“I think the boarders were the heart of the School in my day, it becomes your home and just like any home, you protect and support it.”— Dr Scott Mansfield
I have no doubt the future trajectory of my life and career was forged during my time at Toowoomba Grammar School.
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 the footy with, play a game of basketball or head to the cricket nets. Similarly, when it came to schoolwork there was always someone to clarify some homework, give direction on an assignment or help with that difficult maths equation.
My time as a boarder was in a different age but I have fond memories of watching the PNG lads stalk and trap pigeons. I saw photos of them in full warring outfits and they were formidable, so I don’t think the pigeons had much of a chance!
I remember the nicknames of our year including Dunny Brush, Cecil (from Cecil the ram of Footrot Flats fame), Donkey, Snorkel and Snapper to name but a few. In hindsight these nicknames were terms of endearment and have stuck to this day.
I recall the day about ten of the Seniors picked up Boyce Boarding Housemaster, Vernon Ezzy's Mini-Minor and left it stranded in the grassed area out the front of the house. He got quite the shock when he went to head for university the following day and I don’t recall how it was moved but it was gone by the afternoon.
The loyalty to the School and your fellow boarder ran deep. Most memories I have are of boarding and I don't think dayboys get that same experience.
I have no doubt the future trajectory of my life and career was forged during my time at Toowoomba Grammar School. I feel being immersed with like-minded people gave me perspective and motivation and as a boarder, you grow up quickly and I was taught to work independently outside direct parental guidance. This prepared me for life after school and transition into the real world.
My advice to future boarders would be to make the most of your opportunity. Your parents have made sacrifices to send you to school, so do them proud.
“Respect the history and traditions of the School. Always strive to be better but take time to quietly appreciate your achievements.”— Dr Scott Mansfield
Dr Scott Mansfield is a colorectal and general surgeon at St Andrew’s Hospital in Toowoomba and in 2017 headed the team which performed the region’s first reconstructive bowel surgery. More recently he was one of the surgeons involved in the Regional Queensland Colorectal Cancer Survival Study, which aims to improve outcomes for people in rural areas after bowel cancer diagnoses. During his time at TGS, Dr Mansfield was the Senior Prefect and was awarded a Merit, the prize for Physics and Science, and the Belford Prize for Scholarship, Leadership and Sport. He was a member of the First XI Cricket team, the Cross Country team, Captain of Track and Field and Vice-Captain of the First XV Rugby team.
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…
