“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 newsletter that the Rugby Ambassadors’ Program is being revived. It was an initiative he was part of during the three years he played for the 1st XV (1960-63), with his mentor the legendary Australian Rugby League halfback, Duncan Thomson (1942).
“He was a great mentor,” said John.
“Not just helping us with skills and bouncing tactical ideas off him, but he would just talk to us about the challenges of life in general, we could talk about anything to him.”
John believes this is a terrific initiative for both the current TGS students, and the Old Boys to forge connections.
“It may take a bit of time for the ice to break,” he advised.
“The Old Boys might need to be patient and persistent, but hopefully the young ones will take advantage of the life experience and knowledge that’s being offered to them and having another shoulder to lean on if they need it.”
John said the program helped him open up, taught him how to talk to others and not to be afraid to ask for assistance when he needed it as he got older.
“Looking back, I can see that it helped me in a lot of areas of my life, not just while I was playing rugby.”
The program meant so much to John that he still has a pair of football boots that he ‘won’ from Duncan in 1963.
“Each year Duncan would reward the most improved tackler of the season with a pair of brand new boots,” reminisced John.
“Everyone wanted to win them!” he laughed.
TGS Old Boys are currently being sought to volunteer for the 2022 Rugby Ambassadors’ Program.
It’s not a coaching role, but more about sharing your passion for the School, using Rugby as the vehicle, so that these young boys understand the significance and pride associated with being a ‘Grammar’ boy.
Will Campbell (1999-2003, and no relation to John) was one of the first Old Boys to sign up as an ambassador. He is excited to have the opportunity to step back in time, remember where he was at that age and watch the boys develop their skills and professionalism.
He owns AIRLEC Australia, an electrical company in Toowoomba and has maintained his association with the School by offering work experience to TGS boys, along with attending GPS Rugby home games regularly to cheer on the Blue and Gold.
Will started out in the 15Cs, before developing his technique and running on for the 1st XV in 2003. He went on to premier grade in Brisbane, before playing professionally in Scotland then returning to Toowoomba to coach the Bears.
He loved the comradery that came with being part of a team and credits the TGS Rugby program for helping him build confidence and assertiveness which have been useful life skills.
“It was about five years after I finished school that I realised how lucky I was to have attended Grammar,” said Will.
“I wish I understood the significance of the mateship and the opportunities that we had while I was there, and the connections that you gain from being a TGS Old Boy.
“That is what I want to share with the boys through this program; how magnificent the School is and how lucky they are.”
Ambassadors will be assigned to a team and will need to attend at least one, possibly two, training sessions each week during Term 3 (July 11 – September 16), along with home games and any away games you can manage.
Several Old Boys have already been assigned teams, but more ambassadors are still needed.
If you’re interested, please contact Head of Rugby, David Enfantie d.enfantie@twgs.qld.edu.au .
Latest Blog
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…
Spielberg in the Making...
I first became aware of film making when my brother showed me the behind-the-scenes featurette on our Lord of the Rings DVD. From then on, the process intrigued me, and I eventually got my hands on my dad’s camera and simple editing software. I made a bunch of little movies with my friends which were all pretty bad but I loved doing them anyway. What I liked most was that it was an easy way to share stories and even when the movies were not good, it was still a way of telling stories in a…
The Best Job in the World
Vocational Education and Training (V.E.T) plays a central role in preparing young people for work, developing skills, and responding to the labour-market needs of the economy. As the V.E.T Co-Ordinator at Toowoomba Grammar School, I have an immediate and positive influence on our young men’s skills, employability, and career development. I engage with the most amazing young men to guide their career journeys throughout Years 10, 11 and 12. I also have the privilege to work closely with their…
Inclusive and Exclusive Banter and Behaviour
As the School counsellor, who has been working in a variety of education systems, I would like to address a common and important issue that affects many of our teenage boys: banter, teasing, and bullying. Boys at this age are especially prone to these behaviours, and they can have a significant impact on their mental health and overall well-being. One of the most common mistakes for teenage boys "it's just banter" or "I'm just joking." While banter can be a positive thing and can help build…
