The TGS Show Cattle Team commenced in Term 1 2021 under the guidance of Mr Jack Murphy and Mrs Julie Brophy. The concept of the team was to give boys a hands-on, extracurricular opportunity in the agricultural industry.

The boys have been competing in the Young Judges’ competitions at a range of shows across Queensland. The Young Judges’ competition is based on the goal of expanding the boys' knowledge of the skills that are a foundation of the animal production industry, helping them as youthful individuals to develop their careers within agriculture. With this in mind, the boys are asked to outline their reasons for placing the animals in order from 1st to 4th and justify their positions. The task of judging is a subjective one, based on selected production systems and changing market conditions. It is important that entrants can use their skills and articulate their approach. The competition teaches the boys life lessons in presentation, decision-making and justification of observations.

Whilst competing across Queensland, the boys have been able to experience rural communities, allowing boarders to participate at their local shows whilst also allowing day boys to immerse themselves in rural communities. Through supporting agricultural shows, the boys can see rural communities come together and support their successes.

"Ag shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities. They bring and keep communities together, link the country to the city and provide a key boost to these local economies. These events showcase the hard work and innovation that goes into producing Australia's food and fibre."

Hon David Littleproud MP

Leader of the National Party and TGS Old Boy (1992-1993)

A number of the boys involved in the team have also had the ability to compete in the Young Paraders’ competition. This event showcases the boys' ability to prepare and present the animals by parading the animals before the judge in the ring. This was a highlight for many of the boys, preparing animals that were over ten times their size. The boys have also had the opportunity to learn more about the beef industry with a tour of Oakey Beef Abattoir. This provided further links to the changing market conditions and opened a range of professional careers within the agricultural supply chain.

The Show Cattle Team allows the boys to connect with one another and champions all boys who have a passion for learning. The team comprises 25 secondary boys in total and is a healthy mix of both boarders and day boys. The boys need no prior knowledge and learn all aspects of the judging processes in weekly "meatings".

"We moved from Brisbane to Toowoomba at the beginning of 2020 with our two 'city kids'. The Show Cattle Team was one of the first extracurricular activities that our son wanted to participate in, and it has been fantastic watching him, and the other boys, progress so well. Not only does it provide education about different aspects of animals to consider, but it has given the boys great exposure to public speaking and teamwork."

Emma Luscombe, Parent

It is the long-term goal for the team to be showing our own cattle, allowing the boys to have a greater connection with the cattle. The boys would be learning animal handling skills, husbandry and preparation. This will give an opportunity for many of our students to shine by showing their dedication to the competition. By providing opportunities for all boys to succeed in their chosen field, the TGS Show Cattle Team is just one more reason why Toowoomba Grammar School is leading the way in providing a well-rounded boys' education.

Jack Murphy
Show Cattle Team Coordinator


2022 Show Cattle Team



Latest Blog

Character & Wellbeing
/
Tuesday, 22 Nov 2022

Life After School

As children grow and develop, they participate in a range of new experiences, with the “journey” from birth to adulthood being shaped by several awaited and expected transitions. These transitions occur across a range of context and help us to evolve in new environments. It is important to note that transition is associated with a change, which is something that happens for all of us. The concept of transition involves how we process, manage, and respond to the change. As adults, we work hard…

Read More
The Arts
/
Thursday, 10 Nov 2022

TGS Artist in Residence - Ben Tupas

I’ve been following Toowoomba Grammar School’s exciting Artist-in-residence program for several years. After seeing fellow Toowoomba artists such as Catherine Parker, Alice Weinthal and Vincent Parisi taking up the opportunity and engaging in the program, I decided to apply in 2022 to continue the momentum of my own artist practice. With the four-week residency wrapping up at the end of October, and some time to reflect on the experience I can write that the experience was a valuable…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Monday, 24 Oct 2022

The Transition to Secondary School

Research shows us that the move from a primary school to a secondary school is one of the most significant life changes that our young men will face. You can help make the transition to Senior School smoother by ensuring that the boys attend the orientation days, practice packing their bags and getting their sports, music, and activities equipment ready. When asked about tips for the boys coming into Year 7, current Year 7 dayboy, Ollie Wells suggests boys should “Be organised. Pack the night…

Read More
Teaching & Learning
/
Thursday, 20 Oct 2022

Nothing is Impossible

Toowoomba Grammar School's Year 7C English has been studying 'Cool Runnings' to learn about how stories or movies based on real life aren't always completely true. Extremely fascinated by the topic, young student Harry Ryan took it upon himself to message (via LinkedIn) the bobsled driver, Mr Dudley Stokes - he responded! After a little communication between the two, Harry asked Mr Stokes if he could FaceTime him during an English lesson, to 'meet' his teacher Mr Paul Irwin and classmates…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Wednesday, 12 Oct 2022

Simple Acts of Kindness

Giving back to the community is an important value that Toowoomba Grammar School endeavours to instill in our boys. Year 12 student, Tumoana Strugnell is a shining example of how it costs nothing but our time to help others, especially as we move into the Festive season and the challenges of life seem heightened. I first became involved in community service when I was in Year 6, through my local primary school’s involvement on ANZAC Day and my parent’s involvement in local community events. I’m…

Read More
Boarding
/
Friday, 07 Oct 2022

A Holistic Approach to our Boarders' Activities Program

A true education is about much more than just lessons in a classroom. It’s about providing experiences that challenge a child, physically and mentally. It’s about providing opportunities that build independence, resilience and that help develop their good character. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to offer a broad and liberal education that stretches way beyond the walls of a classroom and equips our boys with the skills to flourish as an individual. We offer a diverse and engaging…

Read More
Teaching & Learning
/
Wednesday, 28 Sept 2022

A Beginner's Guide to Manga

If your son has brought home a book with big eyed characters, and he seems to be reading backwards, chances are, he's discovered Manga. The Dent library has a Manga collection that would be the envy of many schools, with over 100 unique titles. It Is easily the most visited section in the library, over half of the top 100 titles borrowed this year are Manga! But what is Manga? Manga is an umbrella term for a variety of print comics and graphic novels originating from Japan. Unlike western…

Read More
Boarding
/
Thursday, 15 Sept 2022

A Safe, Welcoming and Joyous Community

Tell us about yourself My background, at least that associated with boarding and teaching, is long and varied with a number of different aspects leading to this chosen career path. For the most part, I was schooled in Canberra but had extended periods in Lesotho, Norfolk Island, and Samoa as a result of my father’s work in foreign aid. My schooling was quite disruptive, and I wasn’t a model student! I was always passionate about English; often distracting myself (amongst other things) immersed…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Thursday, 08 Sept 2022

Facilitating Respect

Recently the 2022 TGS Prefect group spoke at the Headmaster’s Assembly about respecting individuality. But what does this mean? The foundations for a successful relationship with peers, family, co-workers, and others is framed and supported by a two-way street of respect. However, for this two-way street to be functional it is important to know that respect cannot be demanded, it can only be earned. Toowoomba Grammar School is no different and respect is nurtured in various forms such as in the…

Read More