Putting our Heart and Soul into TGS Boarding
“If students are educated the right way, they will make a difference in whatever community they live and work in.” That is the philosophy of Toowoomba Grammar School’s new Head of House, Stephens Boarding, Mr Phil Kefford.
Phil grew up in Warrington, in the north west of England and realised early on that he came from a place where “I had just one shot to get out and I had to focus and work hard to do that.”
He was accepted into university in London where he fell in love with History, was suddenly surrounded by people who shared his passion for academia and he flourished, taking advantage of every opportunity that was now before him, both sporting and academic.
“My educational and life experience has taught me that if you furnish children with good values, skills and attributes, they will go far and will have every opportunity,” stated Phil.
“There is a whole world out there that children need to be aware of and exposed to so that they are better people when they grow up.”
Phil brings this theory into his classroom, encouraging his History students to never trust a source but to read and research extensively, and to question and debate ideas, even those you fundamentally believe in. Outside the classroom, Phil believes it’s important for children to step outside their comfort zone and try everything, from performing arts to sport and community service.
Phil has had a diverse experience as a History and sports teacher and as a coach in cricket, football, and tennis. He started his career at an all-boys’ boarding school in Warwick, England from 1993-2000 before moving to an all-boys’ state school then returning to boarding at Gordon’s School, Surrey which was steeped in history, tradition, and good values.
A decision to spend more time with his wife, Kate and their two young sons took the family to the Service Childrens’ Education (SCE) in Germany, teaching the children of British service men and women. Kate taught in the primary school and Phil in the secondary school, and they were Boarding Masters for seven years, during the height of the war in Afghanistan.
“It was a wonderful experience but a huge learning curve,” said Phil.
“We had to deal with a lot of mental health and wellbeing issues with the children. The issues they were facing were so different to those that ‘normal’ children are exposed to, the stress of their parents in the war, the separation anxiety associated with that.”
The school was also a terrorist risk, so soldiers were based on campus and the staff were provided with large mirrors to scan their vehicles for bombs before driving anywhere.
Phil said the experience took his understanding of youth mental health issues and his pastoral care skills to a whole new level, but he enjoyed his time there and the opportunities and life skills that were presented to him and Kate.
In 2010, searching for a change of scenery and with their sons approaching high school age, the family moved to Australia, unemployed, with the intent of exploring the country. That plan quickly changed, when the first day of school for their boys at Springfield Lakes State School, Phil was approached by the Headmaster and asked to teach Year 7. He started work the next day. Kate took up a position at St Hilda’s School, Southport a short time later where she remained until now. Phil worked at Springfield Anglican College for seven years and then St Mary’s College in Ipswich before taking up his latest role here at TGS.
“I was very excited when this position became available,” said Phil.
“Our boys went to Brisbane State High School, so we’d come to TGS on many occasions for GPS sport and we always loved the community feeling here, that you were well looked after as a visiting parent and the TGS boys were always courteous and respectful.”
Phil said those warm views of the good values and sense of community at TGS have been 150% reinforced during his short time on staff here.
“I’m so excited about the future, the experiences I can share with the boys and the support I can give them academically and in the boarding house,” stated Phil.
“My sons have grown up and moved away so I can really focus on the boys here and their needs, it’s a great time for Kate and me to come and put our heart and soul into the boarding community.”
Discover more about the TGS boarding experience here Boarding - Toowoomba Grammar School (twgs.qld.edu.au)
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…
