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 understand how to maintain successful relationships through healthy interaction. Developing boys into men of good character works hand in hand with the academic and sporting programs on offer. All modern athletes are aware that for an individual to be successful in a team sport, the whole team needs to have a clear goal determined through good communication and relationships.

So, what is the measurement of a healthy relationship and what do you when a relationship becomes unhealthy? Recently I read the biography of Eddie Jones and he consistently refers to healthy relationships being about communication. There are multiple forms of communication – verbal, non-verbal, written, visual and listening. Communication can be as simple as a look, movement of body or facial expression. For adolescent minds this is where confusion can set in and where relationships can start to deteriorate. A misinterpretation of meaning can often result in students becoming anxious about where they fit into their social network. What one student may interpret as acceptable can be misinterpreted by another and this is where a relationship can become fractured. Once this happens it can be difficult for adolescents, or anyone, to rebuild as the individual may now feel vulnerable.

But here’s the thing, according to leading groups such as Headspace – the more boys work on their relationships, the stronger they get. Toowoomba Grammar School provides pathways for these attributes to develop through the pastoral program offered.

Here are the top five tips for developing healthy relationships:

  • Focus on positive relationships that make you feel good about yourself. Those where you support each other and where you feel you can be yourself.

  • Every relationship can bring you different benefits, so try to keep a variety of people in your life, such as friends from work or school, teachers, parents, people who have similar interests and more.

  • Communication is important! When you are open with people, they will be more open with you - which strengthens your relationships.

  • Understand that socialising and keeping relationships can sometimes be hard and have challenges. Occasionally you may feel left out or not all agree. Just remember, it’s normal to feel this way sometimes.

  • Your relationship with yourself is an important relationship too. And, when you look after yourself, it can teach you how to look after others as well.

For more information regarding healthy relationships, visit the Student Locker Room and select ‘My Pastoral Care’ and follow the links provided.

Michael Hall
Head of Senior School – Students (Acting)


TGS Senior students
TGS Senior students



Latest Blog

Community Engagement
/
Friday, 09 Feb 2024

The TGS Interact Club - the Reward for Work Well Done

The Interact Club successfully raised over $10,000 last year for charities and services on a local, statewide and international scale through the hard work and commitment of its members. With these funds, the Interact Club has donated Backpack Blankets to Toowoomba's homeless, helped AEIOU's efforts in supporting children with autism, contributed to the "Are You Bogged Mate?" campaign for rural mental health and raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As well as many other individual…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Thursday, 01 Feb 2024

A Question of Character

In an age bursting with technological innovations and an overwhelming abundance of information, the present era appears to be characterised by a swift and unrelenting pace of change. Our society, young and old alike, finds itself constantly bombarded with provocative and sensationalist narratives. The media floods our consciousness with constant streams of global dilemmas, highlighting the flaws of our leaders, uncovering corporate or political scandals, and bringing conflicts and tragedies…

Read More
Boarding
/
Thursday, 25 Jan 2024

Coping with Homesickness

Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for 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 24 hours 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 and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…

Read More
People
/
Friday, 19 Jan 2024

Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum

I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…

Read More
Old Boys
/
Thursday, 11 Jan 2024

What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time

The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…

Read More
Sports & Activities
/
Thursday, 11 Jan 2024

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…

Read More
The Arts
/
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2023

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…

Read More
Boarding
/
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2023

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…

Read More
Boarding
/
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2023

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…

Read More