Dear TGS Boarding Community
On behalf of the Headmaster, I welcome all boarding families to the 2026 school year, especially our new boarders. I trust the boys had a good break with family and friends. After a very successful 2025, I am looking forward to another year of achievements in 2026 and am excited about the opportunities presented with the completion of the Design, Engineering and Technology Centre.
As the 2026 school year approaches, I am sharing information relevant to boarding. Please also take a moment to read correspondence from the Head of Junior School or Head of Senior School.
Orientation Information
The best source of information for all you need to do to prepare for the 2026 school year is the TGS orientation website.
Arrival at Boarding Houses for New Boarding Families
Corfe boarders should arrive at Corfe House from 4:00pm on Monday, 26 January. As communicated by the Head of Corfe House, Mr Nathan Stains, in his Corfe-specific communication, there will be numerous activities that will help the boys settle into boarding school life. We are fortunate that our Year 10 boarders, who are part of the Corfe Residency Program, have committed to coming in for the evening to help the newest members of TGS Boarding unpack and organise their rooms.
Senior boarders new to the School in Years 8 to 11 should arrive by 8:45am on Tuesday, 27 January to attend the Orientation Day welcome in the Assembly Hall. Once the morning program is finished, you will be able to join your son in the Centenary Dining Hall for lunch before helping him to move into his senior boarding house.
For all parents new to the School, it is strongly recommended that you attend the Orientation Day on Tuesday, 27 January with your son. If he is in Corfe, you can meet him on the lawns of School House before heading to the welcome in the Assembly Hall at 8:45am.
Existing Boarding Families
All boarders are due back at school by 7:30pm on Tuesday, 27 January (please note that the boarding houses will open from 12:00pm). If you need access to your son’s boarding house before this time to drop off some gear before running around Toowoomba to get the ‘last minute’ necessities; that will certainly be possible, and I encourage you to contact your son’s Head of House to arrange this.
Medical Information When Returning to Boarding in 2026
On Tuesday, 27 January from 12:00pm onwards there will be Health Centre nurses located at Stephens and Groom Houses, as well as in the Health Centre for Boyce, Taylor and Mackintosh House boys. (Corfe and boarders new to the Senior School have confirmed this information at the transition day last year.)
All borders should present to the nursing staff for a quick catch up and confirmation of medical details. This check-in will ensure that we have the most up to date medical details for your son, ensuring that our Health Centre staff can continue their outstanding level of care.
Airport Transfers
Parents must register their son to catch our airport transfers. This is a simple process that is done via Parent Lounge and this sign-up is now active. As shown on the orientation website, the transport for boarders from the airport at the start of this term is as follows:
Tuesday, 27 January:
- 9:30am boarders’ bus from Brisbane Airport to TGS.
- 3:30pm boarders’ bus from Brisbane Airport to TGS.
- Transport for boarders flying into Wellcamp can be arranged. Families should contact their Head of House to coordinate.
Co-Curricular Activities Sign-Up
All boarders are encouraged to sign up for their co-curricular activities and details of how to sign up are in the orientation website. Please make contact with me if you have any questions regarding the activities and sports on offer.
Uniform Shop and Marshal Barber
I’m pleased to let the boarding community know that the Uniform Shop will be open specially, and only, for boarders on Monday, 26 January between 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Families of new boarders are asked to make appointments by emailing uniform@twgs.qld.edu.au or calling (07) 4687 2528. If families are in Toowoomba before the start of term, the Uniform Shop is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday.
Our School barbers at Marshal Barber can be booked in the lead up to the start of the year. You can book online at TGS Haircut Appointment Booking.
Boarder Parents’ Support Group Meeting
The first Boarder Parents’ Support Group meeting will be held in Old Hall on Tuesday, 27 January at 3:30pm. President, Ben Lawrie, and his team of House Representatives would love to see as many of you as possible and there will be afternoon tea available. At the conclusion of the meeting, there will be an opportunity to tour our new Design, Engineering and Technology Centre before we head across to Pavilion Lawns for the Headmaster’s Welcome Function (you will have received an invitation via email from the Headmaster’s office).
Boarding Events Calendar Dates
Thank you to the families who have provided feedback to their BPSG Reps regarding the calendar dates. There have been some changes following this feedback and the most significant change is that the Term 2 closed weekend will NOT proceed and boys will be able to attend the Goondiwindi Show. I am sure there will be further feedback to consider following the BPSG meeting at the start of the term and I will circulate the dates again following this meeting.
Term 1 Boarders’ Recreation Program
The program for Term 1 will be emailed to all boarding parents once the sign-ups become active on Parent Lounge. This will be before the start of the term. Please note that some activities, such as the boat and jetski license, are only available to boarders over 16. If you are unable to sign up, please do let me know as I will add your son’s name to the reserve list.
Boarding Staff
As many of you are aware, our Head of Stephens House, Mr Phil Kefford was due to have surgery in December. I am very pleased to share that Phil’s surgery went very well. He was out of hospital within the week and returned to Toowoomba for Christmas. Phil has continued to go from strength to strength and resumed his exercise regime. He has asked me to share his thanks for all the support he has received from you all. He is looking forward to visiting the boys and being involved in the House from the beginning of the school year.
The application process for the Acting Head of Stephens House was conducted at the end of Term 4, with interviews held during the holidays. I am pleased to announce that Mr Chris Dodd has been appointed to the role for 2026.
Safe travels to all our boarders and parents returning to Toowoomba, I am looking forward to another exciting year ahead.
Yours sincerely
Nick Byron
Director of Boarding
n.byron@twgs.qld.edu.au
(07) 4687 2500
Friday, 16 January 2026
