Toowoomba Grammar School's Year 7C English has been studying 'Cool Runnings' to learn about how stories or movies based on real life aren't always completely true.
Extremely fascinated by the topic, young student Harry Ryan took it upon himself to message (via LinkedIn) the bobsled driver, Mr Dudley Stokes - he responded!
After a little communication between the two, Harry asked Mr Stokes if he could FaceTime him during an English lesson, to 'meet' his teacher Mr Paul Irwin and classmates and to discuss his career - he said yes!
So, in a big surprise to all the class - including Mr Irwin - Harry 'interrupted' his English lesson with his special guest, Mr Dudley. He shared some funny stories and wise words with the boys, advising them that you should always follow your dreams, work hard, be persistent and never give up!
What a wonderful experience and terrific initiative from Harry! Mr Irwin said it was a highlight in his teaching career!
Discover more about TGS here Senior School - Toowoomba Grammar School (twgs.qld.edu.au)
Latest Blog
Building Good Character
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…
Stateside Success: The Growing US College Pathway for TGS Boys
A Parent's Perspective: From Blue & Gold to Bowling Green For the TGS boys that take the trip to the United States, their pathways are diverse, but they share a common foundation: the support, discipline and belief built on the 52 acres that is our 150-year-old campus. For past TGS mum, Adele Spurgin, the journey from watching her boys run out in the blue and gold of Toowoomba Grammar School to seeing them play together in the orange and brown strip of Bowling Green State University’s…
Helping Boys Build Stronger Identities at TGS
Social media influencers, hyper‑masculine stereotypes and the pressure to “perform” academically, socially and emotionally can distort a young man’s sense of self long before he has the tools to understand what he’s feeling. Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS) has recognised this challenge and responded with intention. Through a bespoke Pastoral Care model and a powerful partnership with Tomorrow Man and other leading professionals, the School is reshaping how boys understand identity, connection…
Cambodia Cultural and Service Tour
Across twelve days with RAW Impact, the group moved through moments of cultural immersion, physical work, reflection and genuine connection with local communities. Their words capture the impact more powerfully than any adult could. Phnom Penh: Confronting history to understand the present The tour began in Phnom Penh, where the group visited the Killing Fields and S21 before beginning their service work. For many boys, this was the moment they realised the tour would be life changing. As Year…
Old Boy Geoffrey Smith inspires at our Senior School Speech Night
Toowoomba Grammar School’s Senior School Speech Night was marked by a powerful address from Old Boy Geoffrey Smith (2002–06), recently named the 2025 Australian of the Year for Queensland. Geoffrey, co-founder of Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA), has become a national leader in recognising the untapped potential of neurodivergent Australians in the workforce. His organisation provides geo-spatial and engineering services while creating meaningful employment opportunities - with 80 per cent…
Tears at the Gate, Pride at the Finish
Melanie Elms says she regularly sees a group of TGS parents socially, they've become lifelong friends Heartfelt moments bookend the boarding years “It feels very surreal. I'm proud, but it is very surreal.” Those were the words of Mrs Melanie Elms from 'Taringa' near Edgeroi, New South Wales, as she reflected on the moment her youngest son Sam finished his time at Toowoomba Grammar School. An end to walking up to Taylor House returning a boarder to TGS forever and it comes just 12 months after…
The Grammar Boy: TGS Character Cast in Bronze for All Time
Unveiled on Friday, 7 November 2025, this new statue is more than a work of art. It is a symbol of the enduring character that has shaped Toowoomba Grammar School for 150 years. The ceremony began with the ringing of the School House bell, it’s a sound many current students were hearing for the first time but one that may just have stirred memories for some of the Old Boys in attendance. As Headmaster Dr John Kinniburgh remarked in his address, “Today is a special occasion… one I’ve been…
Taking TGS Rugby West: making mates in the Longreach district
Last month, Head of Rugby Lincoln Clapham, TGS Old Boys' Association Vice President, Trent Raymond (1989-93) and two Year 11 boarding students, Luke Burrow (2025 First XV Co-captain) and Archie Smart, travelled 11.5 hours west to Longreach to deliver rugby clinics in partnership with the Longreach School of Distance Education (LSODE) and Western Queensland Rugby Union. Archie and Luke had both been to Longreach before but enjoyed the QANTAS Founders Museum The visit was part of a broader…
The Modified Rugby Program’s Game-Changing Impact
Founded in Brisbane in 2014 by the not-for-profit GingerCloud Foundation Limited, the Modified Rugby Program (MRP) gives neurodiverse young people the chance to play a sport and their families the opportunity to be part of a sporting community. It also allows coaches and player mentors the very privileged role of helping these young people have what many consider a normal experience - the joy of being part of a team. For Year 12 boarder Will Brown, it is a cause that is close to his heart.…