“Character isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being courageous.”Hedley Donges, Senior Dayboy Prefect
At Toowoomba Grammar School, wellbeing is more than a program - it’s a culture we focus on and refocus on until it's right.
As we mark R U OK? Day, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and staying connected. Whilst today is a National Day of Action, the message is clear: asking “R U OK?” should not be reserved for just one day of the year.
By having regular, meaningful conversations with each other, we create trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on in our lives. This simple but powerful practice ensures that when someone is struggling, they know they have a colleague they can turn to.
At our School, we pride ourselves on the strength of our community and the way we support both our students and each other. This spirit of connection is at the heart of what makes our workplace strong and compassionate. We encourage you to carry this approach into your daily interactions — taking the time to check in, listen and show genuine care.
Thank you for the role you play in building a culture at Toowoomba Grammar School where we see wellbeing, openness and connection matters. Together, we can continue to ensure no one feels they have to face challenges alone.
A reflection on our Wellbeing Assembly
Last month our School community gathered for a special assembly that highlighted the importance of character, connection and ultimately courage. The assembly featured a number of powerful addresses and we're going to highlight just two. One is sharing the sentiments from our Senior Dayboy Prefect, Hedley Donges and the other is focusing in on the key messages from our Head of Pastoral Care, Mr Michael Hall.
Standing Up with Strength – Hedley Donges
Hedley Donges opened the assembly with a heartfelt reflection on character. Speaking not just as a leader but as a peer, he challenged students to consider what it truly means to live with integrity.
“It’s about standing up for what is right, even when it’s hard, even when it’s uncomfortable and especially when no one else will” Hedley said.
He spoke candidly about moments when mateship was tested and the importance of being an upstander and not just a bystander. His message was clear: silence in the face of mistreatment is a choice and not one that reflects strong character.
“Being an upstander means having the strength to say, ‘That’s not okay.’ It means checking in on someone who’s been left out, speaking up when someone’s being mocked and yes - sometimes it means telling a teacher or even your parents when someone is being mistreated. That’s not weakness. That’s integrity.”
Hedley’s challenge to his peers was simple but profound: be the one who steps in. Be the one who makes a difference.
Building Character Through Challenge – Mr Michael Hall
Mr Hall’s address expanded on the theme of character, focusing on how it is shaped through adversity and connection. Using the metaphor of a tree weathering storms, he reminded students that strength is forged in tough times.
“Our character isn’t just built in easy times, but through the tough ones. And the secret ingredient to getting through those tough times is authentic connection.”Mr Michael Hall, Head of Pastoral Care
He shared encouraging data from the School’s wellbeing program, noting significant improvements:
- A 50% reduction in students feeling disconnected from school
- A 50% drop in over-regulation among Year 9 students
- A 76% improvement in students’ sense of belonging
These wins, Mr Hall explained, are the result of intentional moments of connection - hallway chats, classroom discussions, lunchtime banter and genuine interactions.
But challenges remain. Many students still feel pressure to present a version of themselves that isn’t authentic and some struggle to open up about their difficulties. Mr Hall urged students to lean into their relationships and trust the support network around them.
He also shared insights from the School’s recent bullying survey:
- 52% of students told a friend
- 57% confided in a parent or family member
- Only 36% reported to a teacher or staff member
- Alarmingly, 51% chose not to tell anyone
This data underscores the importance of fostering a culture where students feel safe speaking up - not just to friends and family, but to trusted adults at school.
Three Challenges for the Stretch Zone
As students navigate the pressures of Weeks 5 to 8 - what Mr Hall called the “Stretch Zone”, he offered three challenges:
- Dig deep – show patience and empathy, especially when others are struggling
- Continue building relationships – lean into your connections; they are your lifeline
- Focus on authenticity – be your true self and give others permission to do the same
“When you all emerge on the other side of this period, you won’t just have survived. You will have grown stronger, more resilient and more compassionate.”— Mr Michael Hall, Head of Pastoral Care
This assembly was a powerful reminder that character is not just a word - it’s a way of being. Through courage, connection and authenticity, our students are building a foundation that will serve them for life.
Latest Blog
When School days become years of Mateship, Growth and Unforgettable Memories
Yesterday’s Awards Assembly for our senior cohort saw lashings of pride, reflection and a time for parents and caregivers to savour the very nearness of graduation after years of growth and grit. As the boys prepare for their final external exams and the much-anticipated Formal, this gathering marked the beginning of their final chapter at Toowoomba Grammar School. The assembly featured a moving reel that traced their growth from wide-eyed Junior School boys to confident young men. There were…
Japan: A Journey of Discovery, Culture and Connection
For 30 students and four staff members from Toowoomba Grammar School, the recent Japan Cultural and Technology Tour was a vibrant tapestry of tradition, innovation and transformation. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, this immersive experience offered students a unique lens through which to view the world. The Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
TGS Puts Boys’ Online Safety First with Global EdTech Honour
This year, Toowoomba Grammar School was honoured at the Global EdTech Awards, becoming the only Australian school to receive recognition in this category of the prestigious international program. While the category - Best Network Manager - may not often make headlines, it celebrates the quiet achievers who empower learning, protect students and enable innovation. Arthur C. Clarke once said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” If that’s true, then network…
Ompelliargo - Episode 2 - School House: A Gothic Revival at the Heart of TGS
School House in 1907 Constructed in 1875, School House is more than just a structure - it’s a symbol of the community’s commitment to education and a cornerstone of the School’s heritage. Designed by Toowoomba architect Willoughby Powell and built by local craftsman John William Garget, the building reflects the Gothic Revival style, a design language that blends classical proportions with pointed arches, intricate fretwork and a sense of grandeur. Heritage architect Ms Stephanie Keays, a…
The Power of Character and Connection Every Day
As we mark R U OK? Day, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and staying connected. Whilst today is a National Day of Action, the message is clear: asking “R U OK?” should not be reserved for just one day of the year. By having regular, meaningful conversations with each other, we create trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on in our lives. This simple but powerful practice ensures that when someone is struggling, they know they have a…
Managing Conflict with Pre-Teens and Teenagers
Understanding the developmental challenges of our boys, particularly in managing emotional resilience and independence, helps parents navigate these moments more effectively. Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of adolescence, and for parents of preteens and teenagers at Toowoomba Grammar School, managing these moments effectively is key to nurturing their emotional growth and maintaining a healthy relationship.
Elevating Early Years Mathematics: Insights from a Global Teaching Fellowship
As a primary school teacher with ten years of classroom experience, I’ve had the opportunity to teach across year levels from Prep to Year 3. Throughout my teaching journey, I’ve developed a strong passion for ensuring that every student feels a sense of success in the classroom and equally, that every teacher feels confident and equipped to deliver high-quality lessons. Over time, I’ve become increasingly interested in how we can bring greater consistency and clarity to the way we teach…
Innovation at TGS: Preparing Boys for a Future of Possibilities
This commitment is reflected in how, for generations, our Old Boys have maintained strong connections with the School and their region, demonstrating a dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world. Having students who are able to think critically and evolve with technology will prepare them better for the workforce. Honouring the Past, Preparing for the Future The Grammar 150 celebrations this year offer a special opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of our…
75 Years of Rivalry and Respect
This year’s match holds special meaning, as it marks 75 years since the very first O’Callaghan Cup clash in 1950. Among those who remember the early days is Malcolm Powell, a proud TGS Old Boy (1948-52) who played fullback for the First XV in 1951. Malcolm, now in his nineties, still vividly recalls the thrill of those early games. “I watched the first Cup from the sidelines, I was in the Thirds that year,” Malcolm recalls. The fiercest of rivals but the greatest of friends “Downlands won that…