“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
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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…
Boarding Families - Surviving Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both the child and their 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 24hrs 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, they usually improve as they settle in, and it is temporary. The reality is that most boys tend to save…
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