“They were thinking about the iconic qualities of the boys who have walked these grounds over the years, boys just like you.”Dr John Kinniburgh, Headmaster
With hand outstretched and gaze unwavering, the Grammar Boy now stands in bronze, a timeless figure of kindness and quiet strength.
Unveiled on Friday, 7 November 2025, this new statue is more than a work of art. It is a symbol of the enduring character that has shaped Toowoomba Grammar School for 150 years.
The ceremony began with the ringing of the School House bell, it’s a sound many current students were hearing for the first time but one that may just have stirred memories for some of the Old Boys in attendance. As Headmaster Dr John Kinniburgh remarked in his address, “Today is a special occasion… one I’ve been looking forward to the most.”
Joined by Mr Bronte Smith (Chair, G150 Committee), Mr Andrew Webster (President, Parents and Friends’ Association) and Mr Trent Raymond (Vice-President, Old Boys’ Association, representing Mr Simon Cook), Dr Kinniburgh led the unveiling of the statue. A special part of our G150 celebrations, it is a collaborative gift from the Parents and Friends’ Association, the Old Boys’ Association and the School.
The statue’s concept, Dr Kinniburgh shared, was born from a 2023 conversation between Mr Smith and our Deputy Headmaster, Mr John Anderson, about the defining qualities of a Grammar boy.
The statue’s outstretched hand is no accident. It is a gesture of welcome, respect and friendship. “The statue is a reflection of you,” Dr Kinniburgh told the students. “A typical Grammar Boy: welcoming, polite, respectful. That is you and that is Grammar.”
Crafted by sculptor Liam Hardy and Marios Hrniciarik of Sculpt Studios, the statue is rich in detail from the blazer and hat to the feeling that he’s looking you in the eyes, a mark of respect when he greets you. Positioned on the Promenade in front of School House, it stands at the heart of the School’s journey. “Statues are silent storytellers,” said Dr Kinniburgh. “They don’t speak, but they remind. They don’t move, but they guide.”
In a delightful twist that blends tradition with a touch of humour, the Grammar Boy has officially been enrolled at Toowoomba Grammar School, he even has a real student number. Dr and Mrs Kinniburgh have graciously accepted the role of his guardians, while Deputy Headmaster Mr John Anderson and his wife, Veronique are listed as emergency contacts. It’s really a fitting arrangement for a boy who will never be late, never miss a class and always wear his uniform impeccably. Though he may never sit an exam, he will stand as a quiet companion to those who do.
And in the short time he has been here, countless boys have already gone to greet him, peering though the windows of School House many staff have watched boys gather around before School, during morning tea and at lunch breaks. It’s been a spontaneous, heartfelt welcome to a new figure who represents the tradition of the last century and a half. He truly embodies all the hopes we hold for our Old Boys and current students alike: that they remember the lessons taught here when afar and asunder. He’ll be here no matter where they are, still setting the standard, simply being a good bloke, a likeable human. A hope we all have for our boys and men.
The Grammar Boy is fast becoming part of School tradition. Year 12s will pass him on their way to their final assembly. New students will walk past him on their first day. Sports teams may tap his hand for luck. “He is here to be part of your journey,” the Headmaster said.
“He is, after all, one of us and he will be here forever more.”Dr John Kinniburgh, Headmaster
As the sun catches the bronze of the Grammar Boy’s blazer in the afternoons - one can almost feel the weight of history and the lightness of hope. This is a statue not just to be seen, but to be felt, he’ll be a companion to generations of Grammar boys. If you haven’t already, we can’t wait for you to meet him.
Latest Blog
Honouring Tradition, Preparing for the Future
They will invariably be inspired by effective teaching and the satisfaction of personal achievement will always be motivating. At Toowoomba Grammar School, the power of high-quality instructional practices has resulted in the development of a strong academic culture that has endured for nearly 150 years. Preserving core principles provides stability and continuity. However, we must be open to continuously adapting our methods so that our students are well-prepared for the ever-changing world…
We See You - Mitchell Wilkes
That was the heart-wrenching diagnosis for Year 10 student, Mitchell Wilkes, right on Christmas in 2021. Mitchell’s mum noticed he wasn’t reading properly and had a gut feeling that there was something wrong with his eyesight. A trip to the optometrist revealed a thinning in the retina, and further tests showed that Mitchell had a genetic condition called Stargardt Disease, a juvenile macular degeneration illness that results in slow central vision loss.
Correcting our School's official record commemorating World War I and World War II
On the eve of our 150th year, we're calling on the School's alumni, parents, past parents and greater community to aid us in correcting the record of our involvement in two watershed geopolitical events of the 20th century. For the last four years Toowoomba Grammar School Museum Volunteers, Mrs Ann Hallam and Mrs Sue Palmer, have been updating the School records on Old Boys, staff and Trustees for the World War I and World War II theatres of war. Over the years several staff and volunteers have…
A Pioneering Woman of TGS
My late husband was a teacher, and our four children are all teachers, which we encouraged them to do because it is the best job in the world. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for 36 years, working under four Headmasters: Mr Bill Dent, Mr Hugh Rose, Mr Peter Hauser and now Dr John Kinniburgh. I still drive into the School each day and smile, looking at the beautiful place it is — magnificent ovals, gracious trees and historically significant buildings. It is difficult to express the…
NZ Rugby Tour success, more than winning matches across the Ditch
The teams were undefeated and it was a trip the players will never forget. This tour was years in the making and heralds a new era of touring and hosting different rugby schools to give our players opportunities for growth as athletes and as people. Head of Sport - Rugby, Mr Lincoln Clapham, explained they selected 46 students to take part in the ten-day tour and began training last year. From Term 1 onwards, the squad trained twice weekly on the oval plus two and sometimes three gym sessions…
Aussie Teen Reading Habits Revealed
I was recently sent an article, summarising some research from Deakin University around the reading habits of teens in 2024. Some of it was, as the title suggests, surprising. Some was not. However, all of it was built around the importance of reading, and supporting our teens to read, which is something that every one of us should do. While we tend to see our teens as digital natives, recent research from Deakin University suggests that the average Aussie teen reader would rather flick through…
Now More Than Ever
The one-of-a-kind Indigenous artwork is emblazoned across the shirts for the First IV Tennis team, jerseys for the First XI Football team and First XV Rugby team and First V Basketball team's singlets. National Reconciliation Week is a significant date on the calendar for all Australians, running from Monday, 27 May to Monday, 3 June. The incorporation of this Indigenous design in our uniforms is a significant milestone for our School, especially for our 47 Aboriginal and Torres Strait…
It's a numbers game, making mathematics mainstream
Term 2 has been a busy one in the Mathematics department; from multiple year levels having extended assessment tasks to competitions run inside and outside the School. Using mathematical equations to recreate artwork The Year 11 Mathematical Methods students got a chance to be very creative with their assessment - using numbers to reproduce artwork. The boys visited the 2024 Grammar Art Show in Term 1 and were given the task to reproduce a chosen work using their knowledge of mathematical…
Bucolic beginnings, boarding and becoming a bowel surgeon
Coming from a cattle property near Injune I was in awe of the School’s ovals with lush, green grass and immaculate facilities. I found being able to throw yourself around and not risk skin cuts and grazes quite novel. Sharing the same field where many Old Boys and past heroes trotted was inspirational. I found the comradery among the boarders my most overwhelming memory. It was like having 60 brothers with similar interests all living under the same roof. There was always someone around to kick…
