Some helpful hints for parents
from TGS Head of Senior School, Mr Mark Oliphant...
Research shows us that the move from a primary school to a secondary school is one of the most significant life changes that our young men will face. You can help make the transition to Senior School smoother by ensuring that the boys attend the orientation days, practice packing their bags and getting their sports, music, and activities equipment ready. When asked about tips for the boys coming into Year 7, current Year 7 dayboy, Ollie Wells suggests boys should “Be organised. Pack the night before school, as there is always something going on that you need to be organised for. Check your emails and use your diary.”
If they are a dayboy, parents should practice with them getting to School if they are walking or catching the bus. Even our new boarders could use some parental reassurance about getting to class on those first few days. Herbert Roger is a Year 7 boarder from Dalby and whilst his route to school each day is an easy one, he has this tip, “I was not too sure where things were, but the diary has a map in it. The signs around School are also really helpful at the beginning.”
Please ensure that your son is aware that he will have a range of different teachers in the Senior School. Explain that some of his teachers he will like and others he may not make a strong connection with initially. This will change during his senior schooling years.
For a student who is new to Toowoomba Grammar School, the key is to ensure that your son has practiced making new friends. You might like to role play this at home. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg offers sage advice here, “Encourage your child to smile a lot, ask questions of others and not be too prominent in group situations, sit back and observe others.”
Nathanael Miller is a Year 7 student who joined us from St Thomas Moore’s this year and has said, “A good way to make friends is to keep friendships from your old school and make new ones through the activities that you sign up to at TGS.” Having a range of friends is one of the greatest predictors of success in secondary school. The older boys, through the leadership programs and the Big Mates program will take an interest in your son. This is another person that he may seek help from if he is struggling and as a parent, you should encourage these positive interactions. The older boys are welcoming and friendly, they have been in the same position as your son and understand what he is experiencing. They will take him under their wing, and they are great to talk to.
Homework is one of the most stressful times in any household. Be clear with your son about the times that will be set aside in your house for the completion of homework each day. Do not allow him to play video games or use technology prior to this as it will impact his ability to concentrate. Check your son’s diary so that you are aware of what he must complete. Having a dedicated quiet study space is also very useful.
If your son appears to have no friends or has difficulty making friends or if they have not found subjects or a co-curricular activity that they enjoy, then this is cause for concern and I recommend you contact the Head of Corfe (for boarders) or Head of Year 7. If your son has difficulty separating from you or becomes very anxious when he is not near you, then you might like to arrange an appointment with one of our school counsellors to assist.
Don’t forget to be enthusiastic about your son starting Senior School. This interest reinforces how important your son’s education is. We look forward to welcoming your family to Toowoomba Grammar School and building wonderful memories that you and your son will cherish for life.
Latest Blog
Addressing Anger in Teenage Boys
As a community dedicated to the growth and well-being of our teenage boys, it is essential to address the complexities of emotions we experience during adolescence. Among these emotions, anger stands out as a powerful and intense feeling that can influence their behaviour, relationships and overall wellbeing. Untreated anger can lead to a myriad of problems and challenges for our young boys. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the dangers of untreated anger, ways to support healthy…
Study Skills Program
Just as teachers benefit from an understanding of the Learning Sciences in their lesson planning and preparation, so to do students when they are studying for major summative assessments. A survey of TGS students in Years 9 to 12 found that 70% of our boys felt that they knew how to study, with the biggest impediments to study being lack of motivation and too many distractions. The most highly preferred study technique was found to be rewriting notes. Cramming, rereading the text and rewriting…
Developing Teachers Worldwide
I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2023 International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Annual Conference at Westlake Boys High School in Auckland, New Zealand, in my capacity as a Team Leader in the IBSC Action Research Program. Action research is a systematic inquiry conducted by teachers in their own classroom to better understand the impact that an aspect of their practice is having on their students. Each year, 40 teachers from IBSC member schools from around the world are accepted…
Developing a Sense of Belonging for our TGS Boarders
How do we adequately develop a teenager’s 'sense of belonging' in boarding? Head of Boyce House, Boarding, Mr Michael Hall has investigated how 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs' applies to boarding. It is a psychological theory that suggests human beings have a set of fundamental needs that must be fulfilled in a hierarchical order. The theory proposes that individuals must first satisfy their physiological needs before moving on to higher-level needs, such as the 'belongingness' that is so…
Kia Moemoeā – Dream Beyond Limits
A 12-year study has found that boys consistently perform better in an all boys’ school compared to boys in co-educational schools. This was one of several interesting topics presented at the recent International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Conference in Auckland, New Zealand which I attended alongside three of my Toowoomba Grammar School colleagues – Mr Luke Rawle, Mr Dave Klan and Mrs Jessica Galbraith. We joined 600 leading educators from 15 countries around the world for the four-day…
Blue and Gold in the Blood
When Chris Wicks’ (1981-85) son Lachlan was just two days old, Chris proudly strolled across the road from St Vincent’s maternity ward, over Trustees’ Oval and down to the Toowoomba Grammar School office to enrol his firstborn. “I had such fond memories from the School and enjoyed all the opportunities available, particularly participating in sport and learning at such a high level; my sons were going to have the same great education,” said Chris adamantly. Chris was a boarder from Dalby and an…
The Benefits of Repeated Reading
An effective and evidence-based method that can significantly improve your child's reading abilities is repeated reading. Reading proficiency is a vital skill that sets the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. Repeated reading, a simple yet powerful technique, has been proven to enhance reading fluency, comprehension, and overall confidence. Let's delve into why repeated reading is such a beneficial practice for your child. Research consistently supports the benefits of…
Print v Digital
I recently read an article by Petra Stock, entitled "Streaming Stories: Will Children’s Digital Book Platforms Upend Print", an interesting discussion comparing ebooks and print media and the ways they are being used during and post COVID. Which is better according to the article? Well, there is a clear winner; however, like many things, the answer can depend on the situation. I'd like to break elements of the article down, along with my own thoughts and compare the two. Social…
Striking a Balance
We understand that, as parents, we aspire to provide our children with the best education and opportunities for growth. Within the Junior School at Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe in fostering a love for learning while enabling your son to reach his full potential. In this article, we would like to emphasise the significance of automaticity and basic skill practice in extending your child's learning journey, while emphasising the importance of respecting their individual pace. Automaticity…
