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
Super Swimmers Bring Back National Medal Haul
Toowoomba Grammar School swimming club is celebrating after a very successful National Age Championship representation in Adelaide from April 12-19. Three swimmers brought home five medals between them, ranking them among the best in the country in their respective age divisions. Mackenzie Grimes won silver in the 13 years girls 50m backstroke and silver in the 13 years girls 100m backstroke. She was also selected to represent Queensland in the 4 x 50m mixed medley relay. Sienna Deurloo won a…
The Gift of Music
The Gift of Music Janelle Fletcher with past and current studentsYou can feel the pride and passion exude from Janelle Fletcher as she reflects on her thirty-year career as a Music Tutor at Toowoomba Grammar School. “It’s a long time to stay in any job,” she admitted. “But working with the boys, seeing how important it is to have music in their lives and to develop not only as musicians but as people, that’s what’s kept me here.” Janelle believes staff in an all-boys’ school have a real…
TGS Athletes Have World Championships in Sight
TGS Athletes Have World Championships in SightToowoomba Grammar School athletes will have eight representatives at the Australian Track and Field Championships from 26 March – 3 April after the boys excelled at the State Titles. TGS brought home seven medals from States, with four current students and three Old Boys enjoying podium places at the titles which were held from March 3-6. Old Boy (2019-20), Jai Gordon continued to impress, qualifying for the Australian U20 team in both the 100m and…
Historic 1st XI Cricket Match
Historic 1st XI Cricket Match Toowoomba Grammar School is celebrating an impressive milestone against Brisbane Grammar School on Saturday, 12 March with our 1st XI cricket team playing their 750th match! This is a huge achievement for any sporting organisation, particularly considering this is counted on GPS games – so there are roughly only seven games each year; it’s taken a long time to reach this weekend’s historic occasion. It will presumably be another 37-40 years before they play the…
New Uniforms for our 1st Teams
New Uniforms for our 1st TeamsToowoomba Grammar School is excited to launch our fresh, new uniforms for the 1st squads as the first GPS School to partner with internationally recognised sporting company, New Balance. This is the first stage in an extensive re-design and standardisation of all the School’s sports and activities uniforms which will be gradually rolled out over the next two years. These bold new 1sts uniforms have been designed specifically to honour the tradition of the Blue and…
Mr Brad Allen – Head of House – Mackintosh Boarding
Mr Brad Allen – Head of House – Mackintosh BoardingMr Brad Allen & familyThe 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…
Mr Eugene Massi – Head of House – Taylor Boarding
Mr Eugene Massi – Head of House – Taylor BoardingMr Eugene Massi & FamilyTo develop men of good character is the main aim of Toowoomba Grammar School’s new Head of Taylor Boarding House, Mr Eugene Massi. “The unique environment of Boarding provides an opportunity unlike any other. It allows for boys to connect with each other, develop meaningful and long-lasting relationships and allows them to develop and grow as individuals,” said Eugene. Eugene is grateful for his positive role-models in…
Mr Chris Stearn – Head of House – Groom Boarding
Mr Chris Stearn – Head of House – Groom BoardingMr Chris Stearn & family, Head of House - Groom BoardingThe values of hard work, giving back to others and the importance of family are the driving factors in Chris Stearn’s teaching career. The new Toowoomba Grammar School Head of Groom House was raised in England. His father was a Woodwork teacher and his mother a primary school teacher spealising in textiles. “I never thought I’d be a teacher,” stated Mr Stearn with a smile. “It didn’t…
Introducing TGS’s new Director of Boarding, Mr Nick Byron
Introducing TGS’s new Director of Boarding, Mr Nick ByronMr Nick Byron, Director of BoardingThis is the best time possible to take over the role as Director of Boarding according Mr Nick Byron who is settling into his new appointment at Toowoomba Grammar School. “There is a lot of new staff bringing fresh ideas and positive energy to the School and it’s very exciting to be part of this new chapter,” said Mr Byron.“I’m looking forward to meeting the TGS community, particularly the boarding…
