THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 10 November 2023

Toowoomba Grammar School is embarking on an exciting new phase with the commencement of our inspiring Masterplan. This landmark multi-year project is designed to anticipate the needs of students in our rapidly changing global society and to provide our current and future boys with outstanding learning environments and opportunities.

Phase One of the plan will see the development of a first-class Technologies Precinct to expand and consolidate the existing Industrial Design and Technologies (IDT) resources across the campus. Two new buildings will encompass this precinct – a Design, Engineering and Technology facility and an Agriculture and Industry Centre.

The first-class Design, Engineering and Technology (DET) facility will provide students with innovative and creative learning areas comprising state-of-the-art equipment for the practical application of their creativity and theoretical knowledge. The facility will support students in both the Junior and Senior School, providing all boys with access to innovative technologies that will enhance both our curriculum and co-curricular offerings and equip them with necessary skills for the future.

The Agriculture and Industry Centre (AIC) will expand the School’s curriculum offerings with a strong focus on future and industry focused subjects in the area of Agricultural Science and Environment, Technology, Engineering and vocational pathways in these fields. This will occur through the provision of research spaces, industry collaboration, modern laboratories and facilities as well as construction and manufacturing workshops.

Future Masterplan projects involve boarding facilities, the Assembly Hall, Dent Library, Creative Arts facilities, and early learning services.

This Masterplan is an outward expression of our commitment to continually deliver the very best in all aspects of education and life at Toowoomba Grammar School. It is the beginning of an exciting and transformational season for the TGS community; a season that will honour our heritage, reinforce our culture of excellence and propel our students into the future with the best possible preparation in life.

You can learn more about the Masterplan here

Teaching Staff Professional Development

Dr Tim McDonald has been engaged by the School to support teachers with a Classroom Mastery program. Dr McDonald conducted a full day workshop at the start of Term 4 with all teaching staff on Classroom Mastery. This involved establishing simple routines that all teaching staff have embraced to ensure consistency of approach in every classroom, with the goal of optimising learning time. The routines taught included the entry and exit routine as well as the cue to start or gain attention to maximise learning. The workshop included evidence to support this approach which aligns with cognitive load theory and explicit instruction, which the teaching staff have also been engaged in implementing this year.

As part of this initiative, Dr McDonald returned to the School recently to work with a group of lead teachers in their role as Teacher Coaches for classroom mastery. Our peer coaches will support our teachers throughout the School with the ongoing adoption of these instructional strategies and consistent classroom routines. We have been very pleased with the adoption of these successful strategies by teachers, the response by the boys and the positive impact on the learning environment.

UniSQ Literature Review - Journey of the Boy

We are delighted to announce a collaborative engagement with the UniSQ School of Psychology and Wellbeing. Research staff from the University will undertake a literature review to explore the topic of boys and their development. This aligns with the School’s Strategic Plan as this work relates specifically to providing an educational experience to achieve our core purpose of educating boys and developing their good character for life.

The literature review seeks to summarise a boy’s key stages of development from Prep age through to Year 12. We envisage that this review will provide the academic evidence and data to enable us to meet the needs of our students. With the information provided, we intend to review our educational programs and activities so that we may refine and support our programs to ensure our boys are engaged with a progressive and forward-thinking educational experience that is evidence informed. Following on from this, the research will allow us to support the professional development of our staff, especially directed at the educational and pastoral needs of boys.

Sony Camp

Service continues to be a focus for boys through their House and with the School through the Interact Club. The 17^th Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp was held at Toowoomba Grammar School in the September holidays where 72 Year 11 students from TGS, Fairholme and Glennie were responsible for a child with special needs and worked in pairs to assist the 36 guests. The camp spans three days and two nights and is designed to be a time of fun for the young children, allow a period of respite for the families, and provides the opportunity for personal growth for the Year 11 companions through the experience. The 48 Year 11 boys that were involved in this year’s camp were simply outstanding in their efforts.

Interact Club

The TGS Interact Club held its 59^th annual Change-Over Dinner earlier this term. In the presence of Toowoomba South Rotary visitors, staff and Interact Club members, we saw the outgoing President Sam Gladwin present his 2023 report and install our new President for 2024, Harry Skobe. I wish to acknowledge the fine work of our outgoing Interact executive team and all Year 12 Interact committee members for their great contributions to service this year. The following boys were introduced as the incoming executive for Interact 2024:

President – Harry Skobe

Vice-President – Harry Drynan

Secretary – Thomas Nicholls

Treasurer – Sam McLennan

Sargent-At-Arms – Alex Chicalas

Term 4

Term 4 provides a great opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed while looking forward to what lies ahead. For boys, it is a time of excitement as they anticipate the end of the year, the final events and what the new year may bring. This is especially so for Year 12 and Year 6 boys who are facing major transitions. While it is natural for boys to be somewhat impatient for the next phase, the end of school year events allow for a period of reflection and celebration for the year that has been.

Our Year 12 boys have completed the bulk of their External Exams with only a few remaining. Their Graduation and Final Assembly will take place on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval on Tuesday 14 November followed by the Year 12 Formal on Wednesday 15 November. These are two wonderful occasions for the boys and their parents as the boys spend their final moments together celebrating the end of their school careers.

The Year 6 boys also enjoy a special graduation prior to their transition to the Senior School. A formal assembly is held prior to a Year 6 Graduation Dinner with families. It is always an exciting period for the Year 6 boys as they end their primary schooling and prepare for senior schooling.

Twenty Prefects have been elected and inducted to lead the School in 2024. The Prefects will go away for a leadership retreat at the end of Term 4 to commence their leadership training and planning for the 2024 school year. Junior School House and School leadership positions are also currently being considered. The boys have completed expressions of interest, prepared speeches to present and look forward to leading the Junior School in 2024.

Speech Day

Speech Day and Prize Giving for the Senior School will be held on Wednesday 22 November commencing at 4:30pm at the Empire Theatre. Speech Day is compulsory for all boys in Years 7 to 11. Tickets for parents are available from the Empire Theatre box office.

Speech Day for the Junior School will be held on Thursday 23 November commencing at 9:00am in the TGS Sports Centre. Parents are welcome and ticket allocation is not required.

More details will be shared closer to respective events.

2024 School Year

Planning is well underway for the 2024 school year. Transition and orientation programs are in full swing for new boys and their parents. We look forward to welcoming new and returning boys, families and staff to Toowoomba Grammar School in 2024.

The updated uniform price lists are now available. Please click on the sentence below relevant to your son's Year level to obtain information.

Click here for Prep uniform prices

Uniform prices for Years 1 to 3 are via this link

Years 4 to 12 uniform lists and prices are here

Click here for Sport and Activities uniform information

Year 12 student, Ben Rosenberg has won the Open Category, ‘Judges Choice - Official Selection Documentary’ at the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. The award recognises Ben's brilliant documentary about Year 9 student, Mitchell Wilkes as he battles with slowly losing his vision. Mitchell and his family joined Ben's family at the awards, celebrating the success together.

Congratulations Ben - and Mitchell - the TGS community is proud of you both!

Watch Ben's film Mitchell here https://youtu.be/-dFmUbgksZM?si=jobWE-eOVHDXhwTS

Please be advised of an upcoming full road closure in Margaret Street, East Toowoomba.

Date and time: Sunday ,12 November 2023, 6:00am to 6:00pm

Details: Trenching works to install electrical conduits.

Road closure:

• A full road closure in Margaret Street between Mackenzie and Curzon Streets.
• Local access will be maintained. All other traffic will be detoured via Mackenzie and Curzon Streets.
• Traffic control and signage will be in place to assist road users.

Toowoomba Regional Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Loads of Love Christmas appeal

This term Mackintosh House is supporting Loads of Love - a local Christmas appeal that started in 2009 to support people experiencing financial hardship. They supply generous bags of non-perishable food items to both individuals and families just before Christmas.

All boys are encouraged to donate a bag of non-perishable food items into Mackintosh Boarding House or to Mr Mackinnon’s office until the last Monday of term. It would be appreciated for our boarders to purchase four or five items when on leave, to contribute to the effort.

Loads of Love is a local charity that has taken the reigns from Lifeline and now runs the Christmas Food Appeal. You can learn more here:

https://www.facebook.com/7NEWS

Thank you to all our TGS families for your generosity and consideration of those less fortunate at this challenging time of year.

Do you have some creative flair?

The Grammar 150 Art Competition is now seeking entries.

In 2025, Toowoomba Grammar School celebrates 150 years since the foundation stone was laid.

This momentous occasion will be marked with a series of celebrations throughout the year, including the release of a very limited series of fine art prints.

Artists are invited to put forward a concept design for an original art work, no smaller than 420 x 594 mm (A2) and no larger than 594 x 841 mm (A1), that best represents Toowoomba Grammar School. Three proposals will be selected to be developed into the final original artworks.

The chosen artworks will be acquired by the school and used for promotional materials during the lead up to and for the duration of the Sesquicentenary. These artworks will also be reproduced as a run of 150 limited edition fine art prints (approximately A2 size) which will be signed and numbered by the artist. The prints will be made available for purchase throughout 2025 and the original works will be auctioned off at the Gala dinner.

Details here https://bit.ly/47ilXQO

What are the benefits to our Toowoomba Grammar School boarding program for Heads of House to visit our rural families? And how do our staff survive, swapping pen and computers for cattle and branding irons? This is how TGS builds the boarding experience - at home: https://bit.ly/3QkDZeC

Do you have a Year 12 student heading off to 'Schoolies' next week? Or are you navigating the challenges that come with end-of-year parties and festive celebrations for younger teens? How does your behaviour affect your children? Here are some tips focussing on different parenting styles, parties and the holidays: https://bit.ly/40r61cY

The final phase of the year is a lovely albeit busy one for all of us. There is a natural celebration element to many of our occasions where we recognise the significant achievements and efforts students have made throughout the year in all their learning, co-curricular and personal development endeavours.

Firstly, I’d like to congratulate our Years 5 and 6 cohorts for their efforts in the past week. Year 6 attended a camp at Emu Gully held over three days. The boys camped in tents, prepared their own food and participated in activities that physically and mentally challenged them to get out of their comfort zones, work together and demonstrate how much they could actually achieve as a cohesive group. It was an impressive three days. The group surprised themselves in how much they could accomplish together with support and coordinated efforts. They finished the camp tired but proud of themselves with the confidence to take on new challenges and know that a support network of peers and adults are there to help them along the way.

Year 5 attended a leadership day program on-campus in preparation for becoming our leading cohort in the Junior School for 2024. They learned about the qualities and types of leadership, then connected that with their own understanding of who they are at this point in their development and where they would like to be in the future. During the day there were a series of activities and reflection tasks to help the group further define what it means to lead and how they can have a positive influence on those around them. It was a powerful day for the group with many students inspired to apply for formal leadership roles in Year 6 but also very comfortable about being a Year 6 leader regardless of holding a specific position. This is a wonderful group, we’re looking forward to their support and leadership of the Junior School in 2024.

We rounded out last week with a Year 5 and 6 Social, hosted in our Junior School Hall. We welcomed the girls from The Glennie School and Fairholme College to celebrate the end of year together. It was a fun filled night of dancing, games and conversation amongst the groups. Many students have known each other for years through attending similar activities between our schools, but also family connections between brothers and sisters. It was wonderful to gather together and enjoy the occasion as we get closer to the end of our year. Thank you to Heads of Junior School, Mrs Erin Tonscheck and Mrs Harlie Thompson the from Fairholme College and The Glennie School respectively for supporting this occasion with your students.

This week, we celebrated student achievement at public speaking. Each cohort from Prep through to Year 6 held their own forum to deliver a speech before their peers on a topic that was connected to their learning program. The winners from each cohort were recognised at this weeks Junior School Assembly. There is tremendous value in learning the skills for public speaking and the confidence to deliver a speech in front of an audience. These are skills that will apply throughout their schooling and into their adult lives also. Whether the forum is in-person or on-line, the skills of being able to articulate a message in a compelling way will always be helpful. Like in most things in life, preparation is key. Planning and practicing, over and over again until you are comfortable and confident leads to successful delivery. Our students from all cohorts did a wonderful job and delivered exceptional speeches.

In the coming weeks there is much to look forward to. This Friday, our Year 6 cohort celebrates their Junior School journey with a dinner together with their families in our Junior School Hall. This is a lovely moment to recognise the efforts the whole family has made throughout their Primary School years and their readiness for the next stage in their education in moving to the Senior School.

Our music program also celebrates the efforts of our young musicians with Year 2 Strings and Year 4 Instrumental concerts held this week. Their weekly lessons, countless rehearsals and practices have progressed their skills to share with parent audiences. Well done to all the boys for your dedication to learning a new instrument, we hope this has been rewarding experience for you to see the development you’ve made across the year.

Twilight concert, Orientation and Speech Day occasions are on the horizon. Twilight concert on Friday, 17 November commencing at 5:00pm on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval, is a lovely occasion to share together with families, enjoying performances from each class and a meal together. This is our opportunity to gather as a whole community and celebrate the year. Orientation Day on Monday, 20 November is where our students move up a year level for the morning session to meet their classroom teacher for 2024 and get a little glimpse into what next year will look like for them. This is a great opportunity to become a little familiar with the new teacher and classroom before we move into the holiday break. Lastly, as a fitting finale we have Speech Day on Thursday, 23 November held in the Glen McCracken Sports Centre. At this occasion we will celebrate the academic accomplishments of our students from throughout the year. Every student can be extremely proud of the progress in their learning and personal development this year, and Speech Day affords us the opportunity to do this as a community. We’re looking forward to celebrating these occasions together in the weeks to come.

Warm regards and appreciation,

Ken

The Power of Kindness

As we approach the end of another academic year at Toowoomba Grammar School, it's important to reflect on the significance of kindness, especially during these hectic times. The final stretch of the year can be demanding and tiring for both students and staff. However, it's precisely during these moments that the value of kindness shines even brighter. Kindness is not merely a pleasant gesture, it's a fundamental building block of our School community, fostering a culture of empathy, support and compassion.

Kindness, like a ripple in a pond, has the power to create a positive impact that extends far beyond the act itself. When we model kindness within our school community, we set an example for others to follow. It's essential to be aware of the influence our actions have on those around us, especially during stressful times. By demonstrating kindness, we encourage others to do the same, creating a chain reaction of positivity that can alleviate the fatigue and stress that naturally accumulates as the year progresses.

Toowoomba Grammar School is a place where the values of respect, integrity and kindness are held dear. Modelling kindness is not limited to simple acts like holding the door open or offering a smile. It involves being understanding, patient and compassionate towards our peers, teachers and staff. These small gestures can make a significant difference in someone's day, helping to lighten the burden and make the end of the year a more pleasant experience for all.

In a world that often seems rushed and unkind, we hope that Toowoomba Grammar School can be a place of calm and compassion. The importance of kindness cannot be overstated, especially as the year draws to a close. Let us remember that a little kindness goes a long way and can make a world of difference for those around us. By modelling kindness, we contribute to a more harmonious, supportive and caring environment, ensuring that Toowoomba Grammar School remains a place where kindness thrives and flourishes. Together, we can make the final leg of this academic year a time of warmth, understanding and positivity.

Chantelle

Final Cadence Concert
On Tuesday 7 November, our vocal and instrumental ensembles showcased their work throughout the year with their final performances at the Final Cadence Concert. Congratulations to all boys involved in the following ensembles – Tribe Junior, Introductory Strings, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Winds, String Ensemble, Chamber Strings, Tribe, Concert Band and Jazz Band. Thank you to the parents for supporting their son’s involvement in the co-curricular music program this year. Thank you also to our music staff Mr Chalmers, Mrs Miller, Miss Brix, Mrs Crook and Mrs Hamill for their direction, encouragement and assistance in ensemble rehearsals.

Year 2 Strings Concert
Congratulations to all Year 2 boys for their performance at the Year 2 Strings concert on Tuesday 7 November. Thank you to parents who attended. Please see information below if you are interested in your son continuing on his instrument. A letter with all information about the Year 3 Performance Program has been emailed to all Year 2 parents.

Year 4 Instrumental Concert
Congratulations to all Year 4s for their involvement in the Year 4 Band program this year. The boys performed for their parents in a concert on Thursday 9 November. Please see information below if you are interested in your son continuing on his instrument next year. A letter with all information about the Year 5 Performance Program has been emailed to all Year 4 parents.

Instrumental Tuition 2024
If your son is currently enrolled in private music tuition, his enrolment will automatically roll over into 2024. Should you wish to enrol your son to commence instrumental or singing lessons in 2024, please complete the enrolment form: 2024 - Junior School Music Tuition Request Form

Should you wish to change your son’s enrolment (for example, move from paired lessons to individual lessons) or cancel his enrolment, please contact Mrs Kerry Noll, Administration Assistant - Music, on 07 4687 2542 or email at music@twgs.qld.edu.au.

Return of School Hire Instruments
All school hire instruments should be returned by the end of Week 7, or after your son’s final lesson. Boys who require their instruments for Speech Day performances (Concert Band, Jazz Band and Chamber Strings) should return them to the Music Room immediately following Speech Day. All instruments must be given directly to Mrs Dixon in the Music Room to ensure they have been marked off. Instruments will be serviced over the Christmas holidays and parents will receive notification when their son’s instrument can be collected during the holidays. If you are away, your son can collect his instrument at the start of the school year.

Ensemble Rehearsals
Please refer to correspondence from your son’s conductor regarding ensemble rehearsals for the remainder of the term. Please contact Mrs Dixon should you need clarification about rehearsals.

Year 6 Musicians’ Lunch
In Week 7 our Year 6 musicians’ who are currently a member of one or more ensembles are invited to share a lunch together. This will provide the music staff with the opportunity to spend some time with the boys before they move to the Senior School. Information has been emailed to relevant families.

Year 6 Musicians’ – Transition to Senior School Ensembles
During Week 7 our Year 6 musicians’ are invited to attend some of the larger ensemble rehearsals in the Senior School. This allows the boys to become familiar with the ensembles they may be involved with next year. I wish all current Year 6 students all the very best for their transition to the Senior School next year. I hope all boys who are currently involved in the co-curricular music program continue their involvement in some capacity in Year 7.

Kellie Dixon
Head of Junior School Music

Aquathlon

Congratulations to the three Junior School boys who recently completed in the Darling Downs Aquathlon trials. This event consisted of a 1km run, 200m swim and another 1km swim: a gruelling event. Our boys did magnificently with Fletch Eaton in 27th, Charlie Beverland in 3rd and Tom Oliphant in 2nd place.

Boys who placed in the top 10 have been selected in the Darling Downs team for the State Championships in 2024. We wish Charlie and Tom all the best at this event.

Thank you to all families for your constant support of the Junior School sports program in 2023. It has been another very big and exciting year, and we look forward to more fun in 2024.

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Mrs Liz Pratt for all of the work she does with TGS sport. She is an amazing lady!

Brendan Doherty
Sportsmaster

JSSG AGM
We held our AGM on Monday, 6 November to finish off the year. We thank Felicity Constable for her contributions to the committee over the last five years, she will be missed as her youngest son heads off to the Senior School next year. Our committee for 2024 will continue with me as President, Rachel Conway as Secretary and David Moffitt as Treasurer. We would still love to add another member to the committee if anyone is interested.

Wheelbarrow of Cheer Raffle Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale via RaffleLink for our multi draw raffle: https://rafflelink.com.au/jssg2023

This year the raffle will be drawn at the Twilight Concert; ticket sales close as the Concert starts on Friday, 17 November.

First prize is our 'Wheelbarrow of Cheer' which is filled with lots of drinks and gourmet goodies. Thank you to Alida Kennedy and family for your kind donation of the wheelbarrow.

Second prize is a fantastic fire pit from The Rusty Pot, generously donated again this year by Skye Hudson.

We are still keen to receive donations of any food or drink items, gift vouchers, etc, to fill the wheelbarrow and to make up more prizes. Please drop these into the Junior School office by 3:00pm on Wednesday, 15 November.

Twilight Pizza Orders Open
You can now order your pizzas for Twilight in the Parent Lounge. Please double check that your payment has gone through, and you are emailed a receipt for your order, to ensure that it is included in our order list.

Pizzas will be collected from the Pavilion between 5:00pm-6:00pm before the concert starts and we will need several volunteers to make this happen. If you are able to lend a hand to serve them, please sign up here: https://signup.com/go/KYGSAjo

Tessa Chamberlain
JSSG President

Last Friday our choir trekked to Gip's Restaurant to perform for the P&F Ladies' Lunch Event. Despite the threat of rain, windy conditions and performing outside, the boys did a wonderful job focusing on their singing and giving a great performance. These types of performance opportunities are highly beneficial for our music groups and help to prepare them for 'real world' gigs in the future.

We would like to thank the P&F for the opportunity to perform and I would like to commend the boys, the Choir director, Mrs Elizabeth Egan and their accompanist, Mrs Wendy Evans on pulling together a quality performance.

Mr Mark Chalmers
Director of Performing Arts

Last weekend, TGS Army Cadets were given the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history by attending Exercise Lighthorse at Emu Gully Education Centre. During the exercise, all ranks are removed, and the cadets need to work together to achieve the objective. Leadership skills are tested and new opportunities to lead are discovered.

Exercise Lighthorse challenges, inspires and empowers the Cadets through the ANZAC story and values. All the activities are named after famous war battles and the picture is painted by the retelling of tales of gallantry and bravery.

Exercise Lighthorse provides the cadets with an appreciation of the conditions in which the soldiers fought; crawling through the hot, humid Vietnam tunnels, or clambering through the sticky thick mud on the Kokoda Trail, the cadets experienced it all.

Cadets were also told of the enormous responsibility the commanders faced in the execution of orders, including the whistle blower, Lt Col Noel Brazier who sent three waves of Lighthorse soldiers into the barrage of Turkish machine gun fire, before putting away his whistle, picking up his pistol and joining the fourth wave over the trench. With this story fresh in their minds, the cadets undertook a 3km night stretcher walk, clambering up and down the mountains all while protecting their casualty. Although challenging, this was one of the most rewarding activities of the weekend.

Cadets also had the opportunity to drive the twisted buggies, build a railway on the Hellfire Pass, escape the Colditz Castle, paddle the boat during Rats of Tobruk, and balance on the floating boards on the Western Front. What an amazing opportunity!

We’d like to remind our TGS families and friends to always take extra care when driving within School grounds. Please watch for pedestrians (which might include individual or classes of students crossing to and from the ovals, or our grounds staff leaf-blowing in the carpark). Do not drive around the speed bumps which have been installed to slow traffic at key points. Unless you have a disability parking permit - please do not use these designated car spaces, even in peak periods or for short timeframes. Thank you for playing your part in keeping our staff, students and visitors safe.

We'd love to invite all our Past Mothers' to the annual Past Mothers' Group Christmas Luncheon.

And if you final son has just graduated this year, you are now a Past Mum - and can come along too!

Please spread the word. We hope you can join us.

Book here: https://bit.ly/3I8UrZe