“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
Introducing our new Deputy Head of Junior School (Teaching and Learning), Mrs Chantelle Bauer
Toowoomba Grammar School is excited to welcome our new Deputy Head of Junior School (Teaching and Learning), Mrs Chantelle Bauer. Mrs Bauer brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role, having lived and worked in the Darling Downs and Southwest Queensland region her entire life. She was born and bred in St George, attended university in Toowoomba and took her first teaching role in Roma. She has worked in various roles across the region, including Year Level Coordinator, Head of…
You can't know a student without knowing where they come from
Boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School can be described as many things such as evolving identity, growing personally and developing character in your second home, but it is also about growing your family. Head of Boyce House boarding, Mr Michael Hall and his family, certainly enjoyed that opportunity over January. Catching up with a beautiful collection of current families from Boyce House was a privilege and has helped to build the relationships of trust and care that are essential in a…
DNF (Did Not Finish)
- Dan CrookHead of Library and Information Services I was talking books with a friend the other day; an avid reader, she had been looking for some light reads in new genre for the holidays, and so had sought out the wisdom of the internet. After watching a few BookToks (Tiktok book recommendations) she’d settled on some titles and begun to read. However after investing a good amount of her time and getting half way through the first and most highly recommended book, she asked herself, and then…
TGS Boarding - A Safe, Welcoming and Joyous Community
“From a boarding perspective, enabling young boys to flourish is only achieved within a community that is safe, welcoming, and joyous. These three aspects are at the core of my boarding philosophy and are closely aligned with my fundamental values as a boarding Head of House – acceptance, resilience, and fun,” explains Mr Henry White, Head of Corfe House. Corfe House serves as the entry point for Toowoomba Grammar School’s youngest boarders (Years 5 to 7) and the skills, relationships, and…
Transitioning to Year 7 at TGS
Can you remember your first day in secondary school? It can be a time of mixed feelings - very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Irrespective of whether your son is joining us from the TGS Junior School, or if they are just starting at Toowoomba Grammar School, it can appear to be the start of a long journey. It is a rite of passage in many respects but with this comes increased emotions in response to transition. The boys have a lot to digest with a new, possibly larger campus…
The Boarding Journey
Every parent will have a unique journey with their son whilst he is boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School. I’m Kym Wright, mother of Clancy, who is in Year 12 and this is my journey…. From my very first experience with Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding ten years ago, I had a good feeling straight away that TGS would be the perfect fit for my son. I was picking up my nephew for lunch. He had started boarding at TGS just six weeks prior. It was pouring rain and there were boys enthusiastically…
Building Self-Confidence and Resilience in Year 7s
As your child enters the new and unknown world of secondary school, it is a very important time to nurture the confidence and self-esteem of your son. Adolescence can also be a time of bewildering physical changes and strong emotions, opinions and increasing independence. Nurturing their confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness will go a long way to helping them to have the self-belief to tackle difficult new academic challenges, to developing new friendships and social skills, and…
Introducing our new Head of Year 7 - Jodi Blades
My family moved from Brisbane to Toowoomba when I was ten years of age. I’ve lived here for most of my life, other than to study and begin my teaching career in Brisbane. I lived and worked in London for 18 months before returning to Toowoomba in 2001. With over 20 years’ experience teaching and leading pastoral care programs within independent day and boarding schools, I am dedicated to developing students holistically; the academic, social, emotional, cultural, and physical development of…
Holiday Reading Recommendations
Here is a snapshot; three titles from each year level, and from Head of Library and Information Services, Mr Dan Crook to inspire your choices for holiday reading: Year 7: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The last Ronin. Hatchet - Gary Paulsen Billy Slaters autobiography - Billy Slater Year 8: The dead of the night (Tomorrow series) - James Marsden Rangers Apprentice The ruins of Gorlan - John Flannagan The Hunger games. -Suzanne Collins Year 9: Back to the Pillaga - Tony Parsons Deadpool Samurai…
