“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
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,…
