You will often hear our TGS Old Boys say how important their TGS connections are.
They will tell tales of meeting someone on the other side of the world whom they spotted wearing a TGS cap. It led to an instant connection. Of getting their dream job by simply proudly sporting a TGS Old Boy tie at the interview. It led to an instant connection.
There is no denying that Toowoomba Grammar School students share a special bond. We celebrate it with our annual Old Boys’ Sons and Grandsons photo and our Old Boys’ Generations Gathering dinner. You see it in the playground at lunchtime, as the boys walk together, having a laugh and enjoying the day. You see it on the sporting field and the sidelines, when they cheer encouragement and celebrate the victories with the war cries that have been passed down from generation to generation, or when they support their mates so compassionately in defeat. You see it at assemblies when boys are applauded like rockstars for an amazing academic achievement.
This connection is like an unspoken code, where the boys of the Blue and Gold look out for one another well beyond the school gates. They are proud of where they have come from and of the history and traditions that they have shared. Watching the young boys on a daily basis and then listening to the stories of the Old Boys, it is true that the Blue and Gold runs through their veins.
It comes as no surprise then that the heritage and connections of Year 11 boarder, George Swanson rate a special mention. He is the great-great-great grandson of George “Pitty” Barbour, who was the longest serving Headmaster at TGS from 1910 to 1935. Mr Barbour was credited with making substantial new improvements to the School’s facilities, including a swimming pool, new ovals and science laboratories. TGS became part of the GPS Association in 1918, which started the School’s sporting achievement. The boys’ academic successes also improved under his leadership and he supported many of the boys and the local community through World War I.
Young George’s claim to fame doesn’t stop there. He’s also related by marriage to another one of the School’s most notable students, General Sir Henry (Harry) Chauvel (1880-82). Sir Henry is one of Australia’s most lauded military figures. He fought at Gallipoli and in the Middle East during World War I and was the
first Australian to attain the rank of Lieutenant General and later General. He was also the first Australian to lead a corps, the Desert Mounted Corps. They were responsible for the Battle of Beersheba, one of the most decisive victories in Australian military history. And what does George think of these special connections?
Well, like most typical 16-year-olds, he doesn’t have much to say except to grin humbly and say, “Yeah, it’s pretty cool.”
The Barbour/Chauvel Family Tree
Latest Blog
The TGS Interact Club - the Reward for Work Well Done
The Interact Club successfully raised over $10,000 last year for charities and services on a local, statewide and international scale through the hard work and commitment of its members. With these funds, the Interact Club has donated Backpack Blankets to Toowoomba's homeless, helped AEIOU's efforts in supporting children with autism, contributed to the "Are You Bogged Mate?" campaign for rural mental health and raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As well as many other individual…
A Question of Character
In an age bursting with technological innovations and an overwhelming abundance of information, the present era appears to be characterised by a swift and unrelenting pace of change. Our society, young and old alike, finds itself constantly bombarded with provocative and sensationalist narratives. The media floods our consciousness with constant streams of global dilemmas, highlighting the flaws of our leaders, uncovering corporate or political scandals, and bringing conflicts and tragedies…
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…
