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 Creek, thoroughly enjoying the memorable experience that Henry has shared below...
The trip was certainly an eye-opener for both of us and, for me, as a Head of House - Boarding, the experience was invaluable – perhaps one of the most formative professional experiences I’ve had to date. This was the first opportunity I’ve had to step into the home of one of my boarders, live with them and their family, and understand life on a remote property. I left Julia Creek with a profound sense of empathy for the experience of remote families, uncovering first-hand the trust that families need to have in boarding schools, the importance they place on effective communication between boarding houses and homes, and the value of real opportunities for connection.
Seeing ‘boys from the bush’ in action at home has also given me a much clearer insight into the challenges a boarder from a remote community must feel when transitioning into a boarding house. After hanging out with Tom and his brothers fishing, hunting, riding motorbikes and horses, it was clear that many boys in similar circumstances live with a great sense of freedom to explore and exercise their curiosity, much of which is somewhat stymied by the structure, routine, rules, and expectations of a middle-years boarding house. Now, please let me clarify – I am still of the opinion that clearly established expectations, routines, and age-appropriate discipline is fundamental to boarding and the development of good character – this is my responsibility to uphold and I intend to maintain this standard – but I now have a completely different point of view regarding the level of independence and trust that can be placed in a boarder within a boarding house, knowing the level of independence and trust they are given at home.
Perhaps most importantly, our trip to Dalgonally and our time with the Acton family have taught us, first- hand, the immense value of establishing positive relationships with boarding families. When working within the pastoral sphere, building connections with boys and their families is inherently part of the job. However, I fear that sometimes, when donning my ‘Head of House’ cap, my relationships with our boarding families are limited to newsletter articles, administrative reminders, and the unfortunate call home about a behavioural concern or disciplinary matter. As such, I can’t thank Sarah and Philip enough for this opportunity; we arrived at Dalgonally for “a few nights with a boarding family”, and we left having stayed “a few nights with friends”. Thank you for bringing us into your home, for filling our bellies with amazing station meat, for teaching me how to crack a whip, for the useful advice about the best bait for catfish, and for letting us help butcher a bull!
- Henry White, Head of Corfe House
Latest Blog
That Life-Changing Moment
His teacher, Mrs Rosemary Bishop saw his potential. She believed this young indigenous boy from Murgon had something special to offer the world and she fought to put him on the path to greatness. Mrs Bishop contacted the then Headmaster of Toowoomba Grammar School, Mr William Dent and asked if Waverley could be accepted into Toowoomba Grammar School on a scholarship. Mr Dent agreed and so changed the course of Waverley’s life. “I don’t like to think about where I would be now if that hadn’t…
Senioritis - The way we think affects the way we feel and behave
As high school students approach their final year, they may experience a phenomenon known as "Senioritis". As described by educators, Senioritis is a decrease in motivation and productivity, often accompanied by procrastination, complacency, and negative risk-taking behaviours. While not a medical term, Senioritis is a widely recognized term used to describe a common set of observed behaviours. As Jessica Lahey notes, "Senioritis is a real phenomenon. It can be defined as a decline in…
A Space for Learning
A core pillar of the Toowoomba Grammar School Strategic Plan is to provide an inspiring and broad curriculum for all boys, adopting technology and innovative pedagogy to transform learning outcomes. Over the last couple of years, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted teachers to explore new frontiers of pedagogy, adapting to the difficult circumstances by launching interactive software, digitising trusty, tried and true resources, recording our lessons, flipping our classrooms, and cultivating an…
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…
A Trailblazer for Multicultural Australia
Wellington Lee has been described as a trailblazer for multicultural Australia. He was born in 1925 and attended TGS from 1940-42 before serving with the RAAF during WWII from 1943-46 and the Active Reserve of Officers from 1953-83. Mr Lee was a remarkable man of good character who lived in an exciting time of growth and change during Australia’s, and particularly Victoria’s history; the early days in Melbourne when 10% of their population was a thriving Asian community. It was also a…
REACH - Character Development in the Junior School
Being a kind person is fundamental to the growth of a successful person. Adults in our young men’s lives have a responsibility to model and teach the importance of respect, accepting and acknowledging our need to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way. In 2016, the Junior School staff felt there was a need to create a program that allowed us to develop the character of the boys in the Junior School. Tailoring a program to meet our boys’ needs rather than a generic one allows…
The Grass is Always Greener
It’s time we put this age-old rumour to rest once and for all… The Toowoomba Grammar School ovals are not painted, dyed or manufactured grass; rather, the glorious green that greets passers-by as they drive into the Garden City comes from the sheer hard work and dedication of our TGS grounds team, led by Danny Beresford. Danny has exceptional pride for his grounds and a strong family connection to TGS. He is an Old Boy (2002-04) who played for the 1st XV in 2004 and was in the Track and Field…
A life in Words - Reading Biographies
Biography; from the Greek Bios - Life & Graphia - Writing; are books that chronicle the lives of real people. The subject of a Biography can be a celebrity, athlete, politician, athlete, historical figure or ordinary person that has achieved something of note. Reading Biographies is a valuable and oftentimes rewarding experience, with many potential benefits to the reader. Inspirational Biographies often recount successes and struggles of those people who have, over the course of their…
Spielberg in the Making...
I first became aware of film making when my brother showed me the behind-the-scenes featurette on our Lord of the Rings DVD. From then on, the process intrigued me, and I eventually got my hands on my dad’s camera and simple editing software. I made a bunch of little movies with my friends which were all pretty bad but I loved doing them anyway. What I liked most was that it was an easy way to share stories and even when the movies were not good, it was still a way of telling stories in a…
