The last two weeks have been incredible. For me, the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred wasn’t about the wind and the rain. Indeed, there was little damage to our School and it did not take long to make our campus beautiful again. The impact that I want to highlight is the manner in which the entire TGS community came together in a time of need. Both our boarding and day school families took in the boarding friends of their sons and made the most of the School closure. Those boarders that remained at School were in the thoughts of others and I was pleased to receive messages of support for our boys.

In discussing the impact of TC Alfred, I do want to make a special mention of our boarding staff. The dedication of our boarding was steadfast with our Heads of Houses and Assistant Heads, constantly checking-in on the boys, making sure they had everything they needed to make themselves comfortable and keep them entertained. The pool was a well-used resource over the School closure, but we also had staff running gym sessions and taking boys out to Kloud 9 to work off some energy. Our boarding community is stronger for having such dedicated staff caring for our boys.

In closing this section, I will also mention that I am very grateful to Mr Allen Bowers, our Chartwells site manager. We had met early in the week and discussed the possible impacts of the cyclone. Within 24 hours he had prepared for the worst and when the moment came, Allen and his Chartwells team were able to produce a mountain of food for the boys who remained in our boarding houses.

Aside from the School closure, there has still been plenty of excitement in our boarding program over the past couple of weeks. As usual, our activities program continues to give our boarders a chance to get off campus. A fishing trip was undertaken the weekend before the cyclone and I know the boarders who went enjoyed their time. Brothers who have sisters at The Glennie School have also been able to connect over dinner at Betty’s Burgers. Looking ahead to this weekend, there are a group of senior boys heading to Manly Harbour to get their boat and jet ski licence. Additionally, there is a trip to the movies to see Captain America: Brave New World.

Last night (Thursday, 13 March) our Year 10 Formal Dinner was held in the Jacaranda Room. This event was all about student leadership and I am thankful to both Mr Michael Hall and Mr Henry White for their input as guest speakers. Mr Hall discussed the role of a student leader at TGS and highlighted the opportunities that already exist for our Year 10 boarders. Mr White backed this up with one of the best opportunities a Year 10 will ever get, and that is a spot in the Year 10 Corfe Residency program. The Residency includes a comprehensive Leadership and Character Education Program, featuring explicit teaching in leadership, coaching, peer support and lessons in positive masculinity. Moreover, the Residency will provide important skills and experiences suited to any boarder with aspirations of leading others.

As we have now completed Week 7 of Term 1, I do want to remind parents to start thinking about the end of term. As the communications from Mr Mark Oliphant state, our boys will return from camp by 3:00pm on Thursday, 3 April. Boys are able to depart on holidays from this time. For those travelling to Brisbane airport, we will run the usual bus services. If you are unable to pick your son up until Friday, please note that all boys will be accommodated in a single boarding house on the Thursday night, with collection to be made on Friday morning.

Our end of term Boarding Parents Support Group Meeting will occur online from 7:00pm on Sunday, 23 March. The link to the meeting can be accessed here. If you have any agenda items, can you please raise these with your BPSG House Representative by Wednesday, 19 March so an agenda can be finalised and circulated.

Nick Byron
Director of Boarding

Donate Grain, Grow Education

As part of the vibrant Grammar 150 celebrations, the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Association (TGSOBA) is reaching out to farming families—both past and present—to help us build tomorrow, together.

We are excited to introduce a unique opportunity to contribute - the TGSOBA NGR Card. This initiative is a chance for our farming community to donate grain or cotton and help fund student enrichment activities and facility enhancements at the School, ensuring future generations continue to thrive in the heart of our community.

The idea for this innovative fundraising concept was born from the passion and commitment of our Old Boys. Trent Raymond (TGS 1989-93) raised the idea to Andrew Jurgs (TGS 2000-01), who helped bring the plan to life on behalf of the TGSOBA committee. Thanks to their initiative, the NGR Card now provides an exciting way for our farming families to donate grain or other produce, directly benefiting future generations of TGS boys.

For those unfamiliar with it, the National Grower Register (NGR) was established in 2002 to help farmers market their grain and cotton. The NGR centralises a farmer’s business information on the Register, with each farmer provided a unique NGR number. This allows merchants to securely access a farmer’s information, streamlining the sales process for all involved.

The concept of using the NGR for charitable purposes began two decades ago, with farmers donating proceeds from their grain sales to local churches, schools and community groups. Some organisations have raised as much as $100 000 through this initiative, demonstrating the power of collective support within our rural communities.

So, if you're a farmer – anywhere in Australia and want to make a difference for Toowoomba Grammar School, donating is easy! Simply drop off your load at any weighbridge and give the operator the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys NGR number: 15154432. This links your contribution directly to the TGSOBA, ensuring the proceeds fund new infrastructure and enhance the educational experience for our students.

We hope that this new initiative will become a long-term tradition for both current and past families of Toowoomba Grammar School. Just as generations of Old Boys have supported the School in the past, we invite our farming community to continue that legacy by donating through the NGR card.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant impact, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of the farming families who make these contributions possible. Together, we can ensure that TGS continues to be a place of excellence for future students.

Buy a Brick - Paving the Way

For 150 years, the history of TGS has been shaped by the boys who have walked its paths. Each one leaving behind their story, their memories and a piece of their heart. From the Foundation Stone laid in School House in 1877, to the bricks that have carried the names of our Old Boys through the years, the bricks of TGS stand as powerful reminders of the proud legacy that continues today.

Now, for a limited time, you have the opportunity to Buy a Brick and ensure your connection to the Blue and Gold lives on for generations to come. Your personalised, engraved brick will be set into the new Old Boys’ Deck – a landmark overlooking the iconic Old Boys’ Memorial Oval, creating a space for the entire School community to enjoy.

Details on How to Get Involved:

• Bricks are available for $1,000 each.
• You are welcome to purchase multiple bricks, each one engraved with first names and surnames, with the option to include years for both Old Boys and current students.
• This donation is tax-deductible.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to leave your mark on the history of Toowoomba Grammar School.

Secure your brick to the Old Boys’ Deck today.

We invite all Old Boys, current and past families, staff, and supporters of TGS to join us in building this significant piece of history. The stories of the boys who walked these paths before you are captured in every brick. Now, it’s your turn to be part of something greater.

Thank you for your continued support of TGS. We look forward to seeing your name engraved alongside the many who have shaped our proud tradition.

First look at the TGS Bricks

We’re thrilled to share a first look at the engraved bricks for our Buy a Brick campaign and they look fantastic. These personalised bricks will be a part of the Old Boys’ Deck, honouring the legacy of our TGS community.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this campaign so far, we can't wait to see your names permanently etched into TGS history once all funds are raised to complete this project.

Year 11 Formal Dinner - Etiquette the main meal

The recent Year 11 Formal Dinner provided a wonderful opportunity for the boys of TGS to connect with their counterparts from The Glennie School and Fairholme College. Held in a refined atmosphere, the evening's focus was centred firmly on etiquette in a formal dining environment, recalling memories of my own days when June Dally-Watkins guided us through the nuances of appropriate table manners and decorum.

Throughout the evening, it was heartening yet unsurprising to see the TGS boys exemplify true gentlemanly conduct. Polite conversations, respectful interactions and attentive listening created an ambience of sophistication and grace. The students embraced the chance to engage in meaningful dialogue, showcasing maturity well beyond their years.

Such experiences not only reinforce the importance of etiquette in formal settings but also nurture connections and mutual respect between schools. The success of the evening reminds us of the timeless value of courtesy and manners, qualities that remain integral to our TGS ethos.

Did someone say Cyclone?

As Cyclone Alfred approached, expectations ran high, but fortunately, the much-anticipated deluge never fully materialised, at least not here in Toowoomba. With boys quickly dispersing to beat the anticipated storms home, many were left scratching their heads as Alfred faltered, sparing us from severe winds and heavy rainfall.

Those who remained in boarding made the most of their unexpected break, engaging enthusiastically in a range of activities. From lively card games and levelling up their Fortnite skills to energetic excursions to Kloud 9 Trampolining Centre, there was no shortage of excitement. Gym workouts became a favourite pastime, and our dedicated catering team contributed by setting what felt like a food-eating challenge, ensuring everyone was well-fed.

This unexpected respite at mid-term allowed ample time for rest, relaxation and even a bit of study. Our boys demonstrated impressive self-management, keeping morale high and spirits strong throughout.

However, Alfred's departure wasn’t entirely uneventful. The return to boarding saw the arrival of what humorously felt like Alfred’s "little brother," causing some disruptions as students navigated overflowing creeks and roads. Our thoughts particularly go out to the families on the Coast and in Brisbane, who faced a real barrage of wind and rain. We sincerely hope you are recovering well and have avoided significant damage.

Despite the challenges, we're proud of the resilience and good humour shown by our TGS community.

Time to focus

Returning to School after Cyclone Alfred, our boys have gratefully received extensions on assessment deadlines and rescheduled exams. This unexpected breathing space has been warmly welcomed, providing them with the opportunity to manage their workloads effectively and with renewed determination.

Years 8 to 10 are back in the routine of extended prep time, making excellent use of this additional study time to stay ahead. Meanwhile, senior students, especially those on the ATAR pathway, have embraced the challenge with commendable commitment. Across the house, mini-help sessions have become commonplace, and many boys are proactively seeking one-on-one assistance from staff to ensure they are well-prepared.

At this critical juncture, it is reassuring to observe the dedication and responsibility our boys are demonstrating. Their collective effort to maintain focus and diligently prepare for upcoming assessments is a testament to their resilience and commitment to excellence.

Activities Week Ahead

With Activities Week fast approaching in Week 10 of this term, anticipation and preparations are well underway. Boys should now begin organising their gear, ensuring they have everything necessary for their respective camps and activities. Individual group sessions will be held shortly, outlining specific requirements and packing lists.

For those embarking on valuable work experience opportunities, please double-check that all necessary details and registrations are completed to ensure a smooth and productive week.

Year 11 students will be participating in the highly anticipated Leadership Camp—an invaluable opportunity for them to start thinking ahead, shaping their roles as future leaders, and beginning their journey towards leaving a meaningful legacy for Taylor House and TGS.

Students and families are reminded to regularly check emails for crucial updates, packing lists, and detailed information relevant to Activities Week. Let's ensure we're all prepared for an engaging, rewarding, and memorable experience!

House Colours

This week, we proudly congratulate Harry Rogers, who has been awarded House Full Colours in recognition of his outstanding contributions. Achieving such an accolade requires significant commitment, involving active participation in up to five key areas of school life: House Sports and Activities, Academic Endeavour, Cultural Clubs and Societies, GPS Sports and Service.

This prestigious recognition is available to every member of our House and highlights the importance of dedication, commitment and generosity in giving time and energy to the community. The hard work and sustained effort required to achieve this honour should never be underestimated.

I encourage all students to follow Harry’s excellent example and seek opportunities to build their own resumes. By actively engaging and contributing across the campus and beyond, every student can strive towards excellence and enrich both our House and the wider School community.

End of Term Arrangements

As the end of term swiftly approaches, parents and students are reminded to promptly submit travel arrangements into REACH. If special travel arrangements are required, particularly for those returning directly from camps or activities during Activities Week, please ensure these details are clearly communicated via email to Student Services.

Timely submission will help us facilitate smooth transitions for all boys at the end of this busy term. Your cooperation and proactive planning are greatly appreciated.

Eugene Massi
Head of Boarding House - Taylor