Our first Boarders Telegraph for the term is finally here! With the two public holidays, it has been a rather disjointed start to Term 2, but I am glad that all of our boarders have returned to School. I am aware that a number of our families were impacted by the floods and I know that they have the support of our boarding community.
Whilst the long weekends have given boarders the chance to get home for an extended period of time, it has meant that we’ve lost some time in the classroom. Our teaching staff have accommodated this in their planning; however, I know that some of our boarders still feel like they haven’t returned to the routine they had in Term 1. Our Heads of House have looked at the data from Term 1 and will be catching up with boys to discuss their results.
We are constantly working to try and improve our boarding program to make it the best possible boarding experience for our boarders. An area of focus this term has been the implementation of some academic support for our boarders.
I have sent some emails this week with different opportunities for boarders to seek this support. First amongst these opportunities has been recruiting university students, including many Old Boys, to be Math tutors. As explained in my start of term letter, this has had to be a ‘user pays’ model to recoup costs, however, the cost is hopefully making the sessions more accessible to all of our families. Further to this tutoring program, I have done my best to balance the support between those who are struggling and need an intervention to assist them to catch up with their cohort, as well as some extension to help boys become the best they can be.
The intervention sessions have been targeted at Maths in Years 7 and 8 whereas the extension sessions have been targeted at boarders in Years 11 and 12 studying subjects such as Math Methods, Specialist Math and Physics. With many of our seniors intending to start their own businesses, or taking over the family business, there are also sessions for Economics students. There are also the boys 'in the middle' and I do intend to provide opportunities for those boarders in Years 9 and 10, however, this will have to wait until Semester 2.
Next week is arguably my favourite week of the year, National Boarding Week. I have been working with our boarding leaders to develop some content for our School Assembly video. I’m sure it will give a great insight into what life is like in boarding.
So that all parents are aware, the following events are planned:
A Boarders Formal Dinner on Monday night
Boarders Assembly on Thursday afternoon
Boarder's Festival with The Glennie School and Fairholme College on Sunday
Our Boarding Captains will also attend the ABSA Boarding Leaders Dinner on the Thursday evening.
Please note that the Boarder's Festival is the single weekend boarding activity that we ask ALL boarders to attend.
In closing, I do hope that those mothers who are attending the G150 Women of Grammar luncheon have a great time! I also hope that all of our boarders have done something special for their ‘mum’ on Sunday.
Rewinding to Week 10 of Term 1, camps week seems to have been a success across the board. Whilst Years 8 and 9 did experience some wet weather, the fears of a washout never materialised. My experience surfing at Noosa North Shore was hugely enjoyable, even if I didn’t spend very long standing on a board! A nod to Boyce Boarding House Captain - Archie B, with his efforts put forward for a Head of House Commendation by Mrs Blades as part of the Year 12 group who supported the Year 7s at Alexandra Headland.
I do hope the subsequent break provided an opportunity to rest, recharge and to do something different. That said, I recognise that for many of our boys the return home also represents a return to work. As ever, please do send through any pictures you have of the boys in action.
Whilst it is to be expected that I will be biased towards the Boyce boys, I was enormously impressed by those who attended the First XV rugby camp on the Gold Coast. James, Sam, Tom H, Luke, Rhymen, Myles and Arch gave their all at the end of a long term and it was wonderful to spend time with these young men over the course of the week. I was certainly ready for a change of pace and enjoyed catching up with my brother in Melbourne thereafter.
However, the wheels keep turning and we look towards the Term 2 events which will soon be upon us. Firstly, the Boyce Mountain Mile service event has now been postponed to Sunday, 19 October in Term 4. This helps to provide greater focus for the G150 Gift Run, involving our Year 12 students, which takes place on Wednesday, 28 May. Boys have been split into teams of 10 and will run 100km to raise funds to enhance the Mary/Herries Street entrance and for the Nerve Connection Foundation. More information on this event, and instructions on how to donate to the ‘Buff Bullets’ or the ‘Mad Mob’ can be found here.
This follows our recent success in the interhouse cross-country, with a first-place finish moving us to second place on the leaderboard for the Headmaster’s Shield. A special shout out to Emmanuel, winner of the Open category in a time of 13:37. The rescheduled date made for high levels of participation on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, with many competitors burning themselves out on the 'tree race' before the course had really begun!
I think it would be fair to say that Term 2 is yet to find its rhythm. With shortened weeks and big events, the settling back in process has probably taken longer than usual. However, that is not to say that the Boyce boys haven’t managed to accomplish plenty amidst these calendaring challenges. Will M is to be congratulated for his Drama Commendation and the birthdays of Hugo (15) and Archie B (18) have provided us with additional reason for cheer. We also applaud the classroom efforts of the following boys who have been recognised following Term 1 reports:
Pro Summa Diligentia:
Elijah, Chris P and Dewy
Pro Diligentia:
Cam, Cooper B, Sam, Matt, Nate, Mac and Will M
I believe these awards to be especially worthy of mention as they reflect effort, not attainment; therefore, increasing their perceived accessibility to all of our boys. Further analysis has revealed a very positive picture of work ethic scores across the House, and it would be remiss of me not to mention our Year 11 cohort, in particular, with the renewed endeavour of many of these boys being praised by their teachers.
Now that he has returned from foreign shores, we have been delighted to welcome Henry back into the fold. The interest Henry’s UK exchange experience and our opportunity to host John in return, has sparked amongst the boys has been fantastic. I continue to urge those interested to seize these openings as and when they become available. Whilst Henry has already addressed the boys in a House Meeting, he has kindly provided a few words for the Bugle on his time at Rugby School:
"During Term 1, I was fortunate to be selected to spend 12 weeks in the bitterly cold United Kingdom in Warwickshire at Rugby School on exchange. After a 21-hour flight, with a stopover in Doha, I was instantly greeted by a frosty and snowy Birmingham Airport, a real British introduction. After a wonderful night getting to know my host family - the Hawkins', over a beautiful roast dinner, we made our way 90 minutes by car to the Rugby School where I was greeted by Ashley Ellis the Housemaster of Whitelaw House - the house I would be attached to for the next 12 weeks.
Rugby School was very different to TGS in many aspects such as being co-ed and often studying for seven lessons a day. This gave me an opportunity to see how other schools around the world operate and was a topic of discussion with my UK peers when we began to explore the similarities and differences.
A normal week at Rugby started with a long Monday consisting of seven lessons and chapel beginning at 8:25am and finishing at 5:15pm. This then led to Tuesday which only consisted of four lessons, followed by sports training which took place from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. Wednesday consisted of four lessons and chapel in the morning, but instead of sports training was followed by a form of community service called '360.' During this time, I was assigned to junior sports and would teach primary school age children how to play rugby. Thursdays were similar to Tuesday and consisted of four lessons and sports training with the exact same times. Friday consisted of seven lessons and chapel in the morning. Saturday was the final day of the school week, consisting of four lessons with either sports or training starting from midday. Although Sunday was a 'day off' we still had a longer chapel service.
Whilst at Rugby School I was fortunate to experience playing rugby union where the game was invented just over 200 years ago in 1823. It was a great honour to play where thousands of Old Rugbeians had done so before me, and I will remember it for the rest of my life. I was also fortunate enough to participate in the Rosslyn Park Rugby 7s tournament - the largest youth 7s tournament in the world. The atmosphere around this event was amazing with bands playing music, rugby all around you and just about every cuisine of food found in vans, cars and little shops scattered around the pitches.
Overall, I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to attend Rugby School and thankful to Toowoomba Grammar School for selecting me for it. It was a great opportunity during which I made friends and memories that I will have for a lifetime."
In a returning segment, I am pleased to announce that Lawson has accepted the position of Boyce House Sports Reporter. Lawson is a tough negotiator, but for a bag of lollies and our ongoing appreciation he has agreed to reflect on the cricket season and preview what we can expect from Term 2’s football and tennis focus:
"After a well-deserved break from a very eventful and busy first term of schoolwork and sports, many of our boarders in Boyce House have begun getting back into the swing of things.
The boys have been getting heavily involved in tennis and football in a wide variety of teams and sides. Congratulations to Emmaneul who has been selected to play First XI Football. This follows a stellar season last year. To regain his place is a fantastic and remarkable achievement.
Additionally, we have recently held the Term 1 Cricket award presentations, where a number of boys including myself received recognition for their efforts and commitment throughout the season. We would like to congratulate our Boyce Boarders who won batting, bowling and MVP awards that evening.
This includes Alex T, Charlie G, Charlie P, Hunter, William H, George M, Charlie B, Lawson, Nate, Archie B, Emmanuel G, and Tom H (who was also named in the team of the year). Congratulations to these boys on their awards and I wish good luck to everyone with their upcoming matches in Term 2."
Lastly, I have largely drafted this edition of the Boyce Bugle from Emerald, during my first experience of TGS on Tour. Whilst we may not have too many Boyce connections in this area at the moment, I have immensely enjoyed seeing some more of regional Queensland whilst gaining an increased understanding of the challenges and considerations our families face when sending their children to boarding school in a wider sense.
The opportunity to have lunch with Chaye and the Harvey boys in Roma was a wonderful end to the trip and reinforced to me the importance of getting out and seeing our boys and families closer to home turf.
John Troxler Head of Boarding House - Boyce
Corfe House
Corfe Courier
A word from Henry White, Head of House
As I sit down to write the first Corfe Courier article for Term 2, I can't help but marvel at how quickly we've reached Week 3. By the time this article lands in your inboxes on Friday, we'll be preparing for the fourth week of our nine-week term. It's true what they say, "long days make for short weeks," and here in Corfe, the weeks seem to be flying by.
There's plenty to share from this term so far, including updates on new initiatives, introductions to our new Corfe Year 10 Residents, some important updates and events to look forward to, and, of course, lots of photos to accompany this good news.
As previously outlined, our Year 10 “Service and Leadership” Residents have been a welcome addition to Corfe’s community and have already proven to be a valuable source of knowledge and wisdom for our boys.
It’s been brilliant to see them interacting positively with Corfe boarders, sharing stories, guiding them through their daily duties, leading by example and demonstrating what it means to wear the blue and gold as a Toowoomba Grammar boarder.
Of particular interest to me is the newfound set of Corfe boys interested in the gym and developing their physical fitness, taking influence from our older boys. It’s been encouraging to witness older boys chaperoning the younger fellows to the Trenery Weights Room and teaching them about the benefits of weight training.
Each of our five Term 2 residents has taken a moment to provide a brief introduction to parents. Please note, these boys will serve as peer-support mentors to your son (respective of senior houses), so it will be useful for you parents at home to learn something about the newest residents.
Max B – Taylor
"My name is Max B and I’m a boarder from Warialda. I am lucky enough to be involved in the Corfe residency program for Term 2 of 2025. I began my Toowoomba Grammar journey in 2022 as a Year 7 student, like the boys I am mentoring I navigated through the ups and downs of Corfe. Once my Corfe days were over, I moved into Taylor house. If there was one thing I could tell all Corfe parents about myself, it is that although growing up since Corfe I still see the reasoning for everything done within the house. The major thing I’m looking forward to is watching the boys develop not only this term but their whole time at Toowoomba Grammar."
Christian M – Mackintosh
"Hello! My name is Christian M. I am a boarder from Texas QLD on the border of QLD and NSW I am fortunate to be a part of the Corfe residency program this term. I am in Mackintosh House and I have been at Toowoomba Grammar since Year 7. I was once in Corfe myself. I can connect to the boys of Corfe as I know the house inside and out. I would love to help the boys get through rough patches like home sickness or academic struggles. I look forward to seeing the boys grow and talk to the boys about anything from sport to farming to school. As I play many sports I can talk to the boys about whatever they want."
Harry N – Groom
"Hi, my name is Harry N I come from a property located near the small town of Drillham. I joined TGS as a Year 9 in Groom house. Something that the Corfe parents may want to know is that I enjoy helping other boys and being someone that they can come to for a chat or a word of advice. Being in Corfe will be great as I hope to be a strong role model to the boys and I look forward to helping where I can. Something I look forward to is meeting some younger blokes during this experience and to help with their transition into the senior houses and just to have some fun and a laugh with some mates."
Ed T – Stephens
"My name is Ed T, and I come from a little town called Meandarra. I am in Stephens house. Things about me that parents or anyone would like to know is that I love to have a good laugh and a chat. As well as joining in on games such as, touch and basketball, etc. Just being in the Corfe community is a great experience, looking after the boys if they’re having any trouble or simply wanting to have a talk is so rewarding for all of us. I look forward to getting to know a little something about all of the boys in Corfe House this Term, as well as having loads of fun playing sports and mentoring them to be good men of Toowoomba Grammar School. Thanks."
Nate T – Boyce
"Hello, my name is Nate T. I am a boarder from the Gold Coast, and I was fortunate enough and so grateful to be involved in the Corfe residency program for Term 2. As a relatively new member to Toowoomba Grammar School, I can connect with the Corfies when it comes to navigating their first few terms of boarding life, especially feeling a tad homesick. I found my home in Boyce house and that environment has really contributed to fostering my growth as a young man of Grammar, so I know that any of the little fellas that will be residing in Boyce either next year or in the near future are in good hands. This term I am so excited to mentor the boys and mould them into being the best men they can be. Academically, I am keen to assist the boys to achieve the best marks they are able to receive. I am also heavily involved in sport so I am always keen to hear how the boys went on the weekend or how they are tracking when it comes to their training."
Pro Diligentia
I’m thrilled to announce that both Mal B (Year 7) and Ed T (Year 10) have been awarded Pro-Diligentia awards based upon their Work Ethic as recorded on their Term 1 Interim Reports.
Pro-Diligentia awards are given to those students who receive ‘Exceeding Teacher Expectation’ in 50% or more of his subjects, and not less than ‘Meeting Teacher Expectation’ in the remaining subjects, receive a Pro Diligentia.
Congratulations to these fellows for their outstanding achievement. We're very proud of you, and I was thrilled to see you acknowledged by the Headmaster at his morning tea on Tuesday, 6 May.
Congratulations to Corfe Cricketers
Another massive shoutout goes to the following Corfe cricketers who received awards for their achievements on the pitch in Term 1. Corfe House was well-represented at the awards night.
Well done to these young men:
Charlie G - 7E "Most Valuable Player" and "Best Bowler"
Alex T - 7E "Best Batsman"
Will M - 7D "Best Batsman"
James A - 7C "Best Bowler"
Joe M - 7B "Best Bowler"
Nick H - 7B "Most Valuable Player"
Charlie P - 7A "Best Batsman"
Drummer dudes!
It's been great to watch Corfe boys having a crack at new activities, hobbies and skills. Of special note are our three newest "drummer dudes": Digby M, Walter B and Mason M, who have spent a few evenings jamming in the Junior School Music Room. Rock on fellas.
A nice moment for our ANZACs
Regrettably, I missed the opportunity to capture a Corfe House dawn service photo. While I had my phone in hand, I felt it was more important to join the boys in silent respect rather than find angles for a happy snap. That being said, I am proud to report that Corfe House represented themselves with pride and maturity, demonstrating great respect and reverence for the occasion.
However, a nice moment I did notice and was able to capture was during the coverage of the Anzac Day NRL clash where boys felt compelled (without prompting) to stand in silence to listen to last post and sing the National Anthem.
Academic Support and Intervention or Term 2
As per my recent email communication, please refer to the following reminders concerning updates on Corfe’s academic offerings and plans to implement supports in Term 2.
Corfe-specific Maths and English Intervention
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Corfe House will provide an intervention and support program to those students identified as requiring additional support in Maths and English based on Term 1 results. On Tuesday, 6 May (Week 3), boys identified as requiring support in Maths attended the first of what will become a regular evening tutorial in the Library with Mr Seddon, a Year 7 Maths teacher. On Thursdays, starting Thursday 15 May (Week 4), boys identified as requiring support in English can, but are not required to, attend an evening tutorial in the Library with me.
It was deemed that Maths support warranted more immediate attention and intervention, thereby it will be a mandatory requirement for those boys, whereas English will be entirely ‘opt in’.
Understandably, this raises some questions as to (1) ‘what about if the boys receive prep for another class that day, when are they supposed to complete this?’ and (2) ‘what if my son hasn’t been identified as requiring support, are there opportunities for enrichment?’.
To answer these questions: (1) I will reach out to Year 7 teachers to outline our plan and request they are understanding and flexible with timing. Moreover, we will continue to encourage the boys to organise their time more effectively, making use of the opportunities on offer for additional prep (before school, at lunch, during afternoons without training and requesting extended prep until 8:15pm rather than finishing at 8:00pm as per the regular schedule). (2) Nick Byron and Nathan Stains are devising a similar plan for enrichment with the intention to commence in Term 3.
Clarifying “Mr Paffey’s tutorials”.
I’ve received multiple emails concerning requests to sign boys up to “Mr Paffey’s tutorials”. To clarify, Mr Paffey (Head of Groom Boarding House and Year 7 Maths teacher) has kindly offered boys from his class the opportunity to visit him in Groom for homework support.
I am grateful to Mr Paffey for this kind offer, but also need to specify to parents that this isn’t a boarding-specific intervention, but rather a kind initiative from Mr Paffey. I understand this has raised some confusion that I have wanted to clarify, now that I too have wrapped my head around things.
I will reach out to parents of boys in Mr Paffey’s class shortly with specific considerations. However, I am confident that with the introduction of “Corfe House Maths and English intervention”, as outlined above, boys will not feel compelled to take up Mr Paffey on his kind offer.
Signing Off
As always, thank you for your time reading this article, and for your ongoing support and cooperation.
Should you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Henry White Head of Corfe House
Groom House
Groom Gazette
Rest, Refresh, Return: Making the Most of Easter Break
As I sit at my desk, the sounds of enthusiastic voices and bustling activity have returned to Groom House. The Easter break seems to have passed quickly, yet the refreshed faces and renewed energy of our young men suggest those precious days away served their vital purpose.
The importance of genuine rest cannot be overstated in boarding school life where the pace is relentless. Term 1 saw our Groom boys navigate numerous challenges - from academic pressures and sporting commitments to the unexpected disruption of Cyclone Alfred. The Easter break arrived at precisely the right moment, offering a chance to reset and prepare for the busy term ahead.
For many boarders, this break meant reconnecting with family and enjoying the familiar rhythms of home life. These moments of connection provide the foundation that supports our young men through their school challenges. As parents, you understand the transformative power of having your sons return home and the difference it makes to their wellbeing.
The term ahead presents new challenges - winter sporting seasons, academic assessments and continued growth through "staying in the grind." Yet it is heartening to see the boys return ready to meet these challenges head-on. The resilience fostered through proper rest is evident in their approach to these first days back.
In Groom, we value balance. The ability to work hard must be matched with the ability to rest well. Our young men demonstrated commitment to hard work throughout Term 1; the Easter break provided the opportunity to rest.
Expectations in Groom: The Foundations of Our Community
The shared living environment of Groom House functions on three fundamental principles that form the backbone of our boarding community. These expectations are non-negotiable and serve as the framework for the development of our young men.
Firstly, respect remains our cornerstone value - respect for peers, staff and the physical space we share. This means considerate behaviour during study times, appropriate volume levels during recreation and thoughtful interactions that acknowledge we are all part of one community. The manner in which we treat each other directly reflects the strength of our house culture.
Secondly, responsibility for personal and shared spaces demonstrates maturity and consideration. Each young man must maintain his cube to an appropriate standard - beds made, belongings organised and personal items stored properly. Equally important is the collective responsibility for common areas; these spaces belong to everyone and require everyone's care.
Finally, effort underpins everything we do in Groom. Whether in academic pursuits, sporting endeavours, or house activities, giving one's best effort is expected at all times. It is through consistent application that our young men develop the resilience and work ethic that will serve them well beyond their years at TGS.
When all members of our community uphold these expectations, Groom House thrives as a place of growth, support and achievement.
TGS ANZAC Day Commemorations
The pre-dawn darkness enveloped our Groom boarders as they made their way to the Mothers' Memorial for the Toowoomba Dawn Service last Thursday. In crisp autumn air, our young men stood shoulder to shoulder with the wider community, paying solemn respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The sight of our boarders in formal dress, standing in quiet reflection as the Last Post echoed across the park, was a powerful reminder of the values we hold dear at TGS.
The day before, the School community gathered for our own ANZAC Service on Old Boys' Memorial Oval. The Cadet Unit, including several of our Groom men, performed their duties with precision and dignity. The service featured moving addresses from both staff and students, with historical reflections on the ANZAC legacy and its enduring significance to our School.
The Grammar 150 context gave this year's commemorations added significance as we reflected on the many Old Boys who served across generations. Our boarders' respectful participation in both services demonstrated their understanding that remembrance is not merely a historical exercise but a living commitment to the values of courage, sacrifice and mateship.
Groom Birthdays
Jason H - Happy 14th Birthday
Dan McD - Happy 14th Birthday
Groom's Cross Country Triumph Secures Headmaster's Shield Lead
Our weekly house runs have paid dividends with Groom securing an impressive second-place finish in the Inter-House Cross Country last week. The determination displayed across all age divisions was remarkable, with every Groom competitor embodying our ethos of "staying in the grind" as they tackled the challenging course.
It was the collective effort - every position fought for, every runner supporting teammates - that truly distinguished our house on the day.
This outstanding result, following our swimming carnival victory earlier in Term 1, has propelled Groom to the top of the Headmaster's Shield standings. The young men of Groom should take immense pride in this achievement while remaining focused on the challenges that lie ahead in our quest for house supremacy.
Luke Paffey Head of Boarding House - Groom
Mackintosh House
Mackintosh Mail
Happy Mother's Day
As Mother's Day approaches this Sunday, we want to celebrate you and all mums this weekend. We understand that there are significant times during the year when it is harder to be away from your sons and possibly have your family spread out across the state or country. Mothers have special bonds with their sons, and we know that you feel everything your sons feel and share with you, joyful and sad times.
Remember that you are the most important lady in your son's life this Mother's Day and will be for a lifetime. When he faces challenges away from home, it's your voice that he wants to hear and hold. Your instilled wisdom influences his choices and helps him make good decisions.
I am hoping that by the time you read this, a pink envelope will have been in the mailboxes of our Mackintosh House boarder mums. I trust that you haven't opened them yet if you have received your old school mail with a stamp on it. The boys have written their own messages in the cards, and it is 100% from your son; you should be able to tell by the handwriting.
This Sunday, as you celebrate differently than in the past, we will be thinking of you all and wishing all mums a fabulous Mother's Day.
I also want to acknowledge our wonderful house mother, Mrs Kym Stewart. Mrs Stewart is a fantastic house mother who is calm, nurturing and dedicated to supporting your son. Mrs Stewart is diligent in her work, but always puts the boys' feelings and needs before hers or whatever she may be doing. Mrs Stewart, like all mums, does way too much for her sons, but it comes to the heart as she gently nurtures them through the term. We are fortunate to have Mrs Stewart in Mackintosh House.
To all mothers, I want you to know that even though your son may be at school with us, you are the one he wants to make proud, the person he wishes he were close to. It is important that you know that your son's best qualities, good character and care for others come from you.
Happy Mother's Day to all of the remarkable Mackintosh House Mums. I hope you have a great day, wherever you are. I look forward to seeing the Year 12 mums at our Mackintosh House Mother and Son Dinner next week.
I can’t believe it is the end of Week 3, the long weekend with the Labour Day Public Holiday, Anzac Day and Easter have all passed us by in what he been a busy but disjointed start to Term 2
I want to extend a warm welcome to our newest members, Sam L and Charlie Z who have joined the Mackintosh House Boarding Community this term.
The School would like to acknowledge all boarders who represented TGS at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. Your participation demonstrated exemplary conduct and upheld the ANZAC values of sacrifice, generosity and humility that we strive to embody in our boarding community. Special recognition goes to Dougall for his ANZAC Day acknowledgment in class.
This first two weeks has also included the TGS Inter-House Cross Country Championships which was head of Tuesday, 29 April, but we won't talk to much more about that. A lot of our boys pushed themselves really hard on the day.
Weekend Activities and Boarders Activity Program (BAP)
Weekend GPS Sport continues this weekend against BGS on Brisbane after the first two rounds against TSS and BBC. When TGS is hosting home games we are encouraging all boarders who may not be playing to support their peers as spectators and supporters developing TGS Spirit.
The Boarders Activity Program is a diverse range of activities, experiences and events that boarders have access to throughout the term. Some highlights on the BAP are the trips to Suncorp Stadium and events and socials with other schools. I have included the BAP in this newsletter, you can accept these events on parent lounge so that you son can attend.
Student Achievements
Diligence Awards
Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding academic dedication:
Kainen B
Joe B
Christian M
Herbert R
Clancy K
It's important to remember that diligence in class contributes more significantly to the Headmaster's Shield than sporting achievements.
Cricket Awards
We also celebrate our cricket players for their exceptional performances:
Lathan N (11C MVP)
Artie M (11C Best Batter)
Rupert L (9C Best Batter)
Tate D (Team of the Year Selection)
Boarder of the Week Awards
With the short weeks to start this term, Week 1 was only two days, we have only had two boarder of the week awards this term.
All medication must be administered by the TGS Health Centre Staff. No medications should be stored in boarding houses or student rooms.
Sharps and Tools
These objects including knives and tools are prohibited in the house. Appliances including electric fans must have protective covers and meet safety standards. Unsafe electrical items are not permitted in the house.
Technology Expectations and Guidelines
Gaming equipment (controllers, second screens, consoles) is not allowed in cubes or common rooms during weekdays (Sunday 6:00pm to Friday 3:10pm) and must be properly stored. Gaming after lights out on weekends is prohibited. Students are limited to one phone and one laptop at school. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited in all bathroom areas (bluetooth connections for speakers must be made from outside).
Leave and Reach
It is important that leave is input in Reach early and with all of the important details. Boys should be submitting leave the day before when the leave is needed.
Upcoming Mackintosh Calendar Events
Monday, 12 May 2025 - NBW Formal Dinner for all Boarders
Friday, 16 May 2025 - Year 12 Mother and Son Dinner @ Gips Restaurant
Saturday, 6 September 2025 - Mackintosh Family Drinks after Rugby v Nudgee College at TGS - TBC
Brad Allen Head of Boarding House - Mackintosh
Stephens House
Stephens Sentinel
Welcome to Term 2
Anzac Dawn
A belated welcome to our second term as we roll into the end of Week 3 in a term that, as ever, is packed full of public holidays. It is good to have all of the boys back in the House and, whilst it has been understandable for boys to maximise their time away from school, now is the term to fully focus on the demands and rigours of the classroom with assessment (exams) taking place in Week 6. As a teacher, this is incredibly frustrating and the pace of ‘learning’ is dictated by the need to assess and report by the end of the semester.
We have welcomed Brigs W-W back to the House after a term living in town with his grandparents and I have been delighted to see him settle back into the rhythm of the boarding routine and the boys have been delighted to see his return. I have also been delighted by the way Bengie H has acclimatised in his first term of boarding. Again, the support from the other boys, in Year 9 particularly, has been wonderful and represents the community that is being built. Further, the way that Lachy R has acted as a ‘mentor’ to Bengie has been tremendous. Lachy himself is a new boy this year and it is a testimony to the manner in which he has established himself in the House, and built great relationships with staff and boys, that we felt able to ask Lachy to act in this role.
This has been a good week and each time I return through the course of the day to prepare my next class, I have been greeted by the electricians who are heading in and out of the House. I am hoping that the pre-work ahead of the aircon is underway and just lately we have seen the weather take a turn for the chillier. With Round 2 of the GPS fixtures completed in Tennis and Football and a huge number of our boys playing sports – something that is just great to see – the morning chill is noticeable as we head out for training at 6:00am. It is always a source of great delight to see so many of the boys heading out to play sports on the weekend and the social benefits are many.
Mr Byron has been promoting National Boarding Week that is upcoming soon. This week, we took a number of boys out to the School Laundry on the far side of Toowoomba to say thank you to the staff that we never get chance to thank, however, they are a team that keeps your boys’ clothes, sheets and towels clean and freshly laundered. The unseen side of boarding school life is something that I have always been keen to shine a light upon. I have said in these pages on previous occasions that the cleaning staff in the House – who quietly go about their work whilst the boys are at school – and the laundry staff – are integral to the boarding experience, yet, go practically unnoticed. It was nice to head out with a few boys this week to show our appreciation and follow ‘The Journey of a Sock’ on any given Tuesday morning. The staff at the laundry were incredibly appreciative and made a point of telling us just how well the Stephens House boys follow the guidelines and one of the ladies told me that there is nothing worse than opening up a washing machine to see ‘the donut’ – the unique clothing arrangement of a boys school trousers and underwear turned inside out and in a tight ball. Our boys do not do ’the donut’ – ever – of this I am assured by Mr Tranberg and, as you can imagine, he enthusiastically keeps them honest!
As promised in my last edition, it is homework time. I would love it (and thank you to those who are ahead of this curve) if you could write a letter to your son in the House. Ideally, in the course of the next couple of weeks. This will allow me to devote one Sunday evening in prep towards the end of the term to the ‘reply’ and all of the boys who receive a letter will write back home, just like ‘back in the day.’ As you are aware, I am saddened by the absolute takeover and dominance of the mobile phone and for every advantage it provides us with - it also adversely impacts our ability to hold conversations, engage in face-to-face relationships and communicate in written form. I have noticed this in class – with reading, another crusade I am keen to participate in down the line, and writing suffering. The letter, and reply, is just a nice way to touch base and pass on ‘news from the home front’ and I would like to frame and display letters in the house as a modern twist in a G150 year.
Lastly, and speaking of G150, you will be aware of ‘The Gift’ tradition and how Mr Anderson and the Prefects are seeking to raise funds for a new entrance gate at our end of the campus. Groom and Stephens are located at the ‘wrong end of town’ in a lot of respects, however I would not have it any other way. We have an outstanding culture and the separation is something that Mr Paffey and I have celebrated. That said, a new entrance to the School will be funded by the money raised by the boys in their 100kms sponsored run. You have all received communications from the boys in respect of how to contribute to the Year 12 teams raising funds and it would be great if you could throw a few dollars their way. As a legacy project, I think it is really important for our shared identity.
I have taken the Liberty of adding the donation links and information - sent to me by Gilbert and Ben:
"Dear Stephens
As I am sure many of you would’ve heard about, all Year 12s at TGS are taking on a legacy challenge at school in its 150th year, running 100km as a team. We are hoping to raise money for two things:
A gift to the School – improving the original entrance to the School.
The Nerve Connection Foundation – a charity that supports research into fatal neurodegenerative diseases.
TGS history shows that many groups in the past have done similar fundraising challenges, raising money for a gift and charity. We would love your support and our team’s fundraising QR Code is included below if you would be happy to donate. (Here is the official page regarding our run: G150 Gift Run)
Donations big or small will be greatly appreciated as every cent counts. Regardless of donations we hope you all get behind us as the run alone is going to be quite a challenge for a lot of us.
A hushed silence descended across the Assembly Hall last week as the results of the Cross Country were announced and the latest positions in the ‘Race for the Headmaster’s Shield’ were revealed. The Swim Carnival in Term 1 had promised much and delivered little for Stephens House – however I was delighted with the participation rates of the boys from Stephens Boarding. The Cross Country Carnival was our first shot at redemption and, once more, participation rates were good, however, could the results be better?
Mr Sullivan (Head of House – Stephens Day) waited nervously as Mackintosh House was read out as the House in fifth place. Bingo – Stephens was not bringing up the rear and, just for a second, we hoped that we may even nudge into third place however this was dreamland and we were announced as the fourth placed House in the Carnival. How would this translate into Shield points and would Gilbert Tighe and Ben Walker be dreaming of ‘the stepladder?’ In order to place the Stephens crest higher up the leaderboard, I have joked that the boys would need a stepladder - alas - it was not to be and we remain at the bottom of the ladder in wooden spoon position. That said, Mackintosh House is now in our scope and we are training those cross-hairs onto the target ahead of Track and Field and the House Carnivals that will be coming soon.
Phil Kefford Head of House Boarding - Stephens
Taylor House
Taylor Tribune
In the Express Lane
Welcome back to Term 2. After a staggered start due to the long weekends, the House is once again alive with energy, laughter and the strong sense of camaraderie that defines our community. It has been a joy to welcome all boys back - spirits are high and the routines of boarding life are firmly back in place. The Taylor House common areas have been a hive of activity in the afternoons and evenings, with boys reconnecting, sharing stories from the break and perhaps one or two sessions of Fortnight.
We continue to focus on the fundamentals - doing the simple things well. Our guiding mantra, “Be the best at things that take zero talent,” underpins everything we do. Whether it’s showing up on time, lending a hand to a mate, maintaining a tidy room, or approaching challenges with a positive attitude, these actions require no special talent but speak volumes about character. By committing to consistency, effort, kindness and respect, our boys are laying the foundation for success across all areas of school life. These values are not only expectations but habits we are proud to see developing in the day-to-day culture of the House.
ANZAC Day offered a poignant moment of reflection for our boys. This important occasion provided a chance to pause and give thanks for the sacrifices made by past generations - those who fought to defend the freedoms we now enjoy. Our boarders participated respectfully and with maturity, attending dawn services, School assemblies and chapel with a solemn awareness of what the day represents. It was a timely reminder of the values of courage, mateship and service - principles that we strive to uphold in our own School and boarding community.
Next week marks National Boarding Week-a time to celebrate and reflect on the richness of boarding life and the strength of the relationships it builds. Boarding is more than accommodation - it is a way of life that fosters resilience, independence and deep connection. In today’s House Meeting, we were privileged to hear from Harry B, Tom A, Kin D, Carter I and Rupeni B, who shared heartfelt stories about where they come from, what led them to Toowoomba Grammar School and why Taylor House is such a meaningful part of their lives. Their reflections offered a genuine insight into the boarding experience - stories of challenge, growth and pride in belonging to something greater than themselves.
As mentioned earlier, Term 2 is short and sharp - already we find ourselves in Week 3, with exams and assessments fast approaching. Academic focus is now critical. All boys have been encouraged to stay on top of their revision, utilise evening prep time effectively, and seek assistance early if challenges arise. This is a time when consistent effort and planning will pay off. We appreciate your continued support from home - encouragement, structure, and communication play a key role in your son’s learning journey.
In House, we take time to acknowledge excellence and this term we congratulate our Pro Summa and Pro Diligentia award recipients: Rupeni B, James P, Fletcher W, Harry R and Sid M. These boys have set a strong example of what it means to apply oneself academically and demonstrate sustained commitment to learning.
In the sporting arena, Goy Y (Year 10) has earned selection into the First XI Football team -an outstanding achievement for a student of his year level. His dedication, athleticism and positive mindset make him a worthy addition to the squad and we look forward to watching him represent the School with pride.
Equally impressive was the performance of our boys in the recent Inter-House Cross Country. Taylor House placed third overall, an effort that showcased our boys’ tenacity, spirit and teamwork. This excellent result has us in second place in the Headmaster’s Shield standings, with only a single point separating us from first. It is a testament to the collective will and determination of our boys - a reflection of their willingness to push themselves and contribute to the greater good of the House. It reinforces our belief that commitment to effort and pride in participation are the true hallmarks of success.
On the service and charity front, we proudly support "Bear"
as he prepares for an extraordinary personal challenge - running 100km in just 12 hours to raise funds for Hope Horizons, a local organisation supporting cancer patients and their families. This courageous initiative is a powerful example of service in action, and we encourage all families to get behind him. Donations can be made via this link: https://bears-big-100km-challenge.raiselysite.com
Thank you once again for your ongoing support. We look forward to reconnecting with you all at our Taylor House Family Evening
on Friday, 25 July. Until then, let’s continue to build on the strong start to Term 2 - together, with pride, purpose and persistence.
Eugene Massi Head of Boarding House - Taylor
Boarding News
Supporting a community after disaster
Old Boy (TGS 1993-97) and current parent Geoff Pike and his family have a proud association with our School and it's our turn to support them and their community.
Please consider their cause to directly reach those in need, the below list has been posted by Mr Pike and you're encouraged to donate.
Thargomindah Disaster Response “Virtual Purchase”
Give Thargomindah a Kick Start
Choose a business from the list
Send them a text message saying “VIRTUAL PURCHASE” and add a $VALUE
The chosen business will send you their BSB & A/C number for your direct deposit
Thank you for your generous support, we appreciate it.
Leave a Lasting Legacy – One Brick at a Time
Support the TGS Buy a Brick Campaign Before EOFY
As the end of the financial year approaches, there’s never been a better time to support the future of Toowoomba Grammar School through our Buy a Brick Campaign.
This initiative invites our Old Boys, current and past families and supporters to etch their names into the history of Toowoomba Grammar School. We invite you to Buy a Brick and be part of building our Old Boys’ Deck. Your uniquely engraved brick will be laid in the walls of this new landmark overlooking the iconic Old Boys’ Memorial Oval - a space for our entire School community to enjoy.
With 30 June fast approaching, it’s important to remember that all donations are fully tax deductible. A gift today not only supports tomorrow’s leaders but can also provide immediate benefits come tax time.
We encourage our community to get involved. Whether you're a current parent, Old Boy, or friend of the School, your support—brick by brick—helps build the future of Toowoomba Grammar School.
