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
Coping with Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24 hours until the next call – you are often left worried that they are feeling like this all day. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…
Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum
I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…
What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time
The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…
TGS Strength and Conditioning Program
Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…
We Knew Them Before They Were Stars
Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…
Country Roads Take Me Home
Toowoomba Grammar School boarding provides the ideal living environment for our boys while they develop the values that will define their character. Throughout the course of this year, I have been privileged to visit many of the towns and properties that our TGS boarders call home. When walking around those towns wearing a shirt with a TGS crest, it doesn’t take long to meet an Old Boy or to be asked about one of the boarders currently at the School. Our boarding staff pride themselves on…
TGS Corfe House - A Home for Young Boarders
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…
TGS Mates Program - Character Building Education
Current research into character education has shown that educators should not be focusing solely on preparing students for their Year 12 final exams but should be supporting them to become humans who exhibit good character and virtues to contribute to creating a healthier society (The Jubilee Centre, 2022). The Jubilee Centre, which is attached to the University of Birmingham in the UK, maintains that good character is the foundation for improved attainment, better behaviour, increased…
Our TGS Old Boys' Wall of Achievement
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…
