At Toowoomba Grammar School, we are committed to educating boys and developing their good character for life.
This commitment extends beyond the classroom into every aspect of School life, including programs that encourage our boys to reflect on who they are, how they treat others and the kind of men they hope to become.
This week, students from Years 7 to 10 took part in two significant character and wellbeing programs delivered by Damon Joseph and Daniel Principe. Although different in design, both workshops reinforced the same message, that character is learned, practised and strengthened through experience, challenge and honest reflection.
Character Builders with Damon Joseph
Across Years 7, 8 and 9, the School welcomed the return of Damon Joseph from Character Builders. Damon’s workshops focus on authenticity, courage and self‑awareness. He encourages boys to embrace who they truly are, even when it feels uncomfortable.
“For me, it’s about helping people to be genuinely who they are, unapologetically,” Damon said. “It takes practice, the same as any sport or academic pursuit.”
A major theme was the fear of judgement, something many young people grapple with. Damon explored how this fear can influence behaviour and how boys sometimes act in ways that do not reflect their values as they try to belong or be noticed.
He challenged students to recognise those moments and instead choose actions grounded in respect, honesty and personal integrity. More significant than misbehaviour, he said, is the reluctance of bystanders to stand up when they know something is not right.
If there was one idea Damon hoped the boys would remember, it was the importance of service above self.
“When you are not sure how to act, think of others first,” he said. “Do what is right for everyone involved. That’s how you find yourself.”
Championing Boys into Becoming Men with Daniel Principe
Later in the week, students in Years 9 and 10 heard from Daniel Principe, who works with schools across Australia to promote respectful relationships and value‑based decision‑making. Daniel spoke openly about the complexities of the modern world. He noted that while the fundamentals of being a good human do not change, the influences surrounding young people are louder and more confusing than ever.
“With the internet and social media, the scope of what is possible both positive and negative, has never been broader,” he said.
Drawing on his own experiences at an all‑boys' school, Daniel shared honest reflections on insecurity, friendship and expectations. His stories gave boys permission to think critically about their own choices and how they show up for the people around them.
He encouraged them to ask themselves:
- What truly matters to me?
- Do my actions show that I care about those things?
- Am I taking steps to become the man I want to be?
For families, Daniel emphasised the lasting impact of connection and guidance.
“These boys want belonging,” he said. “If we do not show them they matter, they will look for that affirmation elsewhere.”
Growing Good Men
These sessions reflect the School’s commitment to the Character and Care pillar of our Strategic Plan. Boys learn best by doing. They learn through reflection, through conversations that challenge them and through experiences that both stretch and support them. They also learn through failure and they will fail often. This is not a setback but an essential part of growth.
We work hand in hand with leading international and domestic professionals to shape the pastoral program at Toowoomba Grammar School. This provides a bespoke opportunity to dive deeper into individual and cohort impact that allows us to then share with families the means to help each boy learn from his mistakes, build resilience and rise stronger than before.
Together, we are shaping young men of character and capability who are ready for meaningful lives within and most importantly beyond the School gates.
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