“Some of Theo’s teachers were mine, so it was lovely to reminisce on old times while also experiencing new things through his eyes.”— Nicholas Hess, TGS 1997-2001
For Nicholas Hess, Toowoomba Grammar School isn't just a place where he spent his school days, it’s a foundation for life, one that continues to influence him long after graduation.
His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much.
“There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,” reflected Nicholas, who was a boarder in Taylor House from 1997-2001.
“You develop these bonds that last a lifetime. I still catch-up with some of my mates, and I bump into people who went to TGS in different facets of my life everywhere. Those connections and friends are the biggest thing for me.”
This sense of belonging is something Nicholas believes is unique to TGS. The friendships formed through shared experiences on the playing field and stage, in the classroom and in the boarding houses.
One of his favourite memories was playing for the First XV in the O’Callaghan Cup on Grammar Downlands Day in 2001. He missed playing half the game after breaking his thumb but recalls the thrill when Ashley Leeder (1997-2001) kicked the penalty right on full time for TGS to draw the game 24-all. It’s still considered one of TGS’s legendary matches.
For Nicholas, his relationship with the School didn’t end when he walked out of the gates in 2001. His return here, first as a coach (Rugby 2005-09 and Tennis 2007-09) and a Boarding Assistant (2007) then a member of the Old Boys’ Association committee from 2017, was a natural progression, a way to show gratitude for what the School and his parents had given him.
"My parents sacrificed a lot for me and my brother (Fraser 2002-06) to go here, and I just wanted to give back as a show of my appreciation for all they’ve done and what I experienced there," he shared.
And he has given back, not only through the TGSOBA, coaching and assisting in boarding, but drawing on his knowledge as a Financial Planner to start a financial literacy program for our students.
“It’s just an hour-long presentation, but it’s important. I teach the boys about budgeting, understanding tax, interest and the importance of being financially aware,” Nicholas explained.
“It’s basic stuff, but it sets them up for life.”
It was always a given that Nicolas would send his son Theo here (2022-24) which presented another dimension to this already strong Blue and Gold connection.
“It was great to be able to share similar experiences, despite our generational gap,” said Nicholas.
Now, with Theo pursuing his basketball career in the USA, Nicholas has more time on his hands and has answered TGS’s call for Boarding Assistants; he spends Friday nights or weekends guiding the young men he can relate to so well. That involvement on the frontline enhances his position on the TGS Old Boys’ Association.
“I like to see what’s happening behind the scenes,” explained Nicholas.
“It’s imperative that TGS maintains many of our old values and traditions, but it’s also important that we grow and move forward - I can help achieve that balance by being on the OBA.”
The OBA is a chance to relive the past, as well as shape the future of the School. Nicholas is passionate about encouraging other Old Boys to reconnect with TGS, either as Boarding Assistants, organising reunions, coaching/volunteering or joining the OBA committee.
“There’s always a place to come back to,” stated Nicholas.
“Even if it’s just supporting the boys at games, that’s a good start and you never know who you will bump into."
“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and it’s great to be able to give back.”
Latest Blog
Introducing our new Head of Year 7 - Jodi Blades
My family moved from Brisbane to Toowoomba when I was ten years of age. I’ve lived here for most of my life, other than to study and begin my teaching career in Brisbane. I lived and worked in London for 18 months before returning to Toowoomba in 2001. With over 20 years’ experience teaching and leading pastoral care programs within independent day and boarding schools, I am dedicated to developing students holistically; the academic, social, emotional, cultural, and physical development of…
Holiday Reading Recommendations
Here is a snapshot; three titles from each year level, and from Head of Library and Information Services, Mr Dan Crook to inspire your choices for holiday reading: Year 7: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The last Ronin. Hatchet - Gary Paulsen Billy Slaters autobiography - Billy Slater Year 8: The dead of the night (Tomorrow series) - James Marsden Rangers Apprentice The ruins of Gorlan - John Flannagan The Hunger games. -Suzanne Collins Year 9: Back to the Pillaga - Tony Parsons Deadpool Samurai…
Life After School
As children grow and develop, they participate in a range of new experiences, with the “journey” from birth to adulthood being shaped by several awaited and expected transitions. These transitions occur across a range of context and help us to evolve in new environments. It is important to note that transition is associated with a change, which is something that happens for all of us. The concept of transition involves how we process, manage, and respond to the change. As adults, we work hard…
TGS Artist in Residence - Ben Tupas
I’ve been following Toowoomba Grammar School’s exciting Artist-in-residence program for several years. After seeing fellow Toowoomba artists such as Catherine Parker, Alice Weinthal and Vincent Parisi taking up the opportunity and engaging in the program, I decided to apply in 2022 to continue the momentum of my own artist practice. With the four-week residency wrapping up at the end of October, and some time to reflect on the experience I can write that the experience was a valuable…
The Transition to Secondary School
Research shows us that the move from a primary school to a secondary school is one of the most significant life changes that our young men will face. You can help make the transition to Senior School smoother by ensuring that the boys attend the orientation days, practice packing their bags and getting their sports, music, and activities equipment ready. When asked about tips for the boys coming into Year 7, current Year 7 dayboy, Ollie Wells suggests boys should “Be organised. Pack the night…
Nothing is Impossible
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…
Simple Acts of Kindness
Giving back to the community is an important value that Toowoomba Grammar School endeavours to instill in our boys. Year 12 student, Tumoana Strugnell is a shining example of how it costs nothing but our time to help others, especially as we move into the Festive season and the challenges of life seem heightened. I first became involved in community service when I was in Year 6, through my local primary school’s involvement on ANZAC Day and my parent’s involvement in local community events. I’m…
A Holistic Approach to our Boarders' Activities Program
A true education is about much more than just lessons in a classroom. It’s about providing experiences that challenge a child, physically and mentally. It’s about providing opportunities that build independence, resilience and that help develop their good character. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to offer a broad and liberal education that stretches way beyond the walls of a classroom and equips our boys with the skills to flourish as an individual. We offer a diverse and engaging…
A Beginner's Guide to Manga
If your son has brought home a book with big eyed characters, and he seems to be reading backwards, chances are, he's discovered Manga. The Dent library has a Manga collection that would be the envy of many schools, with over 100 unique titles. It Is easily the most visited section in the library, over half of the top 100 titles borrowed this year are Manga! But what is Manga? Manga is an umbrella term for a variety of print comics and graphic novels originating from Japan. Unlike western…
