Mr Brad Allen – Head of House – Mackintosh Boarding
The new Head of House, Mackintosh Boarding, Mr Brad Allen has a strong rural background and loves the sense of community that comes with boarding in a regional city.
“My experience as a boarder helps me excel in the role of Head of House because I know what the boys are experiencing – I’ve lived it,” stated Brad.
“I understand how challenging it is to be away from home and the sacrifices that families make for the boys to have this opportunity.
“It can be tough, even when you know that it’s what’s best for them. I have real empathy for all the families in that position.”
Brad grew up in Bingara in northern NSW, between Moree and Inverell, and loved the country lifestyle. He was a boarder at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in Tamworth and relished the opportunities to be fully involved in all aspects of school life.
But it wasn’t until after he spent five years working in customer service at the National Australia Bank in Narrabri, Bathurst and Walgett that he realised he wanted a more rewarding career with more positive outcomes. He embarked on teaching.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Human Movement from Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Brad spent three years as the Coordinator of Co-curricular Sport at Georgiana Molloy Anglican School in Busselton, Western Australia. His wife, Jodie, who was also a boarder during her high school years, was also a teacher at the school. They eventually decided to travel overseas to broaden their education experience. Both were employed with Dulwich Prep School in the UK where Brad was a Boarding Master, as well as the Head of Junior School Sport and the Deputy Head of Junior School.
When their daughter Imogen was born in 2010, they decided to return to Australia to be closer to family and Brad was contracted to various schools before securing the position as Head of Boys Boarding at All Saints College in Bathurst in 2012. In 2018, Brad and Jodie where both appointed to full-time positions at Whitsunday Anglican School, Brad was the Head of Boarding and Jodie a Year 4 teacher.
The family has the unique position where both Brad and Jodie have been involved in boarding for most of their lives and fully understand the support that boarders need. Jodie’s experiences equip her with the understanding that her role is important in the development of the boys when they’re so far from home. Their children, Imogen (12 years old) and Harry (8 years old) enjoy and take advantage of the boarding environment and love the extended family they get to share their lives with.
“We want to provide consistency and certainty for the boys so they can thrive in their journey at TGS and take advantage of the incredible opportunities here,” said Brad.
“We want to make their boarding experience as close to a home environment as possible, while knowing it’s not the same as their home at all.”
Brad plans to get know each individual family to gain a good understanding of each boy’s background, his strengths and challenges so that he can get the very most out of his time at TGS.
“I want the boys to feel safe and supported in Mackintosh House so they grow and benefit from their personal experiences. It is important that they look back on the connections and memories they have made with fondness,” said Brad.
Latest News
TGS Athletics Coach on Track to Olympics
In an incredible achievement, Toowoomba Grammar School Athletics Coach, Mrs Jackie Gallagher is on track for Olympic coaching glory. Jackie is one of only 25 women worldwide, and the only Australian to be selected for a leadership program in preparation for Olympic and International team management. Jackie was nominated for the 21-month program by Athletics Australia and endorsed by World Athletics and the IOC. It follows her selection for the prestigious Women in Sport High Performance Pathway…
TGS Aquatic Centre Rated One of the Best in the Country
Royal Lifesaving Society Australia (RLSA) conducted a review of the operations of the School’s Aquatic Centre on 13 March 2023. This review, called the Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment, is undertaken to provide pool operators with feedback on their operations against industry standards and covered the following areas: Work Health and Safety Emergency Planning Qualifications and Training Aquatic Programs Supervision First Aid Plant and Chemical Areas Changing Facilities Lap and Lane Pools…
Historic RAP Launched by TGS
In an historic milestone, Toowoomba Grammar School launched its Reconciliation Action Plan today, Wednesday, 31 May as part of National Reconciliation Week celebrations. TGS has proudly formulated this Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) over the past eighteen months in close conjunction with Narragunnawali, a nationally recognised organisation that promotes reconciliation in education. Narragunnawali supports schools to develop environments that foster a higher level of knowledge and pride in our…
TGS Swimmers make a Splash Nationally
Toowoomba Grammar School Swimming club claimed swimmers claimed three national titles and a nice haul of medals at the Australian Swimming Age Championships on the Gold Coast earlier this month. Sienna Duerloo cemented her position as one of Australia’s best up and coming long distance swimmers. She is now a National Champion after swimming away with two golds – winning both the 800m and 1500m in the 17 years girls freestyle. Mackenzie Grimes is also a National Champion after collecting gold in…
TGS has the next Spielberg, we mean Rosenberg!
Toowoomba Grammar School Year 12 student, Ben Rosenberg is making a name for himself nationally as an up-and-coming young film maker. Ben won 'Best Director' overall at the 2022 Nextwave Youth Film Awards in Coffs Harbour on Saturday, 22 April for his film 'Green Room'. There were over 160 short films submitted to the competition from around the country and 28 films were chosen as finalists. Ben was named the Best Director overall! Ben has had previous success at this competition in his age…
It's Showtime - Grammar Art Show Time to be Exact
The 30th annual Grammar Art Show from March 24-26, will showcase a dynamic and diverse exhibition of more than 650 contemporary Australian artworks on display, a further 275 online from 220 different artists. The Grammar Art Show has become such a prestigious exhibition that artists from all over Australia nominate their work months before the Show and, unfortunately, many don’t make the final cut. Grammar Art Show is recognised as one of Toowoomba's signature events, attracting over 3,500…
Student Art Show Online
We are excited to launch our 2023 Student Art Show. Thank you to all the guests who came to this wonderful Opening Night on Friday, 17 March to support our young artists. Featuring the work of 125 of our Art students of 2022, this exhibition is in our Art Gallery in the Henderson building into Term 2 for TGS families to enjoy. It is also open to the public during the weekend of the Grammar Art Show, 25 and 26 March. Can't make it to our Gallery? Enjoy the works online - and share with long…
TGS Music Teacher Hitting the Right Notes
A Toowoomba Grammar School Music teacher has been appointed to a highly regarded international position, one of the only people in Australia to have the role. Woodwind teacher and accompanist, Melissa Buchholz has received the honour of a position on the Trinity College London music examinations panel. This position is considered one of the highest in the music industry examination sectors. "This has been a lifelong dream of mine and a rigorous two year process to be appointed," said Mel. "I…
2022 1st Basketball team presented with Premiership Caps
At a special School Assembly yesterday, Thursday, 2 February The TGS Old Boys' Association, represented by President, Mark Creedon (1973-77) and committee member, Nicholas Hess (1997-2001) presented the players in the 2022 Basketball 1st V with a Premiership Cap in recognition of their efforts and achievement of winning a GPS Premiership. It has become a TGSOBA honoured tradition to make a presentation of a Premiership Cap to the players of a Premiership side as a recognition of their feat. The…
