THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 15 May 2026

Dear TGS Families

Over the past few weeks, I have found myself reflecting on the rhythm of life across the School, less in terms of outcomes and more in the quiet, steady ways in which boys come to find their place.

It is easy, particularly in a school such as ours, to speak of achievement. Yet what has struck me most recently is not the final performance, the result on a scoreboard, or the recognition at an assembly, but the simple act of boys showing up. Showing up to rehearsals with a sense of purpose, even when confidence wavers. Showing up to training as the mornings become cooler. Showing up in classrooms, prepared to contribute, to listen and to learn alongside their peers.

I was reminded of this when attending the Toowoomba Choral Eisteddfod. The pride with which the boys performed, and the evident care and commitment behind their preparation, spoke volumes. What stood out was not just the quality of the performances, but the collective spirit, with boys supporting one another and taking their place within something larger than themselves. It is in these moments that a genuine sense of belonging begins to take shape.

That same spirit is evident across our wider co-curricular and House life. Whether on the stage, the field, or within the classroom, there is a growing understanding among our boys that participation matters, and that being present, engaged and willing to contribute is in itself a meaningful achievement. Over time, it is this consistency that builds confidence, character and connection.

This sense of belonging has been particularly visible during National Boarding Week. Our boarding community sits at the heart of the School, and throughout the week it has been a pleasure to witness the many ways in which connection and care are fostered. From the shared enjoyment of a spit roast and the Boarders' Formal Dinner, to a special boarders' assembly and the gathering of many boarders from local schools for the Boarders’ Festival this Sunday, there is a strong sense of community that extends well beyond the boarding houses themselves.

For boys who live away from home, the School becomes more than a place of learning; it becomes a place of familiarity, support and belonging. The routines of daily life, the relationships formed and the traditions shared all contribute to that feeling. In many respects, it is through these everyday interactions, the conversations at the end of the day, the shared meals and the collective experiences that the School quietly becomes a second home.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the many staff who contribute so generously to this aspect of school life. Their care and commitment ensure that every boy is known, supported and encouraged to find his place within the community.

In all of these moments, both quiet and celebratory, we continue to see clearly that a boy finds his place not simply through what he achieves, but through his willingness to be present, to contribute and to belong.

Kind regards

John C Anderson
Acting Headmaster

There is something uniquely powerful about a choir. A single voice is certainly compelling and is likely what we, as a society, have become most accustomed to when listening to music. However, when voices unite, it creates a uniquely blended sound that’s often unforgettable. At Toowoomba Grammar School, our vocal students continue to demonstrate that singing is far more than performance; it is a discipline, a community and a vital expression of who they are.

The recent Choral Showcase on Thursday, 30 April was a wonderful reminder of this. It was an evening that brought together students from across the Junior and Senior Schools, from our youngest singers in Tribe and Tribe Junior, to the Senior School Choir and the Grammarphones, each group contributing to a rich and varied program that celebrated the depth and vibrancy of choral music at TGS.

A Showcase of Growth, Commitment and Hard work

The Choral Showcase was designed with a clear purpose: to highlight the outstanding work of our vocal program and to prepare students for the upcoming Toowoomba Choral Eisteddfod. It achieved both aims with energy and distinction.

Throughout the evening, audiences experienced a diverse repertoire spanning genres and styles. This musical variety not only showcased students’ versatility but also underscored the breadth of experiences offered within the program. Each ensemble brought its own sound and character, clearly reflecting careful rehearsal, strong leadership and a genuine commitment to excellence.

For the boys and the Performing Arts department, the goal of this performance evening was not simply about presenting finished work; it was about refining their craft in a supportive and authentic performance environment and sharing their incredible hard work with our Toowoomba Grammar community. The Showcase plays a crucial role in preparing them for adjudicated performance, helping them build confidence, resilience and musical maturity ahead of the Toowoomba Eisteddfod.

Progression Through Performance

The Choral Showcase is just one highlight in what has already been a busy and successful year for TGS vocal music.

Earlier in the year, students participated in the GPS Music Showcase, rehearsing and performing alongside peers from across the nine GPS schools. Being the only event on the GPS calendar that is non-competitive, it truly captures the GPS motto of the “Spirit of Fellowship.” Hosted by The Southport School, this event provided a rich and intensive musical experience, with students working under the expert guidance of renowned choral clinician and conductor Dr Bob Stewart. His depth of experience and musical insight enabled him to shape a remarkably unified and expressive sound, bringing together singers from across the nine schools into a cohesive ensemble in a very short time.

The experience was further enriched through collaboration with accompanist and composer Mr Christian Gante, who wrote one of the choral works specifically for the occasion. Performing a piece created especially for the event offered students a rare and inspiring insight into the living, evolving nature of choral music, making the experience both musically demanding and genuinely memorable.

At the end of Term 1, the Grammarphones took centre stage at the School’s Art Show Opening Night, delivering a six-song set that was both captivating and inspiring. This strong start to the year has continued into Term 2, with students contributing meaningfully to several significant events. The Choir performed at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, offering a reflective and respectful musical contribution to the occasion, while the Grammarphones performed at ANZAC Day and at the recent Past Mothers’ Luncheon.

Our Tribe and Tribe Junior also recently visited and performed for the residents at Brodribb Nursing Home, further demonstrating the versatility and role of our numerous choirs as ambassadors for the Arts within the school and wider community. In preparation for the upcoming Toowoomba Choral Eisteddfod, all choral ensembles had the valuable opportunity to work with esteemed vocal clinician Mr Paul Holley, whose guidance has helped refine tone, blend and ensemble cohesion.

These experiences reflect a program that is both active and aspirational, providing students with authentic performance opportunities and expert musical mentorship. Whether on a major concert stage like the Empire, at a community event, or within the school itself, our vocal ensembles continue to build a strong culture of participation and pride.

The Value of Singing

While performances are an important outcome, the value of choral singing extends far beyond the stage.

Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Research consistently shows that singing enhances memory, concentration and auditory processing. Students involved in choir develop heightened listening skills, a critical component of both music and learning more broadly. Memorising lyrics, following musical structure and responding to a conductor all require focus and discipline. These are skills that transfer directly into the classroom.

Singing also engages both hemispheres of the brain, supporting language development, pattern recognition and problem-solving. For boys, in particular, structured musical participation can be a powerful way to improve engagement and academic confidence.

Health and Wellbeing

There are also significant physical and mental health benefits. Singing supports breath control, posture and lung capacity. At the same time, it releases endorphins and reduces cortisol, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.

In an increasingly busy and pressured world, choir provides students with a space to pause, breathe deeply and connect with something meaningful. It is both energising and restorative.

Social Connection and Belonging

Perhaps most importantly, choir builds connection. In a choir, every voice matters and no voice exists in isolation. Students learn to listen to one another, to balance their part within the group and to contribute to a shared outcome. This fosters empathy, teamwork and a strong sense of belonging.

For many boys, choir becomes a place of identity, a space where they can take risks, support one another and experience success as a collective. It provides a powerful counterbalance to the individualism and competitiveness that can sometimes take hold in society.

Acknowledging Those Behind the Scenes

Events like the Choral Showcase do not happen by accident. They are the result of dedicated work from both staff and students.

We extend our sincere thanks to our ensemble leaders and accompanists, Mrs Egan, Mrs Dixon, Ms Burns and Mrs Miller, for their expertise, encouragement and tireless commitment to our students. Their ability to inspire, challenge and support each ensemble is central to the continued success of the program.

We also acknowledge our students. Their willingness to rehearse, refine and perform, often balancing significant academic and co-curricular commitments, is commendable. The discipline and teamwork they display are a credit to them. We wish them the greatest success at the upcoming Eisteddfod.

Gratitude to Our Community

We are deeply grateful to the parents and community members who attended the Choral Showcase. Your presence sends a powerful message to our students: that their work matters, that their efforts are valued and that the Performing Arts are an integral part of school life.

We also thank the students who attended in support of their peers. Building a strong culture relies on this collective engagement and it is encouraging to see students actively supporting one another.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the Toowoomba Choral Eisteddfod, our students do so with confidence, preparation and a strong sense of purpose. Events like this provide a valuable opportunity for feedback, growth and celebration within the broader choral community.

Our Junior School musicians have an exciting year still ahead, with several key performance opportunities that continue to nurture confidence and musical development. In Term 2, students have the opportunity to compete in the Singers’ Trophy on 11 June and our instrumental ensembles will perform at the Instrumental Concert on 16 June, both important milestones in their performance journey. Looking further ahead, Term 3 will see all students from Years 3 to 6 take to the stage in the Junior School Musical, Tut, Tut, from 14 – 16 September, before concluding the year with the Final Cadence Concert in Term 4, a fitting celebration of their growth and achievements.

Our Senior School musicians also have much to look forward to across the Performing Arts calendar, including the Instrumental Showcase on 17 June, which will prepare students for the Instrumental Eisteddfod. Later in the year, audiences can enjoy the RnB and Big Band Extravaganza in Term 3, followed by the Take Note concert and Performing Arts Awards Evening in Term 4. For those interested in Drama, our TiGAA Showcases will take place in Term 3.

An Invitation to Support the Arts

The success of our vocal program is built on participation, commitment and community support. We warmly invite all members of the TGS community to attend future performances and continue supporting the outstanding work of our students.

When you attend a concert, you are not simply watching a performance, you are affirming the value of the Arts, encouraging young people to pursue excellence and helping to build a culture where creativity is celebrated.

A Final Note

The Choral Showcase reminded us that singing is not just about music, it is about connection, growth and shared experience.

From the youngest voices in our Junior School to the accomplished performers in the Grammarphones, our students demonstrated the power of coming together to create music. Their efforts, supported by dedicated staff and a committed community, continue to shape a choral program that is both dynamic and deeply meaningful.

We look forward to seeing where their voices will take them next.

Year 7 Corfe Boys Supporting Junior School Enrichment

This term, our Year 7 Corfe boarding boys have embraced a valuable new service and leadership opportunity through their involvement in the Junior School Enrichment Program. Designed to complement academic and co-curricular commitments, the initiative has added a valuable dimension to the Year 7 boarding experience.

Inspired by the success of the Big Mates, Little Mates program across the School, this initiative was introduced to provide our youngest boarders with authentic opportunities to give back. Service experiences such as these play a vital role in developing character and building leadership skills, while giving boys a strong sense of purpose beyond themselves. Character, after all, is developed over time and this program represents another important element of a holistic Year 7 boarding journey.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program has been the strong collaboration between the Senior and Junior Schools, as well as the connections formed between boarders and day students. With the guidance and support of Junior School staff, the Corfe boys have stepped confidently into leadership roles, running activities and encouraging younger students to participate, problem-solve and enjoy learning together. Each week, they work alongside Junior School students in hands-on sessions that promote communication, patience and positive role modelling. These experiences foster creativity, teamwork and enjoyment, while allowing the boys to practise leadership in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

Throughout the term, the boys have assisted with a wide range of enrichment activities, including VEX Robotics, Da Vinci Decathlon, MasterChef, Chess, Ball Games and LEGO Challenge.

Our Junior School students have benefited greatly from working alongside older boys who consistently model encouragement and positive attitudes. For the Corfe boys, the program has strengthened confidence, responsibility and empathy, while also deepening their sense of connection to the wider Toowoomba Grammar School community.

These experiences reinforce the belief that leadership is defined not by titles, but by actions and service. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong enthusiasm to expand the program further throughout the year as we continue to develop young men of character who are confident, connected and committed to serving others.

Nathan Stains (Head of House – Corfe) and Amanda Hall (Deputy Head of Junior School – Students)

The Toowoomba Choral, Vocal, Piano, Speech & Drama Eisteddfod (Part 1) has commenced and will continue until Sunday, 17 May.

Congratulations to all our boys who have performed and break a leg (in the best tradition of the Performing Arts) if you're yet to perform!

In addition to the rich learning experiences offered through our science classes, a range of outstanding opportunities are available for students who wish to extend their interests beyond the classroom.

These programs allow students to engage with cutting‑edge science, explore future study and career pathways and connect with like‑minded peers from across Australia.

Current opportunities include work experience and holiday programs with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR), offering hands‑on exposure to real scientific research environments. Students may also consider applying for the International Science School at the University of Sydney in 2027 - a prestigious two‑week program that is free of charge, including travel. The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is another highly regarded pathway, designed to inspire and challenge Australia’s next generation of scientists and STEM leaders.

While some of these experiences involve a cost, scholarships are available for selected programs, including assistance with travel. Students with a strong interest in science are encouraged to explore these opportunities and discuss suitability and application pathways with their science teachers.

If you would like any more information about any of these opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Khyl Domrow, or Mr Andrew Fogarty.

Andrew Fogarty
Head of Department - Science

For a comprehensive list of our upcoming events, head to the TGS Events Calendar.