“It’s very rewarding to drive down Margaret Street and see the iconic buildings that you’ve contributed to.”— Chris Wicks
When Chris Wicks’ (1981-1985) son Lachlan was just two days old, Chris proudly strolled across the road from St Vincent’s maternity ward, over Trustees’ Oval and down to the TGS office to enrol his firstborn.
“I had such fond memories from the School and enjoyed all the opportunities available, particularly participating in sport and learning at such a high level; my sons were going to have the same great education,” said Chris adamantly.
Chris was a boarder from Dalby and an “all-rounder” as a student. He was part of the 1st XV, a CUO in the Cadets, a member of the debating team, involved in drama (featuring in two plays during his time) and a good academic student.
“I really enjoyed boarding,” reminisced Chris.
“It was great to be part of all the activities that were on offer and to be immersed in the School community.”
He studied Applied Science at the University of Queensland, Gatton and is currently the Access Strategy Manager at Arrow Energy in Brisbane. But he has maintained strong connections with TGS through a number of important roles. His two sons are also Old Boys, Lachlan (2002-2010) and Hamish (2010-2014). Lachlan is now an operations and logistics manager and Hamish is a carpenter.
One of the values taught at Toowoomba Grammar School is the importance of giving back and contributing to the community. Chris has certainly done that for TGS itself. He has had over 25 years of direct involvement with the School – from being a student to a parent to a member of the Old Boys’ Association Committee to a Trustee.
“Not quite Glen McCracken territory, but it was a good run,” laughed Chris.
He was President of the TGS Old Boys’ Association from 2006-2008.
The TGSOBA is a great way for Old Boys to stay actively connected with the School. The Association works closely with the School to promote it while maintaining the history, traditions and values that we, as Old Boys, think to be important.
He joined the TGS Board of Trustees in May 2011 and was Chair of the Finance Committee from 2016 to 2022. During that time, the Board implemented a number of major capital works projects, including the P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre, the Glen McCracken Sports Centre, the new Boyce and Taylor boarding houses and various other infrastructure projects that formed part of the larger “jigsaw puzzle” as Chris refers to it.
“It was great to be able to contribute to the School in this way and play a role in its long-term future,” said Chris.
He said the Board plays a crucial role in preserving the traditions of the School whilst providing strategies to help it grow and move forward, as well as a responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the boys and staff.
After much consideration, Chris resigned from the Board in February 2022. He had served for ten years and ten months.
“It was a difficult decision,” he said.
“I enjoyed having the opportunity to give back, but I felt it was time for fresh blood to bring some new ideas and a different perspective.”
Chris is very proud of the capital works projects, as well as the structures and systems the Board implemented during his time to ensure that the School would be in a strong position moving forward.
Latest Blog
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…
In memory of Light Horse Field Ambulances
Toowoomba Grammar School would like to acknowledge our admiration for the loyalty, service and bravery exhibited by TGS Old Boys who so valiantly served. We are all the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, and their selfless actions continue to inspire a spirit of service amongst our current students. Today we focus on the contribution of one TGS Old Boy who made a significant contribution to World War I. Here is some of the incredible story of Major Avery, DSO and if you visit the School Museum…
New Caledonia, new horizons and travel through an educational lens
The opportunity to travel not only opens doors to new experiences but also fosters an increased intercultural understanding and empathy, both essential qualities for navigating and existing within our diverse world. For a group of language students travelling to New Caledonia, our recent French Language and Cultural Tour was a unique opportunity for such experiential learning, where language acquisition went beyond just learning vocabulary and grammar - and instead became a gateway to connect…
