Some helpful hints for parents
from TGS Head of Senior School, Mr Mark Oliphant...
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 before school, as there is always something going on that you need to be organised for. Check your emails and use your diary.”
If they are a dayboy, parents should practice with them getting to School if they are walking or catching the bus. Even our new boarders could use some parental reassurance about getting to class on those first few days. Herbert Roger is a Year 7 boarder from Dalby and whilst his route to school each day is an easy one, he has this tip, “I was not too sure where things were, but the diary has a map in it. The signs around School are also really helpful at the beginning.”
Please ensure that your son is aware that he will have a range of different teachers in the Senior School. Explain that some of his teachers he will like and others he may not make a strong connection with initially. This will change during his senior schooling years.
For a student who is new to Toowoomba Grammar School, the key is to ensure that your son has practiced making new friends. You might like to role play this at home. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg offers sage advice here, “Encourage your child to smile a lot, ask questions of others and not be too prominent in group situations, sit back and observe others.”
Nathanael Miller is a Year 7 student who joined us from St Thomas Moore’s this year and has said, “A good way to make friends is to keep friendships from your old school and make new ones through the activities that you sign up to at TGS.” Having a range of friends is one of the greatest predictors of success in secondary school. The older boys, through the leadership programs and the Big Mates program will take an interest in your son. This is another person that he may seek help from if he is struggling and as a parent, you should encourage these positive interactions. The older boys are welcoming and friendly, they have been in the same position as your son and understand what he is experiencing. They will take him under their wing, and they are great to talk to.
Homework is one of the most stressful times in any household. Be clear with your son about the times that will be set aside in your house for the completion of homework each day. Do not allow him to play video games or use technology prior to this as it will impact his ability to concentrate. Check your son’s diary so that you are aware of what he must complete. Having a dedicated quiet study space is also very useful.
If your son appears to have no friends or has difficulty making friends or if they have not found subjects or a co-curricular activity that they enjoy, then this is cause for concern and I recommend you contact the Head of Corfe (for boarders) or Head of Year 7. If your son has difficulty separating from you or becomes very anxious when he is not near you, then you might like to arrange an appointment with one of our school counsellors to assist.
Don’t forget to be enthusiastic about your son starting Senior School. This interest reinforces how important your son’s education is. We look forward to welcoming your family to Toowoomba Grammar School and building wonderful memories that you and your son will cherish for life.
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…
