The next time you visit the School grounds, pause for a moment at the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Wall of Achievement. This concept was the initiative of the then Deputy Headmaster, Mr Roger Buttenshaw, and was supported by the Board of Trustees, Headmasters Mr Hugh Rose and Mr Peter Hauser, and the TGSOBA - Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Association. The opening of the Wall of Achievement took place in 2003.
Thousands of TGS Old Boys have gone on to lead productive and valuable lives consistent with the time-honoured values of integrity, loyalty, honesty, compassion, respect for others and recognition of the value of effective teamwork. The School seeks to develop these qualities in the current students so that they will mature into good men.
The current students are also encouraged to aspire to do as well as they can in their chosen fields of endeavour. The various plaques on the Wall of Achievement serve as exemplars, telling students to dream big and show pride in their School and the achievements of its past students.
Amongst the former TGS students listed on the Wall of Achievement are:
- The inventor of the rapid transit galloping ambulance used during World War One.
- Rhodes Scholars.
- The Dental Surgeon by appointment to the Royal Family of the United Kingdom.
- An internationally acclaimed magician.
- Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games representatives.
- Diplomats.
- An internationally renowned photographer.
- The Commander of the 5th Light Horse Brigade who was also the first Australian to reach the rank of General.
- A Commonwealth Attorney-General.
- A recipient of a United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights award.
- A recipient of a gold medal for bravery by the Royal Humane Society of England.
- A Junior Doubles tennis champion at Wimbledon.
- Founders of international companies.
- Authors, researchers and academics.
- A captain of an Australian rugby league team.
- A world record holder in perpetuity for the professional 440-yard sprint.
- A captain of an Australian rugby sevens team.
- Federal, state and local politicians.
- CEOs of multinational firms.
- The personal Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to King George VI of England.
- Engineers of international repute.
- An international concert pianist.
- A Queen's Medallion winner for poetry.
- Actors on the international stage.
- A member of the World Health Organisation's Expert Advisory Panel on Mental Health.
- A Supreme Court judge.
- A World Bank consultant.
- A former Governor of Victoria.
- A former Governor of New South Wales.
- Rugby Union internationals.
- An acting Governor-General of Australia.
All students at Toowoomba Grammar School have every reason to be proud of their School and the achievements of its Old Boys. More importantly, the current students should be proud of all Old Boys who have matured to be good men – men loyal to their family and partners, men who have displayed honesty, kindness, compassion, resilience, respect for others, respect for hard work and who made useful contributions to society.
- Mr Peter Hauser, Headmaster (2003-19)
Latest Blog
Drive and Determination
Jeremy Peacock is ranked third in the world in the PTS4 Para category and his sights are set on selection for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. During Jeremy’s time at TGS he represented the School in numerous endeavours but was particularly known for his contributions to the Arts, particularly Music. On the sports field, Jeremy represented TGS in GPS Athletics, Cross Country, Cricket and Football. After returning from a gap year in the UK teaching music at Port Regis School, Dorset, Jeremy…
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…