“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
Facilitating Respect
Recently the 2022 TGS Prefect group spoke at the Headmaster’s Assembly about respecting individuality. But what does this mean? The foundations for a successful relationship with peers, family, co-workers, and others is framed and supported by a two-way street of respect. However, for this two-way street to be functional it is important to know that respect cannot be demanded, it can only be earned. Toowoomba Grammar School is no different and respect is nurtured in various forms such as in the…
The Benefits of Early Learning at TGS
Making a decision about our children’s education can be difficult; especially when there are so many options available. Once upon a time parents simply sent their children to the school that was a walkable distance from home. Much research has evolved since the early 1900s about what is best for our children to foster a love of learning and feel confident and safe in the classroom. Here at Toowoomba Grammar School, we take this very seriously. Pastoral care comes before anything else; we see…
Outside of the Text Book
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein There is no denying that learning a foreign language can sometimes be a challenging experience, particularly with limited opportunity to practise outside the classroom. However, learning a language is a skill that will add to many facets of your life, often without you even realising, and as part of a well-rounded education, the value of language learning cannot be underestimated. "A different language is a…
TGS Academic Enrichment Program for Boarders
Toowoomba Grammar School provides an inspiring and broad curriculum for boys, delivered by dedicated educators who understand how to engage boys in their learning. Our staff go above and beyond in providing an outstanding education and support network for our boys. They are regularly available to answer questions, assist with homework and assignments and provide academic support for all our students. This is particularly so for our boarders, thanks to our Academic Enrichment Program (AEP). All…
Teacher as a Student
As a teacher at Toowoomba Grammar School, I teach mathematics and business studies, and manage the GPS Chess team. Prior to teaching, I worked as a financial analyst. Recently I have completed a master's degree in science at the University of Southern Queensland. My study was focused exclusively on data science, and I have become an expert in the management of big data with a specialisation in modelling and forecasting using machine learning techniques. The motivation for this study was…
Developing Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships are extremely important for the development of mental health in our youth. When you spend time with people you care about, who care about you, this can help you feel connected and supported. This term is one of the largest in regard to boys participating in activities and sports ranging from field, to court, to thought. This is in addition to music and drama programs. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe this allows for plenty of opportunity to develop the ability to…
Striving for the Best
Director of Volleyball, Mr Eric Smith has spent the past 20 years at Toowoomba Grammar School not only shaping the minds of the young men in his science classroom but also working tirelessly on improving his capacity to coach volleyball to the highest level. Starting at the School in 2003, Eric quickly rediscovered his passion for volleyball, something he had not experienced since playing for Ipswich Grammar School during the ‘90s. “I felt completely at home back on the volleyball court and…
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…
Successful Decision Making - Subject Selections
Term 3 tends to be an important time for students making decisions, and for some, possibly the first time they have really had the opportunity to make a decision that could impact the course of their future. Year 8 students are taking control of their academic program for the first time, being able to select their electives for Year 9. For most, these decisions are mainly about getting the opportunity to pursue subjects which interest them and the joy of not taking some subjects which really do…
