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
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…
Helpful Tips for New Boarding Parents
Name absolutely everything! Socks, undies, phone chargers, water bottles, caps. EVERYTHING!! Make sure you name items with Boy’s name & House number; most parents will put their senior house number if printing the tags so they don’t have to rename items when they move the following year (Corfe House doesn’t have a house number). Some boys find a double bed doona is a better option than single doona as it hangs down the sides of the bed a little more to keep them warmer in winter. An…
Parenting Styles: Parties and the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, parents and caregivers find themselves immersed in the joy and bustle of festivities. Amidst the celebrations, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the pivotal role our parenting styles play in shaping our children’s attitudes and behaviours, especially concerning alcohol and other drug use. As a father of four young people with my fifth child coming into our family on 8 December 2023, I’m particularly mindful of my parenting style and my role as School…
Building the Boarding Experience - at Home
Family connections is a vital aspect of our Toowoomba Grammar School boarding program that we hold close to our heart. Our Heads of House regularly make the effort to visit our boarding families so they have a better understanding of our boarders' lives, the challenges and experiences, and staff always enjoy the warmth and hospitality provided by families. Head of Corfe House, Henry White and his wife, Samantha recently spent a weekend with the Acton family on Dalgonally Station near Julia…
A New Season for Coach Kabe
Highly respected Head of Basketball and 1st V Coach, Kabe Ciccolini is embarking on a new and inspiring chapter. This season, he takes up the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House, guiding our youngest boarders with a warmth and passion that is uniquely his own. Kabe’s decision to transition into the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House reflects his unwavering commitment to mentorship and leadership. For him, this move signifies a positive step in his career. “It’s an opportunity to further…
Embrace Every Moment
In the words of one of the greatest leaders of all time, Albus Dumbledore, “it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” The wise wizard spoke these words to Harry as he stood before the Mirror of Erised, a magical artifact that reveals one’s deepest desires. These words tell the story of the balance between our dreams and the richness of the present moment. We live in a world that often urges us to focus on our aspirations; , sometimes we get so lost in our dreams that we do not…
What is the TGS Athletic Development Academy?
As a TGS Old Boy (2003-14), sport has always been an integral part of my upbringing. As a young boy I discovered the joys of cricket, track and field and touch footy. This love of being active led me to studying Exercise Science at University and I was fortunate enough to work with a range of national and international level athletes, culminating in an internship at the Brisbane Broncos. This experience launched my career in the strength and conditioning space, allowing me to work with…
The Boarding and Day Family Connections
My husband Ben and I are four years into our boarding journey at Toowoomba Grammar School, we have two boys in Mackintosh House, Josh in Year 10 and Archie in Year 9, and a daughter Ella who is home with us for one more year before we become empty nesters. We are in the fortunate position that we live reasonably close, so we have the privilege of taking our boys home often and can attend most School events. For many of our boarding families, this is not the case, they live great distances away…
Streamline Success
Education is a transformative journey where the path we choose exerts a profound influence on our ultimate success. A streamed class is like an express locomotive: swift, efficient, and filled with eager passengers zooming towards their educational destination. Meanwhile, an unstreamed class resembles a motley group of hikers who accidentally wandered onto the wrong trail, stumbling and bickering as they struggle to find their way. Imagine the express locomotive of streamed classes, full of…
