“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
A Musical Reflection
As Director of Performing Arts, there is perhaps no bigger undertaking than a School musical. It requires an enormous effort from a huge team of teachers and students, and to get all these moving parts heading in the same direction is certainly no mean feat. The 2023 co-production of Footloose was my first time involved in a Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College musical, and I found it to be a very rewarding, though exhausting, experience. The process began in Term 3, 2022, as my…
TGS Success in GPS Sport
In 2023, Toowoomba Grammar School witnessed a remarkable resurgence in several of our sports programs, marking a year of triumph and growth. Although an elusive GPS premiership did not fall our way, a number of our 1st teams competed to the final whistle in Round 9 of their respective competitions, vying for their premierships. The achievements of our boys on the field and court were nothing short of exceptional, reflecting the commitment, dedication and character development that participation…
An Exceptional Learning Experience
As a member of the Junior School Leadership Team at Toowoomba Grammar School, my role involves ensuring that the Junior School’s Teaching and Learning programs are designed, implemented and managed effectively. This role is grounded in the vision, mission, and values of TGS and is crucial in supporting the Head of Junior School and the Director of Studies in providing an exceptional learning experience for our boys. At TGS Junior School, we prioritise the use of explicit teaching to ensure that…
An Inclusive Education
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…
Get Involved in Everything
As Senior Prefect at Toowoomba Grammar School, I have had the opportunity to witness the benefits of being an all-rounder firsthand. With the various activities and programs the School offers, the ability to be involved in as many things as possible is not only enjoyable but brings about numerous benefits that extend far beyond the school years. Ranging from sports to drama and debating, participating in anything the School has to offer is an excellent way to make friends and build networks of…
The Importance of Knowledge
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed traveling great distances. As a child growing up in rural New South Wales, this was inevitable. The region was speckled with towns, some more vibrant than others, and diverse landscapes where hillside ruins whispered tales of bygone eras. Over time, these landscapes and towns transformed into familiar scenes, with even minor changes in the community and environment growing more noticeable during each visit. Education parallels this journey, as…
Senior TGS Students' Advice for Starting Senior School
Starting at a new school can be a time of mixed feelings – very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Here are some tips from some Year 7 Grammar boys who started Senior School in 2023. Get involved in different sports and activities Toowoomba Grammar School provides many sports and activities that any student can participate in. As a current Year 7 student, I highly recommend trying out as many different sports and activities as you can. Throughout my first year in high school, I…
Transition to Senior School at TGS
Starting at a new school can be a time of mixed feelings – very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Irrespective of whether your son is joining us from the TGS Junior School, or if they are just starting at Toowoomba Grammar School, this is the start of a long and special journey. Your son will have a lot to digest with a new, possibly larger campus to navigate, different teachers and lessons, making new friends, where to go and what to do at morning tea and lunch. There can be a…
The Transition to Year 7 - from a Parent and Staff Member's Perspective
Regardless of your history with the school, you are all equally welcome here and should feel comfortable in knowing that we value every family and their son’s contribution to our School. Toowoomba Grammar School was built by the community, for the community and it is a School that I am immensely proud of. In 2025 we will celebrate our sesquicentenary or Grammar 150 and your sons will play a vital role in those celebrations. Our pedagogy is modelled on explicit instruction which has its roots in…
