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 immerse myself in the culture here at TGS, allowing me to diversify my contribution and ultimately have a broader impact across our community,” said Kabe.
His love for boarding and dedication to nurturing young minds made this role a perfect fit. With a heart deeply rooted in the community, he and his fiancé view Toowoomba as more than just a place; it's their home, and TGS, their school.
With 12 years of experience spanning high-performance sports and pastoral care, Kabe arrives at Corfe House with a great foundation for developing men of good character. He is excited to work alongside Head of Corfe House, Henry White and Corfe House Mother, Janelle Fletcher to transform Corfe House into a haven, a family where young men are not only safe but encouraged to become their best self.
“I’ve developed a base of experience and a well-rounded perspective emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities, making wise choices, and nurturing character,” said Kabe.
“Having worked with a number of organisations, teams and boarding communities, I’m really looking forward to continuing to create an environment where our boys are empowered to be great decision makers and accountable leaders.”
Kabe is familiar with the GPS program, and boarding. He was a day boy at Ipswich Grammar School and shortly after graduating began working in the cricket and basketball programs. He was offered a position as a Resident Master and moved on campus, starting his journey in Boarding. A year later he went to Canada to coach College basketball. Kabe returned to TGS in 2017 as the 1st V Coach and then the Head of Basketball in 2018.
“Each boy I have met has had a unique story and talents that needed to be nurtured, promoted and celebrated,” stated Kabe.
“Whilst the demographics may be slightly different, the concept remains the same in Corfe House. We’ve got a core of brilliant young men and I look forward to getting to know them, their current stories and helping them create exciting new ones.”
Kabe understands that the transition to boarding is extremely important as the young boys navigate the shock of moving from home to boarding.
“TGS does a wonderful job of empowering every young man in their own individual journeys and Corfe House is that extra layer required for our boys in their most formative of years,” said Kabe proudly.
“A scaled and scaffolded transition from home life to Corfe life and ultimately to senior boarding, Corfe is the perfect step-by-step process to ensure our boys are thriving and learning to be high quality, thoughtful and autonomous decision makers as they grow.”
Kabe believes that this time in Corfe is a genuine opportunity for boys to discover their individuality within the greater boarding community before they move on to the senior houses.
Everyone involved with the TGS Basketball program is familiar with Kabe’s motto “Family First”. It is a core value that he holds closely in every aspect of his life, and it's a belief that he wholeheartedly stands by.
“This principle is deeply ingrained in the concept of servant leadership, which I consider a pivotal element in the growth of a young man,” said Kabe.
“In a family, whether it's your own kin or the one you build in a boarding house, it's about being there for one another, offering a helping hand when needed, and emphasising and supporting the well-being of others.”
In Corfe House, it translates into a culture of unity, support, and shared responsibility. Every boy becomes a part of a larger family, where they learn the significance of mutual support, growth, and strength found in togetherness.
Fundamentally, Kabe desires to mold our young men into 'good blokes'; individuals who take pride in their identity and represent their families with honor. He envisions them as servant leaders, ready to make a positive impact no matter where life takes them. With his guidance, they will not only navigate the complexities of boarding life but emerge as responsible, caring, and accountable individuals, poised to shape a better tomorrow.
Latest Blog
The Power of Character and Connection Every Day
As we mark R U OK? Day, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and staying connected. Whilst today is a National Day of Action, the message is clear: asking “R U OK?” should not be reserved for just one day of the year. By having regular, meaningful conversations with each other, we create trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on in our lives. This simple but powerful practice ensures that when someone is struggling, they know they have a…
Managing Conflict with Pre-Teens and Teenagers
Understanding the developmental challenges of our boys, particularly in managing emotional resilience and independence, helps parents navigate these moments more effectively. Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of adolescence, and for parents of preteens and teenagers at Toowoomba Grammar School, managing these moments effectively is key to nurturing their emotional growth and maintaining a healthy relationship.
Elevating Early Years Mathematics: Insights from a Global Teaching Fellowship
As a primary school teacher with ten years of classroom experience, I’ve had the opportunity to teach across year levels from Prep to Year 3. Throughout my teaching journey, I’ve developed a strong passion for ensuring that every student feels a sense of success in the classroom and equally, that every teacher feels confident and equipped to deliver high-quality lessons. Over time, I’ve become increasingly interested in how we can bring greater consistency and clarity to the way we teach…
Innovation at TGS: Preparing Boys for a Future of Possibilities
This commitment is reflected in how, for generations, our Old Boys have maintained strong connections with the School and their region, demonstrating a dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world. Having students who are able to think critically and evolve with technology will prepare them better for the workforce. Honouring the Past, Preparing for the Future The Grammar 150 celebrations this year offer a special opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of our…
75 Years of Rivalry and Respect
This year’s match holds special meaning, as it marks 75 years since the very first O’Callaghan Cup clash in 1950. Among those who remember the early days is Malcolm Powell, a proud TGS Old Boy (1948-52) who played fullback for the First XV in 1951. Malcolm, now in his nineties, still vividly recalls the thrill of those early games. “I watched the first Cup from the sidelines, I was in the Thirds that year,” Malcolm recalls. The fiercest of rivals but the greatest of friends “Downlands won that…
Our Sesquicentenary
The day was filled with reflection, celebration and a deep sense of connection to the generations who have shaped the School’s legacy. From the opening of a time capsule sealed in 1975, to a Sesquicentenary Assembly that honoured our roots and looked to the future, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the TGS community. And of course there was cake! A Message Across Time: Opening the 1975 Time Capsule
Better Together - 2025 IBSC Conference
With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together". Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry…
Reliving the Past, Shaping the Future
Mr Nicholas Hess has been a coach for both rugby and tennis and a boarding supervisor after he finished Year 12 His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much. “There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,”…
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…