In Toowoomba Grammar School’s Boarding Program, Years 5 to 7 students reside at Corfe House – a nurturing environment providing close pastoral support and guidance to the School’s youngest boarders. The skills, relationships and perspectives that boys develop here set them up for the rest of their boarding and school journey.
Toowoomba Grammar School understands the challenges for young students transitioning into boarding. Leading the way in creating a ‘home away from home’ is the Corfe House team: Head of House, Mr Henry White, supported by Corfe House Mother, Mrs Janelle Fletcher and Assistant Head of House, Mr Kabe Cicolini.
“From a boarding perspective, enabling young boys to flourish is only achieved within a community that is safe, welcoming and joyous,” said Henry, who develops the Corfe boarding program. He is responsible for ensuring that the daily management of the program meets the School’s long-term objectives relating to the boys’ academic and character development, and pastoral wellbeing.
“These three aspects are at the core of my boarding philosophy and are closely aligned with my fundamental values – acceptance, resilience and fun.”
The day-to-day logistics at Corfe House are largely overseen by Janelle who expertly assumes the role of surrogate mother to the boys, with great warmth and kindness. As a mother of two children who are grown and left home herself, she understands the importance of being a ‘shoulder to cry on’ and creating a place where homesickness meets solace, and laughter and encouragement flow freely.
"They find joy in the simple things and have such an unassuming nature; they remind me of life's basic pleasures," Janelle states. "At the end of the day, they are away from their mums and families. They need to have that loving, genuine maternal care to give them comfort and reassurance."
He may be Corfe House’s newest team member, but Kabe’s journey at TGS has spanned a decade, primarily as the Head of Basketball. As a GPS Old Boy, he genuinely appreciates the exceptional education and opportunities available at TGS and the sacrifices families make to provide their sons with this privilege.
“Our School has a warm and welcoming community based in humility and hospitality and our staff always put our boys first,” Kabe believes. “I want to ensure the boys make the most of their time at TGS, seizing every opportunity for personal growth, development, building lasting relationships and creating memories. My goal is to empower them to make informed decisions, take charge of their boarding experience and evolve into ‘good blokes’.”
Henry, Janelle and Kabe pride themselves in their ability to collaborate to bring a sense of stability and structure to students at Corfe, establishing clear boundaries, routines and duties that mimic their lives at home. Boys are given the tools to lead themselves and develop a sense of independence, building discipline and resilience. This allows them to thrive at school, on the sporting field and in their relationships, all within a supportive and compassionate environment.
While a boarder’s time in Corfe is relatively short, the team strive to make it memorable and ensure that each boy is prepared for success in, and beyond, their boarding journey. Empowering ‘Grammar boys’ to take true ownership of their experiences and shape their own unique adventures, supports them in becoming independent thinkers and leaders, well-prepared for life beyond TGS.
Discover more about Toowoomba Grammar School boarding here www.twgs.qld.edu.au
Latest Blog
TGS Academic Enrichment Program for Boarders
Toowoomba Grammar School provides an inspiring and broad curriculum for boys, delivered by dedicated educators who understand how to engage boys in their learning. Our staff go above and beyond in providing an outstanding education and support network for our boys. They are regularly available to answer questions, assist with homework and assignments and provide academic support for all our students. This is particularly so for our boarders, thanks to our Academic Enrichment Program (AEP). All…
Teacher as a Student
As a teacher at Toowoomba Grammar School, I teach mathematics and business studies, and manage the GPS Chess team. Prior to teaching, I worked as a financial analyst. Recently I have completed a master's degree in science at the University of Southern Queensland. My study was focused exclusively on data science, and I have become an expert in the management of big data with a specialisation in modelling and forecasting using machine learning techniques. The motivation for this study was…
Developing Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships are extremely important for the development of mental health in our youth. When you spend time with people you care about, who care about you, this can help you feel connected and supported. This term is one of the largest in regard to boys participating in activities and sports ranging from field, to court, to thought. This is in addition to music and drama programs. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe this allows for plenty of opportunity to develop the ability to…
Striving for the Best
Director of Volleyball, Mr Eric Smith has spent the past 20 years at Toowoomba Grammar School not only shaping the minds of the young men in his science classroom but also working tirelessly on improving his capacity to coach volleyball to the highest level. Starting at the School in 2003, Eric quickly rediscovered his passion for volleyball, something he had not experienced since playing for Ipswich Grammar School during the ‘90s. “I felt completely at home back on the volleyball court and…
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…
Successful Decision Making - Subject Selections
Term 3 tends to be an important time for students making decisions, and for some, possibly the first time they have really had the opportunity to make a decision that could impact the course of their future. Year 8 students are taking control of their academic program for the first time, being able to select their electives for Year 9. For most, these decisions are mainly about getting the opportunity to pursue subjects which interest them and the joy of not taking some subjects which really do…
TGS Rugby Ambassadors' Program
“As a Grammar boy, you have the Blue and Gold in your blood for life. You’ve got connections and networks because of this special bond. It’s hard to describe what it is exactly; I think it stems from the history and traditions that are passed down to each generation but it’s something you carry your entire life, you’re part of this team.” – TGS Old Boy (1960-63) John Campbell, Senior Prefect 1963, Captain 1st XV Rugby 1963. John was excited to learn in a recent edition of The Blue and Gold…
TGS Leading the Way for IT in Education
Toowoomba Grammar School is fortunate to have a strong partnership with Microsoft / School Locker. We are a Microsoft Lighthouse School, leading the way in technological advancement and deployment in Australian schools. This recognition would not be possible without two key factors: our “whole school” approach to IT, whereby the School supplies every student with the same devices, ensuring equality for all boys from Prep to Year 12.our dedicated IT team, who are based on-site to immediately…
Holiday Reading
Reading is one of those activities that, the more you do, the better you get, and with the holidays fast approaching, now is the perfect time to read that book you’ve always wanted to, finish a book you’ve started or try something new. It is important to keep reading over the holidays, so that we don’t step backward in our reading journey. As the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has found, reading for pleasure is a habit that can prove essential to performing well…
