ and refreshments. It was great to see parents catching up with each other as well as the Heads of House. The community spirit that exists in our boarding program makes TGS a special place.

This was also evident on the final night of the holidays when our annual Boarder Orientation Experience was held with over 20 families in attendance. A highlight of the evening for parents was the question and answer panel. I thank our current parents; Kym Wright and Ruth Johnston (who also doubles as Corfe House Mother), as well as Head of Senior School, Mr Mark Oliphant, and our Senior Boarder Prefect, Charlie Horn, for their contribution and wise counsel.

In looking ahead to the remainder of Term 2, our boarding program will continue to provide a range of opportunities to our boarders. The Weekend Activities Program can operate without the COVID restrictions of Term 1, which will give the boys greater freedom. I know the Corfe boarders are excited to have the opportunity to participate in a Ninja Warrior Course as one of many activities on offer this term.

Don't forget to like and follow our new Facebook page that is dedicated to all things TGS Boarding: https://www.facebook.com/ToowoombaGrammarSchoolBoarding

Mr Nick Byron
Director of Boarding

The 2022 Grammar Art Show has concluded for yet another year with sales, attendance, sponsorship and involvement once again exceeding all expectations. There were approximately 750 pieces of art in the exhibition plus another 400 pieces online. At the time of writing, sales had reached record levels of over $480,000. Funds raised from this event are traditionally shared between School projects and for nominated local charities. The School projects may included things such as funding of the Artist in Residence program and purchasing equipment for the gym, and examples of local organisations to benefit are the Toowoomba Hospice and Hope Horizons. This year, the Art Show Committee has increased the charitable component and, as such, further donations will be made to support those affected by the recent floods around our region.

The Art Show is magnificent. It highlights the amazing qualities of TGS and the surrounding community, with a number of groups deserving recognition for their contributions that help make the event such a success.

Firstly, the TGS teachers and operations and support staff who go above and beyond in the lead up, throughout and after the show to ensure not only the smooth delivery of art but assist in the streamlining of sponsorship, printing, music and general logistics such as student and traffic management and electrical needs.

Secondly, the artists, without whom there is no show. Our current contributors are already in the planning phase for their submissions for 2023, while new artists are prepping their portfolios in their bid for selection. Special recognition must go to our 2022 feature artist, Aidan Weichard. Aidan travelled from the Gippsland region in Victoria with his young family for the event, which is a commendable effort in itself. It was heart-warming to see his family embraced by the TGS community, as only we can, and the impression left was profound.

The involvement of TGS boys has steadily increased over the years. 2022 saw boys not only display work in the show, but volunteer their time across a number of areas. The students acted as wait staff, packers, porters, guides and musicians throughout the weekend and are to be commended for their exceptional efforts. A particular highlight was the two students who, after having performed in the café, volunteered to play the grand piano in the Assembly Hall, delighting and amazing all in attendance with their impromptu and extended performance.

To our sponsors, particularly Diamond Sponsor - West Star Motors: Mercedes Benz, we are incredibly grateful. Your support means that the show can take place in its current format and allows us to produce a high quality event of this magnitude. I urge all out TGS community to join with the Art Show committee and show your gratitude by supporting those businesses who have generously supported us. All sponsors may be seen on our website.

Finally, to our incredible volunteers and committee members. Your tireless work make this event such a success. We are often approached by other schools asking us to share our secrets of success and my response is always the same; the Grammar Art Show is the event that it is because of our people. Every other facet can be easily replicated, but the community of TGS is what sets us apart.

A lot goes into the Grammar Art Show and planning is already underway for 2023. The committee welcomes involvement from all members of the School community, so if you wish to join us, as a sponsor, committee member, volunteer or even artist, please get in touch via our website.

Mrs Rebecca Statton
Grammar Art Show Committee, President

The P&F is excited to host our first "Ladies Evening".

This event is for all year groups from Prep to 12 and you are more than welcome to bring friends. It will be held in the garden at Gip's Restaurant on Saturday, 14 May and will move inside if it rains.

Tickets include canapés and a welcome drink, and are currently on sale via the TGS website.

Toowoomba Grammar School - Online Payment (westpac.com.au)

We have another busy term ahead; from preparing for subject selection with Year 10s to universities releasing new information guides for 2023 applications. There are a few key activities coming up that I have highlighted here for you.

University Visits

We have several universities and residential colleges visiting. All students will be advised of dates and times, and I encourage the boys to come to these presentations. Most will be held in the Careers classroom and during lunchtime. These are a great opportunity to meet with university staff and ask specific questions regarding courses, scholarships, and university life. Most universities are also offering course webinars and it is a good idea to check the specific websites to see what is coming up.

UCAT

By now all Year 12 students considering Medicine or Dentistry in 2023 should have registered to sit the UCAT exam. The booking deadline is Tuesday, 17 May. Please contact the Careers Office if there are any concerns or questions about this.

Year 10 Career Profiling

The Year 10 boys will undertake the Career Avenues Profiling on Monday, 9 May. We have engaged the services of an external agency, Career Avenues whose Career psychologists will conduct a morning of aptitude and career interest profiling with the Year 10 boys. Following this profiling, a detailed report will be provided to each student, and this will be used in the upcoming Career Plan Interviews. Year 10 parents have all received a letter from Dr Young outlining this process.

Work Experience

A reminder that all boys from Year 10 can participate in work experience over the school holidays. Please see Mrs Rathie in the Careers Office for further information about the procedure for this.

We look forward to working with the boys this term. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Careers Department on 4687 2603 if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment to speak with one of our Careers Advisers.

Kind regards

Mrs Anthea Richters
Head Of Department - Careers

One of the best ways to encourage your son to read, is to be seen reading. This role-modeling helps to show that reading is valued and important. I have outlined below, four simple ways that you can add reading into your schedule.

Start small: Read a couple of pages or a chapter of a book. Read a couple of headlines or an article of a newspaper or magazine; if you can snatch a few pages of reading throughout the day, those small steps will quickly add up.

Break the text into chunks: Take a look at the text you wish to read and break it down in to manageable chunks that can be completed daily, and set yourself a deadline to finish.

Trade some TV time: This can be a hard one, we love stories and getting involved in a show can meet that need. Try instead, to watch one less episode and spend that time reading, you could find a book related to the show and give it a go.

Audiobooks: Try listening to a book while doing other chores, or on the daily commute. Public libraries allow digital borrowing of audiobooks, or try the local op shop, they often have audiobooks for sale.

Read for pleasure: Don’t make reading a ‘task’, read something that you will enjoy, especially if you are new to regular reading. There are books on pretty much anything, magazines, newspapers – find one that speaks to your interests; the must reads can come later.

All the best with your reading!

Mr Dan Crook
Head of Library and Information Services

Hello Junior School families,

It's a pleasure to have already received such a warm welcome to the TGS community and I only officially started today! Thank you all very much.

I'm excited to be in this interim role until a permanent Head of Junior School is appointed, and I look forward to working closely with the staff, boys and families. Mr Scott Campbell has left a great legacy following his 18 years leading the Junior School, it's a long time in any role, and I hope to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.

You would be aware, following communication from Headmaster, Dr John Kinniburgh, that Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) has been engaged to undertake a review of the Junior School over the next two terms. It will evaluate teaching and learning processes including leadership and management, use of data, curriculum, student learning, culture, community, teacher practice and wellbeing. I am eager to support the Junior School leadership team and staff throughout this process.

That aside, there is a busy term ahead with numerous events and activities that I look forward to attending. If I don't meet you beforehand, please come and introduce yourself to me.

Please don't hesitate to contact me, or the relevant staff member, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your son or the Junior School.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful TGS community, and I hope to meet you soon.

Kind regards,

Mr David Hine
Acting Head of Junior School

I hope all boys and families enjoyed the Easter school holiday, spending time together and living life at a somewhat slower pace. As a school community we welcomed several new students last week. Dallas Kerslake (6C), Fred Coggan (4K), Aman Rao (4K), Austin Beadle (4H) and Christopher Kennedy (1G) commenced their schooling with us last week. I extend a very warm welcome to the boys and their families and wish them a long and happy association with Toowoomba Grammar School.

Staffing

We welcome Mrs Diedre Geddert as a Year 4 teacher. Mrs Geddert will replace Miss Katelyn Hannah, while she is on maternity leave. Mrs Geddert is an experienced teacher who has taught in Toowoomba and overseas.

Whole School Assembly - Thursday, 2 May

A whole School assembly will be held on Thursday, 2 May in the Glen McCracken Sports Centre, commencing at 2:20pm. This will feature involvement from Junior School and Senior School students, celebrating a range of successes.

ANZAC Day Service

The School’s ANZAC Day service was held last Friday, 22 April. All boys from Years 3 to 12 attended this service, which was held on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval. Our Junior School ANZAC Memorial also occurred in our playground. I acknowledge and thank Mrs Jess Galbraith, Prep to Year 3 Co-ordinator, for her fine work with the Junior School Memorial and floral tribute.

Winter Uniform

The boys are required to wear winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3. The Term 2 uniform change is predominately the trousers. The long sleeve shirt is not a compulsory item. When the weather is colder, your son must wear the school jumper as the first item of selection. If he needs more warm clothing, a navy blue or black t-shirt may be worn under the school shirt and he may also wear his vest under the school jumper. The school rain jacket is the last item to be used to keep warm.

Prep: Sports shorts, short or long sleeve Prep shirt, tracksuit and hoodie.

Years 1 – 3: Long blue trousers, short or long sleeve blue shirt and soft broad brim hat.

Years 4 – 6: Long blue trousers, short or long sleeve blue shirt and Akubra.

Friday is sports day. All boys wear golds on this day. Golds include the school sport shirt, sport shorts, white TGS socks and sports shoes. The TGS tracksuit may be worn if your son is cold and the TGS hoodie can be worn on a Friday with golds . If your son runs out of white TGS socks, plain white shin high socks (crew length) may be worn. Anklets or no socks are not acceptable.

Hats

The following rules apply to Junior School boys:

Blues / Blazer Uniform Prep to 3 - sports hat (broad brimmed/soft)

Years 4 to 6 - Akubra

Golds / Sport Prep to 3 - sports hat (broad brimmed/soft)

Years 4 to 6 - bucket hat

All boys should have the correct hat(s) and maintain them in good condition. Further to this, boys who do not have hats will not be permitted to play, in keeping with our Sun Smart policy (no hat, no play). These boys will be required to sit in a designated shaded area.

Blazer Uniform

All boys from Years 1 to 6 are expected to wear Blazer Uniform every Thursday during Terms 2 and 3. This information features in the Student Diary as well as on the School App. Please note that Junior School references are to Blazer Uniform and Senior School references are to Blazer Dress.

Haircuts

Boys must have their hair cut to the appropriate length with no colouring. Hair should be cut to the one length and the fringe should not fall below the eyebrows. Haircuts known as a freshie's and mullets are not acceptable. Boys’ haircuts should be a ‘traditional schoolboy' haircut.

Mr Mike Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School

Palm Lakes visit

On Wednesday, 27 April, Tribe, Tribe Junior and Chamber Winds visited Palm Lake Resort to present a concert. This was such a positive experience for the boys, and the feedback from all involved was extremely positive. This concert provided our choirs with a fabulous performance opportunity in preparation for the upcoming Toowoomba Eisteddfod.

Toowoomba Eisteddfod

All boys from Prep to Year 6 have been busy preparing for the Eisteddfod in their weekly Voiceworks rehearsals. It is expected that all boys are in attendance for the relevant performances. Please find Eisteddfod details listed below.

Singers’ Trophy

The Junior School Singers’ Trophy will be held on Thursday, 2 June at 5.30pm in Old Hall. This adjudicated competition has been held annually since 1997 and is open to all boys from Years 2 to 6, with trophies awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Nominations are now open for Singers’ Trophy and due to the office by Friday 20 May. A letter and nomination form were emailed to parents last week.

Mrs Kellie Dixon
Head of Junior School Music

Welcome back to Term 2.

This is an action packed term for sport. With Club Rugby, Club Football, GPS Football, GPS Tennis, Cross Country and GPS Rugby pre-season all happening, boys are going to be busy. We wish them well for an enjoyable season.

Last week we were blessed with a beautiful day to hold our Cross Country carnival. It was wonderful to see boys trying their best representing their House.

Congratulations to Mackintosh House on being crowned champions for 2022 and Taylor House for being awarded the Spirit Trophy.

We congratulate the following boys in finishing as Age Champion or Runner-up.

Mr Brendan Doherty
Sportsmaster

This month we are delighted to celebrate mothers and the important women in our lives. The Junior School Supporters' Group will be holding our Mother's Day Stall on Wednesday, 4 May and we appreciate any donations. We have been busy shopping and have hundreds of gifts for the boys to purchase. The boys love to shop for you so we price the items individually and let the boys put together their selections. Prices of gifts range from $1 to $15. If you would like your child to purchase a gift, please send cash that day in a named envelope or bag.

On Friday, 6 May will be the Mother’s Day Breakfast which is held in the Junior School Hall. Tickets are available from the Parent Lounge and we welcome siblings to attend. Parent Lounge (twgs.qld.edu.au)

We would love some new attendees at our meetings. Please check our Facebook page for meeting reminders.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0403172718.

Mrs Bliss Bierhoff
Junior School Supporters' Group, President

Term 2, Week 3A & 4B

Year 11 student, Ruben Fitton, recently completed a six-show run of We Will Rock You at the Empire Theatre.

The musical, which showcases the music of Queen around a humorous script penned by comedy legend, Ben Elton, was warmly received by audiences in excess of 1,000 for every show. The accompanying picture shows Ruben on the stage with TGS Old Boy, Tristan James (1999-2003), who played one of the show's lead characters, Buddy. They are flanked by TGS music teachers, Mark Chalmers and Melissa Buchholz, who played in the band for the show.

Ruben is also a 2022 Empire Theatre Bursary award recipient and will be attending NIDA's Young Actors Residency Winter 2022 program in Sydney as part of that Bursary. The two-week intensive course will give students the opportunity to work with industry experts and NIDA tutors, learning core acting techniques and their application to a variety of material. Developing and extending skills through performance practice in voice, movement and acting and applying these in a screen context will be explored.

We are very proud of Ruben's achievements and the way he has represented Toowoomba Grammar School on stage over the past few years.

Many of our Music Department students were hard at work providing entertainment for attendees of the recent Grammar Art Show. We thank these gentlemen for their efforts.

The tennis boys have been busy preparing for the season ahead. Over the Easter break, the 1st squad travelled to Noosa for trial matches with St. Peter’s Lutheran and St. Andrew’s Anglican Colleges. These provided excellent match play opportunities for both singles and doubles. The squad then played a local tournament before joining the A-squad for a two-day clinic at TGS.

After a frantic week of practice and team selections, our boys were ready for the first match of the season against IGS. This proved to be a very successful for day with TGS winning 12 of the 18 matches played. This culminated in a hard fought win for the 1sts for a spectacular start to the season. With the boys confidence high, we look forward to building on these performances over the next few weeks.

It has been a busy month for the Football Program with the Pre-Season Football Camp getting the 2022 season off to a flying start. Eighty boys were put through their paces by some of the best coaches in South East Queensland as they strived to improve their technical and tactical awareness. The two-day camp included some great football sessions as well as athlete recovery, nutrition and sleep. The camp culminated with the presentation of the Mike Mulvey Medal to the best player on the camp in each age group.

Week 1 – GPS – Home v Ipswich Grammar School

A hectic first week back brought all the players and coaches together for a hasty catch up and final team selections. A huge shout out to the grounds staff who delivered some magnificent playing fields for our teams and visitors. The School has had some turnover in coaching staff this summer meaning we have a lot of fresh faces with some great coaching experience to bring to the boys.

This year, Grammar has entered 24 teams into the GPS competition and eight teams into the local Toowoomba (FQ Darling Downs) competition. With over 300 boys playing football it promises to be a busy season ahead and a wonderful platform to build on the success of the Football Program.

Darling Downs and State Championships Back on the Radar

This year will provide increased opportunities for our boys to trial for, and potentially be selected to participate in, Darling Downs State School championships as the calendar has seen events switch to Term 3. Boys across the School have commenced trials as they prepare for district teams leading to DD selections.

Rugby is in full swing with both Senior and Junior School players involved in our program.

The Junior Club competition kicked off with the Goondiwindi Carnival on Saturday, 23 April. All of our TGS teams (U6 to U11) did well for the first game of the season, well done to everyone involved. It was also a big thrill to have 1^st XV coach, Scott Gale, and a few of his 1^st XV boys, make the trip out to give the younger teams a hand.

The Senior School Rugby Program has commenced with our Development Squads training on Tuesday and Friday mornings. The focus in the initial weeks is to roll out the “Confidence in Contact” program which is complimented by the “World Rugby – Activate" program implemented across our entire program. A huge thanks must go to the volunteers from the Rugby Supporters' Group who cook the boys a BBQ breakfast after training on Fridays.

The Queensland School Swimming Championships rounded out Term 1 for our swimmers. TGS had the following boys representing the Darling Downs:

Isaac Beverland, Eoin Campbell, Beau Campbell, Nicholas Denny, Joshua Fraser, Ryan Grimes, Cadel Hardgrave, Cooper Healey, Bryce Krause, Alex Macey, Lachlan McNamee, Jack Mowbray, Lachlan Parker, Edward Rogan, Ryan Thornton, and Clancy Wright.

Medal Winners:

• Bryce Krause - GOLD 12 years 50m and 100m Backstroke
• Lachlan Parker - SILVER 13 years 200m Backstroke, BRONZE 13 years 200m Freestyle
• Lachlan McNamee - BRONZE 16-19 years Multi Class 50m Butterfly, Backstroke, Freestyle

Congratulations to the following boys selected to represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships to be held in Brisbane in August:

• Bryce Krause
• Lachlan McNamee

The National Age Swimming Championships were held in Adelaide over the Easter Holidays. We had three boys qualify to compete for the first time: Ryan Grimes, Lachlan McNamee and Ryan Thornton. The standard at this meet is of the highest level with only the very best in Australia eligible to compete.

Lachlan made the finals in three events and Ryan Thornton won a BRONZE medal in the 16 years 50m Backstroke.

Congratulations to all our swimmers for all your hard work and dedication.

Round 9 of the GPS Cricket competition saw TGS play Gregory Terrace in what is always a competitive battle. The 1st XI side, led by Callum Galvin’s 87, were able to finish the season with a hard-fought victory. The win saw them finish the season in third position, which is a fantastic achievement. Congratulations to all boys and coaches.

There were some fantastic performances across the board, none more so than Hedley Donges who hit an incredible 119 off 50 balls to guide the 9A side home chasing a mammoth total.

The Cricket Presentation Awards were held last week and a huge thank you to everyone who attended. Congratulations to not only the award winners but to all boys who represented TGS with distinction over the season.

A huge congratulations to Jem Ryan who was selected in the U19 Australian Merit side after competing in the National Championships during the school holidays. Well done also to Chace Oates who was selected in the Men’s Indigenous side. A wonderful achievement for both boys!

The Adventure Training Award (ATA) is a prestigious achievement awarded to only the best cadets in the SEQLD Brigade. Dozens of cadet units from across the South East attended with eager candidates tested on a variety of skills developed over their time in the Cadet Corps. Candidates were split into three groups (syndicates) of ten, with their ability to function in a team constantly tested throughout the five days.

It is a true test of resilience, teamwork, and leadership with candidates put through a gruelling program of physical and mental challenges throughout the five days to test their fortitude and ability to adapt to any circumstance. Wakeup call for the camp came at 0455. Reveille was held at 0500, a morning parade conducted in syndicates to ensure everyone was present. Still working with nightlights and torches, the teams of ten navigated through the barracks, moving through activities such as an overwater obstacle course, drone flying, weapons training, abseiling, and more.

The final challenge was a rigorous and lengthy navigation challenge. Syndicates walked up to 55kms in a one day. This not only challenged candidates mentally, but physically in the most demanding manner. The navigation itself was also the result of equally strenuous preparation. In the days preceding, candidates were tasked with creating their own navigation data sheets, being given only an encoded list of co-ordinates. Working on minimal sleep, the teams pushed through and achieved the ultimate award.

Congratulations to CDTCPL James Biggs for achieving this prestigious award. We look forward to seeing you wearing your shiny Gold Boomerang on parade soon.

The TGS Honour Guard’s main role is to support ceremonial activities on behalf of Toowoomba Grammar School. Their major annual event is ANZAC Day, a fine tradition that they have contributed to since 1922.

Preparations for ANZAC Day commenced in the first week of school with weekly drill practice using deactivated Lee Enfield .303 calibre rifles. The Honour Guard attended five ANZAC Day services, beginning with the TGS service held on Friday, 22 April. During the service, the Honour Guard posts the Catafalque on Old Boys' Memorial Oval. On ANZAC Day, the TGS Honour Guard supported the official Toowoomba services at Mothers' Memorial by providing vigil parties for all three dawn, wreath laying, and main services. The TGS Honour Guard also conducted ANZAC services at both Blue Care Toowoomba Aged Care Facility and Tri-Care Toowoomba Aged Care Residence where they thoroughly impressed the residents and listened enthusiastically to their stories of the past after the service.

ANZAC Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. No day is more important than ANZAC Day to an Army Cadet.

The Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadet Unit has a very long and proud ANZAC history with more than 200 Old Boys paying the ultimate sacrifice over the last century. On Friday, 22 April, the TGS Army Cadet Unit proudly marched onto Old Boys' Memorial Oval to commemorate those Old Boys who never returned from the horrors of World War I and the Boer War. Sixty-three TGS Old Boys lost their lives in WWI and two in the Boer War. Continuing a long-standing TGS tradition, 65 Year 10 boys placed the Australian flag next to the crosses commemorating those fallen Old Boys. The TGS Army Cadet Unit would like to extend our thanks to those boys involved, it is certainly a moving tribute. TGS Army Cadets would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Colonel Dave Lynch, Commandant Oakey Aviation Training Centre, who inspired us to remember those brave men and women and reminded us of the sacrifice they made for the Australia we now inhabit. For the first time, the TGS Army Cadet Unit was able to parade in its entirety with the girls from The Glennie School and Fairholme College joining us for the service. Thank you to the Principals of both those schools for allowing the girls to participate.

One of the most significant ways in which TGS Army Cadets contribute to the local community is by attending ANZAC Day Services, and Monday, 25 April was no exception. After a two-year hiatus from marching, the TGS Cadets proudly and respectfully marched through the city, displaying the Cadet core values of respect and excellence. TGS Army Cadets marched under the direction of SCUO Harry Fortune and were aided by the combined Army Cadet Drum Corps, including TGS members SGT Tom Knudsen, CPL Lawson Booth, and CDT Rubie Angell. A special mention to CDTREC Nate Ryals who volunteered to carry the Defence Force Cadets banner in blistering wind and rain, you did yourself and your fellow cadets proud. Although the weather was not ideal, all the cadets did a fantastic job and should be congratulated.

Lest We Forget.

Great results for Year 12 student, Oliver Gray, at the ISSF Pistol National Championships in Melbourne recently. Oliver competed against the leading representatives of each state in the Junior Under 21 divisions and placed fourth in the Men’s Air Pistol; this is the main Olympic pistol event and Oliver’s preferred event. He was seventh in the mixed Junior Standard Pistol.

Congratulations Oliver!

An incredible moment for TGS Old Boy (2013-19) Eli Adams who had his first full start for the Brisbane Roar FC in the ANZAC Day fixture against Melbourne Victory on Monday. Eli is a former Australian U17 player who was an outstanding player for the School during his time at TGS. Eli is the first outfield player to have made the successful journey into the A-League from the School Football program. Congratulations Eli!

The Rugby Supporters' Group has had a great influx of new faces to the committee including new President, Trent Raymond, and many other parents with a rugby focus. Our aim is to support the Director of Rugby, Mr David Enfantie, and his coaches with off-field requirements and events to enhance rugby at TGS.

The playing season started in earnest with the traditional opening Junior Carnival on the banks of the mighty Macintyre River, home of the Goondiwindi Emus who host every junior team from U6 to U12s on the Darling Downs.

Our Juniors did TGS proud, both on and off the field, with lots of great games including many wins and the odd second place. The boys were buoyed by the presence of the 1st XV squad and their new coach, Mr Scott Gale, lending a hand with warmups, coaching and even tying boots. The Senior boys had a fantastic impact on the Juniors and hopefully this support will be repaid in Term 3 when the "big boys" kick off.

The Rugby Supporters' Group is hosting a launch for the GPS season with a “Rugby Long Lunch” on Friday, 15 July in the clear marquee at the Toowoomba Golf Club - Middle Ridge. Get your tables of ten ready! This is a great way to kick off the season and it will be an afternoon not to be missed. There will be more information published very soon, so please keep an eye out.

The Rugby Supporters' Group is also cooking breakfast for the GPS squad boys each Friday morning all of Term 2, making sure the boys are well nourished before the start of school.

The Rugby Supporters' Group is truly an all-inclusive group catering to the off-field needs for the Rugby program. From the U6s to the 1^st XV, we're here for all the players and if you would like to be part of this group please contact me on 0447 194 125.

Mr Trent Raymond
Rugby Supporters' Group, President

Toowoomba Regional Council advises that stormwater drainage construction works will be carried out at the intersection of Suffolk and Ipswich streets from Monday, 9 May 2022. The works will involve modifying the existing stormwater drainage on the north-eastern side of the intersection.

Due to the dangers associated with trenching and the equipment needed to do the works, there will be a temporary road closure during work hours to traffic in Suffolk Street between Herries and Ipswich streets.

The works are expected to be completed in one week, weather permitting.

Council apologises for any inconvenience and thanks you for your co-operation and patience during these works.

Supporters of The Arts (SOTA) is running a cake stall at the TGS Open Day this Saturday, 28 May and we need you help in 3 ways:

• bake or make cakes, slices, biscuits, brownies, chocolate crackles, honey joys, mini tarts, jelly cups, donuts, quiches, jams, chutneys etc. Gluten-free and dairy-free treats are welcome.

• slice and package 8-10am Saturday in the Old Hall Kitchen

• sell the goodies (set up stall from 10am to start selling at 10.30am)

Please see the volunteer sign-up below for details:
bit.ly/SOTABakeSale

If you’re baking/making, please read this guide. A few other things:

• please do not use any nuts in your cooking, including almond meal

• include a list of ingredients in your baking as we will need to have them available if anyone asks

• send in slices and large cake whole as we will package everything and sell for $5

• name your containers so they can be returned or package in takeaway containers

• if you’re able to help package on Saturday morning, bring a cutting board and sharp knife.

Any questions? Call/text SOTA President Linda Lester on 0437 357 771.

Join SOTA’s Facebook group to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/groups/252391559656593/

The P&F is excited to host our first "Ladies Evening".

This event is for all year groups from Prep to 12 and you are more than welcome to bring friends. It will be held in the garden at Gip's Restaurant on Saturday, 14 May and will move inside if it rains.

Tickets include canapés and a welcome drink, and are currently on sale via the TGS website.

Toowoomba Grammar School - Online Payment (westpac.com.au)

The School is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people at the School and is dedicated to protecting them from harm. At Toowoomba Grammar School we have zero tolerance for child abuse. Our child protection responsibilities are of the utmost importance for the School and, as such, the School is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations, and to maintain a safe and supportive School environment for all children and young people. As part of our commitment to child protection, safety and wellbeing, Toowoomba Grammar School has appointed a number of Child Protection Contact Officers as honest, mature, ethical and experienced members of the School community who can deal with sensitive issues relating to child protection and safety. Our Child Protection Contact Officers are available to report any concerns or answer any questions that you may have with respect to our Child Protection Program.

Our Child Protection Contact Officers are:

Brendan Baulch – Chairman of the Board of Trustees
John Kinniburgh – Headmaster
John Anderson – Deputy Headmaster
Mark Oliphant – Head of Senior School
David Hine – Head of Junior School (Acting)

An incredible moment for TGS Old Boy (2013-19) Eli Adams who had his first full start for the Brisbane Roar FC in the ANZAC Day fixture against Melbourne Victory on Monday. Eli is a former Australian U17 player who was an outstanding player for the School during his time at TGS. Eli is the first outfield player to have made the successful journey into the A-League from the School Football program. Congratulations Eli!