A Celebration of Legacy, Community and Character

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.

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: