In Toowoomba Grammar School’s Boarding Program, Years 5 to 7 students reside at Corfe House – a nurturing environment providing close pastoral support and guidance to the School’s youngest boarders. The skills, relationships and perspectives that boys develop here set them up for the rest of their boarding and school journey.

Toowoomba Grammar School understands the challenges for young students transitioning into boarding. Leading the way in creating a ‘home away from home’ is the Corfe House team: Head of House, Mr Henry White, supported by Corfe House Mother, Mrs Janelle Fletcher and Assistant Head of House, Mr Kabe Cicolini.

“From a boarding perspective, enabling young boys to flourish is only achieved within a community that is safe, welcoming and joyous,” said Henry, who develops the Corfe boarding program. He is responsible for ensuring that the daily management of the program meets the School’s long-term objectives relating to the boys’ academic and character development, and pastoral wellbeing.

“These three aspects are at the core of my boarding philosophy and are closely aligned with my fundamental values – acceptance, resilience and fun.”

The day-to-day logistics at Corfe House are largely overseen by Janelle who expertly assumes the role of surrogate mother to the boys, with great warmth and kindness. As a mother of two children who are grown and left home herself, she understands the importance of being a ‘shoulder to cry on’ and creating a place where homesickness meets solace, and laughter and encouragement flow freely.

"They find joy in the simple things and have such an unassuming nature; they remind me of life's basic pleasures," Janelle states. "At the end of the day, they are away from their mums and families. They need to have that loving, genuine maternal care to give them comfort and reassurance."

He may be Corfe House’s newest team member, but Kabe’s journey at TGS has spanned a decade, primarily as the Head of Basketball. As a GPS Old Boy, he genuinely appreciates the exceptional education and opportunities available at TGS and the sacrifices families make to provide their sons with this privilege.

“Our School has a warm and welcoming community based in humility and hospitality and our staff always put our boys first,” Kabe believes. “I want to ensure the boys make the most of their time at TGS, seizing every opportunity for personal growth, development, building lasting relationships and creating memories. My goal is to empower them to make informed decisions, take charge of their boarding experience and evolve into ‘good blokes’.”

Henry, Janelle and Kabe pride themselves in their ability to collaborate to bring a sense of stability and structure to students at Corfe, establishing clear boundaries, routines and duties that mimic their lives at home. Boys are given the tools to lead themselves and develop a sense of independence, building discipline and resilience. This allows them to thrive at school, on the sporting field and in their relationships, all within a supportive and compassionate environment.

While a boarder’s time in Corfe is relatively short, the team strive to make it memorable and ensure that each boy is prepared for success in, and beyond, their boarding journey. Empowering ‘Grammar boys’ to take true ownership of their experiences and shape their own unique adventures, supports them in becoming independent thinkers and leaders, well-prepared for life beyond TGS.

Discover more about Toowoomba Grammar School boarding here www.twgs.qld.edu.au


Latest Blog

Sports & Activities
/
Thursday, 05 June 2025

Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program

Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Thursday, 29 May 2025

Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together

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…

Read More
Blog Thursday, 22 May 2025

A Bright Start to our Rising and Leading Series

More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.

Read More
Grammar 150
/
Thursday, 15 May 2025

Women of Grammar Luncheon

A Tribute to the Heart of the School Originally scheduled for International Women's Day but rescheduled (thanks, Cyclone Alfred!) to the eve of Mother's Day, the timing felt serendipitous. It was a day to honour the women—past and present—whose quiet strength, tireless support and enduring love have shaped the School's legacy and the lives of its boys for 150 years. The marquee was beautifully appointed for a day of merriment

Read More
Old Boys
/
Thursday, 08 May 2025

Lachlan Stuart's Marathon Feat

Mr Stuart will return to TGS again for the event held on Wednesday, 28 May to support the Year 12's significant fundraising G150 Gift Run event. The boys are running 1500km in a relay format to honour a 1968 TGS Interact Club fundraising project that will help upgrade the original School gates on Herries Street, along with raising funds for the Nerve Connection Foundation.

Read More
Old Boys
/
Thursday, 01 May 2025

Remembering Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900)

This was the headline that screamed out on the pages of the Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertiser on Thursday, 15 August 1901. With ANZAC Day just last Friday, this week we continue to honour many of our Old Boys who gave the ultimate sacrifice including Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900) and our first former student lost in the Boer War. The story began with: “News was received on Tuesday afternoon that in an engagement at Kopjesfontein, on the 6th instant,…

Read More
Community Engagement
/
Thursday, 24 Apr 2025

Honouring Tradition: Toowoomba Grammar School and ANZAC Day

This year marks 98 years since TGS and the 13 Army Cadet Unit (Toowoomba Collective Unit) first participated in ANZAC Services in Toowoomba. The School's commitment to these services is a testament to its deep-rooted military traditions and the enduring spirit of remembrance. Mounties out the front of School House in 1908. A Legacy of Service Toowoomba Grammar School's military traditions date back to its early days. The School's Cadet Unit, formed in 1892, has been a cornerstone of its…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Thursday, 03 Apr 2025

Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week - Developing Good Character Beyond the Classroom

We offer a range of enrichment activities for our boys, but the last week of Term 1 is a very special opportunity for all of our Senior School students. It's Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week, which provides age-appropriate physical challenges in a safe, well-supervised environment. Activities on the various camps may include ropes courses, rock climbing, bodyboarding, surfing, mountain biking and canoeing. The aim is to foster a love of the outdoors and an appreciation of the environment.…

Read More
People
/
Thursday, 27 Mar 2025

Stories behind key TGS staff helping shape our students

It was my great privilege to join TGS as Head of House - Boyce Boarding in 2024. The opportunity to lead these young men of character on their TGS journey carries great weight but is also enormously exciting. Embarking upon this project alongside my wife Meg as Boyce Boarding House Manager strengthens the team further. I am hopeful that we will demonstrate to the boys how positive relationships can foster a warm and supportive environment. I know that many of our boys are familiar with strong…

Read More