Toowoomba Grammar School boarding provides the ideal living environment for our boys while they develop the values that will define their character.
Throughout the course of this year, I have been privileged to visit many of the towns and properties that our TGS boarders call home. When walking around those towns wearing a shirt with a TGS crest, it doesn’t take long to meet an Old Boy or to be asked about one of the boarders currently at the School. Our boarding staff pride themselves on knowing each individual boarder in their House, replicating how each boy is known and valued as an individual in their own hometown.
The demographics of Toowoomba are similar in this regard and provide the School with two unique characteristics. Firstly, as one of the smaller GPS schools, the numbers of dayboys do not overwhelm our boarders, with boarders enrolled at a ratio of nearly one to three in the Senior School. Secondly, most of our teaching staff hail from country areas, which means that our staff know our boarders and truly appreciate their background.
Our TGS campus does a good job of replicating the open spaces of our boarders’ homes, with six ovals for our boys to enjoy. Indeed, facilities such as our aquatic centre, indoor sports centre, weights room and performing arts spaces complement the green expanse of the ovals, giving the boys a great place to engage in all those activities that they love doing, from playing touch and cricket to swimming and shooting some hoops. The drama studios and music rooms allow our boarders to express themselves creatively, providing a different outlet for their energies.
Looking beyond the campus and the outstanding facilities we have, much can be said about the town of Toowoomba itself. As a regional city, the country values which our School creed personifies exist in the everyday interactions of our boarders with the wider community. Whether it is on a trip down to Grand Central or working alongside local tradesmen as part of a School-based apprenticeship, our boarders remain grounded and always give their best. As a hub for agribusiness, Toowoomba has attracted residents from all over regional Australia and the business interests of many of our boarding parents are entwined with those companies in Toowoomba. This results in connections across the city for our boarders and their families, which provides for an incredibly supportive community.
As the School that was built by the community, for the community, Toowoomba Grammar School is at the heart of Toowoomba. Our values mirror those of the city, and we are proud of the connections we have to regional Australia.
- Mr Nick Byron, Director of Boarding
Latest Blog
Literacy at TGS: A research-informed approach
A recent Grattan Institute report has shared that one-third of Australian students are failing to learn to read proficiently, referring to the situation as a ‘preventable tragedy’. In addition, the report identifies evidence-based approaches utilising structured literacy programs with phonics and explicit instruction as the most effective methods of teaching literacy. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we implement a structured synthetic phonics approach to teaching spelling and reading that…
Past Mothers, Present Supporters
Any Old Boy will tell you the Blue and Gold is part of their blood. They love the history, the traditions, the memories, and the lifelong friends they made during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. Well, it seems the same can be said for many TGS mums. The Past Mothers’ Group was formed in 1979 by Mrs Mary Campbell who contacted as many past mothers as she could and invited them to meet at her home where the Past Mothers’ Group was officially formed with the intention of retaining links…
The TGS Interact Club - the Reward for Work Well Done
The Interact Club successfully raised over $10,000 last year for charities and services on a local, statewide and international scale through the hard work and commitment of its members. With these funds, the Interact Club has donated Backpack Blankets to Toowoomba's homeless, helped AEIOU's efforts in supporting children with autism, contributed to the "Are You Bogged Mate?" campaign for rural mental health and raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As well as many other individual…
A Question of Character
In an age bursting with technological innovations and an overwhelming abundance of information, the present era appears to be characterised by a swift and unrelenting pace of change. Our society, young and old alike, finds itself constantly bombarded with provocative and sensationalist narratives. The media floods our consciousness with constant streams of global dilemmas, highlighting the flaws of our leaders, uncovering corporate or political scandals, and bringing conflicts and tragedies…
Coping with Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24 hours until the next call – you are often left worried that they are feeling like this all day. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…
Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum
I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…
What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time
The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…
TGS Strength and Conditioning Program
Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…
We Knew Them Before They Were Stars
Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…
