More Than Just an Education and That Makes All the Difference

Toowoomba Grammar School excels in its extensive co-curricular programs, particularly in performing arts and sports.

Our boys learn that success comes from hard work and dedication. This ethos is inspired by quotes like “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great,” “The harder I work, the luckier I get” and the words emblazoned on our P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre wall “Success is the celebration of preparation.”

These opportunities allow students to excel in programs that enrich their lives and those of others, not only at the School but also well into the future.

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts program takes a holistic approach to music and drama. In the Music program, students explore various styles and traditions and the Drama program allows self-expression from an early age.

Former Director of Performing Arts and current Senior School Teacher of Music, Mr Mark Chalmers, said it starts in the Junior School, “All boys from Prep to Year 6 participate in the Voiceworks program, which positively impacts physical and mental wellbeing.”

“Singing helps develop confidence, teamwork and an appreciation of the arts. Opportunities for singing continue throughout their education, with both non-auditioned choirs and the auditioned Grammarphones performing regularly in the community,” he said.

“The Junior School includes a compulsory Strings program in Year 2, followed by Brass, Woodwind and Percussion in Year 4. As students’ musical tastes evolve, the Senior School offers various ensembles, including the String Ensemble, Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Big Band, RnB and RnB Too groups, Grammarphones and various choirs. These ensembles cover a wide range of genres, providing opportunities for all musicians.”

Mr Chalmers added, “Drama is equally encouraged, with the Junior School staging a musical every two years, involving all students from Years 3 to 6. The Senior School expands on these opportunities with a biennial musical co-produced with Fairholme College. The Toowoomba Grammar Acting Academy (TiGAA) offers further dramatic opportunities, with three groups for different year levels.”

“With a plethora of options, both musical and dramatic, here at Toowoomba Grammar School, the Performing Arts program is certainly the difference your child needs,” Mr Chalmers said.

Case in point - Junior School Musical Finding Nemo Jr

Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language and overall literacy. It helps the body and the mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words.

A huge highlight of 2024 for the Junior School Music Department was the Years 3 to 6 musical production of Finding Nemo Jr.

The performances were a smash hit with our boys spending hours rehearsing, to say nothing of the extraordinary efforts that have gone into the costumes and makeup by staff and parents.

Congratulations especially to Mrs Kellie Dixon and Mrs Jess Gailbraith and of course to our little stars of the stage.

Case in point - Senior TiGAA performance of Shakespeare's As You Like It

Our students who were part of Senior TiGAA spent a large part of 2024 working on Shakespeare’s classic comedy, As You Like It. After months of workshopping and rehearsal, this play was presented at the Armitage Centre in August to an exceptionally positive audience response.

The well-known benefits of being part of a play are of course that it's a fun and enriching experience but it extends beyond that to support a boy's holistic development.

Each of our Senior TiGAA actors performed with conviction and energy, confirming the extraordinary talent amongst the TGS students. Their enjoyment of performing this play was obvious and contagious, meaning that the audience left the theatre feeling truly elated.

Sports

Toowoomba Grammar School’s sports programs are crucial for developing boys into men of character. These programs focus on resilience, preparation and teamwork, essential for personal growth and future success. Coaches provide feedback and training, but it is the boys’ grit and determination that drive their improvement, equipping them with skills to overcome future challenges.

Our Years 5 to 12 students can participate in the GPS competition. In Term 1, they can be part of our cricket, swimming and volleyball teams. In Term 2, they play football and tennis and take part in cross country. Term 3 sees us enter boys in chess competitions, as well as play basketball and rugby. Track and field is our focus in Term 4.

Head of Boyce House – Day, Mr Tony Wallis, said, “Preparation is emphasised, teaching students that success results from hard work and dedication. This ethos encourages boys to apply the same commitment to all areas of their lives, including academics, sports and relationships.”

Mr Wallis recalls the story of Jake Sargood (2014–18), who secured a victory for the First XV team with a last-minute kick. He said, “It exemplifies how dedication and preparation led to success and it was not simply luck but the hours upon hours of kicking practice that ensured his success.”

Teamwork is another cornerstone of all our programs. Boys learn that their actions impact their teammates, fostering responsibility and camaraderie. This understanding makes them better team players and individuals. While academic work is a priority, the experiences gained through sports are vital in shaping individuals.

Teacher and sports coach, Mr Chris McLeod said he believes the TGS Football program is exceptional due to its inclusive and diverse approach. He highlighted the myriad of opportunities available to students — whether a child is a budding superstar or simply wants to enjoy the game, there is a place for everyone.

Mr McLeod recalled some of the program’s success stories, such as Willem Baines (2014–18), that illustrate the transformative impact of the TGS Football program. He explained how Willem started in the 8D football team, but over time rose to the First XI team, toured Asia and Brazil and eventually secured a football scholarship in the USA. His story underscores the program’s ability to open doors and create pathways for students, both in sports and academics.

Our sports programs’ emphasis on taking every opportunity has helped many students achieve their dreams and build successful futures but has also given them a far more well-rounded and diverse educational experience.

Case in point - 2025 GPS Swimming Championship

Located the furthest west of any of the nine institutions that form the Great Public Schools Association of Queensland, we take part in the competitions offered wholeheartedly but a number of the major championships see us travelling to metropolitan venues.

The GPS Queensland Swimming Championship is an annual event that ignites fierce rivalry between schools, fostering a unique camaraderie among participants. This competition not only showcases athletic prowess but also unearths a sense of tribalism, providing a sense of belonging and identity that is unparalleled.

The intense environment helps build lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership and resilience, shaping the character of young students profoundly.

It's a tradition at our School to farewell our departing GPS Swimming Squad with a fitting send off before they journey down to the Sleeman Centre at Chandler in Brisbane.

This year there were words of wisdom from TGS Old Boy and Olympian Isaac Cooper (2019-20), best wishes from our Headmaster, Dr John Kinniburgh and of course rallying war cries to send them on their way.

Our swimmers swam with heart and showcased their incredible talent and determination at the Championships.

This year a special mention must go to Bryce Krause, who won the 15 years Backstroke in a new record 27.22 beating the old mark of 28.13 set in 2009. To break a record at GPS is an astounding feat.

Thanks as always to our wonderful coaching staff and the parents for all the early drop offs and late pick-ups from the pool, these efforts will always see a special bond for the people involved.

Mrs Kellie Dixon, Acting Director of Performing Arts
Mr Mark Chalmers, Former Director of Performing Arts
Ms Sharonlee Mortensen, Senior TiGAA Ensemble Director
Mr Tony Wallis, Head of Boyce House – Day, Teacher – Senior School, Sports Coach
Mr Chris McLeod, Teacher – Senior School, Sports Coach