Toowoomba Grammar School has added the new role of Indigenous Education Coordinator to the School’s offering, to further promote a culture of diversity, inclusivity, and reconciliation.
Mr Scott Gale has been appointed to this ground-breaking position that aims to spread awareness and understanding of the significance of Australia’s culture and history.
“That’s something that has been lacking in Australia’s education system for so long,” said Scott.
“It’s an extremely significant part of our history and to see this shift and acceptance of our past is a great thing.”
Scott was the Indigenous Education Coordinator at St Joseph’s Nudgee College for the past two years. He supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through the school’s mentor, boarding and pastoral care programs and he was also instrumental in assisting staff deliver planned Indigenous education programs through the academic curriculum.
He’s very excited to have a blank slate to work with at TGS and develop this important new program, but his first priority is to get to know and support our Indigenous students. From there, Scott will develop a Reconciliation Action Plan for the School.
“This will outline significant events that we want to celebrate and when we can engage local elders and community members who can assist with educating our students about our history,” said Scott.
“It is a great way to help grow and develop a community that is connected and engaged with the School and to build positive relationships.”
Scott is a proud Wiradjuri man from inland NSW and is extremely passionate about his heritage.
“It wasn’t until I started high school and became part of their Indigenous Program that I became aware of the significance of my culture,” Scott stated.
“That program was the catalyst for me wanting to learn more and for becoming so proud of my heritage as a teenager. I want to share that experience with others.”
The TGS Indigenous Education Program will eventually extend to all students, including those in the Junior School. The emphasis will be on acknowledging and respecting the past, but not dwelling on it according to Scott.
“It’s about moving forward,” he said.
“We need to respect the past and learn from those mistakes to be able to move forward.
“We’re already seeing a shift in people’s attitudes and better acceptance of our history; I’m hoping that in ten years we will all be in a place that we are proud of; where we’ve come from and what we’ve achieved.”
Scott believes these Indigenous Education Programs are the starting point for that acceptance.
“We’re heading in the right direction, we need to keep the momentum and encourage that awareness, to all learn from each other and be proud of our past.”
Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to present this opportunity to our students and we look forward to the further development of the Indigenous Education program under Scott’s leadership.
Latest Blog
Coping with Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24 hours until the next call – you are often left worried that they are feeling like this all day. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…
Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum
I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…
What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time
The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…
TGS Strength and Conditioning Program
Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…
We Knew Them Before They Were Stars
Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…
Country Roads Take Me Home
Toowoomba Grammar School boarding provides the ideal living environment for our boys while they develop the values that will define their character. Throughout the course of this year, I have been privileged to visit many of the towns and properties that our TGS boarders call home. When walking around those towns wearing a shirt with a TGS crest, it doesn’t take long to meet an Old Boy or to be asked about one of the boarders currently at the School. Our boarding staff pride themselves on…
TGS Corfe House - A Home for Young Boarders
In Toowoomba Grammar School’s Boarding Program, Years 5 to 7 students reside at Corfe House – a nurturing environment providing close pastoral support and guidance to the School’s youngest boarders. The skills, relationships and perspectives that boys develop here set them up for the rest of their boarding and school journey. Toowoomba Grammar School understands the challenges for young students transitioning into boarding. Leading the way in creating a ‘home away from home’ is the Corfe House…
TGS Mates Program - Character Building Education
Current research into character education has shown that educators should not be focusing solely on preparing students for their Year 12 final exams but should be supporting them to become humans who exhibit good character and virtues to contribute to creating a healthier society (The Jubilee Centre, 2022). The Jubilee Centre, which is attached to the University of Birmingham in the UK, maintains that good character is the foundation for improved attainment, better behaviour, increased…
Our TGS Old Boys' Wall of Achievement
The next time you visit the School grounds, pause for a moment at the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Wall of Achievement. This concept was the initiative of the then Deputy Headmaster, Mr Roger Buttenshaw, and was supported by the Board of Trustees, Headmasters Mr Hugh Rose and Mr Peter Hauser, and the TGSOBA - Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Association. The opening of the Wall of Achievement took place in 2003. Thousands of TGS Old Boys have gone on to lead productive and valuable…
