“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
Our Other Mother
Meet Ms Janelle Fletcher, the House Mum of Corfe, whose journey at TGS began back in 1992 as an instrumental music teacher. Her story is one of deep connections, love for the arts and an unshakeable bond with the students of TGS. From the time that Janelle first stepped onto campus and shared her musical talents with young minds to now creating her own “mum moments” in Corfe — she has nurtured a profound sense of community and established connections that have lasted through generations. Her…
Fostering a creative generation and getting exhibited at GoMA
2023 Visual Arts student Ben Rosenberg (TGS 2019-2023) had his film “Mitchell” selected and it's now on display as part of the 2024 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art at GoMA. For 30 years the Awards have recognised and promoted excellence in senior visual art education throughout Queensland schools. Secondary schools typically enter the work of up to four Senior students. Previous winners from TGS include Sam McCosker (2013) and Austin Reed (2017). Ben is a filmmaker and…
In memory of Light Horse Field Ambulances
Toowoomba Grammar School would like to acknowledge our admiration for the loyalty, service and bravery exhibited by TGS Old Boys who so valiantly served. We are all the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, and their selfless actions continue to inspire a spirit of service amongst our current students. Today we focus on the contribution of one TGS Old Boy who made a significant contribution to World War I. Here is some of the incredible story of Major Avery, DSO and if you visit the School Museum…
New Caledonia, new horizons and travel through an educational lens
The opportunity to travel not only opens doors to new experiences but also fosters an increased intercultural understanding and empathy, both essential qualities for navigating and existing within our diverse world. For a group of language students travelling to New Caledonia, our recent French Language and Cultural Tour was a unique opportunity for such experiential learning, where language acquisition went beyond just learning vocabulary and grammar - and instead became a gateway to connect…
Erik Sheppard - making TGS Army Cadet Unit history
The 2024 Dining in Night was made even more special with the appointment of the first Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (TGS ACU) Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Erik Sheppard who was awarded his rank and pace stick by the 16th Battalion Commanding officer MAJ (AAC) Gary MacLachlan. WO1 Sheppard enlisted in the TGS ACU just before the COVID shutdown in 2020. Although this was not the ideal way to begin a cadet career, he was able to adapt and overcome the virtual…
The Big Six Reading Tips
Unlocking Literacy - The Big Six Elements for Your Child’s Reading Success Literacy skills are a core component of each day for our students, and parents often ask how they can support this from home. I am delighted to share with our parent community the essential components that underpin successful reading development. These elements, known as the Big Six, provide a solid foundation for your son’s literacy journey. These critical building blocks include: Oral Language: Communication skills are…
Boarding - Building Men of Good Character
Over the past five years, we have found one of the most valuable lessons that boarding can teach teenage boys is the ability to self-navigate and overcome challenges. Entering a boarding house is the first time many boarders have stepped away from the comfort and security of their parents and guardians. Although this can be a daunting experience, one of the things that this unfamiliarity creates is the ability to organise yourself. With a larger workload than previous years, a greater number…
The Learning Pit
Learning is at our core and covers all subject disciplines, co-curricular pursuits, personal development and interest areas. Helping our Toowoomba Grammar School boys view learning as a disposition that goes well beyond the classroom context is incredibly important. Learning has a life-long value in all we do. We also acknowledge that learning can be challenging at times, and it can be uncomfortable, but also wonderfully inspiring and fulfilling. Appreciating the full range of feelings and…
Leap Before You Look
The boarding journey offers students a plethora of opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone and take advantage of new environments, relationships, and opportunities during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. We often talk about “character education” – a theory that originated in the US and has been increasingly embraced by leading schools globally. It is encouraging all students to develop new approaches to their learning, including aspects of morals and ethics, thinking,…
