“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
The Importance of Knowledge
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed traveling great distances. As a child growing up in rural New South Wales, this was inevitable. The region was speckled with towns, some more vibrant than others, and diverse landscapes where hillside ruins whispered tales of bygone eras. Over time, these landscapes and towns transformed into familiar scenes, with even minor changes in the community and environment growing more noticeable during each visit. Education parallels this journey, as…
Senior TGS Students' Advice for Starting Senior School
Starting at a new school can be a time of mixed feelings – very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Here are some tips from some Year 7 Grammar boys who started Senior School in 2023. Get involved in different sports and activities Toowoomba Grammar School provides many sports and activities that any student can participate in. As a current Year 7 student, I highly recommend trying out as many different sports and activities as you can. Throughout my first year in high school, I…
Transition to Senior School at TGS
Starting at a new school can be a time of mixed feelings – very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Irrespective of whether your son is joining us from the TGS Junior School, or if they are just starting at Toowoomba Grammar School, this is the start of a long and special journey. Your son will have a lot to digest with a new, possibly larger campus to navigate, different teachers and lessons, making new friends, where to go and what to do at morning tea and lunch. There can be a…
The Transition to Year 7 - from a Parent and Staff Member's Perspective
Regardless of your history with the school, you are all equally welcome here and should feel comfortable in knowing that we value every family and their son’s contribution to our School. Toowoomba Grammar School was built by the community, for the community and it is a School that I am immensely proud of. In 2025 we will celebrate our sesquicentenary or Grammar 150 and your sons will play a vital role in those celebrations. Our pedagogy is modelled on explicit instruction which has its roots in…
Boarding Families - Surviving Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both the child and their parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24hrs until the next call, you are often left worried that they are feeling like this ALL DAY. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad, they usually improve as they settle in, and it is temporary. The reality is that most boys tend to save…
Helpful Tips for New Boarding Parents
Name absolutely everything! Socks, undies, phone chargers, water bottles, caps. EVERYTHING!! Make sure you name items with Boy’s name & House number; most parents will put their senior house number if printing the tags so they don’t have to rename items when they move the following year (Corfe House doesn’t have a house number). Some boys find a double bed doona is a better option than single doona as it hangs down the sides of the bed a little more to keep them warmer in winter. An…
Parenting Styles: Parties and the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, parents and caregivers find themselves immersed in the joy and bustle of festivities. Amidst the celebrations, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the pivotal role our parenting styles play in shaping our children’s attitudes and behaviours, especially concerning alcohol and other drug use. As a father of four young people with my fifth child coming into our family on 8 December 2023, I’m particularly mindful of my parenting style and my role as School…
Building the Boarding Experience - at Home
Family connections is a vital aspect of our Toowoomba Grammar School boarding program that we hold close to our heart. Our Heads of House regularly make the effort to visit our boarding families so they have a better understanding of our boarders' lives, the challenges and experiences, and staff always enjoy the warmth and hospitality provided by families. Head of Corfe House, Henry White and his wife, Samantha recently spent a weekend with the Acton family on Dalgonally Station near Julia…
A New Season for Coach Kabe
Highly respected Head of Basketball and 1st V Coach, Kabe Ciccolini is embarking on a new and inspiring chapter. This season, he takes up the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House, guiding our youngest boarders with a warmth and passion that is uniquely his own. Kabe’s decision to transition into the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House reflects his unwavering commitment to mentorship and leadership. For him, this move signifies a positive step in his career. “It’s an opportunity to further…
