The TGS Show Cattle Team commenced in Term 1 2021 under the guidance of Mr Jack Murphy and Mrs Julie Brophy. The concept of the team was to give boys a hands-on, extracurricular opportunity in the agricultural industry.
The boys have been competing in the Young Judges’ competitions at a range of shows across Queensland. The Young Judges’ competition is based on the goal of expanding the boys' knowledge of the skills that are a foundation of the animal production industry, helping them as youthful individuals to develop their careers within agriculture. With this in mind, the boys are asked to outline their reasons for placing the animals in order from 1st to 4th and justify their positions. The task of judging is a subjective one, based on selected production systems and changing market conditions. It is important that entrants can use their skills and articulate their approach. The competition teaches the boys life lessons in presentation, decision-making and justification of observations.
Whilst competing across Queensland, the boys have been able to experience rural communities, allowing boarders to participate at their local shows whilst also allowing day boys to immerse themselves in rural communities. Through supporting agricultural shows, the boys can see rural communities come together and support their successes.
"Ag shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities. They bring and keep communities together, link the country to the city and provide a key boost to these local economies. These events showcase the hard work and innovation that goes into producing Australia's food and fibre."
Hon David Littleproud MP
Leader of the National Party and TGS Old Boy (1992-1993)
A number of the boys involved in the team have also had the ability to compete in the Young Paraders’ competition. This event showcases the boys' ability to prepare and present the animals by parading the animals before the judge in the ring. This was a highlight for many of the boys, preparing animals that were over ten times their size. The boys have also had the opportunity to learn more about the beef industry with a tour of Oakey Beef Abattoir. This provided further links to the changing market conditions and opened a range of professional careers within the agricultural supply chain.
The Show Cattle Team allows the boys to connect with one another and champions all boys who have a passion for learning. The team comprises 25 secondary boys in total and is a healthy mix of both boarders and day boys. The boys need no prior knowledge and learn all aspects of the judging processes in weekly "meatings".
"We moved from Brisbane to Toowoomba at the beginning of 2020 with our two 'city kids'. The Show Cattle Team was one of the first extracurricular activities that our son wanted to participate in, and it has been fantastic watching him, and the other boys, progress so well. Not only does it provide education about different aspects of animals to consider, but it has given the boys great exposure to public speaking and teamwork."
Emma Luscombe, Parent
It is the long-term goal for the team to be showing our own cattle, allowing the boys to have a greater connection with the cattle. The boys would be learning animal handling skills, husbandry and preparation. This will give an opportunity for many of our students to shine by showing their dedication to the competition. By providing opportunities for all boys to succeed in their chosen field, the TGS Show Cattle Team is just one more reason why Toowoomba Grammar School is leading the way in providing a well-rounded boys' education.
Jack Murphy
Show Cattle Team Coordinator
Latest Blog
The Makings of a Premiership
The 2022 1st V Basketball squad will be forever etched in the pages of Toowoomba Grammar School history as the first TGS team to win a GPS Basketball Premiership since the competition commenced in 1984. Head of Basketball, and 1st V Coach, Mr Kabe Cicolini has been instrumental in the growth and success of not just our leading team, but of the TGS Basketball Program as a whole. Kabe has come from a background of playing GPS sport – cricket, rugby and basketball as a student at Ipswich Grammar…
Creating a Learning Environment that Boys Enjoy
Creating an environment for students to access and engage in learning is the educational philosophy of the new Toowoomba Grammar School Head of Junior School, Mr Ken Raven. “This requires a supportive an inclusive learning environment across the school where everyone feels they can make a positive contribution,” Mr Raven stated. “I encourage evidence-informed, explicit teaching of curriculum that sparks curiosity and interest for students to engage and explore.” Parental interaction and…
Introducing our new Deputy Head of Junior School (Teaching and Learning), Mrs Chantelle Bauer
Toowoomba Grammar School is excited to welcome our new Deputy Head of Junior School (Teaching and Learning), Mrs Chantelle Bauer. Mrs Bauer brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role, having lived and worked in the Darling Downs and Southwest Queensland region her entire life. She was born and bred in St George, attended university in Toowoomba and took her first teaching role in Roma. She has worked in various roles across the region, including Year Level Coordinator, Head of…
You can't know a student without knowing where they come from
Boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School can be described as many things such as evolving identity, growing personally and developing character in your second home, but it is also about growing your family. Head of Boyce House boarding, Mr Michael Hall and his family, certainly enjoyed that opportunity over January. Catching up with a beautiful collection of current families from Boyce House was a privilege and has helped to build the relationships of trust and care that are essential in a…
DNF (Did Not Finish)
- Dan CrookHead of Library and Information Services I was talking books with a friend the other day; an avid reader, she had been looking for some light reads in new genre for the holidays, and so had sought out the wisdom of the internet. After watching a few BookToks (Tiktok book recommendations) she’d settled on some titles and begun to read. However after investing a good amount of her time and getting half way through the first and most highly recommended book, she asked herself, and then…
TGS Boarding - A Safe, Welcoming and Joyous Community
“From a boarding perspective, enabling young boys to flourish is only achieved within a community that is safe, welcoming, and joyous. These three aspects are at the core of my boarding philosophy and are closely aligned with my fundamental values as a boarding Head of House – acceptance, resilience, and fun,” explains Mr Henry White, Head of Corfe House. Corfe House serves as the entry point for Toowoomba Grammar School’s youngest boarders (Years 5 to 7) and the skills, relationships, and…
Transitioning to Year 7 at TGS
Can you remember your first day in secondary school? It can be a time of mixed feelings - very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Irrespective of whether your son is joining us from the TGS Junior School, or if they are just starting at Toowoomba Grammar School, it can appear to be the start of a long journey. It is a rite of passage in many respects but with this comes increased emotions in response to transition. The boys have a lot to digest with a new, possibly larger campus…
The Boarding Journey
Every parent will have a unique journey with their son whilst he is boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School. I’m Kym Wright, mother of Clancy, who is in Year 12 and this is my journey…. From my very first experience with Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding ten years ago, I had a good feeling straight away that TGS would be the perfect fit for my son. I was picking up my nephew for lunch. He had started boarding at TGS just six weeks prior. It was pouring rain and there were boys enthusiastically…
Building Self-Confidence and Resilience in Year 7s
As your child enters the new and unknown world of secondary school, it is a very important time to nurture the confidence and self-esteem of your son. Adolescence can also be a time of bewildering physical changes and strong emotions, opinions and increasing independence. Nurturing their confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness will go a long way to helping them to have the self-belief to tackle difficult new academic challenges, to developing new friendships and social skills, and…
