“I think HAP is the pinnacle of service. It really allows you to experience how it truly feels to make a difference in someone’s life. I encourage all boys to consider participating in this service opportunity and all other service initiatives that TGS has to offer.”— Harry Skobe, Year 12
A life-changing mentoring program continues to grow stronger, with more TGS boys helping young refugee students navigate schooling in Toowoomba.
The Anglicare Homework Assistance Program (HAP), run in conjunction with Darling Heights State School, sees many of our boys volunteer their time on Wednesdays after class to help many young refugee and primary school students facing challenging times with their homework, or to chat and play games.
Our boys thoroughly enjoy meeting, supporting and learning about the lives of the younger children. This forges community connections and fosters inclusion for the Darling Heights students; it also has a wonderful effect on the TGS students involved.
Two of our students taking part in HAP talked about the impact the program has had on their lives.
Harry Skobe, Year 12
I was so proud to be a part of HAP because it exposed me to something that many of us are desensitised to due to how fortunate we are to have been born in such a good country. Darling Heights State School has an incredibly diverse student body, with many of its students hailing from refugee backgrounds.
Some of the stories I have heard from the students and staff members were simply jaw-dropping. It really shows how strong and resilient these young people are, as they are always so caring, kind and genuine — despite everything they have been through.
As I continued to build a unique relationship with these kids, I felt a sense of guilt as I watched many of them come to school with no socks on or in unwashed clothes. I had ignorantly taken many of these privileges for granted. I decided that I wanted to do everything that I could to help these families that had been through so much already. This is why I started a drive to donate whatever cleaning equipment, clothes and hygiene products the TGS community could spare. With some assistance from Mrs Therese Manassero (Head of House – Groom Day), the donations rolled in. We filled two buses full of donations, which we drove over to Darling Heights State School to supply to families in need. This drive is now an annual event, one that I and many others who have contributed to its success are very proud of.
Hazim Murad, Year 11
Joining the Homework Assistance Program at Darling Heights State School was a decision motivated by a genuine desire to assist the students. I wanted to offer my support and make a positive impact on their educational journey. Many of these students have faced significant challenges, having to leave their homes due to conflict and hardship. As a refugee myself, I am profoundly aware of the struggles they face every day.
“I formed strong connections with those who faced challenges like mine; seeing the joy this partnership brought them is something I will cherish for a long time.”— Hazim Murad, Year 11
When at Darling Heights State School, my role primarily involves assisting students with their homework. This usually starts with helping them address any questions or difficulties they may have. Beyond academics, interaction extends to creating a supportive and engaging environment. Once the homework is completed, we engage in activities such as card games, promoting not only educational growth but also social and emotional development for everyone involved.
Throughout this experience, I’ve gained valuable insights into working with students from diverse backgrounds. Understanding their individual needs and learning styles has been key in improving my communication and interaction skills. Witnessing their resilience and determination in challenging circumstances has been truly amazing.
The importance of serving communities like Darling Heights cannot be emphasised enough.
By offering support and resources, we not only help them adjust to their surroundings but also empower them to achieve their goals and aspirations. Investing time in the education and wellbeing of these young individuals not only benefits their lives but also strengthens bonds within the community.
Latest Blog
The Best Job in the World
Vocational Education and Training (V.E.T) plays a central role in preparing young people for work, developing skills, and responding to the labour-market needs of the economy. As the V.E.T Co-Ordinator at Toowoomba Grammar School, I have an immediate and positive influence on our young men’s skills, employability, and career development. I engage with the most amazing young men to guide their career journeys throughout Years 10, 11 and 12. I also have the privilege to work closely with their…
Inclusive and Exclusive Banter and Behaviour
As the School counsellor, who has been working in a variety of education systems, I would like to address a common and important issue that affects many of our teenage boys: banter, teasing, and bullying. Boys at this age are especially prone to these behaviours, and they can have a significant impact on their mental health and overall well-being. One of the most common mistakes for teenage boys "it's just banter" or "I'm just joking." While banter can be a positive thing and can help build…
I Have Returned to Where it Began and I Feel Right at Home
I have returned to where it all began, and I feel right at home. My parents decided when I was very young that I would attend Toowoomba Grammar School as a boarder. Coming from a property surrounded by a small community, my parents believed that sending me to TGS would provide me with many fundamental skills needed for a young man, as well as an education that I could not get in my hometown.. Starting my journey at TGS in Year 8 as a boarder in Mackintosh, adjusting from a small country high…
Tuning in to TGS Old Boy (1995-99) - Stuart St Vincent Welch
Our Old Boys have such diverse career paths; we are so proud of the good young men they become and how they make meaningful contributions to their communities. Stuart St Vincent Welch describes himself as an average student who had no idea what he wanted to do after school. But drawing on the TGS values of hard work, respect and resilience he is now working as a Sound Engineer for Barking Owl in New York City, rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most renowned musicians and actors. He…
The TGS Show Cattle Team - On the moooove
The TGS Show Cattle Team commenced in Term 1 2021 under the guidance of Mr Jack Murphy and Mrs Julie Brophy. The concept of the team was to give boys a hands-on, extracurricular opportunity in the agricultural industry. The boys have been competing in the Young Judges’ competitions at a range of shows across Queensland. The Young Judges’ competition is based on the goal of expanding the boys' knowledge of the skills that are a foundation of the animal production industry, helping them as…
The Importance of Routines
Routines are an important part of our daily lives, providing structure and stability. This is especially true for children in their formative years, who benefit from having consistent and predictable routines in both their school and home environments. At Toowoomba Grammar School Junior School, we believe that routines are essential for helping students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. One of the key ways in which routines help students is by providing a sense of security and…
Ten Steps Ahead - Jackie Gallagher
As a high school athlete, Jackie Gallagher had the world at her feet. She was in a unique position where she was excellent at any distance from 100m to 800m. She broke Queensland and National records and was regularly selected for State and National teams. Jackie was selected for the Australian Youth team to compete at the World Youth Championships in Canada as an U18 along with the Australian Junior Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics, before making the U20 Australian team to compete at…
The Makings of a Premiership
The 2022 1st V Basketball squad will be forever etched in the pages of Toowoomba Grammar School history as the first TGS team to win a GPS Basketball Premiership since the competition commenced in 1984. Head of Basketball, and 1st V Coach, Mr Kabe Cicolini has been instrumental in the growth and success of not just our leading team, but of the TGS Basketball Program as a whole. Kabe has come from a background of playing GPS sport – cricket, rugby and basketball as a student at Ipswich Grammar…
Creating a Learning Environment that Boys Enjoy
Creating an environment for students to access and engage in learning is the educational philosophy of the new Toowoomba Grammar School Head of Junior School, Mr Ken Raven. “This requires a supportive an inclusive learning environment across the school where everyone feels they can make a positive contribution,” Mr Raven stated. “I encourage evidence-informed, explicit teaching of curriculum that sparks curiosity and interest for students to engage and explore.” Parental interaction and…
