From the Director of Boarding
The past fortnight has been a timely reminder of the strength of our boarding community. Like many boarding schools across Queensland, we have experienced a significant number of cases of Influenza A amongst our boarders. While the illness has presented challenges for boys, families and staff, I have been incredibly proud of the resilience shown by our young men. They have adapted well, supported one another and continued to approach their responsibilities with a positive attitude. I would also like to thank our boarding families, the staff of the Dr J.M. Blaikie Health Centre (Health Centre) and our boarding staff for their care and support throughout this period. Community is at its strongest when people come together to help one another and this has certainly been evident over the past two weeks.
The recent Census night also generated some interesting conversations amongst our boarders. Discussions around population growth, infrastructure and future planning highlighted the thoughtful way many of our boys engage with issues affecting Australia. It was encouraging to hear them consider the opportunities and challenges facing communities across regional and rural areas and reflect on how these decisions shape the places we call home.
Community has been a recurring theme throughout this term and it was particularly evident at our Christmas in July White Ribbon Dinner. The evening provided an important opportunity for our boarders to reflect on the role they will play in the communities they join throughout their lives. While academic achievement and professional success are important aspirations, strong communities are built by people who demonstrate respect, integrity and a willingness to stand up for others.
One of the key outcomes of the evening was raising awareness of domestic violence and the impact it has on individuals, families and communities. The conversations that followed demonstrated that our boys understand the importance of treating others with dignity and respect. As future leaders, business owners, professionals, volunteers and community members, they will have the opportunity to influence the culture of the communities they become part of. We hope that their experiences in boarding help shape them into men who make a positive difference wherever life takes them.
I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of our Boarder Parents' Support Group. The group continues to play a vital role in fostering connections between families and ensuring that parents, regardless of where they live, feel part of the TGS Boarding community. Their support of boarding events throughout the year helps create opportunities for families to connect, share experiences and support one another.
The Boarder Parents' Support Group committee has also been actively involved in supporting Mr Bradley Fenner and the current Boarding Review. Their willingness to contribute feedback and perspectives is invaluable as we continue to strengthen and enhance the boarding experience for our boys.
In mentioning the BPSG, I wanted to share that I recently had the pleasure of meeting the original Boarder Parents' Support Group President and founder, Mrs Megan McNicholl OAM, at the ICPA Federal Conference. It was wonderful to hear about the origins of the group and particularly pleasing to learn that connecting the boarding community was the driving force behind its establishment when Mrs McNicholl was a parent of TGS boarders. Her vision remains just as relevant today and the continued success of the group is a testament to the commitment of the many parents who have contributed over the years.
Thank you to all members of our boarding community for the role you play in supporting our boys. Whether you are a parent, staff member, Old Boy or friend of TGS Boarding, your contribution helps create the sense of belonging that makes our community such a special one.
Nick Byron
Director of Boarding
