Healthy relationships are extremely important for the development of mental health in our youth. When you spend time with people you care about, who care about you, this can help you feel connected and supported. This term is one of the largest in regard to boys participating in activities and sports ranging from field, to court, to thought. This is in addition to music and drama programs. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe this allows for plenty of opportunity to develop the ability to understand how to maintain successful relationships through healthy interaction. Developing boys into men of good character works hand in hand with the academic and sporting programs on offer. All modern athletes are aware that for an individual to be successful in a team sport, the whole team needs to have a clear goal determined through good communication and relationships.
So, what is the measurement of a healthy relationship and what do you when a relationship becomes unhealthy? Recently I read the biography of Eddie Jones and he consistently refers to healthy relationships being about communication. There are multiple forms of communication – verbal, non-verbal, written, visual and listening. Communication can be as simple as a look, movement of body or facial expression. For adolescent minds this is where confusion can set in and where relationships can start to deteriorate. A misinterpretation of meaning can often result in students becoming anxious about where they fit into their social network. What one student may interpret as acceptable can be misinterpreted by another and this is where a relationship can become fractured. Once this happens it can be difficult for adolescents, or anyone, to rebuild as the individual may now feel vulnerable.
But here’s the thing, according to leading groups such as Headspace – the more boys work on their relationships, the stronger they get. Toowoomba Grammar School provides pathways for these attributes to develop through the pastoral program offered.
Here are the top five tips for developing healthy relationships:
- Focus on positive relationships that make you feel good about yourself. Those where you support each other and where you feel you can be yourself.
- Every relationship can bring you different benefits, so try to keep a variety of people in your life, such as friends from work or school, teachers, parents, people who have similar interests and more.
- Communication is important! When you are open with people, they will be more open with you - which strengthens your relationships.
- Understand that socialising and keeping relationships can sometimes be hard and have challenges. Occasionally you may feel left out or not all agree. Just remember, it’s normal to feel this way sometimes.
- Your relationship with yourself is an important relationship too. And, when you look after yourself, it can teach you how to look after others as well.
For more information regarding healthy relationships, visit the Student Locker Room and select ‘My Pastoral Care’ and follow the links provided.
Michael Hall
Head of Senior School – Students (Acting)
Latest Blog
Why Study Drama?
As an educator with over 30 years’ experience in the Arts, I specialise in the analytical, creative and practical spheres that quantify and qualify success in drama. I have been a Drama teacher and Arts Project Officer in the Independent, Catholic, state, and private sectors in primary and secondary, single sex and co-educational environments. This longevity of knowledge, gained through firsthand experience, affirms that students who study drama through until at least Year 10 acquire…
That Life-changing Moment
Many of us dream of that lucky break that will change the course of our life; a financial windfall, meeting the love of your life, landing that dream job… Waverley Stanley’s lucky break came when he was in Year 7 in 1979. His teacher, Mrs Rosemary Bishop saw his potential. She believed this young indigenous boy from Murgon had something special to offer the world and she fought to put him on the path to greatness. Mrs Bishop contacted the then Headmaster of Toowoomba Grammar School, Mr William…
Senioritis - The way we think affects the way we feel and behave
As high school students approach their final year, they may experience a phenomenon known as "Senioritis". As described by educators, Senioritis is a decrease in motivation and productivity, often accompanied by procrastination, complacency, and negative risk-taking behaviours. While not a medical term, Senioritis is a widely recognized term used to describe a common set of observed behaviours. As Jessica Lahey notes, "Senioritis is a real phenomenon. It can be defined as a decline in…
A Space for Learning
A core pillar of the Toowoomba Grammar School Strategic Plan is to provide an inspiring and broad curriculum for all boys, adopting technology and innovative pedagogy to transform learning outcomes. Over the last couple of years, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted teachers to explore new frontiers of pedagogy, adapting to the difficult circumstances by launching interactive software, digitising trusty, tried and true resources, recording our lessons, flipping our classrooms, and cultivating an…
When it comes to Music, Variety is the Spice of Life
In the Queensland Curriculum, the content of the music syllabus includes the study of the people, places and cultures involved in musical creation and performance. As our country becomes increasingly diverse, it is important for students in every school setting to study a wide variety of musical styles, cultures and genres. The Toowoomba Grammar School Music program of 2022 embraces this holistic approach to the study of music, encouraging teachers and students to explore a variety of musical…
A Trailblazer for Multicultural Australia
Wellington Lee has been described as a trailblazer for multicultural Australia. He was born in 1925 and attended TGS from 1940-42 before serving with the RAAF during WWII from 1943-46 and the Active Reserve of Officers from 1953-83. Mr Lee was a remarkable man of good character who lived in an exciting time of growth and change during Australia’s, and particularly Victoria’s history; the early days in Melbourne when 10% of their population was a thriving Asian community. It was also a…
REACH - Character Development in the Junior School
Being a kind person is fundamental to the growth of a successful person. Adults in our young men’s lives have a responsibility to model and teach the importance of respect, accepting and acknowledging our need to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way. In 2016, the Junior School staff felt there was a need to create a program that allowed us to develop the character of the boys in the Junior School. Tailoring a program to meet our boys’ needs rather than a generic one allows…
The Grass is Always Greener
It’s time we put this age-old rumour to rest once and for all… The Toowoomba Grammar School ovals are not painted, dyed or manufactured grass; rather, the glorious green that greets passers-by as they drive into the Garden City comes from the sheer hard work and dedication of our TGS grounds team, led by Danny Beresford. Danny has exceptional pride for his grounds and a strong family connection to TGS. He is an Old Boy (2002-04) who played for the 1st XV in 2004 and was in the Track and Field…
A life in Words - Reading Biographies
Biography; from the Greek Bios - Life & Graphia - Writing; are books that chronicle the lives of real people. The subject of a Biography can be a celebrity, athlete, politician, athlete, historical figure or ordinary person that has achieved something of note. Reading Biographies is a valuable and oftentimes rewarding experience, with many potential benefits to the reader. Inspirational Biographies often recount successes and struggles of those people who have, over the course of their…
