It has been an amazing Term 1 for boarding at TGS. The Boarding Program continues to develop across all areas, from the recreation program to the academic support offered to our boarders. At the forefront of this has been our Year 12 leaders. Their theme for the year is strength through unity, and I have been very impressed with the way they have role modelled this to the younger boarders. These leaders have gone above and beyond to include all boarders from Year 6 to their peers in Year 12. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all of the TGS Boarding staff. We are fortunate to have so many staff who are so dedicated to their roles and the wellbeing of the boarders in their care.
To highlight the development of our recreation program, I only need to look at the participation numbers. Our boarders have voted with their feet as most of our activities reached capacity and were booked out. The engagement with our recreation program has been significant, and when the opportunity has presented itself, there have been over 50 boarders signed up to events which have included the movies, touch rugby and socials.
In supporting the boarders academically, the newly refurbished Purves block was home to a new academic enrichment initiative in which all our Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 boarders studied collaboratively with assistance from boarding staff, Gap students, teachers and Old Boys. The concentration of staff and boys in the same space made for a focused environment where assistance was readily on hand. Pleasingly, our boarders relished the opportunity to make the most of the academic opportunity. The familiarity of the staff meant that our boarders were comfortable with seeking assistance and there was a positive learning atmosphere throughout.
Throughout this edition of The Boarders' Telegraph there are some outstanding examples of our boarders engaging in activities in their houses and developing their character. As we travel away on camps and activities week, I am confident in the knowledge that our boarders will be having some different experiences that will challenge them and encourage them to reflect and grow. At the end of the week, when parents come in to collect their sons for the end of the term, a Boarder Parents' Support Group meeting will be held. I am looking forward to giving my report and I will also take the opportunity to thank Mrs Ruth Johnston for her service to our Corfe boarders over the past couple of years. It was a wonderful farewell supper at Corfe for her last night and the speeches were evidence of the high regard for which our boarders hold her. Following the BPSG meeting I will close the term with a final letter to all members of our community and I am eager to preview some exciting developments for Term 2.
Nick Byron Director of Boarding
Corfe boarders farewell Ruth Johnston
From the Boarder Parents' Support Group
One week to go and you will have your boys home with you!
This term has gone past in the blink of an eye and I really hope the holidays don’t go by so fast.
It will be nice for the boys to have some downtime after a very rapid term. Lads, you are to be commended on the way you go about your business and getting on with things. Recharge those batteries, catch up on sleep and enjoy time at home and with your families.
Looking forward to Term 2, I encourage you as parents to be aware of, and actively involved with, all the happenings around TGS. ‘How do I know what’s happening?’ It’s simple… read your newsletter, read your emails, signup to the TGS app, check the Parent Lounge and finally ask questions. There is always someone at TGS willing to help, be that a Head of House, teacher or other staff member, your House Rep, another parent and most importantly your own son.
BPSG MEETING DATE: Thursday, 30 March, 1:30pm, Old Hall. We would love for you to join us face to face or online.
These meetings offer both new and old families a great opportunity to meet other parents from across all of the boarding houses as well as have the chance to hear from Headmaster, Dr Kinniburgh, Director of Boarding, Nick Byron and other senior staff in a relaxed forum. Please contact me or your House Representative at any time prior to the meeting if you would like anything added to this agenda. Thank you to those who have already contacted me.
I hope you got in early and booked your tickets to the Art Show events of Opening Night, Art Among Friends or High Tea that are on this weekend. If you are unable to make it down for the Art Show, please show your support and buy a raffle ticket or two.
I wish all boys the best for the camps next week. Enjoy!
Have a great holiday and a very Happy Easter to all.
Term 2 uniform is Navy Trousers and for Years 7-12 it is Blazer dress every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The Uniform Shop will open
Monday, 17 April 8:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday, 18 April 8:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday, 19 April back to normal opening hours - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
End of Term Travel Arrangements
Transport to and from Toowoomba Grammar School is a necessity of a boarder. In order to help parents plan ahead I have outlined the transport opportunities that will be provided by TGS in 2023. The principles behind these transport opportunities reflect the fact that parents will often need to purchase new uniforms or sporting equipment at the beginning of a term. As such, I also encourage parents to book medical and dental appointments for the beginning of term so that if any further treatment is needed, this can be arranged through the Health Centre.
End of Term 1 – Thursday, 30 March
3:30pm drop off to Brisbane Airport departs.
3:45pm Bus service to Goondiwindi and Moree departs.
3:45pm Bus service to Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles and Roma departs.
Friday, 31 March
6:15am drop off to Brisbane Airport departs.
Transport for boarders flying out of Wellcamp will be by arrangement and families should contact their Head of House to coordinate.
Start of Term 2 - Monday, 17 April
7:00am pick-up from Brisbane Airport.
11:30am pick-up from Brisbane Airport.
Transport for boarders flying into Wellcamp will be by arrangement and families should contact their Head of House to coordinate.
End of Term 2 – Thursday, 15 June
3:30pm drop off to Brisbane Airport departs.
3:45pm Bus service to Goondiwindi and Moree departs.
3:45pm Bus service to Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles and Roma departs.
Friday, 16 June
6:15am drop off to Brisbane Airport departs.
Transport for boarders flying out of Wellcamp will be by arrangement and families should contact their Head of House to coordinate.
Start of Term 3 – Monday, 10 July
7:00am pick-up from Brisbane Airport.
11:30am pick-up from Brisbane Airport.
Transport for boarders flying into Wellcamp will be by arrangement and families should contact their Head of House to coordinate.
End of Term 3 – Thursday, 14 September
3:30pm drop off to Brisbane Airport.
3:45pm Bus service to Goondiwindi and Moree departs.
3:45pm Bus service to Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles and Roma departs.
Friday, 15 September
6:15am drop off to Brisbane Airport.
Transport for boarders flying out of Wellcamp will be by arrangement and families should contact their Head of House to coordinate.
Start of Term 4 – Tuesday, 3 October
7:00am pick-up from Brisbane Airport.
11:30am pick-up from Brisbane Airport.
Transport for boarders flying into Wellcamp will be by arrangement and families should contact their Head of House to coordinate.
End of Term 4 – Thursday, 23 November
3:30pm drop off to Brisbane Airport departs.
Transport for boarders flying out of Wellcamp will be by arrangement and families should contact their Head of House to coordinate.
Calling on Old Boys to become involved in Boarding
Our Old Boy connections are extremely important to the School. Old Boys can provide leadership and be great mentors as a result of their personal experience and love of the School.
We are currently seeking Old Boys to become more involved in our Boarding Program in a range of areas:
- as a tutor or mentor in sports or performing/visual/manual arts or other skills
- assisting as a tutor/mentor in specialist subject areas/academics
- taking shifts and just having a 'presence' in the boarding houses
Our Old Boys are great role models and we would love to take advantage of these good men to help our current students see first-hand the outcomes possible for them as a boarder.
If you know anyone who might be interested, please let them know that we are looking for them! Contact Director of Boarding, Nick Byron to find out more or register your interest: n.byron@twgs.qld.edu.au
Below is a wonderful article from Mac Flegler describing why he wanted to come back to TGS Boarding. We hope this might provide you with some inspiration to rejoin our boarding community too!
Mac Flegler TGS Old Boy (2017-21) and Corfe House Boarding Supervisor
I have returned to where it all began, and I feel right at home.
My parents decided when I was very young that I would attend Toowoomba Grammar School as a boarder. Coming from a property surrounded by a small community, my parents believed that sending me to TGS would provide me with many fundamental skills needed for a young man, as well as an education that I could not get in my hometown. Starting my journey at TGS in Year 8 as a boarder in Mackintosh, adjusting from a small country high school to one of the biggest private schools in the country, was frightening but exciting. While at TGS, although education my primary focus, I was involved in many co-curricular activities including cricket, football, rugby and track and field.
I loved my time as a boarder. Living with 56 other people probably doesn’t sound like the most enticing thing to many people; however, when you put that into the perspective of a teenage boy, it’s more like a sleepover with 56 of your mates! Over the five years of my time within Mackintosh, I was able to create many memories and make many friends which will be with me forever. I graduated in 2021 and it didn’t take me long at all to realise that I missed boarding so much, that I wanted to come back, this time as a staff member.
Currently I am studying Psychology at UniSQ in Toowoomba while also committed to playing sport for local clubs. My Psychology studies, along with my experience as a TGS boarder, means that working in the Year 7 boarding house (Corfe House), is a great opportunity to assist many of the young boys in their development into young men by providing advice based on my own experience. As a Boarding Supervisor in Corfe House, my role is to provide a supportive outlet and friendly face to make the boys feel as if they are home. From working with the boys to complete their homework, or playing table tennis with them, providing a role model or someone to point them in the right direction is essential in helping the boys to reach their full potential both academically and as young men of good character. What I enjoy the most though, is being able to create a home away from home for the boys and provide them with rich memories that will stay with them forever - just like mine.
The importance of role models for TGS boarders cannot be understated, and whom better to do this than the TGS Old Boys themselves! Being able to understand the daily routines as well as help the boys with any specific questions, whether that be directions to a classroom or which oval their sports training is being held, this help never goes un-appreciated by the boys. I would encourage any Old Boys to get back involved within the TGS community in any capacity. Our own experiences and knowledge of the School can help produce many more great experiences for countless students as they engage in their transition from young boys into good young men.
Experience TGS Boarding
We have an exclusive opportunity to experience boarding at TGS.
Please let your friends know about this great event. We'd love them to come and stay in our boarding houses, meet our staff, explore our facilities and learn more about our boarding program.
And if you have a son who will be joining our boarding program next year - please come along.
Phone our Enrolments officer, Kelly Charles to secure your spot - (07) 46872517.
BPSG Contacts
2023 Boarder Parents' Support Group Contact Details
Blue Cards required for all volunteers - including parents
Thank you to all our wonderful parents who volunteer at the School, or are considering volunteering. It is now a requirement for all volunteers to have a Blue Card as part of Child Safety requirements.
If you would like to volunteer, could we please ask you to get your Blue Card as soon as possible. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, thank you for your ongoing support, and your understanding that the safety and wellbeing of our boys is our priority.
TGS on Tour - Term 2
TGS is on Tour again in Term 2 and we're coming to a town near you!
We'd love to catch up with your family, and please invite friends or anyone who may be considering sending their son to TGS, we'd love to meet them too!
If you can make it to any of our coming events, please register here https://bit.ly/3KWDFkU
Where do I go if I have questions about my son?
TGS Child Protection Responsibilities
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 Ken Raven – Head of Junior School Nick Byron - Director of Boarding Lyle Gothmann - School Counsellor
Please label all clothing, both personal and TGS uniforms, that belong to boarders. These should be clearly named either by using purchased woven tapes (sewn on) or by using a permanent laundry marker. Iron on labelling usually does not withstand regular commercial drier use and is therefore not recommended.
Remember to also label mesh bags – and these are only to be used for boarders' socks and underwear.
Although not sent to the laundry, please remember to also label your son's akubra hat, tie and blazer. It is amazing how many of these valuable items are not identified.
A limited sewing service is provided for items purchased by the boarders during term time; however, this service is not available for labelling bulk items at the start of the school term. There is a selection of contacts at the Uniform Shop that can assist with this bulk labelling sewing service.
Thank you for your ongoing support and have a wonderful holiday break.
Regards, Morag Watt House Manager
Boarding Back Then...
Boarders heading home in 1994
Boyce House
Term 1 Wrap
We are heading into the final round of fixtures for volleyball and cricket which means it is time to dust off the football boots and tighten those strings on the racquet. The staff of Boyce are proud of the way in which the students have gone about their business in Term 1. The Year 8s are starting to forge strong ties with their Buffalo brethren which I think paid dividends in the Inter-House Cross Country Championships. Congratulations Boyce!
The boys have managed the expectations of the Senior School and although there have been a few bumps in the road, which there always is, for the most part we have achieved a very high level of commendations and an extremely low level of detentions, when compared to other Houses.
Boyce prides itself in being a family and although we are called a House, I like to think of us as a home. A house can be moved into, but a home is where a family lives and grows together.
I am proud of the way in which the Seniors have shown a genuine interest in the Juniors of the House and established positive relationships across the two floors.
It has been a pleasure to welcome the Corfe boys into Boyce and also the new students commencing at Toowoomba Grammar School this year.
Sports & Activities
Congratulations to all students who represented the School and the House across Term 1. It is hard to narrow down the special mentions for particular moments as there have been quite a few.
Cricket
Congratulations to Connor Walker for scoring a gutsy 110 runs last weekend against Nudgee College. Mark Creedon, Head of the Old Boys' Association witnessed the knock and said it was one of the best played centuries he's seen in a while. "Determination mixed with patience and common sense", were Mr Creedon's words. Congratulations to Connor and his team mates.
The 10Cs continue their march to a premiership and remain undefeated heading into the final round.
Volleyball
The 8As and 8Bs volleyballers headed to Boondall last weekend to play Nudgee. George Anderson served strongly and lifted the intensity of the game in the second set. Congratulations to members of the 1st VI volleyball team that beat Nudgee 3-1 in their penultimate round of fixtures.
Cross Country
This week, Boyce House set straight the events of last year where we lost 16 students to COVID-related matters on the morning of the Inter-House Cross Country Championships. With that many competitors away, we finished 5th. This year, thanks to the great efforts of the boys, we had as many competitors as possible and won back the Headmaster's Shield!
Read My Lips
Congratulations to all the students and staff that competed in last week's "Read My Lips" lip sync battle. There was a large contingent of teams vying for the top prize and Boyce was well represented across all year groups on the night - even with a once-in-a-blue-moon appearance by staff in the Senior performance.
Academics
The past two weeks have seen a serious decrease in stock from the study snacks supply. Students are offered snacks to assist in their enjoyment of studying and I am proud of the boys who have used spare time to utilise the facilities and study rooms available in Boyce House.
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the effort results for the term and continue to track these across the year groups. Boys with the four highest effort ratings are gifted with rooms that have windows. Effort is celebrated in Boyce, as we strongly believe this is something that every student has the opportunity of demonstrating in class. It is a sign of respect and commitment that build strong foundations for the boys to stride from when they graduate.
September 2023 Boyce Boarders Gathering in the Outback
In the September holidays of this year, the Hall family, the Doherty family, along with Mr Harris and Mr Fels, are hopeful of hosting families at a property of one of our families. This event is designed to bring Boyce to the bush and is a mark of respect from the staff to the families that support us throughout the year. I look forward to announcing further information about this event in the weeks to come.
Thank you from the Hall Clan
Lastly, I wish to thank the amazing staff of Boyce again for their dedication and commitment to ensuring all 53 Boyce boarders have an opportunity to continue to develop holistically and academically throughout their journey at TGS. I feel the House is in great shape, physically and in a sense of well-being, due to the high standards of support given by Mr Doherty, Mr Fels and Mr Harris. These three staff members have a special attachment to the boys that continues to develop through a mutual respect and unwavering depth of patience.
Can I ask that all families take the time to chat with this crew when picking up your son at the end of term.
Thank you also to the boys, parents, carers and other members of the Boyce family. Your support has been greatly appreciated this term. Enjoy your break and I look forward to seeing some of you on my travels to Goondi, Moree, Narrabri, Dubbo and Armidale over the break.
Happy Easter!
Corfe House
Corfe Courier - Term 1 Week 9
A note from Henry White, Head of House
Dear Corfe families of 2023 – thank you, once again, for tuning in to another edition of the Corfe Courier, Corfe’s fortnightly contribution to the larger TGS Boarders’ Telegraph publication.
We’ve done it! The end of term is well and truly upon us and as you read this piece, our boys will have completed their Term 1 academic studies and will be in the midst of House pack-ups and preparation for camps week. Our two Year 6s, Jack and Heath, eagerly await a week of quiet downtime with Ms Johnston while their big brothers cruise off to Alexandra Headland to cap off Term 1.
There is a peculiar feeling in Corfe at this stage; while the boys are excited for the weeks ahead and relieved to have tied a knot on their first school term, fatigue has also set in, and with it, occasional homesickness and irritability. Please be mindful of this during any phone calls home this week.
Our team is incredibly proud of how far the boys have come along their journey so far. The learning curve in Term 1 is not an easy one; it is a mixing pot filled with the arrival of shock, anxieties of settling, pressures of new routines and expectations, homesickness, burdens of homework and assessment, and the novelty of a 10-week sleepover. When you put it like this, it makes sense that we’ve had a few tears and the need for a firm word at times. It also becomes very clear that these boys, above all else, need a good rest!
As always, I’d like to thank you for your support and confidence throughout the term and, as I did at the start of the year, acknowledge each of you as parents for your trust in us to support, guide and care for your most precious asset. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our incredible team of staff, as without them, the term would not have been the success that it has.
As I close off this opening statement, I do so with a heavy heart – but a hopeful one! With the end of Term 1, we say goodbye to the wonderful Ruth Johnston, whose care and support for our Corfies since her arrival in 2021 will be forever missed yet never forgotten.
Please read on and enjoy the final Corfe Courier for Term 1, 2023.
TGS Show Cattle Team
On 10 and 11 March, a strong contingent of Corfies ventured out to the Pittsworth Show to represent TGS and compete in the Young Judges competition. Despite the rain, our boys had a brilliant time. Perhaps less sleep was had than originally anticipated, but this certainly didn’t dampen their spirits!
I stepped out on the Friday afternoon to catch up with boys and see them in their element; It was awesome to see them having fun, whilst taking such care and precision in their approach. As a greenhorn with no prior experience with cattle, or judging for that matter, our boys were quick to ‘steer’ me in the right direction (pun intended!). I learnt a great deal listening to Gus McMillan and Jack Lethbridge’s observations of two heifers and their debate over which heifer’s spine had the more desirable curvature. Eli McCormick and Hugh Fay were quick to rattle off a few different breeds of bulls on show and Angus Paffey was quicker to tell me “we’ve got bigger bulls than that, sir”.
Blue ribbon performance! A huge shout-out goes to Angus Paffey!
Congratulations Angus for taking out the blue ribbon and claiming first place in the Junior Judges division! Not only that, but Angus received kudos and praise from show officials who reported they were impressed by his manners, courtesy and professionalism – it is obvious, this fine breed of ‘Angus’ (again, pun intended!) no doubt comes from good stock! Well done!
Student Shout-outs: Week 7A and Week 8B
To extend this newfound edition to weekly routines, I am pleased
to announce the following lads who have impressed me, the staff, and their
peers across Week 7A and Week 8B.
Each week's recipient is announced and congratulated during our
Monday House Assembly after having been recognised for their outstanding
performance during the week prior.
Week 7A - Will Kris
Will Kris has been recognised for his selflessness and kindness.
A consistently quiet achiever, Will is always a polite, calm and courteous
presence in Corfe House. I am always impressed when receiving comments from
other staff about Will’s manner and temperament; an all-rounder and a gentleman
are the usual labels given to this young man. Will typifies the value of
kindness we are trying to promote here in Corfe and his contribution to our
House is hereby recognised.
Thank you and well done, Will!
Week 8B - A joint title: Jack Lethbridge and Charlie Forrest
As mentioned in a previous article, on 5 and 19 March our boys were lucky enough to enjoy a BBQ dinner with the Kinniburghs
at Headmaster’s residence. Two brilliant evenings of food, fun and good company
were topped by fine words from these two willing volunteers. On each occasion,
Jack and Charlie volunteered themselves to speak (off-the-cuff) to thank
Headmaster and his family for their warm hospitality. Their words were heartfelt and well-versed (a proud moment for an English teaching housemaster!) Boys, thank you for stepping up and being such fantastic ambassadors for Corfe.
Also, on a separate note of recognition, thank you for what may be the best photo of 2023!
As I conclude the final edition of Corfe Courier for Term 1 2023, I also witness the closing of another chapter. It is with a very heavy heart that we say goodbye to our beloved Housemother, Ms Johnston.
Ruth arrived in Corfe in January 2021. She came with great expertise and experience having been affiliated with Corfe and Toowoomba Grammar School as a Corfe mother and Groom House Parent Rep. With her calm manner, firm presence and wealth of knowledge about 'what’s best for boys', Ruth took to the role with ease and quickly became the daily highlight for many who reside in Corfe.
Ruth is known throughout our community for her incredible diligence, her consistency, and her commitment to our boys. She is a stickler for routine and discipline; she holds a firm line that boys are seldom willing to cross. However, perhaps she will be missed most of all for her warmth, humour and willingness to give boys her time and presence just when they need it most (and her baking!).
Throughout her tenure, Ruth’s commitment has been a vital aspect of Corfe’s functionality. Whilst these two years are but a small mark on the history of Toowoomba Grammar School, they comprise the impact of a global pandemic, two Directors of Boarding, and the leadership of four Corfe Heads of House – Fowler, Purves, Byron and White – not to mention the ongoing ramifications and instability associated with these changes within a boarding environment where consistency is at its foundation. Throughout this period, she was the constant figure and anchor that Corfe desperately needed.
I want to thank Ruth for all that she has done, and I wish her the very best of luck, and every opportunity as she returns to Dalby on a more fulltime basis as mother, wife, and business partner. I look forward to catching up on your farm and yes Ruth, I will take you up on that offer for a glass of bubbles once the dust has settled on your departure, but for now I’m just too upset to even consider it!
In closing this chapter of Corfe’s history, I want to share the words of just some of the many boys you’ve cared for in your time here:
Thank you Ms Johnston!
Thank you Ms Johnston! I’m going to miss the brilliant cookies you made for afternoon tea.
I would like to thank you for looking after us and just doing the right thing all the time and doing things you didn’t have to do to keep us out of trouble.
Thank you for waking me up for training and reminding me to get my washing!
Thank you for always being there when we were in need and for always helping us.
Thank you for helping me when I was homesick.
Thank you for my first day. I was coming into Corfe and I was really nervous to leave my parents and you walked in and introduced yourself and made me feel really great about coming here.
Thankyou Ms Johnston for all the help in Corfe, especially for all the early morning wake ups to make sure I got to my bus on time for sport.
Thanks Miss for all the good times and keeping us in line with the rules, without you Corfe wouldn’t have been the place it was.
Thank you Mrs Johnston for always being there for us boys and always being so kind and helpful.
Thank you Mrs Johnston, you were a great house mother you really guided me on my way through Corfe if it meant helping me make the right decision or stopping me from making the wrong ones. My favourite memory of you was all the great cooking you did for us.
Thank you for the time you took me to hospital when I broke my finger and waited for hours when I was getting x-rays. You stayed up really late that night and I really appreciate it.
Thank you Miss Johnston for your amazing efforts for us in our year of being in Corfe.
Thank you Miss Johnston. I’m going to miss doing a tunnel for you when you walk back from dinner.
My favourite memory of Mrs Johnston is her cookies (I really like them).
Thanks Ms Johnston for the time I was a bit homesick and you helped me get over it.
Thanks for the baking!
Thank for being there for me when I was homesick and helping me every step of the way.
Thanks for being so nice to me and I will miss you always telling me to go to cricket even if I don’t want to.
Thanks for comforting me when I cried.
Mrs Johnston you have looked after me ever since I came to TGS in Year 5 I am really grateful for everything you have done for me, thank you.
Thank you Mrs Johnston for remining me every day to collect washing and for reminding me about things I forget like my tutor and other things. I’m worried I will forget when you leave.
Thanks for helping me when I was sad and down.
From the first day I arrived you showed me kindness and guided me. The thanks I owe you cannot be put into words so I simply write thanks and that Corfe will never be the same without you. You can certainly never be replaced. Although you are leaving the memories of you will always be a part of me and Corfe. you have made Corfe my home away from home.
Miss Johnston, thank you for being here for us Corfe boys and helping us through all the hard and rough times.
I don’t think I myself have had enough time in Corfe House with Ms. Johnston to say that a single memory was the best, but the help she has given us has not only helped us start, but will continue to guide us in our boarding journey. Thank you Ms. Johnston!
Miss Johnston is very kind and nice because she always welcomes us back when we get back from school to the boarding house and she helps all of us when we are stuck on work. She helps us look for things when we lose them.
Dear Mrs Johnston Thank you for being my housemother. I have thoroughly enjoyed having you around. You have always been there for me when I needed help. I hope we meet again when you leave and visit often.
Dear Ms Johnston, I hope you have a great time back home and have lots of fun with your family.
I have always liked Mrs Johnston because she is like my second mother, so she wakes me up for training and after school she always lights my face up after not having such a good day at school she always finds a way to cheer me up.
Ms Johnston is a kind and loving house mother and she is always there for me if I need any help with home sickness to cheer me up and that is what I like about Ms Johnston.
Miss Johnston, thank you for being such a great house mother and always being there for all the boys when they have needed someone to talk to and always helping them when needed. I hope you have a great time and enjoy having a break from all the boys. Looking forward to seeing you in the future.
Thanks Miss for that time when I came back from club rugby training feeling tired and sad and you helped and supported me.
Thanks for the cookies you baked for us. It’s wonderful.
You were so nice because you would always be happy to wake me up of a morning for sport.
She was a great help to us boys and would always be happy to wake us up on early mornings.
Thank you so much for being there for me when I needed you the most, and for giving me warm hugs.
Thanks, Mrs. Johnston, for being so supportive.
Mrs. Johnston has been there for me in the hard times.
Groom House
Groom Gazette - Term 1, Week 9
It is that strange time of term when we see the storm before the calm! Boys have finished (mostly) their assignment tasks for the term and are packing; packing their rooms up and packing their bags for camps week.
If you are in Toowoomba this weekend it might be worth taking some of your son’s luggage home for the break. They are allowed to leave a little locked in their cupboards but there will also be lots which needs a good wash after living in the recesses of their rooms for the last few weeks! Please, if you haven’t already could you ensure that you have entered holiday leave for your son. Unless you have particular circumstances, this should run from Thursday, 30 March to Monday, 17 April.
Despite nearly 50 exhausted boys and staff after what has been a great term, it has still been an eventful couple of weeks. The highlight for me has to be the Harmony Week assembly last Thursday in which Marcus Szeto spoke to the School in his native Cantonese and eight Islander boys (including Jermaine and Jeremiah Sialau), sang the Fijian hymn, Noqu-masu, which is sung by Fijian sports teams prior to their matches. I commented then on the School Facebook page with the following comment:
“In 17 years of my teaching career I have had the privilege of witnessing some extraordinary young people doing some extraordinary things. This is a moment that I am certain I will never forget for the rest of my career. It is one thing to stand up and talk with such pride about your heritage with notes to assist (well done Samson), but to sing with such confidence and pride in front of their peers was astounding. You could have heard a pin drop in the assembly hall, and I am not embarrassed to admit that I had to hold back a tear, such was the pride I have for some of these boys who are directly in my care. What an incredible event for all boys and staff of TGS to be able to reflect on as we move into Harmony Week next week.”
If you haven’t already, this is well worth a minute of your time to watch and listen.
In further celebration and reward for such a feat, Heads of House funded these boys to have a meal at Everest Spice on Monday evening – it continues to be a theme that food is the preferred reward for teenage boys. The Year 9 and Year 11 boys on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, also had a social event at Eastville. The Year 9 boys had their fill of KFC and the 11s, at Burrito Bar, were served more wings than it seems humanly possible to eat…. But they obviously finished them all. Unfortunately, events of the term mean that the Year 12s have not had a meal out on the House. They are allowed to wander up to Eastville once a week in recognition of all their hard work in leading Groom and we have agreed that staff will take them out in Week 1 of Term 2.
The Year 11 social was also an opportunity for the Year 11 boys to celebrate, and say farewell to, Henry Pigott. It seems very strange to think that he has only been with us since the start of term such is the impact he has had in the House. He has assimilated into Groom and TGS with ease, had been exceptionally impressive in his diligent approach to work (completing both his TGS work and keeping up to speed with his UK exam tasks), and has been at ease with all around him, be that staff or boys from all year groups. I know that teaching staff have welcomed his presence and he has been an extremely valued member of the 11A cricket team. (Furthermore, the manner in which he has played down England’s chances of a 5-0 whitewash in the upcoming Ashes has been a wonderful display of restraint!) Henry was presented with a number of gifts from the House, including a School plaque, a TGS rugby ball and a cricket shirt signed by every member of the Groom boarding community. We wish him luck, hope that he stays in contact, and hope that he knows how welcome he will be if he ever has the pleasure of returning to South East Queensland.
If I don’t see you before the end of term, I hope you all have a great break. As always, don’t work the boys too hard when they are home - they all deserve a break after a great term.
Chris Stearn HoH Groom Boarding
Mackintosh House
Mackintosh House - Hike Run Trek!!!
From Take a Hike for AEIOU, to TGS Cross Country, to Trekking for great causes.
Over the next few months and during the Easter holiday break, we have several boys involved in service activities to gain experience for themselves and to raise funds and support others.
Kokoda Trek - Pike Family
Geoff Pike (TGS Old Boy 1993-97) and his sons, current boarders in Mackintosh House, James, Year 11 and Jack, Year 9, will be trekking the Kokoda Track in the lead up to ANZAC Day. They will be in a group of eight people, two are ex-SAS service members, and three are emergency service volunteers, the remainder are high school students (James, Jack and a girl from Glennie).
The Pikes will meet up with TGS Old Boy (1995-97) Andrew Kidu and Vincent Payakalyi in Port Moresby on the evening of 24 April and attend the dawn ANZAC service the following morning before flying home.
The participants want to learn more about the service of the Australian soldiers in this region, and experience and pay respects to service members abroad in an important region. During the expedition, the group will visit memorials and battlefields where TGS Old Boys served at Kokoda, including the headstone of Rye Alfred George (twgs.qld.edu.au).
The Pike family is excited about this opportunity to visit and connect with PNG's past and current TGS community.
Kokoda Pinnacle Challenge - Matty Wise, Dougal McInnerney, Harry McMillan and Ed Layton.
The Kokoda Pinnacle Challenge is a gruelling test of physical and mental strength that follows the four key principles of the brave soldiers who fought and died during WW2: endurance, mateship, courage, and sacrifice. It spans three events, each with its own challenges.
The first event, a 30km at the Sunshine Coast on 22 April is just the beginning.
The second event is 48km in Brisbane on 3 June.
The third and most challenging race, a 96km race with a 6km elevation, will occur on 15 July at the Gold Coast.
Led by Matty Wise, Mackintosh House boarders, Harry McMillan and Dougal McInnerney and dayboy Ed Layton are committed to supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an organisation dedicated to funding research and raising awareness about breast cancer.
However, before they can even participate in the Kokoda Pinnacle Challenge, they must reach the minimum $3000 fundraising requirement for the Kokoda Youth Foundation. They are seeking support from Mackintosh House and the broader Toowoomba Grammar School community and offering you the opportunity to support their quest.
Matty said, "we understand that times are tough, and many other worthy causes exist to support, but we believe the National Breast Cancer Foundation is an essential cause that deserves our attention and support."
He hopes you will consider donating to their fundraising campaign and helping reach their goal. The boys are excited about this challenge and appreciate your support.
Mrs Jessica Wong, AEIOU QLD Event Manager was at Senior School Assembly on Thursday 23 March 2023 to acknowledge the amazing effort of Mackintosh House, raising over $17500.00 for AEIOU and to recognize our top fundraisers.
Boarders who raise over $500 this year were, Noah Grob, Aiden Munchenberg, Jack Lethbridge and Cody Heathwood. Cooper Cook a day boy in Year 8 was the most outstanding fundraiser, raising $1820.00.
Stephens House
Stephens House Boarders' Telegraph
Welcome, and Happy Holidays!
Mr Massi posing with Moree and surrounds boarding families/potential boarding families
Forgive me, this entry comes hot on the heels of our trip south of the border last week, as well as a full load of assessment marking from Year 8 to Year 12 so The Boarders' Telegraph has been cut – to a degree.
I want to start by wishing you all a happy holiday and hope that you get chance to enjoy spending some quality time with your boys as they come off camp (Years 8-9 and 11), work experience (Year 10), and on campus trips and skills (Year 12).
I am sure it will be a busy week however the break afterwards will hopefully be an enjoyable one and offer a time to relax and chill - whatever you have got planned. No doubt Xavier de Ceuster is hoping that he does not bump into Mr and Mrs Kefford as we tour South Island, New Zealand by camper van.
On a personal note, it has been an exceptionally busy term and my (self-inflicted) cricket pain ends this coming weekend as my Year 7A boys try to arrest a losing streak of five games, having got off to a flyer by winning on the first two weekends.
I hope all of the boys who have played, and enjoyed, cricket and volleyball this season have made some new mates, had some great games and just enjoyed what Saturdays were invented for – sports!
I am looking forward to watching the tennis and football next term, and not coaching. I don’t think I have another 5:00am wake up call/5:45am bus departure in me for this year.
Stephens (and Taylor) on Tour
Last year, within about four weeks of my arrival, I was jetting off to Darwin and Katherine to spend a bit of time with TGS on Tour in the NT. It was my first trip to the Territory and, not to be outdone, this last week saw me make my first trip to Goondiwindi, Moree, Pallamallawa, and Warialda.
Travelling with my driver, Mr Eugene Massi, also of this parish and looking after Taylor House, we embarked on a journey calling in at Will Kelly’s family property just outside of Goondiwindi. Kate looked after Eugene and I with (scenes that were to be played out everywhere we visited) baked treats, fruit and drinks. Learning about Will’s life at home – the horses, the snake bite and his passion for camp-drafting – was great. As we all strive to get to know our boarders as learners and as individuals, the tour is a great experience to cement school-home relationships.
Ostensibly, whilst the tour is about putting the School name out into communities that we have serviced for many years and introducing ourselves and TGS to prospective families, it is really as much about cementing our relationships with our current families. After all, it is our boys and our families who are our greatest advocates for new enrolments.
Staying at the Alexander Motel in Moree, (Jack Gobbert and Henry Maunder were quick to tell me it was the ‘cheapest place in town, sir') we then gathered at The Moree Golf Club for an evening of drinks and snacks. On this occasion, against a backdrop of magnificent and lush fairways, under a canopy of stars, we caught up with Stephens House parents. With refreshments and snacks aplenty, we spent a couple of hours chatting as the sun set over the Mehi River.
The following day began with a sneaky pie and sausage roll at the Moree Bakery courtesy of Allan Gobbert before we headed out to meet Stuart and Lyndall Tighe at their property, Boolah. A tour of the property followed breakfast number two and Stuart explained the life of a modern farmer – the science, the technology, the ethics, the geopolitics. It was a fascinating and enlightening insight into country life, however, furthermore, it was an insight into why school matters and how students need to access a cutting edge 21st century curriculum to prepare them for life, whether that is back on the property or in the city for university.
Morning tea was taken with the Tighes (Gilbert Year 10 exchange and George Year 8), Justine McNally and Jimmy Maunder (Henry Year 9), and Michelle Gobbert (Jack Year 9) at the Pally Pub in Pallamallawa. A further four prospective TGS Boarding families joined us there and we held a bit of an informal Q&A about boarding life at TGS where sports, prep, academics and music/arts opportunities were all discussed. An interesting conversation point tended to be focused around the ‘ideal’ age at which to send a son to board.
Following morning tea we headed to see Justine and Jimmy’s property where I got to sit on the biggest John Deere tractor that I had ever seen, learn about grain silos and storage and generally further my knowledge of modern agricultural life in Australia. We then headed to Warialda for a lovely catch up with Amanda Barwick, whose boys (Max and Harry) are in Taylor House and after more food, juice and coffee, it was no surprise when Eugene turned left instead of right and we regrettably stood up Mikala Reardon at the pub in Warialda – her local is where the teachers decamp to at around 3:00pm on a Friday afternoon. I remember those days! Warialda is, therefore, first on our list next time – who could resist the chance to see where Frank Reardon (Year 11) began his academic journey.
All told, a fantastic 1000kms or so in the space of a couple of days and, thanks to Eugene’s preference to drive, I was a passenger the entire way! A huge thank you to everyone involved in facilitating our time in the region and we are both looking forward to heading back and seeing the boys when they are home and the work they get up to in school holidays.
Year 11 BBQ Breakfast
As term draws to a close and the Year 11s prepare to head for their leadership camp in Week 10, Kate and I took the opportunity to welcome our Year 11 boys across the hallway and into our place for a bbq breakfast and cooked up a nice start to the day on a wet and miserable House Cross Country Wednesday. Always good for a chat, there was (thankfully) no agenda of assessment, schoolwork, leadership, state of the house etc, etc, it was just a chance to sit down, have a bit of a feed and hang out with each other. Kate commented afterwards just how lucky we are in the House to have such a polite, pleasant and well-adjusted group of young men in Stephens. Next term we will be start with the Year 9 boys who will be the first cab off the rank in Week 2.
I often think that it would be nice to do this kind of event more often however in the business of our lives here, it is always destined to be occasional if the event is to be small enough for everyone to feel included and welcomed. This term it has been nice to have a function for the new boys and Year 8 students, and now, the Year 11 students. I am also thinking that we are due an Eastville Wings Wednesday next term – this will be based around the boys who are putting in effort across their classroom/TAFE subjects and based upon their interim report cards.
Toowoomba Volleyball Association Winners
Our boys are very fortunate to be able to represent the School in sports outside of their GPS season. In the house this term, we have had boys play in the local Volleyball and Basketball competitions and it was great to see three Stephens boys pick up medals and awards recognising their success and hard work.
Ed Grant has settled into Stephens House wonderfully this term. He has been playing in an Under 15 competition and won a silver medal for finishing as a runner up, whilst Xavier de Ceuster (Year 9) picked up a bronze medal in the same competition. There was some good-natured banter centring upon the rightful recipients of these medals, however it looks like Ed had the last laugh!
House Captain and Year 12 Leader, Ed Rogan, secured a winning gold medal and was awarded Most Valuable Player for his team in the Open Competition which involved playing games against other adult teams.
It is tremendous to see our boys playing sports for teams outside of school, evidencing how our boarders have the opportunity to become more involved in community sports and events. Presently, we have boys playing rugby, football, hockey and cricket outside of TGS in the wider community.
Ed was awarded MVP and was a gold medallist in the open team
Taylor House
Taylor House - Term 1... It's a wrap!
Well, here we are at the “almost” end of Term 1. With assessments, exams, sporting fixtures, evening study, daily routine, a smorgasbord of meals and perhaps the odd tear (definitely tears from me), we just have Activities Week to go before we can all take a deep breath and relax.
The term has had its moments, as it always does, but it has been wonderful to watch our boys new to Toowoomba Grammar School and those from Corfe blend in and engage in the daily routine of school and Taylor House life. Their enthusiasm and energy are catching and seeing their relationships develop is wonderful.
All boys have managed themselves and the expectations of School life with pride and we have achieved a positive number Senior School Commendations, not to mention our “In-House” commendations “A Few Good Men”. Congratulations for the term goes to; Harry Barwick, James Petersen, Will Slack-Smith, Fletcher Warland, Tom Croft, Rupeni Baravilala, James Armstrong, Max Barwick, Rory Brimblecombe, Sam Elms, Henry Gladman, Cam Graham, Jim Moloney, Innes Nowlan, Ben Rauchle, Darcy Harth, Hewie Graham, Hugh Bunker and Will McKay. I am looking forward to seeing more boys achieving this positive status and to celebrate their academic achievements of Term 1.
The assembly performance during Harmony Week was among the many highlights this term. Watching, all be it remotely, Illi, Ethan and Rupeni sing the Fijian Hymn, Noqu-masu, a song sung by sporting teams prior to their matches. The pride and passion with which these boys represented themselves, their families and their nation was outstanding. I was deeply moved and I am very proud of our boys. If you haven't seen the performance year, here it is...
Of course, any opportunity to celebrate a win is a must, and I'm happy to report that Taylor House won the coveted “Best House” at this year's Read My Lips, lip syncing, all singing all dancing extravaganza. The performance was enjoyed by all and thankfully the judges. Well done Taylor House… Well Done!
Our ongoing support of ROSIES continues each year and we have kicked off 2023 very nicely. A good number of boy have been in attendance at our Wednesday and Sunday sessions. Our friends at ROSIES are truly appreciative of our support. Throughout the Easter Holidays, take a moment to encourage your son to get involved during Term 2.
Last week, I had the privilege to visit some of our families and prospective boys on my trip to Moree, Goondiwindi, Pallamallawa and Warialda. It was great to meet up with the Rogers family at the world renowned “Royal” Moree golf club. The course was in amazing condition and looked a golfer’s delight. The evening was lovely and very nice to meet “aunty Anna” to both Charles and Harry, who we hope will send her boy to Toowoomba Grammar School in the next couple of years. The Barwick family hosted Mr Kefford (Stevens House) and I for a late lunch at their home in Warialda… definitely nice to breathe in that delightful NSW air again. Thanks to Amanda for the tour of their homestead. These trips are a wonderful opportunity to get to know our boys and families better. Getting the inside “goss” from parents is great, and a nice way to bond.
As we wrap up Term 1 and look forward to the next, it is a timely reminder to dust off the football boots, restring the racquet and prep for another busy term ahead. While we all love our sport, don’t forget about the academic side of School life, this is of upmost importance. If you have had a successful Term 1, congratulations and well done, but, if you could or should have pushed yourself that little bit more, take the opportunity to seek assistance and seek out the extra effort to drive those grades a little further north. You have it in you boys!
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our parents. Thank you for your ongoing support and trust in us, as we guide and shape your sons throughout their school journey. We truly cannot do it without you.
Have a wonderful Easter break, enjoy having your son at home and we look forward to seeing you all again for the start of Term 2.
