THE BLUE AND GOLD - Friday, 17 October 2025

Dear TGS Families

As we commence the final term of our 150th year, I extend a warm welcome back to all families. I trust the recent break provided moments of rest and reconnection and that your sons have returned energised for what is always a short but significant term in the School calendar.

Term 4 is a wonderful time of the year filled with important celebratory events. For our Year 12 students, it marks the final chapter of their Grammar journey, a time filled with both anticipation and reflection. We are immensely proud of these young men and the way they have conducted themselves throughout the year. As they prepare for their final examinations and farewell events, we offer them our full support and best wishes.

Earlier this month, we inducted our 2026 Prefects and House Captains. These young men have been selected for their character, commitment and willingness to serve. At Grammar, we value leadership that is forged through service, humility and a deep sense of responsibility to others. We thank our outgoing leaders for their contributions and look forward to seeing our new leaders grow in their roles.

Beyond the classroom, the holiday break was filled with enriching experiences. Our Japan Cultural and Technology Tour was a resounding success, offering boys a unique insight into both tradition and innovation. The visit to Keio Shiki High School was a particular highlight, strengthening our international partnerships. Meanwhile, the 19th Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp once again showcased the compassion and generosity of our Year 11 and 12 students, who gave up their holidays to care for children with disabilities and provide respite for their families.

Sport and co-curricular activities continued in full force, with boys representing the School in volleyball, rugby, football, chess and cadets. These experiences not only build skill and resilience but also deepen the sense of camaraderie and pride that defines our community.

We were also honoured to welcome Mr Matt Comyn, Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, to Toowoomba Grammar School this week. During his visit, I had the opportunity to share our bold vision for the future, including the innovative TGX Program, which is designed to prepare boys to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Mr Comyn praised the School’s commitment to innovation and educational leadership.

As we look ahead, several milestone events await including the Gala Dinner, the unveiling of the Grammar Boy statue, the viewing and sealing of the 2025 Time Capsule and of course, Speech Day. For our Year 12s, this term also includes the Year 12 Awards Assembly, the Reunion Breakfast at the Junior School, the Final Assembly and the Senior Formal. Each of these occasions marks the conclusion of a remarkable year and celebrates the enduring spirit of Toowoomba Grammar School.

Thank you for your continued support of our School and for the role you play in shaping the lives of our boys. I look forward to sharing this final term of our 150th year with you.

Warm regards
Dr John C. Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Keeping Your Child Safe, Supported and Future-Ready

AI in Learning at TGS - Your Choice Matters

Our School is committed to helping students thrive in a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is part of everyday life. From autocorrect on phones to writing assistants and adaptive maths apps, AI already supports learning across all grades. These tools personalise learning, offer support and help teachers focus on individual needs.

We only use approved platforms like Microsoft Copilot, Adobe Firefly, Turnitin and Grammarly, all carefully reviewed for privacy, safety and educational value. This ensures your son’s data is protected and all tools are appropriate for school use.

Our approach aligns with federal guidelines, promoting ethical and responsible AI use to support teaching and academic integrity. We encourage students to use AI to build critical thinking and digital literacy. More details are available in the TGS AI Framework and Learning and Assessment Policy via Parent Lounge.

Opt-Out Option for Parents

We understand families may have different views on AI. If you prefer your son not use certain standalone platforms (e.g. ChatGPT), you can opt out. We’ll support your decision where possible, provided it doesn’t disadvantage his learning. To opt out, please email us at communications@twgs.qld.edu.au. If you’re unsure, we encourage a conversation - responsible AI use is becoming a key skill for future study and work and avoiding it entirely may limit valuable learning opportunities.

Changes to Social Media Minimum Age

The Australian Government has set 16 years as the minimum age for creating or maintaining social media accounts, effective Wednesday, 10 December 2025. In line with this, TGS students are strictly prohibited from creating or managing social media accounts, including Facebook, on school laptops, regardless of age or grade. All social media platforms are blocked on these devices to ensure compliance and protect student wellbeing.

Students may access educational content on YouTube without signing in or creating accounts. Features requiring an account - such as Shorts, Games, Playables, commenting or personalised playlists - are blocked. This helps us keep YouTube as a secure, teacher-supervised learning tool.

Your Role at Home

If families allow social media access at home on personal devices, it’s up to parents to set boundaries and controls. We strongly encourage you to guide your child’s online activity to ensure it aligns with your family’s values and complies with the new age requirements.

Your support helps us maintain a safe, positive digital environment for every student at TGS. If you have questions or would like to discuss these policies, please contact me or our IT Department. We’re here to support your family and your son’s learning journey.

Crystal Hede
Director of Learning and Innovation

Mary Mary quite contrary, how does your lexicon grow?

I was reading an article recently about the average person's surface lexicon (the words used the most in day-to-day life). Did you know that most English speakers have a surface lexicon of around 1500 to 3000 words, and a deep lexicon (the words generally understood but not used) of about 25000 to 30000?

This is a drop in the vast bucket of words in the English language, approximately one million (and growing).

This made me feel sad, but then I stopped and considered my language, given this topic of vocabulary and realise that sad is an umbrella term and far too vague. To truly sum up my feelings I would say I am disheartened. So many of us converse in such a shallow way that we never truly express the fullness of who we are, how we feel and what we think. So where to from here?

Simple words, not simple concepts

It is not impossible to convey meaning with a limited vocabulary. Randall Munroe's Thing Explainer - Complicated Stuff in Simple Words, is a book where, using only the ten hundred (thousand isn't in the 1000 most used words) most used words in American English, he explains everything from "writing sticks" (pencils), to the "US Space Team's up goer five" (Saturn 5 rocket).

The fact that he is able to explain complicated topics using everyday words is testament to the depth of his understanding of the topics and his broader vocabulary. It is also a work of vocabularic gymnastics as he twists and turns his way through using several words where one better word could have done. It is an entertaining read if you have the opportunity.

Better words for improved communication

If the surface lexicon is the words you use the most, the best way to increase your working vocabulary is to move words from your deep lexicon to your surface lexicon, while continuing to grow your deep lexicon.

How?

Go slow and use repetition. We often speak faster than we think and then we rely on the surface lexicon and filler words until our thoughts can catch up. So, slow down, keep your thinking and speaking pace similar or use silence (don't speak until you've got a complete thought). When speaking, assess your words and use the most appropriate ones to convey your meaning.

You can also try and use new words or try and change out simple words like happy or sad for more meaningful ones. The more you repeat this process, the more likely you will default to better words.

Grow your lexicon

How do I learn more words?

I am a big advocate of reading, the simple act of reading a book exposes you to a variety of words and it also provides context for those words. In this exposure you can learn correct use, or if the meaning is unclear, there are clues to help demystify what is meant.

You could read a dictionary, albeit a dry read, as it exposes you to a lot of words quickly and the meaning is clear; but reading anything: fiction, non-fiction, magazines, comics, audiobooks or e-books will suffice. I can't advocate enough for reading, the are many benefits, and growing your vocabulary is just one of them.

Words are all around us, you can hear them in conversation or on television, read them in a book, an ad or a sign. If you hear something new, look up the meaning, and at the very least you will be adding that word to the deep lexicon. Be willing to try, start small, take a new word, try it, test it and use it. While it might be scary and uncomfortable, it will become easier with time, and hopefully you will see that the effort will not be an exercise in floccinaucinihilipilification.

floccinaucinihilipilification
noun. To estimate something as worthless

Daniel Crook
Director of Library and Information Services

Welcome Back to Term 4. After a very busy Term 3 we are back and ready to see out the last term of the year.

As you would have read with previous correspondence sent, we have had a few numbers of boys with confirm Chicken Pox. It is worthwhile to just keep an eye on your boys for any signs or symptoms. Please refer to this information from Queensland Health regarding chickenpox and shingles.

Friday, 10 October marked World Mental Health Day, an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organisation with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.

At home, work, school, in the community or online, on 10 October, Mental Health Australia encourages everyone to have conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, reach out for support – and connect with our communities. Further information can be accessed via the 2025 World Mental Health Day website.

We wish everyone well and look forward to supporting the Year 12 boys during their final term of school.

Nursing Staff
The Health Centre

Welcome to Term 4, it’s a relatively short term and we’re already through the first two weeks. The momentum does seem to build very quickly to end out the year. A message we share at School with all the students is that we finish well and maintain our learning routines all the way through to the final week. We make the most of Term 4 and all the opportunities to keep growing our learning, particularly after the parent/teacher meetings held at the end of Term 3 there are always key areas for everyone to continue working on. That’s our core focus, and we feel the boys respond well to maintaining that routine of learning and applying their best. The Blue and Gold articles from Mrs Bauer and Mrs Hall share great reminders for how boys can continue progressing their development in their learning and character right throughout the year, I'd encourage all families to read those pieces and share with your child/ren.

Looking ahead to the remainder of Term 4, there are a number of occasions particularly towards the end of term where we enjoy coming together as a community. Below are some of the key dates to be mindful of.

Whole Junior School events and occasions for Term 4:

• 7 November, Year 6 Market Place Day, activities organised for Prep to Year 5, Junior School Playground area
• 11 November, Remembrance Day Ceremony, 10:50am, Junior School Sails area
• 21 November, Junior School Twilight Concert, 6:00pm, Old Boys’ Memorial Oval
• 24 November, Orientation Day (Prep to Year 6), a morning where students prepare for 2026, Junior School Hall
• 25 November, Picnic Day, Prep to Year 6 activities and outings to celebrate 2025
• 27 November, Junior School Speech Day, 9:00am, Senior School Assembly Hall

More specific information for each of these events and occasions will be provided by the relevant staff member or department in the weeks leading up to each occasion. There are many more activities, occasions and co-curricular happenings with specific groups and cohorts, please visit the TGS App or Parent Lounge to access the complete calendar for your family.

In the coming weeks our Year 12 students will conclude their formal study period and begin their exams which also leads into many end-of-year events and celebrations. This is a lovely moment for those boys and their families to reflect back on the journey they have taken across the school, some for 13 years with TGS. This event signal’s the start of occasions for many cohorts that are celebrating in some way the conclusion of a phase and the beginning of another. These are nice moments to recognise their significance and they are helpful for both the students and their families to mark that moment in preparation for the next.

In the Junior School, while each cohort goes through their own milestone moment a few key ones that are quite visible to the community are: Prep to Year 1, Year 3 to Year 4 and Year 6 to Year 7.

Moving from Prep to Year 1 is an important step. They are well established in the Junior School now and they start wearing the Blues, Blazer and Golds uniform to reflect that.

Our Year 3s move from the ‘Early Years’ phase into the ‘Middle and Upper Primary’, this also comes with a uniform change introducing a Blazer, Akubra and belt like all students to Year 12. This cohort also moves upstairs to the balcony classrooms alongside the Year 5s and Year 6s, another signal for growth and change.

Our Year 6s in Term 4 spend more time preparing and talking about moving into the Senior School for Year 7. They have a number of transition sessions to help them familiarise themselves with different places, routines, people and responsibilities that come with the move. The first of which was held this week when they attended their first House meeting in the Senior School, it was a nice moment for them to be welcomed by the Head of House and Senior School boys. Of course, there are many more moments like these for our Year 6s this term and farewell occasions also in the Junior School to thank them for their contributions to our School this year and over many years.

Term 4 is a special phase of the year, and a lovely opportunity to reflect on the age and stage of your own children. Each year level has its key learnings, whether its academic, social or personal development, they all shape the young individuals they are becoming.

More specific information for each of these events and occasions will be provided by the relevant staff member or department in the weeks leading up to each occasion.

Preparations for 2026

Teachers and the Diverse Learning team are beginning to build class lists for 2026. Classes are composed factoring the range of student learning needs and abilities, pastoral and social supports in a balanced manner across the cohort. If your son has specific needs that you would like us to be mindful of, that the Diverse Learning Team may not already be aware of, you are welcome to email Mrs Chantelle Bauer – Deputy Head of Junior School Teaching and Learning with these details for us to consider in our process. Teachers and the Diverse Learning Team carefully consider class composition to cater for each students learning needs. Once the class lists are generated we will inform each family of the class their child is in for 2026 in readiness for transition day in the final week of this Term 4. This enables both students and teachers to be familiar with each other, the classroom and features of the year ahead prior to the holiday break.

Term 4 is a fabulous term, certainly action packed in the final few weeks but mostly a continuation of the valuable learning program from the first six weeks, as we’ve operated throughout the year. As always, if you have any questions or would like clarification around any particular matters please feel comfortable making contact with either myself or your child's classroom teacher. My sincerest best wishes for the term ahead.

Ken Raven
Head of Junior School

Extending Every Boy through Vocabulary and Comprehension Development at TGS

At Toowoomba Grammar School, we’ve long held a strong focus on building the foundational skills of reading and writing. These skills are essential, and we continue to refine and strengthen them across the Junior School. But at TGS, we’re about excellence—and that means extending every boy to his full potential. To do this, we go beyond the basics and focus on what truly accelerates literacy growth: vocabulary and comprehension.

Vocabulary development is more than learning new words, it’s about understanding them deeply and using them confidently. Our boys are regularly exposed to rich, complex language through high-quality texts, classroom discussion and explicit instruction. Teachers model curiosity about words, encouraging students to explore meaning, context and nuance.

Comprehension is built through strategic teaching. We guide boys to think critically, make inferences, summarise ideas and ask questions that deepen understanding. These skills are taught explicitly and practised daily, helping students become thoughtful, independent readers.

We also recognise the power of background knowledge. When boys read widely and engage with challenging texts, they build the mental frameworks that support comprehension. That’s why we prioritise texts that stretch thinking and connect to the world around them.

At home, families can support this growth by:

• Reading aloud and discussing books together
• Exploring new vocabulary in everyday contexts
• Encouraging curiosity and conversation
• Connecting reading to real-world experiences

Together, we’re creating a culture of literacy where every boy is challenged, supported and inspired to reach his full potential.

Chantelle Bauer
Deputy Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning

From Foundations to Flourishing: Reflections from the Australian Character Education Summit

The Australian Character Education Summit was held at The King's School, Sydney, at the beginning of this week and I had the privilege of attending and presenting alongside Mrs Jess Galbraith (Year 6 Classroom Teacher and Head of House – Groom). Mr Mark Oliphant (Head of Senior School), and Mr Michael Hall (Head of Pastoral Care) also presented on their journey in the Senior School. The summit brought together passionate educators committed to shaping character-rich learning environments for young people.

A standout moment was hearing from James Atkins of the Jubilee Centre, who posed the profound question: What makes a life worth living? His insights challenged us to reflect deeply on what flourishing and fulfillment truly mean for our boys. He reminded us that leadership in character education demands humility, moral courage, integrity, sound judgement and a willingness to listen and learn—qualities we must model and nurture in our students.

A personal highlight was the session with Dr Phil Cummins from the Sydney Character Initiative, titled Character Education: Measuring What Matters. His presentation reaffirmed our direction at Toowoomba Grammar School, particularly in the Junior School, as we explore meaningful ways to communicate the growth and development of our boys to families. It was encouraging to see our next steps validated by national thought leaders in the field.

During the summit, I had the opportunity to present our journey at Toowoomba Grammar Junior School, titled From Foundations to Flourishing: The Next Chapter in Character Education. I shared how, from 2023 to 2025, we’ve transitioned from implicit values to explicitly taught, caught and sought virtues. Our character program is now embedded in School culture, informed by research and driven by a clear vision: What sort of character do we want our boys to develop for life?

Key next steps include aligning our behaviour expectations with School values, expanding student leadership through the SRC and Year 6 leadership portfolios, and strengthening curriculum alignment across wellbeing, respectful relationships and academic subjects and exploring ways to measure and report virtue development meaningfully to parents.

I would like to thank Headmaster for his support of this opportunity to showcase the work that has taken place—and continues—in the Junior School. It was an honour to represent our Junior School team and share the thoughtful, intentional steps we are taking to ensure character education is not just taught, but lived.

Amanda Hall
Deputy Head of Junior School - Students

Brodribb Excursion

Tribe and Tribe Junior will be travelling to Brodribb Nursing Home on Thursday, 23 October to perform for the residents. A letter with more information has been sent to parents of boys involved.

Musicians’ Cup

The Musicians’ Cup is an adjudicated event being held at 5:30pm on Thursday, 30 October in the Junior School Hall. Staff and students are invited to attend to hear performances from a number of Year 5 and 6 musicians’ who have nominated to compete. This promises to be an enjoyable and entertaining evening.

Save the Date

We have a number of exciting performances coming up this term. Please ensure you have these important dates marked in your calendar. Further information and details will be sent to relevant families prior to each event.

• Final Cadence Concert
  Wednesday, 5 November from 5:30pm (all choral and instrumental ensembles performing)
• Year 2 Strings Concert
  Wednesday, 12 November (all Year 2s performing)
• Year 4 Instrumental Concert
  Thursday, 13 November (all Year 4s performing)

Kellie Dixon
Head of Junior School Music

Welcome back to Term 4. It is a fast and furious ride to the finish line and there are still several big events happening in sport.

GPS Athletics

A group of boys have been training very hard in preparation for the GPS Track and Field Championships held at QSAC on 24 October. This is the epitome of the season and follows on from several late Friday nights attending pre-meets in Brisbane and other venues around SE Queensland. We wish all boys the best of luck in this high-level event.

Club Cricket

In what is very popular for TGS cricket lovers, a large number of boys in the Junior School have taken the advantage of playing cricket with their TGS mates on a Saturday morning. Thanks to Mr Maddox for all of the organisation to ensure this season is another success. Good luck to all boys involved.

Friday night basketball

TGS has a number of teams competing each week against local school teams in a Friday night basketball competition. Mr Drew Fenton, Head of Basketball, has been instrumental in the huge popularity of this sport. I am sure this will be a great learning experience and great fun for all involved.

Futsal Success

Recently TGS boys represented Queensland West at the National Schools Futsal Championships. Orion Khatri, Landon Broksch and Ayaansh Bhardwaj played in the Under 9 team, finishing as runners-up in this prestigious tournament. Tom Spencer, in the Under 10 team, made it all the way, being crowned as National Champions. Tom and Orion have been subsequently selected in the Australian team to tour overseas next year. We are very proud of the extraordinary performances of all of these boys. Well done.

Wishing you a great start to the Term 4.

Brendan Doherty
Junior School Sport Coordinator

The term began with a wonderful Prefects Induction and House Captains Announcement Assembly. The boarders involved should be very proud of themselves and I know that our 2026 leaders will follow the great example of our 2025 leadership group.

Prior to the holidays, the Boarding Parents Supporters' Group held its AGM. With some of the House Representatives concluding their time at TGS, we do have new representatives joining the committee. The Boarding Parents Supporters' Group plays a vital role in strengthening the connection between families and the boarding community at Toowoomba Grammar School. Through regular communication and collaboration, the group helps ensure that boarding families are supported and valued. The group helps to foster a sense of shared purpose among parents, and I am grateful for their ongoing commitment and the positive impact they have on our School community.

The Term 4 Boarding Program is off to a strong start with a vibrant weekend activities' schedule already underway. Our regular sessions in the gym and pool continue to be popular, providing students with opportunities to stay active and socialise in a relaxed setting. In addition to these staples, we’ve planned a series of exciting excursions to make the term memorable. Highlights include a trip to the Gabba to watch Australia take on India in a thrilling T20 international match, and a full-day adventure to the Gold Coast’s iconic theme parks—Movie World and Wet’n’Wild—offering fun, adrenaline and a chance to celebrate the end of the school year. For our senior boys, we are also pleased to offer the opportunity to complete their boat and jetski licence qualifications, adding a valuable skill and a sense of achievement to their final term.

We look forward to a term filled with energy, engagement and enjoyment across our boarding program.

Nick Byron
Director of Boarding

Year 10

As we move into the final weeks there are several activities coming up particularly for our vocational students. We are fortunate to again offer the Trade Taster Program to selected Year 10 students who will be attending TAFE next year. The boys will go to TAFE one day per week for six weeks this term and participate in a variety of trade tasters. This will provide the students with an opportunity to make more informed decisions and develop a better understanding of the different vocational trade areas.

Students who have applied for a TAFE program in 2026 will soon receive an email or may have already, from TAFE to finalise enrolments. If there are any questions about enrolment for any VET programs, please contact Mrs Marian Rathie in the Careers Office via email and she will be happy to provide support.

Work Experience

If any students in Years 10 or 11 are considering work experience it is very important that they meet with Mrs Rathie in the Careers Office before the work experience takes place. Mrs Rathie will support the boys through the process and ensure all insurance paperwork is completed prior to starting. This needs to be completed by the end of October for Work Experience over the Christmas break.

Year 11

This term interested Year 11s have been invited to attend the university tours which will be held in Week 3 on Tuesday, 21 October. We will visit the University of Queensland and QUT (Gardens Point) as well as St John’s College, Emmanuel College and King’s College. Parent letters have been sent for interested students and permission to attend is required through the Parent Lounge.

QPS Careers Evening

The QPS Recruiting Seminar will be held in Toowoomba.

Date: Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Time: 5:30pm
Location: QPS Regional Office, 52 Neil St, Toowoomba

This will be a very informative session regarding:

• What traits are looked for in a Police officer.
• The eligibility requirements.
• The application process.
• Life at the academy.
• Life in the early stages of your policing career.
• Career opportunities in the QPS

Students who are seriously considering a policing career after school, are encouraged to attend. Register your attendance here.

Year 12

As our Year 12 students finish formal classes and move into external exams, I would like to wish them all the very best for these final few weeks. Most university applications are now finalised, and some students will start to receive offers over the next few weeks.

• ATAR release: Thursday, 18 December 2025
• Offer rounds: After the ATAR release, multiple rounds of offers will be released, with the first round typically in mid-to-late December and further rounds in January.

This year the major offer dates are 23 December 2025 and 15 January 2026. I will be available to provide support if needed around this time and can be contacted via email. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you need assistance.

Senior Education Profile (SEP)

The SEP includes a Senior Statement that lists all QCE-contributing studies and the results achieved. It may also include a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) if students have met all the eligibility requirements. Final subject results and the Senior Education Profile will be published in the student learning account in the Student Portal in mid-December — after students have finished Year 12. The documents in the learning account are official — they have a digital signature and unique document ID to confirm they are authentic. Students can download and save the documents as a PDF from their learning account at any time. These can also be printed to have a hard copy or be provided to third parties as required.

Next Step Survey

Our Year 12 students will be invited to participate in the Next Step Survey starting in March 2026. The short confidential survey will ask questions about graduates’ activities since finishing school, like study and work.

Graduates can expect to be invited to the survey via a letter from the Minister for Education or an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office on behalf of the department.

The Careers Department have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Year 12s this year and throughout their time at Toowoomba Grammar and we wish them all every success in their chosen pathway.

Anthea Richters
Head of Department - Careers

Last Friday evening, the Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (TGSACU) celebrated its Year 12s with a Graduation Dining-In Night in the historic Old Hall. This cherished tradition marked the culmination of a six-year cadet journey for some of the senior cohort, and the evening was nothing short of spectacular.

Presiding over the event was the 2025 Senior Cadet Under Officer (SCUO) Angus McKenzie, supported by Warrant Officer Class One Erik Sheppard—Toowoomba Grammar’s first Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM). Their leadership and presence set a dignified tone for the night.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Colonel Duncan Flindle, Commandant of the Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre, accompanied by Warrant Officer Class One Ceara Foster, RSM of Oakey Aviation. Colonel Flindle spoke passionately about the importance of character development, urging cadets to embrace resilience, courage, respect and integrity. He reflected on his own Defence career and the profound impact it has had on both himself and RSM Foster. His offer of guidance to graduating Year 12 students considering a career in the Australian Defence Force was deeply appreciated and underscored his commitment to empowering youth through programs like Army Cadets.

SCUO McKenzie delivered a heartfelt farewell speech, recounting his personal journey through the cadet ranks, the enduring friendships he forged and the many opportunities he embraced. A highlight of the evening was a 40-minute video montage showcasing their time in the program—an emotional tribute to years of dedication and growth.

The night also celebrated the contributions of two Fairholme College Sergeants Kate Lindenmayer, and Brooke Hurford and CPL Will Watson, whose cadet journeys were equally honoured.

As TGSACU transitions into 2026, new Senior Cadets prepare to take their place at the helm. While the torch is passed, the legacy of those who came before remains strong. We extend our warmest invitation to all graduating cadets to return, reconnect and share their future adventures with the TGS community.

LT (AAC) Lauren Trevisani
TGS Cadet Executive Officer

Monday Nights Choral Concert

Congratulations to our Senior Choir and Grammarphones for their performances at the “Choral Showstoppers” concert on Sunday, 12 October. Our choral groups performed some stand alone pieces, as well as combining with local male acapella choir “Monday Nights”. The concert was held in the Junior School Hall, attracting a large crowd of TGS parents, as well as members of the community.

Term 4 Performing Arts Calendar

There are a number of performances and commitments in Term 4 for the Performing Arts department. Please find the calendar below.

Take Note Concert and Performing Arts Awards

All families are invited to attend our Take Note Concert and Performing Arts Awards. Food and drink is available to purchase under the Parents Cover from 5:30pm, with entertainment from our RnB Bands. The concert commences at 6:30pm in the Senior School Assembly Hall.

SHEP and AHEP participation

The State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP), and the Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) are hosted by the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. These educational programs provide students with the opportunity to work with national and international conductors and clinicians, while working with like-minded students, honing and polishing their skills on their chosen instrument.

We were fortunate to have three TGS students involved in these programs over the recent holidays.

Amza Fleming (voice) and Finlay Waring (clarinet) were selected to attend SHEP. Finlay was also selected as a featured soloist in two of the ensemble pieces.

Henry Giese (clarinet) auditioned and was successful in being accepted in AHEP. Henry did a marvellous job representing TGS at a national level in his ensemble.

Congratulations to Amza, Finlay and Henry for your outstanding achievement in the SHEP and AHEP programs.

Kellie Dixon
Director of Performing Arts (Acting)

Six teams from Toowoomba Grammar School Football spent some of the school holidays in Inverell as part of the Mini-World-Cup.

The School entered teams in U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16/17. The competition is a fantastic way for boys to end the Football Season with a busy schedule including lots of games. The Tournament is unique in that it supports regional football clubs who often find it difficult to be included in broader participation activities due to travel.

Several boys from the 16/17 teams were selected to travel to Germany next year as part of a select touring site.

This year the U14 boys came second in their age group with four boys selected to tour Germany.

The TGS U12 boys won the shield in their age group whilst their TGS U10 Boys came third overall in their competition.

Our U8 mixed team included sibling sisters and the whole team had a tremendous tournament.

The Football program will now ramp up as we prepare for the National School Futsal Titles in November as well a Term 4 Emerging Football squads leading into the 2026 campaign.

Nigel Fanning
Head of Football

From Monday, 1 December 2025 TeamKids will be offering vacation care at Toowoomba Grammar School.

Sign up to the TeamKids website for more information.

The TGS NGR Card

Harvest is here – a time to reflect on the season’s hard work and the rewards it brings. As you’re filling the silos and tallying the yield, you might find yourself wondering what to do with a bit of surplus grain or cotton. Here’s a simple and meaningful way to make it count.

The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association (TGSOBA) invites farming families to support the next generation of TGS boys through our National Growers Register (NGR) Card initiative. By donating a portion of your harvest, you can help fund student enrichment programs and facility improvements that ensure our School continues to thrive well into the future.

It’s easy to take part. When delivering your load, simply give the operator the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ NGR number: 15154432. Your donation will be directed straight to the TGSOBA, where every contribution - big or small - goes towards creating new opportunities and enhancing the learning environment for our students.

The beauty of this initiative is in its simplicity and impact. A small portion of your harvest can help grow something lasting - educational experiences, upgraded facilities and the continued excellence that defines Toowoomba Grammar School.

Many community organisations across Australia have already seen the power of grain donations, with some raising tens of thousands of dollars to support their local causes. Together, our TGS community can do the same, turning this year’s harvest into something that will benefit generations to come.

As the season unfolds, we invite you to join us. Sow a seed for the future, and help our boys continue to learn, grow and give back.

We understand that from time to time and for a wide variety of reasons, families will make the decision to leave TGS. As a School, we will always strive to work with families to ensure an outcome that is in the best interests of each boy.

It is also important to note and as a reminder to all families enrolled at Toowoomba Grammar School, our conditions of enrolment clearly stipulate that at least 10 weeks’ written notice of the withdrawal must be provided to the School.

As per the School’s Conditions of Enrolment, all tuition and fees must be paid for the Term in which the notice of withdrawal expires. For situations where 10 weeks’ notice is not provided, the following Term’s fees are payable.

This 10 weeks’ written notice period also applies to boys changing their enrolment status from boarder to dayboy.

If you are considering withdrawing your son, we would strongly encourage you to contact his Head of House, the Head of Junior School, the Head of Senior School or the Deputy Headmaster.

We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss all considerations in this regard with you.