The Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding community plays a pivotal role in shaping the young minds of our boarders and instilling values whilst creating a sense of mateship that can last a lifetime. The nurturing and supportive network of staff not only ensure a safe and structured environment but also cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the boys. ‘The staff supply the fuel to the ship but ultimately it is the boys who steer it and decide upon its final destination’.

Our TGS Health Centre staff share the responsibility for ensuring the wellbeing of our boys. Their role goes beyond administering medical care; they actively promote health and wellness through genuine and sincere support. In times of illness or injury, Health Centre staff provide immediate attention and care, reassuring the boys and reinforcing their trust in the School's support system.

Teachers are at the core of a boys' educational experience. At TGS, our educators go beyond their academic responsibilities to inspire and engage the students intellectually. The close teacher-student relationship that develops at TGS fosters open communication and creates a safe space for boys to explore their interests, ask questions, and seek guidance. This strong bond instils a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Mentors, such as the older boys in each boarding house, play a crucial role in shaping the character and values of the boys. As experienced individuals who have excelled in various fields, mentors share their experiences, guiding the boys toward making informed decisions about their future.

The TGS kitchen staff are the beautiful people who start their day earlier than anyone else on campus and play an integral role in nurturing the boys' physical and social wellbeing. Mealtimes are an opportunity for students to bond, share experiences, and develop lifelong friendships, making the Dining Hall a centrepiece of the School's community spirit.

In this digital age, tech support staff play a critical role in enabling a smooth learning experience. Their expertise ensures that boys have access to the necessary technological tools and resources, facilitating academic progress and enhancing their digital literacy skills. Tech support personnel also contribute to maintaining a safe online environment, protecting the boys from potential cyber threats and guiding them on responsible internet usage.

In a boys' boarding environment, the value of community cannot be overstated. The cohesive efforts of the above mentioned successfully create an environment where boys can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Together, this supportive network of individuals fosters an inclusive and empowering community that shapes young boys into responsible and compassionate men, ready to make a positive impact on the world.

- by Michael Hall, Head of Boarding, Boyce House

Mr Michael Hall in class



Latest Blog

Old Boys
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Wednesday, 24 Apr 2024

In memory of Light Horse Field Ambulances

Toowoomba Grammar School would like to acknowledge our admiration for the loyalty, service and bravery exhibited by TGS Old Boys who so valiantly served. We are all the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, and their selfless actions continue to inspire a spirit of service amongst our current students. Today we focus on the contribution of one TGS Old Boy who made a significant contribution to World War I. Here is some of the incredible story of Major Avery, DSO and if you visit the School Museum…

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Character & Wellbeing
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Wednesday, 17 Apr 2024

New Caledonia, new horizons and travel through an educational lens

The opportunity to travel not only opens doors to new experiences but also fosters an increased intercultural understanding and empathy, both essential qualities for navigating and existing within our diverse world. For a group of language students travelling to New Caledonia, our recent French Language and Cultural Tour was a unique opportunity for such experiential learning, where language acquisition went beyond just learning vocabulary and grammar - and instead became a gateway to connect…

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Sports & Activities
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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024

Erik Sheppard - making TGS Army Cadet Unit history

The 2024 Dining in Night was made even more special with the appointment of the first Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (TGS ACU) Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Erik Sheppard who was awarded his rank and pace stick by the 16th Battalion Commanding officer MAJ (AAC) Gary MacLachlan. WO1 Sheppard enlisted in the TGS ACU just before the COVID shutdown in 2020. Although this was not the ideal way to begin a cadet career, he was able to adapt and overcome the virtual…

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Teaching & Learning
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Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024

The Big Six Reading Tips

Unlocking Literacy - The Big Six Elements for Your Child’s Reading Success Literacy skills are a core component of each day for our students, and parents often ask how they can support this from home. I am delighted to share with our parent community the essential components that underpin successful reading development. These elements, known as the Big Six, provide a solid foundation for your son’s literacy journey. These critical building blocks include: Oral Language: Communication skills are…

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Boarding
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Thursday, 21 Mar 2024

Boarding - Building Men of Good Character

Over the past five years, we have found one of the most valuable lessons that boarding can teach teenage boys is the ability to self-navigate and overcome challenges. Entering a boarding house is the first time many boarders have stepped away from the comfort and security of their parents and guardians. Although this can be a daunting experience, one of the things that this unfamiliarity creates is the ability to organise yourself. With a larger workload than previous years, a greater number…

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Teaching & Learning
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Wednesday, 13 Mar 2024

The Learning Pit

Learning is at our core and covers all subject disciplines, co-curricular pursuits, personal development and interest areas. Helping our Toowoomba Grammar School boys view learning as a disposition that goes well beyond the classroom context is incredibly important. Learning has a life-long value in all we do. We also acknowledge that learning can be challenging at times, and it can be uncomfortable, but also wonderfully inspiring and fulfilling. Appreciating the full range of feelings and…

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Character & Wellbeing
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Friday, 01 Mar 2024

Leap Before You Look

The boarding journey offers students a plethora of opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone and take advantage of new environments, relationships, and opportunities during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. We often talk about “character education” – a theory that originated in the US and has been increasingly embraced by leading schools globally. It is encouraging all students to develop new approaches to their learning, including aspects of morals and ethics, thinking,…

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Teaching Excellence
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Tuesday, 27 Feb 2024

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…

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Community Engagement
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Friday, 09 Feb 2024

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…

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