“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
Time for a Wake Up Call
Did you know that one in five 12–17-year-olds average over 8 hours of screen time a day? That means that in a 14-hour day, 57% of their waking hours involve looking at a screen! This madness is contributing to a very significant problem all teenagers face - sleep deprivation. It is killing us. We are becoming walking zombies rather than happy, growing lads. However, we can end this treacherous technological tyranny by putting down our screens before bed. Stop and think for a second. How much…
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…
