Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to introduce the newest addition to our education team, Amanda Gibson. Amanda commenced in Term 4, 2023 in the pivotal role of Head of Diverse Learners and will bring new direction and focus to the position in alignment with our commitment to inclusive education, aligning seamlessly with our Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and the Inclusive Education Policy.
“I am very excited about developing this role,” said Amanda.
“I have a passion for fostering environments where every student can thrive and I look forward to enhancing the inclusive practices throughout all facets of the School.”
With an extensive background in working with diverse learners, she has previously pioneered a 'Whole School Inclusive Education Framework', demonstrating her dedication to creating a supportive educational landscape for all.
Having served as a Pedagogy Coach: Inclusive Practices at a previous school, Amanda has a deep understanding of inclusive education. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom, contributing significantly to the curriculum review process. Her commitment to student-centered action and research is not just admirable but palpable, making her a valuable asset to our community.
Amanda was a guest presenter at the Australian Inclusive Schooling Conference in Sydney in March 2023 and at the QASEL conference in September 2023 that focussed on Inclusion through Voice Inclusive Practice in the curriculum. She has also been invited to speak at the Australian Council of Educational Leaders (ACEL) - Inclusion and Disability in May 2024 where she will be addressing the “Implementation of Inclusive Practice in School by Building Leadership Capability - Changing Mindsets.”
Amanda holds a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from the Queensland University of Technology. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Health and Science from the University of New England Armidale.
“I am very committed to this field, and am currently pursuing my Masters in Inclusion,” said Amanda.
“This will further enhance the inclusive and supportive culture that currently exists at the School.”
“I love that TGS gives every boy the tools to forge his own path and own his educational journey,” Amanda stated.
“My role will provide tailored support and ensure every student can access the curriculum and demonstrate their learning alongside their peers.
“I want to help inspire every boy to be his very best.”
We eagerly anticipate the positive impact Amanda will make within the School. Her role is crucial in supporting our teachers to provide necessary adjustments, fostering an environment where every student can excel academically, socially, and emotionally. She will play an important role in our commitment to the holistic development of each boy, focusing on their wellbeing, character, and their ability to flourish as individuals who contribute meaningfully to society when they leave the School.
Latest Blog
Correcting our School's official record commemorating World War I and World War II
On the eve of our 150th year, we're calling on the School's alumni, parents, past parents and greater community to aid us in correcting the record of our involvement in two watershed geopolitical events of the 20th century. For the last four years Toowoomba Grammar School Museum Volunteers, Mrs Ann Hallam and Mrs Sue Palmer, have been updating the School records on Old Boys, staff and Trustees for the World War I and World War II theatres of war. Over the years several staff and volunteers have…
A Pioneering Woman of TGS
My late husband was a teacher, and our four children are all teachers, which we encouraged them to do because it is the best job in the world. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for 36 years, working under four Headmasters: Mr Bill Dent, Mr Hugh Rose, Mr Peter Hauser and now Dr John Kinniburgh. I still drive into the School each day and smile, looking at the beautiful place it is — magnificent ovals, gracious trees and historically significant buildings. It is difficult to express the…
NZ Rugby Tour success, more than winning matches across the Ditch
The teams were undefeated and it was a trip the players will never forget. This tour was years in the making and heralds a new era of touring and hosting different rugby schools to give our players opportunities for growth as athletes and as people. Head of Sport - Rugby, Mr Lincoln Clapham, explained they selected 46 students to take part in the ten-day tour and began training last year. From Term 1 onwards, the squad trained twice weekly on the oval plus two and sometimes three gym sessions…
Aussie Teen Reading Habits Revealed
I was recently sent an article, summarising some research from Deakin University around the reading habits of teens in 2024. Some of it was, as the title suggests, surprising. Some was not. However, all of it was built around the importance of reading, and supporting our teens to read, which is something that every one of us should do. While we tend to see our teens as digital natives, recent research from Deakin University suggests that the average Aussie teen reader would rather flick through…
Now More Than Ever
The one-of-a-kind Indigenous artwork is emblazoned across the shirts for the First IV Tennis team, jerseys for the First XI Football team and First XV Rugby team and First V Basketball team's singlets. National Reconciliation Week is a significant date on the calendar for all Australians, running from Monday, 27 May to Monday, 3 June. The incorporation of this Indigenous design in our uniforms is a significant milestone for our School, especially for our 47 Aboriginal and Torres Strait…
It's a numbers game, making mathematics mainstream
Term 2 has been a busy one in the Mathematics department; from multiple year levels having extended assessment tasks to competitions run inside and outside the School. Using mathematical equations to recreate artwork The Year 11 Mathematical Methods students got a chance to be very creative with their assessment - using numbers to reproduce artwork. The boys visited the 2024 Grammar Art Show in Term 1 and were given the task to reproduce a chosen work using their knowledge of mathematical…
Bucolic beginnings, boarding and becoming a bowel surgeon
Coming from a cattle property near Injune I was in awe of the School’s ovals with lush, green grass and immaculate facilities. I found being able to throw yourself around and not risk skin cuts and grazes quite novel. Sharing the same field where many Old Boys and past heroes trotted was inspirational. I found the comradery among the boarders my most overwhelming memory. It was like having 60 brothers with similar interests all living under the same roof. There was always someone around to kick…
Our Other Mother
Meet Ms Janelle Fletcher, the House Mum of Corfe, whose journey at TGS began back in 1992 as an instrumental music teacher. Her story is one of deep connections, love for the arts and an unshakeable bond with the students of TGS. From the time that Janelle first stepped onto campus and shared her musical talents with young minds to now creating her own “mum moments” in Corfe — she has nurtured a profound sense of community and established connections that have lasted through generations. Her…
Fostering a creative generation and getting exhibited at GoMA
2023 Visual Arts student Ben Rosenberg (TGS 2019-2023) had his film “Mitchell” selected and it's now on display as part of the 2024 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art at GoMA. For 30 years the Awards have recognised and promoted excellence in senior visual art education throughout Queensland schools. Secondary schools typically enter the work of up to four Senior students. Previous winners from TGS include Sam McCosker (2013) and Austin Reed (2017). Ben is a filmmaker and…
