“This week, our School has come together in meaningful ways to reflect, learn and act.”Mr Scott Gale, Indigenous Education Coordinator
As a School community, we are proud to stand together in recognition of National Reconciliation Week (NRW).
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation.
The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together.
As we look back on the struggles and strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we also look forward to unity, and the promise of a future shaped by mutual understanding.
National Reconciliation Week Assembly
Our School Assembly was a moment of celebration, respect and leadership.
Led by Year 12 First Nations students, Kainen Beezley and Tallen Robinson, the assembly focussed on the theme 'Bridging Now to Next' and what it means for our School and our nation.
A highlight of the assembly was a video, where students and staff shared their perspectives on reconciliation. Through honest and thoughtful responses, this encourages all of us to think deeply about how we can be part of the journey forward.
We are also incredibly proud to announce that Kainen Beezley will be honoured as the Yalari Captain for 2025. Kainen’s leadership and voice are vital to ensuring that our School continues to grow as a place of inclusion, respect and cultural understanding. At today’s Assembly he was recognised not only for his individual achievements, but his commitment to reconciliation in our School and beyond.
Whole School Reflection Activity
Next week, all students and staff will participate in a School-wide reflection, taking time to consider:
- What reconciliation means to each of us
- What our School is currently doing to support reconciliation
- What actions we can take each day to create lasting change.
This activity reinforces the idea that reconciliation is not just a one-week event, but something we commit to as individuals and as a community, every day.
In the words of this year’s NRW theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’ is about carrying the lessons of the past as we move forward, stronger and more united. Reconciliation is not always easy, and the journey has not always been straight. But each step we take, as a School and as a nation, helps bridge the space between where we’ve been and where we are going.
Custom-designed jerseys
Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to announce that the First XV Rugby team will wear a special one-off competitive uniform featuring Indigenous artwork during their trial games on Saturday, 7 June 2025. This unique occasion coincides with National Reconciliation Week and reflects our commitment to recognising and celebrating First Nations culture within our School community.
These custom-designed jerseys will be worn exclusively for this trial match, symbolising a meaningful gesture of respect and unity. The inclusion of First Nations artwork in our sporting uniforms marks another important milestone, particularly for the 51 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are valued members of the TGS community.
The design on the jersey's centres around the Toowoomba Grammar School campus as a place of learning and storytelling. The flowing lines radiating from the centre represent the individual journeys our students and staff take to and from their home communities, a powerful symbol of connection, identity and shared purpose.
This week, we reflect and most importantly, we move forward together.
Latest Blog
Drive and Determination
Jeremy Peacock is ranked third in the world in the PTS4 Para category and his sights are set on selection for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. During Jeremy’s time at TGS he represented the School in numerous endeavours but was particularly known for his contributions to the Arts, particularly Music. On the sports field, Jeremy represented TGS in GPS Athletics, Cross Country, Cricket and Football. After returning from a gap year in the UK teaching music at Port Regis School, Dorset, Jeremy…
That Life-Changing Moment
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 Dent and asked if Waverley could be accepted into Toowoomba Grammar School on a scholarship. Mr Dent agreed and so changed the course of Waverley’s life. “I don’t like to think about where I would be now if that hadn’t…
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…
