The devastating effects of domestic and family violence (DFV) are more prominent today as this previously ‘taboo’ issue is finally being publicly recognised and addressed. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to be leading the way in creating generational change for this sensitive issue through a variety of School initiatives and by supporting community groups associated with DFV. Our programs are aimed at developing good men of the future who will “Stand Up and Speak Out.”

TGS became a White Ribbon School in 2017, making a commitment to help stop violence against women. We support the White Ribbon program of “Breaking the Silence” through our strong culture of respect and equality at all levels in the School community; through our curriculum, role modelling, domestic violence programs and community partnerships. We regularly have guest speakers from Protea Place, the Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC) and other DV support organisations address our boys about the impact of domestic violence on men, women and children.

Students in Years 11 and 12 are invited to be part of our School’s White Ribbon Committee each year, so that there is a constant flow of new young men exposed to this important committee and issues. This year, 60 boys have volunteered their time to be part of this group which is responsible for developing initiatives and White Ribbon events at School to raise awareness of DFV.

TGS was asked to assist Toowoomba Together with its “Not In Our Community” campaign earlier this year. This video involved our senior leaders speaking out against domestic violence and our Years 7 to 12 students gathering for a “blazer show” which was filmed on the Terraces. This video has been shared with the broader Toowoomba community, and we are proud to be part of this initiative.

The DVAC hosted the Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day March and Candle Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, 4 May. TGS was represented, proudly leading the march, and Year 12 Prefect, Jamie Watson, was privileged to be a guest speaker.

Jamie told the gathering that be believes in developing and encouraging respectful relationships from a young age, and that a respectful relationship is a two-way street, meaning it is one of mutual respect, trust, good communication and honesty.

“I think all young people across the world can practice respectful relationships right from the very first day of their schooling,” he stated.

“At Toowoomba Grammar, we practice positive and respectful encounters everyday with teachers, fellow students, parents, nurses, grounds staff and so on.”

Jamie said TGS students are encouraged to be upstanders and call out excluding behaviour, words and actions.

“This empowers students to positively reinforce those core values of respect and positivity which will hopefully echo into their adulthood and the rest of their lives,” affirmed Jamie.

Boarding is at the heart of TGS with students from other cities, remote country areas and overseas.

“Our goal is to spread this message of respectful relationships and for it to be taken back to those communities; hopefully a ripple effect will occur, spreading this vital message throughout Australia and the world,” Jamie said.

“If we truly want this behaviour to be long lasting, we must not only educate today’s youth, but inspire them to put what they have learned into practice and share with those around them.”

Jamie said he has personally witnessed this positive change and understanding grow and develop during his time at TGS, and he believes that shows that persistence is key.

“Wouldn’t it be great for all members of society to have positive experiences, healthy relationships and opportunities to learn?” he asked.

“For everyone to understand right from wrong. For people to respect others, and respect themselves. It is important we understand the cycle of violence. Not all disrespect results in violence. But all violence starts with disrespect.

“I hope we can be the generation that helps shape a brighter future when it comes to domestic and family violence.”

'Not In Our Community'

Latest Blog

Junior School
/
Thursday, 01 Sept 2022

The Benefits of Early Learning at TGS

Making a decision about our children’s education can be difficult; especially when there are so many options available. Once upon a time parents simply sent their children to the school that was a walkable distance from home. Much research has evolved since the early 1900s about what is best for our children to foster a love of learning and feel confident and safe in the classroom. Here at Toowoomba Grammar School, we take this very seriously. Pastoral care comes before anything else; we see…

Read More
Teaching Excellence
/
Wednesday, 24 Aug 2022

Outside of the Text Book

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein There is no denying that learning a foreign language can sometimes be a challenging experience, particularly with limited opportunity to practise outside the classroom. However, learning a language is a skill that will add to many facets of your life, often without you even realising, and as part of a well-rounded education, the value of language learning cannot be underestimated. "A different language is a…

Read More
Boarding
/
Thursday, 18 Aug 2022

TGS Academic Enrichment Program for Boarders

Toowoomba Grammar School provides an inspiring and broad curriculum for boys, delivered by dedicated educators who understand how to engage boys in their learning. Our staff go above and beyond in providing an outstanding education and support network for our boys. They are regularly available to answer questions, assist with homework and assignments and provide academic support for all our students. This is particularly so for our boarders, thanks to our Academic Enrichment Program (AEP). All…

Read More
People
/
Thursday, 11 Aug 2022

Teacher as a Student

As a teacher at Toowoomba Grammar School, I teach mathematics and business studies, and manage the GPS Chess team. Prior to teaching, I worked as a financial analyst. Recently I have completed a master's degree in science at the University of Southern Queensland. My study was focused exclusively on data science, and I have become an expert in the management of big data with a specialisation in modelling and forecasting using machine learning techniques. The motivation for this study was…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Thursday, 04 Aug 2022

Developing Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships are extremely important for the development of mental health in our youth. When you spend time with people you care about, who care about you, this can help you feel connected and supported. This term is one of the largest in regard to boys participating in activities and sports ranging from field, to court, to thought. This is in addition to music and drama programs. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe this allows for plenty of opportunity to develop the ability to…

Read More
Sports & Activities
/
Thursday, 28 July 2022

Striving for the Best

Director of Volleyball, Mr Eric Smith has spent the past 20 years at Toowoomba Grammar School not only shaping the minds of the young men in his science classroom but also working tirelessly on improving his capacity to coach volleyball to the highest level. Starting at the School in 2003, Eric quickly rediscovered his passion for volleyball, something he had not experienced since playing for Ipswich Grammar School during the ‘90s. “I felt completely at home back on the volleyball court and…

Read More
Blog Friday, 22 July 2022

When it comes to Music, Variety is the Spice of Life

In the Queensland Curriculum, the content of the music syllabus includes the study of the people, places and cultures involved in musical creation and performance. As our country becomes increasingly diverse, it is important for students in every school setting to study a wide variety of musical styles, cultures and genres. The Toowoomba Grammar School Music program of 2022 embraces this holistic approach to the study of music, encouraging teachers and students to explore a variety of musical…

Read More
Teaching Excellence
/
Friday, 15 July 2022

Successful Decision Making - Subject Selections

Term 3 tends to be an important time for students making decisions, and for some, possibly the first time they have really had the opportunity to make a decision that could impact the course of their future. Year 8 students are taking control of their academic program for the first time, being able to select their electives for Year 9. For most, these decisions are mainly about getting the opportunity to pursue subjects which interest them and the joy of not taking some subjects which really do…

Read More
Sports & Activities
/
Thursday, 30 June 2022

TGS Rugby Ambassadors' Program

“As a Grammar boy, you have the Blue and Gold in your blood for life. You’ve got connections and networks because of this special bond. It’s hard to describe what it is exactly; I think it stems from the history and traditions that are passed down to each generation but it’s something you carry your entire life, you’re part of this team.” – TGS Old Boy (1960-63) John Campbell, Senior Prefect 1963, Captain 1st XV Rugby 1963. John was excited to learn in a recent edition of The Blue and Gold…

Read More