With the ‘extra’ week this year, I thought that there would be a slower pace to the term; however, that has not occurred! There has been much to celebrate in our boarding community, with end of year events as well as preparing for 2025.
The final week with our Year 12s has been an absolute joy. On Monday evening the Headmaster gave thanks to our School leaders at the Parents and Prefects function. I’ve been very impressed with our Prefects this year, with all boarders who had the privilege of a leadership position making an impact upon the School community. I’ll also take this opportunity to say a special thank you to Al McKay and Stuart Officer for their leadership as Senior Prefect and Senior Boarding Prefect.
The 'rites of passage' for our senior boys continued with Tuesday evening's Year 12 Final Assembly on Old Boys' Memorial Oval. The setting of this event makes it special and memorable, and I am privileged to read the names of our graduating Year 12 students. The formality of the assembly was delightfully contrasted by Wednesday's playful pool jump, where the boys enthusiastically tried to get staff members into the water. I must admit, I was quite pleased with how long I managed to avoid a swim! Finally, the glamour of the formal showcased just how mature our graduating Year 12 students have become. It was a truly wonderful evening, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to bid farewell to our graduates and their parents.
As all of the boarding community is aware, our weekend activities program doesn’t stop. Arguably the most important thing that has happened in the past two weeks for the activities program is that we’ve found a ‘secret’ fishing spot! The boys on the trip enjoyed their afternoon out on the farm and there will be more trips to this location in the future. We have also had boys travel over to The Glennie School for an afternoon of activities and this weekend will be the ‘boarders end of year’ social at Milne Bay Aquatic Centre where our boys will have fun on the inflatables with other local boarding schools.
As I finish my final missive for the TGS Boarders' Telegraph of 2024, I encourage all of our parents to finalise end of term leave and include details in the notes section of the Reach leave request. Whilst this takes a little extra time, it is appreciated by our Heads of House. As always, Mr Oliphant must be informed of and approve any early departure. I will write specifically to all families regarding boarding for 2025 before I begin the summer holidays.
Finally, I wish all our boarders and their families a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year. I hope that the weather is kind, and our families travel safely as they journey home and go off on their well-deserved holidays.
This building, photographed after the construction of its Annex, in 1967 was once Groom House.
You may recognise this building as Corfe House, our transition boarding house for our youngest boarders before they move to their senior houses, it looks quite different in 2024 but you can identify it by its outline. In 1967 it was in fact Groom House and is pictured here after the construction of its Annex which ocurred midway through that year.
As we approach the home straight of the 2024 academic year, the Boyce boys continue to move through Term 4 busily and in the right direction. For example, not a single detention was issued to a Boyce boarder for the week beginning Monday, 4 November until Friday morning. With hot and humid weather, one eye on the Summer Break and the beginning of the assessment period, it is very easy for poor decisions to creep into behaviours and routines. Therefore, it is particularly pleasing that the boys have managed to keep themselves away from these potential pitfalls.
Building on these successes, Cooper C achieved two commendations in the same week – for his efforts in the Workshop and Mathematics, respectively. Tanatswa’s efforts on the Year 9 Geography Trip brought him a commendation too. We also congratulated Luke, in his absence whilst he completes his Corfe Residency, and Myles on their birthdays, with Myles travelling to trial for the Australian Under 18s 7s side last weekend. There has been further sporting distinction with Jonah representing TGS within futsal at the AFA Champion of Champions Trophy at the same time.
When speaking with boys since my arrival about what they enjoy most about Boyce House, the consistent response is that they appreciate the togetherness of the student body. This has certainly been on show with the visits of the Year 7 Boyce boys in preparation for their transition at the end of Week 8. All have been welcomed and made to feel comfortable and we look forward to seeing more of this group as the term concludes.
Christmas Hampers
Turning to matters of a charity focus, the collection of items for the Christmas Hampers appeal has begun. I would encourage all to get involved with what is certainly a worthwhile cause. I have included a list of suitable items below if you are willing and able to contribute. We are aiming for each Pastoral Care Group, two per year group, to provide at least one hamper each. Boys will be working with their mentors on the logistics of this:
Staple foods (e.g. rice and stir-fry sauce; pasta and pasta sauce; cereal; tinned spaghetti; baked beans)
X-mas snacks (e.g. - chips; lollies; super doopers; X-mas biccies)
Toiletries for family members (e.g. soaps; deodorants; bubble bath; shampoos; tooth products).
Movember
Whilst the collection of these items is occurring, we also have strong representation within the TGS Movember effort, with Mr Doherty providing the following words:
"Movember is the month that men put away their razors and 'Bro up’.
This month offers a chosen few from the men of Boyce the opportunity to fashion their facial hair into some dubious designs, all in the name of men’s health.
Starting in 2003, the Movember Movement has raised millions for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's mental health. Toowoomba Grammar School and particularly Boyce House, are proud to do our part for this very worthwhile cause.
This year Archie B and Josh are attempting to stand out from the crowd with their newly welcomed facial formations and are being joined by some of the Boyce staff-bros. Of special mention is Mr Troxler with his Celtic-mo.
If you would like to support this fantastic charity, please use this link to access the TGS team page, where you can also navigate to provide donations to participating individuals should you prefer."
Final thoughts
Terms seem to have a curious habit of picking up pace as they near the end, therefore it is worth highlighting at this point that timely end of year travel arrangements via Reach are appreciated. Please can I ask that you also include flight numbers and times as applicable. Regarding storage, the usual array of side tables and other items of small furniture can remain at TGS over the summer break. However, everything else must go home. This includes cricket bags and other sporting equipment. For those who are flying, we will ensure individual arrangements are in place. If you have any special requests in this area, please do not hesitate to reach out.
At the time of writing, we still have the final Year 12 events to come with the Pool Jump, Final Assembly, Father and Son Breakfast and Formal Evening all happening during Week 7. These boys have worked hard during their preparations for their final exams and I sincerely hope these efforts pay off with a commensurate level of success!
Undoubtedly though, I have saved the best until last with re-sharing the news of the arrival of Ronald the golden retriever as Boyce’s latest boarder. ‘Ronnie’ has met the boys and continues to settle into his new surroundings. I will do my best to avoid the sharing of puppy spam. However, this may be difficult! In my experience, dogs in boarding houses provide wonderful memories and add to the homeliness of the environment. Once Ronnie has his final round of vaccinations at the beginning of December, he will be ready and willing to play a fuller role. This also gives us a chance to work on his ‘induction to boarding program’ – to reduce the instances of missing socks, chewed shoes and unfortunate ‘accidents’!
John Troxler Head of Boarding - Boyce House
Corfe House
Corfe Courier
A word from Henry White, Head of House
We’ve just about made it!
Unbelievably, as I write this final article, Corfe House is in the midst of end-of-year exams and only days away from our end-of-year pack-up before our Year 7s depart our ranks and our Year 6s step-up to become our house leaders for 2025. There is good energy in the boarding house at this point as boys eagerly await their transition and the long break ahead.
Regardless of this, I’m mindful that the lead-up to the silly season is often fraught with fatigue, emotion and the odd dash of silly behaviour. Some boys find it challenging to stay on course during this period and can stumble at the final moments. Please keep us abreast of your conversations and let us know if you feel your son needs that extra TLC to help him through to the end.
Final Days Around the House
It’s been lovely using these final days and weeks to spend some quality time with the boys. Our staff have enjoyed coordinating games and activities to help foster a few final memories. There’s been plenty of cards, games of poker, reading groups, study groups and lots of touch footy.
Mrs Bazley, in particular, has put in a power of work into a few collaborative games (all involving lollies of some description for that extra incentive!). The pasta and marshmallow tower challenge and TimTam challenge were a hoot! Thanks, Mrs Bazley!
The contact details for each of the senior Heads of Houses are listed below, should you need to make contact with them. Each Head of House looks forward to making contact with you in the coming days and weeks, if they have not done so already.
Chris Stearn - Groom House: 0491068953
Phil Kefford - Stephens House: 0429234343
Brad Allen - Mackintosh House: 0466886280
John Troxler - Boyce House: 0488699465
Eugene Massi - Taylor House: 0429234343
End of year information for Corfe Year 7s
On Wednesday, 20 and Thursday, 21 November, Year 7 boarders will commence their removals and conduct a deep clean of their cubicles. On these afternoons, they will be assisted by seniors from their respective houses to begin moving their belongings to their Year 8 dormitories. Corfe boys will still sleep in Corfe House on these nights.
On Friday, 22 November, Corfe House will hold its Year 7 Graduation Dinner in Old Hall. At the conclusion of this dinner, Senior Prefects will escort the Year 7s from Old Hall to their respective senior houses for their first formal House Assembly in Senior Boarding. Year 7s will sleep in senior boarding houses that evening.
From Saturday, 23 to Thursday, 28 November, Year 7 boarders will reside in senior boarding and will depart for Christmas Holiday leave from their respective senior houses at 3:10pm on Thursday, 28 November.
End of year information for Corfe Year 6s
On Friday, 22 November, the Year 6s will not attend the Year 7 Graduation Dinner in Old Hall as they will take part in their Twilight Concert from 6:00pm.
On Sunday, 24 November, the Corfe Year 6s will play host to the incoming Corfe cohort for 2025 as they arrive for their sleepover and Orientation on Monday, 25 November.
Corfe Year 6s will reside in Corfe House until Thursday, 28 November at 3:10pm. We look forward to spending some quality time with our Year 6 boys and seeking their input for 2025.
Lodging Holiday Leave Requests
May I please request that all families lodge their holiday leave arrangements via Reach as soon as possible. All dates are below. It will be very helpful if families can provide some detail about travel arrangements in the notes section, especially those departing via flights/buses – any information regarding flight times, terminals and host collection will be brilliant!
Term 4, 2024 Departure:
Holidays commence at 3:10pm on Thursday, 28 November
Boarders Travel Day is scheduled for Friday, 29 November, with all houses closing from 12:00pm.
Term 1, 2025 Return:
Boarding houses open for Term 1 on Tuesday, 28 January at 12:00pm.
Boarders are expected to return by 7:30pm that evening.
A word of thanks to all Year 7 families and a goodbye for now to all Year 6 families
For Year 7 families of 2024, it is with a touch of sadness that I acknowledge the Year 7 boys will have already transitioned to their senior boarding houses by the time you come to collect your son. This means I won’t have the opportunity to personally bid you farewell this year. Additionally, I will be leading the Year 10/11 Service Immersion trip to Cambodia on Thursday, 28 November which means I won’t be present on Thursday afternoon if you plan to visit Corfe.
I deeply appreciate the support and trust that each of our Year 7 families has shown in our program throughout the year. Your confidence in us has been invaluable.
As we approach the festive season, I wish you all a joyous and safe Christmas holiday. I also extend my best wishes as you continue the challenging yet rewarding journey of being a boarding parent. Your dedication and involvement have made a significant difference and I am confident that your sons will continue to thrive in their new environments. Thank you once again for everything.
For Year 6 families of 2024, I look forward to consolidating our relationships as we push into the 2025 academic year. I’m keen to lean on your sons as House leaders in 2025 and hope that you can spruik the message about positive contribution, supporting your mates and role modelling in 2025.
All the very best for the Christmas holiday!
Groom House
Groom Gazette
Fond Farewells!
All good things must come to an end; it has been wonderful celebrating with the Year 12 families this week as the boys have completed their exams and are off to explore the big wide world with renewed vigour.
I cannot thank them enough for their efforts this year. These boys have not only worked tirelessly at personal pursuits but also always with a clear understanding of their role in building a positive environment for the whole house community. Cambell Gourley and Xavier Austin must receive thanks for their quiet and understated, yet highly effective, leadership of Groom throughout 2024, but I also cannot forget to highlight what wonderful leaders this whole cohort has been. The growth of these boys in the three years that I have helped guide them has been a joy to see.
On Tuesday this week a number of families invited staff to lunch prior to the Year 12 Final Assembly. It was a lovely event, and we thank them for all of their hospitality. At this event the boys gifted Jon Hall with a framed and signed Groom hoody. I beleive that this belonged to Cormac Murphy, from the archives of the Cormac family wardrobe. Hally had, jokingly, expressed on numerous occasions his desire to obtain this retro item. It is testement to what a wonderful job Jon does that the boys have gifted him such a thoughtful item.
Groom Year 12 families lunch before Final Assembly (Jonty Cameron in the mirror taking the photo!)Groom Year 12 boys with Jon Hall and their leaving gift
It is always a lovely event to see these boys at the Year 12 Final Assembly, proudly walking down the Terrace steps one last time as TGS students, and walking off the stage, even more proudly, and somewhat relieved, as TGS Old Boys themselves. This was followed by the annual pool jump. I cannot comment much on this as I made sure I was out of the door extremely swiftly, keenly aware that I might end up in the pool! (Whatever the boys think, I am still proving that I am one step ahead of them.) The celebrations were wrapped up with the Year 12 Formal on Wednesday night. Despite a slightly soggy entrance for most, this is always such a wonderful final celebration.
As I am sure you are aware, the Year 12 boys are not the only people whose TGS journey is coming to an end over the next few weeks. We also see Noah Braund departing us to return to school nearer to home. We thank Noah and his family for all they have done in the house this year. It is also time for the Stearn family to move on. We seem to be high-altitude Australians, having moved from Ballarat to Toowoomba and now soon to Canberra. I cannot express strongly enough what a privilege it has been to work with all of your sons and to see them grow. The boys and I have not always seen eye to eye, but all in a positive manner. The one thing I hope they remember is why we have continually held them accountable for the things we feel matter; the things that will help them succeed and be better citizens both in school and beyond. I must also thank the Groom staff. I have been so lucky with the staff I have worked with in my time here. Every one of them has worked tirelessly to provide the best care for the boys.
I wish every one of you every success in the future, and if you are ever in Canberra, please do not hesitate to look me up and make contact.
Chris Stearn Head of Groom House
Mr Stearn - Exit Interview
What has been the single funniest moment you’ve seen in Groom?
I don't think I can put my finger on one single extremely funny incident. There are so many weird and wonderful things going on when you live with nearly 50 boys. Often the funniest incidents were not always very funny at the time but are only funny when we look back on them.
Having been here for 3 years now, if you could give your first-year self one piece of advice, what would it be?
DON'T DO IT!.... No. That is definitely not true. As I have said on numerous occasions, being a boarding housemaster is a genuine privilege - to see boys growing up, making mistakes while learning from them. My advice would be to make sure that personal downtime is as relaxing and refreshing as possible. Doing the job properly, looking after nearly 50 teenagers, is mentally draining whilst also being a good husband and father. I have not always got this right.
Which house traditions are you most proud of and why?
I am proud of how far many of the boys have come. How the boys understand the positive conflict that often arises as staff educate them to improve themselves. I am proud that many boys have thought carefully about trying the ATAR route even when it might be a challenging route. I am also proud of the way that the boys self-police. I don't mean that in the sense of the old-fashioned practices of senior boys dominating the younger ones, as you all know I believe that society has moved on from this. It's the little things; how the senior common room is far more welcoming for younger boys when invited, how boys have bought into little changes like 10 cent container collection and Mr. E's food waste recycling scheme, or the times that we see boys halfway to the common room and turn around as they realise that they have no shirt on!
What’s the weirdest question or request a student has asked you?
I can't think of any single question, but I am sure it must have been asked by Jack Bornholt. Although I have been asked a few times about who I would support in The Ashes now that I have been in Australia so long. Isn't it clear that such a question is simply a waste of breath and energy!
What’s one thing you wish every student knew about being a housemaster?
How much we care about the development of every single boy in the house. There are times when I might admit to disliking a boy's behaviour, but our job is to educate boys and help them through an important stage of their life. "Mr X hates me, sir" couldn't be further from the truth for every teacher I have ever worked with.
What’s one tradition from Groom you’ll carry with you to Canberra?
Is Jon Hall a tradition? I think he may have been here long enough to be counted as a TGS tradition!! Can I take him with me, please?
I would like to continue the junior reading program that happens at bedtime. Competency in reading and writing is so vital to accessing school and the world beyond, but I wish that everyone read more for pleasure - especially in the modern digital world. I did not really read for pleasure until I was at university but love immersing myself in a novel, especially historical fiction, as well as non-fiction books which relate to people and make me a better school leader.
What’s been the most challenging part of your role as housemaster?
Leading with high standards. The "Pygmalion effect" describes how people perform better when they have high expectations placed on them and worse when people only have low expectations. This means that I always endeavour to lead by example. I know that boys note how rarely I am in the house wearing very casual clothing, for example. This is only a minor thing but the sort of thing that I think is vital to setting the right tone for all the boys.
We all know you despise us having access to technology, why is this?
I do not despise technology in any way (except for how addictive it can be for boys and adults alike). I use technology myself for work and pleasure, but it must be used in moderation and boys must be made to consider how to use it in a healthy way. Research by those with far more expertise in the field of student wellbeing and technology are showing that we must help each other to use these less. The seemingly extreme measures that the government is looking to take with social media restrictions highlight this.
What secret nickname do you think students may have for you?
I'm not certain that Australians are witty enough to create good nicknames, beyond "Stearno". I'm sure if they do it will be something to do with my boyish good looks, how wonderful I am, or how tolerant I am of repeat offenders! I've always told myself that you've "made it" as a teacher if you have a nickname... as long as it's not offensive.
What’s your hidden talent that students wouldn’t expect?
I have just rekindled my love for Warhammer, as I try to get my boys involved. I loved gaming and was a pretty good miniature painter as a teenager. I might have to make myself a painting desk in Canberra to rekindle a lost artform. My enjoyment of this, I think, came from a love of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings... don't ask how many times I've read these!
What’s one piece of advice you have for the boys going into the future?
Look after your flux capacitor and don't let Biff Tannen boss you around (Sorry - that might only be funny for the parents who read the Groom Gazette). Be a lifelong learner; never stop the enjoyment of finding out more. And make sure that you look after those around you. As is often quoted - people remember how you made them FEEL.
House Leadership 2025
The new Groom leaders have written down our leadership plan as we are fast approaching the end of 2024.
We aim to build on the success of the departing 2024 Seniors who did a remarkable job of leading Groom to a successful year where we placed 2nd in the Headmaster's Shield. We’ve come up with some goals and aspirations for the house to achieve through the quality leadership of the 2025 senior cohort.
Our primary goals are getting 100% attendance at all House Carnival and sporting events boosting our chances of winning the Headmaster's Sheild. We’d also like to implement some changes to what we do in the house meetings where Year 11 boys will have a quick interview or speak about their hometowns. Furthermore, we aim to put an emphasis on the importance of academic and sporting success where we should have no reason not to be winning the diligence award going towards the Headmaster's Shield. As a Year 12 cohort we strive to keep our standards high, keeping Groom the pinnacle of boarding houses at TGS.
On behalf of the Groom boys, in light of his unexpected announcement on Monday night, we’d like to say a massive thankyou to Mr Stearn for everything he’s done for the house in the three years he’s been Housemaster We wish Mr and Mrs Stearn and their two boys all the best as they transition down to Canberra upon accepting a new role. With only a little over two weeks left, let's finish the term strong and let's play hard at the House Touch Carnival where we hope to see all Groom boys participate as we kick off the 2025 Headmaster's Shield.
The Boarders Activity Program - Fishing and Aussie 7s Rugby
In the last two weeks, I have enjoyed supporting the boarders on some different activities. On Saturday, 2 November 2024, I travelled with Mr Byron and a group of boys to a property on Pipeline Road just below Cooby Dam to fish part of Cooby Creek with the boarders. On a warm afternoon, the fishing was quiet until the sun started to set over the hill. The boys then landed a number of good yellowbelly in the hours before dark. The fisherman of the day was Zach Hobday, who landed two good yellowbelly in the afternoon.
We were also fortunate enough to take a group of boys to the Southwest 7s Ladies Rugby event on Wednesday, 13 November, at the Clive Berghoefer Sports Ground. The Australian Women's 7s Team were the special guests and we got to watch the star players compete against each other in their trials. Watching players like Charlotte Caslick and Madi Levi up close was a great way to spend an afternoon.
Tomorrow, boarders will have the opportunity to attend an inflatable session with The Glennie School at Milne Bay Aquatic Centre. Then, on Saturday, 23 November 2024, there is a borders trip to Wet'n'Wild on the Gold Coast. The Wet'n'Wild trip is always a popular summertime trip with the boys. It is important to sign up for these activities in the Parent Lounge.
Corfe to Mackintosh House Transition
The Corfe to Mackintosh House Transition Program has recently commenced. The Corfe House boys have been visiting the senior house on Sunday afternoons, playing games and enjoying dinner together before returning to Corfe House. In the coming weeks, the Year 7 boys will spend more time in their respective houses. During Week 8, the current Corfe Year 7 boys will be assisted by the Mackintosh Seniors as they move into Mackintosh House to sleep for the final week of term. This process has proven to be very successful, providing a supportive step to ensure that the Year 7 boys moving into Year 8 are comfortable by the end of the School year and excited to return to their new house the following year.
Melbourne Cup 2024
On Melbourne Cup Day all Mackintosh House boys were given a horse from our free sweep. It made for some excited and friendly competition as the boys watched the race during the Mackintosh House Meeting.
Year 12 Final Week Events and Departures
This week has been significant for our departing Year 12 boys. Last Friday marked the end of external exams for the Mackintosh House Boys, with Harry McMillan being the last to finish, completing his Maths Methods exam. This week, the Year 12s had their final roll call in Old Hall and their final assembly on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval, where they received their Old Boys’ Caps, some presented by their fathers who are also Old Boys.
It is a unique and emotional time for many as they realise this is the end of their journey as students at Toowoomba Grammar School. It is likely the last time they will all be together. This period can be complex, filled with the excitement of the formal and possibly schoolies ahead, alongside the challenge of embracing the freedom that comes with great responsibility, the need to be self-sufficient and the drive to thrive.
This weekend, our Christmas Tree will be erected in Mackintosh House. All boys should have given their Secret Santa gifts some thought. Once boys have made their purchases, wrapping paper will be provided at the boarding house. There is also a Boarders' Christmas dinner planned in the dining hall for all boys on Wednesday, 20 November 2024.
A trip to St George
"Last weekend,
I invited Al, Craig, Isiah, Tobias and Fraser to St George. We caught the 9:00am
am bus from Toowoomba to St George. We stopped in Moonie for lunch for 45
minutes, then continued our journey. Halfway through what was already a long
journey to Westmar, we had to turn back due to a bushfire that had crossed the
highway. We travelled back to Moonie, then to The Gums, Meandarra and finally
back to Westmar before reaching St George, as the bushfire was between Moonie
and Westmar. We arrived in St George before 5:00pm, had some dinner and then
headed back home. By the end of the day, we had travelled for roughly 8 hours.
Once home, we had dinner, took a quick drive to show the boys around and then
went to sleep.
Saturday was our busy day, we woke up at 5:45am for an early
start on some sheep and goat mustering. Al and Isiah drove the Hilux, Craig
rode the powerful PW50, Tobias and Fraser drove the mighty Mitsubishi Triton and I drove the TTR230. We muster the animals using these farm vehicles, we had
to pen the sheep and goats into the yards, before sorting them. We had to wean
the 2 ½-month-old babies from their mothers, mark them and sort them back to
the paddock. After a productive day, we went for another drive, tested out the
motorbike track and went hunting during the evening.
On Sunday, we enjoyed a sleep-in, waking up at 8:40am. We had
bacon, sausages and eggs for breakfast, then headed to the motorbike track
with the John Deere tractor to make more jumps and tracks. Had create more
jump we had to test the new track with the bikes. It was a big day's travel back
to Toowoomba from St George leaving at 11:30am, travelling via Roma for lunch and then continued back to Toowoomba Grammar School."
Ryan McKay Year 11
Reflection for the Boys
"The journey to St Geoge was long, but the 8-hour road trip was worth it. On arrival, Ryan toured us around the paddocks and the farm boundaries. We had an early morning start on Saturday. We headed out as the sun came up to muster and ween the lambs, tagging and ringing the lamb before a health check and going back to the paddock. It was a real learning experience, experiencing the farm life and finding out what some farmers do daily. Later that night, we went out pig hunting. On Sunday, we packed our bags and went for a last ride on the dirt bikes and cars, leaving by 11am to go back to Toowoomba. It was a great weekend and a real opportunity to experience a different part of the country and get some work done to help the McKay family."
The final Stephens Sentinel for the year. There is no rest for the wicked, no let up as the pace of the end of the School year is relentless. With the boys heading into assessment mode and assignment submissions expected here, there and everywhere, we are mindful to try and keep everything balanced and in perspective.
On the ‘sad news front’ – it is looking like all round house mascot and mate to all, Coco, may not be with us in 2025. Aged 14, he is dropping gifts all over the place, finding it increasingly hard to stay awake and my morning walk to the roundabout on the corner of Mary and Herries is now taking up to a 1/2 hour. The one bright spot – Friday and Sunday house BBQs remain a hit, so we never quite know. I am encouraging the boys in the House to say their goodbyes in the upcoming weeks. Kate and I are really going to miss the big fella when the day finally comes. We collected Coco about 4 months after we arrived in Australia and our kids grew up with him as a part of the family. I still remember the day he came home with us in late 2010 and their reaction was 'Does this mean we are staying in Australia?' - it did! Saying goodbye is hard.
I want to wish everyone a happy long holiday and Christmas break. It is, no doubt, a busy time of the year on your properties and I have every confidence that 8 weeks and hopefully a holiday, is something that makes the long weeks of four terms go by that little bit speedier. Whatever your plans, I hope you have a lovely break. We are off to the UK, Europe and Africa as our family becomes ever more scattered. Parents in the UK and children in Europe and Tunisia/Libya respectively.
I write this having just completed a 70km ride with the TGS MTB club and would encourage any of the Stephens 2025 boarders that fancied returning with a bike to do so. Mr Massi and Mr Oliphant are regular riders and this is just another thing to do on the weekends. Let me know if you are keen.
Lastly, this is the ideal opportunity to welcome our new Boarders' Parents Support Group House Representative with Megan Officer standing down as Stuart's time with us ended. Toni Gray was elected...or nominated. Welcome Toni!
Welcoming the newbies
Corfe-Stephens Induction Program
Over the last couple of weeks it has been wonderful to welcome our youngest Stephens boys into the House. Today was a washout as the storm of storms hit at the moment when the BBQ was half cooked. We are welcoming Mr Eugene Seddon into Stephens Boarding for 2025. He knows a lot of the Year 7 boys and will be a great addition as Mr Byron seeks to grow the teacher involvement in boarding. Knowing the boys and knowing their backgrounds is critical in fostering and strengthening academic outcomes and there are few people, if any, that are able to build better relations with the boys than Mr Seddon.
The boys have been able to familiarise themselves with the geography and routines of the house and make themselves comfortable in the house. They will be ready to move in for the final week of the term and, at this point, following their Corfe graduation and farewelling (and thanking) Mr White, Mr Ciccollini and Mrs Bazely, along with all of the other Corfe support team, they will be in the ‘big house!’ and no turning back. We look forward to them being with us.
To Corfe-Stephens families, this is my ideal opportunity to welcome you into the Stephens House family and I look forward to meeting you and working with you ahead of graduation and formal in 2030!
The Stephens-Groom Sustainability Program
This section has been penned by Monsieur Laurent Epitoui, one of our wonderful Boarding Supervisors. Laurent is a passionate environmentalist and has previously directed a whole-school environmental sustainability program in Malaysia, where he and his wife worked until recently.
Whilst Laurent has tended to work with Mr Stearn, downstairs in Groom, more often than not, he is always keen to climb the stairway to heaven and spend a bit of timer in Stephens. We have to do more, we can do more and we have the Stephens Courtyard as our base, from which to do more. I hope this will generate support from the boys and open up new avenues for them to think about.
Here is what Laurent had to say.
Stephens Sustainability Initiative
Objective: Free biodegradable waste.
Process: We have a bio organic system that uses red worms to process our biodegradable waste into organic fertilizer.
Result: We will be collecting rich worm casting (black gold) which will be used in the garden and landscaping etc.
Climate change: In doing this, we are directly helping our environment and cutting down our biodegradables from going into landfill.
Education: We are educating our young population on the importance of looking after our planet and the need to take action now.
Opportunity: We have here a unique opportunity to start something real.
Not all heroes are Stephens House boarders
Year 12 Graduation
On Tuesday we celebrated the graduation of our Year 12s. For most of the Stephens’ Boarders this marks the culmination of five years in the house and goodbyes are, always, for the most part, emotional. The graduation ceremony flirted with some challenging weather – but it was a memorable one.
To Stuart, Lachie, Sam, Alen, Trace, Frank, Brodie, Clayton, Frank, Nathan and Jake – congratulations and the very beast of fortunes as you dip your toes into the water of reality.
2024 Formal
Rumours International, a venue that many consider to be the home to the international disco movement, not to mention the custodian of some of the finest glitterballs on the Darling Downs played host, as is always the case, to our magnificent formal. An opportunity for families, staff and boys – accompanied by their uber-glamorous frocked-up partners to showcase their finest single cabs, dual cabs, 70 series (he is writing like he knows what he is talking about …) as the procession into Rumours got under way.
This is always the evening where we get to say our final goodbyes and have a yarn about the water that has passed under the bridge. Always an occasion that I look forward to – a chance to thank parents for their support over the years as some of them sever their relationship with Grammar and Stephens, after a number of years. Others get just a short respite (time off for good behaviour] - Harry and Bec – of a year or two before we get to dance once more!
I have included as many photos as I was able to get the Stephens boys, as always, did their House, their School and their families proud.
Taylor House
Taylor Tribune
As we approach the final stretch of the year, it’s inspiring to reflect on the remarkable achievements of our Taylor House boys. They’ve shown dedication, camaraderie and growth across academics, athletics and community endeavours. Their determination and resilience have brought pride to all. Yet, as the holiday season nears, there’s no time to ease up just yet. With assessments and exams on the horizon, our focus remains firmly on achieving the best possible results. High expectations underscore this last term. The aim is for every student to finish strong, exemplifying their commitment to excellence.
The upcoming break is indeed something to look forward to—a time for families to reconnect, recharge and embrace new experiences. We encourage everyone to relish this time with family and friends, celebrating the season and preparing for the fresh start that 2025 promises. The new year brings hope and a canvas for new goals, growth and the chance to exceed our own expectations. We are working on scheduling parent and staff gatherings next year, providing valuable opportunities for connection in the coming year.
A particular highlight this term has been the smooth transition for Corfe boys as they prepare to join us in the “big house.” This move is an exciting step, offering our younger brothers a glimpse into what lies ahead. They’ve already enjoyed Sunday evening BBQs, tours and bonding with their Taylor House big brothers, making memories and laying the foundation for the years to come.
As the term concludes, please remember to finalise your end-of-term plans. Let’s make the transition home seamless by ensuring all personal belongings are packed up, aside from a few select items like fans, fridges and bedside tables.
On behalf of the entire Taylor House staff, thank you for a fantastic year. Your support and partnership have been invaluable. We wish you a joyful and restful Christmas holiday and look forward to all the new challenges and opportunities that 2025 will bring. Safe travels and happy holidays to you all.
