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
Transition to Senior School at TGS
Starting at a new school can be a time of mixed feelings – very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Irrespective of whether your son is joining us from the TGS Junior School, or if they are just starting at Toowoomba Grammar School, this is the start of a long and special journey. Your son will have a lot to digest with a new, possibly larger campus to navigate, different teachers and lessons, making new friends, where to go and what to do at morning tea and lunch. There can be a…
The Transition to Year 7 - from a Parent and Staff Member's Perspective
Regardless of your history with the school, you are all equally welcome here and should feel comfortable in knowing that we value every family and their son’s contribution to our School. Toowoomba Grammar School was built by the community, for the community and it is a School that I am immensely proud of. In 2025 we will celebrate our sesquicentenary or Grammar 150 and your sons will play a vital role in those celebrations. Our pedagogy is modelled on explicit instruction which has its roots in…
Boarding Families - Surviving Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both the child and their 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 24hrs 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, they usually improve as they settle in, and it is temporary. The reality is that most boys tend to save…
Helpful Tips for New Boarding Parents
Name absolutely everything! Socks, undies, phone chargers, water bottles, caps. EVERYTHING!! Make sure you name items with Boy’s name & House number; most parents will put their senior house number if printing the tags so they don’t have to rename items when they move the following year (Corfe House doesn’t have a house number). Some boys find a double bed doona is a better option than single doona as it hangs down the sides of the bed a little more to keep them warmer in winter. An…
Parenting Styles: Parties and the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, parents and caregivers find themselves immersed in the joy and bustle of festivities. Amidst the celebrations, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the pivotal role our parenting styles play in shaping our children’s attitudes and behaviours, especially concerning alcohol and other drug use. As a father of four young people with my fifth child coming into our family on 8 December 2023, I’m particularly mindful of my parenting style and my role as School…
Building the Boarding Experience - at Home
Family connections is a vital aspect of our Toowoomba Grammar School boarding program that we hold close to our heart. Our Heads of House regularly make the effort to visit our boarding families so they have a better understanding of our boarders' lives, the challenges and experiences, and staff always enjoy the warmth and hospitality provided by families. Head of Corfe House, Henry White and his wife, Samantha recently spent a weekend with the Acton family on Dalgonally Station near Julia…
A New Season for Coach Kabe
Highly respected Head of Basketball and 1st V Coach, Kabe Ciccolini is embarking on a new and inspiring chapter. This season, he takes up the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House, guiding our youngest boarders with a warmth and passion that is uniquely his own. Kabe’s decision to transition into the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House reflects his unwavering commitment to mentorship and leadership. For him, this move signifies a positive step in his career. “It’s an opportunity to further…
Embrace Every Moment
In the words of one of the greatest leaders of all time, Albus Dumbledore, “it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” The wise wizard spoke these words to Harry as he stood before the Mirror of Erised, a magical artifact that reveals one’s deepest desires. These words tell the story of the balance between our dreams and the richness of the present moment. We live in a world that often urges us to focus on our aspirations; , sometimes we get so lost in our dreams that we do not…
What is the TGS Athletic Development Academy?
As a TGS Old Boy (2003-14), sport has always been an integral part of my upbringing. As a young boy I discovered the joys of cricket, track and field and touch footy. This love of being active led me to studying Exercise Science at University and I was fortunate enough to work with a range of national and international level athletes, culminating in an internship at the Brisbane Broncos. This experience launched my career in the strength and conditioning space, allowing me to work with…
