TGS BOARDERS' TELEGRAPH - Friday, 23 May 2025 - Toowoomba Grammar School

We are past the halfway mark of the term and there has been plenty happening in our boarding program in the past couple of weeks.

Notably, boarding schools around Australia celebrated National Boarding Week. With approximately 23,000 boarders in residence, at over 200 boarding schools, it is a week to be truly celebrated. At TGS there were three significant events for our community. These events covered the spectrum of being solely about our own boarders, through to our whole School context and finally our connections with other schools.

The week started with our formal dinner in the Dining Hall, where we were joined by Stuart and Matthew Bourgoure who were boarders in Stephens, finishing in 2012 and 2015 respectively. These two Old Boys have founded Allied Energy, providing electrical contracting, power generation and civil services across the Darling Downs. With many of our boarders aspiring to start their own business or develop their own family business, these two brothers are great models and examples of what can be done.

Our second major event was the school assembly where our boarders filmed their own content, contributing to a video giving insights into the day of a boarder. We also had each house identify an area of our School operations that contribute to providing them with a boarding environment in which they can thrive. It was heartwarming to hear from boys in each house recognise the efforts of these staff and be grateful for all that they do.

To celebrate boarding in our regional context, our House Captains ventured to Fairholme College on the Thursday evening, joining the boarding leaders from Fairholme and The Glennie School, as representatives of the Toowoomba ‘hub’ for the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA) Queensland Boarding Leaders Dinner. The event connected boarding schools across Queensland and our boys were able to hear about the influence of boarding schools on sports stars like Tom Gilbert, captain of the Dolphins NRL team and Queensland State of Origin player. Following on from this event with ‘local’ boarding schools, we once again hosted the Boarders Festival social on Sunday afternoon. Hundreds of boarders from the boarding schools in Toowoomba attended and it was great to see them enjoying an afternoon together on our beautiful campus.

Supporting our boarders in their classroom endeavors is an area I have sought to improve this year. Where possible I have made this support available to boarders who are having difficulties, as well as those boarders who are striving for more. Literacy and numeracy are the areas in which boarders want the most assistance. I know that Mr Allan Westman, Head of Mathematics, wrote to all parents in Years 7 to 10 last week. Recognising the difficulties some of our boarders have had with their Maths, I have attempted to be proactive in providing help to these boys. I thank the parents who have shared their views and the experiences of their sons. I know our boarders will benefit from our continued support.

In looking ahead to the next few weeks, I am excited to be attending the Queensland Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ICPA) Conference in St George. I am aware that there have been some changes to the representatives attending from each ICPA Branch which has resulted in a few more TGS parents representing their area. As such, I ask that any TGS parent attending the conference in St George to reach out to me so we can catch up. Our Headmaster will also be out there for the Sunday night and first day, sharing his vision for some exciting developments regarding the TGS curriculum. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to speak with parents and enjoy their company for a few days.

Nick Byron
Director of Boarding

If the rolling stone gathers no moss, then Term 2 must be clean as a whistle! Momentum is building and whilst the earlier-than-previous assessment window has focused preparation time, I do hope it will allow the boys to take a fresher approach to their assignments and exams. Time will tell! That said, we are about to enter the stage of the term where decision-making often goes awry, and relationships can become challenging. Our message, therefore, for the next few weeks is going to be one of focusing on basic routines and expectations as providing the foundations to deal with these pressures.

On a celebratory note, we have given our best wishes to Tom H (16) on his birthday and congratulate Chris on receiving Colours for his involvement with Debating during Term 1. Congratulations as well to Emmanuel and Rory on their selection for the GPS cross-country team, with Emmanuel also being named captain. Furthermore, we were able to present our Pro Diligentia winners (Cam, Cooper B, Sam, Matt, Nate, Mac and Will M) with their certificates during last week’s House Meeting. The Pro Summa Diligentia recipients (Elijah, Chris and Dewy) received their awards as part of a whole-school Academic Assembly.

As part of a new initiative, Lawson was named as our first ‘Buff of the Week.’ The criterion for nomination is someone who has made someone else’s week better through actions which display the Triple H code – House First, Hard Work and Humility. Lawson received several votes reflecting this due to his positive engagement with other boys and the dedication he shows to his studies and training commitments. This was then followed by Ed being nominated as ‘Buff of the Week’ for Week 4 consistently remaining considerate of others and the pressures they may be facing. Well done, Lawson and Ed!

Sticking with assemblies, the recent Boarding Assembly, which tied in with National Boarding Week, saw Archie and Hugh thank the Student Services team for all their efforts with supporting boarders. This was part of a wider presentation by house leaders to the bodies of staff who ensure boys are prepared for life at school. For most boys, the highlights of National Boarding Week appear to have been the food during the Boarders Formal Dinner – a full roast dinner and the activities available during the Boarders’ Festival. I have certainly enjoyed the profile of boarding receiving a boost and appreciate the efforts of those involved in bringing these events together.

I have also been fortunate to accompany our boys during their Wednesday afternoon visits to Toowoomba West Special School (TWSS). This wonderful facility does great work and Archie, Cam, Chris, Elijah, Emmanuel, Hugh, Luke and Ben P are a credit to the House with the enthusiasm and engagement they have shown to volunteer to be part of this service activity. I am aware that our support for TWSS is longstanding and goes all the way back to the days of Mr Oliphant as Boyce Head of House. From conversations with the TWSS staff and students, their appreciation is deeply felt and we will certainly continue to encourage Boyce boys to offer a hand.

‘The Greatest Shave’ is another opportunity for our boys to put their hands up, not out and I am delighted that Luke and Cooper B have decided to ‘brave the shave’ on the final day of Term 2. Both have been tasked with raising a minimum of $1000 for the Leukaemia Foundation to be eligible for participation. If you would like to support these boys, they have kindly shared the below QR codes for ease of donation:

Cooper B - Brave the Shave Donation Link

The G150 Gift Run is also approaching, and I have re-included the donation link here for our Year 12 boys who are running.

John Troxler
Head of Boyce Boarding House

The final section of this edition of the Bugle belongs to Myles. As a Year 12 student with a rugby passion, Myles provides a figure for many of our younger boys to look up to. It is to Myles’ great credit that his hard work has helped him to secure a contract with the Cowboys once he leaves us at the end of this year. To mark the significance of this achievement, Myles has kindly provided the below words on his rugby journey thus far:

"It all started in Townsville where I first played rugby for the Townsville Brothers U7s. I played at Brothers right through until U16s. During this time, I also participated in rep footy, which included Townsville Brolgas, North Queensland and Queensland Country. I never really thought anything super serious would come of my footy as playing rugby union my whole life in Townsville there was never a whole lot of recognition and opportunity outside of the local area.

In 2023, I was selected in my third Queensland Country squad to compete in the U16s Buildcorp Emerging Reds Cup. This tournament marked a significant step in the Queensland Rugby pathway, providing young talents like me an opportunity to showcase our skills on a larger stage. This one competition was a huge moment for me, earning player of the tournament, I then gained a spot on the Queensland Reds U16s team that faced the New South Wales Waratahs in the Super Rugby U16s Grand Final in Canberra. Starting on the wing we went down in that game before coming second overall in Super Rugby U16s.

That year I decided to come to TGS. This was a decision which I thought would benefit me as a person and as a rugby player. I then played First XV for the School in 2024. My journey continued as I was named in the Australian U18 squad for the Global Sevens tournament in Auckland in December 2024. We managed to win this tournament, facing strong opposition throughout. Being part of this team allowed me to compete internationally and gain invaluable experience against top-tier youth talent. Wearing the green and gold for the first time was an unreal experience. Additionally, I was honoured to be part of the Queensland U18s where we played the Waratahs twice. After going down in the first game, we bounced back to become the first Reds team to beat the Waratahs at U18s level.

Just recently I have signed my first rugby contract with the North Queensland Cowboys where I’ll be making a code switch for at least the next two years starting in 2026. For now, I am focused on our 2025 First XV season and taking out the GPS premiership."

Myles
Year 12 boarder

A Word from Henry White, Head of House

Dear Corfe Boarding Families of 2025

Thank you for tuning in once again for yet another edition of the Corfe Courier. Somehow, we’re now at the back end of Week 5 and past the halfway point of Term 2. While we’re moving at a fast pace, we’re mindful that there’s still much to achieve in these final three and a half weeks and equally mindful of the heightened emotions and anxiety that come with such pressures. As they say, short weeks are made of long days, and our Corfeys continue to make a triumphant effort rallying each day to tackle their heavy schedules.

As expected, the midway point of Term 2 can be a challenging hurdle for boarders to overcome. At this stage, the onset of Toowoomba's winter has made its mark — making days seem shorter, bringing more rain which disrupts regular routines and highlighting the onset of illness — all on top of mounting pressures from assessments and pre-season rugby. It’s not unusual for homesickness to swoop in and for relationship fractures and conflict to arise. In the past fortnight, we’ve had boys depart on extended sick leave and others find themselves in compromising behavioural situations — no doubt spurred on by fatigue-induced silliness and poor judgement — that have required close reflection.

That said, there’s still a sense of positivity as we push on. Our boys are, for the most part, busy with a smile and enjoying the newfound support provided by our Year 10 Residents, each of whom is doing a power of work to laugh, play and guide our youngest boarders.

Thank you for taking the time to review the following updates and messages — I hope you enjoy the photos!

National Boarding Week

Last week, we proudly celebrated National Boarding Week — a special time to recognise the unique experiences and contributions of our boarding community. Our Year 7 boarders embraced the week with enthusiasm and pride, enjoying a variety of events that highlighted the spirit of boarding life.

Festivities included a formal dinner that brought our boarding family together, where we heard from two Old Boys who discussed the privilege of a TGS boarding experience and how it helped them go on to develop their own Toowoomba-based construction company. On Thursday, our whole school assembly was dedicated to boarding and focused on thanking the various ‘unsung heroes’ who make TGS boarding what it is. Our two CRC (Corfe Representative Council) Reps for Term 2, Mal Bulmer and Charlie Sullivan, were brilliant in delivering their heartfelt thanks to Mr Robinson and his team in the IT Department for keeping our School online so we can stay connected.

Finally, on Sunday afternoon, the boys were treated to a “Boarding Festival” social with other Toowoomba boarding schools, enjoying a fete-style afternoon — laser tag, as you’ll see in the photos, was the real winner! That evening, the boys wrapped up the week with a Corfe House “Boarder of Origin” touch footy match, all in the spirit of healthy competition and in the week leading up to Origin Footy — a highlight that all Corfeys are excited for!

The week was a wonderful checkpoint, reminding us all of the rich community and camaraderie that defines the boarding experience.

Year 10 Residents – a power of work!

As mentioned, it’s been brilliant to see and hear the positive engagement and influence that our Year 10 Boarding Residents are having on our youngest boarders. Each is now leading house assemblies, cooking Thursday night in-house BBQs, assisting with bed settling and some small tutorials — all while completing an explicit leadership curriculum led by Mr Cicolini and me.

Thanks to the big boys for the calm presence they bring to the boarding house.

Academics Reminders and Requests

As noted last week, with the onset of assessments, there are opportunities for boarders to engage with additional academic support, and we encourage you, as families, to ask your boys to seek this out. This fortnight, we continued our Tuesday and Thursday Maths and English support and are encouraging boys to make use of tutorials offered to them at both the House and Department levels in the Day School. While the latter aren’t Corfe-specific, it’s important that the boys know there are avenues for support.

As a request, may I please ask that parents limit their email traffic to their sons during the assigned prep time from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. This is not a criticism, as I understand that communication with your sons is valuable and limited. However, we have noticed that some boys are spending long periods during prep reading and drafting emails, often from parents. Academics in Corfe are a strong focus this term and we appreciate your support in helping us keep the boys on task.

Henry White
Head of House - Corfe

Mid-Term Behaviour: Understanding the Pattern

As we approach the mid-term period, I wanted to share some observations about a pattern we consistently observe in our boarding community and request your support in addressing it with your sons.

The Mid-Term Challenge

We are now four weeks into the term and this marks a predictable turning point in boarder behaviour. Several factors converge at this time:

Assessment Pressure: Mid-term examinations and major assignments are looming on the horizon, creating academic stress and anxiety.
Fatigue: The initial excitement of the term has faded, and the cumulative effect of early mornings, full academic days and extracurricular commitments begins to take its toll.
Social Intensity: Four weeks of constant proximity in the boarding environment can strain even the closest friendships as minor irritations that were once easily dismissed become magnified.
Homesickness Resurgence: The initial adjustment period has passed, but genuine homesickness often resurfaces around this time as the reality of the term's length sets in.

Behavioural Patterns We Observe

This combination of factors typically manifests in several concerning ways:

Increased irritability and shorter tempers between roommates and dormmates
Declining respect for communal spaces and belongings
Rising incidents of disruptive behaviour during study hours
More frequent negative interactions with boarding staff
Notable spike in detention referrals for minor but accumulating infractions

Supporting Your Son Through This Period

During your next conversation with your son please enquire how he is handling this challenging period. Please remind him to:

Be mindful of his energy levels and seek appropriate rest
Consider how stress might be affecting his interactions with others
Remember that his dormmates are experiencing similar pressures
Communicate needs respectfully rather than acting out frustrations
Maintain the courtesy and consideration that makes communal living possible

A simple check-in call focused on how he's managing his stress, and relationships can make a significant difference.

Diligence Awards

In Groom, we often refer to “getting in the grind” of school life. Be it in your studies, or your co-curricular endeavours, there comes a time where hard work is needed. A student’s diligence—their persistent effort that transforms potential into mastery—is possibly, their most important attribute. Through their daily commitment, small actions accumulate into significant achievement. Consistency matters more than occasional brilliance. I wish to congratulate the following students who received Diligencia or Pro Suma Diligencia awards recently:

James F
Royden B
Jackson H
Charlie C
Harry Y
Ruhan B

Luke Paffey
Head of Groom Boarding House

Birthdays

Daniel McD – Happy 14^th Birthday
Ollie M – Happy 15^th Birthday
Gabe H – Happy 16^th Birthday

Year 12 Charity Run

On Wednesday, 28 of May the entire Year 12 cohort is undertaking an impressive challenge – running a total of 1500km. 150 boys will form into fifteen teams of 10 with each team running 100km in a relay format around the School ovals. In honour of our School's rich history and traditions, the Year 12 students have planned this event to provide a significant gift to the School. This project aims to improve the entrance of our School, specifically re-enacting the 1968 Interact project. In 1968, the Interact Club elected to run to Dalby and back to fundraise and build the brick entrance to the School that is located on the corner of Mary and Herries Streets. The boys would like to enhance this entrance and build upon the legacy of the 1968 cohort. The boys also wished to raise funds for charity during this event. Any additional funds raised will go to the Nerve Connection Foundation (NCF). We are proud to have an Old Boy as the Director and Advisory Board Member of NCF as well as a current parent as the inaugural Ambassador of NCF. There are three Groom teams participating in this challenge with QR Codes to their respective sponsoring pages seen below.

Edward Webster | Groom House Captain | Boarding

Use the QR Codes to donate to a team of your choice

What’s been happening

National Boarding Week

National Boarding Week (NBW) was a fun week for our Mackintosh House boys. It started with our NBW Formal Dinner in the Centenary Dining Hall on Monday, 12 May 2025. TGS Old Boys, Stuart and Matthew Bourgoure who finished in 2012 and 2015 where special guest and shared the TGS Experiences, along with the their business journey in Toowoomba in the Commercial Construction Industry. At the conclusion Josh S delivered a thoughtful vote of thanks.

The whole School Assembly on Thursday, 15 May 2025 celebrated TGS Boarding. Fraser B represented us well at the NBW Assembly where he gave a heartfelt thank you to the Health Centre staff who provide great support to our boys. TGS Prefect and Mackintosh Boarder, Brody M did a great job as emcee for the Assembly and also represented TGS at the NBW Boarding Leaders Dinner last night at Fairholme College. At this dinner, student leaders from Toowoomba Schools came together to enjoy each other's company and celebrate the connections made at boarding school.

On Sunday afternoon, all TGS Boarders enjoys the Toowoomba Boarders Festival hosted by TGS. The festival sore boys and girls form all Toowoomba boarding schools enjoy a wide range of activities including, spike ball, touch football, school musical, soccer and laser tag. The boys and girls also enjoyed the food stall with hot chips and snacks, 'chill out' areas and some impromptu dance, mainly form the girls and not the Mackintosh Boys.

Following National Boarding Week, on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 at our combined Mackintosh House Meeting we ran a boarding theme. During the meeting Sydney M, Joe B, Rupert L and Gus M spoke about their experiences as boarders and shared details and stories about the homes. The boys interviewed each other in pairs, asking some challenging and interesting questions for each other to answer. It was very interesting to hear which of the three McMillan Boys works the hardest on their farm. It is worth asking your sons about this!

Exchange Student

We had Camil T visit and live in Mackintosh House from Wednesday, 14 to Sunday, 18 May 2025. Camil was a 15-year-old boy who was visited on a Cultural Visit from Noumea, New Caledonia. He stayed with a host family for two nights before joining us in Mackintosh House. Our boys were excellent in the way they looked after Camil. Jock K, Fraser B, Stafford C, Al F and Nash R all spent significant time with Camil and enjoy many laughs with him. They all learnt a lot from the experience. On Camil’s last evening the boys presented him with a signed TGS Rugby Ball and drink bottle.

For his courage and bravery, as well as his contribution to the week, we awarded Camil T with our Boarder of the Week award.

What's exciting Ahead - Mackintosh of Origin

The Mackintosh House boys are eagerly organising a team for the Mackintosh of Origin, which the boys will contest on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, in the afternoon, as we build up to Game 1 of the NRL State of Origin. Boys born in QLD will take the All-Star team of boys born outside of Queensland. It is effectively a rest of the world team of boys who live in Mackintosh House. There have been team meetings, training sessions and evening boys spying on each other, training sessions and observations of each team's potential stars and threats. It will be a fun afternoon with the Mackintosh of Origin Game, then footy food for the Mackintosh boys, before settling back to watch NSW win Game 1.

A Note for our House Mother – Mrs K Stewart

Term 2 has got off to a wonderful start and I feel very lucky to be settling into the unique rhythms of life in Mackintosh. I'm getting the hang of the “Mackintosh way” but more importantly I’m starting to build some meaningful connections with your sons.

Some of the best parts of my day are the chats we have when the boys share stories and photos from home and talk about their hobbies (I’m fast becoming an unofficial expert on fishing and motorbikes). These little chats give me a glimpse of their families and home.

Our Sunday night suppers continue to be a highlight of the week. Recently I had a go at making rice pudding for the first time. That afternoon there was plenty of “pot checking” and advice on how it should be done - it quickly became a joint effort with the boys sharing mums and dads special touches. I was surprised to see a very large pot empty quickly.

It was an honour to attend the Year 12 Mother and Sons dinner and to witness the heartfelt tributes the boys shared about their mums. Your love, care and unwavering support does not go unnoticed by your sons. There is also something special about the friendship and support between the Mackintosh mums all on this boarding journey together.

Excitement is building for the upcoming “Mackintosh of Origin” event. Team meetings, strategy sessions and plenty of banter (even email banter) are in full swing. It promises to be a night to remember.

I feel privileged to be part of the Mackintosh family and will continue to support and encourage the boys to “give their best effort” while also keeping a healthy balance between school, sport and much needed down time.

Mother and Son Dinner – Friday, 16 May 2025

The annual Mother and Son Dinner for Mackintosh House was a joyous and emotional evening filled with reflection and optimism. Mothers and their Year 12 sons gathered at Gips Restaurant in Toowoomba to celebrate their special bond. This cherished event is open to all Year 12 boys, both boarders and day students and their mothers, offering a meaningful moment to pause and connect during their final, busy year of school. During the evening, our Year 12 boarders publicly read heartfelt letters of gratitude and understanding to their mothers and other significant women in their lives. Each mother was then presented with a rose, symbolising love and appreciation. Among the touching speeches and messages shared throughout the night, a central theme emerged the love between a mother and son is unconditional and everlasting. The boys expressed their significant gratitude for everything in the past and the care their mothers had provided them. The boys thanked their mothers for their never-ending tolerance and support, no matter the situation. Mrs Loretta Cleeve, from Texas, where they live on the NSW side of the border, with a Queensland postcode, delivered a heartfelt and moving reflection. She spoke about her experience as a boarding mother, supporting her son through the highs and lows of being away from home, especially during the challenging COVID years. Her words offered insight into the unique struggles faced by boarders and their families during that time of isolation and uncertainty. During the evening, the boys also acknowledged special guests Mr Kym Stewart, our House Mother and Mrs Stacey Smith, our Health Centre Manager, for their care and compassion as mother figures at TGS. This mother and son dinner is always an amazing evening for the boys and their mums.

Thank you to Mrs Stewart for being our photographer on the night.

Brad Allen
Head of Mackintosh House Boarding

Thank you for all the support and well wishes you’ve extended to Phil Kefford. He is currently undergoing some medical testing and, all going well, we look forward to welcoming him back to the Boarding House later this term. His steady presence and positive rapport with the boys have been missed, and we’re hopeful for a smooth return in the coming weeks. I know Phil deeply appreciates the messages of encouragement and kindness from both Stephens parents and boys.

Boarders’ Week has been a great success, and the boys have really enjoyed the chance to reflect on and celebrate the unique experience of boarding life. We had aspiring actors Will B, Logan M and Campbell N volunteer their time and energy to assist in the production of a short video highlighting the journey of a sock — from the bedroom floor to clean and ready to use. We'd also like to thank the behind-the-scenes services that support life as a boarder — from laundry and maintenance to kitchen and cleaning staff. Their efforts were much appreciated, and the final product has been warmly received by both students and staff.

Combining creativity and problem solving

Last Sunday, our boys had the opportunity to connect with boarders from across Toowoomba in a community gathering hosted here at TGS. The event brought together students from other boarding schools for an afternoon of socialising, activities and shared experience. It was a wonderful occasion that reminded us of the strength and support found within the broader boarding community.

At Stephens Boarding House, we take great pride in the achievements of our boys across all areas of school life. Congratulations to Max M, Gilbert T, Riley G, Josh P, Adrian G and Brad S on receiving their Pro Diligentia awards — a recognition of their dedication and consistent effort in the classroom. We also celebrate Archer F and George T for being awarded House Half Colours, acknowledging their positive contributions to academics, co-curricular life and the overall culture of the House.

Also, congratulations to Saint Y on being named Stephens House Student of the Week — a well-earned recognition for his strong endeavours at school, his willingness to be involved in all aspects of house and school life, and his consistently positive demeanour. It’s great to see students like Saint making the most of the opportunities available and contributing positively to the Stephens community.

Saint Y is the Stephens House Student of the Week

Thank you for your ongoing support. The sense of partnership between home and House is something we deeply value, and it plays a big role in shaping the experiences your sons have here at TGS.

Peter Wilson
Acting Head of Stephens Boarding House

Mid-Term Madness

As we move beyond the halfway mark of Term 2, Taylor House continues to embrace our guiding theme for 2025 - “Be the best at the things that take zero talent.” This simple yet powerful mantra has shaped the tone of our year, reminding every boy that effort, attitude, punctuality, kindness and accountability are choices we can all make - no skill required.

With assessments fast approaching, the message has been clear: there is zero talent required to give your best. That’s all we ask of our young men. The last fortnight has seen a noticeable lift in academic engagement, with boys spending their prep time more intentionally, attending lunchtime help sessions and revisiting feedback to sharpen their learning. Assessment season doesn’t just test knowledge; it tests resolve, planning and the ability to ask for help. And on that front, we remind each student that a myriad of support systems exists - they simply need to engage.

Success doesn’t require perfection. It requires consistency, reflection and the quiet determination to improve. Whether it’s seeking clarification after class, revising notes, or attending academic support sessions, every small step matters. We encourage all families to continue supporting their son in building these habits - habits that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

National Boarding Week: A Time to Celebrate Community

Last week, we celebrated National Boarding Week, a timely opportunity to reflect on the community that makes boarding possible. Our boarding program is not just supported by House staff but also by a dedicated network of professionals who keep the house running smoothly - catering, laundry, nursing, grounds and cleaning staff all play vital roles in the lives of our boys. To each of them, we extend our sincerest thanks.

Thursday’s Boarding Assembly was a touching moment of recognition and pride, with heartfelt tributes paid to the teams who serve quietly behind the scenes. Then, on Sunday, the annual National Boarding Week Festival brought a vibrant energy to campus. It was a joy to see so many of our Taylor boys in attendance alongside students from other boarding schools.

The highlight of the day was undeniably the Dance-Off. While the judges remain undecided on a winner, a few ‘vintage’ 1990s dance moves made a nostalgic appearance - some more successfully executed than others! Regardless, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and celebration, perfectly capturing the spirit of boarding life.

The World's Greatest Shave: Standing Up for a Cause

We are proud to support Will M as he takes part in the World’s Greatest Shave this year. Will’s commitment to raising awareness and funds for cancer research is deeply admirable and we encourage the whole Taylor community to get behind him. No amount is too small - your support matters. Links to donate are available in the House Meeting PowerPoint and will be shared again in the coming days. Well done, Will - you lead by example.

Service in Action: The Grammar 150 Gift Run

Another impressive display of grit and service is fast approaching with the Grammar 150 Gift Run on Wednesday, 28 May. Ten of our Taylor House seniors will each be running 10km to contribute to a team total of 100km. Even more remarkably, James "Bear" P will attempt the full 100km solo. James has trained with quiet determination and we are in awe of his commitment to raise awareness and much needed funds for HOPE HORIZONS his efforts have been a guide for others in a powerful and selfless way.

You can donate to his run here: https://tinyurl.com/595tf8rh.

This event isn’t just about physical endurance - it’s about giving back. Funds raised will support important causes, and we hope the entire Taylor House community will rally behind our runners. Keep an eye out for donation details and cheer on these incredible young men as they push boundaries for something greater than themselves.

House of Origin: Let the Games Begin

While many across the state prepare for the annual State of Origin battle, here at TGS our attention turns to something arguably more important - House of Origin. The coveted shield is up for grabs once again, and there is a strong sense of confidence in the halls of Taylor. Our House spirit is high, our teamwork strong and our competitiveness dialled in.

And yes, while the Blues may (or may not) bring it home this year depending on which clairvoyant you speak to, we’re putting our money on Taylor House lifting the shield. Whether it's touch football on the field or cheering from the sidelines, participation and pride will be key. Let’s bring the energy, the respect and of course, the friendly banter.

As we enter the back half of the term, we remind all boys to remain focused and committed. Term 2 is often one of the busiest periods in the school year - academically, emotionally and socially. Amid the bustle, our mantra continues to ring true: “Do the simple things right.” Be punctual. Be respectful. Be prepared. Be kind. These actions may take zero talent, but they carry infinite value.

To our Taylor families - thank you for your ongoing support. We know this time of year can be demanding, but the growth we witness in your sons makes it all worthwhile. Let’s finish the term strong.

Until next time - onward with purpose.

Eugene Massi
Head of Taylor House Boarding

TGS BOARDERS' TELEGRAPH - Friday, 23 May 2025