As we take the first steps into the third term of the year, we are delighted to welcome Corben and Thushaan as fresh legs to get us up and running at the midpoint of the school year. First, reflecting on the recent, but increasingly distant, break; Meg, Ronnie and I enormously enjoyed getting out and about. Our time spent with both the Piccinis and the Thomases were particular highlights and reinforced to us how special the Boyce community is.
However, I do have a confession to make. Whilst the landing of a certain Murray cod may have been making waves on social media; I cannot claim credit for the catch. Thank you to Simon for allowing me to parade his prize. Separately, as a long-term Lions enthusiast, I have been following this year’s tour avidly with two trips to Suncorp Stadium allowing catch-ups with friends recent and old. An evening spent with Joe Whyte, Boyce Boarding Supervisor – 2024, was good fun and he remains interested and attached to the progress of the young men of Boyce.
I have enjoyed hearing from the boys how they spent their holidays and remain acutely aware that many have returned to school for a rest! Hunter’s entrepreneurial endeavours as he saves for his first car and the Campbells’ time spent mustering are just two examples of the boys engaging in good, honest, hard work over the course of the break. I know there are lots more.
Since our return to school, we have celebrated several birthdays already. Lawson (15), Sam L (13), Alex (16) and John (17) have all received our congratulations.
Nods also to George A and Tom T as our ‘Buffs of the Week’ for Weeks 1 and 2, and to Finn S and Walter on their involvement with the Darling Downs Under 15s at the State Championships. More widely, our Year 11s all impressed with their leadership speeches, and I commend them for the respect and sincerity they displayed towards the occasion. As an update from last year, we invited the Corfies to be a part of the evening to hear from those who will be their Senior leaders in 2026. This also allowed an informal meet and greet to take place after the speeches where the Year 11s introduced themselves to our Year 7s.
I look forward to catching up with you all soon – hopefully at this afternoon’s informal drinks and nibbles!
John Troxler
Head of Boyce House - Boarding
We turn now to House Captain, Archie’s introduction to the Semester with a preview of what is to come.
House Captain's Update
As we begin what is one of the busiest and most important terms of the year, I want to take a moment to talk about our goals, our progress and some exciting events coming up for Boyce House.
Firstly, I’m proud to say we’re currently sitting second overall in the race for the Headmaster’s Shield. That’s a great position to be in, but we all know the jobs not done. This term, we’ve set our focus clearly: tidiness, timekeeping and work ethic. These are the foundations that will help us finish strong. Not just in the Shield, but in everything we do.
Keeping our dorms and common areas clean, showing up on time and putting consistent effort into schoolwork and sport. These things matter. Not just because they get results, but because they show who we are. Boyce House has always been about Hard work, House and Humility (The Triple H) – we aim to keep that front of mind every day.
Rugby and basketball are well underway, and our Year 12s are entering the final stretch, with IA3s, mock exams and a whole lot of pressure ahead. There are many boys in the house representing Boyce House and the School proudly in the First XV Rugby and the First V Basketball.
Looking ahead, our Year 11s are showing signs of being an exceptionally tight and capable leadership group. The handover is coming quickly, and it’s exciting to see the way they have already started to lead by example.
I also want to mention an event coming up: the Boyce House Family Dinner, which will be held at the Burke and Wills Hotel on Wednesday, 17 September, the night before the House Carnival. An official invitation will be sent out very soon, but I want to encourage all parents and families to attend. It will be a great opportunity to come together, celebrate the year and hear from many of the boys about their experiences in 2025.
On the night, the 2026 Boyce leaders will be officially introduced, and we’ll reflect on what this year has meant to each grade. It’s going to be a night filled with laughter and plenty of memories.
My family and I will also be running a House Captain’s Raffle on the night, with all proceeds going towards Drought Angels, a charity doing amazing work for struggling farming families. It’s a cause close to home for many of us, and we’d love your support.
So, to wrap up this term is about finishing what we started. Lifting our standards, building strong habits and preparing the next generation of Boyce boys to lead with pride. Let’s keep showing up for each other, on the field, in the classroom and around the House.
Archie
House Captain (Boarding)
It is no secret that Term 3 is towards the top end of most people’s favourite times of year due to the co-curricular offerings of rugby, basketball and the blossoming mountain bike program. Not to be outdone, our musicians - Matt and Will H, also performed admirably at the recent Toowoomba Eisteddfod. Next, it wouldn’t be a Bugle without hearing Lawson's reflections on the opening rounds of GPS competition.
GPS Competition Update from Lawson
With Term 3 in full swing and entering its third week, the boys in Boyce House have hit the ground running, getting heavily involved in the classroom and tearing up the sports fields. To get the term started we came up against Brisbane Boys College, who at the outset, were tagged as one of the favourites to win the GPS Rugby Premiership. As the first round got underway, it became apparent that the Grammar boys had not read the script across the games being played. First XV players and Boyce House Seniors Myles, Arch, Rhymen, co-captain Luke (Year 11) and James (Year 10) were able to get the win with a final score of 34-19.
Unfortunately, the basketballers were unable to secure the win even though captain, Emmanuel and teammates, Austin and Elijah were strong on court.
In round 2, the boys made the long bus trip down to a rainy Gold Coast to come up against The Southport School, who have proved to be a strong side for the firsts in recent years. The First V came up against some tough opponents and had an unfortunate loss. Outstanding performance by Elijah, who top scored for the team.
The game of the weekend saw the First XV looking to get their second win of the season and they were victorious in a nail biting 33-31 finish, with Rhymen being named man of the match for a stellar performance on the field. James also managed to make an impressive effort on the field scoring two in the second half to help TGS get the result. Boyce House Year 11 student, Tom H also managed to play 20 minutes in the second half, making an impact alongside fellow Boyce teammates Arch, Myles and Luke.
Boyce House Boarders are playing well and continue to do their best on and off the field. We are all looking forward to the home game this weekend. Be there to help cheer the boys on as they endeavour to make TGS proud.
New Boyce House Boarders
Whilst I briefly alluded to our two joiners at the top of my letter, Corben and Thushaan have kindly provided their own articles to introduce themselves:
Thushaan
Sawubona, Dumelang, Goeie More and Hello! My name is Thushaan and I am a new, Year 10 exchange student from South Africa. I go to St John’s College, in Johannesburg. I have been at Toowoomba Grammar since 14 July, and it’s been a wonderful experience so far. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly – Australian hospitality is unmatched. The campus is so beautiful; it is filled with history - it feels like something out of a storybook. I’ve enjoyed getting involved in classes, drama and boarding life, and I’m learning a lot about both Australian culture and myself.
Being at Grammar has been an adventure I’ll never forget. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and excited to see what the rest of my exchange holds. Thank you for making me feel so at home!
Corben
Hi, I’m Corben, I’m 15 and I’m from Rockhampton. I play basketball pretty much every day, which is a big reason why I decided to join TGS. My big brother plays too, so our backyard is more like a court than a yard. Before becoming a boarder in Boyce House, I went to TCC back in Rocky. At home, I’ve got a dog who thinks she runs the house, and I’ve got a mum and dad who always support me, even when I forget to reply to their texts. Another one of my bad habits is being a bit forgetful. I lose my water bottle at least once a week and tell bad jokes during drills just to make my mates laugh. One of my best mates is Austin, a fellow Boyce boarder. He’s also from Rockhampton. Austin, and all of the boys, have really helped me to settle and I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone a bit better.
