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
Correcting our School's official record commemorating World War I and World War II
On the eve of our 150th year, we're calling on the School's alumni, parents, past parents and greater community to aid us in correcting the record of our involvement in two watershed geopolitical events of the 20th century. For the last four years Toowoomba Grammar School Museum Volunteers, Mrs Ann Hallam and Mrs Sue Palmer, have been updating the School records on Old Boys, staff and Trustees for the World War I and World War II theatres of war. Over the years several staff and volunteers have…
A Pioneering Woman of TGS
My late husband was a teacher, and our four children are all teachers, which we encouraged them to do because it is the best job in the world. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for 36 years, working under four Headmasters: Mr Bill Dent, Mr Hugh Rose, Mr Peter Hauser and now Dr John Kinniburgh. I still drive into the School each day and smile, looking at the beautiful place it is — magnificent ovals, gracious trees and historically significant buildings. It is difficult to express the…
NZ Rugby Tour success, more than winning matches across the Ditch
The teams were undefeated and it was a trip the players will never forget. This tour was years in the making and heralds a new era of touring and hosting different rugby schools to give our players opportunities for growth as athletes and as people. Head of Sport - Rugby, Mr Lincoln Clapham, explained they selected 46 students to take part in the ten-day tour and began training last year. From Term 1 onwards, the squad trained twice weekly on the oval plus two and sometimes three gym sessions…
Aussie Teen Reading Habits Revealed
I was recently sent an article, summarising some research from Deakin University around the reading habits of teens in 2024. Some of it was, as the title suggests, surprising. Some was not. However, all of it was built around the importance of reading, and supporting our teens to read, which is something that every one of us should do. While we tend to see our teens as digital natives, recent research from Deakin University suggests that the average Aussie teen reader would rather flick through…
Now More Than Ever
The one-of-a-kind Indigenous artwork is emblazoned across the shirts for the First IV Tennis team, jerseys for the First XI Football team and First XV Rugby team and First V Basketball team's singlets. National Reconciliation Week is a significant date on the calendar for all Australians, running from Monday, 27 May to Monday, 3 June. The incorporation of this Indigenous design in our uniforms is a significant milestone for our School, especially for our 47 Aboriginal and Torres Strait…
It's a numbers game, making mathematics mainstream
Term 2 has been a busy one in the Mathematics department; from multiple year levels having extended assessment tasks to competitions run inside and outside the School. Using mathematical equations to recreate artwork The Year 11 Mathematical Methods students got a chance to be very creative with their assessment - using numbers to reproduce artwork. The boys visited the 2024 Grammar Art Show in Term 1 and were given the task to reproduce a chosen work using their knowledge of mathematical…
Bucolic beginnings, boarding and becoming a bowel surgeon
Coming from a cattle property near Injune I was in awe of the School’s ovals with lush, green grass and immaculate facilities. I found being able to throw yourself around and not risk skin cuts and grazes quite novel. Sharing the same field where many Old Boys and past heroes trotted was inspirational. I found the comradery among the boarders my most overwhelming memory. It was like having 60 brothers with similar interests all living under the same roof. There was always someone around to kick…
Our Other Mother
Meet Ms Janelle Fletcher, the House Mum of Corfe, whose journey at TGS began back in 1992 as an instrumental music teacher. Her story is one of deep connections, love for the arts and an unshakeable bond with the students of TGS. From the time that Janelle first stepped onto campus and shared her musical talents with young minds to now creating her own “mum moments” in Corfe — she has nurtured a profound sense of community and established connections that have lasted through generations. Her…
Fostering a creative generation and getting exhibited at GoMA
2023 Visual Arts student Ben Rosenberg (TGS 2019-2023) had his film “Mitchell” selected and it's now on display as part of the 2024 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art at GoMA. For 30 years the Awards have recognised and promoted excellence in senior visual art education throughout Queensland schools. Secondary schools typically enter the work of up to four Senior students. Previous winners from TGS include Sam McCosker (2013) and Austin Reed (2017). Ben is a filmmaker and…
