The Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding community plays a pivotal role in shaping the young minds of our boarders and instilling values whilst creating a sense of mateship that can last a lifetime. The nurturing and supportive network of staff not only ensure a safe and structured environment but also cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the boys. ‘The staff supply the fuel to the ship but ultimately it is the boys who steer it and decide upon its final destination’.

Our TGS Health Centre staff share the responsibility for ensuring the wellbeing of our boys. Their role goes beyond administering medical care; they actively promote health and wellness through genuine and sincere support. In times of illness or injury, Health Centre staff provide immediate attention and care, reassuring the boys and reinforcing their trust in the School's support system.

Teachers are at the core of a boys' educational experience. At TGS, our educators go beyond their academic responsibilities to inspire and engage the students intellectually. The close teacher-student relationship that develops at TGS fosters open communication and creates a safe space for boys to explore their interests, ask questions, and seek guidance. This strong bond instils a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Mentors, such as the older boys in each boarding house, play a crucial role in shaping the character and values of the boys. As experienced individuals who have excelled in various fields, mentors share their experiences, guiding the boys toward making informed decisions about their future.

The TGS kitchen staff are the beautiful people who start their day earlier than anyone else on campus and play an integral role in nurturing the boys' physical and social wellbeing. Mealtimes are an opportunity for students to bond, share experiences, and develop lifelong friendships, making the Dining Hall a centrepiece of the School's community spirit.

In this digital age, tech support staff play a critical role in enabling a smooth learning experience. Their expertise ensures that boys have access to the necessary technological tools and resources, facilitating academic progress and enhancing their digital literacy skills. Tech support personnel also contribute to maintaining a safe online environment, protecting the boys from potential cyber threats and guiding them on responsible internet usage.

In a boys' boarding environment, the value of community cannot be overstated. The cohesive efforts of the above mentioned successfully create an environment where boys can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Together, this supportive network of individuals fosters an inclusive and empowering community that shapes young boys into responsible and compassionate men, ready to make a positive impact on the world.

- by Michael Hall, Head of Boarding, Boyce House

Mr Michael Hall in class



Latest Blog

Character & Wellbeing
/
Monday, 24 Oct 2022

The Transition to Secondary School

Research shows us that the move from a primary school to a secondary school is one of the most significant life changes that our young men will face. You can help make the transition to Senior School smoother by ensuring that the boys attend the orientation days, practice packing their bags and getting their sports, music, and activities equipment ready. When asked about tips for the boys coming into Year 7, current Year 7 dayboy, Ollie Wells suggests boys should “Be organised. Pack the night…

Read More
Teaching & Learning
/
Thursday, 20 Oct 2022

Nothing is Impossible

Toowoomba Grammar School's Year 7C English has been studying 'Cool Runnings' to learn about how stories or movies based on real life aren't always completely true. Extremely fascinated by the topic, young student Harry Ryan took it upon himself to message (via LinkedIn) the bobsled driver, Mr Dudley Stokes - he responded! After a little communication between the two, Harry asked Mr Stokes if he could FaceTime him during an English lesson, to 'meet' his teacher Mr Paul Irwin and classmates…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Wednesday, 12 Oct 2022

Simple Acts of Kindness

Giving back to the community is an important value that Toowoomba Grammar School endeavours to instill in our boys. Year 12 student, Tumoana Strugnell is a shining example of how it costs nothing but our time to help others, especially as we move into the Festive season and the challenges of life seem heightened. I first became involved in community service when I was in Year 6, through my local primary school’s involvement on ANZAC Day and my parent’s involvement in local community events. I’m…

Read More
Boarding
/
Friday, 07 Oct 2022

A Holistic Approach to our Boarders' Activities Program

A true education is about much more than just lessons in a classroom. It’s about providing experiences that challenge a child, physically and mentally. It’s about providing opportunities that build independence, resilience and that help develop their good character. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to offer a broad and liberal education that stretches way beyond the walls of a classroom and equips our boys with the skills to flourish as an individual. We offer a diverse and engaging…

Read More
Teaching & Learning
/
Wednesday, 28 Sept 2022

A Beginner's Guide to Manga

If your son has brought home a book with big eyed characters, and he seems to be reading backwards, chances are, he's discovered Manga. The Dent library has a Manga collection that would be the envy of many schools, with over 100 unique titles. It Is easily the most visited section in the library, over half of the top 100 titles borrowed this year are Manga! But what is Manga? Manga is an umbrella term for a variety of print comics and graphic novels originating from Japan. Unlike western…

Read More
Boarding
/
Thursday, 15 Sept 2022

A Safe, Welcoming and Joyous Community

Tell us about yourself My background, at least that associated with boarding and teaching, is long and varied with a number of different aspects leading to this chosen career path. For the most part, I was schooled in Canberra but had extended periods in Lesotho, Norfolk Island, and Samoa as a result of my father’s work in foreign aid. My schooling was quite disruptive, and I wasn’t a model student! I was always passionate about English; often distracting myself (amongst other things) immersed…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Thursday, 08 Sept 2022

Facilitating Respect

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…

Read More
Junior School
/
Thursday, 01 Sept 2022

The Benefits of Early Learning at TGS

Making a decision about our children’s education can be difficult; especially when there are so many options available. Once upon a time parents simply sent their children to the school that was a walkable distance from home. Much research has evolved since the early 1900s about what is best for our children to foster a love of learning and feel confident and safe in the classroom. Here at Toowoomba Grammar School, we take this very seriously. Pastoral care comes before anything else; we see…

Read More
Teaching Excellence
/
Wednesday, 24 Aug 2022

Outside of the Text Book

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein There is no denying that learning a foreign language can sometimes be a challenging experience, particularly with limited opportunity to practise outside the classroom. However, learning a language is a skill that will add to many facets of your life, often without you even realising, and as part of a well-rounded education, the value of language learning cannot be underestimated. "A different language is a…

Read More