“Fifty years ago, a capsule was laid down with hope and foresight and today, we will open it with respect and reflection.”Dr John Kinniburgh
On Tuesday, 5 August 2025, TGS marked a truly historic milestone, 150 years since the laying of its foundation stone by Justice Lilley.
The day was filled with reflection, celebration and a deep sense of connection to the generations who have shaped the School’s legacy.
From the opening of a time capsule sealed in 1975, to a Sesquicentenary Assembly that honoured our roots and looked to the future, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the TGS community. And of course there was cake!
A Message Across Time: Opening the 1975 Time Capsule
With the sun streaming down into the courtyard of the Centenary Dining Hall, in front of a group of very special guests, a small metal box was carefully opened. It was a modest but very sturdy time capsule, sealed 50 years ago during the School’s centenary celebrations.
Inside were artefacts chosen to reflect the life and spirit of TGS in 1975, including a copy of The Chronicle, held by 1975 Prefect Dr Ashley Seawright, which looked markedly different from the digital version displayed by 2025 Senior Boarding Prefect, Rupeni Baravilala.
The capsule was taken out of its place of interment in the Dining Hall wall by Headmaster Dr John Kinniburgh and opened with a brightly coloured and so-called 'ceremonial screwdriver' by our Senior School Prefect Gilbert Tighe and Junior School Captain Andy Reeves. The screws having been unwound, a parcel of time revealed, the crowd saw individual artifacts removed carefully and displayed on a table.
Some of the most insightful commentary on the capsule's contents was from our young School leaders, they marvelled at the very formal invitations, pamphlets and programs for the events held to celebrate the School's centenary in 1975, noting there were many special functions, not unlike this year.
Captain of the Junior School, Year 6 student Andy Reeves, was delighted to see the one and two cent pieces among the coins included with Year 12 leader Gilbert Tighe noting that they differ of course from a number of the coins circulating now which have King Charles III effigy on the back.
One particularly charming artefact was a menu from the opening of the Centenary Dining Hall, written entirely in French. Fortunately, our brilliant Senior School Languages teacher, Mrs Lynnette Yeabsley, was on hand to translate it to the delight of the crowd.
Among those present was in fact Mrs Marion Dent, the widow of TGS's 13th Headmaster, the late Mr Willam Maurice Spode (Bill) Dent who was appointed in 1970 and oversaw the time capsule being interred in 1975. Our School community feels so privileged that Mrs Dent and her son Andrew could be present at the ceremony and witness to two very special anniversaries for TGS.
Dr John Kinniburgh, took a moment to reflect on the privilege of standing “on the shoulders of giants”, the many leaders who have guided TGS over the last century and a half. Plans are already underway to seal a new capsule later this year, inviting today’s students to leave their own mark for future generations.
Headmaster Dr John Kinniburgh admitted to not remembering 1975 very well himself only being very young in that decade but added, “At the time, Mr William ‘Bill’ M.S. Dent was in his sixth year as Headmaster, with Dr Ian Gibson serving as Chairman of the Board in his third year. The student leadership team included Senior Prefect Philip Cockerill, Senior Day Prefect Roderick Saal and Senior Boarder Prefect John Cox."
Dr Kinniburgh said, "Total enrolments had reached a record 548 boys, comprising 196 day students and 352 boarders, a strong reminder that we have always been, at our heart, a boarding school.”
Junior School Joins the Celebration — With Cake!
Our Junior School, comprising boys from Prep to Year 6, played a proud part in the Foundation Day celebrations, attending the special assembly alongside the Senior School.
However earlier in the day, the youngest members of the Grammar community enjoyed their own moment of celebration - a joyful gathering complete with cupcakes and a birthday cake to mark the School’s 150th anniversary.
The Junior School was established in 1997, following a decision made by the Board of Trustees in October 1996, with the initial intake catering for Grades 5 to 7. Since then, it has grown into a vibrant and essential part of TGS, offering a rich academic program that balances joy and rigour.
The cake ceremony was a sweet and memorable way for these young Grammar boys to connect with the School’s legacy and to begin building their own.
A Legacy Built by Community: The Sesquicentenary Assembly
Later that afternoon, the School gathered for a moving Sesquicentenary Assembly with our Headmaster welcoming a host of distinguished guests, including former Headmasters, Old Boys, civic leaders and all of our current students.
The Headmaster opened with the School’s traditional prayer, once used by John Mackintosh, our first Headmaster.
Benedictus, Benedicat, per Jesum Christum Dominum Nostrum (May the Blessed One bless us, Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen)
Dr Kinniburgh added, "While Toowoomba Grammar School has always been non-denominational, our founders embraced Christian principles as a guiding framework."
The assembly traced the School’s origins to 1874, when local townspeople, graziers and businessmen met at the Commercial Hotel to raise funds under the Grammar Schools Act of 1860. That same evening, Ashton’s British and American Circus held a benefit performance, featuring acrobats and brass bands all in support of building a school “by the community, for the community.”
On 5 August 1875, the foundation stone was laid at Old Queen’s Park, then considered “too far out of town.” Today, 150 years later, we gathered in numbers likely greater than those present at that original ceremony — a testament to the enduring strength of the Grammar community.
The Headmaster shared the story of Jim Atkinson, a 12-year-old boy from Greenvale Station in North Queensland, who enrolled in 1913. His journey to TGS involved a bicycle, a rifle, a schooner and multiple trains, taking two weeks in total. Jim’s determination symbolised the value placed on education and the belief that TGS could shape a future.
He added there were many men we could choose from to be proud of, "From General Sir Harry Chauvel, who led Australian forces in World War I, to Les Weis, founder of Weis Ice Creams, the legacy of TGS is carried not by a few, but by thousands."
"It lives in the character, courage and contributions of our Old Boys and in the values passed on to each new generation" he said.
For 150 years, Grammar has shaped boys both academically and personally. A TGS education offers a glimpse of what’s possible and every student’s journey is different, as it should be and for those who grasp the spirit of this place, it becomes a foundation for engaging meaningfully with the world.
At the heart of our School lies a simple message, a simple core purpose - to educate boys and develop their good character for life.
But Toowoomba Grammar School is more than just a school, its uniqueness lies in its community - a partnership that has shaped character, traditions and belonging. We see this in the way our Old Boys reconnect and remain connected, proud of where they’ve been and proud of what they’ve achieved.
“Here, boys have grown, developed values and begun to understand who they might become.”— Dr John Kinnburgh, TGS Headmaster
Quoting author Eudora Welty, the Headmaster reminded us that “sense of place gives equilibrium; extended, it is sense of direction too.” For 150 years, TGS has offered boys not just an education, but a foundation for life; a place to grow, to belong and to discover who they might become.
As we prepare to seal a new time capsule later this year, the Headmaster posed a powerful question:
“What will future generations remember about you, the boys of 2025?”
Dr Kinniburgh said "Legacy isn’t built in a single moment but is shaped by how we live each day with honesty, respect, kindness, courage and effort."
"These are the values that have guided TGS for 150 years and they are now in the hands of the boys of today."
Adaptability and Legacy: Mayor Geoff McDonald’s Reflections
Special Guest Speaker, Old Boy and Mayor of the Toowoomba Regional Council, Cr Geoff McDonald (TGS 1984–88), delivered a heartfelt and engaging address at the Foundation Day Assembly. Opening with a quote from Charles Darwin, “It’s not the strongest nor the most intelligent of species that survives, but the one that is most adaptable to change”. Mayor McDonald reflected on the enduring importance of adaptability, a value he first encountered during his time at TGS and one that continues to guide him in public life.
He fondly recalled his days as a player in the “Mighty 13 Cs” rugby team, coached by Mr John K. Winn and Mr Russell Gillies, proudly noting that five of his teammates went on to play in the First XV by Year 12. With a smile, he asked for a show of hands from any current students in the Under 13 Cs, encouraging them to be proud of their journey.
Mayor McDonald also paid tribute to several of his former teachers, singling out Mr JK Winn for his lasting influence both on and off the field. He spoke of the honour boards in Old Boys’ Hall, urging students to read the names and achievements recorded there - a testament to the breadth of impact Grammar boys have had across all fields.
One memory etched in his mind was the 1987 Grammar–Downlands O’Callaghan Cup match, a wet and dreary day not unlike the forecast for this year’s clash. The game ended in a 6-all draw, with two penalties apiece. Grammar was captained by Jason Little and Downlands by Tim Horan — two young men who would go on to play inside and outside centre for the Wallabies and win the Rugby World Cup in 1991. “A six-all draw,” he said, “was fitting for those two champions.”
In closing, Mayor McDonald offered a heartfelt acknowledgment of two remarkable women who have given decades of service to the School: Mrs Judy Gillies, who served as TGS’s administration officer for an extraordinary 54 years - the longest-serving employee in the School’s history and Mrs Denise Miller, who also enjoyed a long and dedicated career at the School. Both women continue to volunteer their time in the School’s museum, preserving and sharing the stories of generations past. “True champions and gifts of this School,” he said with gratitude.
His message was clear and resonant:
The legacy of TGS is not only built on tradition, but on the ability to grow, adapt and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Latest Blog
The Importance of Differentiation
As parents, we all want our children to have the best possible education, and one of the most effective ways for teachers to provide this is through differentiation. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs and interests of each student, and it can take many forms. First, let's define differentiation. Differentiation is a teaching approach that recognises that students have different strengths, interests, and learning styles. By adjusting instruction to meet these…
Addressing Anger in Teenage Boys
As a community dedicated to the growth and well-being of our teenage boys, it is essential to address the complexities of emotions we experience during adolescence. Among these emotions, anger stands out as a powerful and intense feeling that can influence their behaviour, relationships and overall wellbeing. Untreated anger can lead to a myriad of problems and challenges for our young boys. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the dangers of untreated anger, ways to support healthy…
Study Skills Program
Just as teachers benefit from an understanding of the Learning Sciences in their lesson planning and preparation, so to do students when they are studying for major summative assessments. A survey of TGS students in Years 9 to 12 found that 70% of our boys felt that they knew how to study, with the biggest impediments to study being lack of motivation and too many distractions. The most highly preferred study technique was found to be rewriting notes. Cramming, rereading the text and rewriting…
Developing Teachers Worldwide
I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2023 International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Annual Conference at Westlake Boys High School in Auckland, New Zealand, in my capacity as a Team Leader in the IBSC Action Research Program. Action research is a systematic inquiry conducted by teachers in their own classroom to better understand the impact that an aspect of their practice is having on their students. Each year, 40 teachers from IBSC member schools from around the world are accepted…
Developing a Sense of Belonging for our TGS Boarders
How do we adequately develop a teenager’s 'sense of belonging' in boarding? Head of Boyce House, Boarding, Mr Michael Hall has investigated how 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs' applies to boarding. It is a psychological theory that suggests human beings have a set of fundamental needs that must be fulfilled in a hierarchical order. The theory proposes that individuals must first satisfy their physiological needs before moving on to higher-level needs, such as the 'belongingness' that is so…
Kia Moemoeā – Dream Beyond Limits
A 12-year study has found that boys consistently perform better in an all boys’ school compared to boys in co-educational schools. This was one of several interesting topics presented at the recent International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Conference in Auckland, New Zealand which I attended alongside three of my Toowoomba Grammar School colleagues – Mr Luke Rawle, Mr Dave Klan and Mrs Jessica Galbraith. We joined 600 leading educators from 15 countries around the world for the four-day…
Blue and Gold in the Blood
“I had such fond memories from the School and enjoyed all the opportunities available, particularly participating in sport and learning at such a high level; my sons were going to have the same great education,” said Chris adamantly. Chris was a boarder from Dalby and an “all-rounder” as a student. He was part of the 1st XV, a CUO in the Cadets, a member of the debating team, involved in drama (featuring in two plays during his time) and a good academic student. “I really enjoyed boarding,”…
The Benefits of Repeated Reading
An effective and evidence-based method that can significantly improve your child's reading abilities is repeated reading. Reading proficiency is a vital skill that sets the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. Repeated reading, a simple yet powerful technique, has been proven to enhance reading fluency, comprehension, and overall confidence. Let's delve into why repeated reading is such a beneficial practice for your child. Research consistently supports the benefits of…
Print v Digital
I recently read an article by Petra Stock, entitled "Streaming Stories: Will Children’s Digital Book Platforms Upend Print", an interesting discussion comparing ebooks and print media and the ways they are being used during and post COVID. Which is better according to the article? Well, there is a clear winner; however, like many things, the answer can depend on the situation. I'd like to break elements of the article down, along with my own thoughts and compare the two. Social…