In 2023, Toowoomba Grammar School witnessed a remarkable resurgence in several of our sports programs, marking a year of triumph and growth. Although an elusive GPS premiership did not fall our way, a number of our 1st teams competed to the final whistle in Round 9 of their respective competitions, vying for their premierships. The achievements of our boys on the field and court were nothing short of exceptional, reflecting the commitment, dedication and character development that participation in sports fosters. At TGS, we firmly believe that sports play a pivotal role in nurturing resilience, determination and good character in our young men.
Our teams showcased their resilience throughout the year, both in victory and defeat. Resilience is a quality that is crucial not only on the field but in life. Our athletes learned to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to unforeseen challenges and remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence. This resilience was particularly evident during the 1st XI cricket season, when the team, lacking in confidence and form after a very tough preseason, rallied together to play some outstanding cricket through the nine rounds. Against all odds, the team nervously awaited the final result from TSS to determine if they had won the GPS Cricket Premiership, as the final points table came down to a bonus point decision. Unfortunately, the result did not go our way, and they were runners-up, missing the title by just one point. Despite the disappointment, the manner in which our students handled defeat at that moment was a testament to their unwavering determination and served as a tremendous example for aspiring TGS cricketers.
Determination is the driving force behind any successful athlete, and it was abundantly clear in all our boys' performances this year. Whether it was the relentless dedication to perfecting their free throws on the basketball court or the hours of gruelling practice sessions on the track, our students displayed an unyielding determination that propelled them to new heights. The success of the 1st XV rugby season proved that through hard work, strong leadership and a positive team culture, any dream is possible. Their unwavering commitment to training and unrelenting pursuit of excellence not only secured the highly sought-after O'Callaghan Cup but also inspired their fellow students and the entire TGS community that a GPS Rugby Premiership could be just around the corner. Unfortunately, we again just missed the title but secured our best result in six decades! A massive crowd of Old Boys and families turned out for the premiership game against Nudgee College, where TGS battled valiantly, going down by just seven points.
Our 1st VI volleyball team were also GPS Volleyball Premiership runners-up, missing out on silverware by just one point, and our 1st V basketball team had another impressive season, placing third on the GPS table on the back of last year's title. Our 1st XI football team also enjoyed a successful season, with the premiership in their sights, sitting at the top of the table right up until Round 8.
But participating in sports at TGS goes beyond just achieving victories. It is a holistic experience that instils values and builds character. Our boys learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline and respect. These values become ingrained in their character, guiding them not only in sports but also in their academic pursuits and personal lives.
Teamwork is a cornerstone of our sports programs, and it teaches our boys the significance of collaboration and unity. Whether it's a relay race, a doubles tennis match or a football game, our athletes understand that their success is intertwined with the performance of their teammates. This teamwork extends beyond the field as they learn to rely on and support one another in their academic and personal endeavours.
Sportsmanship is another critical aspect of character development. Our boys learn to win with humility and lose with grace. They respect their opponents, officials and teammates, regardless of the outcome. This sense of sportsmanship extends into the broader community as our students become ambassadors of fair play and good character.
Discipline is an integral part of sports training. Our boys develop the self-discipline required to adhere to rigorous training schedules, maintain a healthy lifestyle and excel in academics. This discipline becomes a life skill, ensuring that they approach their studies and future careers with dedication and focus.
Respect is ingrained in our athletes as they interact with coaches, teammates, opponents and spectators. They learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and understand the importance of treating everyone with dignity and kindness.
2023 has been a resounding success for TGS sports, with our boys achieving remarkable feats on the field, court and in the pool. Beyond the trophies and accolades, their participation in sports has contributed significantly to their personal growth. Resilience, determination and good character become inherent qualities in our students thanks to their involvement in sports. These qualities will undoubtedly serve them well as they navigate future challenges, both in their academic pursuits and in life beyond the School. Through sports, our boys are not only becoming exceptional athletes but also exceptional individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.
- Mr Steve Fryer, Director of Co-curricular Activities
Latest Blog
Breaking the Stigma
Strangling you in chains. Smothering you in despair. Anxiety and depression can be mighty beasts to break free from. Unfortunately, the state of traditional masculinity is reinforcing these chains. Mental health is a major threat to the well-being of men. This cage constructs barriers and borders which limit their ability to thrive in the modern world. Traditional Masculinity refers to a set of societal expectations foregrounded through the centuries by gender roles, stereotypes and beliefs.…
The Power of Gratitude
“What do you say mate?” your mum nudges you as the waitress hands you your dinosaur nuggets. “Thank you.” You have always been told to use good manners, and to say thank you, but what does thank you actually mean? Is it just two meaningless words uttered with monotonous regularity, or is it a tool that can alleviate mental health issues generating happiness and a sense of wellbeing? Gratitude is the sunlight that lights up those dark days. The ability to be grateful is at the core of personal…
The Silent Epidemic: Unveiling the Consequences of Sleep Deprivation
“Sleep that soothes away all our worries. Sleep that puts each day to rest. Sleep that relieves the weary laborer and heals hurt minds.” William Shakespeare (Macbeth, 1606) Heart Disease, Cancer, and Alzheimer's. Three life-threatening diseases. Three diseases all linked to lack of sleep. According to Dr. Okorie from the children’s health division of Stanford University, “7 out of 10 high school students are falling short of… (sleep) on school nights.” The Bulk of American teens are not getting…
Tik Tok - From Fun to Fear
Social media platforms have ingrained themselves into our daily lives in a time when technology is constantly evolving and drawing millions of users with seductive features and never-ending streams of captivating content. Among these, TikTok has become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating users with its viral challenges and short-form films. Underneath the fun and inventiveness however, there is growing concern about the risks connected to TikTok and other social media platforms. TikTok's…
Active Procrastination – Unlocking the Gates of Time
“Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill.” - Christopher Parker – professional actor. Unfortunately, procrastination is a term that we are all familiar with as students; the vast majority of us have experienced it firsthand. It saps our time and results like a parasite, a burden on its host. However, despite it’s reputation, recent studies have shown that when harnessed correctly, procrastination can be a powerful tool to improve both academic efficiency…
It Takes a Village...
The Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding community plays a pivotal role in shaping the young minds of our boarders and instilling values whilst creating a sense of mateship that can last a lifetime. The nurturing and supportive network of staff not only ensure a safe and structured environment but also cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the boys. ‘The staff supply the fuel to the ship but ultimately it is the boys who steer it and decide upon its final destination’. Our TGS…
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 the bedrock of reading. Encourage rich conversations with your child.…
The Journey of a Boarding Mother
When you look up mother in the dictionary it reads: female parent of a child. When you look up boarder, it simply reads: a child who lives away from home. So, put “boarder mother” together and we have: the female parent of a child who lives away from home – if only it were that simple. My definition of boarding mother is: a strong, dedicated unbelievably great female parent of a child who has the wisdom to put her son’s educational needs, wellbeing and lifelong endeavours before her own. A…
The Importance of Differentiation
As parents, we all want our children to have the best possible education, and one of the most effective ways for teachers to provide this is through differentiation. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs and interests of each student, and it can take many forms. First, let's define differentiation. Differentiation is a teaching approach that recognises that students have different strengths, interests, and learning styles. By adjusting instruction to meet these…
