Recently the 2022 TGS Prefect group spoke at the Headmaster’s Assembly about respecting individuality. But what does this mean? The foundations for a successful relationship with peers, family, co-workers, and others is framed and supported by a two-way street of respect. However, for this two-way street to be functional it is important to know that respect cannot be demanded, it can only be earned.
Toowoomba Grammar School is no different and respect is nurtured in various forms such as in the classroom, sporting realms, cocurricular activities and the boarding houses. TGS prides itself on being a family and community where respect is integral between staff and students, allowing positive relationships to flourish. The School promotes the assistance for staff and students via professional organisations that focus on relationship development such as RUOK, National Humanities Alliance, Lives Lived Well and other groups. These groups focus on the development of respect and relationships and allow the students to utilise their experience to support and promote better pathways for respect to be fostered in our community.
The main message of respect centres around being mindful of what is happening in another person’s life and to consider their needs before our own. Independent School’s Queensland recently released the results of a study into student wellbeing. “A July study into the wellbeing of Australian school students has found that almost a third of students reported that they were not coping well over the first half of the year.” (ISQ News, August 2022). The report suggests that this figure is growing in 2022 and students are becoming increasingly concerned over matters relating to respect, health and acceptance.
National Manager Schools at Headspace Kirsten Douglas has stated “Right now, we need to talk to each other, reconnect and slowdown in order to speed up. There is an inclination to move at great speed; it feels counterintuitive to slow down, stop and communicate, but if we don't do this, we'll spiral out of control.” What this suggests is that in our rush to get back to ‘normal’ we are forgetting the importance of positive and respectful relationships. Students need to feel a connection with their teacher whilst feeling safe and respected. However, the same must demonstrated in return, as suggested earlier – respect is earned, it cannot be demanded or simply expected.
In summary – it is important to know that Toowoomba Grammar School is working hand in hand with leading groups and staff to develop a culture of understanding and the need to respect yourself, respect your family, respect your teachers and respect the work of others that take pride in keeping the school looking the best at all times. The students are encouraged to follow the procedures of pastoral support and meet with mentors, heads of house or heads of department if they feel they are not being respected. The Toowoomba Grammar School belief is that if you are respectful towards others, then you will generate a platform of respect in return for yourself.
Mr Michael Hall
Acting Head of Senior School - Students
Latest Blog
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…
In memory of Light Horse Field Ambulances
Toowoomba Grammar School would like to acknowledge our admiration for the loyalty, service and bravery exhibited by TGS Old Boys who so valiantly served. We are all the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, and their selfless actions continue to inspire a spirit of service amongst our current students. Today we focus on the contribution of one TGS Old Boy who made a significant contribution to World War I. Here is some of the incredible story of Major Avery, DSO and if you visit the School Museum…
New Caledonia, new horizons and travel through an educational lens
The opportunity to travel not only opens doors to new experiences but also fosters an increased intercultural understanding and empathy, both essential qualities for navigating and existing within our diverse world. For a group of language students travelling to New Caledonia, our recent French Language and Cultural Tour was a unique opportunity for such experiential learning, where language acquisition went beyond just learning vocabulary and grammar - and instead became a gateway to connect…
