TGS BOARDER'S - Toowoomba Grammar School

Welcome Back!

Dear Corfe Families,

Welcome back to another edition of Corfe Courier, Corfe’s very own publication in the larger Boarders’ Telegraph.

As I write this piece, we’re rapidly approaching the halfway point for Term 1, and it feels like we’re nearing the summit of a mountain – it’s been an enormous few weeks in Corfe. With the assessment period looming on the horizon, there’s still an incline for us to pursue before we reach the top, but I’m glad to say that after a few weeks of teething, we’ve strapped on the hiking boots, tightened our packs and are set for the onward journey.

As I mentioned last fortnight, this iteration of Corfe Courier includes some ‘big picture’ planning for Corfe in 2024 and important information about Corfe’s Boarding Curriculum. Don’t be alarmed; I have, of course, done my best to include a few shots of the lads around the House and having fun.

Thanks for reading,

Henry White

Around the Traps!

Enjoy the following snaps and summary of a moments from this fortnight!

Swimming Carnival

Well done to all of our Corfe swimmers who had a splash and did their best at the Swimming Carnival! I was particularly impressed with the boys' sense of competition and sportsmanship. A special mention to Hamish Baker and Curtis Gray for rocking the House shirts and swim caps with such style.

Laser Tag

Who would have thought it – six years into the job and I’m celebrating boys running around and shooting each other! Something is wrong here! Regardless, I was stoked to see so many happy faces and hear so many stories of fun from the recent Laser Tag session.

Old School

Our Year 7 boys loved their recent TGS Museum tours and learning about the School’s proud traditions. What a great photo of Sid Moloney and Will Marshall donning the old TGS Blazer with TGS Old Boy and historian, Ian Dumigan.

'A Few Good Men'

It was an odd feeling in Corfe over the weekend of 17 and 18 February, with only eight boys remaining in-house! I’m so glad that so many had an opportunity to get off campus and enjoy some leave, and I’m equally glad that the eight fellows who stayed in enjoyed some quiet time and an unreal sleepover! Have a look at that setup!

Upcoming Dates to be Aware of:

Wet ‘n’ Wild Outing - Sunday, 24 February
Corfe Grand Central Trip - Sunday, 3 March
Corfe Grand Central Trip - Sunday, 24 March
Year 7 Camp Week - Monday, 25 March 2:00pm to Thursday, 28 March
Corfe Parent ‘Meet-n-Greet’ 4:00pm - Thursday, 28 March

Matthew Salter – aka 'The Cube'

When looking for a highlight to share from this fortnight in Corfe, one particular moment springs to mind – thank you Matthew Salter (aka 'The Cube') for the memory!

Last Wednesday, Matthew Salter, our resident Rubik's Cube aficionado, bravely accepted my challenge: “solve the Rubik's Cube in 2.5 minutes and the entire House will be treated to ice cream". Bravely, he took it on.

All of a sudden, Corfe House found itself in a moment of suspense in our Common Room. Thirty-five boys surrounded Matthew in pure silence – not a pin drop! As the seconds ticked by, the room held its breath, the suspense building with each twist and turn of the cube.

In a blur of colour and clicks, Matthew's hands went to work and, like magic, the pieces began to fall into place.

Despite allowing 2.5 minutes, Matthew somehow finished the puzzle in 57 seconds. The room erupted into cheers and applause, with high-fives, hugs and plenty of chanting.

Well done, 'Cube'! This remarkable feat has not only earned you godlike status in Corfe House but has also secured a well-deserved reward for the boys.

Pastoral Conversations

Now that the boys have had a month to find their feet and settle into their new environment, I intend to begin formalising one-on-one pastoral conversations with each boy.

I intend to schedule at least two conversations each evening (perhaps more on my duty nights) with the hope to share at least two formal conversations with each boarder by the conclusion of Term 1.

These conversations will be guided by the following points. As always, your input is invaluable and I invite you to reach out should you feel there is something pertinent or worth sharing to inform these conversations.

1. Transition into Boarding:
My aim is to ensure that each Year 6 and 7 boarder feels fully supported as they adjust to their new experiences. I want to provide a dedicated space for students to share their experiences, concerns and excitement about this transition and understanding their individual perspectives will enable me to offer tailored support and guidance.

2. Dealing with Homesickness:
My goal is to equip boarders with effective strategies to cope with this very natural emotion and also support families with strategies to guide their son.

3. Friendship Maintenance:
By providing guidance on effective communication, conflict resolution and inclusivity, my objective is to help students cultivate supportive friendships that contribute to their overall wellbeing and happiness.

4. Individualised Study Plans:
As every boarder has unique academic needs and goals, I intend to work collaboratively with teachers and boarders to maximise individual potential and foster a love for learning.

5. Goal Setting:
As the boys are beginning to recognise, the easiest way to aid the transition into boarding is through the process of ‘chunking’ and ‘goal setting’. I intend to utilise these conversations with boys to set realistic process goals to help them achieve long term outcomes.

Leadership and Residency Program

While I touched on this briefly during the Corfe House Orientation in January, I’m excited to formally announce our plan to implement the Corfe House Service and Leadership Residency Program at the commencement of Term 2. The Residency Program is an incredibly exciting initiative for Corfe House and the larger TGS Boarding Program and something that I’m very keen to begin!

The Program will introduce successful Year 10 boarding applicants as resident leaders in Corfe House. In other words, we’re about to adopt a few ‘big brothers’ into our home to help guide our current crop of Corfeys and enrich their pastoral experience.

At the heart of this initiative lies the belief that true leadership is cultivated through service to others. Moreover, by establishing this Residency within Corfe Boarding House, we engage a unique opportunity – for both the Year 10 mentor, and Years 6/7 mentee – to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie where bonds are forged through shared experiences and mutual respect.

Year 10 boarding residents will be provided with invaluable opportunities for personal growth and development through tangible experiences to lead, guide and support their younger peers. Moreover, they will undertake explicit coaching modules in Leadership and Positive Masculinity run by me and Kabe Cicolini, my Assistant Head of Corfe House. Furthermore, by engaging in meaningful service projects within the boarding house, Year 10 residents will learn the importance of empathy and social responsibility.

The residency also provides significant benefit and pastoral support to our Years 6 and 7 boarders. For young men of Corfe, the transition away from home and family into a boarding house is incredibly daunting. Having calm and sensible Year 10 boarders to lean on, all of whom have ‘been there and done that’, understand their experiences and are willing to offer guidance and friendship, can significantly ease the transition and alleviate feelings of homesickness and isolation. Moreover, looking forward, we seek to establish smoother transitions between Corfe House and senior boarding houses. Allowing Corfe boys to build positive relationships with the senior boarding community in their respective senior Houses will inevitably assuage anxieties that boys have about their future transition into Year 8 boarding.

Of course, if you have any questions about the Residency, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Corfe House Leadership Curriculum

Tapping into the same theme of leadership, it is worth mentioning our plan to embed leadership within our program for Corfe Boarding House, designed to empower the boys and build fundamental skills.

Term 1 'Leading Yourself':
Our focus for Term 1 is emphasising self-awareness, discipline, organisation and adherence to routines.

Term 2 'Leading by Example':
In Term 2, the focus shifts to 'Leading by Example', where residents learn the importance of integrity, accountability and setting a positive example for others. In Term 2, we identify those boys who have 'led themselves' most successfully in their transition and we champion and reward their behaviours, routine and discipline.

The integration of Year 10 Boarding Residents in Term 2 also provides model exemplars of acceptable behaviour, school spirit and TGS-specific etiquette.

Furthermore, in Term 2, all boys will have the opportunity to serve as 'Dorm Leader', providing each boarder tangible opportunities to lead and coordinate their dorm.

Term 3 'Learning to Lead Others':
In Term 3, we intend to extend upon the role of Dorm Captain, and provide Corfe boarders their first real taste of leadership appointment – Corfe Corridor Captains.

Term 4 'Respecting Leadership':
Finally, in Term 4 our focus shifts to enabling the smooth transition from Corfe House into senior boarding Houses. In doing so, boys begin to spend more time in their respective senior houses and learn the significance of respecting and understanding the different leaders and role models in Senior Houses.

Dear Groom community,

It has been another eventful fortnight in Groom. You will all be aware that just prior to the publication of the last Groom Gazette it was the House Swimming Carnival. Groom came 1st! That now puts us firmly at the top of the Headmaster’s Shield rankings after also winning the Touch Rugby tournament at the end of last year. We have recently been strong in some of the later events, including Diligence, so this bodes well for the rest of the year. I hope that leading the pack inspires even more boys to participate in the House competitions over the coming terms.

Winners - Mitch Lancaster and Campbell Gourley

Although every boy played their part in winning House swimming, special mention must again be made to Alex Reddacliff, who came out as Open age group champion. Josh Maher has also been out again last weekend at the Pittsworth meet, at which he came out as the 14-year-old age group champion.

Age Group Champions - Alex Reddacliff centre.

Pittsworth Swim Meet - Josh Maher [left] 14 yr age group champion

Excellent work boys (from a Housemaster who swims a little like a brick!)

The House has also been its usual hubbub of sporting success. GPS Volleyball performances have been mixed, but it is wonderful to hear continual praise for the attitudes of Groom boys from their coaches. On the cricket field, Fraser Judd has continued in the 1st XI Cricket team and, although they have just missed out in a couple of close games, it is wonderful to see a boy in Year 10 repeatedly selected at this level. There were certainly a couple of notable performances just last weekend with Ed Webster being part of the 11As team to beat Churchie, their first win in two years (Ed: maybe something to do with their new coach?). Campbell Schutt scored a fifty to make an easy chase of the Churchie 11B total.

Outside of School sport, we are seeing many boys beginning their club rugby union training. Tom McDonald is training and playing for the Western Clydesdales and numerous boys are playing regional representative cricket. Only last week, Oli Lethbridge had the pleasure of playing against Jason Haynes for South West country against South East country. It was great to hear their match report on Sunday, and that one of the Groom boys won! It was also wonderful to hear the enthusiasm with which Josh Maher and Ed Beattie described their successes at the recent boarders fishing trip. I think from Ed’s description, he caught a 14ft great white shark (but maybe my interpretation is a little exaggerated!).

NOTE: Could you please ensure that the boys have entered recurring leave properly for these external non-TGS sport sessions and that hosts are aware of their responsibilities to get the boys to and from games wherever possible. When games begin on Friday evenings the boys must also return to the House in good time.

Outside of the many sporting arenas, the cogs of Groom House seem to be well oiled. The boys continue to be efficient in all that they do. Prep times are happening smoothly with much peer assistance and the Academic Enrichment Program has begun for the junior boys. It will not be long before assessment tasks for the term are released and this focus should crank up a notch further. The new boys no longer seem new; they now understand and follow the many processes which make the Groom community such a wonderful place to work. The junior boys are attempting to take over ‘ownership’ of the pool and table tennis tables (despite new casual staff member, Mr Laurent Epetahui’s best efforts). The boys are in the process of interviewing new staff and new boys for a big expose edition later this term!

Regards,

Chris Stearn

House Admin / Notices

Please can we ensure that boys have alarm clocks for when they require an early morning wakeup call.

Groom House WhatsApp Group

Susan Cameron is hosting a House WhatsApp group to assist with parental communications. Please sign up if you want to join.

As posted in the last newsletter, this group is for parents only and will be monitored by the House Representative. This group is for general positive discussion directly regarding boarding in the individual House and the House Representatives will keep you updated with any important info, date reminders, etc. This is not a group to have a 'whinge' or raise concerns, it is for information sharing purposes only.

If you wish to join the Groom WhatsApp group, search BPSG – TGS Groom House in the app or here is the link – https://chat.whatsapp.com/GWQfOZ2Kh400lU8DiPFBI4

As we approach the middle of the term, I was thinking about the start of the year and how it has been and I've come to the realisation that we are fast approach the Activities and Outdoor Education week at the end of term. When thinking about the way our Mackintosh House boys have started, I was buoyed the way that they have embraced the school year. Following the lead of the School Prefect in living the Blue and Gold in Boarding, building their character by taking opportunity, the boys are all conducting themselves and holding each other to a high standard - ‘The Gold Standard’ as described by the Prefects. Our boys new and retuning, Years 8 to 12 have continued to support each other and embrace the opportunities and challenges that boarding and life throws at them. The Mackintosh Boys are genuine and authentic in their support for each other and the way in which they bring new boys into the community.

In Mackintosh House we also have adopted a saying that is ‘How we do anything is how we do everything’. Cale Maurice spoke to the Mackintosh House boys, day and boarding, about this in recent house meeting.

We talk about this from the perspective that you should challenge yourself to be motivated to do the small things, the unnoticed things, and the things you like less in the same way that you apply yourself to the things you are passionate about. In all areas we want to live the Blue and Gold with our actions underpinned by the Mackintosh House Values: Be Kind, Be Honest and Be Hardworking. If one area, or one of the things we do, is lacking effort, then we realise this is also hindering other areas of our lives. A strong work ethic and great effort tend to permeate all your work. In the same way, so does disorganisation and inertia. But instead of assuming we just need to start working harder, we should start small. We should address our thoughts, motivations and habits to make small steps in our lives, then slowly work to change our behaviour until we are honest with ourselves and genuinely hardworking for ourselves and others in all areas.

Each week in our house meetings in Mackintosh House, we also recite our Mackintosh House Creed.

Mackintosh House Pledge

If you’re thankful, show it.
If you appreciate someone, tell them.
If you’re wrong, learn from it.
If you learn something, teach others.
If you’re confused, ask questions.
If you’re stuck, ask for help.
If you make a mistake, own it.
If you trip, get up.
If someone needs help, help them.
If you see wrong, take a stance.
We are Mackintosh! Ubuntu!

We are very proud of the way that our Mackintosh boys conduct themselves, developing character and supporting others.

What's Been Happening and What is on Soon?

This past weekend, we have had boys involved in a range of activities.

The Boarders Activities Program

Fishing at Cressbrook Dam in Saturday night
The Beekeeper at the Movies on Sunday
Year 8 Pool Party at TGS
Brisbane Bullets Basketball match
Laser Tag at TGS

TGS Co-curricular and Activities

GPS Sport against Churchie and TSS over the past two weeks
Inter-House Swimming Championships – February 7

We encourage our Mackintosh boys to get involved, take the opportunity and sign up for the events in the coming weeks.

We look forward to our round of fixtures, Debating, Volleyball and Cricket against Brisbane Grammar School away, GT at Home and then Nudgee College away.
Boarder's Wet 'n' Wild Trip – Sunday, February 25
The GPS Swimming Championships in Brisbane – Friday, 1 March with many of our boys supporting the event in Brisbane.
Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Victory @ Suncorp Stadium – Sunday, 3 March
Boarding Father and Son Bowls at Drayton – Sunday, March 3
Fairholme College Year 8 Social – Friday, March 8
NRL Dolphins V Cowboys @ Suncorp Stadium - Sunday, 10 March
The Glennie Fair - Sunday, March 10

These activities and event will all be release on Parent Lounge so that parents can register boys for events, giving them permission to attend.

Mackintosh House – In the House

We are constantly working to improve Mackintosh House and the experience for the boys, and are always looking to help them embrace learning and knowledge, enhancing and developing their good character through embracing opportunity while learning to lead themselves and others.

In the past few weeks, the boys have been involved in a range of events and meetings. There has been a Senior Leaders meeting, a Year Group meeting with Mr Byron and other staff, along with Year Group functions. In Mackintosh House, we also hold our own in-House year-level mentor meetings with each of our year groups in the House, which have begun recently. Each year, the group meets with their mentor staff member below.

Year 8 – Thomas Hutchinson
Year 9 – Dougal Eady
Year 10 – Clayton Lachmund
Year 11 – Brad Allen
Year 12 – Anthony Savovski
Mackintosh House Food Committee is run by House Manager – Mr Savovski

One key suggestion that came from these meetings, that are designed to facilitate students' voice, has been the creation of Year 12 social spaces on each level of Mackintosh where the Year 12 cubes and prep spaces are. This space will be an important space where seniors can study, relax, converse and rest together during their final year of school.

The most recent event was a Year 11 Cohort Dinner on Wednesday, 21 February, in the Pavilion. This is a formal dinner for Year 11 boarders. The purpose of the dinner is to provide boys with the opportunity to learn what to expect at a formal dinner. The Year 11 boys were joined at the dinner by girls from The Glennie School and Fairholme College.

Sometimes, good people just need reminding.

We have been talking with the boys recently about some key messages that are important for all boys to remember.

Leave and Courtesy
It is important that the boys and that we are all accurate with the leave arrangements that we make. We should be supporting our boys' good choices and arrangements but also protecting them from their potentially poor decisions or situations that may pose a risk or be dangerous. A key component of the leaving process is how the boys sign in and sign out. It is important that boys are always courteous and patient as they sign out on leave, ensuring that their host or parents see a staff member on duty and that they find a staff member to sign back into the House as they return.

Washing and Laundry
We encourage boys to use the daily and weekly washes, but it is important that the boy's clothes are clearly named. We have been working with the boys on this matter and have also provided some lost property / unnamed clothes bins at the end of the hall on level one of the Houses where the junior boys sleep. It is also important that boys empty their pockets to ensure all personal and potentially dangerous items are removed from pockets and clothing.

Last Sunday, was a lovely afternoon to catch up with our Mackintosh House parents, along with parents from other Houses, new and old, at the welcome drinks on the lawn for boarding families last Sunday. I look forward to catching up with more families in the coming weeks.

Brad Allen
Mackintosh House

As is the case each year, the start to the year is frantic and begun at a frenetic pace. Overloading information, new procedures, new teachers, workloads, sporting commitments and bus rides to all corners of southeast Queensland. Not to mention, the weekly visit to Maccas and KFC or the famed Curry Hut. Yet, the boys of Taylor House seem to do this without flinching. Our boarding stalwarts have led the House in a relaxed and calm manner, ensuring our new boys have transitioned to life in Taylor House as if they had been here for years. It has been wonderful to witness the transition, the engagement of all boys has been fantastic and each boy to be commended.

In a time where the focus on 'self' can overshadow all, it is wonderful to see our boys elevating those around them. A focus on giving has been a regular message in Taylor House this term. It is in the act of giving that one gains true happiness and fulfilment. Our Year 10 boys have been a shining example of this gesture. Year 10 have taken on the responsibility in an effort to support our younger boys in aiding their morning routine. They assist Mr Savovski in ensuring all boys have a clean and tidy room, that beds are made, and the boys are organised for classes and on-time to school each day. This act in leadership is a testament to their desire for Taylor House to be a well-oiled machine... even if the proverbial carrot is they get a little extra time in House themselves.

At the end of Term 4 last year, Taylor House performed admirably at the House Touch Football competition ranking third. It was an awesome feat considering there were nearly 70 Taylor boys missing for various reasons that day. This sparked a drive and determination in not only our senior leaders but all men of Taylor House to strive to win the famed Headmaster's Shield, a feat that has eluded this great House for so many years. At the start of this year our senior leaders, James Elms, Illy Baravilala, Jo Gray and Alex Chicalas put the word out among all Taylor boys, that we were no longer going to settle for mediocrity, that we were going to all come together, united, and work hard to bring the shield home. House meetings were focused and PCG sessions targeted squarely at ensuring that participation was high, and that we had our best boys in the right events for the House Swimming Carnival. Cheering practices were held and nothing short of shouting the roof off the Dining Hall would be accepted. On the day of the carnival, we could see a determined glint in the eye of each boy and wow did they perform exceptionally well. The performances at every level, from aspiring Olympic swimmers to boys giving it their all, even if they gave it their best 'Eric the Eel' impersonations, were met with a resounding roar from the Taylor crowd. The House Spirit Award was certainly won by Taylor House (even if this was a self-awarded prize); our boys sang and cheered their hearts out, and in the pool... well, in the pool we gave it everything just to be pipped by Groom House. A wonderful second place for our men. Well done gents - just awesome!

As we approach the halfway point of the term, the academic pressure is starting to mount. Assessment tasks, revision and exam preparation needs to be at the forefront of each boy's mind. Organisation is the key to academic success, and a working plan to achieve at the best of one's ability should be well in place. While the results themselves will vary across the House, the main focus will be on diligence, their effort and giving it their best. At the end of the day, this is all we can ask. Given the right support and guidance and an encouraging word, I am confident all our boys will succeed. Please encourage your son to engage his teachers for support, to attend help sessions at lunch time and to reach out to their friends.

It has been wonderful to see and catch up with so many of our parents at Friday pick up and around the grounds. I look forward to the coming weeks.

Regards

Eugene Massi

Ph: 07 4687 2500
International: +617 4687 2500
24 Margaret Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350 Australia

Summary of all Action Items from the 22/01/24 Meeting
Agreed Action	Person Responsible	Completion Date
Technology Policy to be reviewed, invite feedback on current from parents and boys – in particular the handing in of phones at pm roll call	Nick Byron	Survey has been sent
Reissue Food Safety Procedure	Tammy Wilson	Completed
Discussions between Heads of House re the movement of Corfe boys at end of year	Nick Byron and Heads of House	Before end of Term 3
Look at option of Friday night social activities to encourage more involvement of boys in Years 7–9	Nick Byron	Underway, Houses are taking it in turns to host Friday night activities
Revisit Local Leave Policy to ensure boys in younger grades are chaperoned when on leave	Nick Byron and Heads of House	Completed
Talk with Taylor Head of House to review phone cabinets	Nick Byron and Taylor Head of House	Completed
Discussion with HOH that day school detention is not to be carried over in boarding houses	Nick Byron and Heads of House	Completed

Summary of all Outstanding Items from Previous Meetings
Topic/Agreed Action	Person Responsible	Completion Date
QKR could be introduced for the Uniform Shop – currently being reviewed	Christina Onley	By end of 2024
Security when returning to boarding later at night, some areas between the Margaret Street loop drop off and the boarding houses are not well lit. Nick is working with head of maintenance (change in position) to identify areas which need more light	Nick Byron	By end of Term 1
Parental point of contact in regional/remote areas – establish these points of contact to provide information, particularly in relation to student transport opportunities	Nick Byron/BPSG Representatives	End of Term 1

TGS BOARDERS' TELEGRAPH - Friday, 23 February 2024

TGS BOARDERS' TELEGRAPH - Friday, 23 February 2024

In This Newsletter

Boarding News

From the Director of Boarding

Technology Procedures Feedback Survey

From the Boarding Parents' Support Group

BPSG Meeting Action Register

TGS on Tour - Augathella and Charleville

TGS on Tour - Goondiwindi

What's Cooking

Boarding Back Then

Boyce House

Boyce House

Corfe House

Corfe Courier

Groom House

Groom Gazette

Mackintosh House

Mackintosh House

Stephens House

Stephens Sentinel

Taylor House

Taylor House

Boarding News

Boyce House

Corfe House

Groom House

Mackintosh House

Stephens House

Taylor House

Boarding News

Boyce House

Corfe House

Groom House

Mackintosh House

Stephens House

Taylor House