TGS BOARDERS' TELEGRAPH - Friday, 3 November 2023

Over the past few weeks, the wellbeing of our boarders has been at the forefront of my mind. Whilst Term 4 is one that is always busy, my conversations with our boarders reveal that thoughts of home and spending time with family over the summer holiday are at the forefront of their minds. It is clear to me that for some boys, the thoughts of home are currently ones of worry. Our boarders are all too aware of the lack of rain and therefore lack of feed on their cattle properties, they are aware of the threat of bushfires and how that has impacted our families on the Western Downs. Sometimes our boys are good at communicating these worries and sometimes they are not. To those families facing some difficulties, I take this opportunity to ask parents to share any concerns they may have about their sons with their Head of House. We are a community that supports each other, and it is important that we help each other whenever we can.

Our boarding staff value each of our boarders as an individual. I’ve been talking to Heads of House and senior boys about the weekend activities program and what it should offer in Term 4. This has delivered a number of responses that are as varied as the boarders we have, but the trend is that in a Term when the boys are thinking about home, they are wanting to do activities in which they have a chance to relax and slow down, rather than too many socials. Indeed, the moments I’ve enjoyed the most over the past few weeks have reflected this. The first was on the fishing trip and one of the boys was sitting with a volunteer from the Warwick Fish Stocking Association, they were talking about fishing and the best spots around the boarder's home town. It could have easily been a boarder fishing with his grandad, rather than a school trip. The second was organised by The Glennie School. A ‘sibling’ dinner at a restaurant gave the boarders and their sisters a chance to sit, enjoy each other's company and take a couple of hours out of the busy boarding schedule to reconnect. It will be the first of many, I am sure.

There are some great activities for the boys to do in these final few weeks. The Wet n Wild trip in particular is a great chance for the boys to just hang out with their mates and share a great time together. I encourage parents to discuss this with their sons and sign up. In closing, I do also ask that parents read the section on the End of Year Arrangements carefully. Leave should be entered correctly on REACH with any transport required to the airport booked in advance with Mrs Kate Wormwell in student services.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with your son's Head of House or give me a call.

Nick Byron

Following the BPSG AGM at the end of Term 3, we have made a commitment to keep parents more informed. Particularly in regard to the progress of the issues raised in the general business of the meeting. The first of these updates is below.

The buses to Brisbane airport are now available for sign up on the Parent Lounge. There will be a bus at 3:30pm on the Thursday afternoon and another at 5:30am on the Friday morning. (The Friday morning bus will leave earlier if required for those on flights to Darwin.)

For boarding families that have booked flights departing from Wellcamp, we ask that you contact Mrs Kate Wormwell in Student Services k.wormwell@twgs.qld.edu.au or (07) 4687 2653.

End of term leave should always be completed in REACH. Please use the notes section to provide details so that boarding staff are aware of your son's travel plans. For example, details of parents who are picking up or flight numbers are if they are flying. Whilst Thursday, 23 November is the final day of term, our Boarding Houses will remain open until Friday morning for those boys who cannot be collected until this time. We also remind our parents that if you need to collect your son from TGS before the end of term, permission must be sought in writing from Mr Mark Oliphant, Head of Senior School.

The dates that should be entered on End of Term Leave Requests are:

Departure: 23/11/2023

Term 1 return: 22/01/2024

It is that time of year when moustaches once again become fashionable!

A number of TGS Staff have signed up to raise money this year. They are either growing a Mo' or completing a challenge such as moving for mental health. This challenge involves completing 60km of exercise in November to remember the 60 men lost to suicide every hour across the globe.

The pictures below feature some of our boarding staff who have joined the challenge. We would love your support and if you wish to donate, please do so by using this link.

Thank you in advance from the Boarding Mo' Bros!

The term is flying and, for our Year 12 boys, the countdown is on until they finish. This is a time of mixed emotions and I wanted to take this opportunity to wish all the boys and their families well, congratulations on making it to the finish line of your secondary education.

I want to acknowledge our parents who are also 'Graduating', the families who are at the end of their boarding journey at TGS.

I have approached a few families to share a small insight into their time at TGS and leave some words of wisdom for those who are new and continuing. We will have some more contributions to follow in the next Boarders' Telegraph so stay tuned…

Parents: Jamie & Jen Street

House: Boyce

Graduating son: William Street

Previous Graduate: Charlie Street, 2021

Where are you from: St George

What year did you start your boarding journey at TGS: 2016

What has been the highlight of your time at TGS: When a staff member would take the time to get to know your son and contact you to comment on something kind they saw them do, something they liked about them or just something that you wouldn’t know about because we miss so much when they are not at home. It showed that they cared about who they were, not just their academic results, sporting achievements or behaviour.

What has been the most challenging/hardest time in Bording at TGS: Not knowing what they were doing day to day especially since boys are not always the best communicators. They wouldn’t realise that we would find every part of their day interesting!

What got you through the hard times: Talking to my sons' friends' parents and knowing we were all feeling the same way about particular things and working together to find solutions.

What are you going to miss the most: Seeing them enjoy the company of their friends, strong connections that will last a lifetime.

What are you going to miss the least: Keeping up with communications from School and feeling guilty about not reading the newsletters.

What is one piece of advice you could give to new TGS parents starting their boarding journey: Take the time to stay on the phone past the small talk and give them time to open up and talk about what’s important to them and what is going on underneath the ‘nothing’ reply. Try to talk to parents that you don’t know at events, don’t worry that you don’t or won’t remember their name, we all feel the same way! It’s great to meet other parents, not just the ones you know already.

Parents: Dugald and Fiona Cameron

House: Mackintosh

Graduating son: Jock Cameron

Previous Graduates: Hamish Cameron, 2019

Where are you from: Bollon

What year did you start your boarding journey at TGS: 2015

What has been the highlight of your time at TGS: Making connections with other boarding families and re-connecting with old friends as our lives merged again through school. Mothers’ Boarder Lunch and Mother Son evening have also been highlights!

What has been the most challenging/hardest time in Boarding at TGS: When your son may have had a challenging day, you wish that you could be there in person at that moment to support them. The flip side is that the boys rapidly gain independence and the strength they need to face challenges in the future. Technology has helped dramatically in that we are only a phone call, text or email away. Whilst we knew it was important to keep in touch, we also gave our boys the space they needed.

What got you through the hard times: Both Dugald and I went to boarding school and rarely saw our parents throughout the term. At my all-girls’ school we were only allowed to speak to our parents once a week so being able to have a daily connection with the boys if needed has made it so much easier.

What are you going to miss the most: Definitely the connections with other families and sitting on the sporting sidelines on a Saturday morning.

What are you going to miss the least: The Moonie Highway!

What is one piece of advice you could give to new TGS parents starting their boarding journey: Help the boys create a home away from home by having photos of the family, their pets etc. and little memento’s that are special to them to create a welcoming space in their dormitory so that when they arrive back from school each day, it’s their safe space.

When our oldest son commenced boarding at the age of 11, I used to send a parcel twice a term with a new book and/or some little treats from us and a letter - it was sometimes the highlight of his week to find a package on his bed at the end of a school day.

Around the Houses

TGS Boarding Facebook Page

If you are not already following the TGS Boarding Facebook page, I encourage you to do so. We will be increasing our presence on this page so Boarding families are kept up to date with the latest boarding news and can see photos of what our boys are doing. Click here for the link to the Facebook page.

Marshal Barber

We're so excited that we now have an on-site Barber at TGS. This is a very welcome service for the boarders and parents - no excuses now having to walk up town or boys giving each other haircuts in the dorms!

Bookings can be made via the Parent Lounge under 'School Links” >“Whole School' section or click here to access the booking form.

Have Your Say

To get a better understanding of what we need to focus on in the next 12 months, we want to give boarding parents the opportunity to provide feedback on the function the BPSG provides and the boarding program at TGS. We ask that you take the time to participate so that we can better serve you and your boys.

And for those parents who have a boy graduating in a few weeks and this is your last year at TGS – we absolutely value your feedback too, please click here to have your say before you leave us.

The survey end date has been extended until Friday, 10 November 2023

House Rep Details

Please do not hesitate to reach out and connect with me and/or your House Representative if you need help, we are all here to support you on your TGS boarding journey.

Name: Stephanie Smart
ouse: Mackintosh/BPSG President
Phone: 0417 421 133
Email: s.smart@twgs.qld.edu.au

Name: Megan Officer
House: Stephens/ BPSG Secretary
Phone: 0419 212 208
Email: wmofficer@bigpond.com

Name: Susan Cameron
House: Groom
Phone: 0417 717 770
Email: brad.suz5@bigpond.com.au

Name: Sarah McInnerney
House: Mackintosh
Phone: 0427 695 133
Email: tsmac6@outlook.com

Name: Margot Black
House: Boyce
Phone: 0428 349 818
Email: margot@rubyredfarming.com.au

Name: Melissa Hoare
House: Taylor
Phone: 0417 739 563
Email: mhoar9@gmail.com

Name: Lisa Baker
House: Corfe
Phone: 0412 686 572
Email: lisarussbaker@gmail.com

Next BPSG Meeting

Date: 22 January 2024

Time: 3:30pm

Location: Old Hall

All parents are welcome to attend in person or online via teams link.

The meeting will be followed by the Back to Boarding BBQ held at the TGS Pavilion from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.

If you have a matter, you would like raised at the meeting please email me s.smart@twgs.qld.edu.au

And include the following details:

Name:

House:

Boys Names/Yrs:

Matter you would like to raise:

Have a wonderful week.

Regards,

Steph Smart
President, Boarder Parents' Support Group

Transform Their Tomorrow, Today!

The Commonwealth Regional Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Australian Government delivering scholarships to students from regional, rural and remote communities to assist with the costs of attending a boarding school.

The Commonwealth Regional Scholarship provides:

• Assistance to eligible students from rural, regional and remote areas with a contribution towards boarding fees, in order to provide a quality education option where local alternatives may not exist or be suitable.

• Additional financial support to families who are unable to afford the full cost of boarding school fees and associated costs even with existing government support, with the intention to reduce families’ financial contribution towards boarding school fees.

• A supported boarding school experience for students and families from low socioeconomic status backgrounds or those experiencing financial hardship.

Scholarships for up to 6 years are offered to successful applicants who are commencing or undertaking secondary school education in Australia in 2024 and are able to provide proof of enrolment in an eligible boarding school or facility.

The following scholarships will be available from 2024:

• Tier 1 - Scholarships of $20,000 p.a. per student, for students from low-income families.

• Tier 2 - Scholarships of $10,000 p.a. per student, for students from low-to-middle income families experiencing financial hardship.

More details here

Term 4 has flown by. Our Year 12s have almost completed their exams and moved out of the House and there is an eerie feeling on the Senior level with so many gone. I am looking forward to the Formal on Wednesday, 15 November, and celebrating one last time together.

The Hike for Homeless is the main Taylor House charity for both dayboy and boarders alike. The drive towards the day was met with positivity and, might I say, a little bit of excitement. Boys and staff raised over $1,700, what an effort! The day began with an early start to the hike, and the weather certainly behaved itself. Some boys took the hike as an opportunity to lift their fitness level and run the 5km with 220m of elevation… awesome effort! Special mention goes to Ethan Brooks (10km) and James Petersen who ran the 20km, well done boys! For the rest of us mere mortals, we simply enjoyed the event, the views and even the conversation among friends. Thank you for a fantastic morning and we look forward to doing it all again next year.

Breakfast BBQs are back on Monday mornings, much to the delight of all and we have our Year 7 boys joining us from Corfe. It is such a nice way to get to know them and they have been eagerly awaiting their arrival into the 'Big House' in Week 7.

As we look forward, there are still a number of events, especially the final farewell to our Year 12 boys, exams are upon us and of course the wrap up to the year. Please start to consider the transportation of items home, uniforms laundered and dry cleaned and holiday leave requests in REACH.

A huge thank you to all parents, your support is invaluable.

Eugene

As the Assistant Head of House at Taylor House, it’s with great pleasure that I reflect on the remarkable journey we've had this year. Taylor House has not just been a boarding space; it has been a thriving community, witnessing the growth and development of our fine young men, the strengthening of our House, and setting our sights on a promising future.

Throughout this year, we've witnessed incredible growth among the boys. They've displayed remarkable resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to support one another, fostering a strong bond. Each boy's personal and academic growth has contributed to the collective success of Taylor House.

Our House has evolved significantly under the guidance and care of Mr Massi and with the collective efforts of the boys and the support of the House staff. We've fostered an environment that encourages inclusivity, leadership and a sense of belonging. The shared vision was to create a space where every boy feels valued and can thrive. This vision has guided us in all our initiatives, creating a culture where every boy's voice is heard and respected.

Reflecting on our memorable highlights, our State of Origin nights, pizza nights, Intra House competitions, and the Boyce vs. Taylor touch football have been moments that brought us together, fostering camaraderie and healthy competition. These events not only created unforgettable memories but also exemplified the unity and spirit that defines Taylor House.

The pinnacle of our social calendar was undoubtedly the Formal Dinner at Gip's Restaurant. The elegance of the evening and the joyous atmosphere allowed our boys to come together, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen their bonds.

None of these milestones would have been possible without the unwavering dedication and contribution of our boys. Their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and commitment have been the driving force behind the success of Taylor House. We must also extend our heartfelt gratitude to you as parents whose continuous support and trust have been invaluable in shaping the positive experiences within our house.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, our vision is to continue nurturing an environment where our boys can continue to flourish academically, emotionally and socially. We always aim to provide opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and a supportive community that prepares them for the challenges far beyond these walls.

As I conclude, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to Mr Massi, Mr Savovski, Mr Pike and Mr Koina and also a sincere thanks to our boys. Thank you for making Taylor House not just a place to live but a home filled with mateship, shared experiences and the everlasting aroma of chicken noodles! Your contributions and commitment have been the cornerstone of our success.

With the determination and collective spirit of our boys, the future of Taylor House is bright, and I am eager to witness the incredible year that lies ahead, under the leadership of House Captain, James Elms.

I wish you well for the remainder of Term 4 and hope you enjoy spending quality time together over the upcoming holidays.

Included are some snapshots from some of our Taylor House young men, sharing a few of their highlights:

Lewis Anderson, Year 8

Three highlights I have would be the State of Origin night, going outside to play touch in the rain, and the House dinner at Gip's. It was a beautiful night and it was definitely so good to have an amazing meal and a chat to our mates.

Ryan Allan, Year 9

Three highlights from Taylor House for me were House Origin touch, this was a highlight as the whole House got around it, and it was a good night; pizza nights, this is because it gives us a good feed and brings everyone together for a yarn while we are eating; also, the last early morning run in preparation for cross country, put everyone in a good mood for the rest of the term after we had finished it for sure!

Harry Barwick, Year 10

My three highlights would definitely include GPS Rugby season and the buzz with Saturday games and getting to see the 1st XV perform so well. Saturday nights hanging out with mates in the common room and ordering from the Curry Hut. Lastly, Grammar vs Downlands…. what a game!

Being elected as Taylor House Captain, while exciting, does not fall short of its own responsibilities and challenges that I am sure will test me as an individual. The role has been held by so many boys before me, all of whom brought their own values and aspects that have had a huge impact on the boys, as well as which direction we move forward as a House. In 2024, I am excited to be surrounded by a group of men who all have different ideas but have the same vision of making Taylor House as enjoyable and fun as possible. Looking back on the last five or so years of being a part of our School, a few leaders come to mind. Harry Hanley, the 2019 Taylor House Captain in particular. Harry was a huge role model for me being new in Year 7. He would always have a conversation about how school was going, how sport was going, and just overall was a great bloke. I try to model myself off him, especially towards the younger boys coming up from Corfe House.

Moving into next year, I hope to continue with the traditions we have made this year and come up with some new ideas with our leadership team. Although our position in the Headmaster's Shield this year was very disappointing (5^th place), as a whole House, we are hoping to encourage boys to get around and engage in as many activities at School as we can. Whether this be getting around House Carnival days, or a few service events, every point we can gather will help us immensely. Boarding is a huge part of the School, and hopefully we will be able to leave a legacy that will be continued for years to come.

James Elms
2024 House Captain Taylor Boarding