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.”
Latest Blog
TGS Strength and Conditioning Program
Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…
We Knew Them Before They Were Stars
Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…
Country Roads Take Me Home
Toowoomba Grammar School boarding provides the ideal living environment for our boys while they develop the values that will define their character. Throughout the course of this year, I have been privileged to visit many of the towns and properties that our TGS boarders call home. When walking around those towns wearing a shirt with a TGS crest, it doesn’t take long to meet an Old Boy or to be asked about one of the boarders currently at the School. Our boarding staff pride themselves on…
TGS Corfe House - A Home for Young Boarders
In Toowoomba Grammar School’s Boarding Program, Years 5 to 7 students reside at Corfe House – a nurturing environment providing close pastoral support and guidance to the School’s youngest boarders. The skills, relationships and perspectives that boys develop here set them up for the rest of their boarding and school journey. Toowoomba Grammar School understands the challenges for young students transitioning into boarding. Leading the way in creating a ‘home away from home’ is the Corfe House…
TGS Mates Program - Character Building Education
Current research into character education has shown that educators should not be focusing solely on preparing students for their Year 12 final exams but should be supporting them to become humans who exhibit good character and virtues to contribute to creating a healthier society (The Jubilee Centre, 2022). The Jubilee Centre, which is attached to the University of Birmingham in the UK, maintains that good character is the foundation for improved attainment, better behaviour, increased…
Our TGS Old Boys' Wall of Achievement
The next time you visit the School grounds, pause for a moment at the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Wall of Achievement. This concept was the initiative of the then Deputy Headmaster, Mr Roger Buttenshaw, and was supported by the Board of Trustees, Headmasters Mr Hugh Rose and Mr Peter Hauser, and the TGSOBA - Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Association. The opening of the Wall of Achievement took place in 2003. Thousands of TGS Old Boys have gone on to lead productive and valuable…
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…
