As we have been expecting, the weeks are certainly passing quickly, and our Year 12 students are now well into their external examination period. We wish them every success as they work through the final assessments of their schooling journey. The boys have prepared diligently throughout the year and should be proud of their efforts. Whilst I have been away from school and working remotely this week, it has been pleasing to hear that the term continues to move along positively and productively.
Last week, our Year 11 students attended the Senior Year Planning Evening, an important milestone as they begin preparing for the opportunities and responsibilities that come with leading their boarding houses. Our Senior Boarder Prefect, George Tighe, helped set the scene for what lies ahead, and our current Year 11’s are now beginning the process of establishing their own goals and priorities for the remainder of the year and into 2027.
It has also been pleasing to see boys engaging in a range of activities beyond the classroom. There are still places available on the Wet n Wild trip, occurring on Sunday, 22 November and I encourage families to sign up as soon as possible. The leather belt-making workshop proved a popular opportunity for students to learn a practical skill, while this Sunday's final round of the Boarders' Cup will provide another chance for healthy competition and house spirit.
As we approach the end of the year, our focus remains firmly on finishing well. Speech Day is a significant occasion in the School calendar and I take this opportunity to remind all families that boarders are expected to attend as we celebrate the achievements of our students and formally conclude the academic year. On this note, I encourage families to begin submitting their end-of-year leave requests. With a number of boarding activities and trips still to occur, we need to confirm staffing arrangements and ensure appropriate supervision remains in place through to the conclusion of term.
I would like to begin this edition of the Bugle with a heartfelt thank you to the Boyce House team for their efforts to kickstart Term 4 during my period of Parental Leave. A special thank you to Mr Brendan Doherty, for his time in the saddle as Acting Head of House. I am further appreciative of the consideration shown by both boys and families to allow this absence to be as disturbance-free as possible. Grace is now 3 months old, and since her debut at house events at the end of last term is beginning to become a more regular visitor to Boyce House. I have been particularly warmed by the interest the boys have shown in her and we feel very lucky that she has such an excellent group of big brother Buffs.
Since the last Bugle article, our Year 12s have commenced their external exams, and we wish them well in this regard. Our Year 11s are starting to find their feet as the next crop of student leaders, and I am delighted to introduce Henry and Matthew with their words below. As a School Prefect, and one of our Academic Leaders, Nate has also kindly shared his tips for ensuring that Term 4 and the academic year reaches a successful conclusion.
My name is Henry, and I am a boarder from a farm just outside Delungra, a small town in between Inverell and Moree. During 2027 I will be both Senior Prefect of Toowoomba Grammar school and House Captain of Boyce House. I have been at TGS since 2022 when commencing as a Year 7 in Corfe.
Throughout my time at TGS, I have enjoyed the wide variety of activities and sports which TGS offers. In particular rugby and cricket as well as social tennis during Term 2. Outside of school I enjoy waterskiing and spending time working on the family farm. During my senior years (11-12) I have studied both Specialist and Methods Math, Economics, Accounting, French as well as General English; which have not only challenged me academically but also allow me to keep a broad range of future opportunities open as I intend to study a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at the University of Queensland. Alongside this study after school, I would like to also return to the UK where I spent a term on exchange during 2025. During this time, I would like to visit the friends and families which I met during my exchange. Potentially working in the UK is something I have considered when not studying at university. Looking ahead to 2027 and Boyce House, alongside Matty and all other Seniors, we are committed to developing the legacy of Luke and Chris in strengthening connections between year groups and ensuring Boyce remains a genuine home away from home for all.
Henry | Senior Prefect and Boyce House Captain, 2027
My name is Matty, and I have the privilege to be Vice Captain of Boyce House for 2027.
I was born in Windsor, England, and grew up in South Africa, Dubai and Adelaide before arriving at TGS in Year 10. I came straight into Boyce rather than starting in Corfe like some of the boys, so I know what it's like to be the new guy, and how much it means when someone makes the effort to include you. Boyce quickly became my home away from home.
Outside the classroom you'll find me on the rugby field, the cricket pitch, or playing bass guitar. I have also enjoyed volunteering for various events which has taught me a lot about patience and service.
Next year I'm studying Maths Methods, English, Philosophy and Reason, Physics, Economics and Engineering. My big dream is to play professional rugby somewhere in the world, but I also want to earn a degree from a top university, possibly in Industrial Engineering.
My hope for Boyce is simple, that every boy in the House feels known, valued and connected. I want our younger boarders to know they can come to us with any problem. I want us to back each other on the field, in the classroom and in the house, and be a House everyone is proud to belong to.
Matty | School Prefect and Boyce House Vice-Captain, 2027
With the term moving fast, it is time for Boyce House to step up our academic game. Since prep is already distraction-free without our phones, the real challenge is making sure we are using that time effectively rather than just staring at a page. It is easy to fall into low-utility habits like rewriting notes, heavy highlighting, or just re-reading text - but these passive methods burn time without actually locking the information into your brain.
To work smarter, swap those out for active recall techniques during prep blocks. Try testing yourself with flashcards, tackling past exam questions from the jump, or writing out everything you can remember about a topic on a blank sheet of paper before checking your book. If you are stuck on a tough concept, use the day boys or your house mates around you to talk it through. Let's keep our standards high and finish the term strong, boys!
Nate | School Prefect and Academic Leader, 2027
Next, we have several award winners from different fields to celebrate. Both Austin and Corben have received Honour Colours for their ongoing First V involvement and Luke, Walter, Sam P, Cooper C, Matthew and Nate were all presented with Full Colours in recognition of representing the First XV. With the onset of cricket season, several of our boys have been back in action. Finn S, although serving as our Corfe Resident this term, receives a shout out due to his club cricket century. Well done, Finn!
Commendations can be in short supply at this time of year, so a special nod to Blake for his efforts in Agricultural Science and Mitch in Building and Construction Skills. Eric’s musical talents have also been recognised with an excellence award for his guitar-playing efforts. The rate of birthdays has picked up again and we wish Struan (14), Alex (14), Charlie P (14), Luke (18) and Dewy (18) well on their respective special days.
Tom H - Buff of the Year, 2026
As you will be aware, we have celebrated an individual who has upheld the Triple H Code each week as our ‘Buff of the Week.’ New for this year, we have introduced a ‘Buff of the Year’ accolade for somebody who has consistently demonstrated these qualities throughout the academic year. The boys voted and justified their selections, and it was particularly pleasing to read the nomination statements many of them had written about their peers. Our inaugural winner of this award is Tom H, who was noted as being someone who may go under the radar, but his commitment to achieving best possible outcomes in a polite and respectful manner throughout the year was widely remarked upon by the boys as worthy of celebration. Well done, Tom!
Lastly, after discussion with our 2027 Year 12s, we have decided to amend the structure of our Term 1 ‘boarding-in’ weekend. This time, we are going to run a ‘Buffs on a Bike’ 24-hour cycle from 12:00pm on Saturday, 6 February to 12:00pm on Sunday, 7 February. The bikes will be stationed on the Boyce House Level 2 balcony, with the House aiming to pedal as far as we can during 30-minute slots over the course of the cycle. Please note this the weekend of Week 2 due to the especially shortened and interrupted nature of Week 1.
This year, we successfully funded 3 buffaloes for villages in Southeast Asia. It is our intention for this cycle to continue our momentum in this area with all donations welcomed to support the ‘Buy a Buffalo’ scheme. Closer to the event, I will circulate a sign-up sheet for those parents who fancy spinning their legs for a good cause.
When I next write to you, the end of the academic year will be clearly in sight. Between now and then, please can I provide the usual reminders that all belongings must be taken home at the conclusion of the year. Also, as ever, early leave requests are always encouraged and appreciated.
Corfe House
Corfe Courier
Looking Ahead, Finishing Well
There is a real sense that the year is entering its final stretch. The familiar rhythm of life in Corfe continues, although some end-of-year fatigue is beginning to appear alongside growing excitement about the move to Senior Boarding. With assessments just around the corner, we are reminding the boys that the habits they have developed throughout the year matter. Making good use of morning and evening Prep, staying organised and applying the strategies learned during our Term 1 Study Skills sessions will help them manage the demands ahead and finish the academic year strongly.
For our Year 7 boys, there is a growing awareness that their days as ‘Corfe Boarders’ are numbered. That brings plenty of excitement about the next chapter, but also some understandable uncertainty about the changes ahead. These final weeks provide an opportunity to enjoy their time together, reflect on how much they have grown and prepare for the next stage of their boarding journey. We will continue to support and encourage the boys to finish their time in Corfe positively and enter Senior Boarding with confidence and resilience.
Transition Programme Update
During the remaining weeks of Term 4, the boys will take part in a range of activities designed to strengthen their connections with Senior Boarding and help make the transition as smooth as possible. These will include games on the oval, morning barbecues and shared dinners with Senior Boarding boys and staff.
Behind the scenes, preparations are also well underway. I have been meeting with each Senior Boarding Head of House to provide background on the boys, including their friendship groups, individual needs and possible dorm arrangements. This handover is an important part of ensuring each boy is well supported as he takes the next step in his boarding journey.
Here’s a snapshot of our end-of-term transition plan:
Thursday, 19 November (Week 7) The boys will pack, clear their cubicles and move their belongings to their respective Senior Boarding houses. They will then return to Corfe House for their final night together.
Friday, 20 November (Week 7)
Corfe boys and families will celebrate the year at our Graduation Dinner. The evening will include the presentation of the Contribution to Corfe Boarding Award. At the conclusion of the dinner, the 2027 Senior Boarding Leaders will escort the boys to their new houses, marking the beginning of the next chapter in their boarding journey.
As the year draws to a close, we have asked the boys to reflect on their time in Corfe House and share some of the experiences, memories and friendships that have made their year memorable.
Dougie Saal
Dougie has loved spending time with his mates and playing sport throughout the year. He particularly remembers a close and challenging Rugby match against Churchie and is looking forward to greater independence next year. His advice to 2027 Corfe boys is to make the most of Corfe House because the experience passes quickly.
Hugo McCormick
Hugo has loved spending time with his mates and the Year 10 boys, as well as going on leave. He especially remembers playing Football in the rain and is looking forward to visiting Grand Central and Eastville, having more phone time and staying up later next year. His advice to 2027 Corfe boys is to complete homework before it builds up and to spend time outside with mates to develop strong friendships.
Tom Twidale
Tom has loved making new friends and experiencing boarding life. He remembers the early mornings and bus trips and is looking forward to spending time with older boys and his mates in the senior boarding houses. His advice to 2027 Corfe boys is to embrace the activities and experiences on offer and to show respect to staff on duty.
Thalla Harrison
Thalla has loved spending time with his mates and playing Touch Football with boys from the older boarding houses. He especially remembers Grammar Downlands Day and is looking forward to moving into an older house with some of his mates. His advice to 2027 Corfe boys is to make good choices and spend time with friends.
Digby Morris
Digby has loved playing Touch Football with his mates. He particularly remembers the lunchtime games and friendly rivalry with the Dayboys. He is looking forward to more freedom, more phone time and joining his brother in an older boarding house. His advice to 2027 Corfe boys is to get involved in sport, manage homesickness and enjoy Corfe House while you can.
Angus O’Shanesy
Angus has loved playing sport and spending time with mates from other boarding houses in Corfe House. He especially remembers an extended game of tag around the School and is looking forward to the freedom of the senior boarding houses. His advice to 2027 Corfe boys is to make the most of Corfe House because friends may move into different houses next year.
Mason Morris
Mason has loved playing Touch Football and getting to know the other boys in Corfe House. He especially enjoyed trips to Grand Central and the movies and is looking forward to more phone time next year. His advice to 2027 Corfe boys is not to let homesickness take over and to make the most of the limited time in Corfe House.
Edward Nixon
Edward has loved forming genuine friendships that he hopes will last a lifetime. He especially remembers the Wet ’n’ Wild trip and is looking forward to getting to know the older boys. His advice to 2027 Corfe boys is to be enthusiastic, have a go and choose to make the Corfe House experience fun and rewarding.
Halloween Fun
Last weekend, the boys at Corfe House enjoyed some Halloween fun, with games, plenty of laughs and, of course, some sweet treats. It was a great opportunity to relax and enjoy some light-hearted fun together.
Thank you to our wonderful Saturday night staff, Mrs Kym Wright and Mrs Narelle Jackson, for organising the activities and making the evening such a success.
With only two weeks remaining until the boys make the exciting move into their Senior Boarding houses, their Corfe journey is quickly drawing to a close. It has been a privilege to watch them grow in confidence, develop friendships, overcome challenges and embrace all that boarding life has offered. I look forward to welcoming families to the Corfe Graduation on Friday, 20 November, as we celebrate the boys and all they have achieved during their time in Corfe House.
Mr Nathan Stains Head of Boarding House – Corfe
Groom House
Groom Gazette
Finishing the Year Strong
As the end of the school year approaches, there is naturally a growing sense of anticipation across Groom House. Holidays, time with family and a well-earned break are getting closer. For our boys, however, there is still important work to be done. One of the challenges at this stage of the year is resisting the temptation to mentally finish before the calendar says we are finished.
The final weeks can be demanding. Assessments and examinations compete with co-curricular commitments, end-of-year activities and the accumulated tiredness that comes after a busy year. This is where established routines become particularly important. Finishing strongly does not mean doing everything perfectly or studying every available minute. Rather, it is about continuing to do the simple things well and maintaining the habits that have supported the boys throughout the year.
Preparation and wellbeing go hand in hand. Being organised, getting enough sleep, exercising, eating well and making sensible use of downtime all contribute to a boy's capacity to perform at his best. Equally important is recognising when assistance is needed and being prepared to ask for it. Teachers, boarding staff and mates are all part of the support network available to the boys. Consistent preparation over time will almost always be more productive, and considerably less stressful, than a frantic last-minute effort.
Study tips from our boarders
Living and studying together also provides the boys with opportunities to learn from one another. Some simple approaches worth keeping in mind are:
Know exactly what you want to achieve before beginning prep.
Break revision into smaller, manageable blocks rather than trying to cover everything at once.
Put phones and other distractions away and make revision time count.
Complete practice questions rather than simply rereading notes.
Start assessment and revision early rather than relying on the night before.
Ask a teacher, boarding staff member or another boy for help when you get stuck.
Take a short break when concentration begins to drop, then return to the task with purpose.
These are the same messages our staff regularly reinforce. Planning ahead, prioritising tasks and setting achievable goals can significantly reduce stress. Sometimes the most useful step a boy can take is simply writing down what needs to be completed and working through that list one task at a time. When workloads begin to feel overwhelming, an early conversation with a staff member is always preferable to allowing the pressure to build.
Within Groom, our structured prep routines, staff guidance and the support boys provide one another remain important parts of creating a positive study environment. There is also a collective responsibility involved. One boy's choices can influence the ability of others to concentrate, so respecting study time and the needs of those around us matters.
Importantly, though, finishing the year strongly is about much more than academics.
It means continuing to meet expectations around behaviour and House routines when everyone is becoming tired. It means maintaining respectful relationships, looking after friendships, helping a mate and contributing positively to the House. It is continuing to make your bed properly, arrive where you need to be on time, speak respectfully to others and take responsibility for the small things that keep a boarding community running well.
The final days matter just as much as the first. Our challenge to every Groom boy is therefore a simple one: finish well. Keep contributing, support your mates, maintain the standards we expect and take pride in representing Groom right through to the final day. That commitment to one another is what strengthens our brotherhood and makes Groom House a community to which our boys can be proud to belong.
The end of the academic year is fast approaching. It seems timely then to provide the usual reminders that all belongings must be taken home at the conclusion of the year.
These include:
bedside tables, fans, doonas, mattress protectors, cricket bags and mini fridges.
Rooms are to be cleaned (cupboards and draws wiped down, curtain hung up and bed pulled off the wall and room vacuumed please) before departure.
Leave requests for the Christmas Holidays are always encouraged and appreciated. If your son requires early leave, please email Mr Mark Oliphant to request Academic Leave.
Term 4 2026: concludes Thursday, 26 November
Term 1 2027: Boarders return Wednesday, 27 January
Mr Luke Paffey
Head of Boarding House | Groom
Birthdays
Luke S - Happy 16th Birthday
Cam C - Happy 18th Birthday!
Mackintosh House
Mackintosh Mail
Looking Ahead to 2027 and My Boarding Journey
By Christian, Mackintosh House Vice-Captain
I come from a small town called Bonshaw, just over the border between Queensland and New South Wales. What I love most about home is the freedom, space and silence. It is definitely different to living in a boarding house, but I think being from a small country town has made me really appreciate both home and the opportunities I have had through boarding.
I have been boarding at TGS since Year 7 in 2022, so boarding has been a big part of my life for a long time now. When I think back over those years, some of my best memories are actually pretty simple ones. Playing tackle footy on Barbour when I was in Corfe is definitely one. I have also really valued the connections I have made with older boys and past boys. Having older boys around who you can look up to has been a really important part of boarding for me. One of the biggest things I have learnt through boarding is that you don't always have to solve someone's problems. Sometimes when someone comes to you, they don't necessarily want you to fix everything. Sometimes they just need someone who will sit down and listen. I think that is something I will take into my role as Vice-Captain and Mackintosh Leader.
Being a Corfe House Resident during Year 10 was another really important experience for me. It gave me the chance to build relationships with younger boys, and those relationships have continued as they have moved into Mackintosh. I think the experience taught me how important it is to be approachable and to make an effort to connect with people, particularly younger boys who are still finding their feet in boarding.
Another experience I will never forget was the Oakham Exchange in England. It was honestly outstanding and pretty hard to sum up in just a few words. Seeing places like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben was amazing, but one of the biggest highlights had to be playing Rugby School in the town of Rugby and beating them at a game of rugby. That is something I don't think I will ever forget.
If there is one thing that experiences like Corfe and Oakham have taught me, it is to put your hand up and have a go. Sometimes you just need to sign up for something, even if you aren't completely sure about it. You might end up doing something that changes your life. Those experiences have also helped me become more confident meeting new people and connecting with people I have never met before. I think that will be important for me as Vice-Captain because I want every boy in Mackintosh, no matter what year level they are in, to feel comfortable approaching me.
For me, Mackintosh is special because we are a really tight-knit group. There is something about our House and the way we live together that creates strong relationships between the boys. I want to help make sure that continues in 2027. One of the biggest things I want to influence next year is respect. I don't just mean respect for staff or respect for the older boys. I want us to have a House where everyone respects everyone. It shouldn't matter what year level you are in or what position you hold. Everyone deserves to be treated properly. That is also one of the reasons I wanted to become Vice-Captain. I want to help the Mackintosh boys grow and hopefully be a good role model for younger boys to look up to, just like I looked up to the boys who came before me.
Most of all, I want Mackintosh to be a safe hub for every boy. I want it to be a safety net of people who will catch you when you fall, but also a place that pushes you back out into the world. We should support each other when things aren't going well, but we should also challenge each other to take opportunities, have a go, grow as people and make our mark on the world. That's the sort of Mackintosh House I want to help create in 2027.
Secret Santa In Mackintosh House
There are a few signs that the end of the year coming, and the Mackintosh House Secret Santa is certainly one of them.
Names have now been drawn from the hat and the boys have the challenge of finding a Christmas gift for their Secret Santa recipient. Our Corfe boys are involved as well, continuing the important connection between Corfe and Mackintosh as the Year 7 boys settle into the senior house.
We keep Secret Santa fairly simple. Boys spend between $10 and $20, but we encourage them not to simply grab the easiest thing they can find. Part of the fun is thinking about the person you have drawn and finding something they will actually enjoy receiving, something that shows you know them and they will appreciate.
The boys also have another responsibility: keep it secret!
On Monday, 23 November, we will gather around the Christmas tree in Mackintosh House and exchange the gifts. It is always a fun night and one that creates plenty of laughs and surprises. While Secret Santa is only a small part of our end-of-year activities, it captures something important about boarding, belonging through know each other and having fun together. After living together for a year, it is nice to finish with an activity that asks each boy to think about someone else and do something thoughtful for them.
The boys need to get shopping this weekend, they know who they are buying for.
The Race That Stops Mackintosh House
Melbourne Cup Day is always a little different in Mackintosh House, with the return of our annual Mackintosh House Melbourne Cup Free Sweep. A news experience for some and passion for some wo love the horses.
Every boy in the House is allocated a horse for free, draw from the hat the night before, meaning everyone has something to cheer for when the race gets underway. Some boys will discover they have drawn one of the favourites, while others quickly realise their horse has little chance.
There is no money involved and certainly no big payday for our winners. Instead, boys lucky enough to have a horse finish in a place receive a selection of chocolates, soft drinks and treats as their token prize.
Of course, the prizes are only a small part of the afternoon. The real value is in the fun, conversations and friendly rivalry that come from everyone having a horse to follow.
This year’s winners were Jock and Archer with 1st place horses, Charlie with 2nd and Christian and Harry in 3rd.
End of Term and Three Weeks to Go
With Year 12 in external exams or having departed, we turn our attention to ending the year well for Years 8 to 11, while welcoming the presence of the Year 7 Corfe boys in Mackintosh House. Just because there isn’t long to go, that doesn’t mean things get slower. The boys have a busy assessment block; some are playing rugby 7s, while others are participating in pre-season cricket and volleyball training. There is also an opportunity to head to Wet’n’Wild on Sunday, 22 November. You can still sign your son up for this trip in the Parents’ Lounge.
Key Dates
Tuesday, 17 November
Year 12 Final Roll Call, 4:00 pm, Old Hall.
Year 12 Final Assembly, 4:30 pm, Old Boys' Memorial Oval.
Wednesday, 18 November
Year 12 Formal.
Friday, 20 November
Corfe House Dinner and Corfe Boarders move into Senior House.
Sunday, 22 November
Boarders Wet’n’Wild.
Monday, 23 November
Mackintosh House Secret Santa.
Wednesday, 25 November
Speech Day and Prize Giving, 4:30 pm, Empire Theatre. Compulsory for all Years 7–11 boys.
Thursday, 26 November
Senior School House Touch Football Carnival.
Holidays commence at 3:10 pm.
Holiday Leave in REACH
Please input your holiday leave in REACH as the term is closing. If you have flights booked for travel home and may need airport transport, please include these details. If, for any reason, your son requires an early departure at the end of term, please contact the Head of Senior School, Mr Mark Oliphant, for approval to depart early.
Boarders should be taking all personal items home over the Christmas holiday break.
We are well past the halfway mark of Term 4, and life in Stephens House is in full swing. It has been a busy and memorable stretch, with farewells to our 2026 Year 12 cohort and a warm welcome to the new leadership team for 2027. The boys have continued to throw themselves into everything on offer, and it has been a lively, positive house to be a part of.
In week 3 our Year 12s took part in their final assembly and enjoyed their last days of school, and the External Exams are well underway. We wish every member of the cohort the very best for the papers still to come.
Toowoomba and South-East Queensland have had plenty of rain lately and whilst the timing hasn’t been ideal for those growing crops, it has been nice to see it fall. Wet weekends in the house are always a challenge for the boys (and staff alike), but many turned the downtime into some healthy competition. The Year 8s got a game of Monopoly Toowoomba underway, with TGS sitting on the Green Square. From what I heard, Cruze C took out the win, owning nearly half the board!
Grand Central is always a popular destination on rainy days, and the boys did well to plan their weekends so that boredom never set in. It was great to see them making the most of the time together, whatever the weather.
Boarder's Cup
The Boarder's Cup is well and truly underway, with the latest events being Pickleball in the Glen McCracken Sports Centre, followed by Water Polo at the Aquatic Centre. Our Year 12s have done a great job organising teams on the day, and it has been pleasing to see the boys from all year levels mixing and competing together. In Pickleball, Hamish F took charge as referee for the Year 7 boys, building trust and relationships in his role as 2027 Junior School Liaison – despite a few dubious calls!
In Water Polo, a few of the boys were apprehensive about getting in the water at first, but once they did, the fight was on. Special mention to Pana M, who threw himself into the contest - quite literally - and came off second best against the H2O, pulling a groin/hamstring muscle in the process. Well done also Leon R (2027 Stephens Year 8) who has had a crack at all activities so far in the Boarder's Cup. It is exciting to see another strong Stephens cohort coming through. We may not have won every game so far, but each week points are awarded to the House with the most spirit and on that count, I think we are doing just fine. Well done to all the boys for the enthusiasm and good humour they have brought to every event.
Looking ahead, there are still plenty of activities for the boys to sign up to. In Week 7, we head off on the annual trip to Wet’n’Wild, which is always a highlight of the term! The final round of the Boarder's Cup will be held this weekend up in Boyce/Taylor. Overall, the boys have been appreciative of a change in routine of Sunday afternoon and the opportunity to socialise.
As we head into the exam period, it is important that the boys keep a healthy balance between study and recreation. In the remaining weeks, we will also run the Stephens House Pool Competition, where a champion will be crowned, a great chance to unwind and enjoy some friendly rivalry between study sessions.
Sustainability@Stephens
At the end of Term 3, we farewelled Miss Voss, our morning supervisor, who has moved to the Junior School as a classroom teacher. We thank her for the care she showed the boys at the start of each day and wish her every success in her new role. This term, we are delighted to launch a new initiative in the house: Sustainability@Stephens. Leading the way is Mr Laurent Epetahui, who has joined us as our new morning supervisor while continuing his role as Ag Technician at the Agriculture and Industry Centre (AIC). Mr Epetahui has a strong background in sustainability and, hailing originally from Tahiti, it is very much in his blood! He has already been instrumental in getting the program off the ground, and the boys have embraced it wholeheartedly, sorting household waste into plastic, biodegradable and food waste. Our food scraps then go into our newly purchased Worm Cafes, where they are broken down into compost.
We are also hoping to recycle pallets into garden beds near Stephens House, where the boys will help grow vegetables such as tomatoes and chillies. It is an exciting project, and the boys can’t wait to get their hands dirty and see the results of their efforts.
There is more greenery appearing around the building too, and I would like to thank Hamish F for making the planter boxes for the front of the house. Hamish is part of the Friday afternoon Makes and Fixers Club, run by our very own Mr Wilson, and we are hoping to draw on his skills, and those of others, to develop the Veggie Garden. Watch this space!
Thursday of Week 8 will be here before we know it, so we would greatly appreciate holiday leave being submitted promptly. Early notice allows us to plan travel and supervision for every boy and ensures a smooth finish to the term. Please also note that the Exams Period runs in Week 7 and we encourage families to chat with the boys about their study plans. Finally, a reminder that all belongings are to be taken home at the end of the year, so please check that nothing is left behind in rooms, lockers or common areas.
Taylor House
Taylor Tribune
The Final Climb
As we reach Week 5, I want to begin by acknowledging how well the boys have been travelling. Term 4 can be a challenging one. As I mentioned in my previous Boarders’ Telegraph, the finish line is now in sight, but the climb to get there remains steep. There is still plenty happening, with activities, commitments and significant assessment preparation continuing right through to the end of term.
Our message to the boys remains simple: stay true to yourself, strive to do your best, and when things become difficult, face the challenge head-on. Look for the solution, ask for help when you need it, and most importantly, never give up.
With the exam block approaching and extending into Week 8, focus and attention to detail are particularly important. I encourage every boy to make the most of the opportunities available to consolidate his learning. Seek assistance from teachers, use prep time purposefully, revisit feedback, and practise those difficult concepts again and again. Effort matters, and persistence is often what turns uncertainty into confidence.
The challenge now is to lift for the final drive to the line. There will undoubtedly be moments when motivation dips or the workload feels heavy, but this is exactly when character, discipline and resilience come to the fore. Keep turning up, keep putting in the work, and trust that consistent effort will be rewarded.
Finishing the Term Together
As families begin making end-of-year arrangements, I do ask that plans take into consideration the expectation that boys remain at school through to the final day of term. Please, no early departures. There is still plenty to accomplish and plenty to celebrate, and we need all hands on deck right to the end.
It is also time to begin the annual logistical operation of getting everything home! All belongings need to leave the House at the end of term. This presents the perfect opportunity to inspect trouser lengths, identify shirts that might now be better suited to a boy three sizes smaller, arrange for blazers to be dry-cleaned and, perhaps most importantly, tackle the occasional fan that appears to be carrying a century’s worth of dust!
Our final days also provide important opportunities to come together as a House. All boys are expected to be present for Prize Giving Night and the House Touch Carnival. The Touch Carnival, in particular, gives Taylor House an early opportunity to get a leg up in next year’s Headmaster’s Shield. Every contribution counts, whether competing, supporting or simply getting behind your House mates.
To Our Year 12 Boys
Finally, to our Year 12 boys, we wish you every success as you complete your remaining external examinations. Your time as TGS boarders is rapidly drawing to a close, and we look forward to celebrating your graduation and recognising the contribution you have made to Taylor House.
For everyone else, the message for the weeks ahead is clear: stay focused, stay positive and keep climbing. The finish line is close, but our job is not done until we cross it together.
